Nanomaterials alleviating redox stress in neurological diseases: mechanisms and applications

Application of Nanozymes and its Progress in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Nanozymes are a new kind of material which has been applied since the beginning of this century, and its birth has promoted the development of chemistry, materials science, and biology. Nanozymes can be used as a substitute for natural enzyme and has a wide range of applications; therefore, it has attracted extensive attention from all sectors of the community, and the number of studies has constantly increasing. In this paper, we introduced the outstanding achievements in the field of nanozymes in recent years from the main function, the construction of nanozyme-based biosensors, and the treatment of ischemic stroke, and we also illustrated the internal mechanism and the catalytic principle. In the end, the obstacles and challenges in the future development of nanozymes were proposed.

Angiopep-2 conjugated biomimetic nano-delivery system loaded with resveratrol for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction

Methamphetamine (METH) addiction can damage the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive impairment and memory deficits. Low target effects have limited the utility of anti-addiction drugs because the presence of the blood-brain barrier hinders the effective delivery of drugs to the brain. Angiopep-2 can recognize and target low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein 1 (LRP-1) on the surface of cerebral capillary endothelial cells, causing cross-cell phagocytosis, and thus has high blood-brain barrier transport capacity. Resveratrol (RSV) has been found to be a neuroprotective agent in many nervous system diseases. In our study, we modified Angiopep-2 on the surface of the erythrocyte membrane to obtain a modified erythrocyte membrane (Ang-RBCm) and coated RSV-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-PEG) nanoparticles with Ang-RBCm (Ang-RBCm@RSVNPs) to treat METH addiction. Our results showed that Ang-RBCm@RSVNPs can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain better than free RSV. Besides, mice treatetd with Ang-RBCm@RSVNPs showed less preference to METH-paired chamber and no noticeable tissue toxicity or abnormality was found in H&E staining images. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated Ang-RBCm@RSVNPs could elevate synaptic plasticity impaired by METH. These indicated that Ang-RBCm@RSVNPs has better anti-addiction and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, Ang-RBCm@RSVNPs has great potential in the treatment of METH addiction.

Silica Nanoparticles Decorated with Ceria Quantum Dots Modulate Intra- and Extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Formation and Selectively Reduce Human A375 Melanoma Cell Proliferation

Nanomaterials show great promise for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, most nanomaterials lack selectivity for cancer cells, damaging healthy ones. Cerium dioxide (ceria, CeO2) nanoparticles have been shown to exert selective toxicity toward cancer cells due to the redox modulating properties they display as their size decreases. However, these particles suffer from poor suspension stability. The efficacy of CeO2 nanoparticles for cancer treatment is hampered by their innate high surface energy, which leads to particle agglomeration and, consequently, reactivity loss. This effect increases as particle size decreases; as such, quantum dots (QDs) suffer most from this phenomenon. In this study, it is proposed that silicon dioxide (silica, SiO2) nanoparticles can provide an inert platform for surface encrusted CeO2 QDs and that the resulting nanocomposite (hereafter QDCeO2/SiO2) not only will exhibit negligible agglomeration compared with CeO2 alone but also will improve the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to selective reduction of human A375 melanoma cell proliferation. The SiO2 nanoparticles had a bimodal size distribution with median particle size of 66 and 168 nm, while the CeO2 quantum dots encrusted on their surface had a size of 3.2 nm. An elevated Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio led to the QDCeO2/SiO2 nanocomposite displaying synergistic superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like activity, favoring the accumulation of ROS at pH 6.5 which translated into QDCeO2/SiO2 exerting selective oxidative stress in, and toward, the melanoma cells. Treatment with 50 μg mL-1 QDCeO2/SiO2 significantly reduced cell proliferation by 27% compared to untreated control cells in the colony formation assay. Treatment with either SiO2 or CeO2 alone did not affect the cell proliferation. These results highlight the benefit of dispersing CeO2 QDs on the surface of core nanoparticles and the resulting enhancement of selective redox reactivity and proliferation arrest when compared to CeO2 nanoparticles alone. Furthermore, the method employed here to encrust CeO2 QDs could lead to the facile synthesis of new nanocomposites with enhanced control of ROS activity, not only for in vitro studies using other cancer cell lines of interest but also in animal models and perhaps leading to clinical trials in melanoma patients.

Nanozymes: Potential Therapies for Reactive Oxygen Species Overproduction and Inflammation in Ischemic Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

Nanozymes, which can selectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), have recently emerged as promising candidates for treating ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in preclinical models. ROS overproduction during the early phase of these diseases leads to oxidative brain damage, which has been a major cause of mortality worldwide. However, the clinical application of ROS-scavenging enzymes is limited by their short in vivo half-life and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Nanozymes, which mimic the catalytic function of natural enzymes, have several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, high stability, and easy storage. These advantages render them superior to natural enzymes for disease diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. This review highlights recent advancements in nanozyme applications for ischemic stroke and TBI, emphasizing their potential to mitigate the detrimental effect of ROS overproduction, oxidative brain damage, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier compromise. Therefore, nanozymes represent a promising treatment modality for ROS overproduction conditions in future medical practices.

Enhancing antioxidant properties of CeO2 nanoparticles with Nd3+ doping: structural, biological, and machine learning insights

The antioxidant capabilities of nanoparticles are contingent upon various factors, including their shape, size, and chemical composition. Herein, novel Nd-doped CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and the neodymium content was varied to investigate the synergistic impact on the antioxidant properties of CeO2 nanoparticles. Incorporating Nd3+ induced changes in lattice parameters and significantly altered the morphology from nanoparticles to nanorods. The biological activity of Nd-doped CeO2 was examined against pathogenic bacterial strains, breast cancer cell lines, and antioxidant models. The antibacterial and anticancer activities of nanoparticles were not observed, which could be associated with the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. Notably, the incorporation of neodymium improved the antioxidant capacity of CeO2. Machine learning techniques were employed to forecast the antioxidant activity to enhance understanding and predictive capabilities. Among these models, the random forest model exhibited the highest accuracy at 96.35%, establishing it as a robust computational tool for elucidating the biological behavior of Nd-doped CeO2 nanoparticles. This study presents the first exploration of the influence of Nd3+ on the structural, optical, and biological attributes of CeO2, contributing valuable insights and extending the application of machine learning in predicting the therapeutic efficacy of inorganic nanomaterials.

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

Antioxidants play an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress and have been widely used in medicine and healthcare. However, natural antioxidants have several limitations such as low stability, difficult long-term storage, and high cost of large-scale production. Along with significant advances in nanotechnology, nanomaterials have emerged as a promising solution to improve the limitations of natural antioxidants because of their high stability, easy storage, time effectiveness, and low cost. Among various types of nanomaterials exhibiting antioxidant activity, metal-based nanoantioxidants show excellent reactivity because of the presence of an unpaired electron in their atomic structure. In this review, we summarize some novel metal-based nanoantioxidants and classify them into two main categories, namely chain-breaking and preventive antioxidant nanomaterials. In addition, the applications of antioxidant nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare are also discussed. This review provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of metal-based nanoantioxidants and a guideline for using these nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare.

Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment

Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Gold Nanoparticles in Neurological Diseases: A Review of Neuroprotection

This review explores the diverse applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in neurological diseases, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and stroke. The introduction highlights the pivotal role of neuroinflammation in these disorders and introduces the unique properties of AuNPs. The review's core examines the mechanisms by which AuNPs exert neuroprotection and anti-neuro-inflammatory effects, elucidating various pathways through which they manifest these properties. The potential therapeutic applications of AuNPs in AD are discussed, shedding light on promising avenues for therapy. This review also explores the prospects of utilizing AuNPs in PD interventions, presenting a hopeful outlook for future treatments. Additionally, the review delves into the potential of AuNPs in providing neuroprotection after strokes, emphasizing their significance in mitigating cerebrovascular accidents' aftermath. Experimental findings from cellular and animal models are consolidated to provide a comprehensive overview of AuNPs' effectiveness, offering insights into their impact at both the cellular and in vivo levels. This review enhances our understanding of AuNPs' applications in neurological diseases and lays the groundwork for innovative therapeutic strategies in neurology.

Lanthanide-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles: Unraveling Their Role in Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Nanotoxicology

This study used a sonochemical synthesis method to prepare (La, Sm)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The effect of incorporating these lanthanide elements on the structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs was analyzed. The cytotoxicity and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity of ZnO-NPs were evaluated against breast (MCF7) and colon (HT29) cancer cell lines. Their antioxidant activity was analyzed using a DPPH assay, and their toxicity towards Artemia salina nauplii was also evaluated. The results revealed that treatment with NPs resulted in the death of 10.559-42.546% and 18.230-38.643% of MCF7 and HT29 cells, respectively. This effect was attributed to the ability of NPs to downregulate ROS formation within the two cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In the DPPH assay, treatment with (La, Sm)-doped ZnO-NPs inhibited the generation of free radicals at IC50 values ranging from 3.898 to 126.948 μg/mL. Against A. salina nauplii, the synthesized NPs did not cause death nor induce morphological changes at the tested concentrations. A series of machine learning (ML) models were used to predict the biological performance of (La, Sm)-doped ZnO-NPs. Among the designed ML models, the gradient boosting model resulted in the greatest mean absolute error (MAE) (MAE 9.027, R2 = 0.86). The data generated in this work provide innovative insights into the influence of La and Sm on the structural arrangement and chemical features of ZnO-NPs, together with their cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and in vivo toxicity.

Biomedical applications of cerium vanadate nanoparticles: a review

Cerium vanadate nanoparticles (CeVO4 NPs), which are members of the rare earth orthovanadate nanomaterial family, have generated considerable interest due to their diverse properties and prospective biomedical applications. The current study, which provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and characterization techniques for CeVO4 NPs, emphasizes the sonochemical method as an efficient and straightforward technique for producing CeVO4 NPs with tunable size and shape. This paper investigates the toxicity and biocompatibility of CeVO4 NPs, as well as their antioxidant and catalytic properties, which allow them to modify the redox state of biological systems and degrade organic pollutants. In addition, the most recent developments in the medicinal applications of CeVO4 NPs, such as cancer treatment, antibacterial activity, biosensing, and drug or gene delivery, are emphasized. In addition, the disadvantages of CeVO4 NPs, such as stability, aggregation, biodistribution, and biodegradation, are outlined, and several potential solutions are suggested. The research concludes with data and recommendations for developing and enhancing CeVO4 NPs in the biomedical industry.

Selenium Nanoparticles in Protecting the Brain from Stroke: Possible Signaling and Metabolic Mechanisms

Strokes rank as the second most common cause of mortality and disability in the human population across the world. Currently, available methods of treating or preventing strokes have significant limitations, primarily the need to use high doses of drugs due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier. In the last decade, increasing attention has been paid to the capabilities of nanotechnology. However, the vast majority of research in this area is focused on the mechanisms of anticancer and antiviral effects of nanoparticles. In our opinion, not enough attention is paid to the neuroprotective mechanisms of nanomaterials. In this review, we attempted to summarize the key molecular mechanisms of brain cell damage during ischemia. We discussed the current literature regarding the use of various nanomaterials for the treatment of strokes. In this review, we examined the features of all known nanomaterials, the possibility of which are currently being studied for the treatment of strokes. In this regard, the positive and negative properties of nanomaterials for the treatment of strokes have been identified. Particular attention in the review was paid to nanoselenium since selenium is a vital microelement and is part of very important and little-studied proteins, e.g., selenoproteins and selenium-containing proteins. An analysis of modern studies of the cytoprotective effects of nanoselenium made it possible to establish the mechanisms of acute and chronic protective effects of selenium nanoparticles. In this review, we aimed to combine all the available information regarding the neuroprotective properties and mechanisms of action of nanoparticles in neurodegenerative processes, especially in cerebral ischemia.

2D nanostructures: Potential in diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have garnered enormous attention seemingly due to their unusual architecture and properties. Graphene and graphene oxide based 2D nanomaterials remained the most sought after for several years but the quest to design superior 2D nanomaterials which can find wider application gave rise to development of non-graphene 2D materials as well. Consequently, in addition to graphene based 2D nanomaterials, 2D nanostructures designed using macromolecules (such as DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids), transition metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXene), black phosphorous, chitosan, hexagonal boron nitrides, and graphitic carbon nitride, and covalent organic frameworks have been developed. Interestingly, these 2D nanomaterials have found applications in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although AD is one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative conditions across the globe; unfortunately, there remains a paucity of effective diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention for it till date. In this scenario, nanomaterial-based biosensors, or therapeutics especially 2D nanostructures are emerging to be promising in this regard. This review summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic platforms developed for AD using 2D nanostructures. Collectively, it is worth mentioning that these 2D nanomaterials would seemingly provide an alternative and intriguing platform for biomedical interventions.

Nanomedicine-Enabled Chemical Regulation of Reactive X Species for Versatile Disease Treatments

Reactive X species (RXS), encompassing elements such as O, N, C, S, Se, Cl, Br, I, and H, play vital roles in cell biology and physiological function, impacting cellular signal transduction, metabolic regulation, and disease processes. The redox unbalance of RXS is firmly implicated in an assortment of physiological and pathological disorders, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the intricate nature and multifactorial dependence of RXS pose challenges in comprehending and precisely modulating their biological behavior. Nanomaterials with distinct characteristics and biofunctions offer promising avenues for generating or scavenging RXS to maintain redox homeostasis and advance disease therapy. This minireview provides a tutorial summary of the relevant chemistry and specific mechanisms governing different RXS, focusing on cellular metabolic regulation, stress responses, and the role of nanomedicine in RXS generation and elimination. The challenges associated with chemically regulating RXS for diverse disease treatments are further discussed along with the future prospects, aiming to facilitate the clinical translation of RXS-based nanomedicine and open new avenues for improved therapeutic interventions.

Role of Nanoparticle-Conjugates and Nanotheranostics in Abrogating Oxidative Stress and Ameliorating Neuroinflammation

Oxidative stress is a deteriorating condition that arises due to an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system or defense of the body. The key reasons for the development of such conditions are malfunctioning of various cell organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complex, as well as physical and mental disturbances. The nervous system has a relatively high utilization of oxygen, thus making it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which eventually leads to neuronal atrophy and death. This advances the development of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration-associated disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, dementia, and other memory disorders. It is imperative to treat such conditions as early as possible before they worsen and progress to irreversible damage. Oxidative damage can be negated by two mechanisms: improving the cellular defense system or providing exogenous antioxidants. Natural antioxidants can normally handle such oxidative stress, but they have limited efficacy. The valuable features of nanoparticles and/or nanomaterials, in combination with antioxidant features, offer innovative nanotheranostic tools as potential therapeutic modalities. Hence, this review aims to represent novel therapeutic approaches like utilizing nanoparticles with antioxidant properties and nanotheranostics as delivery systems for potential therapeutic applications in various neuroinflammation- and neurodegeneration-associated disease conditions.

Composite Nanocoatings of Biomedical Magnesium Alloy Implants: Advantages, Mechanisms, and Design Strategies

The rapid degradation of magnesium (Mg) alloy implants erodes mechanical performance and interfacial bioactivity, thereby limiting their clinical utility. Surface modification is among the solutions to improve corrosion resistance and bioefficacy of Mg alloys. Novel composite coatings that incorporate nanostructures create new opportunities for their expanded use. Particle size dominance and impermeability may increase corrosion resistance and thereby prolong implant service time. Nanoparticles with specific biological effects may be released into the peri-implant microenvironment during the degradation of coatings to promote healing. Composite nanocoatings provide nanoscale surfaces to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Nanoparticles may activate cellular signaling pathways, while those with porous or core-shell structures may carry antibacterial or immunomodulatory drugs. Composite nanocoatings may promote vascular reendothelialization and osteogenesis, attenuate inflammation, and inhibit bacterial growth, thus increasing their applicability in complex clinical microenvironments such as those of atherosclerosis and open fractures. This review combines the physicochemical properties and biological efficiency of Mg-based alloy biomedical implants to summarize the advantages of composite nanocoatings, analyzes their mechanisms of action, and proposes design and construction strategies, with the purpose of providing a reference for promoting the clinical application of Mg alloy implants and to further the design of nanocoatings.

The applications of nanozymes in neurological diseases: From mechanism to design

Nanozymes are a class of nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activities. Due to their multiple catalytic activities, as well as their good stability, modifiable activity and other advantages over natural enzymes, they have a wide range of application prospects in sterilization, the treatment of inflammation, cancer, and neurological diseases, and other fields. In recent years, it has been found that various nanozymes have antioxidant activity, allowing them to simulate the endogenous antioxidant system and play an important role in cell protection. Therefore, nanozymes can be applied in the treatment of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related neurological diseases. Another advantage of nanozymes is that they can be customized and modified in a variety of ways to increase their catalytic activity beyond that of classical enzymes. In addition, some nanozymes have unique properties, such as the ability to effectively penetrate the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) or to depolymerize or otherwise eliminate misfolded proteins, making them potentially useful therapeutic tools for the treatment of neurological diseases. Here, we review the catalytic mechanisms of antioxidant-like nanozymes, as well as the latest research progress and strategies for designing therapeutic nanozymes, aiming to promote the development of more effective nanozymes for the treatment of neurological diseases in the future.

The progress of research on the application of redox nanomaterials in disease therapy

Redox imbalance can trigger cell dysfunction and damage and plays a vital role in the origin and progression of many diseases. Maintaining the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in vivo is a complicated and arduous task, leading to ongoing research into the construction of redox nanomaterials. Nanodrug platforms with redox characteristics can not only reduce the adverse effects of oxidative stress on tissues by removing excess oxidants from the body but also have multienzyme-like activity, which can play a cytotoxic role in tumor tissues through the catalytic oxidation of their substrates to produce harmful reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals. In this review, various redox nanomaterials currently used in disease therapy are discussed, emphasizing the treatment methods and their applications in tumors and other human tissues. Finally, the limitations of the current clinical application of redox nanomaterials are considered.

Perspective insights into hydrogels and nanomaterials for ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a neurological disorder prevalent worldwide with a high disability and mortality rate. In the clinic setting, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and thrombectomy could restore blood flow of the occlusion region and improve the outcomes of IS patients; however, these therapies are restricted by a narrow time window. Although several preclinical trials have revealed the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying infarct lesions, the translatability of most findings is unsatisfactory, which contributes to the emergence of new biomaterials, such as hydrogels and nanomaterials, for the treatment of IS. Biomaterials function as structural scaffolds or are combined with other compounds to release therapeutic drugs. Biomaterial-mediated drug delivery approaches could optimize the therapeutic effects based on their brain-targeting property, biocompatibility, and functionality. This review summarizes the advances in biomaterials in the last several years, aiming to discuss the therapeutic potential of new biomaterials from the bench to bedside. The promising prospects of new biomaterials indicate the possibility of an organic combination between materialogy and medicine, which is a novel field under exploration.

Specific Nanodrug for Diabetic Chronic Wounds Based on Antioxidase-Mimicking MOF-818 Nanozymes

Chronic wound is a common complication for diabetic patients, which entails substantial inconvenience, persistent pain, and significant economic burden to patients. However, current clinical treatments for diabetic chronic wounds remain unsatisfactory. A prolonged but ineffective inflammation phase in chronic wounds is the primary difference between diabetic chronic wounds and normal wounds. Herein, we present an effective antioxidative system (MOF/Gel) for chronic wound healing of diabetic rats through integrating a metal organic framework (MOF) nanozyme with antioxidant enzyme-like activity with a hydrogel (Gel). MOF/Gel can continuously scavenge reactive oxygen species to modulate the oxidative stress microenvironment in diabetic chronic wounds, which leads to a natural transition from the inflammation phase to the proliferation phase. Impressively, the efficacy of one-time-applied MOF/Gel was comparable to that of the human epidermal growth factor Gel, a widely used clinical drug for various wound treatments. Such an effective, safe, and convenient MOF/Gel system can meet complex clinical demands.

The therapeutic potential of triptolide and celastrol in neurological diseases

Neurological diseases are complex diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord, with numerous etiologies and pathogenesis not yet fully elucidated. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (TWHF) is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use in China and is widely used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. With the rapid development of modern technology, the two main bioactive components of TWHF, triptolide and celastrol, have been found to have anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects and can be used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, including neurological diseases. In this paper, we summarize the preclinical studies of triptolide and celastrol in neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, brain and spinal cord injury, and epilepsy. In addition, we review the mechanisms of action of triptolide and celastrol in neurological diseases, their toxicity, related derivatives, and nanotechnology-based carrier system.

Protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on spinal cord injury

The microenvironmental changes in the lesion area of spinal cord injury (SCI) have been extensively studied, but little is known about the whole-body status after injury. We analyzed the peripheral blood RNA-seq samples from 38 SCI and 10 healthy controls, and identified 10 key differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood of patients with SCI. Using these key gene signatures, we constructed a precise and available neural network diagnostic model. More importantly, the altered transcriptome profiles in peripheral blood reflect the similar negative effects after neuronal damage at lesion site. We revealed significant differential alterations in immune and metabolic processes, therein, immune response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolism and cellular apoptosis after SCI were the main features. Natural agents have now been considered as promising candidates to alleviate/cure neuronal damage. In this study, we constructed an in vitro neuronal axotomy model to investigate the therapeutic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). We found that ZnO NPs could act as a neuroprotective agent to reduce oxidative stress levels and finally rescue the neuronal apoptosis after axotomy, where the PI3K-Akt signaling probably be a vital pathway. In conclusion, this study showed altered transcriptome of peripheral blood after SCI, and indicated the neuroprotective effect of ZnO NPs from perspective of oxidative stress, these results may provide new insights for SCI diagnosis and therapeutics.