The possible role of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles in prevention of neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced parkinsonian disease

Facile fabrication of redox nanoparticles loaded with exosomal-miRNAs and resveratrol as glycation inhibitor in alleviating the progression and development of diabetic cataract

Diabetic cataract (DC) represents a highly prevalent ocular manifestation resulting from diabetes often culminating in vision impairment among individuals with diabetes. Regrettably, the armamentarium of pharmaceutical interventions capable of both delaying and thwarting the onset of DC remains conspicuously sparse. Based on contemporary investigations, the pathogenesis of DC is prominently influenced by oxidative harm to the crystalline lens and the nonenzymatic glycosylation of lens proteins. Consequently, we have developed self-regenerating cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), enveloped with resveratrol (RSV) and exosomal-microRNA (miRNA) to alleviate the effects of DC in an in vitro model. Moreover, the inclusion of RSV within CeO2 NPs serves a dual purpose. It can act as an antioxidant, minimizing glycation, and induce oxidative stress by effectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, it serves as a glycation inhibitor effectively preventing the cross-linking. Consequently, it helps minimize the glucose level in hemoglobin and inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Likewise, the CeO2-exosomal-miRNA when treated alone found to slightly impede the viability of human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) and induce apoptosis by suppressing the expression of α-crystalline gene (CRYAA). Particularly, miRNAs target genes associated with oxidative stress pathways, protein glycation, and the generation of AGEs, hence preventing structural damage to lens proteins. Compared with CeO2, RSV-CeO2, and miRNA-RSV-CeO2, the presence of miRNA-RSV-CeO2 led to a significant decrease in hemoglobin glycation. Remarkably, miRNA-RSV-CeO2 NPs attenuate the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) with a relative value of 14.63 and 11.37 nmol/mg. As per the report, this method presents a promising opportunity to implement the proposed material combination for attenuating diabetic cataracts.

Periodic Table of Immunomodulatory Elements and Derived Two-Dimensional Biomaterials

Periodic table of chemical elements serves as the foundation of material chemistry, impacting human health in many different ways. It contributes to the creation, growth, and manipulation of functional metallic, ceramic, metalloid, polymeric, and carbon-based materials on and near an atomic scale. Recent nanotechnology advancements have revolutionized the field of biomedical engineering to tackle longstanding clinical challenges. The use of nano-biomaterials has gained traction in medicine, specifically in the areas of nano-immunoengineering to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been found to possess high bioactive surface area and compatibility with human and mammalian cells at controlled doses. Furthermore, these biomaterials have intrinsic immunomodulatory properties, which is crucial for their application in immuno-nanomedicine. While significant progress has been made in understanding their bioactivity and biocompatibility, the exact immunomodulatory responses and mechanisms of these materials are still being explored. Current work outlines an innovative "immunomodulatory periodic table of elements" beyond the periodic table of life, medicine, and microbial genomics and comprehensively reviews the role of each element in designing immunoengineered 2D biomaterials in a group-wise manner. It recapitulates the most recent advances in immunomodulatory nanomaterials, paving the way for the development of new mono, hybrid, composite, and hetero-structured biomaterials.

Advances in nanotechnology-assisted photodynamic therapy for neurological disorders: a comprehensive review

Neurological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system tumours affect more than one billion people throughout the globe. The physiological sensitivity of the nervous tissue limits the application of invasive therapies and leads to poor treatment and prognosis. One promising solution that has generated attention is Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which can potentially revolutionise the treatment landscape for neurological disorders. PDT attracted substantial recognition for anticancer efficacy and drug conjugation for targeted drug delivery. This review thoroughly explained the basic principles of PDT, scientific interventions and advances in PDT, and their complicated mechanism in treating brain-related pathologies. Furthermore, the merits and demerits of PDT in the context of neurological disorders offer a well-rounded perspective on its feasibility and challenges. In conclusion, this review encapsulates the significant potential of PDT in transforming the treatment landscape for neurological disorders, emphasising its role as a non-invasive, targeted therapeutic approach with multifaceted applications.

Infrared spectroscopy analysis determining secondary structure change in albumin by cerium oxide nanoparticles

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are expected to have applications in the biomedical field because of their antioxidative properties. Inorganic nanoparticles interact with proteins at the nanoparticle surface and change their conformation when administered; however, the principle underlying this interaction is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the secondary structural changes occurring in bovine serum albumin (BSA) mixed with CeO2 nanoparticles having different surface modifications using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CeO2 nanoparticles (diameter: 240 nm) were synthesized from an aqueous cerium (III) nitrate solution using a homogeneous precipitation method. The surfaces of the nanoparticles were modified by the catechol compounds dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHCA). In the presence of these CeO2 nanoparticles (0.11-0.43 mg/mL), β-sheet formation of BSA (30 mg/mL) was promoted especially on the amine-modified (positively charged) nanoparticles. The local concentration of BSA on the surface of the positively charged nanoparticles may have resulted in structural changes due to electrostatic and other interactions with BSA. Further investigations of the interaction mechanism between nanoparticles and proteins are expected to lead to the safe biomedical applications of inorganic nanoparticles.

Activation of SIRT-1 Pathway by Nanoceria Sheds Light on Its Ameliorative Effect on Doxorubicin-Induced Cognitive Impairment (Chemobrain): Restraining Its Neuroinflammation, Synaptic Dysplasticity and Apoptosis

Chemo fog is one of the most serious health concerns encountered by cancer survivors receiving doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis and impairment of synaptic plasticity are regarded as the key factors implicated in DOX-induced cognitive impairment. This research aimed to assess the possible neuroprotective effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) against DOX-induced neurotoxicity. Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups (12 rats/group): control group, CeNPs group (received oral CeNPs solution (35 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks), and DOX group (were administered DOX intraperitoneally (2 mg/kg, once/week for 4 weeks)) and DOX+ CeNPs group. The findings revealed that CeNPs mitigated behavioral alterations in DOX-induced cognitive deficit. Additionally, CeNPs alleviated the histopathological abnormalities in hippocampus and ameliorated DOX-induced neuroinflammation by downregulating the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL6. In addition, CeNPs antagonized the apoptosis through reducing the protein expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3. In addition, it stimulated the antioxidant defense, as indicated by upregulating the expression of the Nrf2, HO-1 and PGC-1α genes. CeNPs improved synaptic plasticity via acting on the BDNF. These actions were related through the modification of SIRT-1 expression. Based on the aforementioned results, CeNPs antagonized the doxorubicin-induced neurodegeneration by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, alongside its SIRT-1 mediated mechanisms.

ROS-Targeted Depression Therapy via BSA-Incubated Ceria Nanoclusters

Depression is one of the most fatal mental diseases, and there is currently a lack of efficient drugs for the treatment of depression. Emerging evidence has indicated oxidative stress as a key pathological feature of depression. We targeted reactive oxygen species (ROS) and synthesized CeO₂@BSA nanoclusters as a novel antidepression nanodrug via a convenient, green, and highly effective bovine serum albumin (BSA) incubation strategy. CeO₂@BSA has ultrasmall size (2 nm) with outstanding ROS scavenging and blood-brain barrier crossing capacity, rapid metabolism, and negligible adverse effects in vitro and in vivo. CeO₂@BSA administration alleviates depressive behaviors and depression-related pathological changes of the chronic restraint stress-induced depressive model, suggesting promising therapeutic effects of CeO₂@BSA for the treatment of depression. Our study proved the validity by directly using nanodrugs as antidepression drugs instead of using them as a nanocarrier, which greatly expands the application of nanomaterials in depression treatment.

How Does Immunomodulatory Nanoceria Work? ROS and Immunometabolism

Dysregulation of the immune system is associated with an overproduction of metabolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent oxidative stress. By buffering excess ROS, cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) (nanoceria) not only protect from oxidative stress consequence of inflammation but also modulate the immune response towards inflammation resolution. Immunomodulation is the modulation (regulatory adjustment) of the immune system. It has natural and human-induced forms, and it is part of immunotherapy, in which immune responses are induced, amplified, attenuated, or prevented according to therapeutic goals. For decades, it has been observed that immune cells transform from relative metabolic quiescence to a highly active metabolic state during activation(1). These changes in metabolism affect fate and function over a broad range of timescales and cell types, always correlated to metabolic changes closely associated with mitochondria number and morphology. The question is how to control the immunochemical potential, thereby regulating the immune response, by administering cellular power supply. In this regard, immune cells show different general catabolic modes relative to their activation status, linked to their specific functions (maintenance, scavenging, defense, resolution, and repair) that can be correlated to different ROS requirements and production. Properly formulated, nanoceria is highly soluble, safe, and potentially biodegradable, and it may overcome current antioxidant substances limitations and thus open a new era for human health management.

Bioactive Chitosan-Based Organometallic Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

Captivating achievements in developing advanced hybrid biostructures through integrating natural biopolymers with inorganic materials (e.g., metals and metalloids) have paved the way towards the application of bioactive organometallic scaffolds (OMSs) in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). Of various biopolymers, chitosan (CS) has been used widely for the development of bioactive OMSs, in large part due to its unique characteristics (e.g., biocompatibility, biodegradability, surface chemistry, and functionalization potential). In integration with inorganic elements, CS has been used to engineer advanced biomimetic matrices to accommodate both embedded cells and drug molecules and serve as scaffolds in TERM. The use of the CS-based OMSs is envisioned to provide a new pragmatic potential in TERM and even in precision medicine. In this review, we aim to elaborate on recent achievements in a variety of CS/metal, CS/metalloid hybrid scaffolds, and discuss their applications in TERM. We also provide comprehensive insights into the formulation, surface modification, characterization, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity of different types of CS-based OMSs.

Ameliorative Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Against Fipronil Impact on Brain Function, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptotic Cascades in Albino Rats

Fipronil (FIP) is an N-phenylpyrazole insecticide that is used extensively in public health and agriculture against a wide range of pests. Exposure to FIP is linked to negative health outcomes in humans and animals including promoting neuronal cell injury, which results in apoptosis through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) on neuronal dysfunction induced by FIP in albino rats. Male rats were randomly classified into four groups: control, FIP (5 mg/kg bwt), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt), and FIP + CeNPs (5 (FIP) + 35 (CeNPs) mg/kg bwt), which were treated orally once daily for 28 consecutive days. Brain antioxidant parameters, histopathology, and mRNA expression of genes related to brain function were evaluated. The results revealed oxidative damage to brain tissues in FIP-treated rats indicated by the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). On the other hand, the FIP’s group that was treated with CeNPs showed decrease in MDA and NO levels and increase in SOD and GPx enzymes activity. Besides, FIP-treated rats showed decreased butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity in comparison to the FIP + CeNPs group. Moreover, FIP caused up-regulation of the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), caspase-3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) but down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) expression. But the FIP + CeNPs group significantly down-regulated the GFAP, NSE, and caspase-3 and up-regulated the gene expression of BCL-2. Additionally, the FIP-treated group of rats had clear degenerative lesions in brain tissue that was reversed to nearly normal cerebral architecture by the FIP + CeNPs treatment. Immunohistochemical examination of brain tissues of rats-treated with FIP showed abundant ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) microglia and caspase-3 and apoptotic cells with nearly negative calbindin and synaptophysin reaction, which were countered by FIP + CeNPs treatment that revealed a critical decrease in caspase-3, Iba-1 reaction with a strong calbindin positive reaction in most of the Purkinje cells and strong synaptophysin reaction in the cerebrum and cerebellum tissues. Based on reported results herein, CeNPs treatment might counteract the neurotoxic effect of FIP pesticide via an antioxidant-mediated mechanism.

A multifunctional CeO2@SiO2-PEG nanoparticle carrier for delivery of food derived proanthocyanidin and curcumin as effective antioxidant, neuroprotective and anticancer agent

The nanoparticle systems could effectively overcome the drug delivery challenges of food bioactive compounds. In this study, a novel and effective multifunctional PEG modified CeO2@SiO2 nanoparticle (CSP-NPs) system was successfully fabricated. Food derived proanthocyanidin (PAC) and curcumin (Cur) were loaded onto CSP-NPs and formed as PAC-NPs and Cur-NPs. Fourier transform Infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the prepared NPs. CSP-NPs, PAC-NPs and Cur-NPs displayed spherical shape with about 35-45 nm size. The bioactivity analysis revealed that CSP-NPs system could effectively deliver PAC and Cur to exhibit strong antioxidant activity, potent neuroprotective effect against Aβ1-42-mediated toxicity in PC-12 cells (recovered cell viability from 57.5% to 81.0% at the dose of 25 μg/mL) and effective antiproliferative effects on HepG2 and Hela cells. Besides, all prepared nanoparticles (0-100 µg/ml) used in this study showed no significant toxicity on cell models of antioxidative and neuroprotective activities, excepting for cancer cells, suggesting that these nanoparticles had the potential of being utilized in drug delivery. Therefore, CSP-NPs might be a promising delivery system for hydrophilic molecule proanthocyanidin and hydrophobic molecule curcumin against the oxidative damage, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, which could facilitate the application of food derived nutrients in functional foods industry.

A Stereological Study of the Toxic Effects of Cerium Oxide during Pregnancy on Kidney Tissues in Neonatal NMRI Mice

Background

Both antioxidant and prooxidant activities have been previously reported for cerium oxide (CeO₂). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CeO₂ at different doses on changes in kidney tissues and markers in neonatal mice.

Methods

We randomly divided 30 pregnant NMRI mice into five groups (n = 6 per group)-a control group and four groups treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of different doses of CeO₂ (10, 25, 80, or 250 mg/kg body weight (bw)) on gestation days (GD) 7 and GD14. At the end of the treatment period, we analyzed the kidney tissues and serum samples. The levels of two serum redox markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), were determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The mean total volumes of the renal corpuscle, glomeruli, and Bowman's capsule membranes significantly increased, and there was a significant decrease in the mean total volume of Bowman's space in the high-dose CeO₂ group compared to that in the control group. No statistically significant differences existed in the serum levels of MDA and FRAP in the treated and control groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that high doses of CeO₂ impair fetal renal development in pregnant mice, which results in kidney damage. Therefore, CeO₂ administration during pregnancy could have dose-dependent adverse effects on the developing kidneys in neonates.

Nano-particle mediated inhibition of Parkinson's disease using computational biology approach

Parkinson's disease (PD) arises as neurodegenerative disorder and characterized by progressive deterioration of motor functions due to forfeiture of dopamine-releasing neurons. During PD, neurons at stake loss their functionality that results into cognition impairment and forgetfulness, commonly called as dementia. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have been reported for easy drug delivery through blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS) against the conventional drug delivery systems. However, present study attempted to elucidate the α-synuclein activity, a major factor casing PD, in presence of its inhibitor cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticle via computational biology approach. A computational analysis was also conducted for the α-synuclein activity with biocompatible metal NPs such as GOLD NPs and SPIONs to scrutinize the efficacy and degree of inhibition induced by the CeO2 NP. The obtained results concluded that CeO2 NP fit best in the active site of α-synuclein with good contacts and interaction, and potentially inhibited the PD against L-DOPA drug selected as positive control in the designed PD biochemical pathway. Hence, CeO2 NP has been purposed as potential inhibitor of α-synuclein and can be employed as nano-drug against the PD.

Toxicity of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

In the recent times, nanomaterials are used in many sectors of science, medicine and industry, without revealing its toxic effects. Thus, it is in urgent need for exploring the toxicity along with the application of such useful nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are categorized with a particle size of 1-100 nm. They have gained increasing attention because of their novel properties, including a large specific surface area and high reaction activity. The various fundamental and practical applications of nanomaterials include drug delivery, cell imaging, and cancer therapy. Nanosized semiconductors have their versatile applications in different areas such as catalysts, sensors, photoelectronic devices, highly functional and effective devices etc. Metal oxides contribute in many areas of chemistry, physics and materials science. Mechanism of toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles can occur by different methods like oxidative stress, co-ordination effects, non-homeostasis effects, genotoxicity and others. Factors that affect the metal oxide nanoparticles were size, dissolution and exposure routes. This chapter will explain elaborately the toxicity of metal oxide nano structures in living beings and their effect in ecosystem.