Nanotechnology for angiogenesis: opportunities and challenges

Unveiling Green Synthesis and Biomedical Theranostic paradigms of Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) - A state-of-the-art comprehensive update

The advancements in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and healthcare are propelling the field of theranostics, which combines therapy and diagnostics, to new heights; emphasizing the emergence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as versatile theranostic agents. This comprehensive update offers a holistic perspective on recent developments in the synthesis and theranostic applications of SeNPs, underscoring their growing importance in nanotechnology and healthcare. SeNPs have shown significant potential in multiple domains, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, wound healing, and cytoprotective therapies. The review highlights the adaptability and biocompatibility of SeNPs, which are crucial for advanced disease detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment. Special emphasis is placed on advancements in green synthesis techniques, underscoring their eco-friendly and cost-effective benefits in biosensing, diagnostics, imaging and therapeutic applications. Additionally, the appraisal scrutinizes the progressive trends in smart stimuli-responsive SeNPs, conferring their role in innovative solutions for disease management and diagnostics. Despite their promising therapeutic and prophylactic potential, SeNPs also present several challenges, particularly regarding toxicity concerns. These challenges and their implications for clinical translation are thoroughly explored, providing a balanced view of the current state and prospects of SeNPs in theranostic applications.

Current multi-scale biomaterials for tissue regeneration following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) may cause loss of motor and sensory function, autonomic dysfunction, and thus disrupt the quality of life of patients, leading to severe disability and significant psychological, social, and economic burden. At present, existing therapy for SCI have limited ability to promote neural function recovery, and there is an urgent need to develop innovative regenerative approaches to repair SCI. Biomaterials have become a promising strategy to promote the regeneration and repair of damaged nerve tissue after SCI. Biomaterials can provide support for nerve tissue by filling cavities, and improve local inflammatory responses and reshape extracellular matrix structures through unique biochemical properties to create the optimal microenvironment at the SCI site, thereby promoting neurogenesis and reconnecting damaged spinal cord tissue. Considering the importance of biomaterials in repairing SCI, this article reviews the latest progress of multi-scale biomaterials in SCI treatment and tissue regeneration, and evaluates the relevant technologies for manufacturing biomaterials.

Pharmacological interventions for intraplaque neovascularization in atherosclerosis

Advanced atherosclerosis is linked to plaque instability, which can result in rupture and the onset of a heart attack. Evidence gathered from human atheroma plaques indicates that intraplaque neovascularization poses a risk to plaque stability and may lead to plaque hemorrhage. Hence, targeting the neovascularization within the atheroma plaque has the potential to mitigate the plaque's vulnerability. While neovascularization has been extensively explored in the context of cancer, research on pharmacological inhibition of this phenomenon in atherosclerosis remains limited. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively assess current and emerging pharmacological interventions for inhibiting intraplaque neovascularization in preclinical settings. Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid) were searched from January 2013 until February 1, 2024. Preclinical studies reporting the effect of any pharmacological interventions targeting intraplaque neovascularization were included. A total of 10 articles involving in vivo animal studies were eligible for inclusion, with five of them incorporating in vitro experiments to complement their in vivo findings. The pharmacological interventions studied were axitinib, ghrelin, K5, rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, 3PO, everolimus, melatonin, Si-Miao-Yong-A, and protocatechuic aldehyde. All the interventions showed a positive impact in inhibiting intraplaque neovascularization in various atherosclerotic animal models through various signaling pathways. This review provides valuable insights into pharmacological approaches to attenuate intraplaque neovascularization that could serve as a promising therapeutic avenue to enhance plaque stability.

Customized Vascular Repair Microenvironment: Poly(lactic acid)-Gelatin Nanofibrous Scaffold Decorated with bFGF and Ag@Fe3O4 Core-Shell Nanowires

Vascular defects caused by trauma or vascular diseases can significantly impact normal blood circulation, resulting in serious health complications. Vascular grafts have evolved as a popular approach for vascular reconstruction with promising outcomes. However, four of the greatest challenges for successful application of small-diameter vascular grafts are (1) postoperative anti-infection, (2) preventing thrombosis formation, (3) utilizing the inflammatory response to the graft to induce tissue regeneration and repair, and (4) noninvasive monitoring of the scaffold and integration. The present study demonstrated a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and oleic acid dispersed Ag@Fe3O4 core-shell nanowires (OA-Ag@Fe3O4 CSNWs) codecorated poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/gelatin (Gel) multifunctional electrospun vascular grafts (bAPG). The Ag@Fe3O4 CSNWs have sustained Ag+ release and exceptional photothermal capabilities to effectively suppress bacterial infections both in vitro and in vivo, noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modality to monitor the position of the graft, and antiplatelet adhesion properties to promise long-term patency. The gradually released bFGF from the bAPG scaffold promotes the M2 macrophage polarization and enhances the recruitment of macrophages, endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblast cells. This significant regulation of diverse cell behavior has been proven to be beneficial to vascular repair and regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study supplies a method to prepare multifunctional vascular-repair materials and is expected to represent a significant guidance and reference to the development of biomaterials for vascular tissue engineering.

Challenges of therapeutic applications and regenerative capacities of urine based stem cells in oral, and maxillofacial reconstruction

Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have gained the attention of researchers in the biomedical field in the past few years . Regarding the several varieties of cells that have been used for this purpose, USCs have demonstrated mesenchymal stem cell-like properties, such as differentiation and immunomodulation. Furthermore, they could be differentiated into several lineages. This is very interesting for regenerative techniques based on cell therapy. This review will embark on describing their separation, and profiling. We will specifically describe the USCs characteristics, in addition to their differentiation potential. Then, we will introduce and explore the primary uses of USCs. These involve thier utilization as a platform to produce stem cells, however, we shall concentrate on the utilization of USCs for therapeutic, and regenerative orofacial applications, providing an in-depth evaluation of this purpose. The final portion will address the limitations and challenges of their implementation in regenerative dentistry.

Fabricating Multiphasic Angiogenic Scaffolds Using Amyloid/Roxadustat-Assisted High-Temperature Protein Printing

Repairing multiphasic defects is cumbersome. This study presents new soft and hard scaffold designs aimed at facilitating the regeneration of multiphasic defects by enhancing angiogenesis and improving cell attachment. Here, the nonimmunogenic, nontoxic, and cost-effective human serum albumin (HSA) fibril (HSA-F) was used to fabricate thermostable (up to 90 °C) and hard printable polymers. Additionally, using a 10.0 mg/mL HSA-F, an innovative hydrogel was synthesized in a mixture with 2.0% chitosan-conjugated arginine, which can gel in a cell-friendly and pH physiological environment (pH 7.4). The presence of HSA-F in both hard and soft scaffolds led to an increase in significant attachment of the scaffolds to the human periodontal ligament fibroblast (PDLF), human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), and human osteoblast. Further studies showed that migration (up to 157%), proliferation (up to 400%), and metabolism (up to 210%) of these cells have also improved in the direction of tissue repair. By examining different in vitro and ex ovo experiments, we observed that the final multiphasic scaffold can increase blood vessel density in the process of per-vascularization as well as angiogenesis. By providing a coculture environment including PDLF and HUVEC, important cross-talk between these two cells prevails in the presence of roxadustat drug, a proangiogenic in this study. In vitro and ex ovo results demonstrated significant enhancements in the angiogenic response and cell attachment, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed design. This approach holds promise for the regeneration of complex tissue defects by providing a conducive environment for vascularization and cellular integration, thus promoting tissue healing.

Complications and comorbidities associated with antineoplastic chemotherapy: Rethinking drug design and delivery for anticancer therapy

Despite the considerable advancements in chemotherapy as a cornerstone modality in cancer treatment, the prevalence of complications and pre-existing diseases is on the rise among cancer patients along with prolonged survival and aging population. The relationships between these disorders and cancer are intricate, bearing significant influence on the survival and quality of life of individuals with cancer and presenting challenges for the prognosis and outcomes of malignancies. Herein, we review the prevailing complications and comorbidities that often accompany chemotherapy and summarize the lessons to learn from inadequate research and management of this scenario, with an emphasis on possible strategies for reducing potential complications and alleviating comorbidities, as well as an overview of current preclinical cancer models and practical advice for establishing bio-faithful preclinical models in such complex context.

Applications of Biomolecular Nanostructures for Anti-Angiogenic Theranostics

Angiogenesis is a physiological process of forming new blood vessels that has pathological importance in seemingly unrelated illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and various inflammatory diseases. Treatment targeting angiogenesis has shown promise for these types of diseases, but current anti-angiogenic agents have critical limitations in delivery and side-effects. This necessitates exploration of alternative approaches like biomolecule-based drugs. Proteins, lipids, and oligonucleotides have recently become popular in biomedicine, specifically as biocompatible components of therapeutic drugs. Their excellent bioavailability and potential bioactive and immunogenic properties make them prime candidates for drug discovery or drug delivery systems. Lipid-based liposomes have become standard vehicles for targeted nanoparticle (NP) delivery, while protein and nucleotide NPs show promise for environment-sensitive delivery as smart NPs. Their therapeutic applications have initially been hampered by short circulation times and difficulty of fabrication but recent developments in nanofabrication and NP engineering have found ways to circumvent these disadvantages, vastly improving the practicality of biomolecular NPs. In this review, we are going to briefly discuss how biomolecule-based NPs have improved anti-angiogenesis-based therapy.

Platelet membrane encapsulated curcumin nanomaterial-mediated specific thrombolysis and anti-thrombotic treatment among pregnant women

The current treatment for venous thrombosis during pregnancy is ineffective, primarily, due to the unique physiology of pregnant women. Most clinical medications have fetal side effects when they circulate in the body. We first synthesized nanomaterials (Cur-PFP@PC) using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as the base material, with curcumin (Cur) and perfluoropentane (PFP) as core components. Subsequently, we encapsulated Cur-PFP@PC into the platelet membrane to synthesize P-Cur-PFP@PC. Under ultrasound guidance, in combination with low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), PFP underwent a phase change, resulting in thrombolysis. The generated microbubbles enhanced the signal impact of ultrasound, and P-Cur-PFP@PC showed better performance than Cur-PFP@PC. P-Cur-PFP@PC can target thrombosis treatment, achieve visually and precisely controlled drug release, and repair damaged blood vessels, thus avoiding the adverse effects associated with traditional long-term drug administration.

Endothelial progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicles: the world of potential prospects for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a predominant threat to human health, surpassing the incidence and mortality rates of neoplastic diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as vital mediators in intercellular communication and material exchange. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), recognized as precursors of vascular endothelial cells (ECs), have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to the potential therapeutic value of their derived extracellular vesicles (EPC-EVs) in the context of CVDs. This comprehensive review systematically explores the origins, characteristics, and functions of EPCs, alongside the classification, properties, biogenesis, and extraction techniques of EVs, with particular emphasis on their protective roles in CVDs. Additionally, we delve into the essential bioactive components of EPC-EVs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and proteins, analyzing their beneficial effects in promoting angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, anti-fibrosis, anti-apoptosis, and myocardial regeneration. Furthermore, this review comprehensively investigates the therapeutic potential of EPC-EVs across various CVDs, encompassing acute myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, and diabetic cardiovascular disease. Lastly, we summarize the potential challenges associated with the clinical application of EPC-EVs and outline future directions, aiming to offer a valuable resource for both theoretical insights and practical applications of EPC-EVs in managing CVDs.

Plant-Derived Exosomes as Novel Nanotherapeutics Contrive Glycolysis Reprogramming-Mediated Angiogenesis for Diabetic Ulcer Healing

Reversal of endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction under high-glucose (HG) conditions to achieve angiogenesis has remained a big challenge in diabetic ulcers. Herein, exosomes derived from medicinal plant ginseng (GExos) were shown as excellent nanotherapeutics with biomimetic cell membrane-like structures to be able to efficiently transfer the encapsulated active substances to ECs, resulting in a marked reprogramming of glycolysis by up-regulating anaerobic glycolysis and down-regulating oxidative stress, which further restore the proliferation, migration, and tubule formation abilities of ECs under HG conditions. In vivo, GExos enhance the angiogenesis and nascent vessel network reconstruction in full-thickness diabetic complicated skin ulcer wounds in mice with high biosafety. GExos were shown as promising nanotherapeutics in stimulating glycolysis reprogramming-mediated angiogenesis in diabetic ulcers, possessing wide application potential for reversing hyperglycemic dysangiogenesis and stimulating vascular regeneration.

Deciphering silver nanoparticles perturbation effects and risks for soil enzymes worldwide: Insights from machine learning and soil property integration

Globally extensive research into how silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) affect enzyme activity in soils with differing properties has been limited by cost-prohibitive sampling. In this study, customized machine learning (ML) was used to extract data patterns from complex research, with a hit rate of Random Forest > Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations > Decision Tree > K-Nearest Neighbors. Results showed that soil properties played a pivotal role in determining AgNPs' effect on soil enzymes, with the order being pH > organic matter (OM) > soil texture ≈ cation exchange capacity (CEC). Notably, soil enzyme activity was more sensitive to AgNPs in acidic soil (pH < 5.5), while elevated OM content (>1.9 %) attenuated AgNPs toxicity. Compared to soil acidification, reducing soil OM content is more detrimental in exacerbating AgNPs' toxicity and it emerged that clay particles were deemed effective in curbing their toxicity. Meanwhile sand particles played a very different role, and a sandy soil sample at > 40 % of the water holding capacity (WHC), amplified the toxicity of AgNPs. Perturbation mapping of how soil texture alters enzyme activity under AgNPs exposure was generated, where soils with sand (45-65 %), silt (< 22 %), and clay (35-55 %) exhibited even higher probability of positive effects of AgNPs. The average calculation results indicate the sandy clay loam (75.6 %), clay (74.8 %), silt clay (65.8 %), and sandy clay (55.9 %) texture soil demonstrate less AgNPs inhibition effect. The results herein advance the prediction of the effect of AgNPs on soil enzymes globally and determine the soil types that are more sensitive to AgNPs worldwide.

Angiogenesis in bone tissue engineering via ceramic scaffolds: A review of concepts and recent advancements

Due to organ donor shortages, long transplant waitlists, and the complications/limitations associated with auto and allotransplantation, biomaterials and tissue-engineered models are gaining attention as feasible alternatives for replacing and reconstructing damaged organs and tissues. Among various tissue engineering applications, bone tissue engineering has become a promising strategy to replace or repair damaged bone. We aimed to provide an overview of bioactive ceramic scaffolds in bone tissue engineering, focusing on angiogenesis and the effect of different biofunctionalization strategies. Different routes to angiogenesis, including chemical induction through signaling molecules immobilized covalently or non-covalently, in situ secretion of angiogenic growth factors, and the degradation of inorganic scaffolds, are described. Physical induction mechanisms are also discussed, followed by a review of methods for fabricating bioactive ceramic scaffolds via microfabrication methods, such as photolithography and 3D printing. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the commonly used methodologies and future directions are discussed.

Unraveling Endothelial Cell Migration: Insights into Fundamental Forces, Inflammation, Biomaterial Applications, and Tissue Regeneration Strategies

Cell migration is vital for many fundamental biological processes and human pathologies throughout our life. Dynamic molecular changes in the tissue microenvironment determine modifications of cell movement, which can be reflected either individually or collectively. Endothelial cell (EC) migratory adaptation occurs during several events and phenomena, such as endothelial injury, vasculogenesis, and angiogenesis, under both normal and highly inflammatory conditions. Several advantageous processes can be supported by biomaterials. Endothelial cells are used in combination with various types of biomaterials to design scaffolds promoting the formation of mature blood vessels within tissue engineered structures. Appropriate selection, in terms of scaffolding properties, can promote desirable cell behavior to varying degrees. An increasing amount of research could lead to the creation of the perfect biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge regarding the possible systems by which inflammation may influence endothelial cell migration. We also describe the fundamental forces governing cell motility with a specific focus on ECs. Additionally, we discuss the biomaterials used for EC culture, which serve to enhance the proliferative, proangiogenic, and promigratory potential of cells. Moreover, we introduce the mechanisms of cell movement and highlight the significance of understanding these mechanisms in the context of designing scaffolds that promote tissue regeneration.

A Lactate-Depleting metal organic framework-based nanocatalyst reinforces intratumoral T cell response to boost anti-PD1 immunotherapy

Infiltration and activation of intratumoral T lymphocytes are critical for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Unfortunately, the low tumor immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) induced by tumor metabolic reprogramming cooperatively hinder the ICB efficacy. Herein, we engineered a lactate-depleting MOF-based catalytic nanoplatform (LOX@ZIF-8@MPN), encapsulating lactate oxidase (LOX) within zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coupled with a coating of metal polyphenol network (MPN) to reinforce T cell response based on a "two birds with one stone" strategy. LOX could catalyze the degradation of the immunosuppressive lactate to promote vascular normalization, facilitating T cell infiltration. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced during lactate depletion can be transformed into anti-tumor hydroxyl radical (•OH) by the autocatalytic MPN-based Fenton nanosystem to trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD), which largely improved the tumor immunogenicity. The combination of ICD and vascular normalization presents a better synergistic immunopotentiation with anti-PD1, inducing robust anti-tumor immunity in primary tumors and recurrent malignancies. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the concurrent depletion of lactate to reverse the immunosuppressive TME and utilization of the by-product from lactate degradation via cascade catalysis promotes T cell response and thus improves the effectiveness of ICB therapy.

Engineering Copper-Containing Nanoparticles-Loaded Silicene Nanosheets with Triple Enzyme Mimicry Activities and Photothermal Effect for Promoting Bacteria-Infected Wound Healing

Skin wounds accompanied by bacterial infections threaten human health, and conventional antibiotic treatments are ineffective for drug-resistant bacterial infections and chronically infected wounds. The development of non-antibiotic-dependent therapeutics is highly desired but remains a challenging issue. Recently, 2D silicene nanosheets with considerable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and photothermal-conversion performance have received increasing attention in biomedical fields. Herein, copper-containing nanoparticles-loaded silicene (Cu2.8O@silicene-BSA) nanosheets with triple enzyme mimicry catalytic (peroxidase, catalase, and oxidase-like) activities and photothermal function are rationally designed and fabricated for efficient bacterial elimination, angiogenesis promotion, and accelerated wound healing. Cu2.8O@silicene-BSA nanosheets display excellent antibacterial activity through synergistic effects of reactive oxygen species generated from multiple catalytic reactions, intrinsic bactericidal activity of released Cu2+ ions, and photothermal effects, achieving high antibacterial efficiencies on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) of 99.1 ± 0.7% in vitro and 97.2 ± 1.6% in vivo. In addition, Cu2.8O@silicene-BSA nanosheets exhibit high biocompatibility for promoting human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and angiogenic differentiation. In vivo experiments reveal that Cu2.8O@silicene-BSA nanosheets with synergistic photothermal/chemodynamic therapeutics effectively accelerate MRSA-infected wound healing by eliminating bacteria, alleviating inflammation, boosting collagen deposition, and promoting angiogenesis. This research presents a promising strategy to engineer photothermal-assisted nanozyme catalysis for bacteria-invaded wound healing.

Apigenin Self-Assembled Collagen Biomatrix for Reprogramming the Obese Wound Microenvironment for Its Management and Repair

Wound management in obesity is complicated by excessive exudates from wounded areas, pressure ulcerations due to stacking of the fat layer, and vascular rarefaction. The current study explored the development of biomaterials for reprogramming the altered wound microenvironment under obese conditions. Self-assembled collagen biomatrix with trans and de novo browning activator, apigenin, was fabricated as a soft tissue regenerative wound dressing material. The as-synthesized self-assembled collagen biomatrix exhibited excellent thermal, mechanical, and biological stability with a superior wound exudate absorption capacity. The apigenin self-assembled collagen biomatrix exhibited porous 3-D microstructure that mimicked the extracellular matrix that promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. The apigenin self-assembled collagen multifunctional biomatrix triggered adaptive localized thermogenesis in the subcutaneous fat layer, resulting in the activation of angiogenesis and fibroblast spreading and migration. The in vivo wound healing assay performed in DIO-C57BL6 mice showed faster tissue regeneration within 9 days, with well-defined neo-epidermis, blood vessel formation, thick collagen deposition, minimal inflammation, and significant activation of browning in the subcutaneous adipose layer. This study paves the way forward for the development of specialized regenerative biomatrices that reprogram the obese wound bed for faster tissue regeneration.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Engineered Macrophage-Derived Exosomes for Targeted Pathological Angiogenesis Therapy

Engineering exosomes with nanomaterials usually leads to the damage of exosomal membrane and bioactive molecules. Here, pathological angiogenesis targeting exosomes with magnetic imaging, ferroptosis inducing, and immunotherapeutic properties is fabricated using a simple coincubation method with macrophages being the bioreactor. Extremely small iron oxide nanoparticle (ESIONPs) incorporated exosomes (ESIONPs@EXO) are acquired by sorting the secreted exosomes from M1-polarized macrophages induced by ESIONPs. ESIONPs@EXO suppress pathological angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo without toxicity. Furthermore, ESIONPs@EXO target pathological angiogenesis and exhibit an excellent T1-weighted contrast property for magnetic resonance imaging. Mechanistically, ESIONPs@EXO induce ferroptosis and exhibit immunotherapeutic ability toward pathological angiogenesis. These findings demonstrate that a pure biological method engineered ESIONPs@EXO using macrophages shows potential for targeted pathological angiogenesis therapy.

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.

Nanoengineered Supramolecular Adhesive Sponge for Rapid Hemostasis and Abdominal Wall Wound Healing

Multifunctional dressing biomaterials that can promote tissue adhesion, hemostasis, and soft-tissue wound healing are of great clinical significance. Here, we report a nanocomposite supramolecular sponge constructed by an air-in-water emulsion template composed of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), Laponite nanoclay, and branched supramolecular polymer (PAMU). The sponge has an interconnected macroporous structure and exhibits tunable mechanical properties with varying Laponite concentration. The nanoengineered sponge is endowed with tissue adhesion by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions contributed by the supramolecular polymer and the Laponite nanoclay. The biocompatible sponge facilitates cell proliferation and blood coagulation in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition, the results of the rat external abdominal wall defect model show that the sponge can promote angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and granulation tissue formation to accelerate wound repair. These findings suggest that the unique air-in-water templated sponge is a promising candidate for applications in hemostasis and wound healing.

Biomimetic Responsive Nanoconverters with Immune Checkpoint Blockade Plus Antiangiogenesis for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment

The first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) combines immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenesis agents to prolong patient survival. Nonetheless, this approach has several limitations, including stringent inclusion criteria and suboptimal response rates that stem from the severe off-tumor side effects and the unfavorable pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of different drugs delivered systemically. Herein, we propose a single-agent smart nanomedicine-based approach that mimics the therapeutic schedule in a targeted and biocompatible manner to elicit robust antitumor immunity in advanced HCC. Our strategy employed pH-responsive carriers, poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(β-amino esters) amphiphilic block copolymer (PEG-PAEs), for delivering apatinib (an angiogenesis inhibitor), that were surface-coated with plasma membrane derived from engineered cells overexpressing PD-1 proteins (an immune checkpoint inhibitor to block PD-L1). In an advanced HCC mouse model with metastasis, these biomimetic responsive nanoconverters induced significant tumor regression (5/9), liver function recovery, and complete suppression of lung metastasis. Examination of the tumor microenvironment revealed an increased infiltration of immune effector cells (CD8+ and CD4+ T cells) and reduced immunosuppressive cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T regulatory cells) in treated tumors. Importantly, our nanomedicine selectively accumulated in both small and large HCC occupying >50% of the liver volume to exert therapeutic effects with minimal systemic side effects. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of such multifunctional nanoconverters to effectively reshape the tumor microenvironment for advanced HCC treatment.

Euphorbia hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler coolant in gingivitis treatment in a Wistar rat model

Objectives

This research was aimed at investigating the effects of various concentrations of Euphorbia hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric scaler coolant on gingivitis healing in a Wistar rat model.

Methods

A piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler coolant was made from E. hirta nanoextract through ionic gelation. Experiments were conducted in 45 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups treated with E. hirta nanoextract coolant (25%, 30%, and 35% concentrations), and negative and positive control groups. A silk ligature was used to trap debris and induce gingivitis in the maxillary incisors of the rats. Scaling was conducted with a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler after the respective treatment for each group. Data were collected on days 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. Observations were collected with an Optilab® camera at 400× magnification. Angiogenesis and neutrophil data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Duncan tests at a 95% significance level.

Results

Use of E. hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric ultrasonic coolant accelerated gingivitis healing in Wistar rats, particularly at a 25% concentration. Two-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference in angiogenesis and neutrophil counts between the control group and each treatment group (p < 0.05). Duncan's post-hoc test showed significant differences in mean neutrophil numbers and angiogenesis among groups on days 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21. The group treated with 25% nanoextract concentration showed no significant differences with respect to the positive control group.

Conclusions

Use of E. hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric ultrasonic coolant had good therapeutic results in promoting gingivitis healing. E. hirta nanoextract may potentially resolve inflammation in gingivitis by modulating neutrophils and angiogenesis.

Two-Dimensional Biodegradable Black Phosphorus Nanosheets Promote Large Full-Thickness Wound Healing through In Situ Regeneration Therapy

Large full-thickness skin lesions have been one of the most challenging clinical problems in plastic surgery repair and reconstruction. To achieve in situ skin regeneration and perfect clinical outcomes, we must address two significant obstacles: angiogenesis deficiency and inflammatory dysfunction. Recently, black phosphorus has shown great promise in wound healing. However, few studies have explored the bio-effects of BP to promote in situ skin regeneration based on its nanoproperties. Here, to investigate whether black phosphorus nanosheets have positive bio-effects on in situ skin repair, we verified black phosphorus nanosheets' positive effects on angiogenic and anti-inflammatory abilities in vitro. Next, the in vivo evaluation performed on the rat large full-thickness excisional wound splinting model more comprehensively showed that the positive bio-effects of black phosphorus nanosheets are multilevel in wound healing, which can effectively enhance anti-inflammatory ability, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and skin re-epithelialization. Then, multiomics analysis was performed to explore further the mechanism of black phosphorus nanosheets' regulation of endothelial cells in depth. Molecular mechanistically, black phosphorus nanosheets activated the JAK-STAT-OAS signaling pathway to promote cellular function and mitochondrial energy metabolism in endothelial cells. This study can provide a theoretical basis for applying two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets as nanomedicine to achieve in situ tissue regeneration in complex human pathological microenvironments, guiding the subsequent optimization of black phosphorus.

Biomaterial-Based Responsive Nanomedicines for Targeting Solid Tumor Microenvironments

Solid tumors are composed of a highly complex and heterogenic microenvironment, with increasing metabolic status. This environment plays a crucial role in the clinical therapeutic outcome of conventional treatments and innovative antitumor nanomedicines. Scientists have devoted great efforts to conquering the challenges of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in respect of effective drug accumulation and activity at the tumor site. The main focus is to overcome the obstacles of abnormal vasculature, dense stroma, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and pH gradient acidosis. In this endeavor, nanomedicines that are targeting distinct features of TME have flourished; these aim to increase site specificity and achieve deep tumor penetration. Recently, research efforts have focused on the immune reprograming of TME in order to promote suppression of cancer stem cells and prevention of metastasis. Thereby, several nanomedicine therapeutics which have shown promise in preclinical studies have entered clinical trials or are already in clinical practice. Various novel strategies were employed in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Among them, nanomedicines based on biomaterials show great promise in improving the therapeutic efficacy, reducing side effects, and promoting synergistic activity for TME responsive targeting. In this review, we focused on the targeting mechanisms of nanomedicines in response to the microenvironment of solid tumors. We describe responsive nanomedicines which take advantage of biomaterials' properties to exploit the features of TME or overcome the obstacles posed by TME. The development of such systems has significantly advanced the application of biomaterials in combinational therapies and in immunotherapies for improved anticancer effectiveness.

Polymersomes for Sustained Delivery of a Chalcone Derivative Targeting Glioblastoma Cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system responsible for the most deaths among patients with primary brain tumors. Current therapies for GBM are not effective, with the average survival of GBM patients after diagnosis being limited to a few months. Chemotherapy is difficult in this case due to the heterogeneity of GBM and the high efficacy of the blood-brain barrier, which makes drug absorption into the brain extremely difficult. In a previous study, 3',4',3,4,5-trimethoxychalcone (MB) showed antiproliferative and anti-invasion activities toward GBM cells. Polymersomes (PMs) are an attractive, new type of nanoparticle for drug administration, due to their high stability, enhanced circulation time, biodegradability, and sustained drug release. In the present study, different MB formulations, PEG2000-PCL and PEG5000-PCL, were synthesized, characterized, and compared in terms of 14-day stability and in vitro cytotoxicity (hCMEC/D3 and U-373 MG).

Emerging applications of anti-angiogenic nanomaterials in oncotherapy

Angiogenesis is the process of generating new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature. Under normal conditions, this process is delicately controlled by pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. Tumor cells can produce plentiful pro-angiogenic molecules promoting pathological angiogenesis for uncontrollable growth. Therefore, anti-angiogenic therapy, which aims to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, has become an attractive approach for oncotherapy. However, classic anti-angiogenic agents have several limitations in clinical use, such as lack of specific targeting, low bioavailability, and poor therapeutic outcomes. Hence, alternative angiogenic inhibitors are highly desired. With the emergence of nanotechnology, various nanomaterials have been designed for anti-angiogenesis purposes, offering promising features like excellent targeting capabilities, reduced side effects, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we describe tumor vascular features, discuss current dilemma of traditional anti-angiogenic medicines in oncotherapy, and underline the potential of nanomaterials in tumor anti-angiogenic therapy. Moreover, we discuss the current challenges of anti-angiogenic cancer treatment. We expect that this summary of anti-angiogenic nanomaterials in oncotherapy will offer valuable insights, facilitating their extensive applications in the future.

Bimodal modulation of in vitro angiogenesis with photoactive polymer nanoparticles

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in biology, given the pivotal role played by blood vessels in providing oxygen and nutrients to tissues, thus ensuring cell survival. Moreover, it is critical in many life-threatening pathologies, like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, conventional treatments of pathological angiogenesis suffer from several limitations, including low bioavailability, limited spatial and temporal resolution, lack of specificity and possible side effects. Recently, innovative strategies have been explored to overcome these drawbacks based on the use of exogenous nano-sized materials and the treatment of the endothelial tissue with optical or electrical stimuli. Here, conjugated polymer-based nanoparticles are proposed as exogenous photo-actuators, thus combining the advantages offered by nanotechnology with those typical of optical stimulation. Light excitation can achieve high spatial and temporal resolution, while permitting minimal invasiveness. Interestingly, the possibility to either enhance (≈+30%) or reduce (up to -65%) the angiogenic capability of model endothelial cells is demonstrated, by employing different polymer beads, depending on the material type and the presence/absence of the light stimulus. In vitro results reported here represent a valuable proof of principle of the reliability and efficacy of the proposed approach and should be considered as a promising step towards a paradigm shift in therapeutic angiogenesis.

Synergistic coupling between 3D bioprinting and vascularization strategies

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers promising solutions to the complex challenge of vascularization in biofabrication, thereby enhancing the prospects for clinical translation of engineered tissues and organs. While existing reviews have touched upon 3D bioprinting in vascularized tissue contexts, the current review offers a more holistic perspective, encompassing recent technical advancements and spanning the entire multistage bioprinting process, with a particular emphasis on vascularization. The synergy between 3D bioprinting and vascularization strategies is crucial, as 3D bioprinting can enable the creation of personalized, tissue-specific vascular network while the vascularization enhances tissue viability and function. The review starts by providing a comprehensive overview of the entire bioprinting process, spanning from pre-bioprinting stages to post-printing processing, including perfusion and maturation. Next, recent advancements in vascularization strategies that can be seamlessly integrated with bioprinting are discussed. Further, tissue-specific examples illustrating how these vascularization approaches are customized for diverse anatomical tissues towards enhancing clinical relevance are discussed. Finally, the underexplored intraoperative bioprinting (IOB) was highlighted, which enables the direct reconstruction of tissues within defect sites, stressing on the possible synergy shaped by combining IOB with vascularization strategies for improved regeneration.

Incorporation of Controlled Release Systems Improves the Functionality of Biodegradable 3D Printed Cardiovascular Implants

New horizons in cardiovascular research are opened by using 3D printing for biodegradable implants. This additive manufacturing approach allows the design and fabrication of complex structures according to the patient's imaging data in an accurate, reproducible, cost-effective, and quick manner. Acellular cardiovascular implants produced from biodegradable materials have the potential to provide enough support for in situ tissue regeneration while gradually being replaced by neo-autologous tissue. Subsequently, they have the potential to prevent long-term complications. In this Review, we discuss the current status of 3D printing applications in the development of biodegradable cardiovascular implants with a focus on design, biomaterial selection, fabrication methods, and advantages of implantable controlled release systems. Moreover, we delve into the intricate challenges that accompany the clinical translation of these groundbreaking innovations, presenting a glimpse of potential solutions poised to enable the realization of these technologies in the realm of cardiovascular medicine.

Potential of natural flavonoids to target breast cancer angiogenesis (review)

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form and is required for tumour growth and metastasis. It helps in supplying oxygen and nutrients to tumour cells and plays a crucial role in the local progression and distant metastasis of, and development of treatment resistance in, breast cancer. Tumour angiogenesis is currently regarded as a critical therapeutic target; however, anti-angiogenic therapy for breast cancer fails to produce satisfactory results, owing to issues such as inconsistent efficacy and significant adverse reactions. As a result, new anti-angiogenic drugs are urgently needed. Flavonoids, a class of natural compounds found in many foods, are inexpensive, widely available, and exhibit a broad range of biological activities, low toxicity, and favourable safety profiles. Several studies find that various flavonoids inhibit angiogenesis in breast cancer, indicating great therapeutic potential. In this review, we summarize the role of angiogenesis in breast cancer and the potential of natural flavonoids as anti-angiogenic agents for breast cancer treatment. We discuss the value and significance of nanotechnology for improving flavonoid absorption and utilization and anti-angiogenic effects, as well as the challenges of using natural flavonoids as drugs.

Magnetically-assisted viral transduction (magnetofection) medical applications: An update

Gene therapy involves replacing a faulty gene or adding a new gene inside the body's cells to cure disease or improve the body's ability to fight disease. Its popularity is evident from emerging concepts such as CRISPR-based genome editing and epigenetic studies and has been moved to a clinical setting. The strategy for therapeutic gene design includes; suppressing the expression of pathogenic genes, enhancing necessary protein production, and stimulating the immune system, which can be incorporated into both viral and non-viral gene vectors. Although non-viral gene delivery provides a safer platform, it suffers from an inefficient rate of gene transfection, which means a few genes could be successfully transfected and expressed within the cells. Incorporating nucleic acids into the viruses and using these viral vectors to infect cells increases gene transfection efficiency. Consequently, more cells will respond, more genes will be expressed, and sustained and successful gene therapy can be achieved. Combining nanoparticles (NPs) and nucleic acids protects genetic materials from enzymatic degradation. Furthermore, the vectors can be transferred faster, facilitating cell attachment and cellular uptake. Magnetically assisted viral transduction (magnetofection) enhances gene therapy efficiency by mixing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with gene vectors and exerting a magnetic field to guide a significant number of vectors directly onto the cells. This research critically reviews the MNPs and the physiochemical properties needed to assemble an appropriate magnetic viral vector, discussing cellular hurdles and attitudes toward overcoming these barriers to reach clinical gene therapy perspectives. We focus on the studies conducted on the various applications of magnetic viral vectors in cancer therapies, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, cell sorting, and virus isolation.

The Notch signaling-regulated angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials

Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological process of inflammation and invasion of the synovium, and primarily drives the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have demonstrated that the Notch signaling may represent a new therapeutic target of RA. Although the Notch signaling has been implicated in the M1 polarization of macrophages and the differentiation of lymphocytes, little is known about its role in angiogenesis in RA. In this review, we discourse the unique roles of stromal cells and adipokines in the angiogenic progression of RA, and investigate how epigenetic regulation of the Notch signaling influences angiogenesis in RA. We also discuss the interaction of the Notch-HIF signaling in RA's angiogenesis and the potential strategies targeting the Notch signaling to improve the treatment outcomes of RA. Taken together, we further suggest new insights into future research regarding the challenges in the therapeutic strategies of RA.

State-of-the-art polyetheretherketone three-dimensional printing and multifunctional modification for dental implants

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer with an elastic modulus close to that of the jawbone. PEEK has the potential to become a new dental implant material for special patients due to its radiolucency, chemical stability, color similarity to teeth, and low allergy rate. However, the aromatic main chain and lack of surface charge and chemical functional groups make PEEK hydrophobic and biologically inert, which hinders subsequent protein adsorption and osteoblast adhesion and differentiation. This will be detrimental to the deposition and mineralization of apatite on the surface of PEEK and limit its clinical application. Researchers have explored different modification methods to effectively improve the biomechanical, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, angiogenic, antioxidative, osteogenic and anti-osteoclastogenic, and soft tissue adhesion properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress in material property advantages, three-dimensional printing synthesis, and functional modification of PEEK in the fields of implant dentistry and provides solutions for existing difficulties. We confirm the broad prospects of PEEK as a dental implant material to promote the clinical conversion of PEEK-based dental implants.

Roles of long non-coding RNAs in angiogenesis-related diseases: Focusing on non-neoplastic aspects

Angiogenesis is a key process in organ and tissue morphogenesis, as well as growth during human development, and is coordinated by pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. When this balance is affected, the related physiological and pathological changes lead to disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of non-coding RNAs that do not encode proteins, but play a dynamic role in regulating gene expression. LncRNAs have been reported to be extensively involved in angiogenesis, particularly tumor angiogenesis. The non-tumor aspects have received relatively little attention and summary, but there is a broad space for research and exploration on lncRNA-targeted angiogenesis in this area. In this review, we focus on lncRNAs in angiogenesis-related diseases other than tumors, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetic complications, hypertension, osteoporosis, dermatosis, as well as, endocrine, neurological, and other systemic disorders. Moreover, multiple cell types have been implicated in lncRNA-targeted angiogenesis, but only endothelial cells have attracted widespread attention. Thus, we explore the roles of other cells. Finally, we summarize the potential research directions in the area of lncRNAs and angiogenesis that can be undertaken by combining cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary research, which will provide new insights into the involvement of lncRNAs in angiogenesis-related diseases.

Molecularly Imprinted Nanomedicine for Anti-angiogenic Cancer Therapy via Blocking Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling

The VEGF-VEGFR2 (VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling has been a promising target in cancer therapy. However, because conventional anti-angiogenic therapeutics suffer from drawbacks, particularly severe side effects, novel anti-angiogenic strategies are much needed. Herein, we report the rational engineering of VEGF-targeted molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIP) for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. The anti-VEGF nanomedicine was prepared via a state-of-the-art molecular imprinting approach using the N-terminal epitope of VEGF as the template. The nanoMIP could target the two major pro-angiogenic isoforms (VEGF165 and VEGF121) with high affinity and thereby effectively block the VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling, yielding a potent anti-angiogenic effect of "killing two birds with one stone". In vivo experiments demonstrated that the anti-VEGF nanoMIP effectively suppressed tumor growth via anti-angiogenesis in a xenograft model of human colon carcinoma without apparent side effects. Thus, this study not only proposes an unprecedented anti-angiogenic strategy for cancer therapy but also provides a new paradigm for the rational development of MIPs-based "drug-free" nanomedicines.

Nanofibrous scaffolds for the healing of the fibrocartilaginous enthesis: advances and prospects

With the current developmental advancements in nanotechnology, nanofibrous scaffolds are being widely used. The healing of fibrocartilaginous enthesis is a slow and complex process, and while existing treatments have a certain effect on promoting their healing, these are associated with some limitations. The nanofibrous scaffold has the advantages of easy preparation, wide source of raw materials, easy adjustment, easy modification, can mimic the natural structure and morphology of the fibrocartilaginous enthesis, and has good biocompatibility, which can compensate for existing treatments and be combined with them to promote the repair of fibrocartilaginous enthesis. The nanofibrous scaffold can promote the healing of fibrocartilaginous enthesis by controlling the morphology and ensuring controlled drug release. Hence, the use of nanofibrous scaffold with stimulative response features in the musculoskeletal system has led us to imagine its potential application in fibrocartilaginous enthesis. Therefore, the healing of fibrocartilaginous enthesis based on a nanofibrous scaffold may be a novel therapeutic approach.

Waste to Wealth: Near-Infrared/pH Dual-Responsive Copper-Humic Acid Hydrogel Films for Bacteria-Infected Cutaneous Wound Healing

The clinical applications of currently used photosensitizers are limited by high costs, inconvenient preparation, suboptimal biodegradability, and a lack of biological activity. Humic acids (HAs) show photothermal activity and can be used as a photosensitizer for photothermal therapy. In the presence of various functional groups, HAs are endowed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The solubility of HAs is dependent on the pH value, which is soluble in neutral to alkaline conditions and undergoes a conformational change to a coiled and compact structure in acidic conditions. Additionally, Cu2+ is an emerging therapeutic agent for cutaneous wounds and can be chelated by HAs to form complexes. In this study, we explore the ability of HAs to modulate the inflammatory response, particularly macrophage polarization, and the potential underlying mechanism. We fabricate a near-infrared (NIR)/pH dual-responsive Cu-HAs nanoparticle (NP)-based poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel film loaded with SEW2871 (SEW), a macrophage recruitment agent, to treat bacteria-infected cutaneous wounds. The results show that HAs could promote M2 macrophage polarization in a dose-dependent manner. The Cu-HAs NPs successfully eradicated bacterial infection through NIR-induced local hyperthermia. This PVA@Cu-HAs NPs@SEW hydrogel film improves tissue regeneration by promoting M2 macrophage polarization, alleviating oxidative stress, enhancing angiogenesis, and facilitating collagen deposition. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of PVA@Cu-HAs NPs@SEW hydrogel film for the treatment of bacterially infected cutaneous wound healing.

Advanced Bioactive Glasses: The Newest Achievements and Breakthroughs in the Area

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are especially useful materials in soft and bone tissue engineering and even in dentistry. They can be the solution to many medical problems, and they have a huge role in the healing processes of bone fractures. Interestingly, they can also promote skin regeneration and wound healing. Bioactive glasses are able to attach to the bone tissues and form an apatite layer which further initiates the biomineralization process. The formed intermediate apatite layer makes a connection between the hard tissue and the bioactive glass material which results in faster healing without any complications or side effects. This review paper summarizes the most recent advancement in the preparation of diverse types of BGs, such as silicate-, borate- and phosphate-based bioactive glasses. We discuss their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties detailing how they affect their biological performances. In order to get a deeper insight into the state-of-the-art in this area, we also consider their medical applications, such as bone regeneration, wound care, and dental/bone implant coatings.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy

Different conventional therapeutic procedures are utilized globally to manage cancer cases, yet the mortality rate in patients with cancer remains considerably high. Developments in the field of nanotechnology have included novel therapeutic strategies to deal with cancer. Biogenic (green) metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained using plant-mediated protocols are attractive to researchers exploring cancer treatment. Biogenic AgNPs present advantages, since they are cost-effective, easy to obtain, energy efficient, and less toxic compared to chemically and physically obtained AgNPs. Also, they present excellent anticancer abilities thanks to their unique sizes, shapes, and optical properties. This review provides recent advancements in exploring biogenic AgNPs as a drug or agent for cancer treatment. Thus, great attention was paid to the anticancer efficacy of biogenic AgNPs, their anticancer mechanisms, their efficacy in cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), their efficacy in targeted cancer therapy, and their toxicity.

Fructose promotes angiogenesis by improving vascular endothelial cell function and upregulating VEGF expression in cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Fructose is a very common sugar found in natural foods, while current studies demonstrate that high fructose intake is significantly associated with increased risk of multiple cancers and more aggressive tumor behavior, but the relevant mechanisms are not fully understood.

METHODS

Tumor-grafting experiments and in vitro angiogenesis assays were conducted to detect the effect of fructose and the conditioned medium of fructose-cultured tumor cells on biological function of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and angiogenesis. 448 colorectal cancer specimens were utilized to analyze the relationship between Glut5 expression levels in VECs and tumor cells and microvascular density (MVD).

RESULTS

We found that fructose can be metabolized by VECs and activate the Akt and Src signaling pathways, thereby enhancing the proliferation, migration, and tube-forming abilities of VECs and thereby promoting angiogenesis. Moreover, fructose can also improve the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by upregulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in colorectal cancer cells, thus indirectly enhancing the biological function of VECs. Furthermore, this pro-angiogenic effect of fructose metabolism has also been well validated in clinical colorectal cancer tissues and mouse models. Fructose contributes to angiogenesis in mouse subcutaneous tumor grafts, and MVD is positively correlated with Glut5 expression levels of both endothelial cells and tumor cells of human colorectal cancer specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings establish the direct role and mechanism by which fructose promotes tumor progression through increased angiogenesis, and provide reliable evidence for a better understanding of tumor metabolic reprogramming.

Cutaneous Polymeric-Micelles-Based Hydrogel Containing Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil: In Vitro Release and Permeation, Angiogenesis, and Safety Profile In Ovo

Origanum vulgare var. vulgare essential oil (OEO) is known as a natural product with multiple beneficial effects with application in dermatology. Oregano essential oil represents a potential natural therapeutic alternative for fibroepithelial polyps (FPs), commonly known as skin tags. Innovative formulations have been developed to improve the bioavailability and stability of essential oils. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the morphology of a polymeric-micelles-based hydrogel (OEO-PbH), the release and permeation profile of oregano essential oil, as well as to assess in vivo the potential effects on the degree of biocompatibility and the impact on angiogenesis in ovo, using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated a regular aspect after the encapsulation process, while in vitro release studies showed a sustained release of the essential oil. None of the tested samples induced any irritation on the CAM and the limitation of the angiogenic process was noted. OEO-PbH, with a sustained release of OEO, potentially enhances the anti-angiogenic effect while being well tolerated and non-irritative by the vascularized CAM, especially on the blood vessels (BVs) in the presence of leptin treatment. This is the first evidence of in vivo antiangiogenic effects of a polymeric-micelle-loaded oregano essential oil, with further mechanistic insights for OEO-PbH formulation, involving leptin as a possible target. The findings suggest that the OEO-containing polymeric micelle hydrogel represents a potential future approach in the pathology of cutaneous FP and other angiogenesis-related conditions.

Synergistic effect of Mn-Si-COS on wound immune microenvironment by inhibiting excessive skin fibrosis mediated with ROS/TGF-β1/Smad7 signal

Excessive oxidative stress and inflammation often impede wound healing and ultimately lead to excessive skin fibrosis formation. It was known that the structural properties of biomaterials can affect the healing and immune response of surrounding tissues. In this work, a composite structure of Mn-Si-chitooligosaccharides (COS) was designed (COS@Mn-MSN) and the ability of regulating wound microenvironment for inhibiting skin fibrosis was investigated. In order to reduce the negative effects of Mn, the nano-level Mn was doped into MSN to minimize its content. The results show that Mn in COS@Mn-MSN showed significant ability of scavenging excess intracellular ROS within 1 d. The Si released from COS@Mn-MSN can shift M2 macrophage polarization in the later stage (1-3 d), showing anti-inflammatory effect. Macrophage (RAW264.7) were activated alternatively by COS released from COS@Mn-MSN, with upregulated expression of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and CD206) and downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, CD80, and IL-1β) in the whole time. The expression of fibrosis associated factor TGF-β1 and CD26 in fibroblast cells (L929) were inhibited by COS and Si. Besides, the inflammatory microenvironment mediated by COS@Mn-MSN downregulated Smad-7 gene expression and upregulated Col-1α gene expression. With the function of reducing oxidative stress (0-1 d), the TGF-β1 inhibition (1-3 d) and anti-inflammatory effects (0-3 d), COS@Mn-MSN could inhibit excessive skin fibrosis formation mediated with ROS/TGF-β1/Smad7 signal. Therefore, the prepared COS@Mn-MSN shows great potential to active scarless wound therapy.

Little things with significant impact: miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has developed into one of the most lethal, aggressive, and malignant cancers worldwide. Although HCC treatment has improved in recent years, the incidence and lethality of HCC continue to increase yearly. Therefore, an in-depth study of the pathogenesis of HCC and the search for more reliable therapeutic targets are crucial to improving the survival quality of HCC patients. Currently, miRNAs have become one of the hotspots in life science research, which are widely present in living organisms and are non-coding RNAs involved in regulating gene expression. MiRNAs exert their biological roles by suppressing the expression of downstream genes and are engaged in various HCC-related processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, the expression status of miRNAs is related to the drug resistance mechanism of HCC, which has important implications for the systemic treatment of HCC. This paper reviews the regulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and the clinical applications of miRNAs in HCC in recent years.

A study to assess the health effects of an anticancer drug (cyclophosphamide) in zebrafish (Danio rerio): eco-toxicity of emerging contaminants

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used for treating various kinds of cancer. Because of its high intake, metabolism and excretion, these anticancer medications have been detected in the aquatic environment. There is very limited data on the toxicity and effects of CP on aquatic organisms. The present study aims to assess the toxic effect of CP on certain oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione-GSH, glutathione S-transferases-GST and lipid peroxidation-LPO), protein, glucose, metabolising enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALT), and ion-regulatory markers (sodium ions-Na⁺, potassium ions-K⁺, and chloride ions-Cl^-), and histology in the gills and liver of Danio rerio at environmentally relevant concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 ng L^-1). Exposure to CP for 42 days led to a significant decrease in SOD, CAT, GST, GPx and GSH levels in the gills and liver tissues of zebrafish. The level of lipid peroxidation in the gills and liver tissues of zebrafish was significantly increased compared to the control group. Chronic exposure significantly changes protein, glucose, AST, ALT, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^- biomarkers. Fish exposed to different levels of CP showed necrosis, inflammation, degeneration and hemorrhage in the gills and hepatic tissues. The observed changes in the studied tissue biomarkers were proportional to both dose and time. In conclusion, CP at environmentally relevant concentrations causes oxidative stress, energy demand, homeostasis disturbances, and enzyme and histological alterations in the vital tissues of zebrafish. These alterations were similar to the toxic effects reported in mammalian models.

Self-Homeostasis Immunoregulatory Strategy for Implant-Related Infections through Remodeling Redox Balance

Implant-related infections (IRIs) are catastrophic complications after orthopedic surgery. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in IRIs create a redox-imbalanced microenvironment around the implant, which severely limits the curing of IRIs by inducing biofilm formation and immune disorders. However, current therapeutic strategies commonly eliminate infection utilizing the explosive generation of ROS, which exacerbates the redox imbalance, aggravating immune disorders and promoting infection chronicity. Herein, a self-homeostasis immunoregulatory strategy based on a luteolin (Lut)-loaded copper (Cu²⁺)-doped hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle system (Lut@Cu-HN) is designed to cure IRIs by remodeling the redox balance. In the acidic infection environment, Lut@Cu-HN is continuously degraded to release Lut and Cu²⁺. As both an antibacterial and immunomodulatory agent, Cu²⁺ kills bacteria directly and promotes macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype polarization to activate the antibacterial immune response. Simultaneously, Lut scavenges excessive ROS to prevent the Cu²⁺-exacerbated redox imbalance from impairing macrophage activity and function, thus reducing Cu²⁺ immunotoxicity. The synergistic effect of Lut and Cu²⁺ confers excellent antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties to Lut@Cu-HN. As demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, Lut@Cu-HN self-regulates immune homeostasis through redox balance remodeling, ultimately facilitating IRI eradication and tissue regeneration.

Polymer- and lipid-based nanocarriers for ocular drug delivery: Current status and future perspectives

Ocular diseases seriously affect patients' vision and life quality, with a global morbidity of over 43 million blindness. However, efficient drug delivery to treat ocular diseases, particularly intraocular disorders, remains a huge challenge due to multiple ocular barriers that significantly affect the ultimate therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Recent advances in nanocarrier technology offer a promising opportunity to overcome these barriers by providing enhanced penetration, increased retention, improved solubility, reduced toxicity, prolonged release, and targeted delivery of the loaded drug to the eyes. This review primarily provides an overview of the progress and contemporary applications of nanocarriers, mainly polymer- and lipid-based nanocarriers, in treating various eye diseases, highlighting their value in achieving efficient ocular drug delivery. Additionally, the review covers the ocular barriers and administration routes, as well as the prospective future developments and challenges in the field of nanocarriers for treating ocular diseases.

Injectable polyaniline nanorods/alginate hydrogel with AAV9-mediated VEGF overexpression for myocardial infarction treatment

Intramyocardial injection of hydrogels possesses great potential in the minimally invasive treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), but the current injectable hydrogels lack conductivity, long-term angiogenesis inductive ability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging ability, which are essential for myocardium repair. In this study, lignosulfonate-doped polyaniline (PANI/LS) nanorods and adeno-associated virus encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (AAV9-VEGF) are incorporated in the calcium-crosslinked alginate hydrogel to develop an injectable conductive hydrogel with excellent antioxidative and angiogenic ability (Alg-P-AAV hydrogel). Due to the special nanorod morphology, a conductive network is constructed in the hydrogel with the conductivity matching the native myocardium for excitation conduction. The PANI/LS nanorod network may also have large specific surfaces and effectively scavenges ROS to protect cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress damage. AAV9-VEGF transfects the surrounding cardiomyocytes for continuously expressing VEGF, which significantly promotes the proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells. After injecting the Alg-P-AAV hydrogel around the MI area in rats, the generation of gap junctions and angiogenesis are greatly improved with reduced infarct area and recovered cardiac function. The remarkable therapeutic effect indicates the promising potential of this multi-functional hydrogel for MI treatment.

Exploring RAB11A Pathway to Hinder Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-Induced Angiogenesis In Vivo

Neoangiogenesis is generally correlated with poor prognosis, due to the promotion of cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. The progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is frequently associated with an increased vascular density in bone marrow. From a molecular point of view, the small GTP-binding protein Rab11a, involved in the endosomal slow recycling pathway, has been shown to play a crucial role for the neoangiogenic process at the bone marrow of CML patients, by controlling the secretion of exosomes by CML cells, and by regulating the recycling of vascular endothelial factor receptors. The angiogenic potential of exosomes secreted by the CML cell line K562 has been previously observed using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with an anti-RAB11A oligonucleotide (AuNP@RAB11A) to downregulate RAB11A mRNA in K562 cell line which showed a 40% silencing of the mRNA after 6 h and 14% silencing of the protein after 12 h. Then, using the in vivo CAM model, these exosomes secreted by AuNP@RAB11A incubated K562 did not present the angiogenic potential of those secreted from untreated K562 cells. These results demonstrate the relevance of Rab11 for the neoangiogenesis mediated by tumor exosomes, whose deleterious effect may be counteracted via targeted silencing of these crucial genes; thus, decreasing the number of pro-tumoral exosomes at the tumor microenvironment.

Loss of TET2 impairs endothelial angiogenesis via downregulating STAT3 target genes

BACKGROUND

Ischemic diseases represent a major global health care burden. Angiogenesis is critical in recovery of blood flow and repair of injured tissue in ischemic diseases. Ten-eleven translocation protein 2 (TET2), a member of DNA demethylases, is involved in many pathological processes. However, the role of TET2 in angiogenesis is still unrevealed.

METHODS

TET2 was screened out from three DNA demethylases involved in 5-hydroxylmethylcytosine (5-hmC) regulation, including TET1, TET2 and TET3. Knockdown by small interfering RNAs and overexpression by adenovirus were used to evaluate the role of TET2 on the function of endothelial cells. The blood flow recovery and density of capillary were analyzed in the endothelial cells-specific TET2-deficient mice. RNA sequencing was used to identify the TET2-mediated mechanisms under hypoxia. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) and glucosylated hydroxymethyl-sensitive-qPCR (GluMS-qPCR) were further performed to reveal the interaction of TET2 and STAT3.

RESULTS

TET2 was significantly downregulated in endothelial cells under hypoxia and led to a global decrease of 5-hmC level. TET2 knockdown aggravated the hypoxia-induced dysfunction of endothelial cells, while TET2 overexpression alleviated the hypoxia-induced dysfunction. Meanwhile, the deficiency of TET2 in endothelial cells impaired blood flow recovery and the density of capillary in the mouse model of hindlimb ischemia. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing indicated that the STAT3 signaling pathway was significantly inhibited by TET2 knockdown. Additionally, Co-IP, ChIP-qPCR and GluMS-qPCR further illustrated that STAT3 recruited and physically interacted with TET2 to activate STAT3 target genes. As expected, the effects of TET2 overexpression were completely suppressed by STAT3 silencing in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the deficiency of TET2 in endothelial cells impairs angiogenesis via suppression of the STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings give solid evidence for TET2 to be a therapeutic alternative for ischemic diseases.

Red LED light therapy associated with epidermal growth factor on wound repair process in rats

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and light-emitting diode (LED) are currently deployed as promissory treatments for skin repair; however, the mechanisms of their association are not yet evidenced. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined treatment with EGF and red LED on the wound healing processes in rats. Adult Wistar rats were randomized in control group (CG) wounds without treatment; wounds submitted to EGF treatment (EGF); wounds submitted to LED treatment (LED); wounds submitted to EGF associated with LED treatments (EGF/LED). Treatments were performed immediately after the surgical procedure and each 24 h, totaling 8 sessions. Moreover, LED was applied before EGF treatment at a single point in the center of the wound. Morphological characteristics and the immunoexpression of COX-2, VEGF, and TGF-β were measured. The results demonstrated that EGF/LED group presented a higher wound healing index. Additionally, all experimental groups presented similar findings in the histological evaluation, the degree of inflammation, and the area of dermis-like tissue. However, for EGF-treated animals (with or without LED), neoepithelial length was higher. Furthermore, all the treated groups decreased COX-2 and increased VEGF immunoexpression, and only EGF/LED group enhanced the TGF-β protein expression when compared to the untreated group. This research shows that EGF and LED modulate inflammatory process and increase the vascularity. In addition, treatment of EGF associated with LED promoted a more evident positive effect for increasing TGF-β expression and may be promising resources in the clinical treatment of cutaneous wounds.