Anti-toxoplasma and Cytotoxic Activities of Holothuria leucospilota Extract and TiO2NPs In vitro and In vivo

An impressive treatment for toxoplasmosis is the combinatory use of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. However, both drugs in the host have significant side effects and toxicity. Therefore, the discovery of new anti-Toxoplasma medications with high efficacy and less to no side effects is defiantly needed.This study aimed to evaluate the antitoxoplasmic effects of Holothuria leucospilota (H. leucospilota) extract and TiO2NPs on the cell death of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) tachyzoites in vitro and serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and also to evaluate the immune response and production of IL-5, IFN-, and TNF-α in a mouse model.The cytotoxicity of TiO2NPs and H. leucospilota extract against the tachyzoite of T. gondii was evaluated by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The levels of serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-5, and liver enzymes were measured, as well. All the groups were challenged with T. gondii, and the survival rate of experimental mice was evaluated.Our findings suggested in vivo and in vitro antitoxoplasmic activity of TiO2NPs and H. leucospilota extractby inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of T. gondii tachyzoite. In addition, a significant increase of IFN-γ and TNF-α production was observed in mice treated with high doses of TiO2NPs and H. leucospilota extract. However, IL-5 levels decreased in TiO2NPs and H. leucospilota extract-treated mice. Our results also showed a highly significant increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in the groups injected with TiO2NPs and H. leucospilota extract, but not the control group.TiO2NPs and H. leucospilota extract have greater anti-Toxoplasma effects in vitro and in vivo. These two compounds could be considered as a candidate for use against toxoplasmosis, both therapeutically and prophylactically.