FDA-approved ferumoxytol displays anti-leukaemia efficacy against cells with low ferroportin levels

Targeting and activation of macrophages in leishmaniasis. A focus on iron oxide nanoparticles

Macrophages play a pivotal role as host cells for Leishmania parasites, displaying a notable functional adaptability ranging from the proinflammatory, leishmanicidal M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory, parasite-permissive M2 phenotype. While macrophages can potentially eradicate amastigotes through appropriate activation, Leishmania employs diverse strategies to thwart this activation and redirect macrophages toward an M2 phenotype, facilitating its survival and replication. Additionally, a competition for iron between the two entities exits, as iron is vital for both and is also implicated in macrophage defensive oxidative mechanisms and modulation of their phenotype. This review explores the intricate interplay between macrophages, Leishmania, and iron. We focus the attention on the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) as a sort of immunotherapy to treat some leishmaniasis forms by reprogramming Leishmania-permissive M2 macrophages into antimicrobial M1 macrophages. Through the specific targeting of iron in macrophages, the use of IONPs emerges as a promising strategy to finely tune the parasite-host interaction, endowing macrophages with an augmented antimicrobial arsenal capable of efficiently eliminating these intrusive microbes.

Targeted therapy for leukemia based on nanomaterials

Leukemia is a kind of hematopoietic stem cell malignant clonal disease. Drug therapy is the core treatment strategy for leukemia, but the current therapeutic drugs have defects such as low bioavailability, large adverse reactions and inconvenient intravenous administration. Targeted therapy can combine drugs with specific carcinogenic sites on cells to kill cancer cells and avoid damage to normal cells, which has gradually become the mainstream method of leukemia treatment. In addition, nanomedicine delivery systems can significantly improve drug efficacy through controlled size and targeted optimization of drug delivery by modification strategies. Therefore, the targeted treatment of leukemia based on nanomaterials has great research value and application prospect. This paper gives an overview of the current therapeutic strategies for leukemia, and then reviews the cutting-edge targeted therapeutic nanomaterials for leukemia, including organic nanomaterials (mainly carbon-based nanomaterials, lipid materials, polymers, etc.) and inorganic nanomaterials (mainly noble metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, hollow mesoporous materials, etc.). The challenges and prospects for the future development of targeted nanomaterials in the treatment of leukemia are also briefly reviewed.

Immunometabolism of ferroptosis in the tumor microenvironment

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death that results from excess lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes. Within the last decade, physiological and pathological roles for ferroptosis have been uncovered in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, infection, and cancer biology. Excitingly, cancer cell metabolism may be targeted to induce death by ferroptosis in cancers that are resistant to other forms of cell death. Ferroptosis sensitivity is regulated by oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and iron metabolism, which are all influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Whereas some cancer cell types have been shown to adapt to these stressors, it is not clear how immune cells regulate their sensitivities to ferroptosis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of ferroptosis sensitivity in different immune cell subsets, how ferroptosis influences which immune cells infiltrate the TME, and how these interactions can determine epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. While much focus has been placed on inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells, these are important considerations for how ferroptosis-modulating strategies impact anti-tumor immunity. From this perspective, we also discuss some promising immunotherapies in the field of ferroptosis and the challenges associated with targeting ferroptosis in specific immune cell populations.

Current advance of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment for malignant tumors

Cancer remains a significant risk to human health. Nanomedicine is a new multidisciplinary field that is garnering a lot of interest and investigation. Nanomedicine shows great potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically engineered nanoparticles can be employed as contrast agents in cancer diagnostics to enable high sensitivity and high-resolution tumor detection by imaging examinations. Novel approaches for tumor labeling and detection are also made possible by the use of nanoprobes and nanobiosensors. The achievement of targeted medication delivery in cancer therapy can be accomplished through the rational design and manufacture of nanodrug carriers. Nanoparticles have the capability to effectively transport medications or gene fragments to tumor tissues via passive or active targeting processes, thus enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can be employed in the context of radiation sensitization and photothermal therapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of malignant tumors. This review presents a literature overview and summary of how nanotechnology is used in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. According to oncological diseases originating from different systems of the body and combining the pathophysiological features of cancers at different sites, we review the most recent developments in nanotechnology applications. Finally, we briefly discuss the prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in cancer.

Selective eradication of venetoclax-resistant monocytic acute myeloid leukemia with iron oxide nanozymes

The clinical treatment of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is rapidly progressing from chemotherapy to targeted therapies led by the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN). Despite its unprecedented success, VEN still encounters clinical resistance. Thus, uncovering the biological vulnerability of VEN-resistant AML disease and identifying effective therapies to treat them are urgently needed. We have previously demonstrated that iron oxide nanozymes (IONE) are capable of overcoming chemoresistance in AML. The current study reports a new activity of IONE in overcoming VEN resistance. Specifically, we revealed an aberrant redox balance with excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in VEN-resistant monocytic AML. Treatment with IONE potently induced ROS-dependent cell death in monocytic AML in both cell lines and primary AML models. In primary AML with developmental heterogeneity containing primitive and monocytic subpopulations, IONE selectively eradicated the VEN-resistant ROS-high monocytic subpopulation, successfully resolving the challenge of developmental heterogeneity faced by VEN. Overall, our study revealed an aberrant redox balance as a therapeutic target for monocytic AML and identified a candidate IONE that could selectively and potently eradicate VEN-resistant monocytic disease.

Targeting ferroptosis using Chinese herbal compounds to treat respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND

Respiratory diseases pose a grave threat to human life. Therefore, understanding their pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy is important. Ferroptosis is a novel type of iron-dependent programmed cell death, distinct from apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy, characterised by iron, reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxide accumulation, as well as glutathione (GSH) depletion and GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation. A close association between ferroptosis and the onset and progression of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer, has been reported. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds exhibit unique advantages in the treatment of respiratory diseases owing to their natural properties and potential efficacy. These compounds can effectively regulate ferroptosis by modulating several key signalling pathways such as system Xc- -GSH-GPX4, NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, Nrf2-GPX4, and Nrf2/HO-1, thus playing a positive role in improving respiratory diseases.

PURPOSE

This comprehensive review systematically outlines the regulatory role of ferroptosis in the onset and progression of respiratory diseases and provides evidence for treating respiratory diseases by targeting ferroptosis with TCM compounds. These insights aim to offer potential remedies for the clinical prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We searched scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI using keywords such as "ferroptosis","respiratory diseases","chronic obstructive pulmonary disease","bronchial asthma","acute lung injury","pulmonary fibrosis","lung cancer","traditional Chinese medicine","traditional Chinese medicine compound","monomer", and "natural product" to retrieve studies on the therapeutic potential of TCM compounds in ameliorating respiratory diseases by targeting ferroptosis. The retrieved data followed PRISMA criteria (preferred reporting items for systematic review).

RESULTS

TCM compounds possess unique advantages in treating respiratory diseases, stemming from their natural origins and proven clinical effectiveness. TCM compounds can exert therapeutic effects on respiratory diseases by regulating ferroptosis, which mainly involves modulation of pathways such as system Xc- -GSH-GPX4,NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, Nrf2-GPX4, and Nrf2/HO-1.

CONCLUSION

TCM compounds have demonstrated promising potential in improving respiratory diseases through the regulation of ferroptosis. The identification of specific TCM-related inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis holds great significance in developing more effective strategies. However, current research remains confined to animal and cellular studies, emphasizing the imperative for further verifications through high-quality clinical data.

Fe3O4-Coated CNTs-Gum Arabic Nano-Hybrid Composites Exhibit Enhanced Anti-Leukemia Potency Against AML Cells via ROS-Mediated Signaling

Background

Prior studies on magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cytotoxic effects against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are inconclusive rather than definitive.

Purpose

Investigation of the effects of Gum Arabic (GA)-stabilized/destabilized Fe3O4 NPs and CNTs, alone or in combination, on AML cell proliferation.

Methods

Hybrid NPs were synthesized, characterized, and assessed for their cytotoxicity against Kasumi-1, HL-60, and THP-1 in comparison to normal primary bone marrow CD34+ cells. The molecular pathways of nanostructures' cytotoxicity were also investigated.

Results

The Fe3O4 NPs were effectively synthesized and attached to the surface of the CNTs, resulting in the formation of a novel hybrid through their interaction with the GA colloidal solution in an aqueous media. Although the evaluated nanostructured nanoparticles had significant growth suppression ability against the leukemia cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 42.437 to 189.842 μg/mL, they exhibited comparatively modest toxicity towards normal hematopoietic cells (IC50: 113.529‒162.656 μg/mL). The incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs with CNTs in a hybrid nanocomposite significantly improved their effectiveness against leukemia cells, with the extent of improvement varying depending on the specific cell type. The nanostructured particles were stabilized by GA, which enhances their ability to inhibit cell proliferation in a manner that depends on the specific cell type. Also, nanoparticles exhibit cytotoxicity due to their capacity to stimulate the production of intracellular ROS, halt the cell cycle at the G1 phase, and induce apoptosis. This is supported by the activation of p53, BAX, cytochrome C, and caspase-3, which are triggered by ROS. The nanostructures lead to an increase in the expression of genes encoding proteins related to oxidative stress (SIRT1, FOXO3, NFE2L2, and MAP3K5) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN1A and CDKN1B) in response to ROS.

Conclusion

We provide an effective Fe3O4 NPs/CNTs nano-hybrid composite that induces apoptosis and has strong anti-leukemic capabilities. This hybrid nanocomposite is promising for in vivo testing and validation.

Remote actuation and on-demand activation of biomaterials pre-incorporated with physical cues for bone repair

The high incidence of bone defect-related diseases caused by trauma, infection, and tumor resection has greatly stimulated research in the field of bone regeneration. Generally, bone healing is a long and complicated process wherein manipulating the biological activity of interventional scaffolds to support long-term bone regeneration is significant for treating bone-related diseases. It has been reported that some physical cues can act as growth factor substitutes to promote osteogenesis through continuous activation of endogenous signaling pathways. This review focuses on the latest progress in bone repair by remote actuation and on-demand activation of biomaterials pre-incorporated with physical cues (heat, electricity, and magnetism). As an alternative method to treat bone defects, physical cues show many advantages, including effectiveness, noninvasiveness, and remote manipulation. First, we introduce the impact of different physical cues on bone repair and potential internal regulatory mechanisms. Subsequently, biomaterials that mediate various physical cues in bone repair and their respective characteristics are summarized. Additionally, challenges are discussed, aiming to provide new insights and suggestions for developing intelligent biomaterials to treat bone defects and promote clinical translation.

Advances in Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and catastrophic hematological neoplasm with high mortality rates. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), immune therapy, and targeted agents, have unsatisfactory outcomes for AML patients due to drug toxicity, off-target effects, drug resistance, drug side effects, and AML relapse and refractoriness. These intrinsic limitations of current treatments have promoted the development and application of nanomedicine for more effective and safer leukemia therapy. In this review, the classification of nanoparticles applied in AML therapy, including liposomes, polymersomes, micelles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles, is reviewed. In addition, various strategies for enhancing therapeutic targetability in nanomedicine, including the use of conjugating ligands, biomimetic-nanotechnology, and bone marrow targeting, which indicates the potential to reverse drug resistance, are discussed. The application of nanomedicine for assisting immunotherapy is also involved. Finally, the advantages and possible challenges of nanomedicine for the transition from the preclinical phase to the clinical phase are discussed.

Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Systemic Iron Status and Risk of Different Types of Kidney Disease

With rapid increases in incidence, diverse subtypes, and complicated etiologies, kidney disease remains a global public health problem. Iron, as an essential trace element, has pleiotropic effects on renal function and the progression of kidney diseases. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was implemented to determine the potential causal effects between systemic iron status on different kidney diseases. Systemic iron status was represented by four iron-related biomarkers: serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TfSat), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). For systemic iron status, 163,511, 246,139, 131,471, and 135,430 individuals were included in the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of serum iron, ferritin, TfSat, and TIBC, respectively. For kidney diseases, 653,143 individuals (15,658 cases and 637,485 controls), 657,076 individuals (8160 cases and 648,916 controls), and 659,320 individuals (10,404 cases and 648,916 controls) were included for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), acute kidney disease (AKD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), respectively. Our MR results showed that increased serum iron [odds ratio (OR): 1.10; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04, 1.16; p < 0.0042], ferritin (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.48; p < 0.0042), and TfSat (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11; p < 0.0042)] and decreased TIBC (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.97; p < 0.0042) were associated with elevated IgAN risk. However, no significant associations were found between systemic iron status and AKD or CKD. In our MR study, the genetic evidence supports elevated systemic iron status as a causal effect on IgAN, which suggests a potential protective effect of iron chelation on IgAN patients.

Recent advancements in nanomaterial-mediated ferroptosis-induced cancer therapy: Importance of molecular dynamics and novel strategies

Ferroptosis is a novel type of controlled cell death resulting from an imbalance between oxidative harm and protective mechanisms, demonstrating significant potential in combating cancer. It differs from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necrosis. Molecular therapeutics have hard time playing the long-acting role of ferroptosis induction due to their limited water solubility, low cell targeting capacity, and quick metabolism in vivo. To this end, small molecule inducers based on biological factors have long been used as strategy to induce cell death. Research into ferroptosis and advancements in nanotechnology have led to the discovery that nanomaterials are superior to biological medications in triggering ferroptosis. Nanomaterials derived from iron can enhance ferroptosis induction by directly releasing large quantities of iron and increasing cell ROS levels. Moreover, utilizing nanomaterials to promote programmed cell death minimizes the probability of unfavorable effects induced by mutations in cancer-associated genes such as RAS and TP53. Taken together, this review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in ferroptosis along with the classification of ferroptosis induction. It also emphasized the importance of cell organelles in the control of ferroptosis in cancer therapy. The nanomaterials that trigger ferroptosis are categorized and explained. Iron-based and noniron-based nanomaterials with their characterization at the molecular and cellular levels have been explored, which will be useful for inducing ferroptosis that leads to reduced tumor growth. Within this framework, we offer a synopsis, which traverses the well-established mechanism of ferroptosis and offers practical suggestions for the design and therapeutic use of nanomaterials.

Recent Advances in Material Technology for Leukemia Treatments

Leukemia is a widespread hematological malignancy characterized by an elevated white blood cell count in both the blood and the bone marrow. Despite notable advancements in leukemia intervention in the clinic, a large proportion of patients, especially acute leukemia patients, fail to achieve long-term remission or complete remission following treatment. Therefore, leukemia therapy necessitates optimization to meet the treatment requirements. In recent years, a multitude of materials have undergone rigorous study to serve as delivery vectors or direct intervention agents to bolster the effectiveness of leukemia therapy. These materials include liposomes, protein-based materials, polymeric materials, cell-derived materials, and inorganic materials. They possess unique characteristics and are applied in a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and other evolving treatments. Here, an overview of these materials is presented, describing their physicochemical properties, their role in leukemia treatment, and the challenges they face in the context of clinical translation. This review inspires researchers to further develop various materials that can be used to augment the efficacy of multiple therapeutic modalities for novel applications in leukemia treatment.

Self-Stimulated Photodynamic Nanoreactor in Combination with CXCR4 Antagonists for Antileukemia Therapy

The treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory, owing to the absence of efficacious therapy regimens over decades. However, advances in molecular biology, including inhibiting the CXCR4/CXCL12 biological axis, have introduced novel therapeutic options for AML. Additionally, self-stimulated phototherapy can solve the poor light penetration from external sources, and it will overcome the limitation that traditional phototherapy cannot be applied to the treatment of AML. Herein, we designed and manufactured a self-stimulated photodynamic nanoreactor to enhance antileukemia efficacy and suppress leukemia recurrence and metastasis in AML mouse models. To fulfill our design, we utilized the CXCR4/CXCL12 biological axis and biomimetic cell membranes in conjunction with self-stimulated phototherapy. This nanoreactor possesses the capability to migrate into the bone marrow cavity, inhibit AML cells from infiltrating into the visceral organ, significantly enhance the antileukemia effect, and prolong the survival time of leukemic mice. Therefore, this nanoreactor has significant potential for achieving high success rates and low recurrence rates in leukemia treatment.

Steady-State Delivery and Chemical Modification of Food Nutrients to Improve Cancer Intervention Ability

Cancer is a crucial global health problem, and prevention is an important strategy to reduce the burden of the disease. Daily diet is the key modifiable risk factor for cancer, and an increasing body of evidence suggests that specific nutrients in foods may have a preventive effect against cancer. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of nutrients from foods in cancer intervention. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action of various dietary components, including phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The findings of epidemiological and clinical studies on their association with cancer risk are highlighted. The foods are rich in bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and ω-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to have anticancer properties. The effects of steady-state delivery and chemical modification of these food's bioactive components on anticancer and intervention are summarized. Future research should focus on identifying the specific bioactive compounds in foods responsible for their intervention effects and exploring the potential synergistic effects of combining different nutrients in foods. Dietary interventions that incorporate multiple nutrients and whole foods may hold promise for reducing the risk of cancer and improving overall health.

Magnetite nanoparticles: an emerging adjunctive tool for the improvement of cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking field, offering promising and transformative tools for oncological research and treatment. However, it faces several limitations, including variations in cancer types, dependence on the tumor microenvironments (TMEs), immune cell exhaustion, and adverse reactions. Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), with established pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics for clinical use, hold great promise in this context and are now being explored for therapeutic aims. Numerous preclinical studies have illustrated their efficacy in enhancing immunotherapy through various strategies, such as modulating leukocyte functions, creating favorable TMEs for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, combining with monoclonal antibodies, and stimulating the immune response via magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) treatment (Front Immunol. 2021;12:701485. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701485). However, the current clinical trials of MNPs are mostly for diagnostic aims and as a tool for generating hyperthermia for tumor ablation. With concerns about the adverse effects of MNPs in the in vivo systems, clinical translation and clinical study of MNP-boosted immunotherapy remains limited. The lack of extensive clinical investigations poses a current barrier to patient application. Urgent efforts are needed to ascertain both the efficacy of MNP-enhanced immunotherapy and its safety profile in combination therapy. This article reviews the roles, potential, and challenges of using MNPs in advancing cancer immunotherapy. The application of MNPs in boosting immunotherapy, and its perspective role in research and development is also discussed.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Inhibit Tumor Progression and Suppress Lung Metastases in Mouse Models of Breast Cancer

Systemic exposure to starch-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can stimulate antitumor T cell responses, even when little IONP is retained within the tumor. Here, we demonstrate in mouse models of metastatic breast cancer that IONPs can alter the host immune landscape, leading to systemic immune-mediated disease suppression. We report that a single intravenous injection of IONPs can inhibit primary tumor growth, suppress metastases, and extend survival. Gene expression analysis revealed the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways involving signaling via Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF), a TLR pathway adaptor protein. Requisite participation of TRIF in suppressing tumor progression was demonstrated with histopathologic evidence of upregulated IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a downstream protein, and confirmed in a TRIF knockout syngeneic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer. Neither starch-coated polystyrene nanoparticles lacking iron, nor iron-containing dextran-coated parenteral iron replacement agent, induced significant antitumor effects, suggesting a dependence on the type of IONP formulation. Analysis of multiple independent clinical databases supports a hypothesis that upregulation of TLR3 and IRF3 correlates with increased overall survival among breast cancer patients. Taken together, these data support a compelling rationale to re-examine IONP formulations as harboring anticancer immune (nano)adjuvant properties to generate a therapeutic benefit without requiring uptake by cancer cells.

The crosstalk between exosomes and ferroptosis: a review

Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles composed of bioactive molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Exosomes are generated by the fusion of intracellular multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the cell membrane and subsequently released into the extracellular space to participate in intercellular communication and diverse biological processes within target cells. As a crucial mediator, exosomes have been implicated in regulating ferroptosis-an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxide accumulation induced by reactive oxygen species. The involvement of exosomes in iron, lipid, and amino acid metabolism contributes to their regulatory role in specific mechanisms underlying how exosomes modulate ferroptosis, which remains incompletely understood, and some related studies are still preliminary. Therefore, targeting the regulation of ferroptosis by exosomes holds promise for future clinical treatment strategies across various diseases. This review aims to provide insights into the pathophysiology and mechanisms governing the interaction between exosomes and ferroptosis and their implications in disease development and treatment to serve as a reference for further research.

Targeting ferroptosis for leukemia therapy: exploring novel strategies from its mechanisms and role in leukemia based on nanotechnology

The latest findings in iron metabolism and the newly uncovered process of ferroptosis have paved the way for new potential strategies in anti-leukemia treatments. In the current project, we reviewed and summarized the current role of nanomedicine in the treatment and diagnosis of leukemia through a comparison made between traditional approaches applied in the treatment and diagnosis of leukemia via the existing investigations about the ferroptosis molecular mechanisms involved in various anti-tumor treatments. The application of nanotechnology and other novel technologies may provide a new direction in ferroptosis-driven leukemia therapies. The article explores the potential of targeting ferroptosis, a new form of regulated cell death, as a new therapeutic strategy for leukemia. It discusses the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its role in leukemia and how nanotechnology can enhance the delivery and efficacy of ferroptosis-inducing agents. The article not only highlights the promise of ferroptosis-targeted therapies and nanotechnology in revolutionizing leukemia treatment, but also calls for further research to overcome challenges and fully realize the clinical potential of this innovative approach. Finally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities in clinical applications of ferroptosis.

The Story of Ferumoxytol: Synthesis Production, Current Clinical Applications, and Therapeutic Potential

Ferumoxytol, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009, is one of the intravenous iron oxide nanoparticles authorized for the treatment of iron deficiency in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. With its exceptional magnetic properties, catalytic activity, and immune activity, as well as good biocompatibility and safety, ferumoxytol has gained significant recognition in various biomedical diagnoses and treatments. Unlike most existing reviews on this topic, this review primarily focuses on the recent clinical and preclinical advances of ferumoxytol in disease treatment, spanning anemia, cancer, infectious inflammatory diseases, regenerative medicine application, magnetic stimulation for neural modulation, etc. Additionally, the newly discovered mechanisms associated with the biological effects of ferumoxytol are discussed, including its magnetic, catalytic, and immunomodulatory properties. Finally, the summary and future prospects concerning the treatment and application of ferumoxytol-based nanotherapeutics are presented.

Multifunctional Sr/Se co-doped ZIF-8 nanozyme for chemo/chemodynamic synergistic tumor therapy via apoptosis and ferroptosis

Rationale: Cancer continues to be a significant public health issue. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often fall short because of intrinsic issues such as lack of specificity and poor drug delivery, leading to insufficient drug concentration at the tumor site and/or potential side effects. Consequently, improving the delivery of conventional chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin (DOX) is crucial for their therapeutic efficacy. Successful cancer treatment is achieved when regulated cell death (RCD) of cancer cells, which includes apoptotic and non-apoptotic processes such as ferroptosis, is fundamental to successful cancer treatment. The developing field of nanozymes holds considerable promise for innovative cancer treatment approaches. Methods: A dual-metallic nanozyme system encapsulated with DOX was created, derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), designed to combat tumors by depleting glutathione (GSH) and concurrently liberating DOX. The initial phase of the study examined the GSH oxidase-mimicking function of the dimetallic nanozyme (ZIF-8/SrSe) through enzyme kinetic assays and Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations. Following this, we probed the ability of ZIF-8/SrSe@DOX to release DOX in response to the tumor microenvironment in vitro, alongside examining its anticancer capabilities and mechanisms prompting apoptosis or ferroptosis in cancer cells. Moreover, we established tumor-bearing animal models to corroborate the anti-tumor effectiveness of our nanozyme complex and to identify the involved apoptotic and ferroptotic pathways implicated. Results: Enzyme kinetic analyses demonstrated that the ZIF-8/SrSe nanozyme exhibits substantial GSH oxidase-like activity, effectively oxidizing reduced GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG), while also inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). This inhibition led to an imbalance in iron homeostasis, pronounced caspase activation, and subsequent induction of apoptosis and ferroptosis in tumor cells. Additionally, the ZIF-8/SrSe@DOX nanoparticles efficiently delivered DOX, causing DNA damage and further promoting apoptotic and ferroptotic pathways. Conclusions: This research outlines the design of a novel platform that combines chemotherapeutic agents with a Fenton reaction catalyst, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy that leverages the synergistic effects of apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Tumor iron homeostasis and immune regulation

Abnormal iron metabolism has long been regarded as a key metabolic hallmark of cancer. As a critical cofactor, iron contributes to tumor progression by participating in various processes such as mitochondrial electron transport, gene regulation, and DNA synthesis or repair. Although the role of iron in tumor cells has been widely studied, recent studies have uncovered the interplay of iron metabolism between tumor cells and immune cells, which may affect both innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the regulatory networks of iron metabolism between cancer cells and immune cells and how they contribute to antitumor immunity, and we analyze potential therapeutics targeting iron metabolism. Also, we highlight several key challenges and describe potential therapeutic approaches for future investigations.

Enhancing ROS-Inducing Nanozyme through Intraparticle Electron Transport

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered significant attention as a promising platform for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent disease treatment, owing to their remarkable biocompatibility and Fenton catalytic activity. However, the low catalytic activity of IONPs is a major hurdle in their clinical translation. To overcome this challenge, IONPs of different compositions are examined for their Fenton reaction under pharmacologically relevant conditions. The results show that wüstite (FeO) nanoparticles exhibit higher catalytic activity than magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) or maghemite (γ-Fe2 O3 ) of matched size and coating, despite having a similar surface oxidation state. Further analyses suggest that the high catalytic activity of wüstite nanoparticles can be attributed to the presence of internal low-valence iron (Fe0 and Fe2+ ), which accelerates the recycling of surface Fe3+ to Fe2+ through intraparticle electron transport. Additionally, ultrasmall wüstite nanoparticles are generated by tuning the thermodecomposition-based nanocrystal synthesis, resulting in a Fenton reaction rate 5.3 times higher than that of ferumoxytol, an FDA-approved IONP. Compared with ferumoxytol, wüstite nanoparticles substantially increase the level of intracellular ROS in mouse mammary carcinoma cells. This study presents a novel mechanism and pivotal improvement for the development of highly efficient ROS-inducing nanozymes, thereby expanding the horizons for their therapeutic applications.

Magnetic nanoparticles for ferroptosis cancer therapy with diagnostic imaging

Ferroptosis offers a novel method for overcoming therapeutic resistance of cancers to conventional cancer treatment regimens. Its effective use as a cancer therapy requires a precisely targeted approach, which can be facilitated by using nanoparticles and nanomedicine, and their use to enhance ferroptosis is indeed a growing area of research. While a few review papers have been published on iron-dependent mechanism and inducers of ferroptosis cancer therapy that partly covers ferroptosis nanoparticles, there is a need for a comprehensive review focusing on the design of magnetic nanoparticles that can typically supply iron ions to promote ferroptosis and simultaneously enable targeted ferroptosis cancer nanomedicine. Furthermore, magnetic nanoparticles can locally induce ferroptosis and combinational ferroptosis with diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The use of remotely controllable magnetic nanocarriers can offer highly effective localized image-guided ferroptosis cancer nanomedicine. Here, recent developments in magnetically manipulable nanocarriers for ferroptosis cancer nanomedicine with medical imaging are summarized. This review also highlights the advantages of current state-of-the-art image-guided ferroptosis cancer nanomedicine. Finally, image guided combinational ferroptosis cancer therapy with conventional apoptosis-based therapy that enables synergistic tumor therapy is discussed for clinical translations.

Ferritinophagy induced ferroptosis in the management of cancer

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis, a newly form of regulated cell death (RCD), is characterized by iron dyshomeostasis and unrestricted lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence depicts a pivotal role for ferroptosis in driving some pathological processes, especially in cancer. Triggering ferroptosis can suppress tumor growth and induce an anti-tumor immune response, denoting the therapeutic promises for targeting ferroptosis in the management of cancer. As an autophagic phenomenon, ferritinophagy is critical to induce ferroptosis by degradation of ferritin to release intracellular free iron. Recently, a great deal of effort has gone into designing and developing anti-cancer strategies based on targeting ferritinophagy to induce ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

This review delineates the regulatory mechanism of ferritinophagy firstly and summarizes the role of ferritinophagy-induced ferroptosis in cancer. Moreover, the strategies targeting ferritinophagy to induce ferroptosis are highlighted to unveil the therapeutic value of ferritinophagy as a target to manage cancer. Finally, the future research directions on how to cope with the challenges in developing ferritinophagy promoters into clinical therapeutics are discussed.

A Self-Homing and Traceable Cardiac Patch Leveraging Ferumoxytol for Spatiotemporal Therapeutic Delivery

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based cardiac patches are envisioned to be a promising treatment option for patients with myocardial infarction. However, their therapeutic efficacy and duration are hampered due to their limited retention on the epicardium. We engineered a scaffold-free MSC sheet with an inherent ability to migrate into the infarcted myocardium, a strategy enabled by actively establishing a sustained intracellular hypoxic environment through the endocytosis of our FDA-approved ferumoxytol. This iron oxide nanoparticle stabilized hypoxia-induced factor-1α, triggering upregulation of the CXC chemokine receptor and subsequent MSC chemotaxis. Thus, MSCs integrated into 2/3 depth of the left ventricular anterior wall in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction and persisted for at least 28 days. This led to spatiotemporal delivery of paracrine factors by MSCs, enhancing cardiac regeneration and function. Ferumoxytol also facilitated the noninvasive MRI tracking of implanted MSCs. Our approach introduces a strategy for mobilizing MSC migration, holding promise for rapid clinical translation in myocardial infarction treatment.

Cancer Nano-Immunotherapy: The Novel and Promising Weapon to Fight Cancer

Cancer is a complex disease that, despite advances in treatment and the greater understanding of the tumor biology until today, continues to be a prevalent and lethal disease. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are the conventional treatments, which have increased the survival for cancer patients. However, the complexity of this disease together with the persistent problems due to tumor progression and recurrence, drug resistance, or side effects of therapy make it necessary to explore new strategies that address the challenges to obtain a positive response. One important point is that tumor cells can interact with the microenvironment, promoting proliferation, dissemination, and immune evasion. Therefore, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel therapy based on the modulation of the immune system for combating cancer, as reflected in the promising results both in preclinical studies and clinical trials obtained. In order to enhance the immune response, the combination of immunotherapy with nanoparticles has been conducted, improving the access of immune cells to the tumor, antigen presentation, as well as the induction of persistent immune responses. Therefore, nanomedicine holds an enormous potential to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the most recent advances in specific molecular and cellular immunotherapy and in nano-immunotherapy against cancer in the light of the latest published preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Ultrasound-propelled nanomotors for efficient cancer cell ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of cell death that is dependent on the accumulation of intracellular iron that causes elevation of toxic lipid peroxides. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the levels of intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a short time. Here, we first propose ultrasound (US)-propelled Janus nanomotors (Au-FeOx/PEI/ICG, AFPI NMs) to accelerate cellular internalization and induce cancer cell ferroptosis. This nanomotor consists of a gold-iron oxide rod-like Janus nanomotor (Au-FeOx, AF NMs) and a photoactive indocyanine green (ICG) dye on the surface. It not only exhibits accelerating cellular internalization (∼4-fold) caused by its attractive US-driven propulsion but also shows good intracellular motion behavior. In addition, this Janus nanomotor shows excellent intracellular ROS generation performance due to the synergistic effect of the "Fenton or Fenton-like reaction" and the "photochemical reaction". As a result, the killing efficiency of actively moving nanomotors on cancer cells is 88% higher than that of stationary nanomotors. Unlike previous passive strategies, this work is a significant step toward accelerating cellular internalization and inducing cancer-cell ferroptosis in an active way. These novel US-propelled Janus nanomotors with strong propulsion, efficient cellular internalization and excellent ROS generation are suitable as a novel cell biology research tool.

Size Switchable Self-Assembled Iron Oxide Aggregations Loaded with Doxorubicin for Deep Penetration and Enhanced Chemotherapy of Cancer

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) have been reported to be a promising agent for cancer therapy due to their outstanding ability in catalyzing the Fenton reaction and causing peroxidation. Generally, particles with size of hundreds of nanometers exhibit enhanced accumulation in tumor due to the enhanced permeation and retention effect. However, the large size hinders penetration within the dense collagen matrix. Here, we propose a multistage system to realize pH-responsive size switch for efficient drug delivery. In this system, ultrasmall Fe3O4 (∼4 nm) NPs are simultaneously modified with hydrophilic mPEG and hydrophobic N,N-dibutylethylenediamine (DBE) to form pH-responsive self-assembled iron oxide aggregations (SIOA). In the acidic tumor microenvironment, the protonation of DBE makes it transit from the hydrophobic to hydrophilic state, causing the disassembly of the SIOA and the release of loaded doxorubicin. The multistage Fe3O4 NPs demonstrate enhanced accumulation and efficient diffusion within the tumor, holding a promise for drug delivery and cancer therapy.

MRI Detection and Therapeutic Enhancement of Ferumoxytol Internalization in Glioblastoma Cells

Recently, the FDA-approved iron oxide nanoparticle, ferumoxytol, has been found to enhance the efficacy of pharmacological ascorbate (AscH-) in treating glioblastoma, as AscH- reduces the Fe3+ sites in the nanoparticle core. Given the iron oxidation state specificity of T2* relaxation mapping, this study aims to investigate the ability of T2* relaxation to monitor the reduction of ferumoxytol by AscH- with respect to its in vitro therapeutic enhancement. This study employed an in vitro glioblastoma MRI model system to investigate the chemical interaction of ferumoxytol with T2* mapping. Lipofectamine was utilized to facilitate ferumoxytol internalization and assess intracellular versus extracellular chemistry. In vitro T2* mapping successfully detected an AscH--mediated reduction of ferumoxytol (25.6 ms versus 2.8 ms for FMX alone). The T2* relaxation technique identified the release of Fe2+ from ferumoxytol by AscH- in glioblastoma cells. However, the high iron content of ferumoxytol limited T2* ability to differentiate between the external and internal reduction of ferumoxytol by AscH- (ΔT2* = +839% for external FMX and +1112% for internal FMX reduction). Notably, the internalization of ferumoxytol significantly enhances its ability to promote AscH- toxicity (dose enhancement ratio for extracellular FMX = 1.16 versus 1.54 for intracellular FMX). These data provide valuable insights into the MR-based nanotheranostic application of ferumoxytol and AscH- therapy for glioblastoma management. Future developmental efforts, such as FMX surface modifications, may be warranted to enhance this approach further.

Potential applications of ferroptosis inducers and regulatory molecules in hematological malignancy therapy

Ferroptosis, a novel form of iron-dependent cell death, has emerged as a potential avenue for promoting tumor cell death by causing cell membrane rupture and the accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPO) in the cell. Since its discovery in 2012, extensive research has been conducted to explore the mechanism of ferroptosis inducers, including erastin, sulfasalazine, and sorafenib. These compounds inhibit system XC-, while Ras-selective lethal small molecule 3 (RSL3) and FION2 specifically target GPX4 to promote ferroptosis. Therefore, targeting ferroptosis presents a promising therapeutic approach for malignant tumors. While the study of ferroptosis in solid tumors has made significant progress, there is limited information available on its role in hematological tumors. This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis inducers and discuss their clinical applications in hematological malignancies. Furthermore, the identification of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and genes that regulate key molecules in the ferroptosis pathway could provide new targets and establish a molecular theoretical foundation for exploring novel ferroptosis inducers in hematological malignancies.

Exploiting the ferroaddiction of pancreatic cancer cells using Fe-doped nanoparticles

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with poor survival rates. Here, we evaluated iron-doped hydroxyapatite (FeHA) as a potential nanomedicine-based approach to combat PDAC. FeHA, in combination with a sublethal dose of the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor RSL3, was found to trigger ferroptosis in KRAS mutant PANC-1 cells, but not in BxPC3 cells, while sparing normal human cells (fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells). These findings were recapitulated in 3D spheroids generated using PDAC cells harboring wild-type versus mutant KRAS. Moreover, ferroptosis induction by FeHA plus RSL3 was reversed by the knockdown of STEAP3, a metalloreductase responsible for converting Fe3+ to Fe2+. Taken together, our data show that FeHA is capable of triggering cancer cell death in a KRAS-selective, STEAP3-dependent manner in PDAC cells.

Ferroptosis-induced Cardiotoxicity and Antitumor Drugs

The induction of regulated cell death ferroptosis in tumors is emerging as an intriguing strategy for cancer treatment. Numerous antitumor drugs (e.g., doxorubicin, etoposide, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, trastuzumab, arsenic trioxide, 5-fluorouracil) induce ferroptosis. Although this mechanism of action is interesting for fighting tumors, the clinical use of drugs that induce ferroptosis is hampered by cardiotoxicity. Besides in cancer cells, ferroptosis induced by chemotherapeutics can occur in cardiomyocytes, and this feature represents an important drawback of antitumor therapy. This inconvenience has been tackled by developing less or no cardiotoxic antitumor drugs or by discovering cardioprotective agents (e.g., berberine, propofol, fisetin, salidroside, melatonin, epigallocatechin- 3gallate, resveratrol) to use in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics. This review briefly summarizes the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and describes the ferroptosis dependent mechanisms responsible for cardiac toxicity developed by cancer- suffering patients following the administration of some chemotherapeutics. Additionally, the pharmacological strategies very recently proposed for potentially preventing this inconvenience are considered.

Camouflaged Nanoreactors Mediated Radiotherapy-Adjuvant Chemodynamic Synergistic Therapy

Chemodynamic therapy based on the Fenton-like catalysis ability of Fe3O4 has the advantages of no involvement of chemical drugs and minimal adverse effects as well as the limitation of depletable efficacy. Radiotherapy based on high-energy radiation offers the convenience of treatment and cost-effectiveness but lacks precision and cellular adaptation of tumor cells. Approaching such dilemmas from a nanoscale materials perspective, we aim to bridge the weaknesses of both treatment methods by combining the principles of two therapeutics reciprocally. We have designed a camouflaged Fe3O4@HfO2 composite nanoreactor (FHCM), which combines a chemodynamic therapeutic agent Fe3O4 and a radiosensitizer HfO2 that both has passed clinical trials and was inspired by a cell membrane biomimetic technique. FHCM is employed as conceived radiotherapy-adjuvant chemodynamic synergistic therapy of malignant tumors, which has undergone dual scrutiny from both the physical and biological aspects. Experimental results obtained at different levels, including theory, material characterizations, and in vitro and in vivo verifications, suggest that FHCM effectively impaired tumor cells through physical and molecular biological mechanisms involving a HfO2-Fe3O4 photoelectron-electron transfer chain and DNA damage-ferroptosis-immunity chain. It is worth noting that compared to single therapies such as only chemodynamic therapy or radiotherapy, FHCM-mediated radiotherapy-adjuvant chemodynamic synergistic therapy exhibits stronger tumor inhibition efficacy. It significantly addresses the inherent limitations of chemodynamic therapy and radiotherapy and underscores the feasibility and importance of using existing clinical weapons, such as radiotherapy, as auxiliary strategies to overcome certain flaws of emerging antitumor therapeutics like chemodynamic therapy.

Natural compounds efficacy in complicated diabetes: A new twist impacting ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, as a way of cell death, participates in the body's normal physiological and pathological regulation. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis may damage glucose-stimulated islets β Insulin secretion and programmed cell death of T2DM target organs are involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its complications. Targeting suppression of ferroptosis with specific inhibitors may provide new therapeutic opportunities for previously untreated T2DM and its target organs. Current studies suggest that natural bioactive compounds, which are abundantly available in drugs, foods, and medicinal plants for the treatment of T2DM and its target organs, have recently received significant attention for their various biological activities and minimal toxicity, and that many natural compounds appear to have a significant role in the regulation of ferroptosis in T2DM and its target organs. Therefore, this review summarized the potential treatment strategies of natural compounds as ferroptosis inhibitors to treat T2DM and its complications, providing potential lead compounds and natural phytochemical molecular nuclei for future drug research and development to intervene in ferroptosis in T2DM.

Cancer treatment therapies: traditional to modern approaches to combat cancers

As far as health issues are concerned, cancer causes one out of every six deaths around the globe. As potent therapeutics are still awaited for the successful treatment of cancer, some unconventional treatments like radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy and some advanced technologies like gene therapy, stem cell therapy, natural antioxidants, targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy, nanoparticles, and precision medicine are available to diagnose and treat cancer. In the present scenario, the prime focus is on developing efficient nanomedicines to treat cancer. Although stem cell therapy has the capability to target primary as well as metastatic cancer foci, it also has the ability to repair and regenerate injured tissues. However, nanoparticles are designed to have such novel therapeutic capabilities. Targeted therapy is also now available to arrest the growth and development of cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues. Another alternative approach in this direction is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which has more potential to treat cancer as it does minimal damage and does not limit other technologies, as in the case of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The best possible way to treat cancer is by developing novel therapeutics through translational research. In the present scenario, an important event in modern oncology therapy is the shift from an organ-centric paradigm guiding therapy to complete molecular investigations. The lacunae in anticancer therapy may be addressed through the creation of contemporary and pertinent cancer therapeutic techniques. In the meantime, the growth of nanotechnology, material sciences, and biomedical sciences has revealed a wide range of contemporary therapies with intelligent features, adaptable functions, and modification potential. The development of numerous therapeutic techniques for the treatment of cancer is summarized in this article. Additionally, it can serve as a resource for oncology and immunology researchers.

Molecular basis and therapeutic targets in prostate cancer: A comprehensive review

Prostate cancer is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in male patients. The incidence increases with age, and it is higher among African Americans. The occurrence of prostate cancer is associated with many risk factors, including genetic and hereditary predisposition. The most common genetic syndromes associated with prostate cancer risk are BRCA-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and Lynch syndrome. Local-regional therapy, i.e., surgery is beneficial in early-stage prostate cancer management. Advanced and metastatic prostate cancers require systemic therapies, including hormonal inhibition, chemotherapy, and targeted agents. Most prostate cancers can be treated by targeting the androgen-receptor pathway and decreasing androgen production or binding to androgen receptors (AR). Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) usually involves the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and requires targeted therapy. Specific molecular therapy can target mutated cell lines in which DNA defect repair is altered, caused by mutations of BRCA2, partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) or the transmembrane protease serine 2-ERG (TMPRSS2-ERG) fusion. Most benefits were demonstrated in cyclin dependent-kinase 12 (CDK12) mutated cell lines when treated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) therapy. Therapies targeting p53 and AKT are the subject of ongoing clinical trials. Many genetic defects are listed as diagnostic, prognostic, and clinically actionable markers in prostate cancer. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) is an important oncogenic driver and an early diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target in hormone-resistant CRPC. This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms and available targeted therapies for prostate cancer.

Mackinawite nanozymes as reactive oxygen species scavengers for acute kidney injury alleviation

BACKGROUND

Iron sulfide nanomaterials have been successfully employed as therapeutic agents for bacterial infection therapy and catalytic-ferroptosis synergistic tumor therapy due to their unique structures, physiochemical properties, and biocompatibility. However, biomedical research and understanding of the biological functions of iron sulfides are insufficient, and how iron sulfide nanomaterials affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diseases remains unknown. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high levels of ROS, and therefore nanomedicine-mediated antioxidant therapy has emerged as a novel strategy for its alleviation.

RESULTS

Here, mackinawite nanozymes were synthesized from glutathione (GSH) and iron ions (Fe3+) (denoted as GFeSNs) using a hydrothermal method, and then evaluated as ROS scavengers for ROS-related AKI treatment. GFeSNs showed broad-spectrum ROS scavenging ability through synergistic interactions of multiple enzymes-like and hydrogen polysulfide-releasing properties. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that GFeSNs exhibited outstanding cytoprotective effects against ROS-induced damage at extremely low doses and significantly improved treatment outcomes in AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the synergetic antioxidant properties and high biocompatibility, GFeSNs exhibit great potential for the treatment of AKI and other ROS-associated diseases.

BRAF(V600E) mutation together with loss of Trp53 or pTEN drives the origination of hairy cell leukemia from B-lymphocytes

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a B-lymphoma induced by BRAF(V600E) mutation. However, introducing BRAF(V600E) in B-lymphocytes fails to induce hematological malignancy, suggesting that BRAF(V600E) needs concurrent mutations to drive HCL ontogeny. To resolve this issue, here we surveyed human HCL genomic sequencing data. Together with previous reports, we speculated that the tumor suppressor TP53, P27, or PTEN restrict the oncogenicity of BRAF(V600E) in B-lymphocytes, and therefore that their loss-of-function facilitates BRAF(V600E)-driven HCL ontogeny. Using genetically modified mouse models, we demonstrate that indeed BRAF(V600E)KI together with Trp53KO or pTENKO in B-lymphocytes induces chronic lymphoma with pathological features of human HCL. To further understand the cellular programs essential for HCL ontogeny, we profiled the gene expression of leukemic cells isolated from BRAF(V600E)KI and Trp53KO or pTENKO mice, and found that they had similar but different gene expression signatures that resemble that of M2 or M1 macrophages. In addition, we examined the expression signature of transcription factors/regulators required for germinal center reaction and memory B cell versus plasma cell differentiation in these leukemic cells and found that most transcription factors/regulators essential for these programs were severely inhibited, illustrating why hairy cells are arrested at a transitional stage between activated B cells and memory B cells. Together, our study has uncovered concurrent mutations required for HCL ontogeny, revealed the B cell origin of hairy cells and investigated the molecular basis underlying the unique pathological features of the disease, with important implications for HCL research and treatment.

Exogenous Antigen Upregulation Empowers Antibody Targeted Nanochemotherapy of Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is afflicted by a high-mortality rate and few treatment options. The lack of specific surface antigens severely hampers the development of targeted therapeutics and cell therapy. Here, it is shown that exogenous all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) mediates selective and transient CD38 upregulation on leukemia cells by up to 20-fold, which enables high-efficiency targeted nanochemotherapy of leukemia with daratumumab antibody-directed polymersomal vincristine sulfate (DPV). Strikingly, treatment of two CD38-low expressing AML orthotopic models with ATRA and DPV portfolio strategies effectively eliminates circulating leukemia cells and leukemia invasion into bone marrow and organs, leading to exceptional survival benefits with 20-40% of mice becoming leukemia-free. The combination of exogenous CD38 upregulation and antibody-directed nanotherapeutics provides a unique and powerful targeted therapy for leukemia.

ART714 is a best-in-class antileukemic 2-carbon-linked dimeric artemisinin derivative

PURPOSE

It has become increasingly clear that new multiagent combination regimens are required to improve survival rates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We recently reported that ART631, a first-in-class 2-carbon-linked artemisinin-derived dimer (2C-ART), was not only efficacious as a component of a novel three-drug combination regimen to treat AML, but, like other synthetic artemisinin derivatives, demonstrated low clinical toxicity. However, we ultimately found ART631 to have suboptimal solubility and stability properties, thus limiting its potential for clinical development.

METHODS

We assessed 22 additional 2C-ARTs with documented in vivo antimalarial activity for antileukemic efficacy and physicochemical properties. Our strategy involved culling out 2C-ARTs inferior to ART631 with respect to potency, stability, and solubility in vitro, and then validating in vivo pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of one 2C-ART lead compound.

RESULTS

Of the 22 2C-ARTs, ART714 was found to have the most optimal in vitro solubility, stability, and antileukemic efficacy, both alone and in combination with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) and the kinase inhibitor sorafenib (SOR). ART714 was also highly effective in combination with VEN and the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitor gilteritinib (GILT) against MOLM14 AML xenografts.

CONCLUSION

We identified ART714 as our best-in-class antileukemic 2C-ART, based on in vitro potency and pharmacologic properties. We established its in vivo pharmacokinetics and demonstrated its in vitro cooperativity with VEN and SOR and in vivo activities of combinations of ART714, VEN, and GILT. Additional research is indicated to define the optimal niche for the use of ART714 in treatment of AML.

Radiotherapy-induced ferroptosis for cancer treatment

Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death mechanism controlled by iron, amino acid and reactive oxygen species metabolisms, which is very relevant for cancer therapy. Radiotherapy-induced ferroptosis is critical for tumor suppression and several preclinical studies have demonstrated that the combination of ionizing radiation with small molecules or nano-systems is effective in combating cancer growth and overcoming drug or ionizing radiation resistance. Here, we briefly overview the mechanisms of ferroptosis and the cross-talk existing between the cellular pathways activated by ferroptosis and those induced by radiotherapy. Lastly, we discuss the recently reported combinational studies involving radiotherapy, small molecules as well as nano-systems and report the recent findings achieved in this field for the treatment of tumors.

Progress in the Mechanism of the Effect of Fe3O4 Nanomaterials on Ferroptosis in Tumor Cells

Ferroptosis is a new form of iron-dependent programmed cell death discovered in recent years, which is caused by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent studies have shown that cellular ferroptosis is closely related to tumor progression, and the induction of ferroptosis is a new means to inhibit tumor growth. Biocompatible Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs), rich in Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, act as a supplier of iron ions, which not only promote ROS production but also participate in iron metabolism, thus affecting cellular ferroptosis. In addition, Fe₃O₄-NPs combine with other techniques such as photodynamic therapy (PDT); heat stress and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) can further induce cellular ferroptosis effects, which then enhance the antitumor effects. In this paper, we present the research progress and the mechanism of Fe₃O₄-NPs to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells from the perspective of related genes and chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as PDT, heat stress, and SDT techniques.

Magnetite nanoparticles as a kinetically favorable source of iron to enhance GBM response to chemoradiosensitization with pharmacological ascorbate

Ferumoxytol (FMX) is an FDA-approved magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle used to treat iron deficiency anemia that can also be used as an MR imaging agent in patients that can't receive gadolinium. Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-; IV delivery; plasma levels ≈ 20 mM) has shown promise as an adjuvant to standard of care chemo-radiotherapy in glioblastoma (GBM). Since ascorbate toxicity mediated by H2O2 is enhanced by Fe redox cycling, the current study determined if ascorbate catalyzed the release of ferrous iron (Fe2+) from FMX for enhancing GBM responses to chemo-radiotherapy. Ascorbate interacted with Fe3O4 in FMX to produce redox-active Fe2+ while simultaneously generating increased H2O2 fluxes, that selectively enhanced GBM cell killing (relative to normal human astrocytes) as opposed to a more catalytically active Fe complex (EDTA-Fe3+) in an H2O2 - dependent manner. In vivo, FMX was able to improve GBM xenograft tumor control when combined with pharmacological ascorbate and chemoradiation in U251 tumors that were unresponsive to pharmacological ascorbate therapy. These data support the hypothesis that FMX combined with P-AscH- represents a novel combined modality therapeutic approach to enhance cancer cell selective chemoradiosentization in the management of glioblastoma.

Engineering Female Germline Stem Cells with Exocytotic Polymer Dots

Germline stem cells (GSCs) are the only cell population capable of passing genetic information to offspring, making them attractive targets in reproductive biology and fertility research. However, it is generally more difficult to introduce exogenous biomolecules into GSCs than other cell types, impeding the exploration and manipulation of these cells for biomedical purposes. Herein, semiconductor polymer dots (Pdots)-based nanocomplex Pdot-siRNA is developed and achieves effective knockdown of target genes in female germline stem cells (FGSCs). Advantage of high fluorescence brightness of Pdots is taken for comprehensive investigation of their cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and exocytosis in FGSCs. Importantly, Pdots show excellent biocompatibility and minimally disturb the differentiation of FGSCs. Intracellular Pdots escape from the lysosomes and undergo active exocytosis, which makes them ideal nanocarriers for bioactive cargos. Moreover, Pdot-siRNA can penetrate into 3D ovarian organoids derived from FGSCs and down-regulate the expression levels of target genes. This study investigates the interface between a type of theranostic nanoparticles and FGSCs for the first time and sheds light on the manipulation and medical application of FGSCs.

A Selective Nano Cell Cycle Checkpoint Inhibitor Overcomes Leukemia Chemoresistance

Cell cycle checkpoint activation promotes DNA damage repair, which is highly associated with the chemoresistance of various cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Selective cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors are strongly demanded to overcome chemoresistance, but remain unexplored. A selective nano cell cycle checkpoint inhibitor (NCCI: citric acid capped ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles) that can catalytically inhibit the cell cycle checkpoint of AML to boost the chemotherapeutic efficacy of genotoxic agents is now reported. NCCI can selectively accumulate in AML cells and convert H2 O2 to • OH to cleave heat shock protein 90, leading to the degradation of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related proteinand checkpoint kinase 1, and the subsequent dysfunction of the G2/M checkpoint. Consequently, NCCI revitalizes the anti-AML efficacy of cytarabine that is previously ineffective both in vitro and in vivo. This study offers new insights into designing selective cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors for biomedical applications.

The mechanism of ferroptosis in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a cerebrovascular accident with an acute onset, severe disease characteristics, and poor prognosis. Within 72 hours after the occurrence of SAH, a sequence of pathological changes occur in the body including blood-brain barrier breakdown, cerebral edema, and reduced cerebrovascular flow that are defined as early brain injury (EBI), and it has been demonstrated that EBI exhibits an obvious correlation with poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a novel programmed cell death mode. Ferroptosis is induced by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ferroptosis involves abnormal iron metabolism, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. Recent study revealed that ferroptosis is involved in EBI and is significantly correlated with poor prognosis. With the gradual realization of the importance of ferroptosis, an increasing number of studies have been conducted to examine this process. This review summarizes the latest work in this field and tracks current research progress. We focused on iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, reduction systems centered on the GSH/GPX4 system, other newly discovered GSH/GPX4-independent antioxidant systems, and their related targets in the context of early brain injury. Additionally, we examined certain ferroptosis regulatory mechanisms that have been studied in other fields but not in SAH. A link between death and oxidative stress has been described. Additionally, we highlight the future research direction of ferroptosis in EBI of SAH, and this provides new ideas for follow-up research.

Ferroptotic mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation in the kidney

Ferroptosis is a mechanism of regulated necrotic cell death characterized by iron-dependent, lipid peroxidation-driven membrane destruction that can be inhibited by glutathione peroxidase 4. Morphologically, it is characterized by cellular, organelle and cytoplasmic swelling and the loss of plasma membrane integrity, with the release of intracellular components. Ferroptosis is triggered in cells with dysregulated iron and thiol redox metabolism, whereby the initial robust but selective accumulation of hydroperoxy polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids is further propagated through enzymatic and non-enzymatic secondary mechanisms, leading to formation of oxidatively truncated electrophilic species and their adducts with proteins. Thus, ferroptosis is dependent on the convergence of iron, thiol and lipid metabolic pathways. The kidney is particularly susceptible to redox imbalance. A growing body of evidence has linked ferroptosis to acute kidney injury in the context of diverse stimuli, such as ischaemia-reperfusion, sepsis or toxins, and to chronic kidney disease, suggesting that ferroptosis may represent a novel therapeutic target for kidney disease. However, further work is needed to address gaps in our understanding of the triggers, execution and spreading mechanisms of ferroptosis.

Prospects for the Use of Metal-Based Nanoparticles as Adjuvants for Local Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is among the most effective approaches for treating cancer. One of the key aspects for successful immunotherapy is to achieve a strong and stable antitumor immune response. Modern immune checkpoint therapy demonstrates that cancer can be defeated. However, it also points out the weaknesses of immunotherapy, as not all tumors respond to therapy and the co-administration of different immunomodulators may be severely limited due to their systemic toxicity. Nevertheless, there is an established way through which to increase the immunogenicity of immunotherapy-by the use of adjuvants. These enhance the immune response without inducing such severe adverse effects. One of the most well-known and studied adjuvant strategies to improve immunotherapy efficacy is the use of metal-based compounds, in more modern implementation-metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs), which are exogenous agents that act as danger signals. Adding innate immune activation to the main action of an immunomodulator makes it capable of eliciting a robust anti-cancer immune response. The use of an adjuvant has the peculiarity of a local administration of the drug, which positively affects its safety. In this review, we will consider the use of MNPs as low-toxicity adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy, which could provide an abscopal effect when administered locally.

Ferroptosis in Haematological Malignancies and Associated Therapeutic Nanotechnologies

Haematological malignancies are heterogeneous groups of cancers of the bone marrow, blood or lymph nodes, and while therapeutic advances have greatly improved the lifespan and quality of life of those afflicted, many of these cancers remain incurable. The iron-dependent, lipid oxidation-mediated form of cell death, ferroptosis, has emerged as a promising pathway to induce cancer cell death, particularly in those malignancies that are resistant to traditional apoptosis-inducing therapies. Although promising findings have been published in several solid and haematological malignancies, the major drawbacks of ferroptosis-inducing therapies are efficient drug delivery and toxicities to healthy tissue. The development of tumour-targeting and precision medicines, particularly when combined with nanotechnologies, holds potential as a way in which to overcome these obstacles and progress ferroptosis-inducing therapies into the clinic. Here, we review the current state-of-play of ferroptosis in haematological malignancies as well as encouraging discoveries in the field of ferroptosis nanotechnologies. While the research into ferroptosis nanotechnologies in haematological malignancies is limited, its pre-clinical success in solid tumours suggests this is a very feasible therapeutic approach to treat blood cancers such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia.