Photodynamic anti-inflammatory activity of azulene derivatives on mammalian macrophages and their intracellular mechanism of action

Advances in Atherosclerosis Theranostics Harnessing Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticles

Atherosclerosis, a multifaceted chronic inflammatory disease, has a profound impact on cardiovascular health. However, the critical limitations of atherosclerosis management include the delayed detection of advanced stages, the intricate assessment of plaque stability, and the absence of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Nanotheranostic based on nanotechnology offers a novel paradigm for addressing these challenges by amalgamating advanced imaging capabilities with targeted therapeutic interventions. Meanwhile, iron oxide nanoparticles have emerged as compelling candidates for theranostic applications in atherosclerosis due to their magnetic resonance imaging capability and biosafety. This review delineates the current state and prospects of iron oxide nanoparticle-based nanotheranostics in the realm of atherosclerosis, including pivotal aspects of atherosclerosis development, the pertinent targeting strategies involved in disease pathogenesis, and the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of iron oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of theranostic nanomedicine approaches employing iron oxide nanoparticles, encompassing chemical therapy, physical stimulation therapy, and biological therapy. Finally, this review proposes and discusses the challenges and prospects associated with translating these innovative strategies into clinically viable anti-atherosclerosis interventions. In conclusion, this review offers new insights into the future of atherosclerosis theranostic, showcasing the remarkable potential of iron oxide-based nanoparticles as versatile tools in the battle against atherosclerosis.

Azulene and Its Derivatives as Potential Compounds in the Therapy of Dermatological and Anticancer Diseases: New Perspectives against the Backdrop of Current Research

The scientific article focuses on the role of azulene and its derivatives in the therapy of dermatological diseases, presenting the latest laboratory and clinical research as well as prospects for further studies. In a synthetic literature review, various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Database of Polish Scientific Journals were queried to select relevant articles concerning azulene. The conclusions drawn from the thematic analysis of the studies emphasize the multifaceted pharmacological actions of azulene and its derivatives including their anti-inflammatory properties, potential anticancer effects, photoprotective abilities, alleviation of itching, management of atopic dermatitis, and treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, there are certain limitations associated with the application of unmodified azulene on the skin, particularly related to photodecomposition and the generation of reactive oxygen species under UV radiation. These effects, in turn, necessitate further research on the safety of azulene and azulene-derived substances, especially regarding their long-term use and potential application in phototherapy. The authors of this work emphasize the necessity of conducting further preclinical and clinical studies to fully understand the mechanisms of action. Incorporating azulene and its derivatives into the therapy of dermatological disorders may represent an innovative approach, thereby opening new treatment avenues for patients.

Photodynamic anti-inflammatory activity of meso‑aryl substituted porphyrin derivative on mammalian macrophages

BACKGROUND

Our group focused on a meso‑aryl substituted porphyrin molecule for its photodynamic anti-inflammatory activities on the mammalian macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The porphyrine derivative previously synthesized in this study was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR. We then examined their immunomodulatory activities based on the changes in the pro-inflammatory cytokine production levels after LPS stimulation in dark and light activated conditions.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that porphyrin derivative had anti-inflammatory photodynamic activity in vitro at subtoxic concentrations. Our study aims to pave a way for anti-inflammatory photodynamic therapy application in the inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Most of the studies either focus on photodynamic cytotoxicity of the porphyrin derivatives to suppress the inflammation or porphyrin derivatives' anti-inflammatory activity without the photodynamic activation.

CONCLUSION

Our future studies will focus on the generation and in vitro as well as in vivo characterization of the porphyrin derivatives with anti-inflammatory photodynamic therapy applications. In this way, novel drug candidates that would have lower side effects can be generated for the patients.