Therapy for myocardial infarction: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of puerarin-prodrug and tanshinone co-loaded lipid nanoparticulate system

Reactive oxygen species driven prodrug-based nanoscale carriers for transformative therapies

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) drive processes in various pathological conditions serving as an attractive target for therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the development and use of ROS-dependent prodrug-based nanoscale carriers that has transformed many biomedical applications. Incorporating prodrugs into nanoscale carriers not only improves their stability and solubility but also enables site-specific drug delivery ultimately enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of the nanoscale carriers. We critically examine recent advances in ROS-responsive nanoparticulate platforms, encompassing liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanocarriers. These platforms facilitate precise control over drug release upon encountering elevated ROS levels at disease sites, thereby minimizing off-target effects and maximizing therapeutic efficiency. Furthermore, we investigate the potential of combination therapies in which ROS-activated prodrugs are combined with other therapeutic agents and underscore their synergistic potential for treating multifaceted diseases. This comprehensive review highlights the immense potential of ROS-dependent prodrug-based nanoparticulate systems in revolutionizing biomedical applications; such nanoparticulate systems can facilitate selective and controlled drug delivery, reduce toxicity, and improve therapeutic outcomes for ROS-associated diseases.

Research of the dynamic regulatory mechanism of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills on myocardial infarction based on metabolic trajectory analysis

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiovascular disease, which presents different pathophysiological changes with the prolongation of the disease. Compound danshen dripping pills (CDDP) has obvious advantages in MI treatment and widely used in the clinic. However, the current studies were mostly focused on the endpoint of CDDP intervention, lacking the dynamic attention to the disease process. It is of great value to establish a dynamic research strategy focused on the changes in pharmacodynamic substances for guiding clinical medication more precisely.

PURPOSE

It is aimed to explore the dynamic regulating pattern of CDDP on MI based on metabolic trajectory analysis, and then clarify the variation characteristic biomarkers and pharmacodynamic substances in the intervention process.

METHODS

The MI model was successfully prepared by coronary artery left anterior descending branch ligation, and then CDDP intervention was given for 28 days. Endogenous metabolites and the components of CDDP in serum were measured by LC/MS technique simultaneously to identify dynamic the metabolic trajectory and screen the characteristic pharmacodynamic substances at different points. Finally, network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to simulate the core pharmacodynamic substances and core target binding, then validated at the genetic and protein level by Q-PCR and western blotting technology.

RESULTS

CDDP performed typical dynamic regulation features on metabolite distribution, biological processes, and pharmacodynamic substances. During 1-7 days, it mainly regulated lipid metabolism and inflammation, the Phosphatidylcholine (PC(18:1(9Z/18:1(9Z)) and Sphingomyelin (SM(d18:1/23:1(9Z)), SM(d18:1/24:1(15Z)), SM(d18:0/16:1(9Z))) were the main characteristic biomarkers. Lipid metabolism was the mainly regulation pathway during 14-21 days, and the characteristic biomarkers were the Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPE(0:0/20:0), PE-NMe2(22:1(13Z)/15:0)) and Sphingomyelin (SM(d18:1/23:1(9Z))). At 28 days, in addition to inflammatory response and lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism also played the most important role. Correspondingly, Lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC(20:0/0:0)), Lysophosphatidylserine (LPS(18:0/0:0)) and Fatty acids (Linoelaidic acid) were the characteristic biomarkers. Based on the results of metabolite distribution and biological process, the characteristic pharmacodynamic substances during the intervention were further identified. The results showed that various kinds of Saponins and Tanshinones as the important active ingredients performed a long-range regulating effect on MI. And the other components, such as Tanshinol and Salvianolic acid B affected Phosphatidylcholine and Sphingomyelin through Relaxin Signaling pathway during the early intervention. Protocatechualdehyde and Rosmarinic acid affected Lysophosphatidylethanolamine and Sphingomyelin through EGFR Tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance during the late intervention. Tanshinone IIB and Isocryptotanshinone via PPAR signaling pathway affected Lysophosphatidylcholine, Lysophosphatidylserine, and Fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

The dynamic regulating pattern was taken as the entry point and constructs the dynamic network based on metabolic trajectory analysis, establishes the dynamic correlation between the drug-derived components and the endogenous metabolites, and elucidates the characteristic biomarkers affecting the changes of the pharmacodynamic indexes, systematically and deeply elucidate the pharmacodynamic substance and mechanism of CDDP on MI. It also enriched the understanding of CDDP and provided a methodological reference for the dynamic analysis of complex systems of TCM.

Advanced Nanomedicine Approaches for Myocardial Infarction Treatment

Myocardial infarction, usually caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, leads to irreversible ischemic cardiomyocyte death within hours followed by impaired cardiac performance or even heart failure. Current interventional reperfusion strategies for myocardial infarction still face high mortality with the development of heart failure. Nanomaterial-based therapy has made great progress in reducing infarct size and promoting cardiac repair after MI, although most studies are preclinical trials. This review focuses primarily on recent progress (2016-now) in the development of various nanomedicines in the treatment of myocardial infarction. We summarize these applications with the strategy of mechanism including anti-cardiomyocyte death strategy, activation of neovascularization, antioxidants strategy, immunomodulation, anti-cardiac remodeling, and cardiac repair.

Advances in Nanoparticles in the Prevention and Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most prevalent types of cardiovascular disease. During MI, myocardial cells become ischemic and necrotic due to inadequate blood perfusion, leading to irreversible damage to the heart. Despite the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of MI, their effects are still unsatisfactory. Nanoparticles represent a new strategy for the pre-treatment and treatment of MI, and novel multifunctional nanoparticles with preventive and therapeutic capabilities hold promise for the prevention and treatment of this disease. This review summarizes the common types and properties of nanoparticles, and focuses on the research progress of nanoparticles for the prevention and treatment of MI.

Fabrication and characterization of pectin-zein nanoparticles containing tanshinone using anti-solvent precipitation method

Tanshinone compounds are secondary metabolites which their application in food and pharmaceutical industry is limited due to the low solubility in water and sensitivity to heat. This study aimed to develop a novel biopolymer nanocarriers system based on pectin/zein for the encapsulation of tanshinone compounds using the anti-solvent precipitation method. The concentration of pectin and mass ratio of tanshinone/zein in the final formulation of nanoparticles were optimized. According to the results, a pectin concentration of 1 g/L and a tanshinone/zein ratio of 0.1:1 g/g were considered the optimal nanoparticle formulation. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited a spherical core-shell structure, with approximate values for size, zeta potential, TSI, and encapsulation efficiency of 132 ± 0.002 nm, -38.6 ± 0.019 mV, 0.600 ± 0.084, and 79.41 ± 0.62 %, respectively. The FTIR test confirmed the presence of hydrophobic, hydrogen, and electrostatic interactions among the constituents within the nanoparticles. Additionally, XRD and DSC tests verified the amorphous nature of the nanoparticles. Morphological examination conducted through TEM, and SEM revealed the characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles. Furthermore, this carrier system significantly enhanced the solubility of tanshinone compounds in water.

Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural Products

Natural products have proven to have significant curative effects and are increasingly considered as potential candidates for clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Compared with synthetic drugs, natural products not only have diverse structures but also exhibit a range of biological activities against different disease states and molecular targets, making them attractive for development in the field of medicine. Despite advancements in the use of natural products for clinical purposes, there remain obstacles that hinder their full potential. These challenges include issues such as limited solubility and stability when administered orally, as well as short durations of effectiveness. To address these concerns, nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the barriers faced in the clinical application of natural products. These systems offer notable advantages, such as a large specific surface area, enhanced targeting capabilities, and the ability to achieve sustained and controlled release. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have provided further evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle-based systems in delivering natural products in preclinical disease models. This review describes the limitations of natural product applications and the current status of natural products combined with nanotechnology. The latest advances in nano-drug delivery systems for delivery of natural products are considered from three aspects: connecting targeting warheads, self-assembly, and co-delivery. Finally, the challenges faced in the clinical translation of nano-drugs are discussed.

Effects of Puerarin-Loaded Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is recognized as a common refractory orthopedic disease that causes severe pain and poor quality of life in patients. Puerarin (Pue), a natural isoflavone glycoside, can promote osteogenesis and inhibit apoptosis of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), demonstrating its great potential in the treatment of osteonecrosis. However, its low aqueous solubility, fast degradation in vivo, and inadequate bioavailability, limit its clinical application and therapeutic efficacy. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are promising novel DNA nanomaterials in drug delivery. In this study, tFNAs as Pue carriers is used and synthesized a tFNA/Pue complex (TPC) that exhibited better stability, biocompatibility, and tissue utilization than free Pue. A dexamethasone (DEX)-treated BMSC model in vitro and a methylprednisolone (MPS)-induced ONFH model in vivo is also established, to explore the regulatory effects of TPC on osteogenesis and apoptosis of BMSCs. This findings showed that TPC can restore osteogenesis dysfunction and attenuated BMSC apoptosis induced by high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) through the hedgehog and Akt/Bcl-2 pathways, contributing to the prevention of GC-induced ONFH in rats. Thus, TPC is a promising drug for the treatment of ONFH and other osteogenesis-related diseases.

Acute myocardial infarction therapy using calycosin and tanshinone co-loaded; mitochondrion-targeted tetrapeptide and cyclic arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid peptide co-modified lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system: preparation, characterization, and anti myocardial infarction activity assessment

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common ischemic heart diseases. However, lack of sufficient drug concentration (in the ischemic heart) is the major factor of treatment failure. It is urgent for researchers to engineer novel drug delivery systems to enhance the targeted delivery of cardioprotective agents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-AMI ability of calycosin (CAL) and tanshinone (TAN) co-loaded; mitochondrion-targeted tetrapeptide (MTP) and cyclic arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide co-modified nano-system.: We prepared CAL and TAN combined lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system, and RGD was modified to the system to achieve RGD-CAL/TAN NS. MTP-131 was conjugated with PEG and modified onto the nanoparticles to achieve dual ligands co-modified MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS. The physicochemical properties of nano-systems were characterized. The AMI therapy ability of the systems was investigated in AMI rats' model. The size of MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS was 170.2 ± 5.6 nm, with a surface charge of -18.9 ± 1.9 mV. The area under the curve (AUC) and blood circulation half-life (T_1/2) of MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS was 178.86 ± 6.62 μg·min/mL and 0.47 h, respectively. MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the most significant infarct size reduction effect of 22.9%. MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the highest heart accumulation and best infarct size reduction effect, which could be used as a promising system for efficient treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Acute myocardial infarction therapy using calycosin and tanshinone co-loaded mitochondria targeted lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system: Preparation, characterization, and anti myocardial infarction activity assessment

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common ischemic heart diseases. However, lack of sufficient drug concentrations in the ischemic heart may led to treatment failure. It is urgent for researchers to engineer novel drug delivery systems to enhance the targeted delivery of cardioprotective agents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-AMI ability of calycosin (CAL) and tanshinone (TAN) co-loaded mitochondria targeted lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system.

METHODS

CAL and TAN combined lipid-polymer hybrid nano-systems were prepared and MTP-131 was conjugated with PEG and modified onto the nanoparticles to achieve MTP-CAL/TAN NS. The physicochemical properties of nano-systems were characterized, the AMI therapy ability of the systems was investigated in AMI rats' model.

RESULTS

The size of MTP-CAL/TAN NS was 168.7 ± 5.1 nm, with a surface charge of - 21.3 ± 2.3 mV. The area under the curve (AUC) and blood circulation half-life (T_1/2) of MTP-CAL/TAN NS was 178.86 ± 6.62 μg·min/mL and 0.47 h, respectively. MTP-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the most significant infarct size reduction effect of 23.9 %.

CONCLUSION

MTP-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the highest heart accumulation and best infarct size reduction effect, which could be used as a promising system for efficient treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Pharmacological Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin

As a kind of medicine and food homologous plant, kudzu root (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) is called an "official medicine" in Chinese folk medicine. Puerarin is the main active component extracted from kudzu root, and its structural formula is 8-β-D-grapes pyranose-4, 7-dihydroxy isoflavone, with a white needle crystal; it is slightly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is colorless or light yellow. Puerarin is a natural antioxidant with high health value and has a series of biological activities such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor effects, immunity improvement, and cardio-cerebrovascular and nerve cell protection. In particular, for the past few years, it has also been extensively used in clinical study. This review focuses on the antioxidant activity of puerarin, the therapy of diverse types of inflammatory diseases, various new drug delivery systems of puerarin, the "structure-activity relationship" of puerarin and its derivatives, and pharmacokinetic and clinical studies, which can provide a new perspective for the puerarin-related drug research and development, clinical application, and further development and utilization.

Prostate Cancer Therapy Using Docetaxel and Formononetin Combination: Hyaluronic Acid and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Targeted Peptide Dual Ligands Modified Binary Nanoparticles to Facilitate the in vivo Anti-Tumor Activity

Objective

To evaluate the prostate cancer therapy efficiency of the synergistic combination docetaxel (DTX) and formononetin (FMN) in one nano-sized drug delivery system. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted peptide (GE11) dual ligands were applied to modify the nano-systems.

Methods

In this study, GE11-modified nanoparticles (GE-NPs) were applied for the loading of DTX, and HA-decorated NPs (HA-NPs) were used to encapsulate FMN. HA and GE11 dual ligand-modified binary nanoparticles (HAGE-DTX/FMN-NPs) were constructed by the self-assembling of GE-NPs and HA-NPs. The anti-PCa ability of the system was evaluated in vitro on PC-3 human prostate carcinoma cells (PC3 cells) and in vivo on PC3 tumor-bearing mice in comparison with single NPs and free drugs formulations.

Results

HA/GE-DTX/FMN-NPs were nano-sized particles with smaller particles coating on the inner core and achieved a size of 189.5 nm. HA/GE-DTX/FMN-NPs showed a cellular uptake efficiency of 59.6%, and a more efficient inhibition effect on PC3 cells compared with single ligand-modified NPs and free drugs. HA/GE-DTX/FMN-NPs showed significantly higher tumor inhibition efficiency than their single drug-loaded counterparts and free drugs.

Conclusion

HA/GE-DTX/FMN-NPs have a synergistic anti-tumor effect and also could the reduce unexpected side effects during the cancer therapy. It could be used as a promising anti-PCa system.

Effects of Puerarin on the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Puerarin, an isoflavone glycoside derived from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, has been identified as a pharmacologically active component with diverse benefits. A large number of experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that puerarin is widely used in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the world, and therefore remain one of the most prominent global public health concerns. In this review, we systematically analyze the preclinical investigations of puerarin in CVDs, such as atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, diabetic cardiovascular complications, myocardial infarction, stroke and hypertension. In addition, the potential molecular targets of puerarin are also discussed. Furthermore, we summarize the clinical trails of puerarin in the treatment of CVDs. Finally, the therapeutic effects of puerarin derivatives and its drug delivery systems are overviewed.

Acute myocardial infarction therapy: in vitro and in vivo evaluation of atrial natriuretic peptide and triphenylphosphonium dual ligands modified, baicalin-loaded nanoparticulate system

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common ischemic heart diseases. It is very essential to explore new types of cardioprotective drugs delivery systems in this area.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of baicalin (BA) and puerarin (PU) against acute MI rat models. BA and PU co-loaded nanoparticulate system were developed to improve bioavailability of the drugs, to prolong retention time in vivo and to enhance the protective effect.

Methods

In the present study, ANP and TPP contained ligands were synthesized. ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs were prepared and its physico-chemical properties were evaluated. The MI therapy efficiency of ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs was assessed in rats after intravenous injection. Single ligand contained LPNs, no ligand contained LPNs, and BN solution formulations were also prepared and used for the comparison.

Results

ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs were uniform and spheroidal particles. The size of ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs was 98.5 ± 2.9 nm, with a zeta potential of –19.5 ± 1.9 mV. The dual ligands modified LPNs exhibited significantly improved therapeutic efficiency compared with the single ligand modified LPNs and other systems. In vivo infarct therapy studies in rats proved that ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs were a promising system for efficient delivery of cardiovascular drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions

ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs could be used as a long-circulating and heart-targeting drug delivery system.

De novo Drug Delivery Modalities for Treating Damaged Hearts: Current Challenges and Emerging Solutions

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality, resulting in approximately one-third of deaths worldwide. Among CVD, acute myocardial infarctions (MI) is the leading cause of death. Current treatment modalities for treating CVD have improved over the years, but the demand for new and innovative therapies has been on the rise. The field of nanomedicine and nanotechnology has opened a new paradigm for treating damaged hearts by providing improved drug delivery methods, specifically targeting injured areas of the myocardium. With the advent of innovative biomaterials, newer therapeutics such as growth factors, stem cells, and exosomes have been successfully delivered to the injured myocardial tissue, promoting improvement in cardiac function. This review focuses on three major drug delivery modalities: nanoparticles, microspheres, and hydrogels, and their potential for treating damaged hearts following an MI.

Combination therapy of tanshinone IIA and puerarin for pulmonary fibrosis via targeting IL6-JAK2-STAT3/STAT1 signaling pathways

Efficient therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is still a major challenge. The current studies with single-target drug therapy are the pessimistic approaches due to the complex characteristics of IPF. Here, a combination therapy of Tanshinone IIA and Puerarin for IPF was proposed to alleviate IPF due to their antiinflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. In vivo, the combination therapy could significantly attenuate the area of ground glass opacification that was presented by 85% percentile density score of the micro-CT images when compared to single conditions. In addition, the combination therapy enormously improved the survival rate and alleviated pathological changes in bleomycin (BLM)-induced IPF mice. By using a wide spectrum of infiltration biomarkers in immunofluorescence assay in pathological sections, we demonstrate that fewer IL6 related macrophage infiltration and fibrosis area after this combination therapy, and further proved that IL6-JAK2-STAT3/STAT1 is the key mechanism of the combination therapy. In vitro, combination therapy markedly inhibited the fibroblasts activation and migration which was induced by TGF-β1 or/and IL6 through JAK2-STAT3/STAT1 signaling pathway. This study demonstrated that combination therapeutic effect of TanIIA and Pue on IPF may be related to the reduced inflammatory response targeting IL6, which could be an optimistic and effective approach for IPF.

Theranostic Applications of Nanomaterials in the Field of Cardiovascular Diseases

A large percentage of people are being exposed to mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. Convention approaches have not provided satisfactory outcomes in the management of these diseases. To overcome the limitations of conventional approaches, nanomaterials like nanoparticles, nanotubes, micelles, lipid based nanocarriers, dendrimers, carbon based nano-formulations represent the new aspect of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The unique inherent properties of the nanomaterials are the major reasons for their rapidly growing demand in the field of medicine. Profound knowledge in the field of nanotechnology and biomedicine is needed for the notable translation of nanomaterials into theranostic cardiovascular applications. In this review, the authors have summarized different nanomaterials which are being extensively used to diagnose and treat the diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, stroke and thrombosis.

Preparation and properties of Pue-loaded HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles

Puerarin (Pue) is the most abundant isoflavonoid in kudzu root. It has been widely used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, poor-bioavailability of puerarin is the main obstacle to its widespread clinical applications. In this paper, HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles were prepared by chemical modification, noncovalent modification and etc, and characterized by means of FT-IR, ultraviolet (UV) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of Pue-loaded HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles were 45.1% and 19.89% by UV, respectively. It could be observed from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images that HA-ADH-PS micelles appeared obvious spherical structure in the water. The particle size of HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles and Pue-loaded HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles were about 136.8 nm and 119.5 nm with a PDI of 0.237 and 0.272, respectively. The fluorescence probe method was used to characterize the critical micelle concentration, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of the nanomicells was 0.002 g/L and the results met the requirements and ensured the stability of micelles after dilution. DPPH assay suggested that Pue-loaded HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles had an obvious radical scavenging effect in vitro. MTT test showed that Pue-loaded HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles was non-toxic and had good biocompatibility. Thus, Pue-loaded HA-ADH-PS nanomicelles could be used as a potential drug carrier for puerarin.