Role of phyto-stabilised silver nanoparticles in suppressing adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

Gingerol nanoparticles attenuate complete Freund adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats via targeting the RANKL/OPG signaling pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammatory joint pathology leading to the degradation of articular bone and cartilage, primarily triggered by synovial inflammation, resulting in joint discomfort. The metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints are predominantly affected. Treatment typically involves a combination of biological and synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DAMARDs) alongside steroid therapy. The application of nanomedicine has been instrumental in enhancing treatment efficacy by facilitating controlled release of pharmacologically active compounds, thus augmenting bioavailability and enabling targeted drug delivery. Gingerol, a constituent of ginger, possesses multifaceted properties. including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, and antipyretic effects. In this study, gingerol-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), coated with chitosan, were administered orally to rats over a period of 21 days to address RA induced by complete Freund adjuvant (CFA). The rats were segregated into four experimental groups. Upon completion of the treatment regimen, blood samples were collected for the assessment of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), RA factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Subsequent gene expression analysis was conducted to evaluate the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17a (IL-17a), IL-6, interferon-gamma (INF-γ), TNF-α, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Statistical analyses utilizing one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey tests were applied to the data. The gene expression profiling revealed significant disparities in mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-17a, RANKL, INF-γ, and TNF-α between the CFA-induced arthritis group and the control group. Consequently, it was inferred that gingerol-loaded PLGA NPs coated with chitosan exhibited heightened therapeutic efficacy in addressing CFA-induced arthritis in rats.

Role and uptake of metal-based nanoconstructs as targeted therapeutic carriers for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and other vital organs and diminishes the quality of life. The current developments and innovative treatment options have significantly slowed disease progression and improved their quality of life. Medicaments can be delivered to the inflamed synovium via nanoparticle systems, minimizing systemic and undesirable side effects. Numerous nanoparticles such as polymeric, liposomal, and metallic nanoparticles reported are impending as a good carrier with therapeutic properties. Other issues to be considered along are nontoxicity, nanosize, charge, optical property, and ease of high surface functionalization that make them suitable carriers for drug delivery. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) (such as silver, gold, zinc, iron, titanium oxide, and selenium) not only act as good carrier with desired optical property, and high surface modification ability but also have their own therapeutical potential such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties, making them one of the most promising options for RA treatment. Regardless, cellular uptake of MNPs is one of the most significant criterions for targeting the medication. This paper discusses the numerous interactions of nanoparticles with cells, as well as cellular uptake of NPs. This review provides the mechanistic overview on MNPs involved in RA therapies and regulation anti-arthritis response such as ability to reduce oxidative stress, suppressing the release of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of LPS induced COX-2, and modulation of MAPK and PI3K pathways in Kuppfer cells and hepatic stellate cells. Despite of that MNPs have also ability to regulates enzymes like glutathione peroxidases (GPxs), thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) and act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Artificially induced in situ macrophage polarization: An emerging cellular therapy for immuno-inflammatory diseases

Macrophages are the mature form of monocytes that have high plasticity and can shift from one phenotype to another by the process of macrophage polarization. Macrophage has several vital pharmacological tasks like eliminating microorganism invasion, clearing dead cells, causing inflammation, repairing damaged tissues, etc. The function of macrophages is based on their phenotype. M1 macrophages are mostly responsible for the body's immune responses and M2 macrophages have healing properties. Inappropriate activation of any one of the phenotypes often leads to ROS-induced tissue damage and affects wound healing and angiogenesis. Therefore, maintaining tissue macrophage homeostasis is necessary. Studies are being done to find techniques for macrophage polarization. But, the process of macrophage polarization is very complex as it involves multiple signalling pathways involving innate immunity. Thus, identifying the right pathways for macrophage polarization is essential to apply the polarizing technique for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases where macrophage physiology influences the disease pathology. In this review, we highlighted the various techniques so far used to change macrophage plasticity. We believe that soon macrophage targeting therapeutics will hit the market for the management of inflammatory disease. Hence this review will help macrophage researchers choose suitable methods and materials/agents to polarize macrophages artificially in various disease models.

Euphorbium total triterpenes improve Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis through PI3K/AKT/Bax and NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Euphorbium is the resinous secretion of Euphorbia resinifera Berg. According to the record, Euphorbium was first used by Roman doctors to treat the emperor's joint pain. In China, it is applied in folk medicine to treat damp-cold or mucous diseases, such as arthralgia and ascites, etc. This herb is used for rheumatoid arthritis and skin tumors in the folklore of northeastern Brazil. Triterpenes are mainly characteristic constituents of Euphorbium, and possibly possess anti-rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the preventive effect of Euphorbium total triterpenes (TTE) on Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis in rats and its mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

TTE was extracted and isolated from Euphorbium, and its components were analyzed by HPLC. The safety of TTE was evaluated by an acute toxicity test in mice. Arthritis was induced in rats by injecting 0.2 mL FCA into the right hind paw toe, except for the control group, which was given the same volume of physiological saline. Tripterygium Glycosides (TG, 7.5 mg/kg) and TTE (32, 64 and 128 mg/kg) were administered by gavage for 30 days. Body weights, paw swelling, and arthritic scores were measured during the experiment process. After 30 days, blood and joints were harvested to determine various indicators of arthritis.

RESULTS

The contents of euphol and euphorbol in TTE were 47.03% and 18.77% respectively, and the maximal feasible dose of TTE in mice is 12 g/kg. The experimental results showed that arthritis indicators in rats deteriorated after FCA inducement compared with the control group. After treatment with TTE, the swelling degree and histopathological change of the hind paws in rats were significantly improved as well as arthritic score; the serum TNF-α, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and RF levels in rats were significantly reduced; The expression of PI3K, AKT, P-AKT, Bcl-2, NF-κB, NLRP3 and Pro-caspase-1 protein in joint tissue were down-regulated, and the expression of Bax protein was up-regulated.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that TTE possessed anti-arthritis effects, and its mechanism may be related to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, as well as regulation of PI3K/AKT/Bax and NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Advent of phytobiologics and nano-interventions for bone remodeling: a comprehensive review

Bone metabolism constitutes the intricate processes of matrix deposition, mineralization, and resorption. Any imbalance in these processes leads to traumatic bone injuries and serious disease conditions. Therefore, bone remodeling plays a crucial role during the regeneration process maintaining the balance between osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Currently, numerous phytobiologics are emerging as the new therapeutics for the treatment of bone-related complications overcoming the synthetic drug-based side effects. They can either target osteoblasts, osteoclasts, or both through different mechanistic pathways for maintaining the bone remodeling process. Although phytobiologics have been widely used since tradition for the treatment of bone fractures recently, the research is accentuated toward the development of osteogenic phytobioactives, constituent-based drug designing models, and efficacious delivery of the phytobioactives. To achieve this, different plant extracts and successful isolation of their phytoconstituents are critical for osteogenic research. Hence, this review emphasizes the phytobioactives based research specifically enlisting the plants and their constituents used so far as bone therapeutics, their respective isolation procedures, and nanotechnological interventions in bone research. Also, the review enlists the vast array of folklore plants and the newly emerging nano-delivery systems in treating bone injuries as the future scope of research in the phytomedicinal orthopedic applications.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Commiphora mukul Extract: Evaluation of Anti-Arthritic Activity in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major global public health challenge, and novel therapies are required to combat it. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been employed as delivery vehicles of anti-inflammatory drugs for RA therapy, and it has been recently realized that AgNPs have anti-inflammatory action on their own. However, their conventional synthesis processes might result in cytotoxicity and environmental hazards. Instead, the use of natural products as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles has arisen as an option to decrease the cytotoxic and environmental concerns associated with chemical synthesis of AgNPs. In this study, we challenged the efficacy of Commiphora mukul (guggul) aqueous extract as a reducing and/or capping agent for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Guggul-mediated biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs) were characterized via UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, their anti-arthritic potential was evaluated in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model. The fabricated NPs showed an absorption peak at 412 nm, corresponding to the typical surface plasmon resonance band of AgNPs. The synthesized G-AgNPs were nearly spherical, with a particle size of 337.6 ± 12.1 nm and a negative surface charge (−18.9 ± 1.8 mV). In AIA rat model, synthesized G-AgNPs exerted a potent anti-inflammatory action, as manifested by a remarkable reduction in paw volume (>40%) along with elicitation of a minimal arthritic score, compared to control rats. In addition, when compared to arthritic rats, treatment with G-AgNPs efficiently restored the activity of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, indicating the efficiency of synthesized G-AgNPs in alleviating the oxidative stress associated with RA. Finally, histological examination revealed comparatively lower inflammatory cells infiltration in ankle joint tissue upon treatment with G-AgNPs. Collectively, biosynthesized G-AgNPs might represent a plausible therapeutic option for the management of RA.

Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea contained nanoparticles on meniscal/ligamentous injury induced osteoarthritis in obese male rats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease associated with age, mechanical stress, and obesity. Echinacea purpurea is a medicinal plant that shows good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In this study, Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract nanoparticles (Nano-EE) were prepared by encapsulating Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (EE) in chitosan-silica nanoparticles. Obesity (OB) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was induced by fed 40% high-fat diet and then anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury were performed to induce OA. The rats got different doses of samples by oral gavage. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of Nano-EE were 69.1% and 36.1%, respectively. The average size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) of the Nano-EE were 145 ± 11 nm, 0.24 ± 0.01, − 4.57 ± 0.44 mV, respectively. Furthermore, electron microscopic images showed that the particles were spherical and were slightly agglomerated. Moreover, it showed that the leptin content, expression of MMPs, cytokines level, NF-κB level, and iNOS production were decreased whereas collagen II expression was increased after treatment. Besides, Nano-EE ameliorated the pain caused by OA and reduced the proteoglycan loss in cartilage. These results indicated that encapsulated EE (Nano-EE) can ameliorate OA with a low dosage and are more effective than unencapsulated EE.

Inflammation and ROS in arthritis: management by Ayurvedic medicinal plants

Chronic joint inflammatory disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are manifested by joint dysfunction, show an upsurge in inflammation and oxidative stress. Although conventional anti-arthritic drugs are being used to relieve pain from arthritic symptoms, they usually cause severe side effects. Traditionally used Ayurvedic medicinal plants are a promising alternative for the management of arthritic symptoms, as they are safe and effective. Ayurvedic medicinal plants improve arthritic symptoms by reducing joint tenderness, joint pain, swelling, bone and cartilage damage, and increasing knee flexion, walking distance and sports activities. These beneficial effects of Ayurvedic medicinal plants on arthritis are mediated through various cellular mechanisms including inhibition of the inflammatory markers NF-κB, cytokines, adipokines, PGE2, NO, iNOS, COX-2, and MMPs and induction of antioxidant status by decreasing free radicals, lipid peroxidation, and myeloperoxidase, and increasing antioxidant enzymes, Nrf2, and HO-1. Thus, a strategy requires using these Ayurvedic medicinal plants to treat arthritis. This article describes the status of inflammation and oxidative stress in arthritic conditions. We also provide evidence that Ayurvedic medicinal plants and their bioactive components are highly effective in improving arthritic symptoms.

Targeted silver nanoparticles for rheumatoid arthritis therapy via macrophage apoptosis and Re-polarization

Infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially the M1 macrophages that secrete various types of inflammation cytokines, play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To relief synovial inflammation, M1 macrophages must be eliminated or switched to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. We herein developed folic acid modified silver nanoparticles (FA-AgNPs) that can actively deliver into M1 macrophages to synergistically induce M1 macrophages reduction and M2 macrophages polarization for effective RA treatment. The AgNPs was facilely prepared, PEGylated and modified with FA to realize M1 macrophages targeting delivery via folate receptor overexpressed on M1 macrophages surface. After entering cells, FA-AgNPs dissolved and released Ag⁺ in response to intracellular glutathione (GSH), which is the key element to exert a series of anti-inflammatory functions, such as M1 macrophages apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging to facilitate M2 macrophages polarization, both of which contributed to RA treatment. This nano-system could passively accumulate into inflamed joints, permit potent anti-inflammatory activity, and impose strong therapeutic efficacy in mice RA models with high biosafety. After treatment, FA-AgNPs could be gradually cleared from the body mainly via feces without tissue accumulation, and did not show any appreciable long-term toxicity. This work declares the first example of using bio-active nanoparticles for RA treatment without loading any drugs, and highlights the potential of FA-AgNPs for targeted RA therapy via simultaneous M1 macrophage apoptosis and M1-to-M2 macrophages re-polarization.

Medicinal plants used against various inflammatory biomarkers for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease manifested clinically by polyarthralgia associated with joint dysfunction triggering the antibodies targeting against the self-neoepitopes determined by autoimmune responses associated with chronic arthritic attacks. The activation of macrophages and other defence cells in response to self-epitopes as biomarkers in RA provides a better understanding of pathogenesis of disease and has led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches acting as potent inhibitors of these cells.

KEY FINDINGS

The current review retrieved the various medicinal plants possessing an active phytoconstituents with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which tends to be effective alternative approach over the synthetic drugs concerned with high toxic effects. The current available literature provided an evident data concluding that the active constituents like fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenes and sesquiterpene lactones attenuate the RA symptoms by targeting the inflammatory biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of RA.

SUMMARY

Despite the various synthetic treatment approaches targeting immune cells, cytokines improved the quality of life but still the drug management is challenging due to toxic and chronic teratogenic effects with anti-arthritic drugs. The current review has elaborated the selected traditionally used herbal medicinal plants with phytoconstituents possessing anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the inflammatory biomarkers with lesser side effects and providing the future exploration of natural drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Food-Derived Nanoscopic Drug Delivery Systems for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe systemic inflammatory disease with no cure at present. Recent developments in the understanding of inflammation and nanomaterial science have led to increased applications of nanostructured drug delivery systems in the treatment of RA. The present review summarizes novel fabrications of nanoscale drug carriers using food components as either the delivered drugs or carrier structures, in order to achieve safe, effective and convenient drug administration. Polyphenols and flavonoids are among the most frequently carried anti-RA therapeutics in the nanosystems. Fatty substances, polysaccharides, and peptides/proteins can function as structuring agents of the nanocarriers. Frequently used nanostructures include nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, liposomes, and various nanoparticles. Using these nanostructures has improved drug solubility, absorption, biodistribution, stability, targeted accumulation, and release. Joint vectorization, i.e., using a combination of bioactive molecules, can bring elevated therapeutic outcomes. Utilization of anti-arthritic chemicals that can self-assemble into nanostructures is a promising research orientation in this field.

Immobilization of novel inorganic nano-complexes onto MWCNT nanomaterials as a novel adsorbent and anti-inflammatory therapy in an induced model of rheumatoid arthritis

Novel supported inorganic metal nano-complexes of Ag(I) and Co(II) derived from 4-amino-N-(4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl) benzene sulfonamide (SulMer) were synthesized using olive leaf extract as a reducing agent with grinding and microwave methods. The prepared samples were denoted as Comp1-6. The surface morphologies of the synthesized nanomaterials were analyzed using C, H, N, S analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV- visible spectroscopy, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The data revealed that all the synthesized complexes exhibited a 1:1 metal-to-ligand ratio with a coordination number of 4 or 6. The mean particle size of the nanomaterial samples was 25-35 nm. The XRD patterns indicated a crystalline nature for the complexes. The supported inorganic metal nano-complexes displayed good activity in the adsorptive removal of Direct Red 81 (DR-81) from aqueous solutions. In addition, the effect of the supported metal nano-complexes on the immune system was studied as well as how these anti-inflammatory compounds could be used to treat many autoimmune diseases, most notably rheumatoid arthritis. An experimental model for arthritis can be induced using complete Freund's adjuvant. It was shown that the supported complex offers several advantages such stability, eco-friendliness, simple experimental conditions, short reaction times, and easy work- up.

Silver nanoparticles based on blackcurrant extract show potent anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in DSS-induced colitis in mice

Silver nanoparticles have been used in a range of applications and although they are already employed in medicine, there are new, promising possibilities for their utilization. We investigated the potential of silver nanoparticles obtained with the use of blackcurrant extract in vitro in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and in vivo in the murine DSS-induced colitis model. The examined formulations contained particles of 95 nm (Ag95) and 213 nm (Ag213) diameter. In vitro, both formulations inhibited nitric oxide (NO) release. In vivo, the preparations alleviated colitis as evidenced by a decreased macroscopic score and myeloperoxidase activity (indicative of neutrophil infiltration). In both cases, the nanoparticles of larger diameter showed better anti-inflammatory properties. Although further tests are required, our results indicate a plausible new use of silver nanoparticles in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Review on Methodologies Used in the Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles: Significance of Phytosynthesis Using Plant Extract as an Emerging Tool

Nanosized particles, with a size of less than 100 nm, have a wide variety of applications in various fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Metal nanoparticles [MNPs] have been synthesized by different chemical and physical procedures. Still, the biological approach or green synthesis [phytosynthesis] is considered as a preferred method due to eco-friendliness, nontoxicity, and cost-effective production. Various plants and plant extracts have been used for the green synthesis of MNPs, including biofabrication of noble metals, metal oxides, and bimetallic combinations. Biomolecules and metabolites present in plant extracts cause the reduction of metal ions into nanosized particles by one-step preparation methods. MNPs have remarkable attractiveness in biomedical applications for their use as potential antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial agents. The present review offers a comprehensive aspect of MNPs production via top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach with considerable emphasis on green technology and their possible biomedical applications. The critical parameters governing the MNPs formation by plant-based synthesis are also highlighted in this review.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using Pouteria sapota in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Medicinal plants and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have proven to be good sources of agents effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present study focused on the green synthesis of AgNPs from the aqueous leaf extract of Pouteria sapota in order to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic properties of this extract and the synthesized AgNPs.

METHODS

The AgNPs were biologically synthesized under ambient conditions from an aqueous leaf extract of P. sapota using the hot percolation method and were characterized using spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro antidiabetic activity of the aqueous leaf extract and AgNPs was confirmed by non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin, glucose uptake by yeast cells following exposure of cells to 5 or 10 mmol/L glucose solution, and inhibition of α-amylase. Further, in vivo antidiabetic activity was assessed in streptozotocin-induced rats. Rats were treated with aqueous leaf extract (100 mg/kg) or AgNPs (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Following treatment, rats were killed for biochemical and histopathological analysis of kidney and liver samples.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in blood sugar levels was noted in rats treated with leaf extract or AgNPs. Results of in vitro and in vivo analyses in rats treated with leaf extract or AgNPs show that both the extract and the biologically synthesized AgNPs have antidiabetic activity.

CONCLUSION

The aqueous leaf extract of P. sapota and AgNPs exhibited efficient antidiabetic activity in the rat model of diabetes and therefore could have potential for development for medical applications in the future.