Improvement of pneumonia by curcumin-loaded bionanosystems based on platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides via calming cytokine storm

Biomimetic fucoidan nanoparticles with regulation of macrophage polarization for targeted therapy of acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex acute respiratory illness with a high mortality rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in ALI, inducing cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby exacerbating the severity of the injury. In this study, inspired by the "subtractive" strategy, we developed a fucoidan-based macrophage membrane bio-nanosystem, abbreviated as MF@CB, designed as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent to alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in ALI. MF@CB coated with macrophage membrane for effective targeting and accumulation in ALI lesions. In addition, MF@CB activates Nrf2 transcriptional activity in macrophages, inhibiting ROS synthesis at its origin while effectively removing ROS already present in the ALI. This dual-pronged approach demonstrates robust antioxidant properties and restores the macrophage antioxidant defense barrier. In the LPS-induced ALI mouse model, MF@CB significantly mitigated lung inflammatory damage by modulating lung macrophage polarization and inhibiting the over-secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activated immune cells. More importantly, unlike most surface modification strategies because it remove the molecule, this approach is easier to apply and potentially safer and may provide useful insights into the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for ALI.

Recent advances in self-targeting natural product-based nanomedicines

Natural products, recognized for their potential in disease prevention and treatment, have been integrated with advanced nano-delivery systems to create natural product-based nanomedicines, offering innovative approaches for various diseases. Natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine have their own targeting effect and remarkable therapeutic effect on many diseases, but there are some shortcomings such as poor physical and chemical properties. The construction of nanomedicines using the active ingredients of natural products has become a key step in the modernization research process, which could be used to make up for the defects of natural products such as low solubility, large dosage, poor bioavailability and poor targeting. Nanotechnology enhances the safety, selectivity, and efficacy of natural products, positioning natural product-based nanomedicines as promising candidates in medicine. This review outlines the current status of development, the application in different diseases, and safety evaluation of natural product-based nanomedicines, providing essential insights for further exploration of the synergy between natural products and nano-delivery systems in disease treatment.

A kidney protection nanoparticle based on Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide by modulating macrophage polarization

The use of natural polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine as carrier materials has great potentiality in drug delivery. Nootkatone (NKT) demonstrated good pharmacological activity in treating kidney injury, but its solubility and bioavailability are not very good which may affect the effectiveness of its therapeutic effect. Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide (AOP), as a plant polysaccharide, has multiple pharmacological activities and may help to provide synergy for NKT. Therefore, AOP nanoparticles loaded with NKT (AOP-NKT NPs) were prepared for the prevention of acute kidney injury in this study. The sizes of AOP-NKT NPs are 291.60 ± 3.73 nm, and the Zeta potential values are 35.2 ± 0.65 mV. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability in pH, NaCl solution, temperature, and storage. The nanoparticles also improved the solubility and oral bioavailability of NKT. In biocompatibility experiments, AOP-NKT NPs showed lower macrophage toxicity than NKT, and the nanoparticles had good blood compatibility and in vivo biosafety. In vivo, prophylactic administration of this nanoparticle could enhance the ability of NKT in promoting macrophage M2 polarization, reducing renal inflammation and thus improve renal function and repair renal damage. In conclusion, the present study may provide the possibility for AOP as a nano delivery vehicle for renal injury protective drugs.

Advances in cell membrane-based biomimetic nanodelivery systems for natural products

Active components of natural products, which include paclitaxel, curcumin, gambogic acid, resveratrol, triptolide and celastrol, have promising anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-oxidant, and other pharmacological activities. However, their clinical application is limited due to low solubility, instability, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, short half-life, and strong off-target toxicity. To overcome these drawbacks, cell membrane-based biomimetic nanosystems have emerged that avoid clearance by the immune system, enhance targeting, and prolong drug circulation, while also improving drug solubility and bioavailability, enhancing drug efficacy, and reducing side effects. This review summarizes recent advances in the preparation and coating of cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanosystems and in their applications to disease for targeted natural products delivery. Current challenges, limitations, and prospects in this field are also discussed, providing a research basis for the development of multifunctional biomimetic nanosystems for natural products.

Macrophage Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Natamycin Exhibit Increased Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Fungal Keratitis

This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for the delivery of natamycin (NAT) in the therapy of fungal keratitis (FK). Macrophage membranes were isolated and identified by immunofluorescence staining (IFS). NAT was encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Fungal stimulated macrophage membranes (M1) or unstimulated membranes (M) were separately mixed and sonicated with PLGA nanoparticles. The biocompatible nanoparticles (PLGA-NAT, PLGA-NAT@M, and PLGA-NAT@M1) were characterized with zeta-sizer analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blot. Drug encapsulation and loading efficiency and the release of NAT in the nanoparticles were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The cytotoxicity, ocular surface toxicity and irritability, and systemic safety of nanoparticles with different concentrations were assessed. In vitro, we examined the antifungal properties of the nanoparticles. The eye surface retention time, drug release, and curative effects on FK were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. IFS results showed the separation of the macrophage membrane and nucleus. The prepared nanoparticles had a typical "core-shell" structure and uniform nanometer size, and the membrane proteins were retained on the membrane allowing to exert functional effects of macrophage. The loading efficiencies of PLGA-NAT@M and PLGA-NAT@M1 were 7.6 and 6.7%, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies of PLGA-NAT@M and PLGA-NAT@M1 were 51.2 and 41.5%, respectively. PLGA-NAT@M and PLGA-NAT@M1 could gradually release NAT and reduce the clearance of the ocular surface. Macrophage membranes enhanced the antifungal activity of PLGA-NAT. Furthermore, the membrane coated with macrophage increased the biocompatibility and decreased the corneal toxicity of nanoparticles. In vivo, PLGA-NAT@M1 significantly alleviated the severity of FK. In vitro, PLGA@M and PLGA@M1 reduced the protein levels of inflammatory cytokines after fungal stimulation. The prepared PLGA-NAT@M1 has good physical properties and biosafety. It could evade ocular surface clearance, release NAT gradually, and achieve high antifungal and anti-inflammatory efficiencies to FK. Macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles clinically have high application potential to the treatment of FK.

Intratracheal delivery of macrophage targeted Celastrol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for enhanced anti-inflammatory efficacy in acute lung injury mice

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common causes of respiratory failure in critically ill patients. There is still a lack of definitive and effective treatment options, and the mortality rate remains as high as 30% to 40%. Effective therapeutics for ALI/ARDS are greatly hindered by the side effects resulting from inefficient delivery to the disease lesions and off-targeting biodistribution of drugs. Macrophages play an integral role in maintaining the steady state of the immune system and are involved in inflammation processes. Thus, nanodrug to accurately target macrophages have the potential to transform disease treatment. Here, we developed an mannosylated drug delivery system to target and deliver celastrol (Cel) to the alveolar macrophages for enhanced alleviating the cytokines in LPS-induce ALI mice. In vitro data demonstrated that the as-synthesized Man@Cel-NPs significantly improved the targeting of Cel into the inflammatory macrophages via mannose receptor-mediated phagocytosis. In vivo experiments further showed that intratracheal delivery of Man@Cel-NPs can improve the dysregulation of inflammatory response in LPS-induced mice by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines and increasing autophagy and decreasing apoptosis in lungs. This work provides a potential NP platform for the locally tracheal delivery of herbal ingredients and exhibits promising clinical potential in the treatment of numerous respiratory diseases, including ALI/ARDS.

Herb-Nanoparticle Hybrid System for Improved Oral Delivery Efficiency to Alleviate Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis

Background

Metastasis is a complex process involving multiple factors and stages, in which tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) play significant roles. A combination of orally bioavailable therapeutic agents that target both tumor cells and TME is conducive to prevent or impede the progression of metastasis, especially when undetectable. However, sequentially overcoming intestinal barriers, ensuring biodistribution in tumors and metastatic tissues, and enhancing therapeutic effects required for efficient therapy remain challenging.

Methods

Inspired by the unique chemical features of natural herbs, we propose an oral herb-nanoparticle hybrid system (HNS) formed through the self-binding of Platycodon grandiflorum-Curcuma zedoaria (HG), a herb pair/group used in clinical practice to treat breast cancer metastasis, to lipid-polymer nanoparticles (LPNs) loaded with silibinin. The molecular structure responsible for HG association with LPNs was assessed using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for HNS surface chemistry characterization. Moreover, the molecular class of HG was identified using UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS to further confirm the surface binding. Mucus diffusion and in vivo biodistribution were evaluated using in vitro multiple-particle tracking and environment-responsive fluorescence probe in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, respectively. The alleviation of breast cancer metastasis was assessed in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, and the underlying mechanism was investigated.

Results

The HNS reduced particle-mucus interactions by altering hydrophilicity and surface characteristics compared to LPNs. The epithelium transportation of HNS and absorption through Peyer's patch in mice were improved, promoting their biodistribution in the lung and tumor tissues. Furthermore, the HNS alleviated lung metastasis by inducing cell apoptosis and regulating the expression of MMP-9 and TGF-β1, which altered the TME in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusion

HNS provides an appealing system with multi-component binding of herbal medicine to facilitate both oral nanoparticle delivery efficiency and the alleviation of lung metastasis. This strategy may potentially help improve treatment for patients with breast cancer.

Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: Insight into Pathological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Benefits of Chinese Herbal Medicines

Cytokine storm (CS) is the main driver of SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The pathological mechanisms of CS are quite complex and involve multiple critical molecular targets that turn self-limited and mild COVID-19 into a severe and life-threatening concern. At present, vaccines are strongly recommended as safe and effective treatments for preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19. However, effective treatment options are still lacking for people who are at the most risk or hospitalized with severe disease. Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to improve the clinical outcomes of mild to severe COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy, particular preventing the development of mild to severe ARDS. This review illustrates in detail the pathogenesis of CS-involved ARDS and its associated key molecular targets, cytokines and signalling pathways. The therapeutic targets were identified particularly in relation to the turning points of the development of COVID-19, from mild symptoms to severe ARDS. Preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed for the effects of Chinese herbal medicines together with conventional therapies in reducing ARDS symptoms and addressing critical therapeutic targets associated with CS. Multiple herbal formulations, herbal extracts and single bioactive phytochemicals with or without conventional therapies demonstrated strong anti-CS effects through multiple mechanisms. However, evidence from larger, well-designed clinical trials is lacking and their detailed mechanisms of action are yet to be well elucidated. More research is warranted to further evaluate the therapeutic value of Chinese herbal medicine for CS in COVID-19-induced ARDS.

Macrophage-Biomimetic Nanoplatform-Based Therapy for Inflammation-Associated Diseases

Inflammation-associated diseases are very common clinically with a high incidence; however, there is still a lack of effective treatments. Cell-biomimetic nanoplatforms have led to many breakthroughs in the field of biomedicine, significantly improving the efficiency of drug delivery and its therapeutic implications especially for inflammation-associated diseases. Macrophages are an important component of immune cells and play a critical role in the occurrence and progression of inflammation-associated diseases while simultaneously maintaining homeostasis and modulating immune responses. Therefore, macrophage-biomimetic nanoplatforms not only inherit the functions of macrophages including the inflammation tropism effect for targeted delivery of drugs and the neutralization effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines and toxins via membrane surface receptors or proteins, but also maintain the functions of the inner nanoparticles. Macrophage-biomimetic nanoplatforms are shown to have remarkable therapeutic efficacy and excellent application potential in inflammation-associated diseases. In this review, inflammation-associated diseases, the physiological functions of macrophages, and the classification and construction of macrophage-biomimetic nanoplatforms are first introduced. Next, the latest applications of different macrophage-biomimetic nanoplatforms for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases are summarized. Finally, challenges and opportunities for future biomedical applications are discussed. It is hoped that the review will provide new ideas for the further development of macrophage-biomimetic nanoplatforms.

Research progress of nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine

INTRODUCTION

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years in China, characterizing with novel pharmacological mechanisms, low toxicity, and limited side effects. However, the application of TCM active ingredients is often hindered by their physical and chemical properties, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, short half-life, toxic side effects within therapeutic doses, and instability in biological environments. Consequently, an increasing number of researchers are directing their attention towards the discovery of nano-delivery systems for TCM to overcome these clinical challenges.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to provide the latest knowledge and results concerning the studies on the nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients from TCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recent literature relating to nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients from TCM is summarized to provide a fundamental understanding of how such systems can enhance the application of phytochemicals.

RESULTS

The nano-delivery systems of six types of TCM monomers are summarized and categorized based on the skeletal structure of the natural compounds. These categories include terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. The paper analyzes the characteristics, types, materials used, and the efficacy achieved by TCM-nano systems. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of nano-drug delivery systems for TCM are summarized in this paper.

CONCLUSION

Nano-delivery systems represent a promising approach to overcoming clinical obstacles stemming from the physical and chemical properties of TCM active ingredients, thereby enhancing their clinical efficacy.

Advances in nano-based drug delivery systems for the management of cytokine influx-mediated inflammation in lung diseases

Asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and COVID-19 are few examples of inflammatory lung conditions that cause cytokine release syndrome. It can initiate a widespread inflammatory response and may activate several inflammatory pathways that cause multiple organ failures leading to increased number of deaths and increased prevalence rates around the world. Nanotechnology-based therapeutic modalities such as nanoparticles, liposomes, nanosuspension, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines can be used in the effective treatment of inflammatory lung diseases at both cellular and molecular levels. This would also help significantly in the reduction of patient mortality. Therefore, nanotechnology could be a potent platform for repurposing current medications in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases. The aim and approach of this article are to highlight the clinical manifestations of cytokine storm in inflammatory lung diseases along with the advances and potential applications of nanotechnology-based therapeutics in the management of cytokine storm. Further in-depth studies are required to understand the molecular pathophysiology, and how nanotechnology-based therapeutics can help to effectively combat this problem.

Cell-derived biomimetic nanoparticles for the targeted therapy of ALI/ARDS

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common clinical critical diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Especially since the COVID-19 outbreak, the mortality rates of critically ill patients with ARDS can be as high as 60%. Therefore, this problem has become a matter of concern to respiratory critical care. To date, the main clinical measures for ALI/ARDS are mechanical ventilation and drug therapy. Although ventilation treatment reduces mortality, it increases the risk of hyperxemia, and drug treatment lacks safe and effective delivery methods. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for ALI/ARDS are urgently needed. Developments in nanotechnology have allowed the construction of a safe, efficient, precise, and controllable drug delivery system. However, problems still encounter in the treatment of ALI/ARDS, such as the toxicity, poor targeting ability, and immunogenicity of nanomaterials. Cell-derived biomimetic nanodelivery drug systems have the advantages of low toxicity, long circulation, high targeting, and high bioavailability and show great therapeutic promises for ALI/ARDS owing to their acquired cellular biological features and some functions. This paper reviews ALI/ARDS treatments based on cell membrane biomimetic technology and extracellular vesicle biomimetic technology, aiming to achieve a significant breakthrough in ALI/ARDS treatments.

Polysaccharides from Platycodon grandiflorum: A review of their extraction, structures, modifications, and bioactivities

Platycodon grandiflorum (P. grandiflorum) has long been used as a food and traditional herbal medicine. As a food, P. grandiflorum is often transformed into pickles for consumption, and as a traditional Chinese medicine, P. grandiflorum clears the lung, nourishes the pharynx, dispels phlegm, and discharges pus. Polysaccharides are among the main active components of P. grandiflorum. Recent literature has described the preparation, identification, and pharmacological activity of these polysaccharides. Studies have shown that these polysaccharides exhibit a variety of significant biological effects in vitro and in vivo, such as immune stimulation and antioxidant, anti-liver injury, anti-apoptosis and antitumour effects. However, there is no systematic summary of the related research articles on P. grandiflorum polysaccharide, which undoubtedly brings some difficulties to the future research. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively describe research progress on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, modification, and biological activity of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides. The shortcomings of recent research are summarized, further research on their biological activity is proposed to provide new reference value for the application of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides in drugs and health products in the future.

Central Countries' and Brazil's Contributions to Nanotechnology

Abstract:

Nanotechnology is a cornerstone of the scientific advances witnessed over the past few years. Nanotechnology applications are extensively broad, and an overview of the main trends worldwide can give an insight into the most researched areas and gaps to be covered. This document presents an overview of the trend topics of the three leading countries studying in this area, as well as Brazil for comparison. The data mining was made from the Scopus database and analyzed using the VOSviewer and Voyant Tools software. More than 44.000 indexed articles published from 2010 to 2020 revealed that the countries responsible for the highest number of published articles are The United States, China, and India, while Brazil is in the fifteenth position. Thematic global networks revealed that the standing-out research topics are health science, energy, wastewater treatment, and electronics. In a temporal observation, the primary topics of research are: India (2020), which was devoted to facing SARS-COV 2; Brazil (2019), which is developing promising strategies to combat cancer; China (2018), whit research on nanomedicine and triboelectric nanogenerators; the United States (2017) and the Global tendencies (2018) are also related to the development of triboelectric nanogenerators. The collected data are available on GitHub. This study demonstrates the innovative use of data-mining technologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of nanotechnology's contributions and trends and highlights the diverse priorities of nations in this cutting-edge field.

In situ neutrophil apoptosis and macrophage efferocytosis mediated by Glycyrrhiza protein nanoparticles for acute inflammation therapy

In the progression of acute inflammation, the activation and recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils are mutually reinforcing, leading to amplified inflammatory response and severe tissue damage. Therefore, to regulate the axis of neutrophils and macrophages is essential to avoid tissue damage induced from acute inflammatory. Apoptotic neutrophils can regulate the anti-inflammatory activity of macrophages through the efferocytosis. The strategy of in situ targeting and inducing neutrophil apoptosis has the potential to modulate macrophage activity and transfer anti-inflammatory drugs. Herein, a natural glycyrrhiza protein nanoparticle loaded with dexamethasone (Dex@GNPs) was constructed, which could simultaneously regulate neutrophil and macrophage function during acute inflammation treatment by combining in situ neutrophil apoptosis and macrophage efferocytosis. Dex@GNPs can be rapidly and selectively internalized by neutrophils and subsequently induce neutrophils apoptosis through a ROS-dependent mechanism. The efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils not only promoted the polarization of macrophages into anti-inflammatory state, but also facilitated the transfer of Dex@GNPs to macrophages. This enabled dexamethasone to further modulate macrophage function. In mouse models of acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis, Dex@GNPs significantly ameliorated the disordered immune microenvironment and alleviated tissue injury. This study presents a novel strategy for drug delivery and inflammation regulation to effectively treat acute inflammatory diseases.

Revealing the "Yin-Jing" mystery veil of Platycodon grandiflorum by potentiating therapeutic effects and lung-oriented guidance property

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: "Yin-Jing" medicine (YJM) has been widely used by both ancient and modern Chinese medicine practitioners during long-term clinical practice. However, it remains unclear how to best guide other medicines to the targeted organs in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription. Here, in an attempt to explain the scientific connotation of the YJM property (YJMP) attributed to a basic TCM theory, Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) was chosen as a case study to reveal the mystery of YJMP theory.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main purpose of this study is to employ modern chemical and molecular biology methods to confirm the "Yin-Jing" effect of PG, and further clarify its material basis and related possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ammonia-induced lung injury rat model was utilized to determine the optimal dosage of traditional prescription Hui Yan Zhu Yu decoction (HYZYD) using Wright Giemsa staining, HE staining, Masson staining, and TUNEL analysis. With the same way, PG was confirmed to have potentiating therapeutic effect (PTE) by comparison with HYZYD and [HYZYD-PG]. TMT proteomics was used to reveal the "Yin-Jing" mechanism of action. Western blot assay (WB) was employed for verification of differentially expressed proteins. Additionally, four non-crossing fragmentations (Fr. A-D) were characterized by RPLC/SEC-ELSD and HILIC-ESI--Q-OT-IT-MS techniques. The PTE and guidance property assays were utilized to evaluate "Yin-Jing" functions by a compatible combination of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYA) using qPCR, FCM, WB, HPLC, high content cell imaging (HCI) and high-resolution live-cell imaging (HRLCI) techniques.

RESULTS

The HYZYD-M (medium dose group) significantly improved the lung injury level in a pneumonia model of rats. PG enhanced the therapeutic effect of HYZYD ascribed to Yin-Jing PTE functions. TMT proteomics revealed a category of differentially expressed proteins ascribed to Golgi-ER between HYZYD and [HYZYD-PG]. Fr. C (i.e., saponins) and Fr. D (i.e., lipids) were determined as therapeutic fragmentations via the LPS-induced A549 cell injury model; however, Fr. B (fructooligosaccharides and small Mw fructans) had no therapeutic effect. Further compatibility PTE assays confirmed Fr. B significantly improved efficiency by a combination of HYA. The guidance assays showed Fr. B could significantly increase the uptake and distribution of HYA into lung cells and tissues. HCI assays showed that Fr. B increased uptake of HYA accompanied by significant activation of Golgi-ER. Unlike Fr. B, HRLCI showed that Fr. A, C and D were not only unobvious activations of Golgi-ER but also insignificant facilitation of colocalizations between HYA and Golgi-ER.

CONCLUSIONS

Fr. B is believed to be a key YJMP material basis of PG attributed to Yin-Jing PTE with characteristic of lung-oriented guidance property, whereas another abound Fr. C was determined to have synergistic effects rather than Yin-Jing material basis.

Preparation methods, structural characteristics, and biological activity of polysaccharides from Platycodon grandiflorus

Platycodon grandiflorus (P. grandiflorus), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for both medicine and food, has a long history of treating respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lung-related diseases. The therapeutic effects of P. grandiflorus are attributed to its chemical components, including polysaccharides. Among these components, Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharides (PGP) are recognized as one of the most important and abundant active ingredients, exhibiting various biological activities such as prebiotic, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and immune regulatory properties. Incorporating the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, carrier concepts, and modern targeted drug delivery technologies, PGP can influence the target sites and therapeutic effects of other drugs while also serving as a drug carrier for targeted and precise treatments. Therefore, it is essential to provide a comprehensive review of the extraction, separation, purification, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of PGP. In the future, by integrating new concepts, technologies, and processes, further references and guidance can be provided for the comprehensive development of PGP. This will contribute to the advancement of P. grandiflorus in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, health products, and food.

Recent advances in Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides: Preparation techniques, structural features, and bioactivities

Platycodon grandiflorum, a globally recognized medicinal and edible plant, possesses significant nutritional value and pharmacological value. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has the effects of tonifying the spleen and replenishing the Qi, moistening the lung and relieving the cough, clearing the heat and detoxifying, and relieving the pain. Accumulating evidence has revealed that the polysaccharides from P. grandiflorum (PGPs) are one of the major and representative biologically active macromolecules and have diverse biological activities, such as immunomodulatory activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-tumor activity, regulation of the gut microbiota, anti-oxidant activity, anti-apoptosis activity, anti-angiogenesis activity, hypoglycemic activity, anti-microbial activity, and so on. Although the polysaccharides extracted from P. grandiflorum have been extensively studied for the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, and pharmacological activities, the knowledge of their structures and bioactivity relationship, toxicologic effects, and pharmacokinetic profile is limited. The main purpose of the present review is to provide comprehensively and systematically reorganized information on extraction and purification, structure characterizations, and biological functions as well as toxicities of PGPs to support their therapeutic potentials and sanitarian functions. New valuable insights for future research regarding PGPs were also proposed in the fields of therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Fructooligosaccharides and fructans from Platycodon grandiflorum: Structural characterization, lung-oriented guidance and targetability

Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) has been widely applied as a conductant drug by ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine practitioners during long-term clinical practice. However, determining how to guide other medicines to the targeted lungs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription remains unclear. An ethanol soluble fraction (Fr. B) was obtained by macroporous resin and 75 % ethanol precipitate. The components were unambiguously determined as fructooligosaccharides and small molecule weight (Mw) fructans according to HILIC-ESI--MS/MS, MS/MS and 1/2D NMR. We discovered that the Fr. B possesses the lung-oriented guidance and targetability by activating Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum (Golgi-ER) transport system. Rab21, a highly expressed transmembrane protein in the lungs, was found to be the core-affinity target of Fr. B which physically colocalized with the Golgi-ER and directly interacted with Rab21 to accelerate the uptake of extracellular therapeutic substances. The lung-oriented guidance and targetability of Fr. B was validated by the transient knockdown and overexpression of Rab21 considering dynamic observations of colocalization interactions among Fr. B, extracellular substances, and the Golgi-ER. Together, our results delineate a potential mechanism of Fr. B toward lung-oriented guidance and targetability via a direct targeting affinity of Rab21 and resulting collective stimulation of key Golgi-ER transport effectors for the acceleration of extracellular substances into the lungs.

Qingjin Huatan decoction protects mice against influenza a virus pneumonia via the chemokine signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qingjin Huatan Decoction (QJHTT) consists of 11 herbal medicines: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis, Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC., Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl., Morus alba L., Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Citrus reticulata Blanco, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. As a traditional compound Chinese medicinal formula, QJHTT has been used for more than 400 years in China. Historically, it was used to treat respiratory diseases and had shown beneficial clinical results for diseases related to lung inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic effect of QJHTT on influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonia in mice and explore its possible mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The components in QJHTT were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and some antiviral active components reported in the literature were determined and quantified by HPLC. The protective effects of QJHTT were investigated using lethal and sublethal doses (2 LD50 or 0.8 LD50 viral suspension, separately) of H1N1-infected mice. Mortality and lung lesions in H1N1-infected mice were used to evaluate the efficacy of QJHTT. The potential mechanism of QJHTT in the treatment of viral pneumonia was determined at the gene level by RNA sequencing and validated by qRT-PCR. Following this, the changes in protein levels of JAK2/STAT3 were analyzed since it is a key downstream target of the chemokine signaling pathways. Preliminary elucidation of the mechanism of QJHTT to protect mice against IAV pneumonia through this pathway was conducted.

RESULTS

In this study, 12 antiviral active constituents including baicalin, geniposide, and mangiferin were identified from QJHTT. In vivo treatment of QJHTT reduced the virus titers of lung tissue significantly and improved the survival rate, lung index, and pulmonary histopathological changes; additionally, a reduction in the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ inflammatory factors in H1N1-infected mice was observed. RNA-seq analysis and qRT-PCR showed that QJHTT primarily reversed the activities CCL2, CCL7, CCR1, and other chemokines and their reception-related genes, suggesting that QJHTT may produce disease-resistant pneumonia by inhibiting the downstream JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Western blot analysis confirmed that QJHTT effectively reduced the protein levels of JAK2, STAT3, and related phosphorylated products in the lung tissue of H1N1-infected mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that QJHTT alleviated IAV pneumonia in mice by regulating related chemokines and their receptor-related genes in lung tissue, thereby inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway. This could pave way for the design of novel therapeutic strategies to treat viral pneumonia.

Unification of medicines and excipients: The roles of natural excipients for promoting drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Drug delivery systems (DDSs) formed by natural active compounds be instrumental in developing new green excipients and novel DDS from natural active compounds (NACs). 'Unification of medicines and excipients'(UME), the special inherent nature of the natural active compounds, provides the inspiration and conduction to achieve this goal.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the typical types of NACs from herbal medicine, such as saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, etc. that act as excipients and their main application in DDS. The comparison of the drug delivery systems formed by NACs and common materials and the primary formation mechanisms of these NACs are also introduced to provide a deepened understanding of their performance in DDS.

EXPERT OPINION

Many natural bioactive compounds, such as saponins, polysaccharides, etc. have been used in DDS. Diversity of structure and pharmacological effects of NACs turn out the unique advantages in improving the performance of DDSs like targeting ability, adhesion, encapsulation efficiency(EE), etc. and enhancing the bioavailability of loaded drugs.

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.

Multifunctional nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory effect for improving metabolic syndromes

Metabolic syndromes are a group of metabolic disorders for which the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. An increasing number of studies have implicated metabolic syndrome in the association with inflammation. Currently, lipsomes is known to improve nanoparticle hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, in drug delivery systems the application of cholesterol, which is commonly used to stabilise liposomal structures, has essentially no pharmacological effect on liposomes. Herein, we developed an 'anti-inflammatory liposome' (Phy-Lip) to effectively handle these challenges via employing Phytosterol instead of cholesterol. Different with the conventional liposomes, Phy-Lip is a much more brilliant nanoparticle with anti-inflammatory functions. In Phy-Lip, cholesterol was substituted by Phy, which works as membrane stabiliser, anti-inflammatory adjuvant at the same time. The experimental results show that Phy-Lip has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and improves Metabolic syndromes. This study aims to provide a way to solve the challenge.

Responsive multifunctional hydrogels emulating the chronic wounds healing cascade for skin repair

It remains challenging to cure chronic diabetic wounds due to its' harsh microenvironment and poor tissue regeneration ability. At present, bacteria elimination, inflammatory response suppression and angiogenesis orderly render an important paradigm for chronic diabetic wound treatment. Herein, smart-responsive multifunctional hydrogels were developed to improve chronic diabetic wound healing, which could quickly respond to the acidic environment of the diabetic wound site and mediate multistage sequential delivery of silver and curcumin-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA@Ag&Cur NPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). PDA@Ag&Cur NPs and VEGF endowed the hydrogels with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis performances, respectively. The in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that our multistage drug delivery hydrogels could effectively eliminate bacteria, relieve inflammatory response, and induce angiogenesis, hence accelerating the closure of chronic diabetic wounds. In conclusion, we highlighted the importance of multistage manipulation in wound healing and offered a combinatorial therapeutic strategy to sequentially deliver drugs exactly aiming at the dynamic wound healing stages.

Novel multifunctional bionanoparticles modified with sialic acid for stroke treatment

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two key pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to neuronal apoptosis and brain damage following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Because of their complex pathological mechanisms and the presence of the blood-brain barrier, the treatment of I/R is severely limited. Inspired by the fact that Macrophage membranes (MM) can cross the blood-brain barrier, we have developed a new multifunctional bionic particle (MSAOR@Cur). The modification of Sialic acid (SA) on the surface of Angelica polysaccharides (APS), the attachment of Resveratrol (Res) using the ROS-responsive bond oxalate bond as a linker arm, constitutes amphiphilic nanoparticles with an inner core encapsulated with curcumin (SAOR@Cur), and finally the use of MM camouflage to integrate the neuroprotection of APS, the free radical scavenging of Res, and the anti-inflammation of curcumin (Cur) in one strategy. Interestingly, the experimental results show that MSAOR@Cur can successfully deliver curcumin to the area of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Platforms to Combat COVID-19: Diagnostics, Preventions, Therapeutics, and Vaccine Developments

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that emerged less than two years ago but has caused nearly 6.1 million deaths to date. Recently developed variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been shown to be more potent and expanded at a faster rate. Until now, there is no specific and effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 in terms of reliable and sustainable recovery. Precaution, prevention, and vaccinations are the only ways to keep the pandemic situation under control. Medical and scientific professionals are now focusing on the repurposing of previous technology and trying to develop more fruitful methodologies to detect the presence of viruses, treat the patients, precautionary items, and vaccine developments. Nanomedicine or nanobased platforms can play a crucial role in these fronts. Researchers are working on many effective approaches by nanosized particles to combat SARS-CoV-2. The role of a nanobased platform to combat SARS-CoV-2 is extremely diverse (i.e., mark to personal protective suit, rapid diagnostic tool to targeted treatment, and vaccine developments). Although there are many theoretical possibilities of a nanobased platform to combat SARS-CoV-2, until now there is an inadequate number of research targeting SARS-CoV-2 to explore such scenarios. This unique mini-review aims to compile and elaborate on the recent advances of nanobased approaches from prevention, diagnostics, treatment to vaccine developments against SARS-CoV-2, and associated challenges.

Research Status and Hotspots of Anticancer Natural Products Based on the Patent Literature and Scientific Articles

Background: The patent literature contains a large amount of information on the internal state of current industrial technologies that are not available in other literature studies. Scientific articles are the direct achievements of theoretical research in this field and can reveal how current theories in basic research have developed. In this study, the progress and status of natural anticancer products in this field were summarized, and the research hotspots were explored through the analysis of the relevant patent literature and scientific articles. Methods: Patent data were retrieved from the incoPat patent retrieval database, and paper data were retrieved from the Web of Science core set and PubMed. GraphPad Prism 8, Microsoft Excel 2010, and CiteSpace 5.8.R3 were used to perform visual processing. The analyzed patent literature includes the patent applicant type, country (or region), and technical subject. The analyzed scientific article includes academic groups, subject areas, keyword clustering, and burst detection. Results: A total of 20,435 patent families and 38,746 articles were collected by 4 January 2022. At present, antitumor drugs derived from natural products mainly include 1) apoptosis inducers such as curcumin, gallic acid, resveratrol, Theranekron D6, and gaillardin; 2) topoisomerase inhibitors such as camptothecins, scaffold-hopped flavones, podophyllotoxin, oxocrebanine, and evodiamine derivatives; 3) telomerase inhibitors such as camptothecin and isoquinoline alkaloids of Chelidonium majus, amentoflavone, and emodin; 4) microtubule inhibitors such as kolaflavanone, tanshinone IIA analog, eugenol, and millepachine; 5) immunomodulators such as fucoidan, myricetin, bergapten, and atractylenolide I; 6) tumor microenvironment regulators such as beta-escin and icaritin; 7) multidrug resistance reversal agents such as berberine, quercetin, and dihydromyricetin; and 8) antiangiogenic and antimetastatic agents such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, lupeol, ononin, and saikosaponin A. Conclusion: Anticancer natural product technology was introduced earlier, but the later development momentum was insufficient. In addition, scientific research activities are relatively closed, and technical exchanges need to be strengthened. Currently, the development of medicinal plants and the research on the anticancer mechanism of natural active products are still research hotspots, especially those related to immune checkpoints, essential oils, and metastatic cancer. Theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as "restraining excessiveness to acquire harmony," "same treatment for different diseases," "Meridian induction theory," and "Fuzheng Quxie," have important guiding significance to the research of anticancer mechanisms and the development of new drugs and can provide new ideas for this process. Systematic Review Registration: [https://sourceforge.net/projects/citespace/], identifier [000755430500001].

AKAP12 ameliorates liver injury via targeting PI3K/AKT/PCSK6 pathway

A kinase anchor protein 12（AKAP12）is a scaffold protein that is critical for cell structure maintenance and signal transduction. However, the role of AKAP12 in liver injury remains unclear. Here, we attempt to explore the potential contribution of AKAP12 in liver injury and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanism. We found that AKAP12 deletion in acute liver injury (ALI) activates the PI3K/AKT phosphorylation signaling pathway, induces the increased expression of PCSK6 and its downstream inflammation-related genes, and prompts macrophages to produce a large number of inflammatory factors. And knockdown of PCSK6 by in vivo siRNA assay reversed in liver injury AKAP12^Δhep mice, demonstrating that PCSK6 has an important role in ALI. Furthermore, we found that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and serine/threonine kinase Akt (AKT) were upregulated in AKAP12^Δhep mice of chronic liver injury. To sum up, our study here demonstrates that AKAP12 has a protective role in ALI and chronic liver fibrosis, at least in part through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/PCSK6 pathway. Our findings provide a new potential treatment for liver injury with important clinical implications.

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The PI3K-AKT pathway is activated in the liver of AKAP12^Δhep mice upon ALI.

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Increased PCSK6 expression is the main cause of aggravated ALI in AKAP12^Δhep mice.

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Increased phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and AKT promote liver fibrosis in AKAP12^Δhep mice.

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AKAP12 ameliorates liver injury through reprogramming PI3K/AKT/PCSK6 pathway.