Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Gout Treatment

Abstract

Nanoparticles have been known for their unique properties and are being utilized in various disciplines of sciences. Nanoparticles due to their smaller size enable them to higher exposure and higher availability through gastrointestinal tract when administered orally. In this research four metallic oxides nanoparticles (iron, zinc, silver and copper) along with three biological nanoparticles (turmeric, garlic and cinnamon) were synthesized. Various characterization techniques were utilized to evaluate these synthesized nanoparticles. Among the synthesized metallic nanoparticles the mean diameter of zinc oxide nanoparticles was around 47 nm, the mean diameter of iron oxide nanoparticles was around 54 nm, the diameter of silver oxide nanoparticles ranged between 40-70 nm and the diameter of copper nanoparticles ranged between 30-50 nm. Moreover, mean diameter of synthesized garlic and turmeric nanoparticles were 62 and 46 nm respectively. However, cinnamon particles turned out to be in micro ranges. To evaluate potential of these synthesized nanoparticle in Gout treatment mice were used as model organism. For this experiment mice were induced with gout by injecting them with MSU crystals. These synthesized nanoparticles were administered orally to mice in various concentrations of 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm. Biochemical tests such as RFTs, LFTs, lipid profile and blood count were performed to evaluate the effect of these nanoparticles at various concentration on gout. From renal function tests it was observed that these nanoparticles had decreased the uric acid levels in mice thus treating gout. From these biochemical test it was observed that nanoparticles were effective in reducing serum uric acid levels among which 5 ppm AgO NPs (1.80 ± 0.3098), 5 ppm zinc (2.00 ±0.8944), 5 ppm turmeric NPs (1.550 ± 0.1517) and 20 ppm garlic NPs (1.750 ± 0.1378) showed the most significant (P<0.01) results in reducing serum uric acid in comparison to allopurinol (2.11 ± 0.3710). Furthermore, at lower concentrations nanoparticles did not cause any significant toxicity. From this research it was concluded that the synthesized zinc, turmeric, garlic and cinnamon nanoparticles have potential in treating gout. Renal function test of these groups revealed that the uric acid levels were considerably decreased as well as the swelling of ankles also decreased. Moreover, the mice which were locally administered with 5 ppm of Turmeric-oil NPs had astonishing effect in decreasing the swelling of mice ankles. Repeated oral administration of various nanoparticles at lower concentration can result in the reduction of serum uric acid levels in mice.