Effects of gold nanoparticles administration through behavioral and oxidative parameters in animal model of Parkinson’s disease

Medical Applications of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanostructures Based on Silver or Gold Core: Recent Progress and Innovations

Nanoparticles (NPs) of noble metals such as silver (Ag NPs) or gold (Au NPs) draw the attention of scientists looking for new compounds to use in medical applications. Scientists have used metal NPs because of their easy preparation, biocompatibility, ability to influence the shape and size or modification, and surface functionalization. However, to fully use their capabilities, both the benefits and their potential threats should be considered. One possibility to reduce the potential threat and thus prevent the extinction of their properties resulting from the agglomeration, they are covered with a neutral material, thus obtaining core-shell nanostructures that can be further modified and functionalized depending on the subsequent application. In this review, we focus on discussing the properties and applications of Ag NPs and Au NPs in the medical field such as the treatment of various diseases, drug carriers, diagnostics, and many others. In addition, the following review also discusses the use and potential applications of Ag@SiO2 and Au@SiO2 core-shell nanostructures, which can be used in cancer therapy and diagnosis, treatment of infections, or tissue engineering.

Selenium Nanoparticles as Neuroprotective Agents: Insights into Molecular Mechanisms for Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Oxidative stress and the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain are the main causes of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several nanoparticles have been used as therapeutics for PD. Despite their therapeutic potential, these nanoparticles induce multiple stresses upon entry. Selenium (Se), an essential nutrient in the human body, helps in DNA formation, stress control, and cell protection from damage and infections. It can also regulate thyroid hormone metabolism, reduce brain damage, boost immunity, and promote reproductive health. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs), a bioactive substance, have been employed as treatments in several disciplines, particularly as antioxidants. Se-NP, whether functionalized or not, can protect mitochondria by enhancing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes in the brain. They can also promote dopamine synthesis. By inhibiting the aggregation of tau, α-synuclein, and/or Aβ, they can reduce the cellular toxicities. The ability of the blood-brain barrier to absorb Se-NPs which maintain a healthy microenvironment is essential for brain homeostasis. This review focuses on stress-induced neurodegeneration and its critical control using Se-NP. Due to its ability to inhibit cellular stress and the pathophysiologies of PD, Se-NP is a promising neuroprotector with its anti-inflammatory, non-toxic, and antimicrobial properties.

Curcumin nanogel and its efficacy against oxidative stress and inflammation in rat models of ischemic stroke

Aim: The study was designed to develop and analyze curcumin nanoparticles. Methods: Curcumin nanoparticles were formulated and evaluated. Their efficacy in protecting against brain damage was investigated in a rat model of ischemic stroke, considering motor function, muscle strength and antioxidant enzyme activity. Results: Curcumin nanoparticles displayed a zeta potential of -55 ± 13.5 mV and an average particle size of 51.40 ± 21.70 nm. In ischemic stroke rat models, curcumin nanoparticle treatment significantly improved motor functions, and muscle strength and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: Curcumin nanoparticles showed significant neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke models.

Gold Nanoparticles in Neurological Diseases: A Review of Neuroprotection

This review explores the diverse applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in neurological diseases, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and stroke. The introduction highlights the pivotal role of neuroinflammation in these disorders and introduces the unique properties of AuNPs. The review's core examines the mechanisms by which AuNPs exert neuroprotection and anti-neuro-inflammatory effects, elucidating various pathways through which they manifest these properties. The potential therapeutic applications of AuNPs in AD are discussed, shedding light on promising avenues for therapy. This review also explores the prospects of utilizing AuNPs in PD interventions, presenting a hopeful outlook for future treatments. Additionally, the review delves into the potential of AuNPs in providing neuroprotection after strokes, emphasizing their significance in mitigating cerebrovascular accidents' aftermath. Experimental findings from cellular and animal models are consolidated to provide a comprehensive overview of AuNPs' effectiveness, offering insights into their impact at both the cellular and in vivo levels. This review enhances our understanding of AuNPs' applications in neurological diseases and lays the groundwork for innovative therapeutic strategies in neurology.

Recent Advancements in Nanomaterials: A Promising Way to Manage Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are some of the most prevalent disorders currently afflicting healthcare systems. Many of these diseases share similar pathological hallmarks, including elevated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the nervous system's structure and function. The development of diagnostic and therapeutic materials in the monitoring and treatment of these diseases remains challenging. One of the biggest challenges facing therapeutic and diagnostic materials is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a multifunctional membrane possessing a plethora of biochemical, cellular, and immunological features that ensure brain homeostasis by preventing the entry and accumulation of unwanted compounds. With regards to neurodegenerative diseases, the recent application of tailored nanomaterials (nanocarriers and nanoparticles) has led to advances in diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of commonly used nanoparticles and their applications in NDs, which may offer new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles administration against reserpine-induced neurobehavioral damage and oxidative stress in an animal model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons. Many therapeutic strategies were explored for PD with no success. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) using the reserpine model of PD. Low concentrations GONPs were utilized as a therapeutic agent in many neurodegenerative diseases. We assessed the neurobehavioral alterations in the reserpine model of PD and investigated the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of GONPs in this model. Thirty male mice were separated into three groups (N = 10): C (control); Res (Reserpine 0.25 mg/kg); Res + GONPs (Reserpine 0.25 mg/kg and GONPs 25 mg/kg). Our results showed that reserpine neurotoxicity induced hypoactivity with a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the brain and brainstem. GONPs reversed the reserpine-induced hypoactivity concomitant with decreased neuronal CAT and MDA levels. These findings support the potential use of GONPs as an antioxidant agent in the central nervous system (CNS) that protects against neurodegeneration in the reserpine PD model.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: An Inspiring Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are common, incurable neurological disorders with high prevalence, and lead to memory, movement, language, and intelligence impairments, threatening the lives and health of patients worldwide. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a physiological barrier between the central nervous system and peripheral blood circulation, plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the intracerebral environment by strictly regulating the transport of substances between the blood and brain. Therefore, it is difficult for therapeutic drugs to penetrate the BBB and reach the brain, and this affects their efficacy. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as drug transport carriers and are also known as nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs). These systems not only increase the stability of drugs but also facilitate the crossing of drugs through the BBB and improve their efficacy. In this article, we provided an overview of the types and administration routes of NPs, highlighted the preclinical and clinical studies of NDDSs in neurodegenerative diseases, and summarized the combined therapeutic strategies in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, the prospects and challenges of NDDSs in recent basic and clinical research were also discussed. Above all, NDDSs provide an inspiring therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation in Wistar rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intranasal treatment of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and Curcumin (Cur) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute pulmonary inflammatory response. A single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.5 mg/Kg) was performed, and the animals in the Sham group were injected with 0.9% saline. Treatment was daily intranasally with GNPs (2.5 mg/L), Cur (10 mg/kg) and GNP-Cur started 12 h after LPS administration and ended on the seventh day. The results show that the treatment performed with GNP-Cur was the most effective to attenuate the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a lower leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar lavage, in addition to positively regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines in relation to other groups. As a result, it promoted an oxirreductive balanced environment in the lung tissue, providing a histological outcome with a reduction in inflammatory cells and greater alveolar area. The group treated with GNPs-Cur was superior to the other groups, with better anti-inflammatory activity and reduced oxidative stress, resulting in less morphological damage to lung tissue. In conclusion, the use of reduced GNPs with curcumin demonstrates promising effects in the control of the acute inflammatory response, helping to protect the lung tissue at the biochemical and morphological levels.

Bioactive self-healing hydrogel based on tannic acid modified gold nano-crosslinker as an injectable brain implant for treating Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common long-term neurodegenerative diseases. Current treatments for PD are mostly based on surgery and medication because of the limitation and challenges in selecting proper biomaterials. In this study, an injectable bioactive hydrogel based on novel tannic acid crosslinker was developed to treat PD.

METHODS

The oxidized tannic acid modified gold nano-crosslinker was synthesized and used to effectively crosslink chitosan for preparation of the bioactive self-healing hydrogel. The crosslinking density, conductivity, self-healing ability, and injectability of the hydrogel were characterized. Abilities of the hydrogel to promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) were assessed in vitro. Anti-inflammatory property was analyzed on J774A.1 macrophages. The hydrogel was injected in the PD rat model for evaluation of the motor function recovery, electrophysiological performance improvement, and histological repair.

RESULTS

The hydrogel exhibited self-healing property and 34G (~ 80 μm) needle injectability. NSCs grown in the hydrogel displayed long-term proliferation and differentiation toward neurons in vitro. Besides, the hydrogel owned strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capabilities to rescue inflamed NSCs (~ 90%). Brain injection of the bioactive hydrogel recovered the motor function of PD rats. Electrophysiological measurements showed evident alleviation of irregular discharge of nerve cells in the subthalamic nucleus of PD rats administered with the hydrogel. Histological examination confirmed that the hydrogel alone significantly increased the density of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons and fibers as well as reduced inflammation, with a high efficacy similar to drug-loaded hydrogel.

CONCLUSION

The new bioactive hydrogel serves as an effective brain injectable implant to treat PD and a promising biomaterial for developing novel strategies to treat brain diseases.

Therapeutic effects of the gold nanoparticle on obesity-triggered neuroinflammation: a review

Introduction: Obesity is considered a chronic non-communicable disease characterised by excess body fat. In recent years the prevalence of obesity has grown a lot. Individuals with obesity store the excess of nutrients consumed in the form of fat in adipose tissue, and generate an imbalance of this tissue, where there is the secretion of adipocytokines, which contributes to a peripheral and central inflammatory picture, reaching the central nervous system (CNS), generating neuroinflammation. There is still no effective and safe therapy for the treatment of obesity, many of the drugs marketed has serious side effects. Therefore, there is a search for therapies aimed mainly at reducing inflammation.Objective: In this work the possibility of using a new therapeutic option for obesity will be explored, using nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has gained prominence in recent years for being a promising technology for treatment and as a molecule-in-the-light in inflammatory diseases. Gold nanoparticles (GNP) stand out among nanomaterials because they demonstrate anti-inflammatory characteristics by various pathways, and have been widely used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including in the CNS, demonstrating excellent results.Result: Thus, the use of GNP for the treatment of obesity is promising due to the inflammatory state of obesity, thus acting as anti-inflammatory at the peripheral and central levels.

Gold nanoparticles application to the treatment of brain dysfunctions related to metabolic diseases: evidence from experimental studies

Nanotechnology is an emerging and expanding technology worldwide. The manipulation of materials on a nanometric scale generates new products with unique properties called nanomaterials. Due to its significant expansion, nanotechnology has been applied in several fields of study, including developing materials for biomedical applications, i.e., nanomedicine. The use of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, in nanomedicine, is promising and has been associated with pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic advantages. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs' biomedical application is extensively investigated due to their high biocompatibility, simple preparation, catalytic, and redox properties. Experimental studies have pointed out critical therapeutic actions related to AuNPs in different pathophysiological contexts, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, in this review, we will discuss the main experimental findings related to the therapeutic properties of AuNPs in metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases, and ultimately brain dysfunctions related to metabolic diseases.

Abrogating Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Strategy against Parkinson’s Disease: A Mini Review of the Recent Advances on Natural Therapeutic Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Agents

Background:

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in cell signaling when maintained at low concentrations. However, when ROS production exceeds the neutralizing capacity of endogenous antioxidants, oxidative stress is observed, which has been shown to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a progressive disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the striatum, which leads to motor and nonmotor symptoms. Although the complex interplay of mechanisms responsible are yet to be fully understood, oxidative stress was found to be positively associated with PD. Despite active research, currently proposed regimens mainly focus on regulating dopamine metabolism within the brain, even though these treatments have shown limited long-term efficacy and several side effects. Due to the implication of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of PD, natural antioxidant compounds have attracted interest as potential therapeutics over the last years, with a more favorable anticipated safety profile due to their natural origin. Therefore, natural antioxidants are currently being explored as promising anti-PD agents.

Objective:

In this mini review, emphasis was given to presently studied natural antioxidant and neuroprotective agents that have shown positive results in PD animal models.

Methods:

For this purpose, recent scientific articles were reviewed and discussed, with the aim to highlight the most up-to-date advances on PD treatment strategies related to oxidative stress.

Results:

A plethora of natural compounds are actively being explored against PD, including kaemferol, icaritin, artemisinin, and α-bisabolol, with promising results. Most of these compounds have shown adequate neuroprotective ability along with redox balance restoration, normalized mitochondrial function and limitation of the oxidative damage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, natural antioxidants may be the way forward to novel treatments against PD, when the limitations of correct dosing and appropriate combinations are resolved.

Potential Role of Nanoparticles in Treating the Accumulation of Amyloid-Beta Peptide in Alzheimer's Patients

The disorder of Alzheimer's is marked by progressive pathophysiological neurodegeneration. The amino acid peptides in the amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are known as amyloid-beta (Aβ). Current treatments are not curative, and the effects associated with AD are reduced. Improving treatment results involved the targeting of drugs at optimum therapeutic concentration. Nanotechnology is seen as an unconventional, modern technology that plays a key role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Using nanoparticles, molecular detection, effective drug targeting, and their combination offer high sensitivity. The aim of this review is to shed light on the function and successful role of nanoparticles to resolve Aβ aggregation and thus to help cure Alzheimer's disease. The analysis divides these nanoparticles into three categories: polymer, lipid, and gold nanoparticles. A thorough comparison was then made between the nanoparticles, which are used according to their role, properties, and size in the procedure. The nanoparticles can prevent the accumulation of Aβ during the efficient delivery of the drug to the cells to treat Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, this comparison demonstrated the ability of these nanoparticles to deal efficiently with Alzheimer's disease. The role of these nanoparticles varied from delivering the drug to brain cells to dealing with the disease-causing peptide.

The Application of Nanotechnology for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Diseases and Disorders

Brain is by far the most complex organ in the body. It is involved in the regulation of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional activities. The organ is also a target for many diseases and disorders ranging from injuries to cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Brain diseases are the main causes of disability and one of the leading causes of deaths. Several drugs that have shown potential in improving brain structure and functioning in animal models face many challenges including the delivery, specificity, and toxicity. For many years, researchers have been facing challenge of developing drugs that can cross the physical (blood–brain barrier), electrical, and chemical barriers of the brain and target the desired region with few adverse events. In recent years, nanotechnology emerged as an important technique for modifying and manipulating different objects at the molecular level to obtain desired features. The technique has proven to be useful in diagnosis as well as treatments of brain diseases and disorders by facilitating the delivery of drugs and improving their efficacy. As the subject is still hot, and new research findings are emerging, it is clear that nanotechnology could upgrade health care systems by providing easy and highly efficient diagnostic and treatment methods. In this review, we will focus on the application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases and disorders by illuminating the potential of nanoparticles.

Deficiency of Biogenic Amines Modulates the Activity of Hypoglossal Nerve in the Reserpine Model of Parkinson's Disease

The underlying cause of respiratory impairments appearing in Parkinson's disease (PD) is still far from being elucidated. To better understand the pathogenesis of respiratory disorders appearing in PD, we studied hypoglossal (HG) and phrenic (PHR) motoneuron dysfunction in a rat model evoked with reserpine administration. After reserpine, a decrease in the baseline amplitude and minute HG activity was noted, and no depressive phase of the hypoxic ventilatory response was observed. The pre-inspiratory time of HG activity along with the ratio of pre-inspiratory time to total respiratory cycle time and the ratio of pre-inspiratory to inspiratory amplitude were significantly reduced during normoxia, hypoxia, and recovery compared to sham rats. We suggest that the massive depletion of not only dopamine, but above all noradrenaline and serotonin in the brainstem observed in our study, has an impact on the pre-inspiratory activity of the HG. The shortening of the pre-inspiratory activity of the HG in the reserpine model may indicate a serious problem with maintaining the correct diameter of the upper airways in the preparation phase for inspiratory effort and explain the development of obstructive sleep apnea in some PD patients. Therapies involving the supplementation of amine depletion other than dopamine should be considered.

Biomaterials in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease, the treatment of which is mainly centred around supplementation of dopamine. Additional targets have been identified and newer chemotherapeutic agents have been introduced but their clinical efficacy is limited due to solubility, bioavailability issues and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A wide range of biomaterials ranging from biomolecules, polymers, inorganic metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have been employed to assist the delivery of these therapeutic agents into the brain. Additionally, strategies to deliver cells to restore the dopaminergic neurons also have shown promise due to the integration of biocompatible materials that aid neurogenesis through a combination of topographical, chemical and mechanical cues. Neuroprosthetics is an area that may become significant in treatment of motor deficits associated with Parkinson's disease, and involves development of highly conductive and robust electrode materials with excellent cytocompatibility. This review summarizes the major role played by biomaterials in design of novel strategies and in the improvement of existing therapeutic methods as well as the emerging trends in this domain.