Abstract
Background and Objective: Although lithium carbonate (LiC) has a wide scope in the treatment of schizophrenia, its poor solubility and associated nephrotoxicity have limited its use. The present study aimed to enhance LiC solubility and reduce its renal toxicity in combination with thiocticacid (ThA) antioxidant in a nanostructured lipid carriers ((NSLCs). Materials and Methods: The NSLCs containing LiC and ThA were prepared using hot emulsification combined with ultrasonication method. The size and morphology of the prepared nanocarrier were assessed. The in vitro stability and entrapment efficiency were determined and the selected optimum formulation was subjected to in vivo nephrotoxicity studies on rabbits. Results: The resulting nanoparticles of 31 nm size had 16.2 mV surface charges. The nanocarriers were spherical in shape with the percentage entrapment of 83.5 +/- 7.5 and 47.2 +/- 4.4% for lithium and ThA, respectively. The in vitro release indicated the prolonged release of lithium from nanocarriers with a minimal burst in comparison to pure powder. The kidney treated with ThA based lithium nanocarriers and the group treated with pure lithium did not differ significantly from the control group in the functional parameters (urea, calcium, sodium and serum creatinine). Conclusion: The study concluded that ThA-based nanostructured lipid carriers can enhance the in vitro solubility and reduce the in vivo nephrotoxicity of lithium.