Therapeutic effects of silver nanoparticle containing sulfasalazine on DSS-induced colitis model

Silver Nanoparticles Loaded With Oleuropein Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Modulating the TLR4/P2X7 Receptor-Mediated Inflammation and Apoptosis in Rats

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) ligands were initially shown to be the source of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a gram-negative bacterium's cell wall immunostimulatory component. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation are all potential effects of LPS treatment on the lungs. By triggering oxidative stress and inflammation, these negative effects could be avoided. Robust flavonoid oleuropein (OLE) exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidative properties. A nanodelivery system could improve its low bioavailability, making it more effective and useful in treating chronic human ailments. This study evaluates the effects of AgNP-loaded OLE on LPS-induced lung injury in rats in terms of TLR4/P2X7 receptor-mediated inflammation and apoptosis. Forty-eight male albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Drugs were administered to the groups in the doses specified as follows: Control, LPS (8 mg/kg ip), OLE (50 mg/kg) AgNPs (100 mg/kg), OLE + AgNPs (50 mg/kg), LPS + OLE (oleuropein 50 mg/kg ig + LPS 8 mg/kg ip), LPS + AgNPs (AgNPs 100 mg/kg ig + LPS 8 mg/kg ip), and LPS + OLE + AgNPs (OLE + AgNPs 50 mg/kg + LPS 8 mg/kg ip). After the applications, the rats were decapitated under appropriate conditions, and lung tissues were obtained. Oxidative stress (SOD, MDA, and GSH), and inflammation (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, Nrf2, P2X7R, AKT, and TLR4) parameters were evaluated in the obtained lung tissues. Additionally, histopathology studies were performed on lung tissue samples. The data obtained were evaluated by comparison between groups. Both OLE and OLE + AgNPs showed potential in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (p < 0.05). These findings were supported by histopathological analysis, which revealed that tissue damage was reduced in OLE and OLE + AgNPs-treated groups. According to the results, LPS-induced lung injury can be reduced by using nanotechnology and producing OLE + AgNP.

Negatively Charged Thermosensitive Hydrogel Loaded with Pectin Microspheres to Recover the Mucosal Barrier for Ulcerative Colitis Therapy

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, poses a heightened colorectal cancer risk due to persistent mucosal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. In this article, a negatively charged thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with pectin microspheres was used as the enema for UC treatment. Succinic acid was immobilized on poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolide) (PCLGA-PEG-PCLGA) triblock copolymers to preferentially coat on cationic-inflamed sites via electrostatic interaction for reconstructing the mucosal barrier. Anti-inflammation drug 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and curcumin-loaded pectin microspheres (Pec@Cur) were dispersed in the hydrogel for the inflammatory treatment of UC. The thermally sensitive hydrogels were rectally injected into UC model mice. The hydrogel effectively adhered to ulcers and prolonged colon retention, enabling sustained drug release and remarkably relieving the symptoms of colitis. The negatively charged hydrogel exhibited excellent significance in the UC treatment.

Silver Nanoparticles in 3D Printing: A New Frontier in Wound Healing

This review examines the convergence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), three-dimensional (3D) printing, and wound healing, focusing on significant advancements in these fields. We explore the unique properties of AgNPs, notably their strong antibacterial efficacy and their potential applications in enhancing wound recovery. Furthermore, the review delves into 3D printing technology, discussing its core principles, various materials employed, and recent innovations. The integration of AgNPs into 3D-printed structures for regenerative medicine is analyzed, emphasizing the benefits of this combined approach and identifying the challenges that must be addressed. This comprehensive overview aims to elucidate the current state of the field and to direct future research toward developing more effective solutions for wound healing.

Silver Nanoparticles Loaded with Oleuropein Reduce Doxorubicin-Induced Testicular Damage by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Apoptosis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the most used chemotherapeutic agent for treating solid tumors. DOX treatment may lead to testicular damage using oxidative stress, resulting in infertility. These adverse effects may be prevented by the activation of antioxidant systems. Oleuropein (OLE) is a powerful flavonoid with several ameliorative effects, including antioxidative, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory. It would be more efficient and applicable in treating chronic human diseases if its poor bioavailability improves with a nano-delivery system. The current study aims to assess the histopathological changes and antioxidative effects of OLE loaded with silver nanoparticles oleuropein (OLE-AgNP) on the testicular injury triggered by DOX in rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: the control, DOX (2.5 mg/kg), OLE (50 mg/kg), AgNP (100 mg/kg), OLE + AgNP (50 mg/kg), OLE (50 mg/kg) + DOX (2.5 mg/kg), AgNP (100 mg/kg) + DOX (2.5 mg/kg), and OLE-AgNP (50 mg/kg) + DOX (2.5 mg/kg) for 11 days. Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, sperm analysis, and histopathological analyses were performed on testicular tissues taken from rats decapitated after the applications and compared between the experimental groups. The tissue MDA level was lower in the OLE and OLE+AgNP-treated groups than in the DOX-treated group. In addition, SOD and GSH levels significantly increased in both the OLE and OLE+AgNP-treated groups compared to the DOX group. Both OLE and OLE+AgNP, particularly OLE+AgNP, ameliorated DOX-induced testicular tissue injury, as evidenced by reduced injury and improved seminiferous tubules and spermatocyte area. In addition, OLE and OLE+AgNP, especially OLE+AgNP, inhibited DOX-induced testicular tissue inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The findings suggest that nanotechnology and the production of OLE+AgNP can ameliorate DOX-induced testicular damage.

Hepatic Gα13 ablation shifts region-specific colonic inflammatory status by modulating the bile acid synthetic pathway in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease is defined by inflammation and immune dysregulation. This study investigated the effects of Gα13 liver-specific knockout (LKO) on proximal and distal colons of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice in conjunction with a high-fat diet (HFD). HFD improved body weight gain and disease activity index scores. Gα13LKO exerted no improvement. In the proximal colon, HFD augmented the DSS effect on Il6, which was not observed in Gα13LKO mice. In the distal colon, HFD plus DSS oppositely fortified an increase in Tnfa and Cxcl10 mRNA in Gα13LKO but not WT. Il6 levels remained unchanged. Bioinformatic approaches using Gα13LKO livers displayed bile acid and cholesterol metabolism-related gene sets. Cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid levels were increased in the liver of mice treated with DSS, which was reversed by Gα13LKO. Notably, mice treated with DSS showed a reduction in hepatic ABCB11, CYP7B1, CYP7A1, and CYP8B1, which was reversed by Gα13LKO. Overall, feeding HFD augments the effect of DSS on Il6 in the proximal colon of WT, but not Gα13LKO mice, and enhances DSS effect on Tnfa and Cxcl10 in the distal colon of Gα13LKO mice, suggesting site-specific changes in the inflammatory cytokines, potentially resulting from changes in BA synthesis and excretion.

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.

Nanoformulated meloxicam and rifampin: inhibiting quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: We aimed to investigate the simultaneous effects of meloxicam and rifampin nanoformulations with solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) substrates on inhibiting the quorum-sensing system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and preventing biofilm formation by this bacterium. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of rifampin and meloxicam encapsulated with SLNs and NLCs against P. aeruginosa PAO1 was assessed by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: The SLN formulation was associated with lower doses for the MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration in comparison to NLC. Moreover, our results demonstrated that both nanoformulations were able to produce 100% inhibition of the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Conclusion: All these findings suggest that meloxicam and rifampin encapsulated with SLNs could be the most effective formulation against P. aeruginosa.

The advancing of polymeric core-shell ZnO nanocomposites containing 5-fluorouracil for improving anticancer activity in colorectal cancer

The study investigated the use of 5-fluorouracil-loaded ZnO nanocomposites (5-FU/Gd-ZnO NCs) as a potential treatment for cancer. 5-FU is a commonly used drug for cancer treatment but has undesirable side effects. The materials were characterized using various techniques, including PXRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, DLS, £-potential, and AFM. The data showed that the nanocomposites had a plate-like agglomeration with particle diameters ranging from 317.6 to 120.1 nm. The IC50 value of 5-FU-ZnO, which inhibits cell growth, was found to be 1.85 ppm. The effects of 5-FU-ZnO on inflammatory markers were also examined. While 5-FU increased the levels of TNF-a and IL-1b, the nanocomposites were able to reduce these levels. Additionally, the 5-FU/Gd-ZnO-NCs group showed an increase in thiol levels and a decrease in catalase and superoxide dismutase levels. Flow cytometry results showed that 5-FU, ZnO-NCs, and 5-FU/Gd-ZnO-NCs did not have any additive or synergistic effects on the suppression or eradication of cancer cells. In vivo, experiments showed that the 5-FU/Gd-ZnO NCs had similar necrotic characteristics and reduced fibrosis and collagen deposition compared to the free medication. The nanocomposites also exhibited higher antioxidative activity and lower inflammatory responses compared to the 5-FU group. It was shown that 5-FU/Gd-ZnO-NCs successfully inhibit cell proliferation. The in vivo results were comparable to those obtained with free 5-FU, suggesting the potential of these nanocomposites as therapeutic agents.

A new era in cancer treatment: harnessing ZIF-8 nanoparticles for PD-1 inhibitor delivery

This review delves into the potential of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles in augmenting the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, with a special focus on the delivery of programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. The multifunctional nature of ZIF-8 nanoparticles as drug carriers is emphasized, with their ability to encapsulate a range of therapeutic agents, including PD-1 inhibitors, and facilitate their targeted delivery to tumor locations. By manipulating the pore size and surface characteristics of ZIF-8 nanoparticles, controlled drug release can be realized. The strategic use of ZIF-8 nanoparticles to deliver PD-1 inhibitors presents a precise and targeted modality for cancer treatment, reducing off-target impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This combined strategy addresses the existing challenges and constraints of current immunotherapy techniques, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient outcomes in cancer therapy.

BAO-Ag-NPs as Promising Suppressor of ET-1/ICAM-1/VCAM-1 Signaling Pathway in ISO-induced AMI in Rats

OBJECTIVES

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most prevalent cause of myocardial fibrosis and the leading cause of mortality from cardiovascular disease. The goal of this work was to synthesize Balanites aegyptiaca oil-silver nanoparticles (BAO-Ag-NPs) and evaluate their cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats, as well as their mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BAO was isolated, and the unsaturated fatty acids were estimated. BAO-Ag-NPs was prepared, LD50 was calculated to evaluate its cardioprotective activity against ISO (85 mg/kg)-induced AMI. Different doses of BAO-Ag-NPs (1/50 LD50; 46.6 mg/kg.b.w and 1/20 LD50; 116.5 mg) were received to the rats.

RESULTS

The total fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids generated by BAO were 909.63 and 653.47 mg/100 g oil, respectively. Oleic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester were the predominant ingredients, with concentrations of 107.6, 243.42, and 256.77 mg/100 g oil, respectively. According to TEM and DLS examinations, BAO-Ag-NPs have a size of 38.20 ± 2.5 nm and a negative zeta potential of -19.82 ± 0.30 mV, respectively. The LD50 of synthesized BAO-Ag-NPs is 2330 mg. On the other hand, BAOAg- NPs reduce myocardial necrosis by lowering increased BNP, cTnI, CK-MB, TC, TG, MDA, MMP2, TGF-β1, PGE2, and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, BAO-Ag-NPs inhibit the expression of ET-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 genes as well as enhance HDL-C, CAT, and GSH levels when compared to the ISO-treated group of rats. Histopathological findings suggested that BAO-Ag- NPs enhance cardiac function by increasing posterior wall thickness in heart tissues.

CONCLUSION

BAO-Ag-NPs protect against AMI in vivo by regulating inflammation, excessive autophagy, and oxidative stress, as well as lowering apoptosis via suppression of the ET-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 signaling pathways.

"Dual sensitive supramolecular curcumin nanoparticles" in "advanced yeast particles" mediate macrophage reprogramming, ROS scavenging and inflammation resolution for ulcerative colitis treatment

Ulcerative colitis (UC) faces some barriers in oral therapy, such as how to safely deliver drugs to the colon and accumulate in the colon lesions. Hence, we report an advanced yeast particles system loaded with supramolecular nanoparticles with ROS scavenger (curcumin) to treat UC by reducing oxidative stress state and inflammatory response and accelerating the reprogramming of macrophages. In this study, the dual-sensitive materials are bonded on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), the D-mannose (Man) is modified to adamantane (ADA), and then loaded with curcumin (CUR), to form a functional supramolecular nano-delivery system (Man-CUR NPs) through the host-guest interaction. To improve gastrointestinal stability and colonic accumulation of Man-CUR NPs, yeast cell wall microparticles (YPs) encapsulated Man-CUR NPs to form Man-CUR NYPs via electrostatic adsorption and vacuum extrusion technologies. As expected, the YPs showed the strong stability in complex gastrointestinal environment. In addition, the Man modified supramolecular nanoparticles demonstrated excellent targeting ability to macrophages in the in vitro cellular uptake study and the pH/ROS sensitive effect of Man-CUR NPs was confirmed by the pH/ROS-dual stimulation evaluation. They also enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory model in macrophages through downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors, upregulation of anti-inflammatory factors, M2 macrophage polarization, and scavenging the excess ROS. Notably, in DSS-induced mice colitis model, Man-CUR NYPs can reduce the inflammatory responses by modulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, alleviate oxidative stress by Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, promote macrophages reprogramming and improve the favorable recovery of the damaged colonic tissue. Taken together, this study not only provides strategy for "supramolecular curcumin nanoparticles with pH/ROS sensitive and multistage therapeutic effects" in "advanced yeast particles", but also provided strong theoretical support multi-effect therapy for UC.

Antibody-modified Gold Nanobiostructures: Advancing Targeted Photodynamic Therapy for Improved Cancer Treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative, non-invasive method of treating cancer that uses light-activated photosensitizers to create reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, challenges associated with the limited penetration depth of light and the need for precise control over photosensitizer activation have hindered its clinical translation. Nanomedicine, particularly gold nanobiostructures, offers promising solutions to overcome these limitations. This paper reviews the advancements in PDT and nanomedicine, focusing on applying antibody-modified gold nanobiostructures as multifunctional platforms for enhanced PDT efficacy and improved cancer treatment outcomes. The size, shape, and composition of gold nanobiostructures can significantly influence their PDT efficacy, making synthetic procedures crucial. Functionalizing the surface of gold nanobiostructures with various molecules, such as antibodies or targeting agents, bonding agents, PDT agents, photothermal therapy (PTT) agents, chemo-agents, immunotherapy agents, and imaging agents, allows composition modification. Integrating gold nanobiostructures with PDT holds immense potential for targeted cancer therapy. Antibody-modified gold nanobiostructures, in particular, have gained significant attention due to their tunable plasmonic characteristics, biocompatibility, and surface functionalization capabilities. These multifunctional nanosystems possess unique properties that enhance the efficacy of PDT, including improved light absorption, targeted delivery, and enhanced ROS generation. Passive and active targeting of gold nanobiostructures can enhance their localization near cancer cells, leading to efficient eradication of tumor tissues upon light irradiation. Future research and clinical studies will continue to explore the potential of gold nanobiostructures in PDT for personalized and effective cancer therapy. The synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of gold nanobiostructures, their interaction with light, and their impact on photosensitizers' photophysical and photochemical properties, are important areas of investigation. Strategies to enhance targeting efficiency and the evaluation of gold nanobiostructures in vitro and in vivo studies will further advance their application in PDT. The integrating antibody-modified gold nanobiostructures in PDT represents a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy. These multifunctional nanosystems possess unique properties that enhance PDT efficacy, including improved light absorption, targeted delivery, and enhanced ROS generation. Continued research and development in this field will contribute to the advancement of personalized and effective cancer treatment approaches.

Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of nanoparticles in the management of COVID-19: a comprehensive overview

In December 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. Comprehensive strategies for quick identification, prevention, control, and remedy of COVID-19 have been implemented until today. Advances in various nanoparticle-based technologies, including organic and inorganic nanoparticles, have created new perspectives in this field. These materials were extensively used to control COVID-19 because of their specific attribution to preparing antiviral face masks, various safety sensors, etc. In this review, the most current nanoparticle-based technologies, applications, and achievements against the coronavirus were summarized and highlighted. This paper also offers nanoparticle preventive, diagnostic, and treatment options to combat this pandemic.

Protective effects of silver nanoparticles in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Background

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in the medical field, including cardiovascular. However, limited research has investigated the effect of AgNPs on the protection of myocardial infarction (MI).

Objectives

Isoproterenol (Iso)-induced MI and the cardiac protection offered by AgNPs were investigated in the present study. Additionally, we characterized the profile of Ag in the form of nanoparticles.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: normal, Iso, Iso + AgNO3, and Iso + AgNP groups. AgNPs and silver ion (AgNO3) were administered intraperitoneally at 2.5 mg/kg BW for 14 days. Iso induction was performed using two doses of 85 mg/kg BW given subcutaneously on days 13 and 14. Blood and cardiac tissue samples were taken 24 h after the last dose of Iso and checked for Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase in plasma along with oxidative stress parameters, mitochondria biogenesis markers, and inflammation representative genes in cardiac tissue. Additionally, we analyzed the histopathological features in cardiac tissue.

Results

The silver was confirmed in the form of nanoparticles by its size at intervals of 8.72-37.84 nm. Both AgNO3 and AgNPs showed similar cardioprotective effects, as shown by the decrease in biochemical markers of cardiac toxicity, namely, CK-MB. Additionally, AgNPs group have better efficacy compared with AgNO3 group in ameliorating Iso-mediated oxidative stress production, as evidenced by the significant decrease in malondialdehyde level and increased superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.01, respectively) in cardiac tissue compared with the Iso group. Mechanistically, AgNPs, but not AgNO3, enhanced the expression levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha in post-MI heart and reduced the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) assessed by western blot analysis. Furthermore, these results were confirmed with the histopathological evaluation of cardiac tissue. Nevertheless, pretreatment with either AgNO3 or AgNPs improved the aspartate aminotransferase level.

Conclusion

These results suggested that AgNPs have more superior cardioprotective effect compared with AgNO3 against Iso-induced MI, at least in part through amelioration of NF-κB expression level induced by oxidative stress overproduction.

Glycogen-based pH and redox sensitive nanoparticles with ginsenoside Rh2 for effective treatment of ulcerative colitis

The purpose of this study is to construct a pH and redox sensitive nanoparticle to effectively deliver ginsenoside Rh₂ for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Herein, glycogen was modified by urocanic acid and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) to obtain an amphiphilic polymer (LA-UaGly). Such polymer LA-UaGly could self-assemble to form nanoparticles (Blank NPs) in water with excellent stability, which could also successfully encapsulated ginsenoside Rh₂ to form Rh₂ nanoparticles (Rh₂ NPs) with encapsulation efficiency of 74.36 ± 0.34%. DLS analysis indicated Rh₂ NPs were spherical with a particle size of 128.9 ± 0.3 nm. As expected, Rh₂ NPs exhibited typical pH and redox dual response release behaviour as well as the excellent in vivo safety. In vitro tests showed that Rh₂ NPs could effectively internalize and release Rh₂ into RAW264.7 cells, and protect cells from apoptosis (p < 0.05). More interestingly, Rh₂ NPs exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity via significantly inhibiting the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) (p < 0.05). In vivo experiments suggested that Rh₂ NPs significantly ameliorated the weight loss, colon length, disease activity index (DAI) score, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in mice caused by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, pathological analysis proved that Rh₂ NPs could significantly reduce histological damage and inflammatory infiltration in mice. Rh₂ NPs could also effectively regulate the intestinal flora of mice by improving the species uniformity and abundance of the intestinal flora of mice and restoring the species diversity of the intestinal flora. In addition, both in vivo and in vitro experiments proved that Rh₂ NPs had stronger anti-inflammatory activity than Rh₂. This study provides a promising strategy for the effective treatment of UC.