A double-edged sword: DLG5 in diseases

Unveiling innovative therapeutic strategies and future trajectories on stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for targeted treatment of breast carcinoma

This comprehensive review delineates the latest advancements in stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems engineered for the targeted treatment of breast carcinoma. The manuscript commences by introducing mammary carcinoma and the current therapeutic methodologies, underscoring the urgency for innovative therapeutic strategies. Subsequently, it elucidates the logic behind the employment of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, which promise targeted drug administration and the minimization of adverse reactions. The review proffers an in-depth analysis of diverse types of stimuli-responsive systems, including thermoresponsive, pH-responsive, and enzyme-responsive nanocarriers. The paramount importance of material choice, biocompatibility, and drug loading strategies in the design of these systems is accentuated. The review explores characterization methodologies for stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and probes preclinical evaluations of their efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution in mammary carcinoma models. Clinical applications of stimuli-responsive systems, ongoing clinical trials, the potential of combination therapies, and the utility of multifunctional nanocarriers for the co-delivery of assorted drugs and therapies are also discussed. The manuscript addresses the persistent challenge of drug resistance in mammary carcinoma and the potential of stimuli-responsive systems in surmounting it. Regulatory and safety considerations, including FDA guidelines and biocompatibility assessments, are outlined. The review concludes by spotlighting future trajectories and emergent technologies in stimuli-responsive drug delivery, focusing on pioneering approaches, advancements in nanotechnology, and personalized medicine considerations. This review aims to serve as a valuable compendium for researchers and clinicians interested in the development of efficacious and safe stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for the treatment of breast carcinoma.

YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling axis: A new therapeutic target in malignant pleural mesothelioma

The Hippo signalling pathway, a highly conserved signalling cassette, regulates organ size by controlling cell growth, apoptosis and stem cell self-renewal. The tumourigenic potential of this pathway is largely attributed to the activity of YAP/TAZ, which activate the TEAD1-4 transcription factors, leading to the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and suppression of cell death. Aberrant regulation of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling axis is commonly observed in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an insidious neoplasm of the pleural tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs with poor prognosis. Given the limited effectiveness of current treatments, targeting the YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling cascade has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in MPM. Several inhibitors of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling axis are presently undergoing clinical development, with the goal of advancing them to clinical use in the near future.

The role of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in inflammatory arthritis: A therapeutic strategy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as a persistent inflammatory autoimmune disorder leading to the subsequent erosion of articular cartilage and bone tissue originating from the synovium. The fundamental objective of therapeutic interventions in RA has been the suppression of inflammation. Nevertheless, conventional medicines that lack target specificity may exhibit unpredictable effects on cell metabolism. In recent times, there has been evidence suggesting that specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which are lipid metabolites, have a role in facilitating the resolution of inflammation and the reestablishment of tissue homeostasis. SPMs are synthesized by immune cells through the enzymatic conversion of omega-3 fatty acids. In the context of RA, there is a possibility of dysregulation in the production of these SPMs. In this review, we delve into the present comprehension of the endogenous functions of SPMs in RA as lipids that exhibit pro-resolutive, protective, and immunoresolvent properties.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded miR-451a targets ATF2 to improve rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation, with synovial fibroblasts (SFs) playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in SFs contributes to RA development. Exosomes (Exos) have emerged as effective carriers for therapeutic molecules, facilitating miRNA transfer between cells. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Exos derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), loaded with miR-451a, to modulate ATF2 expression, aiming to address RA in both in vivo and in vitro settings.

METHODS

In this study, hUCMSC and RA SFs were isolated and identified, and hUCMSC-Exos were extracted and characterized. The influence of hUCMSC-Exos on RA SFs was detected. And hUCMSC-Exos targeting RA SFs was traced. HUCMSCKD-AGO2 was prepared by knocking down AGO2 in hUCMSC. HUCMSCKD-AGO2-Exos was extracted and characterized,and their influence on RA SFs was detected. The miRNA profiles before and after hUCMSC-Exos intervention in RA SFs were mapped to identify differential miRNAs. RT-qPCR was used to verify the differential miRNAs, with hsa-miR-451a finally selected as the target gene. The effect of miR-451a on SFs was detected. The latent binding of miR-451a to activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) was analyzed. The effect of hUCMSC-ExosmiR-451a on SFs was detected, and the expression of miR-451a and ATF2 was measured by RT-PCR. In vivo, hUCMSC-ExosmiR-451a was injected into the ankle joint of CIA rats, and arthritis index, joint imaging and synovial pathology were assessed. The expression of miR-451a and ATF2 in synovial tissue was detected. Finally, the safety of hUCMSC-ExosmiR-451a in CIA rats was evaluated.

RESULTS

This study revealed that hUCMSC-Exos can inhibit RA SFs proliferation, migration and invasion through miRNAs. High throughput sequencing detected 13 miRNAs that could be transmitted from hUCMSCs to RA SFs via hUCMSC-Exos. miR-451a inhibited RA SFs proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating ATF2. hUCMSC-Exos loaded with miR-451a targeted ATF2 to inhibit RA SFs proliferation, migration and invasion, and improve joint inflammation and imaging findings in CIA rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that miR-451a carried by hUCMSC-Exos can play a role in inhibiting RA SFs biological traits and improving arthritis in CIA rats by inhibiting ATF2. The findings suggest a promising treatment for RA and provide insights into the mechanism of action of hUCMSC-Exos in RA. Future research directions will continue to explore the potential in this field.

Design of bio-scaffold conjugated with chitosan-PEG nano-carriers containing bio-macromolecules of Verbascum sinuatum L. to differentiate human adipose-derived stem cells into dermal keratinocytes

Regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems provide promising approaches for the treatment of skin lesions. However, the design of engineered substrates containing therapeutic agents for cell proliferation and its differentiation into skin cells, with skin-like patterns, is the major challenge. Here, to overcome this problem, a hybrid scaffold conjugated with nanoparticles containing the extract of Verbascum sinuatum L. flowers (HE) was designed. To this end, (chitosan-PEG)-based nanocarriers (Chi-PEG) were first prepared in the volume ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 50:50 v/v. The results indicated that the 70:30 ratio possessed better physical/morphologic properties along with more suitable stability than other nanoparticles (encapsulation-efficiency:86.34 %, zeta-potential:21.2 mV, and PDI:0.30). Afterward, PCL-collagen biologic scaffold (PCL-Coll) were prepared by the lyophilization method, then conjugated with selected nanoparticles(Chi-PEG70:30-HE). Notably, in addition to PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG-HE, two scaffolds of PCL-Coll and PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG were prepared to evaluate the role of conjugation in the release behavior of herbal bio-macromolecules. Based on the results, the conjugation process was led to a more stable release, compared to unconjugated nanoparticles. The mentioned process also created an integrated network along with better physicomechanical properties [modulus:12.31 MPa, tensile strength:4.44 MPa, smaller pore size(2 μm), and better swelling (100.27 %) with a symmetrical wettability on the surface]. PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG-HE scaffold was also resulted in higher expression levels of K10 and K14 keratinocytes with biomimetic patterns than PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG scaffold. This could be due to the active ingredients of V. sinuatum extract like alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids which imparts the wound healing (anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant) properties to this scaffold. It seems that the use of bioactive materials like herbal extracts, in the form of encapsulated into polymeric nanocarriers, in the structure of engineered scaffolds can be a promising option for regenerating damaged skin without scarring. Hence, this study can provide innovative insights into the combination of two techniques of drug delivery and tissue engineering to design bio-scaffolds containing bioactive molecules with better therapeutic approaches.

Novel benzimidazole derivatives as effective inhibitors of prolyl oligopeptidase: synthesis, in vitro and in silico analysis

Background: This research aims to discover novel derivatives having potential therapeutic applications in treating conditions related to prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) dysfunction. Method: Novel benzimidazole derivatives have been synthesized, characterized and screened for their in vitro POP inhibition. Results: All these derivatives showed excellent-to-good inhibitory activities in the range of IC50 values of 3.61 ± 0.15 to 43.72 ± 1.18 μM, when compared with standard Z-prolyl-prolinal. The docking analysis revealed the strong interactions between our compounds and the target enzyme, providing critical insights into their binding affinities and potential implications for drug development. Conclusion: The significance of these compounds in targeting POP enzyme offers promising prospects for future research in the field of neuropharmacology.

Coconut husk-derived nanocellulose as reinforcing additives in thermal-responsive hydrogels

Nanocellulose has been widely used as a reinforcing agent for hydrogel systems, but its functions on thermal responsive hydrogels are rarely investigated. In this study, we extracted cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from coconut biomass (coir fibers and piths, respectively) and aimed to study their effects on the material properties on a new class of thermogel (poly(PCL/PEG/PPG urethane). The CNFs extracted from fiber (FF) and piths (FP) showed different morphology and fiber lengths. FF are uniformed individual fibrous networks with a fiber length of 664 ± 416 nm, while FP display a hybrid structure consisting of individual fiber and large bundles with a relative shorter fiber length of 443 ± 184 nm. Integrating both CNFs into thermogels remained the thermal-responsive characteristics with an enhanced rheological property. The results showed that gels with FF resulted in a higher storage modulus and lower Tan δ value compared to those with FP, indicating that the CNFs with a longer length could form a more intertwined network interacting with the thermogel matrix. Furthermore, we demonstrated the improved capabilities of the nanocomposite thermogels for sustained drug delivery in vitro. This study not only value-adds lignocellulose valorization but also elevates the versatility of thermogels.

Development of a high-performance label-free electrochemical immunosensor for early cancer diagnosis using anti-CEA/Ag-MOF/GO/GCE nanocomposite

In order to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a tumor marker in lung cancer for early cancer diagnosis, this study aimed to develop a label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on the immobilization of an Anti-CEA antibody on a metal-organic framework (MOF)-graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (Anti-CEA/Ag-MOF/GO/GCE). Ag-MOF/GO nanocomposite was prepared on the GCE surface using the ultrasonic irradiation method, and Anti-CEA antibody was subsequently immobilized on the surface. Analysis of the crystal structure and morphology of the modified electrode using FE-SEM and XRD revealed that the correct combination of GO nanosheets and Ag-MOF nanoparticles produced a high surface area to trap the antibodies. Electrochemical tests utilizing the CV and DPV methods revealed that the immunosensor's sensitivity, stability, and selectivity were improved by Anti-CEA/Ag-MOF/GO/GCE. Results showed that, with a detection limit of 0.005 ng/mL, the change in the reduction peak current was inversely correlated with the logarithm concentration of CEA in the range of 10-3 to 5000 ng/mL. The suggested CEA immunosensor's applicability in a human serum sample was investigated, and findings of analytical studies via standard addition technique for both ELISA and DPV assays revealed that significant agreement existed between the outcomes of the two assays. Additionally, the recoveries ranged from 99.00% to 99.25%, and all relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the sample detections were below 5.01%, indicating satisfactory accuracy in results measured with the proposed CEA immunosensor, indicating that the prepared CEA immunosensor in this study can be used in clinical applications and human fluids.

A biosensor based on graphene oxide nanocomposite for determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in colorectal cancer biomarker

Colorectal cancer is still a major global health concern, and early detection and accurate biomarker analyses are critical to its successful management. This paper describes the design and testing of a new biosensor based on a graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite for the exact measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a well-known biomarker for colorectal cancer. The current study attempted to create a highly sensitive immunosensor for sensitive measurement of CEA based on a polypropylene-imine-dendrimer (PPI) and GO nanocomposite on GCE (PPI/GO/GCE). The PPI/GO nanocomposite served as an appropriate biocompatible nanostructure with a large surface area for immobilizing carcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules (BSA/anti-CEA/PPI/GO/GCE), thereby promoting the selectivity of electrochemical immunosensors, according to structural and electrochemical studies. Results showed that the BSA/anti-CEA/PPI/GO/GCE as a selective, sensitive, and stable immunosensor revealed a wide linear response from 0.001 to 2000 ng/mL, and a limit of detection of 0.3 pg/mL, which indicated comparable or better performance towards the CEA immunosensors in recent reports in the literature. This was due to the synergetic effect of the GO nanosheets and PPI with porous structure and more conductivity. Analytical results showed values of RSD (4.49%-5.04%) and recovery (90.00%-99.98%) are suitable for effective and accurate practical assessments in CEA in clinical samples. The capacity of the BSA/anti-CEA/PPI/GO/GCE to determine CEA in human blood was studied.

The iron group transition-metal (Fe, Ru, Os) coordination of Se-doped graphitic carbon (Se@g-C3N4) nanostructures for the smart therapeutic delivery of zidovudine (ZVD) as an antiretroviral drug: a theoretical calculation perspective

This study employed density functional theory (DFT) computational techniques at the ωB97XD/def2svp level of theory to comprehensively explore the electronic behavior of Fe-group transition metal (Fe, Ru, Os) coordination of Se-doped graphitic carbon (Se@g-C3N4) nanosystems in the smart delivery of zidovudine (ZVD), an antiretroviral drug. The HOMO-LUMO results of the interactions show a general reduction in energy gap values across all complexes in the following order: ZVD_Se@C3N4 < ZVD_Ru_Se@C3N4 < ZVD_Fe_Se@C3N4 < ZVD_Os_Se@C3N4. ZVD_Se@C3N4 exhibits the smallest post-interaction band gap of 3.783 eV, while ZVD_Os_Se@C3N4 presents the highest energy band gap of 5.438 eV. Results from the corrected adsorption energy (BSSE) revealed that Os_Se@C3N4 and Ru_Se@C3N4 demonstrated more negative adsorption energies of -2.67 and -2.701 eV, respectively, pointing to a more favorable interaction between ZVD and these systems, thus potentially enhancing the drug delivery efficiency. The investigation into the drug release mechanism from the adsorbents involved a comprehensive examination of the dipole moment and the influence of pH, shedding light on the controlled release of ZVD. Additionally, investigating the energy decomposition analysis (EDA) revealed that ZVD_Ru_Se@C3N4 and ZVD_Fe_Se@C3N4 exhibited the same total energy of -787.7 kJ mol-1. This intriguing similarity in their total energy levels suggested that their stability was governed by factors beyond reactivity, possibly due to intricate orbital interactions. Furthermore, analyzing the bond dissociation energies showed that all systems exhibited negative enthalpy values, indicating that these systems were exothermic at both surface and interaction levels, thus suggesting that these processes emitted heat, contributing to the surrounding thermal energy.

Evaluation of Long Non-coding RNA (LncRNA) in the Pathogenesis of Chemotherapy Resistance in Cervical Cancer: Diagnostic and Prognostic Approach

Cervical cancer (CC), caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is a leading cause of female malignancies worldwide. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of CC development and identifying novel therapeutic targets are significantly important. Cisplatin resistance is a significant challenge in the management of CC. Recent studies highlighted the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulation of cisplatin resistance. This comprehensive review aims to collect the current understanding roles of lncRNAs and their involvement in cisplatin resistance in CC by highlighting key processes of cancer progression, including apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We discussed the role of lncRNA in CC resistance to cisplatin through molecular pathways and examined gene expression changes. We also discussed treatment strategies and factors that reduce CC resistance to cisplatin by targeting them.