Investigation of astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles in mitigating the EAE mice model of multiple sclerosis

AIMS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. Current therapies lack the disease-modifying potential and precision. Astaxanthin is a naturally derived marine compound with potent biological properties and has been reported to mitigate the effects of multiple sclerosis. Herein, we aimed to develop astaxanthin-loaded gold nanoparticles to enhance precision in delivery to the brain by the efficient carrier properties of the gold nanoparticles. METHODS: In this study, we employed an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis and treated for 3 weeks with free astaxanthin (6 mg/kg) and astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles (0.6 mg/kg), a 10-fold lower dose of the drug. The outcomes were evaluated by biochemical, pathological, histological, and hematological parameters. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that astaxanthin-loaded gold nanoparticles significantly improved the disease outcomes. Our findings suggest that astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles improved oxidative-stress indicators and motor deficits and imparted significant cellular protection in the disease condition. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study highlights the potential of astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles to improve neurological outcomes in the EAE mice model.