Magnetic Targeting Nanocarriers Combined with Focusing Ultrasound for Enhanced Intracerebral Hemorrhage Therapy

Ferroptosis inhibitors: past, present and future

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic mode of programmed cell death characterized by iron dependence and lipid peroxidation. Since the ferroptosis was proposed, researchers have revealed the mechanisms of its formation and continue to explore effective inhibitors of ferroptosis in disease. Recent studies have shown a correlation between ferroptosis and the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as diseases involving tissue or organ damage. Acting on ferroptosis-related targets may provide new strategies for the treatment of ferroptosis-mediated diseases. This article specifically describes the metabolic pathways of ferroptosis and summarizes the reported mechanisms of action of natural and synthetic small molecule inhibitors of ferroptosis and their efficacy in disease. The paper also describes ferroptosis treatments such as gene therapy, cell therapy, and nanotechnology, and summarises the challenges encountered in the clinical translation of ferroptosis inhibitors. Finally, the relationship between ferroptosis and other modes of cell death is discussed, hopefully paving the way for future drug design and discovery.

A Smart Bacteria-Capture-Killing Vector for Effectively Treating Osteomyelitis Through Synergy Under Microwave Therapy

Osteomyelitis caused by deep tissue infections is difficult to cure through phototherapy due to the poor penetration depth of the light. Herein, Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH nanorod composites (Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH) with nanoscale tip convex structures are successfully fabricated as a microwave-responsive smart bacteria-capture-killing vector. Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH exhibited excellent magnetic targeting and bacteria-capturing ability due to its magnetism and high selectivity affinity to the amino groups on the surface of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Under microwave irradiation, Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH efficiently treated S. aureus-infected osteomyelitis through the synergistic effects of microwave thermal therapy, microwave dynamic therapy, and copper ion therapy. It is calculated the electric field intensity in various regions of Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH under microwave irradiation, demonstrating that it obtained the highest electric field intensity on the surface of copper nanoparticles of Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH due to its high-curvature tips and metallic properties. This led to copper nanoparticles attracted more charged particles compared with other areas in Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH. These charges are easier to escape from the high curvature surface of Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH, and captured by adsorbed oxygen, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species. The Cu/C/Fe3O4-COOH designed in this study is expected to provide insight into the treatment of deep tissue infections under the irradiation of microwave.

Multifunctional Carbon Quantum Dots: Iron Clearance and Antioxidation for Neuroprotection in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Mice

Iron overload and oxidative stress are pivotal in the pathogenesis of brain injury secondary to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). There is a compelling need for agents that can chelate iron and scavenge free radicals, particularly those that demonstrate substantial brain penetration, to mitigate ICH-related damage. In this study, we have engineered an amine-functionalized aspirin-derived carbon quantum dot (NACQD) with a nominal diameter of 6-13 nm. The NACQD possesses robust iron-binding and antioxidative capacities. Through intrathecal administration, NACQD therapy substantially reduced iron deposition and oxidative stress in brain tissue, alleviated meningeal inflammatory responses, and improved the recovery of neurological function in a murine ICH model. As a proof of concept, the intrathecal injection of NACQD is a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the ICH injury.

Selective organ targeting nanoparticles: from design to clinical translation

Targeting nanoparticle is a very promising therapeutic approach that can precisely target specific sites to treat diseases. Research on nanoscale drug delivery systems has made great progress in the past few years, making targeting nanoparticles a promising prospect. However, selective targeting nanoparticles designed for specific organs still face several challenges, one of which is the unknown fate of nanoparticles in vivo. This review starts with the in vivo journey of nanoparticles and describes the biological barriers and some targeting strategies for nanoparticles to target specific organs. Then, through the collection of literature in recent years, the design of selective targeting nanoparticles for various organs is illustrated, which provides a reference strategy for people to study the design of selective organ targeting nanoparticles. Ultimately, the prospect and challenge of selective organ targeting nanoparticles are discussed by collecting the data of clinical trials and marketed drugs.

Nanopharmacology as a new approach to treat neuroinflammatory disorders

Neuroinflammation, a complex process involving the activation of microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells in the brain, plays a role in neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders. Current therapeutic strategies for neuroinflammation are limited, necessitating the development of improved approaches. Nanopharmacology offers unprecedented opportunities to access and treat neuroinflammatory disorders at the brain level. Nanoscaffolds can target specific cells or tissues and protect drugs from degradation or elimination, making them ideal candidates for treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Recent advancements in nanoparticle development have enabled the targeting of microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells in the brain, reducing neuroinflammation and protecting neurons from injury. Nanoparticles targeting specific neurons have also been developed. Clinical trials are in progress to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nano drugs for treating neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric diseases. The successful development of these nanodrugs holds immense promise for treating these devastating and increasingly prevalent conditions. On the other hand, several limitations and unanswered questions remain. First, the long-term effects of nanoparticles on the brain need to be thoroughly investigated to ensure their safety. Second, optimizing the targeting and delivery of nanoparticles to specific brain regions remains a challenge. Understanding the complex interplay between nanoparticles and the brain's immune system is crucial for developing effective nanotherapies. Despite these limitations, nanopharmacology presents a transformative approach to treating neuroinflammatory disorders. Future research should address the aforementioned limitations and further elucidate the mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated therapy. The successful development of safe and effective nanodrugs can revolutionize the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, alleviating the suffering of millions.