Quercetin loaded liposomes modified with galactosylated chitosan prevent LPS/D-GalN induced acute liver injury

The Role of Quercetin, a Flavonoid in the Management of Pathogenesis Through Regulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Biological Activities

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits, has been extensively studied for its health benefits and disease management. Its role in the prevention of various pathogenesis has been well-documented, primarily through its ability to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and enhance the endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for information regarding quercetin and its role in various pathogeneses. The included literature comprised experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, and epidemiological studies related to quercetin, while editorials, case analyses, theses, and letters were excluded. It has been reported to have a wide range of health benefits including hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, wound healing, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, achieved through the modulation of various biological activities. Additionally, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that quercetin's efficacies in cancer management involve inhibiting cell signaling pathways, such as inflammation, cell cycle, and angiogenesis, activating cell signaling pathways including tumor suppressor genes, and inducing apoptosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the health benefits of quercetin in various pathogeneses. Additionally, this review outlines the sources of quercetin, nanoformulations, and its applications in health management, along with key findings from important clinical trial studies. Limited clinical data regarding quercetin's safety and mechanism of action are available. It is important to conduct more clinical trials to gain a deeper understanding of the disease-preventive potential, mechanisms of action, safety, and optimal therapeutic dosages. Furthermore, more research based on nanoformulations should be performed to minimize/overcome the hindrance associated with bioavailability, rapid degradation, and toxicity.

Mechanism and Application of Biomaterials Targeting Reactive Oxygen Species and Macrophages in Inflammation

Inflammation, an adaptive reaction to harmful stimuli, is a necessary immune system response and can be either acute or chronic. Since acute inflammation tends to eliminate harmful stimuli and restore equilibrium, it is generally advantageous to the organism. Chronic inflammation, however, is caused by either increased inflammatory signaling or decreased pro-anti-inflammatory signaling. According to current studies, inflammation is thought to be a major factor in a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity. Consequently, reducing inflammation is essential for both preventing and delaying diseases. The application of biomaterials in the treatment of inflammatory illnesses has grown in recent years. A variety of biomaterials can be implanted either by themselves or in conjunction with other bioactive ingredients and therapeutic agents. The mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of well-known anti-inflammatory biomaterials are the main topics of this article.

Liposomal nano-carriers mediated targeting of liver disorders: mechanisms and applications

Liver disorders present a significant global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment modalities. Liposomal nanocarriers have emerged as promising candidates for targeted drug delivery to the liver. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms and applications of liposomal nanocarriers in addressing various liver disorders. Firstly discussing the liver disorders and the conventional treatment approaches, the review delves into the liposomal structure and composition. Moreover, it tackles the different mechanisms of liposomal targeting including both passive and active strategies. After that, the review moves on to explore the therapeutic potentials of liposomal nanocarriers in treating liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Through discussing recent advancements and envisioning future perspectives, this review highlights the role of liposomal nanocarriers in enhancing the effectiveness and the safety of liver disorders and consequently improving patient outcomes and enhances life quality.

Sulforaphane nanoparticles coated with zein-propylene glycol alginate attenuate N-diethylnitrosamine-induced liver injury in mice

Sulforaphane-loaded nanoparticles (NP-SF) were prepared in this study to improve their biological effects. Based on propylene glycol alginate and zein as wall materials and anthocyanin and CaCl2 as crosslinking agents, the NPs were encapsulated by the crosslinking method and freeze-dried. With the increasing contents of anthocyanin and Ca2+, the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of NP-SF were both increased. In vitro simulated digestion experiments showed controlled release of SF from the NPs. The pharmacokinetics confirmed that NP-SF exerted a slower release effect in rats, with improved SF bioavailability and protective effects on liver injury induced by N-diethylnitrosamine in mice. NP-SF reduced serum indicators of liver injury, increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and GSH levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels in the liver. In addition, SF activated the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 downstream genes NQO1 and heme oxidase 1. High doses of NP-SF, in particular, had a higher therapeutic effect. In conclusion, encapsulation enhanced the biological activity of SF and promoted physiological function.

Development of Liposomal and Liquid Crystalline Lipidic Nanoparticles with Non-Ionic Surfactants for Quercetin Incorporation

The aim of the present study is the development, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of both empty and quercetin-loaded HSPC (hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine) liposomes, GMO (glyceryl monooleate) liquid crystalline nanoparticles, and PHYT (phytantriol) liquid crystalline nanoparticles. Specifically, HSPC phospholipids were mixed with different non-ionic surfactant molecules (Tween 80 and/or Span 80) for liposomal formulations, whereas both GMO and PHYT lipids were mixed with Span 80 and Tween 80 as alternative stabilizers, as well as with Poloxamer P407 in different ratios for liquid crystalline formulations. Subsequently, their physicochemical properties, such as size, size distribution, and ζ-potential were assessed by the dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS/ELS) techniques in both aqueous and biological medium with serum proteins. The in vitro biological evaluation of the empty nanosystems was performed by using the MTT cell viability and proliferation assay. Finally, the entrapment efficiency of quercetin was calculated and the differences between the two different categories of lipidic nanoparticles were highlighted. According to the results, the incorporation of the non-ionic surfactants yields a successful stabilization and physicochemical stability of both liposomal and liquid crystalline nanoparticles. Moreover, in combination with an appropriate biosafety in vitro profile, increased encapsulation efficiency of quercetin was achieved. Overall, the addition of surfactants improved the nanosystem's stealth properties. In conclusion, the results indicate that the physicochemical properties were strictly affected by the formulation parameters, such as the type of surfactant.

Food matrix-flavonoid interactions and their effect on bioavailability

Flavonoid compounds exhibit a wide range of health benefits as plant-derived dietary components. Typically, co-consumed with the food matrix,they must be released from the matrix and converted into an absorbable form (bioaccessibility) before reaching the small intestine, where they are eventually absorbed and transferred into the bloodstream (bioavailability) to exert their biological activity. However, a large number of studies have revealed the biological functions of individual flavonoid compounds in different experimental models, ignoring the more complex but common relationships established in the diet. Besides, it has been appreciated that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the metabolism of flavonoids and food substrates, thereby having a significant impact on their interactions, but much progress still needs to be made in this area. Therefore, this review intends to comprehensively investigate the interactions between flavonoids and food matrices, including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals, and their effects on the nutritional properties of food matrices and the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of flavonoid compounds. Furthermore, the health effects of the interaction of flavonoid compounds with the gut microbiome have also been discussed.HIGHLIGHTSFlavonoids are able to bind to nutrients in the food matrix through covalent or non-covalent bonds.Flavonoids affect the digestion and absorption of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals in the food matrix (bioaccessibility).Lipids, proteins and carbohydrates may favorably affect the bioavailability of flavonoids.Improved intestinal flora may improve flavonoid bioavailability.

Recent Advances in Nanoformulations for Quercetin Delivery

Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonol that has recently received great attention from the research community due to its important pharmacological properties. However, QUE's low solubility and extended first-pass metabolism limit its oral administration. This review aims to present the potential of various nanoformulations in the development of QUE dosage forms for bioavailability enhancement. Advanced drug delivery nanosystems can be used for more efficient encapsulation, targeting, and controlled release of QUE. An overview of the primary nanosystem categories, formulation processes, and characterization techniques are described. In particular, lipid-based nanocarriers, such as liposomes, nanostructured-lipid carries, and solid-lipid nanoparticles, are widely used to improve QUE's oral absorption and targeting, increase its antioxidant activity, and ensure sustained release. Moreover, polymer-based nanocarriers exhibit unique properties for the improvement of the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicology (ADME(T)) profile. Namely, micelles and hydrogels composed of natural or synthetic polymers have been applied in QUE formulations. Furthermore, cyclodextrin, niosomes, and nanoemulsions are proposed as formulation alternatives for administration via different routes. This comprehensive review provides insight into the role of advanced drug delivery nanosystems for the formulation and delivery of QUE.

Current and emerging applications of saccharide-modified chitosan: a critical review

Chitin, as the main component of the exoskeleton of Arthropoda, is a highly available natural polymer that can be processed into various value-added products. Its most important derivative, i.e., chitosan, comprising β-1,4-linked 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucose (deacetylated d-glucosamine) and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine units, can be prepared via alkaline deacetylation process. Chitosan has been used as a biodegradable, biocompatible, non-antigenic, and nontoxic polymer in some in-vitro applications, but the recently found potentials of chitosan for in-vivo applications based on its biological activities, especially antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, have upgraded the chitosan roles in biomaterials. Chitosan approval, generally recognized as a safe compound by the United States Food and Drug Administration, has attracted much attention toward its possible applications in diverse fields, especially biomedicine and agriculture. Even with some favorable characteristics, the chitosan's structure should be customized for advanced applications, especially due to its drawbacks, such as low drug-load capacity, low solubility, high viscosity, lack of elastic properties, and pH sensitivity. In this context, derivatization with relatively inexpensive and highly available mono- and di-saccharides to soluble branched chitosan has been considered a "game changer". This review critically reviews the emerging technologies based on the synthesis and application of lactose- and galactose-modified chitosan as two important chitosan derivatives. Some characteristics of chitosan derivatives and biological activities have been detailed first to understand the value of these natural polymers. Second, the saccharide modification of chitosan has been discussed briefly. Finally, the applications of lactose- and galactose-modified chitosan have been scrutinized and compared to native chitosan to provide an insight into the current state-of-the research for stimulating new ideas with the potential of filling research gaps.

Liposomes loaded with quercetin for resolution of lung inflammation in a lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse model of sepsis

Quercetin (QU) has been widely used as a dietary supplement and proved useful to treat lung diseases. However, the therapeutic potential of QU may be restricted because of its low bioavailability and poor water solubility. In this study, we investigated the effects of developed QU-loaded liposomes on macrophage-mediated lung inflammation.In vivo, a mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide challenge was used to detect the anti-inflammatory effects of liposomal QU. Hematoxylin/eosin staining and immunostaining were utilized to reveal pathological damage and leukocyte infiltration into the lung tissues. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting were used to determine cytokine production in the mouse lungs.In vitro, mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with free QU and liposomal QU. Cell viability assay and immunostaining were utilized to detect cytotoxicity and distribution of QU in the cells. Thein vivoresults showed that liposomal encapsulation promoted the inhibitory effects of QU on lung inflammation. Liposomal QU decreased mortality in septic mice with no obvious toxicity on vital organs. Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory effects of liposomal QU were associated with inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B-dependent cytokine production and inflammasome activation in macrophages. Collectively, the results showed that QU liposomes mitigated lung inflammation in septic mice through inhibition of macrophage inflammatory signaling.

A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Importance of Dietary Flavonoids as Hepatoprotective Agents

The liver is a crucial organ that is involved in various kinds of metabolic activity and a very stable accessory gland for the digestive system. Long-term or persistent inflammation and oxidative stress due to any reasons have a substantial impact on the beginning and continuation of chronic diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and other hepatic conditions. There are many sources which can help the liver to be healthy and enhance its metabolic potential of the liver. Since the diet is rich origin of bioactive along with antioxidant chemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols, it can control different stages of inflammation and hepatic diseases. Numerous food sources, notably vegetables, nuts, fruits, cereals, beverages, and herbal medicinal plants, are rich in bioactive chemicals called flavonoids and their derivatives like Flavones, Anthocyanins, Iso-flavonoid, Flavanones, Flavanols, and Flavan-3-ols. Most recently occurred research on flavonoids has demonstrated that they can regulate hepatoprotective properties. This is because they are essential parts of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products due to their hepatoprotective, antioxidative, and immune-modulating characteristics. However, the characteristics of their hepatoprotective impact remain unclear. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to survey the flavonoid structure and enriched sources for their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects concerning liver toxicity or injury.