The renoprotective activity of amikacin–gamma-amino butyric acid–chitosan nanoparticles: a comparative study

Abstract The development of nanoparticles (NPs) with active components with upgraded stability, and prolonged release helps in enhanced tissue regeneration. In addition, NPs are feasible strategy to boost antibiotic effectiveness and reduce drug side effects. Our study focuses on the use of amikacin (AMK) and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) unloaded combinations or loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for kidney protection. The AMK–GABA–CSNPs were prepared with the ionic gelation method, the morphology was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zetasizer and the Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum of the synthesized NPs was observed. The average size of AMK–GABA–CSNPs was 77.5 ± 16.5 nm. Zeta potential was + 38.94 ± 2.65 mV. AMK–GABA–CSNPs revealed significant in vitro antioxidant, anti-coagulation, non-hemolytic properties and good cell compatibility. To compare the effects of the unloaded AMK–GABA combination and AMK–GABA–CSNPs on the renal tissue, 42 healthy Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into seven groups. G1: normal control (NC), normal saline; G2: low-dose nephrotoxic group (LDN), AMK (20 mg/kg/day; i.p.); G3: unloaded AMK (20 mg/kg/day; i.p.) and GABA (50 mg/kg/day; i.p.); G4: AMK–GABA–CSNPs (20 mg/kg/day; i.p.); G5: high-dose nephrotoxic group (HDN), AMK (30 mg/kg/day; i.p.); G6: unloaded AMK (30 mg/kg/day; i.p.) and GABA (50 mg/kg/day; i.p.) and G7: AMK–GABA–CSNPs (30 mg/kg/day; i.p.). The results showed that AMK–GABA–CSNPs formulation is superior to unloaded AMK–GABA combination as it ameliorated kidney functions, oxidative stress and displayed a significant homeostatic role via suppression of inflammatory cytokines of Th1, Th2 and Th17 types. Hence, AMK–GABA–CSNPs could afford a potential nano-based therapeutic formula for the management of AMK-nephrotoxicity.