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Moreira R, Nóbrega C, de Almeida LP, Mendonça L. Brain-targeted drug delivery - nanovesicles directed to specific brain cells by brain-targeting ligands. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:260. [PMID: 38760847 PMCID: PMC11100082 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by extensive loss of function or death of brain cells, hampering the life quality of patients. Brain-targeted drug delivery is challenging, with a low success rate this far. Therefore, the application of targeting ligands in drug vehicles, such as lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles, holds the promise to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and direct therapies to the brain, in addition to protect their cargo from degradation and metabolization. In this review, we discuss the barriers to brain delivery and the different types of brain-targeting ligands currently in use in brain-targeted nanoparticles, such as peptides, proteins, aptamers, small molecules, and antibodies. Moreover, we present a detailed review of the different targeting ligands used to direct nanoparticles to specific brain cells, like neurons (C4-3 aptamer, neurotensin, Tet-1, RVG, and IKRG peptides), astrocytes (Aquaporin-4, D4, and Bradykinin B2 antibodies), oligodendrocytes (NG-2 antibody and the biotinylated DNA aptamer conjugated to a streptavidin core Myaptavin-3064), microglia (CD11b antibody), neural stem cells (QTRFLLH, VPTQSSG, and NFL-TBS.40-63 peptides), and to endothelial cells of the BBB (transferrin and insulin proteins, and choline). Reports demonstrated enhanced brain-targeted delivery with improved transport to the specific cell type targeted with the conjugation of these ligands to nanoparticles. Hence, this strategy allows the implementation of high-precision medicine, with reduced side effects or unwanted therapy clearance from the body. Nevertheless, the accumulation of some of these nanoparticles in peripheral organs has been reported indicating that there are still factors to be improved to achieve higher levels of brain targeting. This review is a collection of studies exploring targeting ligands for the delivery of nanoparticles to the brain and we highlight the advantages and limitations of this type of approach in precision therapies.
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Grants
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal.
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Jin JB, Li J, Wang HB, Hu JB, Yang CL. Engineering of VCAM-1-targeted nanostructured lipid carriers for delivery of melatonin against acute lung injury through SIRT1/NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:130637. [PMID: 38490396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a prevalent and critical condition in clinical practice. Although certain pharmacological interventions have demonstrated benefits in preclinical studies, none have been proven entirely effective thus far. Therefore, the development of more efficient treatment strategies for ALI is imperative. In this study, we prepared nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) conjugated with anti-VCAM-1 antibodies to encapsulate melatonin (MLT), resulting in VCAM/MLT NLCs. This approach aimed to enhance the distribution of melatonin in lung vascular endothelial cells. The VCAM/MLT NLCs had an average diameter of 364 nm, high drug loading content, and a sustained drug release profile. Notably, the NLCs conjugated with anti-VCAM-1 antibodies demonstrated more specific cellular delivery mediated by the VCAM-1 receptors, increased cellular internalization, and enhanced accumulation in lung tissues. Treatment with VCAM/MLT NLCs effectively alleviated pulmonary inflammation by activating NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis through up-regulation of Sirtuin 1. Our findings suggest that VCAM/MLT NLCs demonstrate remarkable therapeutic effects on ALI in both in vitro and in vivo settings, making them a promising and efficient treatment strategy for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Bo Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo University Affiliated Yangming Hospital, Yuyao, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo University Affiliated Yangming Hospital, Yuyao, China
| | - Hong-Bo Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo University Affiliated Yangming Hospital, Yuyao, China
| | - Jing-Bo Hu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chun-Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo University Affiliated Yangming Hospital, Yuyao, China.
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Synthesis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 1-Methylhydantoin Cinnamoyl Imides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238481. [PMID: 36500568 PMCID: PMC9737772 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, 1-methylhydantoin cinnamic imides were synthesized from 1-methylhydantoin and trans-cinnamic acid, and their anti-inflammatory activity was investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity in vitro was evaluated by measuring the contents of NO, TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. The cytotoxicity of 1-methylhydantoin cinnamoyl imides on RAW264.7 cells was detected using the CCK-8 method. The results showed that compounds 2 and 4 can significantly inhibit the release of NO and reduce the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. Compound 3 inhibited the production of TNF-α. The inhibition rate of COX was evaluated in vitro. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the five compounds were evaluated by establishing an animal model of xylene ear swelling. The results showed that 1-methylhydantoin cinnamic imides could alleviate xylene-induced ear edema in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Among them, the effect of compound 5 was the most significant. Under the action of high dosage, its ear swelling inhibition rate was as high as 52.08%.
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Olechno E, Puścion-Jakubik A, Zujko ME. Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)—A Natural Product for Metabolic Disorders? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132688. [PMID: 35807867 PMCID: PMC9268775 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal metabolism of substances in the body can result in metabolic disorders which include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants can help to prevent and treat various types of disorders. Chokeberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially cyanidins, and therefore, can show a beneficial health effect. The aim of this study was to summarize and systematize reports about the effects of chokeberry on various metabolic parameters. Studies from 2000 to 2021, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. The review of studies shows that chokeberry may have a positive effect in dyslipidemia and hypertension and may increase the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect, in turn, may translate into a reduction in the risk of metabolic disorders over a longer period of use. Changes in glucose levels were reported by studies in which the intervention lasted more than 10 weeks in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The effects of protecting the liver, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering uric acid levels, and having a protective effect on the kidneys require additional confirmation in human clinical trials. Consumption of chokeberry fruit did not impact on anthropometric measurements; however, it seems that chokeberry fruit can be recommended in many metabolic disorders due to the richness of bioactive ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Olechno
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Białystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (E.O.); (M.E.Z.)
| | - Anna Puścion-Jakubik
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-748-54-69
| | - Małgorzata Elżbieta Zujko
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Białystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (E.O.); (M.E.Z.)
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Li Z, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Liu Y, Zhao H. Function and regulation of GPX4 in the development and progression of fibrotic disease. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2808-2824. [PMID: 35605092 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common feature of fibrotic diseases that poses a serious threat to global health due to high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. There exist some chemical compounds and biomolecules associated with the development of fibrosis, including cytokines, hormones, and enzymes. Among them, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), as a selenoprotein antioxidant enzyme, is widely found in the embryo, testis, brain, liver, heart, and photoreceptor cells. Moreover, it is shown that GPX4 elicits diverse biological functions by suppressing phospholipid hydroperoxide at the expense of decreased glutathione (GSH), including loss of neurons, autophagy, cell repair, inflammation, ferroptosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Interestingly, these processes are intimately related to the occurrence of fibrotic disease. Recently, GPX4 has been reported to exhibit a decline in fibrotic disease and inhibit fibrosis, suggesting that alterations of GPX4 can change the course or dictate the outcome of fibrotic disease. In this review, we summarize the role and underlying mechanisms of GPX4 in fibrosis diseases such as lung fibrosis, liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and myelofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaobing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunnan, China
| | - Zigui Zhu
- Department of Intensive Care Units, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunnan, China
| | - Yulu Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Units, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunnan, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- School of Nursing, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Ailuno G, Iacobazzi RM, Lopalco A, Baldassari S, Arduino I, Azzariti A, Pastorino S, Caviglioli G, Denora N. The Pharmaceutical Technology Approach on Imaging Innovations from Italian Research. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1214. [PMID: 34452175 PMCID: PMC8402236 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many modern therapeutic approaches are based on precise diagnostic evidence, where imaging procedures play an essential role. To date, in the diagnostic field, a plethora of agents have been investigated to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of diagnosis. However, the most common drawbacks of conventional imaging agents reside in their non-specificity, short imaging time, instability, and toxicity. Moreover, routinely used diagnostic agents have low molecular weights and consequently a rapid clearance and renal excretion, and this represents a limitation if long-lasting imaging analyses are to be conducted. Thus, the development of new agents for in vivo diagnostics requires not only a deep knowledge of the physical principles of the imaging techniques and of the physiopathological aspects of the disease but also of the relative pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical requirements. In this scenario, skills in pharmaceutical technology have become highly indispensable in order to respond to these needs. This review specifically aims to collect examples of newly developed diagnostic agents connoting the importance of an appropriate formulation study for the realization of effective products. Within the context of pharmaceutical technology research in Italy, several groups have developed and patented promising agents for fluorescence and radioactive imaging, the most relevant of which are described hereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (G.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Rosa Maria Iacobazzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, O. Flacco St., 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.M.I.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonio Lopalco
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (G.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Ilaria Arduino
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, O. Flacco St., 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.M.I.); (A.A.)
| | - Sara Pastorino
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, via Vittorio Veneto 197, 19124 La Spezia, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (G.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (I.A.)
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Pastorino S, Baldassari S, Ailuno G, Zuccari G, Drava G, Petretto A, Cossu V, Marini C, Alfei S, Florio T, Sambuceti G, Caviglioli G. Two Novel PET Radiopharmaceuticals for Endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) Targeting. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071025. [PMID: 34371717 PMCID: PMC8309178 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease involving inflammatory events, such as the overexpression of adhesion molecules including the endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1). VCAM-1 is rapidly overexpressed in the first stages of atherosclerosis, thus representing a promising target for early atheroma detection. Two novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals (MacroP and NAMP), based on the VCAM-1-binding peptide having sequence VHPKQHRGGSKGC, were synthesized and characterized. MacroP is derived from the direct conjugation of a DOTA derivative with the peptide, while NAMP is a biotin derivative conceived to be employed in a three-step pretargeting system, involving the use of a double-chelating derivative of DOTA. The identity of the newly synthesized radiopharmaceuticals was confirmed by mass spectrometry and, after radiolabeling with 68Ga, both showed high radiochemical purity; in vitro tests on human umbilical vein endothelial cells evidenced their VCAM-1 binding ability, with higher radioactive uptake in the case of NAMP. Moreover, NAMP might also be employed in a theranostic approach in association with functionalized biotinylated nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pastorino
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, via Vittorio Veneto 197, 19124 La Spezia, Italy;
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities-Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Vanessa Cossu
- Department of Health Science, University of Genova—Nuclear Medicine Unit, via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (V.C.); (C.M.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Department of Health Science, University of Genova—Nuclear Medicine Unit, via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (V.C.); (C.M.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- CNR Institute of Bioimages and Molecular Physiology, via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, viale Benedetto XV 2, 16136 Genova, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Department of Health Science, University of Genova—Nuclear Medicine Unit, via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (V.C.); (C.M.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-3352635
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