Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Science - Department of Biophysics

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major worldwide public health problem. This is due to its prevalence among infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and reproductive age women. Ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) is the first line therapy for iron IDA. Unfortunately, it is reported that FeSO₄ suffers from low absorption rate in the body and itself exhibits severe side effects. Herein, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles-loaded liposomes (LMNPs) are prepared, characterized and evaluated as a treatment regimen for IDA in Wistar rats (as an animal model). Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are prepared and loaded into liposomes using the thin film hydration method. The physiochemical properties of the prepared nano-formulations are characterized using several techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that MNPs are synthesized (with a size of about 7 nm) and successfully loaded into liposomal carrier. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) reveals that the hydrodynamic size of prepared LMNPs is about 125 nm. Thus it can avoid the reticular endothelial system (RES), give better distribution throughout the tissues, besides offering an increased blood circulation time. For in vivo assessment, thirty-five Wistar rats are divided into 5 groups (n=7): negative control group, positive control group and three groups treated with different iron formulations (FeSO4, MNPs and LMNPs). Anemia is induced in the anemic groups by the bleeding method and then treatment started with X different iron compounds administrated orally for 13 days. Hematological parameters are followed up during the treatment period

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