Epi-drug-Loaded Niosomes in Combination with Blepharis Persica Extract Improves Spinal Cord Injury in Male Rat

1) Background: Taxol facilitates nerve regeneration but it has unwanted side-effects via the tumor suppressive function of miR-34a which induces XIST expression and affects paclitaxel administration. We aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of Paclitaxelloaded niosomes (PLNs) to enhance fertility by combining with the Belpharis Persica (B.P) extract in male Wistar rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). 2) Methods: PLNs were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. After laminectomy at thoracic level (T9/T10) SCI was induced using the weight drop method. Rat treated with either PLNs (2.5mg/kg), PLNs (2.5mg/kg)+B.P extract (300mg/kg-14 days), B.P extract (300mg/kg- 14 days), Normal, SCI (normal saline), and sham (laminectomy). 3) Results: The transmission electron microscopy TEM and laser diffraction methods were confirmed the existence of spherical vesicles with feature sizes about 200 nm. The various behavioral, pathological and molecular parameters (CATSPER gene expression) were distinguished. SCI resulted in a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm motility, behavioral skills, and CATSPER genes expression were all regenerated by treatment with combination therapy (PLNs+B.P extract) in comparison to the others. Besides, the increased in sperm motility, and CATSPER genes expression were significantly (P<0.05) demonstrated in PLNs and B.P treated groups. 4) Conclusion: Taken together, the results indicated that the PLNs and B.P groups showed a significant increase in sperm parameters, but combination therapy caused the greater recovery of both gene expression and motor functions to decrease the neurological deficits no serious adverse reactions and enhanced fertility.