The Effects of Kojic Acid Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) Following Traumatic Brain Injury: An Experimental Model

Abstract Background Kojic acid (KA), a bioactive fungal compound, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from brain tissue destruction and is commonly acknowledged as the primary cause of death and impairment. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were used to transfer KA, a hydrophilic chemical, to the brain in this investigation and assess its impact on TBI complications.Methods In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly separated into intact, sham, vehicle, TBI, KA solution, and KA-NLC groups, which underwent TBI by the Marmarou technique. An optimized formulation of KA-NLC was employed. Intraperitoneal injected thirty minutes after TBI. Brain edema, blood-brain barrier integrity, Veterinary Coma Scale, Vestibular Motor function tests, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed pre-traumatically, immediately after trauma recovery, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours’ post-trauma.Results The findings demonstrated that both KA solution and KA-NLC significantly reduced these differences compared to the control group (Sham and Intact). Additionally, the KA-NLC could reduce the required dose of KA compared to the KA solution, without compromising efficacy.Conclusion KA exhibited neuroprotective effects attributed to its ability to reduce brain edema, improve blood-brain barrier integrity, enhance neurological scores, and improve the function of the vestibular system. Furthermore, the use of NLC vesicles enabled increased and targeted delivery of hydrophilic drugs to the brain.