Differential abilities of mouse liver parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells in HDL and LDL (native and oxidized) association and cholesterol efflux

PM2.5 exposure induces age-dependent hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in female mice

Particulate matter exposure has been described to elevate the risk of lung and cardiovascular diseases. An increasing number of recent studies have indicated positive correlations between PM_2.5 (the fraction of airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) exposure and the risk of liver diseases. However, research on the effects of PM_2.5 exposure on liver fat synthesis, secretion, and clearance mechanisms under normal diet conditions is limited, and whether these effects are age-dependent is largely unknown. Female C57BL/6 mice at different ages (4 weeks (4 w), 4 months (4 m), and 10 months (10 m)) were treated with 3 mg/kg body weight of PM_2.5 every other day for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the ultrastructural changes of liver, the expression of genes involved in oxidative damage and lipid metabolism in the liver were examined. Observation of hepatic ultrastructure showed more and larger lipid droplets in the livers of 4-week-old and 10-month-old mice exposed to PM_2.5. Further analysis showed that PM_2.5 exposure increased the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis, but decreased the expression of genes involved in lipid transport and catabolism in the livers of 10-month-old mice. Our findings suggest that exposure to PM_2.5 disrupts the normal metabolism of liver lipids and induces lipid accumulation in the liver of female mice in an age-dependent manner, with older mice being more susceptible to PM_2.5.

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Design of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications

In order to translate nanotechnology into medical practice, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been presented as a class of non-invasive nanomaterials for numerous biomedical applications. In particular, MNPs have opened a door for simultaneous diagnosis and brisk treatment of diseases in the form of theranostic agents. This review highlights the recent advances in preparation and utilization of MNPs from the synthesis and functionalization steps to the final design consideration in evading the body immune system for therapeutic and diagnostic applications with addressing the most recent examples of the literature in each section. This study provides a conceptual framework of a wide range of synthetic routes classified mainly as wet chemistry, state-of-the-art microfluidic reactors, and biogenic routes, along with the most popular coating materials to stabilize resultant MNPs. Additionally, key aspects of prolonging the half-life of MNPs via overcoming the sequential biological barriers are covered through unraveling the biophysical interactions at the bio-nano interface and giving a set of criteria to efficiently modulate MNPs' physicochemical properties. Furthermore, concepts of passive and active targeting for successful cell internalization, by respectively exploiting the unique properties of cancers and novel targeting ligands are described in detail. Finally, this study extensively covers the recent developments in magnetic drug targeting and hyperthermia as therapeutic applications of MNPs. In addition, multi-modal imaging via fusion of magnetic resonance imaging, and also innovative magnetic particle imaging with other imaging techniques for early diagnosis of diseases are extensively provided.

Cancer nanotechnology: the impact of passive and active targeting in the era of modern cancer biology

Cancer nanotherapeutics are progressing at a steady rate; research and development in the field has experienced an exponential growth since early 2000's. The path to the commercialization of oncology drugs is long and carries significant risk; however, there is considerable excitement that nanoparticle technologies may contribute to the success of cancer drug development. The pace at which pharmaceutical companies have formed partnerships to use proprietary nanoparticle technologies has considerably accelerated. It is now recognized that by enhancing the efficacy and/or tolerability of new drug candidates, nanotechnology can meaningfully contribute to create differentiated products and improve clinical outcome. This review describes the lessons learned since the commercialization of the first-generation nanomedicines including DOXIL® and Abraxane®. It explores our current understanding of targeted and non-targeted nanoparticles that are under various stages of development, including BIND-014 and MM-398. It highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by nanomedicines in contemporary oncology, where personalized medicine is increasingly the mainstay of cancer therapy. We revisit the fundamental concepts of enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) and explore the mechanisms proposed to enhance preferential "retention" in the tumor, whether using active targeting of nanoparticles, binding of drugs to their tumoral targets or the presence of tumor associated macrophages. The overall objective of this review is to enhance our understanding in the design and development of therapeutic nanoparticles for treatment of cancers.