1
|
Afzal A, Khan M, Gul Z, Asif R, Shahzaman S, Parveen A, Imran M, Khawar MB. Extracellular Vesicles: the Next Frontier in Pregnancy Research. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1204-1214. [PMID: 38151656 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01434-2] [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: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vehicles (EVs) have been involved in several aspects of pregnancy, including endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and embryo-maternal communication showing them associated with pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm birth. Further research is warranted to fully comprehend the exact pathophysiological roles of EVs and to develop new therapies targeting EVs thereby improving pregnancy outcomes. Herein, we review the recent knowledge on the multifaceted roles of EVs during pregnancy and address the majority of the molecular interactions between EVs, maternal, and fetal cells with an emphasis on disorders of pregnancy under the influence of EVs. Moreover, we also discuss its applications in clinical trials followed by prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Madeeha Khan
- College of Allied Health Sciences, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zaman Gul
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rameen Asif
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sara Shahzaman
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asia Parveen
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
- Applied Molecular Biology & Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Acharya B, Behera A, Behera S, Moharana S. Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Reproductive Disorders. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:1336-1361. [PMID: 38412066 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01064] [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] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, nanotechnology has seen extensive integration into biomedical applications, playing a crucial role in biodetection, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. This is especially important in reproductive health care, which has become an emerging and significant area of research. Global concerns have intensified around disorders such as infertility, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers. Nanotechnology presents promising solutions to address these concerns by introducing innovative tools and techniques, facilitating early detection, targeted drug delivery, and improved imaging capabilities. Through the utilization of nanoscale materials and devices, researchers can craft treatments that are not only more precise but also more effective, significantly enhancing outcomes in reproductive healthcare. Looking forward, the future of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine holds immense potential for reshaping diagnostics, personalized therapies, and fertility preservation. The utilization of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems is anticipated to elevate treatment effectiveness, minimize side effects, and offer patients therapies that are not only more precise but also more efficient. This review aims to delve into the various types, properties, and preparation techniques of nanocarriers specifically designed for drug delivery in the context of reproductive disorders, shedding light on the current landscape and potential future directions in this dynamic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswajeet Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050, India
| | - Amulyaratna Behera
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050, India
| | | | - Srikanta Moharana
- Department of Chemistry, School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang M, Zhang X, Fei W, Xin Y, Zhang M, Yao Y, Zhao Y, Zheng C, Sun D. Advance in placenta drug delivery: concern for placenta-originated disease therapy. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2184315. [PMID: 36883905 PMCID: PMC10003143 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2184315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the therapy of placenta-originated diseases during pregnancy, the main challenges are fetal exposure to drugs, which can pass through the placenta and cause safety concerns for fetal development. The design of placenta-resident drug delivery system is an advantageous method to minimize fetal exposure as well as reduce adverse maternal off-target effects. By utilizing the placenta as a biological barrier, the placenta-resident nanodrugs could be trapped in the local placenta to concentrate on the treatment of this abnormal originated tissue. Therefore, the success of such systems largely depends on the placental retention capacity. This paper expounds on the transport mechanism of nanodrugs in the placenta, analyzes the factors that affect the placental retention of nanodrugs, and summarizes the advantages and concerns of current nanoplatforms in the treatment of placenta-originated diseases. In general, this review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the construction of placenta-resident drug delivery systems, which will potentially enable safe and efficient clinical treatment for placenta-originated diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Tang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Weidong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yunchun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Dongli Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang F, Zhang X, Wang X, Xue Y, Liu X. The new oncogene transmembrane protein 60 is a potential therapeutic target in glioma. Front Genet 2023; 13:1029270. [PMID: 36744183 PMCID: PMC9895843 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1029270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a malignant tumor with a high fatality rate, originating in the central nervous system. Even after standard treatment, the prognosis remains unsatisfactory, probably due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. The family of transmembrane proteins (TMEM) is a large family of genes that encode proteins closely related to the malicious behavior of tumors. Thus, it is necessary to explore the molecular and clinical characteristics of newly identified oncogenes, such as transmembrane protein 60 (TMEM60), to develop effective treating options for glioma. We used bioinformatic methods and basic experiments to verify the expression of transmembrane protein 60 in gliomas and its relationship with 1p and 19q (1p19q) status, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status, patient prognosis, and immune cell infiltration using public databases and clinical samples. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to detect co-expressed genes. Thus, we inhibited the expression of transmembrane protein 60 to observe the proliferation and activity of glioma LN229 cells. We found transmembrane protein 60 was significantly upregulated in glioma compared with that in normal brain tissue at the mRNA. In the subgroups of World Health Organization high grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype, 1p and 19q non-codeletion, or isocitrate dehydrogenase wild combined with 1p and 19q non-codeletion, the expression of transmembrane protein 60 increased, and the prognosis of glioma patients worsened. In the transmembrane protein 60 high expression group, infiltration of immune cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment increased, tumor purity decreased, and immune cells and pathways were activated. The immune cells mainly included regulatory T-cell, gamma delta T-cell, macrophages M0, neutrophils, and CD8+ T-cells. Overexpression of co-inhibitory receptors (CTLA4, PDL1 and CD96) may promote the increase of depletion of T-cell, thus losing the anti-tumor function in the transmembrane protein 60 high expression group. Finally, we found that transmembrane protein 60 silencing weakened the viability, proliferation, and colony formation of glioma LN229 cells. This is the 0 report on the abnormally high expression of transmembrane protein 60 in glioma and its related clinical features, such as tumor microenvironment, immune response, tumor heterogeneity, and patient prognosis. We also found that transmembrane protein 60 silencing weakened the proliferation and colony formation of glioma LN229 cells. Thus, the new oncogene transmembrane protein 60 might be an effective therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of glioma.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bertozzi S, Corradetti B, Seriau L, Diaz Ñañez JA, Cedolini C, Fruscalzo A, Cesselli D, Cagnacci A, Londero AP. Nanotechnologies in Obstetrics and Cancer during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081324. [PMID: 36013273 PMCID: PMC9410527 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology, the art of engineering structures on a molecular level, offers the opportunity to implement new strategies for the diagnosis and management of pregnancy-related disorders. This review aims to summarize the current state of nanotechnology in obstetrics and cancer in pregnancy, focusing on existing and potential applications, and provides insights on safety and future directions. A systematic and comprehensive literature assessment was performed, querying the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Endbase. The databases were searched from their inception to 22 March 2022. Five independent reviewers screened the items and extracted those which were more pertinent within the scope of this review. Although nanotechnology has been on the bench for many years, most of the studies in obstetrics are preclinical. Ongoing research spans from the development of diagnostic tools, including optimized strategies to selectively confine contrast agents in the maternal bloodstream and approaches to improve diagnostics tests to be used in obstetrics, to the synthesis of innovative delivery nanosystems for therapeutic interventions. Using nanotechnology to achieve spatial and temporal control over the delivery of therapeutic agents (e.g., commonly used drugs, more recently defined formulations, or gene therapy-based approaches) offers significant advantages, including the possibility to target specific cells/tissues of interest (e.g., the maternal bloodstream, uterus wall, or fetal compartment). This characteristic of nanotechnology-driven therapy reduces side effects and the amount of therapeutic agent used. However, nanotoxicology appears to be a significant obstacle to adopting these technologies in clinical therapeutic praxis. Further research is needed in order to improve these techniques, as they have tremendous potential to improve the accuracy of the tests applied in clinical praxis. This review showed the increasing interest in nanotechnology applications in obstetrics disorders and pregnancy-related pathologies to improve the diagnostic algorithms, monitor pregnancy-related diseases, and implement new treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bertozzi
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, DAME, University Hospital of “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Ennergi Research (Non-Profit Organisation), 33050 Lestizza, Italy
| | - Bruna Corradetti
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luca Seriau
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, DAME, University Hospital of “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - José Andrés Diaz Ñañez
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, DAME, University Hospital of “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Ennergi Research (Non-Profit Organisation), 33050 Lestizza, Italy
| | - Carla Cedolini
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, DAME, University Hospital of “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Ennergi Research (Non-Profit Organisation), 33050 Lestizza, Italy
| | - Arrigo Fruscalzo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Fribourg, 1752 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Cesselli
- Institute of Pathology, DAME, University of Udine, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Ambrogio P. Londero
- Ennergi Research (Non-Profit Organisation), 33050 Lestizza, Italy
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The theranostic roles of extracellular vesicles in pregnancy disorders. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.37.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
|
7
|
How Could Nanomedicine Improve the Safety of Contrast Agents for MRI during Pregnancy? SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sci4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a delicate state, during which timely investigation of possible physiological anomalies is essential to reduce the risk of maternal and fetal complications. Medical imaging encompasses different technologies to image the human body for the diagnosis, course of treatment management, and follow-up of diseases. Ultrasound (US) is currently the imaging system of choice for pregnant patients. However, sonographic evaluations can be non-effective or give ambiguous results. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), due to its excellent tissue penetration, the possibility of acquisition of three-dimensional anatomical information, and its high spatial resolution, is considered a valid diagnostical alternative. Nevertheless, currently employed contrast agents to improve the MRI image quality are harmful to the fetus. Because of their ability to cross the placenta, their use on pregnant patients is avoided. This review will firstly recapitulate the most common non-obstetrical, obstetrical, and fetal indications for magnetic resonance imaging on pregnant women. Fetal safety risks, due to the use of strong magnetic fields and exogenous contrast agents, will be presented. Then, possible advantages of nanostructured contrast agents compared to current molecular ones are explored. Nanosystems’ characteristics affecting contrast efficiency, and their potential for improving contrast-enhanced MRI’s safety in pregnant women, are discussed. Lastly, promising examples of nanoparticles as safer alternatives to current MRI contrast agents in pregnancy are discussed.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gatti AM, Ristic M, Stanzani S, Lavezzi AM. Novel chemical-physical autopsy investigation in Sudden Infant Death and Sudden Intrauterine Unexplained Death Syndromes. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:275-288. [PMID: 35133189 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Verify the presence of inorganic nanoparticle entities in brain tissue samples from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/Sudden Intrauterine Unexplained Death Syndrome (SIUDS) cases. The presence of inorganic debris could be a cofactor that compromises proper brain tissue functionality. Materials & methods: A novel autopsy approach that consists of neuropathological analysis procedures combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy/field emission gun environmental scanning electron microscopy investigations was implemented on 10 SIDS/SIUDS cases, whereas control samples were obtained from 10 cases of fetal/infant death from known cause. Results: Developmental abnormalities of the brain were associated with the presence of foreign bodies. Although nanoparticles were present as well in control samples, they were not associated with histological brain anomalies, as was the case in SIDS/SIUDS. Conclusion: Inorganic particles present in brain tissues demonstrate their ability to cross the hemato-encephalic barrier and to interact with tissues and cells in an unknown yet pathological fashion. This gives a rationale to consider them as co-factors of lethality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna M Lavezzi
- "Lino Rossi" Research Center for The Study & prevention of unexpected perinatal death & SIDS Department of Biomedical, Surgical & Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deval G, Boland S, Fournier T, Ferecatu I. On Placental Toxicology Studies and Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212266. [PMID: 34830142 PMCID: PMC8624015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a transient organ essential for pregnancy maintenance, fetal development and growth. It has several functions, including that of a selective barrier against pathogens and xenobiotics from maternal blood. However, some pollutants can accumulate in the placenta or pass through with possible repercussions on pregnancy outcomes. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), also termed nanoceria, are an emerging pollutant whose impact on pregnancy is starting to be defined. CeO2 NPs are already used in different fields for industrial and commercial applications and have even been proposed for some biomedical applications. Since 2010, nanoceria have been subject to priority monitoring by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in order to assess their toxicity. This review aims to summarize the current methods and models used for toxicology studies on the placental barrier, from the basic ones to the very latest, as well as to overview the most recent knowledge of the impact of CeO2 NPs on human health, and more specifically during the sensitive window of pregnancy. Further research is needed to highlight the relationship between environmental exposure to CeO2 and placental dysfunction with its implications for pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Deval
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Sonja Boland
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Ioana Ferecatu
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-5373-9605
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Patel SK, Valicherla GR, Micklo AC, Rohan LC. Drug delivery strategies for management of women's health issues in the upper genital tract. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113955. [PMID: 34481034 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The female upper genital tract (UGT) hosts important reproductive organs including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Several pathologies affect these organ systems such as infections, reproductive issues, structural abnormalities, cancer, and inflammatory diseases that could have significant impact on women's overall health. Effective disease management is constrained by the multifaceted nature of the UGT, complex anatomy and a dynamic physiological environment. Development of drug delivery strategies that can overcome mucosal and safety barriers are needed for effective disease management. This review introduces the anatomy, physiology, and mucosal properties of the UGT and describes drug delivery barriers, advances in drug delivery technologies, and opportunities available for new technologies that target the UGT.
Collapse
|