1
|
Ali M, Benfante V, Di Raimondo D, Laudicella R, Tuttolomondo A, Comelli A. A Review of Advances in Molecular Imaging of Rheumatoid Arthritis: From In Vitro to Clinic Applications Using Radiolabeled Targeting Vectors with Technetium-99m. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:751. [PMID: 38929734 PMCID: PMC11204982 DOI: 10.3390/life14060751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder caused by inflammation of cartilaginous diarthrodial joints that destroys joints and cartilage, resulting in synovitis and pannus formation. Timely detection and effective management of RA are pivotal for mitigating inflammatory arthritis consequences, potentially influencing disease progression. Nuclear medicine using radiolabeled targeted vectors presents a promising avenue for RA diagnosis and response to treatment assessment. Radiopharmaceutical such as technetium-99m (99mTc), combined with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with CT (SPECT/CT), introduces a more refined diagnostic approach, enhancing accuracy through precise anatomical localization, representing a notable advancement in hybrid molecular imaging for RA evaluation. This comprehensive review discusses existing research, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to explore the application of 99mTc radiolabeled targeting vectors with SPECT imaging for RA diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential of this strategy to enhance patient outcomes by improving the early detection and management of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.C.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Viviana Benfante
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.C.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Domenico Di Raimondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Riccardo Laudicella
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Messina University, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.D.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Albert Comelli
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.C.)
- NBFC—National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li J, Cao J, Chen Q, Liu D, Li R. Investigating the therapeutic potential of sinomenine in rheumatoid arthritis: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3945-3958. [PMID: 37991542 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02810-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the onset of inflammation and subsequent damage to the joints. Although several therapies are available for RA, none are effective, and many have undesirable side effects. The roots of Sinomenium acutum produce an alkaloid called Sinomenine (SIN), which has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of SIN through oral administration following RA induction using Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) injections. The study monitored changes in the arthritic index, hind paw volume, inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Results demonstrated that SIN effectively inhibited the activity of NF-κB and IKKβ in knee joint tissues, which led to a decrease in tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS in RA-induced rats. The production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, Arg-1, and Fizz1 also increased. In rat knee joints, SIN elevated the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 and decreased the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Additionally, SIN modulated the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway in RA-induced rat knee joint tissues, reducing RANKL expression and increasing OPG. SIN also effectively decreased MDA, NO, and elevated antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) in RA-induced rats via Nrf2/Keap 1 signaling pathway activation. In conclusion, this study suggests that SIN possesses potential therapeutic benefits for treating RA by modulating the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway, which may impact osteoclast activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in knee joint tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- The First Ward of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xi'an No. 5 Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Junjie Cao
- Laboratory medicine department, Xi'an No. 5 Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Qingping Chen
- The First Ward of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xi'an No. 5 Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Rui Li
- The First Ward of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xi'an No. 5 Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang X, Shi L, Feng H, Zhang Y, Dong J, Shen Z. Engineered Exosomes Loaded with Triptolide: An Innovative Approach to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111677. [PMID: 38350355 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exosomes are small, membrane-bound vesicles secreted by cells into the extracellular environment. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including immune response, cell-to-cell signaling, and tumor progression. Exosomes have attracted attention as potential targets for therapeutic intervention, drug delivery, and biomarker detection. In this study, we aimed to isolate exosomes from human RA fibroblasts (hRAF-Exo) and load them with triptolide (TP) to generate engineered exosomes (hRAF-Exo@TP). METHODS Transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and western blotting for protein detection were employed to characterize hRAF-Exo. Furthermore, a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was employed to observe the distinct affinity of hRAF-Exo@TP towards the afflicted area. RESULTS Cellular experiments demonstrated the inhibitory effect of hRAF-Exo@TP on the proliferative activity of human RA fibroblasts. Additionally, it exhibited remarkable selectivity for lesion sites in a CIA mouse model. CONCLUSION Exosomes loaded with TP may enhance the therapeutic effects on RA in mice. Our study provides a promising avenue for the treatment of RA in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Jiang
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Shi
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Feng
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangqing Zhang
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjian Dong
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongfei Shen
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Haghir Ebrahim Abadi MH, Ghasemlou A, Bayani F, Sefidbakht Y, Vosough M, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Uversky VN. AI-driven covalent drug design strategies targeting main protease (m pro) against SARS-CoV-2: structural insights and molecular mechanisms. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38287509 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. To address this challenge, small-molecule antivirals have been proposed as a crucial therapeutic option. Among potential targets for anti-COVID-19 therapy, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is important due to its essential role in the virus's life cycle and high conservation. The substrate-binding region of the core proteases of various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), could be used for the generation of new protease inhibitors. Various drug discovery methods have employed a diverse range of strategies, targeting both monomeric and dimeric forms, including drug repurposing, integrating virtual screening with high-throughput screening (HTS), and structure-based drug design, each demonstrating varying levels of efficiency. Covalent inhibitors, such as Nirmatrelvir and MG-101, showcase robust and high-affinity binding to Mpro, exhibiting stable interactions confirmed by molecular docking studies. Development of effective antiviral drugs is imperative to address potential pandemic situations. This review explores recent advances in the search for Mpro inhibitors and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug design. AI leverages vast datasets and advanced algorithms to streamline the design and identification of promising Mpro inhibitors. AI-driven drug discovery methods, including molecular docking, predictive modeling, and structure-based drug repurposing, are at the forefront of identifying potential candidates for effective antiviral therapy. In a time when COVID-19 potentially threat global health, the quest for potent antiviral solutions targeting Mpro could be critical for inhibiting the virus.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatemeh Bayani
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Sefidbakht
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li P, Wang C, Huo H, Xu C, Sun H, Wang X, Wang L, Li L. Prodrug-based nanomedicines for rheumatoid arthritis. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:9. [PMID: 38180534 PMCID: PMC10769998 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03950-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Most antirheumatic drugs with high toxicity exhibit a narrow therapeutic window due to their nonspecific distribution in the body, leading to undesirable side effects and reduced patient compliance. To in response to these challenges, prodrug-based nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (PNDDS), which combines prodrug strategy and nanotechnology into a single system, resulting their many advantages, including stability for prodrug structure, the higher drug loading capacity of the system, improving the target activity and bioavailability, and reducing their untoward effects. PNDDS have gained attention as a method for relieving arthralgia syndrome of rheumatoid arthritis in recent years. This article systematically reviews prodrug-based nanocarriers for rheumatism treatment, including Nano systems based on prodrug-encapsulated nanomedicines and conjugate-based nanomedicines. It provides a new direction for the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cong Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hongjie Huo
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chunyun Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Lei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alghamdi M. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width: A Potential Inexpensive Marker for Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases; Scoping Review. Open Access Rheumatol 2023; 15:173-180. [PMID: 37719317 PMCID: PMC10505028 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s424168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatic diseases encompass a diverse group of autoimmune disorders that affect the joints and connective tissues. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been widely investigated as an inflammatory marker. This scoping review aimed to explore the potential utility of RDW as an inexpensive marker for disease activity in patients with rheumatic diseases. By summarizing the available evidence, we aimed to determine whether RDW can serve as a reliable and accessible indicator of disease activity in these patients. Methods A comprehensive search was systematically performed across electronic databases, encompassing PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies have explored the relationship between RDW and disease activity in rheumatic diseases. Data extraction focused on the study characteristics, methodologies, and findings related to RDW as a disease activity marker. Results After removing duplicates, the initial search yielded 25 relevant studies. These studies encompassed a variety of rheumatic diseases, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most frequently studied condition. The association between RDW and disease activity was assessed by using various disease activity indices and clinical parameters. While some studies have reported a significant correlation between elevated RDW and disease activity, others have yielded inconclusive results. Conclusion From this review, we concluded that RDW is an inexpensive potential marker for the evaluation of disease activity in rheumatic diseases. RDW is promising as an inexpensive and readily available marker; however, its clinical utility in assessing disease activity in rheumatic conditions warrants more rigorous investigation through well-designed prospective studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|