Novel insights into non-coding RNAs and their role in hydrocephalus

A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation. This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus, one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. In this review, we first outline the basic concepts and incidence of hydrocephalus along with the limitations of existing treatments for this condition. Then, we outline the definition, classification, and biological role of non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we analyze the roles of non-coding RNAs in the formation of hydrocephalus in detail. Specifically, we have focused on the potential significance of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, including glymphatic pathways, neuroinflammatory processes, and neurological dysplasia, on the basis of the existing evidence. Lastly, we review the potential of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of hydrocephalus and for the creation of innovative treatments.

Exosomes in neurodegenerative diseases: Therapeutic potential and modification methods

In recent years, exosomes have garnered extensive attention as therapeutic agents and early diagnostic markers in neurodegenerative disease research. Exosomes are small and can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to target deep brain lesions. Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomes derived from different cell types may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the expression of various inflammatory cytokines, mRNAs, and disease-related proteins, thereby halting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and exhibiting beneficial effects. However, exosomes are composed of lipid bilayer membranes and lack the ability to recognize specific target cells. This limitation can lead to side effects and toxicity when they interact with non-specific cells. Growing evidence suggests that surface-modified exosomes have enhanced targeting capabilities and can be used as targeted drug-delivery vehicles that show promising results in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of existing research aimed at devising approaches to modify exosomes and elucidating their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings indicate that exosomes can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier to facilitate drug delivery and can also serve as early diagnostic markers for neurodegenerative diseases. We introduce the strategies being used to enhance exosome targeting, including genetic engineering, chemical modifications (both covalent, such as click chemistry and metabolic engineering, and non-covalent, such as polyvalent electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, ligand-receptor binding, aptamer-based modifications, and the incorporation of CP05-anchored peptides), and nanomaterial modifications. Research into these strategies has confirmed that exosomes have significant therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases. However, several challenges remain in the clinical application of exosomes. Improvements are needed in preparation, characterization, and optimization methods, as well as in reducing the adverse reactions associated with their use. Additionally, the range of applications and the safety of exosomes require further research and evaluation.

Ionic liquid-iontophoresis mediates transdermal delivery of sparingly soluble drugs

Low solubility restricted transdermal penetration of drugs. We aimed to develop a novel ionic liquid-iontophoresis (IL-IS) technology and assess their efficacy and primary factors in facilitating transdermal drug delivery. Five choline-based ILs with different chain length were synthesized and validated, and the impact of IL and/or IS technology on transdermal penetration of model drugs were investigated. The results indicated that five groups of ILs synthesized in this study exhibited minimal level of toxicity, and the longer the chain of acid ligands of ILs, the greater the cytotoxicity. The longer chain of acid ligand was demonstrated superior solubilizing capabilities compared to the shorter chain. Cinnamic acid-choline-based IL ([Cho] [Cin]) significantly improved permeation of all three model drugs, and permeation quantity was linearly positively associated with the concentration of ILs. The 10 h cumulative permeation of aripiprazole applied with ILs alone was enhanced by about 14-fold when paired with IS, and the penetration was linearly positively associated with the concentration and current strength of the ILs. In vivo results indicated that IL and/or IS technology primarily facilitated drug penetration into the skin, with potential involvement of endocytosis in this process. This study demonstrated that [Cho] [Cin] exhibited a significant enhancement in the transdermal delivery of three sparingly soluble drugs. It further enhanced the transdermal permeation of weak base drug following with the combining IL and IS technology. These findings highlighted that the IL-IS technology holded promise for facilitating the transdermal delivery of sparingly soluble and weak base drugs.

Role of macrophages in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritoneal fibrosis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be used as renal replacement therapy when chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses to end-stage renal disease. However, peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a major cause of PD failure. Studies have demonstrated that PD fluid contains a significantly larger numbers of macrophages compared with the healthy individuals. During PD, macrophages can secrete cytokines to keep peritoneal tissue in sustained low-grade inflammation, and participate in the regulation of fibrosis-related signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, IL4/STAT6, and PI3K/AKT. A series of basic pathological changes occurs in peritoneal tissues, including epithelial mesenchymal transformation, overgeneration of neovasculature, and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix. This review focuses on the role of macrophages in promoting PF during PD, summarizes the targets of macrophage-related inhibition of fibrosis, and provides new ideas for clinical research on delaying PF, maintaining the function and integrity of peritoneum, prolonging duration of PD as a renal replacement modality, and achieving longer survival in CKD patients.

Impact of gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease: natural polyphenols as beneficial regulators

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a severe health risk with high morbidity and mortality, profoundly affecting patient quality of life and survival. Despite advancements in research, the pathophysiology of CKD remains incompletely understood. Growing evidence links CKD with shifts in gut microbiota function and composition. Natural compounds, particularly polyphenols, have shown promise in CKD treatment due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to modulate gut microbiota. This review discusses recent progress in uncovering the connections between gut microbiota and CKD, including microbiota changes across different kidney diseases. We also examine metabolite alterations,such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, tryptophan derivatives, branched-chain amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, and bile acids,which contribute to CKD progression. Further, we outline the mechanisms through which polyphenols exert therapeutic effects on CKD, focusing on signaling pathways like nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), and toll like receptors (TLR), as well as their impact on gut microbiota. Lastly, we consider how dietary polyphenols could be harnessed as bioactive drugs to slow CKD progression. Future research should prioritize multi-omics approaches to identify patients who would benefit from polyphenolic interventions, enabling personalized treatment strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Ginsenoside compound K-based multifunctional liposomes for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with first-line therapeutic drugs is hindered by the poor solubility, low bioavailability, off-target toxicity, and insufficient accumulation in inflamed joints. Liposomes have been shown to mitigate some of these limitations in drug delivery systems. However, the use of cholesterol to stabilize liposomal structures remains controversial due to its potential association with cardiovascular diseases. Here, we developed a novel liposome based on ginsenoside compound K (CK), which not only serves as an effective therapeutic agent for RA but also replaces cholesterol as a membrane stabilizer to address these challenges. Compared with conventional liposomes, ginsenoside CK Liposomes (CK@Lipo) are excellent nanoparticles, with CK stabilizing the liposomal structure and providing targeting functionality toward inflamed joints. When encapsulated with dexamethasone (Dex), CK@Lipo exhibits a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect, slowing the progression of RA. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of multifunctional novel ginsenoside CK@Lipo.

Stemness regulation in prostate cancer: prostate cancer stem cells and targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer stem-like cells form a special subpopulation of cells that are ubiquitous in tumors. These cells exhibit similar characteristics to those of normal stem cells in tissues; moreover, they are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, as well as high tumorigenicity and drug resistance. In prostate cancer (PCa), it is difficult to kill these cells using androgen signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs. Consequently, the residual prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) mediate tumor recurrence and progression.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of PCSCs, with a particular emphasis on potential therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.

METHODS

After searching in PubMed and Embase databases using 'prostate cancer' and 'cancer stem cells' as keywords, studies related were compiled and examined.

RESULTS

In this review, we detail the origin and characteristics of PCSCs, introduce the regulatory pathways closely related to CSC survival and stemness maintenance, and discuss the link between epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment and tumor stemness. Furthermore, we introduce the currently available therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs, including signaling pathway inhibitors, anti-apoptotic protein inhibitors, microRNAs, nanomedicine, and immunotherapy. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of current CSC research and mention future research directions.

CONCLUSION

A deeper understanding of the regulatory network and molecular markers of PCSCs could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of this treatment approach. In the future, this may offer alternative treatment options for PCa patients.

Tumor organoids in cancer medicine: from model systems to natural compound screening

CONTEXT

The advent of tissue engineering and biomedical techniques has significantly advanced the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, particularly tumor organoids. These self-assembled 3D cell clusters closely replicate the histopathological, genetic, and phenotypic characteristics of primary tissues, making them invaluable tools in cancer research and drug screening.

OBJECTIVE

This review addresses the challenges in developing in vitro models that accurately reflect tumor heterogeneity and explores the application of tumor organoids in cancer research, with a specific focus on the screening of natural products for antitumor therapies.

METHODS

This review synthesizes information from major databases, including Chemical Abstracts, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Springer Link. Publications were selected without date restrictions, using terms such as 'organoid', 'natural product', 'pharmacological', 'extract', 'nanomaterial' and 'traditional uses'. Articles related to agriculture, ecology, synthetic work or published in languages other than English were excluded.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The review identifies key challenges related to the efficiency and variability of organoid generation and discusses ongoing efforts to enhance their predictive capabilities in drug screening and personalized medicine. Recent studies utilizing patient-derived organoid models for natural compound screening are highlighted, demonstrating the potential of these models in developing new classes of anticancer agents. The integration of natural products with patient-derived organoid models presents a promising approach for discovering novel anticancer compounds and elucidating their mechanisms of action.

Recent advances in immunotherapy targeting CETP proteins for atherosclerosis prevention

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, represent a novel approach in immunotherapy to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by targeting lipid metabolism. In addition, CETP vaccines are being explored as a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD by inducing the body to produce antibodies against CETP, which is expected to reduce CETP activity, thereby increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of CETP, the mechanisms of lipid transfer and the progress of immunotherapy in the last decade, which provides possible ideas for future development of novel drugs and optimization of immunization strategies.

Engineered bacteria as an orally administered anti-viral treatment and immunization system

The emergence of new viral pathogens necessitates innovative antiviral therapies and vaccines. Traditional approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, are often hindered by resistance, limited effectiveness, and high costs. Here, we develop an engineered probiotic-based antiviral platform using Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), capable of providing both mucosal and systemic immunity via oral administration. EcN was engineered to display anti-spike nanobodies or express the Spike-Receptor Binding Domain on its surface. Our findings reveal that EcN with nanobodies effectively inhibits the interaction between spike protein-expressing pseudoviruses and the ACE2 receptor. Furthermore, we observed the translocation of nanobodies to distant organs, facilitated by outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The oral administration of EcN expressing spike proteins induced a robust immune response characterized by the production of both IgG and IgA, antibodies that blocked the pseudovirus-ACE2 interaction. While SARS-CoV-2 served as a model, this versatile probiotic platform holds potential for developing customizable biotherapeutics against a wide range of emerging pathogens such as influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by engineering EcN to express viral surface protein or neutralizing nanobodies demonstrating its versatility as a next-generation mucosal vaccine strategy.

External stimuli-responsive drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye

Posterior segment eye diseases represent the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness globally. Current therapies still have notable drawbacks, including the need for frequent invasive injections and the associated risks of severe ocular complications. Recently, the utility of external stimuli, such as light, ultrasound, magnetic field, and electric field, has been noted as a promising strategy to enhance drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. In this review, we briefly summarize the main physiological barriers against ocular drug delivery, focusing primarily on the recent advancements that utilize external stimuli to improve treatment outcomes for posterior segment eye diseases. The advantages of these external stimuli-responsive drug delivery strategies are discussed, with illustrative examples highlighting improved tissue penetration, enhanced control over drug release, and targeted drug delivery to ocular lesions through minimally invasive routes. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in the translational research of external stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms, aiming to bridge existing gaps toward clinical use.

PEGylation technology: addressing concerns, moving forward

PEGylation technology, that is grafting of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) to biologics, vaccines and nanopharmaceuticals, has become a cornerstone of modern medicines with over thirty products used in the clinic. PEGylation of therapeutic proteins, nucleic acids and nanopharmaceuticals improves their stability, pharmacokinetic and biodistribution. While PEGylated medicines are safe in the majority of patients, there are growing concerns about the emergence of anti-PEG antibodies and their impact on the therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated medicines as well as broader immune responses, particularly in complement activation and hypersensitivity reactions. These concerns are beginning to scrutinize the future viability of PEGylation technology in medicine design. Here, we outline these concerns, encourage more efforts into looking for comprehensive scientific evidence on the role of anti-PEG antibodies in hypersensitivity reactions, discuss alternatives to PEG and propose strategies for moving PEGylation technology forward.

Successful targeting of multidrug-resistant tumors with bispecific antibodies

Multidrug resistance (MDR) hinders efficacious cancer chemotherapy. Overexpression of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump (EP) on cancer cells is a primary cause of MDR since it expels numerous anticancer drugs. Small molecule intracellular P-gp antagonists have been investigated clinically to redress MDR but have failed primarily due to adverse effects on P-gp in normal tissue. We used a new approach to counteract P-gp with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) that simultaneously bound P-gp and CD47 in cis on MDR cells but not normal tissue. Affinities of the individual arms of the BsAbs were low enough to minimize normal tissue binding, but, when the two targets were co-located on MDR cancer cells, both arms of the BsAb engaged with effective avidity. Proof-of-concept was shown in three different MDR xenograft tumor models with a non-humanized chimeric BsAb (targeting P-gp and CD47) that potently restored tumor sensitivity to paclitaxel. Fully humanized variants were successfully developed and characterized. Significant anti-tumor efficacy was observed with the BsAbs both when combined with paclitaxel and as single agents in the absence of paclitaxel. Treatment of MDR cancers with BsAbs using this novel approach has several distinct advantages over prior efforts with small molecule antagonists, including 1) invoking a direct immune attack on the tumors, 2) multimodal mechanisms of action, 3) tumor-specific targeting (with reduced toxicity to normal tissue), and 4) broad applicability as single agents and compatibility with other therapeutics.

A macro-transection model of brain trauma for neuromaterial testing with functional electrophysiological readouts

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202512000-00024/figure1/v/2025-01-31T122243Z/r/image-tiff Functional recovery in penetrating neurological injury is hampered by a lack of clinical regenerative therapies. Biomaterial therapies show promise as medical materials for neural repair through immunomodulation, structural support, and delivery of therapeutic biomolecules. However, a lack of facile and pathology-mimetic models for therapeutic testing is a bottleneck in neural tissue engineering research. We have deployed a two-dimensional, high-density multicellular cortical brain sheet to develop a facile model of injury (macrotransection/scratch wound) in vitro . The model encompasses the major neural cell types involved in pathological responses post-injury. Critically, we observed hallmark pathological responses in injury foci including cell scarring, immune cell infiltration, precursor cell migration, and short-range axonal sprouting. Delivering test magnetic particles to evaluate the potential of the model for biomaterial screening shows a high uptake of introduced magnetic particles by injury-activated immune cells, mimicking in vivo findings. Finally, we proved it is feasible to create reproducible traumatic injuries in the brain sheet (in multielectrode array devices in situ ) characterized by focal loss of electrical spiking in injury sites, offering the potential for longer term, electrophysiology plus histology assays. To our knowledge, this is the first in vitro simulation of transecting injury in a two-dimensional multicellular cortical brain cell sheet, that allows for combined histological and electrophysiological readouts of damage/repair. The patho-mimicry and adaptability of this simplified model of brain injury could benefit the testing of biomaterial therapeutics in regenerative neurology, with the option for functional electrophysiological readouts.

Development of a Caco-2-based intestinal mucosal model to study intestinal barrier properties and bacteria-mucus interactions

The intestinal mucosal barrier is a dynamic system that allows nutrient uptake, stimulates healthy microbe-host interactions, and prevents invasion by pathogens. The mucosa consists of epithelial cells connected by cellular junctions that regulate the passage of nutrients covered by a mucus layer that plays an important role in host-microbiome interactions. Mimicking the intestinal mucosa for in vitro assays, particularly the generation of a mucus layer, has proven to be challenging. The intestinal cell-line Caco-2 is widely used in academic and industrial laboratories due to its capacity to polarize, form an apical brush border, and reproducibly grow into confluent cell layers in different culture systems. However, under normal culture conditions, Caco-2 cultures lack a mucus layer. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that Caco-2 cultures can form a robust mucus layer when cultured under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions on Transwell inserts with addition of vasointestinal peptide (VIP) in the basolateral compartment. We demonstrate that unique gene clusters are regulated in response to ALI and VIP single stimuli, but the ALI-VIP combination treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of multiple mucin genes and proteins, including secreted MUC2 and transmembrane mucins MUC13 and MUC17. Expression of tight junction proteins was significantly altered in the ALI-VIP condition, leading to increased permeability to small molecules. Commensal Lactiplantibacillus plantarum bacteria closely associated with the Caco-2 mucus layer and differentially colonized the surface of the ALI cultures. Pathogenic Salmonella enterica were capable of invading beyond the mucus layer and brush border. In conclusion, Caco-2 ALI-VIP cultures provide an accessible and straightforward way to culture an in vitro intestinal mucosal model with improved biomimetic features. This novel in vitro intestinal model can facilitate studies into mucus and epithelial barrier functions and in-depth molecular characterization of pathogenic and commensal microbe-mucus interactions.

Ophthalmic formulation of methotrexate: a strategy of using the self-assembled LacAC4A nanoparticles for non-invasive drug delivery to the ocular posterior segment

Drug delivery to ocular posterior segment remains difficult due to the challenges imposed by dynamic and static ocular barriers, lesion point targeting, and off-target effect. In this study, a novel approach is demonstrated for non-invasive drug delivery to the ocular posterior segments using lactose-modified azocalix[4] arene (LacAC4A) as a supramolecular ocular drug delivery platform. LacAC4A contains azo groups and is covalently modified by lactose groups, which confers active targeting to the retina, and induces a hypoxic response. The immunomodulator methotrexate (MTX), which is commonly used in ophthalmology to treat immune system diseases such as uveitis, was also selected as a guest to prepare MTX@LacAC4A. The prepared LacAC4A and MTX@LacAC4A systems were characterized, then the internalization mechanisms and hypoxia response abilities were determined through flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging, respectively. Besides, the delivery route and efficiency were verified, and the safety profile of MTX@LacAC4A was evaluated in multiple dimensions. Importantly, it was found that the prepared MTX@LacAC4A exhibits good biocompatibility, can effectively reach the posterior segment, and demonstrates potential ophthalmic applications. These findings lay the grounds for the future development of non-invasive ocular posterior segment disease treatments based on the advanced use of LacAC4A as a drug delivery platform.

Protein nanocages: A new frontier in mucosal vaccine delivery and immune activation

Mucosal infectious diseases represent a significant global health burden, impacting millions of people worldwide through pathogens that invade the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. Mucosal vaccines provide a promising strategy to combat these diseases by preventing pathogens from entering through the portals as well as within the systemic response compartment. However, challenges such as antigen instability, inefficient delivery, suboptimal immune activation, and the complex biology of mucosal barriers hinder their development. These limitations require integrating specialized adjuvants and delivery systems. Protein nanocages, self-assembling nanoscale structures that can be engineered, may provide an innovative solution for co-delivering antigens and adjuvants. With their remarkable stability, biocompatibility, and design versatility, protein nanocages can potentially overcome existing challenges in mucosal vaccine delivery and enhance protective immune responses. This review highlights the potential of protein nanocages to revolutionize mucosal vaccine development by addressing these challenges.

Ketorolac, melatonin and latanoprost tri-loaded PLGA microspheres for neuroprotection in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that affects the retina and optic nerve. The aim of this work was to reach different therapeutics targets by co-encapsulating three neuroprotective substances with hypotensive (latanoprost), antioxidant (melatonin) and anti-inflammatory (ketorolac) activity in biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MSs) capable of releasing the drugs for months after intravitreal injection, avoiding the need for repeated administrations. Multi-loaded PLGA MSs were prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation technique and physicochemically characterized. PLGA 85:15 was the polymer ratio selected for the selected formulation. Tri-loaded MSs including vitamin E as additive showed good tolerance in retinal pigment epithelium cells after 24 h exposure (>90% cell viability). The final formulation (KMLVE) resulted in 33.58 ± 5.44 µm particle size and drug content (µg/mg MSs) of 39.70 ± 5.89, 67.28 ± 4.17 and 7.51 ± 0.58 for melatonin, ketorolac and latanoprost respectively. KMLVE were able to release in a sustained manner the three drugs over 70 days. KMLVE were injected at 2 and 12 weeks in Long-Evans rats (n = 20) after the induction of chronic glaucoma. Ophthalmological tests were performed and compared to not treated glaucomatous (n = 45) and healthy (n = 17) animals. Treated glaucomatous rats reached the lowest intraocular pressure, enhanced functionality of bipolar and retinal ganglion cells and showed greater neuroretinal thickness by optical coherence tomography (p < 0.05) compared to not treated glaucomatous rats at 24 weeks follow-up. According to the results, the tri-loaded microspheres can be considered as promising controlled-release system for the treatment of glaucoma.

Evaluation of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic paediatric patients using mannitol challenge test - Impacts of body mass index

BACKGROUND

Increasing epidemiological studies reported that overweight/obese asthma patients had more frequent and severe symptoms and exacerbations, indicating their asthma management may not be sufficient. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a significant feature of asthma, was found to link with the body mass index (BMI) with mixed findings using the "direct" methacholine challenge test. The objective was to examine the association between BMI and asthma control, as reflected by the "indirect" AHR with the mannitol challenge test in a paediatric asthmatic population.

METHODS

A total of 80 subjects with physician-diagnosed asthma, aged 6-18 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were first asked to complete the Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire to self-evaluate their disease status. A mannitol challenge test was then performed to assess their AHR severity.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients (96%) rated their asthma as well-controlled with an ACT score ≥ 20, but 42 patients (53%) were tested positive in the mannitol challenge test with mild and moderate AHR. While patients with mild AHR had comparable lung functions to those without AHR, patients with moderate AHR showed slightly but significantly lower FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values. Although no significant difference in the BMI values was noted for patients with different levels of AHR, the trend of increasing BMI with age was steeper for patients with moderate AHR.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of AHR (>50%) was found in asthmatic children who self-evaluated with good asthma control. No significant influence of the BMI on the AHR severity could be demonstrated in this population with the "indirect" mannitol challenge test. Since only a small number of overweight/obese subjects were recruited in the present study, further verification of the results with a larger sample size of obese subjects is required.

R, Khoza. S, Dube A. Vitamin D3 loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles enhance the expression of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in macrophages

Tuberculosis (TB), primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a global health burden. Current antibiotic treatments are limited by adverse effects, poor adherence, and drug resistance, necessitating new therapeutic approaches. Recent studies highlight the role of vitamin D3 (VD3) in enhancing host immune responses against the mycobacterium via cathelicidin (an antimicrobial peptide) and autophagy activation. In this study, VD3-loaded poly-ƹ-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to enhance cathelicidin expression in macrophages. NPs containing cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol were synthesized using an emulsification solvent-evaporation technique. Average sizes of synthesized NPs ranged from 304.7 to 458.7 nm, with polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) ranging from 0.103 to 0.257 and -17.3 to -7.47 mV, respectively. Encapsulation efficiencies were 9.68%, 10.99%, and 19.28% for cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol, respectively. VD3-encapsulated NPs stimulated a dose-dependent increase in cathelicidin expression in THP-1 macrophages. Encapsulated calcifediol and calcitriol (100 ng/ml) induced the expression of 243.46 ng/ml ± 4.55 ng/ml and 396.67 ng/ml ± 25.24 ng/ml of cathelicidin, respectively, which was significantly higher than that induced by the free drugs. These findings suggest that NP encapsulation may offer a more efficient approach to using vitamin D3 for inducing cathelicidin expression as a host-directed treatment for TB.

Comprehensive profiling of cell type-specific expression and distribution of complement genes in mouse and human kidneys: insights into normal physiology and response to kidney transplantations

BACKGROUND

Recent studies innovatively revealed the localized expression of complement genes in kidneys and shed light on the vital roles of the intracellular complement system in the physiologic function and pathological conditions. However, a comprehensive analysis of the expression of complement genes in the context of the evolving cellular landscape of the kidney is not available.

METHODS

We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from healthy human subjects, C57BL/6 mice, and kidney transplant-rejected mice. The data were sourced from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus and processed using quality control measures and unsupervised clustering. Differential gene analyses were based on expression levels.

RESULTS

In total, 50 complement genes were categorized into pattern recognition molecules, proteases, complement components, receptors, and regulators. In normal mice kidneys, complement genes were expressed at relatively low levels. Among different complement gene categories, receptor genes were most widely expressed in kidney cells. Comparatively, macrophages and mesangial cells are the most abundant immune and nonimmune cell types for complement gene expression. A comparison of human and mouse data showed similar expression patterns, but human kidney complement gene expression was more abundant. Comparative analysis between mouse transplant-rejected and normal kidneys demonstrated stronger complement gene expression in transplant-rejected kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrated significant similarities in complement gene expression between murine and human kidneys and highlighted the responsive nature of complement genes to kidney injury, underscoring the dynamic nature of local complement regulation. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex regulation of the complement system within the kidney, offering insights into its role in renal disease pathogenesis.

Harnessing nanofibers for targeted delivery of phytoconstituents in age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative eye condition that affects the macula and results in central vision loss. Phytoconstituents show great promise in the treatment of AMD. AMD therapy can benefit from the advantages of phytoconstituents loaded nanofibers. There are opportunities to improve the effectiveness of phytoconstituents in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through the use of nanofiber-based delivery methods. These novel platforms encapsulate and distribute plant-derived bioactives by making use of the special qualities of nanofibers. These qualities include their high surface area-to-volume ratio, variable porosity, and biocompatibility. Exploring the use of nanofiber-based delivery methods to provide phytoconstituents in AMD treatment is a great choice for enhancing patient adherence, safety, and efficacy in managing this condition. This article explores the potential of nanofiber-based delivery methods to revolutionize AMD treatment, providing an innovative and effective approach to treat this condition.

Past, present, and future of exosomes research in cancer: A bibliometric and visualization analysis

Cancer seriously threatens the lives and health of people worldwide, and exosomes seem to play an important role in managing cancer effectively, which has attracted extensive attention from researchers in recent years. This study aimed to scientifically visualize exosomes research in cancer (ERC) through bibliometric analysis, reviewing the past, summarizing the present, and predicting the future, with a view to providing valuable insights for scholars and policy makers. Researches search and data collection from Web of Science Core Collection and clinical trial.gov. Calculations and visualizations were performed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix R-package, and CiteSpace. As of December 1, 2024, and March 8, 2025, we identified 8,001 ERC-related publications and 107 ERC-related clinical trials, with an increasing trend in annual publications. Our findings supported that China, Nanjing Medical University, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences were the most productive countries, institutions, and journals, respectively. Whiteside, Theresa L. had the most publications, while Théry, C was the most co-cited scholar. In addition, Cancer Research was the most co-cited journal. Spatial and temporal distribution of clinical trials was the same as for publications. High-frequency keywords were "extracellular vesicle," "microRNA" and "biomarker." Additional, "surface functionalization," "plant," "machine learning," "nanomaterials," "promotes metastasis," "engineered exosomes," and "macrophage-derived exosomes" were promising research topics. Our study comprehensively and visually summarized the structure, hotspots, and evolutionary trends of ERC. It would inspire subsequent studies from a macroscopic perspective and provide a basis for rational allocation of resources and identification of collaborations among researchers.

Precision nanomedicine for pneumonocyte-targeting: Emerging strategies and clinical prospects in refractory pulmonary disease therapy

Refractory pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis (TB), pose a critical global health challenge due to the limitations of conventional therapies in advanced stages, such as poor drug penetration, systemic side effects, and inability to eradicate pathogens in protected microenvironments. While the lung's complex structure is essential for respiratory function, it also facilitates persistent damage from environmental and infectious agents. Nanomedicine provides a transformative approach by utilizing customizable carriers (e.g., ligand-gated targeting, stimuli-responsive payload release) to bypass physiological barriers through both passive mechanisms such as enhanced vascular permeability and active-targeting. Such platforms achieve hierarchical drug deposition-from organ-level accumulation to pneumonocyte-targeting-thereby addressing the spatial heterogeneity of therapy-resistant lesions. Besides, A unique advantage of nanomedicine lies in its intrinsic interactions with lung immune cells (e.g., macrophages), allowing dual-functional systems that not only deliver therapeutics to disease sites but also modulate local immune responses-such as reducing inflammation in COPD or enhancing bacterial clearance in TB. This targeted approach improves treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Furthermore, nanomedicine ensures the stability of encapsulated drugs, particularly nucleic acid therapeutics (siRNA, mRNA), which are crucial for treating genetic defect-related pulmonary diseases. Building on the relationship between malignant pulmonary conditions and lung cells, this review summarizes nanoplatform-based strategies for precise targeting and examines ongoing clinical trials. By bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application, this review aims to guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches and accelerate the clinical translation of nanomedicines for refractory pulmonary diseases.

Smart bioelectronic materials and systems for regenerative tissue engineering

Regenerative medicine with stem cells has played a pivotal role in tissue engineering, demonstrating remarkable potential to address degenerative diseases and tissue deficiencies. Despite its great potential, this field faces significant challenges, including the need to control cellular behavior, achieve real-time monitoring, and standardize stimulation protocols. To address these technical hurdles, the integration of stem cells with smart bioelectronic materials and devices has emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in regenerative medicine, offering huge potential for improved therapeutic outcomes in various tissue engineering applications. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of smart bioelectronic systems in regenerative medicine. It reviews recent advances in bioelectronic materials for cellular interfacing, functional device platforms, and real-time physiological monitoring and biophysical stimulation systems. Furthermore, it highlights how these technologies are applied in vascular, cardiac, neural, and bone tissue engineering to support the regeneration and functional integration. With representative case studies, this review underscores how regenerative bioelectronics enables dynamic, tissue-specific therapies across biomedical fields.

Anoikis classification of lung squamous cell carcinoma reveals correlation with clinical prognosis and immune characteristics

BACKGROUND

Anoikis is a new mode of cell death that has been shown to correlate significantly with tumors. However, the clinical prognostic significance of anoikis in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains poorly studied.

METHODS

The differentially expressed ARGs and candidate genes were selected by the differential analysis to construct a predictive model. Independent prognostic gene was determined by Cox and LASSO analysis and we used the HCC95 and NCI H520 cell line to verify the gene function. We used the data from TCGA, GEO, GeneCards, and Harmonizome databases to analyze the immune microenvironment, functional enrichment, and drug sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 717 differentially expressed and selected 3 ARGs (FADD, SNAI1, and BAG4) to construct a predictive model. We found that SNAI1 is an independent prognostic gene and confirmed that knocking out the SNAI1 inhibited the HCC95/NCI H520 cell proliferation. We used single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to evaluate the immune infiltration based on the 3 ARG expression levels. We constructed a risk score and provided a visual representation of the prophetic implications of the ARGs-based signature through a nomogram. We found 15 susceptible drugs in the high-risk group and 15 sensitive drugs in the low-risk group by the drug sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

We used ARGs to construct a prognosis model for LUSC that can accurately predict the prognosis of LUSC patients. ARGs, especially SNAI1, play an essential role in developing LUSC. These findings could provide individualized treatment plans and new research ideas for LUSC patients.

Carthamin yellow-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid liposomes alleviate interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Carthamin yellow (CY)-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) liposomes in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN), particularly in alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis and improving kidney function.

METHODS

CY-loaded GA liposomes were prepared and characterized for structural stability and controlled release. DN rat models were treated with CY-loaded GA liposomes, and kidney pathology, function, collagen deposition, and TGF-β1 expression were evaluated. The effects of CY-loaded GA liposomes were compared to Vitamin E and CY alone. In vitro experiments with TGF-β1-stimulated human renal interstitial fibroblasts (hRIFs) examined the effects of CY-loaded GA liposomes on cell proliferation and the expression of fibrotic markers. Mechanistic studies assessed the role of the TGFBR1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway using TGFBR1 overexpression experiments.

RESULTS

The CY-loaded GA liposomes exhibited a stable structure and controlled release profile. In DN rats, treatment with CY-loaded GA liposomes significantly alleviated kidney damage, improved kidney function, reduced collagen deposition and fibrosis, and downregulated TGF-β1 expression, showing superior effects compared to Vitamin E or CY alone. In TGF-β1-stimulated hRIFs, CY-loaded GA liposomes effectively suppressed cell proliferation and reduced the expression of Cyclin D1, PCNA, fibronectin, and collagen I. The inhibitory effects were stronger than CY alone and were mediated by the inactivation of the TGFBR1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway, as confirmed by TGFBR1 overexpression studies.

CONCLUSIONS

CY-loaded GA liposomes demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis in DN by targeting the TGFBR1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway. This novel drug delivery system provides a promising approach for the treatment of DN.

Promoting collagen synthesis: a viable strategy to combat skin ageing

Skin ageing is a complex physiological process primarily characterised by the deepening of wrinkles and the sagging of the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As skin ages, it experiences structural and functional changes in collagen, including a decrease in collagen synthesis and an increase in collagen hydrolysis. Thus, promoting collagen synthesis represents a practical strategy for mitigating skin ageing. This review systematically described the functions, classifications and biosynthesis process of collagen, as well as its role in skin ageing. Additionally, the major signalling pathways and targets associated with collagen synthesis were also discussed. More importantly, the review provided a detailed summary of natural products with collagen synthesis-promoting effects and highlighted small molecule compounds with potential anti-ageing activity, especially PPARδ agonists. The relevant content offers potential targets and lead compounds for the development of anti-skin ageing therapies.

Human tendon stem/progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicle production promoted by dynamic culture

Tendon injuries significantly impact quality of life, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions beyond conventional surgery. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance tendon regeneration. In this study, human Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells (TSPCs) were isolated from surgical biopsies and cultured in a Growth-Differentiation Factor-5-supplemented medium to promote tenogenic differentiation under static and dynamic conditions using a custom-made perfusion bioreactor. Once at 80% confluence, cells were transitioned to a serum-free medium for conditioned media collection. Ultracentrifugation revealed the presence of vesicles with a 106 particles/mL concentration and sub-200nm diameter size. Dynamic culture yielded a 3-fold increase in EV protein content compared to static culture, as confirmed by Western-blot analysis. Differences in surface marker expression were also shown by flow cytometric analysis. Data suggest that we efficiently developed a protocol for extracting EVs from human TSPCs, particularly under dynamic conditions. This approach enhances EV protein content, offering potential therapeutic benefits for tendon regeneration. However, further research is needed to fully understand the role of EVs in tendon regeneration.

Light-triggered nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery

Gene therapy has evolved into a clinically viable strategy, with several approved products demonstrating its therapeutic potential for genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases, and it has ample applications in regenerative medicine. Its success depends on the ability to efficiently and specifically deliver therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) into target cells. Although viral or chemical carriers have been used in pioneering applications, safety concerns, and variable delivery efficiencies have prompted the search for alternative delivery vehicles. Light-mediated strategies have gained particular interest due to their biocompatibility and ability to improve the intracellular delivery efficiency. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in the development of light-triggered NA delivery carriers and discuss how they can be designed to overcome specific intracellular barriers. Additionally, we discuss notable therapeutic applications and highlight challenges and opportunities for translating this technology to a clinical setting.

The regulatory roles of RNA-binding proteins in the tumour immune microenvironment of gastrointestinal malignancies

The crosstalk between the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and tumour cells promote immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal (GI) tumours. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes is pivotal to GI tumours progression, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) serve as key regulators via their RNA-binding domains. RBPs may exhibit either anti-tumour or pro-tumour functions by influencing the TIME through the modulation of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs expression, as well as post-transcriptional modifications, primarily N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Aberrant regulation of RBPs, such as HuR and YBX1, typically enhances tumour immune escape and impacts prognosis of GI tumour patients. Further, while targeting RBPs offers a promising strategy for improving immunotherapy in GI cancers, the mechanisms by which RBPs regulate the TIME in these tumours remain poorly understood, and the therapeutic application is still in its early stages. This review summarizes current advances in exploring the roles of RBPs in regulating genes expression and their effect on the TIME of GI tumours, then providing theoretical insights for RBP-targeted cancer therapies.

Deciphering the role of APOE in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: from genetic insights to therapeutic horizons

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the walls of medium and small vessels of the brain and leptomeninges, is a major cause of lobar hemorrhage in elderly individuals. Among the genetic risk factors for CAA that continue to be recognized, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the most significant and prevalent, as its variants have been implicated in more than half of all patients with CAA. While the presence of the APOE ε4 allele markedly increases the risk of CAA, the ε2 allele confers a protective effect relative to the common ε3 allele. These allelic variants encode three APOE isoforms that differ at two amino acid positions. The primary physiological role of APOE is to mediate lipid transport in the brain and periphery; however, it has also been shown to be involved in a wide array of biological functions, particularly those involving Aβ, in which it plays a known role in processing, production, aggregation, and clearance. The challenges posed by the reliance on postmortem histological analyses and the current absence of an effective intervention underscore the urgency for innovative APOE-targeted strategies for diagnosing CAA. This review not only deepens our understanding of the impact of APOE on the pathogenesis of CAA but can also help guide the exploration of targeted therapies, inspiring further research into the therapeutic potential of APOE.

Incorporation of doxorubicin into plant-derived nanovesicles: process monitoring and activity assessment

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an experimental class of drug carriers. Alternative sources of EVs are currently being explored to overcome limitations related to their manufacturing from mesenchymal stem cells. In this work, Citrus limon-derived EVs were tested as carriers for the widely used chemotherapeutic drug - doxorubicin (DOX). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and nanoplasmonic sensing (NPS) were developed for the quality control of DOX-EV preparations. It was found that the CE method enables simultaneous detection of free and incorporated DOX and allows assessing the stability of the preparations and the drug leakage. NPS, on the other hand, demonstrated that DOX is accumulated in the interfacial region of the carrier. The activity of DOX-loaded EVs was tested on HeLa (cervical cancer cells) and HEK293T (human embryonic kidney cells) cell lines. It was found that DOX incorporation into plant-derived EVs virtually does not affect the drug's cytotoxicity to HeLa cells but significantly decreases DOX activity against HEK293T cell line.

Klebsiella pneumoniae derived outer membrane vesicles mediated bacterial virulence, antibiotic resistance, host immune responses and clinical applications

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative pathogen that can cause multiple diseases including sepsis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. The escalating detections of hypervirulent and antibiotic-resistant isolates are giving rise to growing public concerns. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical vesicles containing bioactive substances including lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans, periplasmic and cytoplasmic proteins, and nucleic acids. Emerging studies have reported various roles of OMVs in bacterial virulence, antibiotic resistance, stress adaptation, and host interactions, whereas knowledge on their roles in K. pneumoniae is currently unclear. In this review, we summarized recent progress on the biogenesis, components, and biological function of K. pneumoniae OMVs, the impact and action mechanism in virulence, antibiotic resistance, and host immune response. We also deliberated on the potential of K. pneumoniae OMVs in vaccine development, as diagnostic biomarkers, and as drug nanocarriers. In conclusion, K. pneumoniae OMVs hold great promise in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, which merits further investigation.

Engineering non-pathogenic bacteria for auto-transporter-driven secretion of functional interferon

In recent years, various strategies have been developed to enable the oral administration of protein-based drugs (biologics) with the aim of overcoming the degradation and inactivation of these drugs that can occur as they traverse the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, we investigated bacteria as a delivery vehicle for biologics, harnessing their ability to withstand the harsh gastric environment and deliver therapeutic drugs directly to the intestine. Specifically, we explored using the type 5 secretion system (T5SS) to secrete therapeutic cargoes under simulated gut conditions. Our research focused on EspC, a T5SS protein from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and its potential to secrete interferon-α (IFNα), a cytokine with immunomodulatory and antiviral properties widely used in the clinic. We demonstrated that EspC can facilitate the secretion of IFNα variant when expressed in nonpathogenic bacteria. Moreover, this EspC-secreted IFN was able to activate the JAK-STAT pathway, upregulate IFN-stimulated genes, and induce a robust antiviral response in cells. Collectively, these findings provide proof of concept supporting the utilization of the EspC protein as a novel delivery platform for protein-based therapeutics.

Recent advances in nanotechnology for repairing spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a formidable clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced paradigm-shifting strategies that transcend the limitations of traditional treatments by offering precision, controllability, and multifunctionality in modulating the hostile post-injury microenvironment. This review systematically summarizes nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches for SCI, including cell-based nanotherapeutics, nanogels/hydrogels, nano-engineered materials, and combinatorial strategies. We emphasize the synergistic design of multifunctional nanoplatforms that integrate neuroprotection, immune modulation, antioxidative capacity, and axonal regeneration within a single system. Special attention is given to microenvironment-responsive smart materials capable of dynamic therapeutic delivery in response to pathological cues. We critically analyze the challenges of clinical translation, such as the need for standardized safety evaluation and personalized therapeutic dosing, and explore emerging solutions including AI-driven nanocarrier design and organoid-based validation. By integrating interdisciplinary innovations, nanotherapies represent an irreplaceable therapeutic paradigm with the potential to achieve spatiotemporal precision and sustained regenerative support for SCI repair.

AIE-active PVA/berberine antibacterial hydrogel for wound healing, visual monitoring pH and dehydration

The antibacterial hydrogels have attracted a significant amount of interest for preventing bacterial infection in wound healing. However, irreversible antibiotic resistance and lagging detection of wound infection are still current research pain points for hydrogel wound dressings. This study successfully prepared and characterized a novel aggregation-induced PVA/SA/BBR hydrogel. BBR confers significant antibacterial potential to PVA/SA/BBR hydrogels avoiding the use of antibiotics. The results indicate that PVA/SA/BBR hydrogels displayed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, enhanced wound healing process, negligible cytotoxicity, and low hemolytic activity (<5 %). Molecular docking analysis indicate that BBR could inhibit the activity of FabH of E. coli and S. aureus, with a respective binding energy of -9.0185 and -8.4037 kcal/mol. Moreover, the real-time in situ monitoring and quantifying of wound pH levels could be realized by RGB signals collected and transformed from the visible-fluorescent images. PVA/SA/BBR hydrogels also provided significant fluorescent signals visible to the naked eye due to the AIE effect of BBR when the hydrogel severely loses water. All of these signals suggested anti-infective therapy and hydrogel replacement. Therefore, PVA/SA/BBR hydrogels as efficient non-antibiotic-dependent wound dressings with significant therapeutic effect on skin wounds provide potential applications in wound healing, flexible wearable sensing and drug delivery.

A systematic review of liposomal nanofibrous scaffolds as a drug delivery system: a decade of progress in controlled release and therapeutic efficacy

Drug-loaded liposomes incorporated in nanofibrous scaffolds is a promising approach as a multi-unit nanoscale system, which combines the merits of both liposomes and nanofibers (NFs), eliminating the drawback of liposomes' poor stability on the one hand and offering a higher potential of controlled drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy on the other hand. The current systematic review, which underwent a rigorous search process in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Central (Cochrane) employing (Liposome AND nanofib* AND electrosp*) as search keywords, aims to present the recent studies on using this synergic system for different therapeutic applications. The search was restricted to original, peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2024. Of the 309 identified records, only 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. According to the literature, three different methods were identified to fabricate those nanofibrous liposomal scaffolds. The results consistently demonstrated the superiority of this dual system for numerous therapeutic applications in improving the therapy efficacy, enhancing both liposomes and drug stability, and releasing the encapsulated drug in a proper sustained release without significant initial burst release. Merging drug-loaded liposomes with NFs as liposomal nanofibrous scaffolds are a safe and efficient approach to deliver drug molecules and other substances for various pharmaceutical applications, particularly for wound dressing, tissue engineering, cancer therapy, and drug administration via the buccal and sublingual routes. However, further research is warranted to explore the potential of this system in other therapeutic applications.

Emerging liposomal therapies for diabetic retinopathy: a review of novel targeting approaches and advances in retinal health outcomes

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which affects over millions of individuals globally, is the leading cause of permanent visual loss. Current therapies, including as intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications and laser photocoagulation, are limited by frequent dosing and side effects. Liposomes, with their ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic medications, offer tailored delivery, prolonged release, and low systemic toxicity. This study looks at advances in liposomal formulations that address DR's multifactorial etiology, including as anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant processes. We assess new preparation methods (e.g. supercritical CO2, microfluidics) and clinical considerations, including stability and cost-effectiveness. To address the heterogeneity of DR, future endeavors will prioritize combinatorial medications and customized therapy.

Peritoneum-inspired adaptive hydrogel sheath orchestrating long-term lubrication and antibacterial properties for drainage tube intubation

Drainage tube (DT) intubation is frequently accompanied by distressing and even life-threatening complications. Herein, we engineer a peritoneum-inspired adaptive hydrogel sheath orchestrating long-term lubrication and broad-spectrum antibacterial properties onto the commercially-available DT surface for safe medical intervention. A thin conformal hydrogel sheath is formed by constructing the semi-interpenetrating hydrogel network to serve as the hydration layer, mimicking the lubricative peritoneal fluid layer of the peritoneum. The exposed protonated amino group of the semi-interpenetrating hydrogel network imparts the hydrogel sheath with an intrinsic antibacterial capacity, imitating the peritoneal inherent immunoregulatory function that resists bacterial invasion. The resultant hydrogel sheath exhibits the long-term lubricity, prominent broad-spectrum antibacterial property, remarkable robustness in various harsh environments, and excellent antifouling property without comprising biocompatibility. As demonstrated by an in vivo rabbit model of peritoneal drainage, the application of the hydrogel sheath on DT not only alleviates skin tissue trauma and inflammation effectively, but also inhibits bacterial invasion to avoid potential infection. The current work opens a valuable avenue to develop the functional DT to meet clinical needs.

Targeting oxidative stress in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and organ damage involving kidneys or liver, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, often caused by mitochondrial dysfunction within fetal trophoblast cells may play a major role in the development and progression of preeclampsia. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of antioxidant defenses, which can lead to placental cellular damage and endothelial cell dysfunction. Targeting oxidative stress appears to be a promising therapeutic approach that has the potential to improve both short- and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes, thus reducing the global burden of preeclampsia. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the mechanisms of oxidative stress in preeclampsia. Furthermore, it also examines potential interventions for reducing oxidative stress in preeclampsia, including natural antioxidant supplements, lifestyle modifications, mitochondrial targeting antioxidants, and pharmacological agents.A better understanding of the mechanism of action of proposed therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress is essential for the identification of companion biomarkers and personalized medicine approaches for the development of effective treatments of preeclampsia.

Electron-donor planar extension based on donor-acceptor-donor molecules generates charge transfer-mediated J-aggregates for NIR-II photothermal immunotherapy and bacterial elimination

Second near-infrared photothermal therapy (NIR-II-PTT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality in diverse medical aspects. In particular, J-aggregate is a potential strategy to develop high-performance NIR-II-PTT materials, however, it suffers from specific molecular skeletons and complex control conditions. Herein, we presented a simply electron-donor planar extension strategy to develop donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) type small molecules with charge-transfer (CT)-mediated J-aggregation for NIR-II PTT. By integrating ring-fused thiophene units in a benzo[1,2-'c:4,5-c']bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole (BBTDT) scaffold, we enabled tunable electrostatic and π-π interactions, promoting CT-mediated J-aggregate formation. The resulting BDTT nanoparticles showed an impressive light-harvesting capability (ɛ1064) of 2.92 × 104 M-1 cm-1 under 1064 nm excitation, yielding an exceptional photothermal performance (ɛ1064 × PCE = 1.99 × 104), which surpasses those of reported D-A-D type NIR-II-absorbing small molecules. This outstanding NIR-II photothermal property induced sufficient immunogenic cell death and amplified the final ablation of deep-seated tumor in conjunction with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Meanwhile, the fabricated BDTT nanoparticles also facilitated hyperthermia-triggered bacterial death. Together, this study provides valuable insights into developing NIR-II-absorbing J-aggregates based on D-A-D type small molecules, and offers critical potentials to treat malignant tumors and prevents postsurgical infections.

The physiological limits of bispecific monoclonal antibody tissue targeting specificity

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies (bsmAbs) are expected to provide targeted drug delivery that overcomes the dose-limiting toxicities often accompanying antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) in clinical practice. Much attention has been paid in the past to target selection, mAb affinities and the payload linker design, but challenges remain. Here, we demonstrate, by physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) in silico modeling and simulation, that the tissue-targeting accuracy of mono- and bispecific antibody therapeutics is substantially limited by normal physiological characteristics like organ volumes, blood flow rates, lymphatic circulation, and rates of extravasation. Only a small fraction of blood flows through solid tumor, where the diffusion-driven extravasation is relatively slow compared with many other organs. EGFR and HER2 are used as model antigens based on their experimentally measured tissue and tumor expression levels, but the approach is generic and can account for the cellular expression variation of targets. The model confirms experimental observations that only about 0.1-1% of the dosed mAb is likely to reach the tumor, while the rest ends up in healthy tissues due to target-mediated internalization and nonspecific uptake. The model suggests that the dual-positive tumor cell targeting specificity with bispecific antibodies is likely to be higher at lower drug concentrations and doses. However, this can be offset by elevated drug exposure in more accessible healthy tissues, primarily endothelium. The balance of exposure can be shifted toward tumor cells by using higher doses, albeit at the expense of more extensive target engagement elsewhere in the body, suggesting the need to adapt the toxicity of the payload if ADCs are considered. We suggest that PBPK modeling can guide and support biologics and bsmAb development, from target evaluation and drug optimization to therapeutic dose selection.

Multifaceted quorum-sensing inhibiting activity of 3-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)oxazolidin-2-one mitigates Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence

As antibiotic resistance escalates into a global health crisis, novel therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases are in urgent need. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an adaptable opportunistic pathogen, poses substantial challenges in treating a range of infections. The quorum-sensing (QS) system plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the production of a large set of virulence factors in a cell density-dependent manner, and the anti-virulence strategy targeting QS may show huge potential. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation into the potential of the synthesized compound 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)oxazolidin-2-one (OZDO, C10H9NO4) as a QS inhibitor to curb the virulence of P. aeruginosa. By employing an integrated approach encompassing in silico screening, in vitro and in vivo functional identification, we elucidated the multifaceted effects of OZDO. Molecular docking predicted that OZDO interfered with three core regulatory proteins of P. aeruginosa QS system. Notably, OZDO exhibited significant inhibition on the production of pyocyanin, rhamnolipid and extracellular proteases, biofilm formation, and cell motilities of P. aeruginosa. Transcriptomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR displayed the down-regulation of QS-controlled genes in OZDO-treated PAO1, reaffirming the QS-inhibition activity of OZDO. In vivo assessments using a Caenorhabditis elegans-infection model demonstrated OZDO mitigated P. aeruginosa pathogenicity, particularly against the hypervirulent strain PA14. Moreover, OZDO in combination with polymyxin B and aztreonam presented a promising avenue for innovative anti-infective therapy. Our study sheds light on the multifaceted potential of OZDO as an anti-virulence agent and its significance in combating P. aeruginosa-associated infections.

Biomimetic peptide conjugates as emerging strategies for controlled release from protein-based materials

Biopolymers, such as collagens, elastin, silk fibroin, spider silk, fibrin, keratin, and resilin have gained significant interest for their potential biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. This review focuses on the design and integration of biomimetic peptides into these biopolymer platforms to control the release of bioactive molecules, thereby enhancing their functionality for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and silk fibroin repeats, for example, demonstrate how engineered peptides can mimic natural protein domains to modulate material properties and drug release profiles. Recombinant spider silk proteins, fibrin-binding peptides, collagen-mimetic peptides, and keratin-derived structures similarly illustrate the ability to engineer precise interactions and to design controlled release systems. Additionally, the use of resilin-like peptides showcases the potential for creating highly elastic and resilient biomaterials. This review highlights current achievements and future perspectives in the field, emphasizing the potential of biomimetic peptides to transform biopolymer-based biomedical applications.

Folate receptor alpha for cancer therapy: an antibody and antibody-drug conjugate target coming of age

Folate receptor alpha (FRα) has long been the focus of therapeutics development in oncology across several solid tumors, notably ovarian, lung, and subsets of breast cancers. Its multiple roles in cellular metabolism and carcinogenesis and tumor-specific overexpression relative to normal tissues render FRα an attractive target for biological therapies. Here we review the biological significance, expression distribution, and characteristics of FRα as a highly promising and now established therapy target. We discuss the ongoing development of FRα-targeting antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the first of which has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer, providing the impetus for heightened research and therapy development. Novel insights into the tumor microenvironment, advances in antibody engineering to enhance immune-mediated effects, the emergence of ADCs, and several studies of anti-FRα agents combined with chemotherapy, targeted and immune therapy are offering new perspectives and treatment possibilities. Hence, we highlight key translational research and discuss several preclinical studies and clinical trials of interest, with an emphasis on agents and therapy combinations with potential to change future clinical practice.

Medicinal chemistry breakthroughs on ATM, ATR, and DNA-PK inhibitors as prospective cancer therapeutics

This review discusses the critical roles of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase (ATM), ATM and Rad3-related Kinase (ATR), and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) in the DNA damage response (DDR) and their implications in cancer. Emphasis is placed on the intricate interplay between these kinases, highlighting their collaborative and distinct roles in maintaining genomic integrity and promoting tumour development under dysregulated conditions. Furthermore, the review covers ongoing clinical trials, patent literature, and medicinal chemistry campaigns on ATM/ATR/DNA-PK inhibitors as antitumor agents. Notably, the medicinal chemistry campaigns employed robust drug design strategies and aimed at assembling new structural templates with amplified DDR kinase inhibitory ability, as well as outwitting the pharmacokinetic liabilities of the existing DDR kinase inhibitors. Given the success attained through such endeavours, the clinical pipeline of DNA repair kinase inhibitors is anticipated to be supplemented by a reasonable number of tractable entries (DDR kinase inhibitors) soon.