"Dual sensitive supramolecular curcumin nanoparticles" in "advanced yeast particles" mediate macrophage reprogramming, ROS scavenging and inflammation resolution for ulcerative colitis treatment

Recent developments and new directions in the use of natural products for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a significant global health challenge, and there is an urgent need to explore novel therapeutic interventions. Natural products have demonstrated highly promising effectiveness in the treatment of IBD.

PURPOSE

This study systematically reviews the latest research advancements in leveraging natural products for IBD treatment.

METHODS

This manuscript strictly adheres to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant literature on the effects of natural products on IBD was retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases using the search terms "natural product," "inflammatory bowel disease," "colitis," "metagenomics", "target identification", "drug delivery systems", "polyphenols," "alkaloids," "terpenoids," and so on. The retrieved data were then systematically summarized and reviewed.

RESULTS

This review assessed the different effects of various natural products, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, quinones, and others, in the treatment of IBD. While these natural products offer promising avenues for IBD management, they also face challenges in terms of clinical translation and drug discovery. The advent of metagenomics, single-cell sequencing, target identification techniques, drug delivery systems, and other cutting-edge technologies heralds a new era in overcoming these challenges.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides an overview of current research progress in utilizing natural products for the treatment of IBD, exploring how contemporary technological innovations can aid in discovering and harnessing bioactive natural products for the treatment of IBD.

Sustained-release of SOD from multivesicular liposomes accelerated the colonic mucosal healing of colitis mice by inhibiting oxidative stress

Oxidative stress has long been known as a pathogenic factor of ulcerative colitis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been demonstrated to mitigate gut mucosal injury via combating oxidative stress. Herein, we developed SOD-loaded multivesicular liposomes (S-MVLs) as sustained-release depot for ulcerative colitis treatment. S-MVLs were spherical honeycomb-like particles with average particle size of 27.3 ± 5.4 μm and encapsulating efficiency of 78.7 ± 2.6 %. Moreover, the two-phase release profiles of SOD from S-MVLs were exhibited, that was, the burst release phase within 4 h and the sustained-release phase within 96 h. After intraperitoneally injecting S-MVLs, in situ retention time of SOD at bowel cavity extended by 4-fold in comparison with SOD solution. In vitro cells experiment showed that S-MVLs had the protective effect on LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells via scavenging ROS and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines production. S-MVLs ameliorated the body weight loss, DAI score and the colon shortening of colitis mice. Meanwhile, the colonic morphology and the epithelial barrier of colitis mice were effectively recovered after S-MVLs treatment. The therapeutic mechanism might be associated with polymerizing M1 macrophages to M2 phenotypes and alleviating oxidative stress. Collectively, multivesicular liposomes might be a promising sustained-release depot of SOD for ulcerative colitis treatments.

Enzyme/ROS dual-sensitive nanoplatform with on-demand Celastrol release capacity for enhanced ulcerative colitis therapy by ROS scavenging, microbiota rebalancing, inflammation alleviating

BACKGROUND

The oral administration of drugs for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) is hindered by several factors, including inadequate gastrointestinal stability, insufficient accumulation in colonic lesions, and uncontrolled drug release.

METHODS

A multiple sensitive nano-delivery system comprising β-cyclodextrin (CD) and 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenylboronic acid (PAPE) with enzyme/reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensitivity was developed to load celastrol (Cel) as a comprehensive treatment for UC.

RESULTS

Owing to the positive charge in the site of inflamed colonic mucosa, the negatively charged nanomedicine (Cel/NPs) could efficiently accumulate. Expectedly, Cel/NPs showed excellent localization ability to colon in vitro and in vivo tests. The elevated concentration of ROS and intestinal enzymes in the colon microenvironment quickly break the CD, resulting in Cel release partially to rebalance microbiota and recover the intestinal barrier. The accompanying cellular internalization of residual Cel/NPs, along with the high concentration of cellular ROS to trigger Cel burst release, could decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines, inhibit colonic cell apoptosis, promote the macrophage polarization, scavenge ROS, and regulate the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which certified that Cel/NPs possessed a notably anti-UC therapy outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide a promising strategy for addressing UC symptoms via an enzyme/ROS-sensitive oral platform capable of releasing drugs on demand.

Nanotechnology-Mediated Immunomodulation Strategy for Inflammation Resolution

Inflammation serves as a common characteristic across a wide range of diseases and plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. Inflammation can lead to tissue damage and the onset of inflammatory diseases. Although significant progress is made in anti-inflammation in recent years, the current clinical approaches mainly rely on the systemic administration of corticosteroids and antibiotics, which only provide short-term relief. Recently, immunomodulatory approaches have emerged as promising strategies for facilitating the resolution of inflammation. Especially, the advanced nanosystems with unique biocompatibility and multifunctionality have provided an ideal platform for immunomodulation. In this review, the pathophysiology of inflammation and current therapeutic strategies are summarized. It is mainly focused on the nanomedicines that modulate the inflammatory signaling pathways, inflammatory cells, oxidative stress, and inflammation targeting. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of nanomaterials in addressing inflammation are also discussed. The nanotechnology-mediated immunomodulation will open a new treatment strategy for inflammation therapy.

Mechanism of Nicotiflorin in San-Ye-Qing rhizome for anti-inflammatory effect in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise globally and the development of drugs targeting UC is urgent. Finding the target of action of natural products is important for drug discovery, elucidation of drug action mechanism, and disease mechanism. San-Ye-Qing (SYQ), is an ancient herbal medicine, but whether the powder of its rhizome has pharmacological effects against UC and its mechanism of action are not clear.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of rhizome powder of SYQ in treating UC, and conduct an isolation and characterization of the chemical constituents of the powder. Further, screen the most potent compounds among them and determine the potential mechanism for treating UC.

METHODS

In vivo, the therapeutic effect of SYQ's rhizome powder on UC was assessed by mice's body weight, DAI score, colon length, tissue MPO activity, serum inflammatory markers, etc. Additionally, HPLC was used to isolate and identify the specific chemical components of SYQ's rhizome powder. Then, the most effective compounds and their therapeutic targets were analysed and screened in SYQ rhizome powder using network pharmacology, combined with CCK-8 assay, NO release assay and molecular docking assay, in conjunction with CETSA, DARTS, SPR and enzyme activity assay. Finally, the biological effects of the key compound on the targets were validated using Western blot and ELISA.

RESULTS

In vivo, SYQ rhizome powder effectively restored mice's body weight, lowered DAI and pathological score, downregulated the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, and restored colon length, as well as the colonic epithelial and mucus barriers. Afterward, 9 compounds were isolated and identified from the powder of the rhizomes of SYQ by HPLC. Nicotiflorin is the primary compound in SYQ with the highest concentration. According to both CCK-8 and NO release tests, Nicotiflorin is also the most efficacious compound. Combined with network pharmacological prediction, molecular docking analysis, CETSA, DARTS, SPR and enzyme activity assay, Nicotiflorin may ultimately suppress inflammation by targeting p65 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. To verify this conclusion, Western blot and ELISA experiments were conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the extract from SYQ rhizomes has therapeutic properties for UC. Its active ingredient Nicotiflorin exerted potent anti-UC effects by binding to p65 and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes.

Oral microsphere formulation of M2 macrophage-mimetic Janus nanomotor for targeted therapy of ulcerative colitis

Oral medication for ulcerative colitis (UC) is often hindered by challenges such as inadequate accumulation, limited penetration of mucus barriers, and the intricate task of mitigating excessive ROS and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we present a strategy involving sodium alginate microspheres (SAMs) incorporating M2 macrophage membrane (M2M)-coated Janus nanomotors (denominated as Motor@M2M) for targeted treatment of UC. SAM provides a protective barrier, ensuring that Motor@M2M withstands the harsh gastric milieu and exhibits controlled release. M2M enhances the targeting precision of nanomotors to inflammatory tissues and acts as a decoy for the neutralization of inflammatory cytokines. Catalytic decomposition of H2O2 by MnO2 in the oxidative microenvironment generates O2 bubbles, propelling Motor@M2M across the mucus barrier into inflamed colon tissues. Upon oral administration, Motor@M2M@SAM notably ameliorated UC severity, including inflammation mitigation, ROS scavenging, macrophage reprogramming, and restoration of the intestinal barrier and microbiota. Consequently, our investigation introduces a promising oral microsphere formulation of macrophage-biomimetic nanorobots, providing a promising approach for UC treatment.

A Supramolecular Assembly of EGCG for Long-Term Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type-I hypersensitivity disease mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Although antihistamines, glucocorticoids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and other drugs are widely used to treat AR, the various adverse side effects of long-term use of these drugs should not be ignored. Therefore, more effective and safe natural alternative strategies are urgently needed. To this end, this study designed a nanosupramolecular delivery system composed of β-cyclodextrin supramolecular polymer (PCD), thiolated chitosan (TCS), and natural polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) for intranasal topical continuous treatment of AR. The TCS/PCD@EGCG nanocarriers exhibited an excellent performance in terms of retention and permeability in the nasal mucosa and released the vast majority of EGCG responsively in the nasal microenvironment, thus resulting in the significantly high antibacterial and antioxidant capacities. According to the in vitro model, compared with free EGCG, TCS/PCD@EGCG inhibited mast cell activity and abnormal histamine secretion in a more long-term and sustained manner. According to the in vivo model, whether in the presence of continuous or intermittent administration, TCS/PCD@EGCG substantially inhibited the secretion of allergenic factors and inflammatory factors, mitigated the pathological changes of nasal mucosa, alleviated the symptoms of rhinitis in mice, and produced a satisfactory therapeutic effect on AR. In particular, the therapeutic effect of TCS/PCD@EGCG systems were even superior to that of budesonide during intermittent treatment. Therefore, the TCS/PCD@EGCG nanocarrier is a potential long-lasting antiallergic medicine for the treatment of AR.

Advancing Gastrointestinal Health: Curcumin's Efficacy and Nanopreparations

Curcumin (CCM) is a polyphenol compound extracted from the turmeric rhizome. It has various biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant. Due to its diverse activities, it is often used by researchers to study the therapeutic effects on various diseases. However, its poor solubility leads to poor bioavailability, and it is necessary to increase the water solubility with the help of carriers to improve the therapeutic effect. Gastrointestinal disease is a major global health problem that continues to affect human health. In this review, we have summarized the possible mechanism and therapeutic effect of CCM in various gastrointestinal diseases, and the improvement in the curative effect of CCM with nanopreparation. Finally, we concluded that there have been many clinical trials of CCM in combination with other drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease, but so far, few have used CCM nanomaterials for treatment. Although in vitro and preclinical experiments have shown that nanopreparations can improve the efficacy of CCM, there are still insufficient studies on the safety of carriers.

Intranasal Delivery of Curcumin Nanoparticles Improves Neuroinflammation and Neurological Deficits in Mice with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents one of the most severe subtypes of stroke. Due to the complexity of the brain injury mechanisms following ICH, there are currently no effective treatments to significantly improve patient functional outcomes. Curcumin, as a potential therapeutic agent for ICH, is limited by its poor water solubility and oral bioavailability. In this study, mPEG-PCL is used to encapsulate curcumin, forming curcumin nanoparticles, and utilized the intranasal administration route to directly deliver curcumin nanoparticles from the nasal cavity to the brain. By inhibiting pro-inflammatory neuroinflammation of microglia following ICH in mice, reprogramming pro-inflammatory microglia toward an anti-inflammatory function, and consequently reducing neuronal inflammatory death and hematoma volume, this approach improved blood-brain barrier damage in ICH mice and promoted the recovery of neurological function post-stroke. This study offers a promising therapeutic strategy for ICH to mediate neuroinflammatory microenvironments.

Unleashing the Potential of Oral Deliverable Nanomedicine in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), marked by chronic gastrointestinal tract inflammation, poses a significant global medical challenge. Current treatments for IBD, including corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics, often require frequent systemic administration through parenteral delivery, leading to nonspecific drug distribution, suboptimal therapeutic outcomes, and adverse effects. There is a pressing need for a targeted drug delivery system to enhance drug efficacy and minimize its systemic impact. Nanotechnology emerges as a transformative solution, enabling precise oral drug delivery to inflamed intestinal tissues, reducing off-target effects, and enhancing therapeutic efficiency. The advantages include heightened bioavailability, sustained drug release, and improved cellular uptake. Additionally, the nano-based approach allows for the integration of theranostic elements, enabling simultaneous diagnosis and treatment. Recent preclinical advances in oral IBD treatments, particularly with nanoformulations such as functionalized polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, demonstrate remarkable cell-targeting ability and biosafety, promising to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies. These developments signify a paradigm shift toward personalized and effective oral IBD management. This review explores the potential of oral nanomedicine to enhance IBD treatment significantly, focusing specifically on cell-targeting oral drug delivery system for potential use in IBD management. We also examine emerging technologies such as theranostic nanoparticles and artificial intelligence, identifying avenues for the practical translation of nanomedicines into clinical applications.

β-1,3-d-glucan particles-based "nest" protected co-loaded Rhein and Emodin regulates microbiota and intestinal immunity for ulcerative colitis treatment

Herein, a β-1,3-D-glucan based yeast cell wall loaded with co-loaded nanoparticles of Rhein (RH) and Emodin (EMO), was developed for the combined treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by modulating gut microbiota and the Th17/Treg cell balance. This was achieved through an oral "nano-in-micro" advanced drug delivery system. Specifically, RH was grafted onto the HA chain via disulfide bonds to synthesize a reduction-sensitive carrier material and then used to encapsulate EMO to form nanoparticles with a specific drug ratio (denoted as HA-RH/EMO NPs). As anticipated, HA-RH/EMO NPs were encased within the "nests"-yeast cell wall microparticles (YPs), efficiently reach the colon and then released gradually, this occurs mainly due to the degradation of β-1,3-D-glucan by β-glucanase. Additionally, HA-RH/EMO NPs demonstrated a significant reduction-sensitive effect in GSH stimulation evaluations and a remarkable ability to target macrophages in in vitro cell uptake studies. Notably, HA-RH/EMO NYPs reduced inflammatory responses by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Even more crucially, the oral delivery and drug combination methods significantly enhanced the regulatory effects of HA-RH/EMO NYPs on gut microbiota and the Th17/Treg balance. Overall, this research marks the first use of YPs to encapsulate two components, RH and EMO, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for UC.