Self-assembled amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan nanocapsules for improving the therapeutic potential and bioavailability of Moringa oleifera polyphenols in safe cancer therapy.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the capabilities of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan (AQAC) nanocapsules to improve the bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and delivery of Moringa oleifera polyphenols (MOPP). The encapsulated MOPP was evaluated as a safe chemotherapeutic for Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EACs) in the peritoneal cavities of female mice without kidney damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: MOPP#AQAC was initially synthesized and characterized. Four equal groups of 60 female Swiss albino mice were used for animal studies: group I (negative control), group II (drug, MOPP#AQAC), group III (positive control, EACs-bearing), and group IV (therapeutic, (EACs + MOPP#AQAC).

RESULTS: In vivo, MOPP#AQAC showed antioxidant and anti-cancer properties against EACs. MOPP#AQAC-treated EACs-bearing mice show significantly increased reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significantly decreased urea, creatinine, urinary protein, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and Noxa. Interestingly, the administration of AQAC significantly reduced both the proliferation and size of EAC, indicating its chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potentials. Biochemical investigations revealed that treating with MOPP#AQAC ameliorated kidney tissue damage, as evidenced by improved histological architecture and reduced signs of pathological alterations. This could restore antioxidant qualities, which eliminate oxidative stress.