Chemical Biology and Drug Design
Chemical Biology and Drug Design
5 years ago

siRNA-loaded liposomes: Inhibition of encystment of Acanthamoeba and toxicity on the eye surface

siRNA-loaded liposomes: Inhibition of encystment of Acanthamoeba and toxicity on the eye surface
Kathrin Faber, Helder F. Teixeira, Marilise B. Rott, Giovanni K. Zorzi, Nathalya T. Brazil
Current treatments for Acanthamoeba keratitis are unspecific. Because of the presence of the resilient cyst form of the parasite, the infection is persistent. Silencing the key protein of cyst formation, glycogen phosphorylase, has shown potential for reducing encystment processes of the Acanthamoeba trophozoite. However, a suitable carrier to protect and deliver siRNA sequences is still needed. DOTAP:DOPE:DSPE-PEG liposomes were prepared by three different techniques and used to associate a therapeutic siRNA sequence. Liposomes prepared by film hydration followed by membrane extrusion were considered the most adequate ones with average size of 250 nm and zeta potential of +45 mV, being able to associate siRNA for at least 24 hr in culture medium. siRNA-liposomes could inhibit up to 66% of the encystment process. Cell viability studies demonstrated MTT reduction capacity higher than 80% after 3 hr incubation with this formulation. After 24 hr of incubation, LDH activity ranged for both the formulations from around 4% to 40%. In vivo tolerance studies in mice showed no macroscopic alteration in the eye structures up to 24 hr after eight administrations during 1 day. Histological studies showed regular tissue architecture without any morphological alteration. Overall, these results suggest that the formulations developed are a promising new strategy for the treatment of ocular keratitis caused by Acanthamoeba spp. Glycogen phosphorylase, a key enzyme for encystment of Acanthamoeba, was silenced. PEGylated cationic liposomes were used as carriers for siRNA delivery. There was a significant reduction in the encystment of AP2 trophozoites.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12958

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