The detailed biological investigations about combined effects of novel polyphenolic and photo-plasmonic nanoparticles loaded graphene nanosheets on coronary endothelial cells and isolated rat aortic rings

Nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular aging and related diseases

Aging-induced alternations of vasculature structures, phenotypes, and functions are key in the occurrence and development of vascular aging-related diseases. Multiple molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, cellular senescence, and epigenetic alterations are highly associated with vascular aging physiopathology. Advances in nanoparticles and nanotechnology, which can realize sensitive diagnostic modalities, efficient medical treatment, and better prognosis as well as less adverse effects on non-target tissues, provide an amazing window in the field of vascular aging and related diseases. Throughout this review, we presented current knowledge on classification of nanoparticles and the relationship between vascular aging and related diseases. Importantly, we comprehensively summarized the potential of nanoparticles-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in vascular aging and related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, as well as chronic kidney diseases, and discussed the advantages and limitations of their clinical applications.

Nanoparticles: Promising Tools for the Treatment and Prevention of Myocardial Infarction

Despite several recent advances, current therapy and prevention strategies for myocardial infarction are far from satisfactory, owing to limitations in their applicability and treatment effects. Nanoparticles (NPs) enable the targeted and stable delivery of therapeutic compounds, enhance tissue engineering processes, and regulate the behaviour of transplants such as stem cells. Thus, NPs may be more effective than other mechanisms, and may minimize potential adverse effects. This review provides evidence for the view that function-oriented systems are more practical than traditional material-based systems; it also summarizes the latest advances in NP-based strategies for the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction.

Recent advances in nanomaterials for therapy and diagnosis for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by lipid accumulation in arteries, leading to narrowing and thrombosis. It affects the heart, brain, and peripheral vessels and is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Researchers have strived to design nanomaterials of various functions, ranging from non-invasive imaging contrast agents, targeted therapeutic delivery systems to multifunctional nanoagents able to target, diagnose, and treat atherosclerosis. Therefore, this review aims to summarize recent progress (2017-now) in the development of nanomaterials and their applications to improve atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy during the preclinical and clinical stages of the disease.

On the biocompatibility of graphene oxide towards vascular smooth muscle cells

Graphene and its derivatives have shown fascinating potential in biomedical applications. However, the biocompatibility of graphene with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and applications to vascular engineering have not been explored extensively. Using a rat aortic smooth muscle cell line, A7r5, as a VSMC model, we have explored the effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the growth and behaviours of VSMCs. Results demonstrated that GO had no obvious toxicity to VSMCs. Cells cultured on GO retained the expression of smooth muscle cell-specific markers CNN1, ACTA2 and SMTN, on both mRNA and protein levels. A wound healing assay demonstrated no effect of GO on cell migration. We also found that small-flaked GO favoured the proliferation of VSMCs, suggesting a potential of using surface chemistry or physical properties of GO to influence cell growth behaviour. These results provide insight into the suitability of GO as a scaffold for vascular tissue engineering.