Neuropeptide Y3-36 incorporated into PVAX nanoparticle improves angiogenesis in a murine model of myocardial ischemia

Nanosystems in Cardiovascular Medicine: Advancements, Applications, and Future Perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite significant advancements in the development of pharmacological therapies, the challenges of targeted drug delivery to the cardiovascular system persist. Innovative drug-delivery systems have been developed to address these challenges and improve therapeutic outcomes in CVDs. This comprehensive review examines various drug delivery strategies and their efficacy in addressing CVDs. Polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, microparticles, and dendrimers are among the drug-delivery systems investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Specific strategies for targeted drug delivery, such as magnetic nanoparticles and porous stent surfaces, are also discussed. This review highlights the potential of innovative drug-delivery systems as effective strategies for the treatment of CVDs.

Effect of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Therapy on the Recovery of Neurological Function and Prognosis of Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease among the middle-aged and elderly, which can lead to a series of neurological disorders. Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, with great value in improving the neurological deficits of stroke patients. In addition, rehabilitation therapy is also of great significance for alleviating the neurological deficits of patients and improving their activities of daily living.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with rehabilitation therapy on the recovery of neurological function and prognosis of stroke patients.

METHODS

The case data of 100 stroke patients treated in the Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to July 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the treatment plan patients received, they were divided into the following two groups: an observation group (n = 52) treated with acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy and a control group (n = 48) treated with rehabilitation therapy alone. The two groups were compared in terms of the following items: therapeutic efficacy, plasma levels of cortisol (Cor) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), nerve function, motor function, balance ability, self-care ability, swallowing function, negative emotions, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The therapeutic effect of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of Cor and NPY, as well as the neurological function, motor function, balance ability, self-care ability, swallowing function, and negative emotions, were not significantly different between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). While after intervention, all the above indexes improved in both groups, with better improvements in the observation group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). And the various dimensions concerning the quality of life of patients were also significantly better in the observation group when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture of traditional Chinese medicine combined with rehabilitation therapy has outstanding effects in stroke treatment and can effectively improve the neurological function, prognosis, and quality of life of patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Incorporation of VEGF-and bFGF-loaded alginate oxide particles in acellular collagen-alginate composite hydrogel to promote angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

The use of growth factors in tissue engineering is often challenging due to their instability and short half-life. The delivery of growth factors with nanocarriers can eliminate these problems. In the present study, we introduced an alginate oxide particle in acellular collagen-alginate composite hydrogel platform for the immobilization and controlled release of VEGF and bFGF to promote angiogenesis.

METHODS

The particles were prepared by the oxidation of sodium alginate. Then, they were embedded in collagen-alginate hydrogel. Cytocompatibility of the construct with the human umbilical vein endothelial cells was analyzed through a live/dead assay and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro evaluation of VEGF and bFGF Release Kinetics was done. Moreover, the function of the constructs was confirmed through the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay.

RESULTS

The engineered constructs maintained the human umbilical vein endothelial cells viability, which indicates the non-toxicity of the tested constructs. The presence of VEGF-loaded particles could improve the Total Branching Points in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. In this regard, Total Branching Points was significantly improved in the VEGF group compared to the control group (p = 0.010) and FGF group (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated the potential role of these particles in regenerative medicine to improve angiogenesis.

Recent Advances in Nanocarrier-Assisted Therapeutics Delivery Systems

Nanotechnologies have attracted increasing attention in their application in medicine, especially in the development of new drug delivery systems. With the help of nano-sized carriers, drugs can reach specific diseased areas, prolonging therapeutic efficacy while decreasing undesired side-effects. In addition, recent nanotechnological advances, such as surface stabilization and stimuli-responsive functionalization have also significantly improved the targeting capacity and therapeutic efficacy of the nanocarrier assisted drug delivery system. In this review, we evaluate recent advances in the development of different nanocarriers and their applications in therapeutics delivery.