Mechanisms of artemether toxicity on single cardiomyocytes and protective effect of nanoencapsulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The artemisinin derivative, artemether, has antimalarial activity with potential neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Artemether in nanocapsules (NC-ATM) is more efficient than free artemether for reducing parasitaemia and increasing survival of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. NCs also prevent prolongation of the QT interval of the ECG. Here, we assessed cellular cardiotoxicity of artemether and how this toxicity was prevented by nanoencapsulation.

Experimental approach

Mice were treated with NC-ATM orally (120 mg·kg^-1 twice daily) for 4 days. Other mice received free artemether, blank NCs, and vehicle for comparison. We measured single-cell contraction, intracellular Ca²⁺ transient using fluorescent Indo-1AM Ca²⁺ dye,

SUBMITTER: Moreira Souza AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7484510 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature