Co-loading antioxidant N-acetylcysteine attenuates cytotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles in hypoxia/reoxygenation cardiomyocytes

Investigation the mechanism of iron overload-induced colonic inflammation following ferric citrate exposure

Iron overload occurs due to excessive iron intake compared to the body's demand, leading to iron deposition and impairment of multiple organ functions. Our previous study demonstrated that chronic oral administration of ferric citrate (FC) caused colonic inflammatory injury. However, the precise mechanism underlying this inflammatory response remains unclear. The current study aims to investigate the mechanism by which iron overload induced by FC exposure leads to colonic inflammation. To accomplish this, mice were orally exposed to three different concentrations of FC (71 mg/kg/bw (L), 143 mg/kg/bw (M) and 286 mg/kg/bw (H)) for continuous 16 weeks, with the control group receiving ultrapure water (C). Exposure to FC caused disturbances in the excretory system, altered colonic flora alpha diversity, and enriched pathogenic bacteria, such as Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Desulfovibrio, and Shigella. These changes led to structural disorders of the colonic flora and an inflammatory response phenotype characterized by inflammatory cells infiltration, atrophy of intestinal glands, and irregular thickening of the intestinal wall. Mechanistic studies revealed that FC-exposure activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by up-regulating TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA levels and protein expression. This activation resulted in increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further contributing to the colonic inflammation. Additionally, in vitro experiments in SW480 cells confirmed the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by FC exposure, consistent with the in vivo findings. The significance of this study lies in its elucidation of the mechanism by which iron overload caused by FC exposure leads to colonic inflammation. By identifying the role of pathogenic bacteria and the NF-κB signaling pathway, this study could potentially offer a crucial theoretical foundation for the research on iron overload, as well as provide valuable insights for clinical iron supplementation.

Autophagy-modulating biomaterials: multifunctional weapons to promote tissue regeneration

Autophagy is a self-renewal mechanism that maintains homeostasis and can promote tissue regeneration by regulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress and promoting cell differentiation. The interaction between biomaterials and tissue cells significantly affects biomaterial-tissue integration and tissue regeneration. In recent years, it has been found that biomaterials can affect various processes related to tissue regeneration by regulating autophagy. The utilization of biomaterials in a controlled environment has become a prominent approach for enhancing the tissue regeneration capabilities. This involves the regulation of autophagy in diverse cell types implicated in tissue regeneration, encompassing the modulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix formation. In addition, biomaterials possess the potential to serve as carriers for drug delivery, enabling the regulation of autophagy by either activating or inhibiting its processes. This review summarizes the relationship between autophagy and tissue regeneration and discusses the role of biomaterial-based autophagy in tissue regeneration. In addition, recent advanced technologies used to design autophagy-modulating biomaterials are summarized, and rational design of biomaterials for providing controlled autophagy regulation via modification of the chemistry and surface of biomaterials and incorporation of cells and molecules is discussed. A better understanding of biomaterial-based autophagy and tissue regeneration, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, may lead to new possibilities for promoting tissue regeneration. Video Abstract.

Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cardiovascular Diseases

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability. While there are many therapeutic alternatives available for the management of CVDs, the majority of classic therapeutic strategies were found to be ineffective at stopping or significantly/additionally slowing the progression of these diseases, or they had unfavorable side effects. Numerous metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) have been created to overcome these limitations, demonstrating encouraging possibilities in the treatment of CVDs due to advancements in nanotechnology. Metallic nanomaterials, including gold, silver, and iron, come in various shapes, sizes, and geometries. Metallic NPs are generally smaller and have more specialized physical, chemical, and biological properties. Metal-based NPs may come in various forms, such as nanoshells, nanorods, and nanospheres, and they have been studied the most. Massive potential applications for these metal nanomaterial structures include supporting molecular imaging, serving as drug delivery systems, enhancing radiation-based anticancer therapy, supplying photothermal transforming effects for thermal therapy, and being compounds with bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral qualities that may be helpful for cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present paper aims to review the applications of relevant metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in CVDs, creating an up-to-date framework that aids researchers in developing more efficient treatment strategies.

Nanotoxicity of multifunctional stoichiometric cobalt oxide nanoparticles (SCoONPs) with repercussions toward apoptosis, necrosis, and cancer necrosis factor (TNF-α) at nano-biointerfaces

Introduction

Apoptosis, necrosis, and cancer necrosis factor (TNF-a) are all impacted by the nanotoxicity of multifunctional stoichiometric cobalt oxide nanoparticles (SCoONPs) at nano-biointerfaces. The creation of multi-functional nanoparticles has had a considerable impact on the transport of drugs and genes, nanotheranostics (in-vivo imaging, concurrent diagnostics), interventions for external healing, the creation of nano-bio interfaces, and the instigation of desired changes in nanotherapeutics.

Objectives

The quantitative structure-activity relationships, chemical transformations, biological interactions as well as toxicological analyses are considered as main objectives. Discrete dimensions of SCoNPs-cell interaction interfaces, their characteristic physical features (size, shape, shell structure, and surface chemistry), impact on cell proliferation and differentiation are the key factors responsible for nanotoxicity.

Methods

The development of multi-functional nanoparticles has been significant in drug/gene delivery, nanotheranostics (in-vivo imaging, coinciding diagnostics), and external healing interventions, designing a nano-bio interface, as well as inciting desired alterations in nanotherapeutics. Every so often, the cellular uptake of multi-functional cobalt [Co, CoO, Co2(CO)8 and Co3O4] nanoparticles (SCoONPs) influences cellular mechanics and initiates numerous repercussions (oxidative stress, DNA damage, cytogenotoxicity, and chromosomal damage) in pathways, including the generation of dysregulating factors involved in biochemical transformations.

Results

The concerns and influences of multifunctional SCoNPs on different cell mechanisms (mitochondria impermeability, hydrolysis of ATP, the concentration of Ca2+, impaired calcium clearance, defective autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis), and interlinked properties (adhesion, motility, and internalization dynamics, role in toxicity, surface hydrophilic and hydrophobicity, biokinetics and biomimetic behaviors of biochemical reactions) have also been summarized. SCoONPs have received a lot of interest among the nanocarriers family because of its advantageous qualities such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and nonimmunogenicity.

Conclusion

Various applications, such as bio-imaging, cell labeling, gene delivery, enhanced chemical stability, and increased biocompatibility, concerning apoptosis, necrosis, and nano-bio interfaces, along with suitable examples. In this analysis, the multi-functional cobalt [Co, CoO, Co2(CO)8 and Co3O4] nanoparticles (SCoNPs) intricacies (cytogenotoxicity, clastogenicity, and immunomodulatory), nanotoxicity, and associated repercussions have been highlighted and explained.

Rescuing Nucleus Pulposus Cells From Senescence via Dual-Functional Greigite Nanozyme to Alleviate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to progressive deterioration of mitochondrial function, resulting in tissue degeneration. In this study, ROS accumulation induced nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) senescence is observed in degenerative human and rat intervertebral disc, suggesting senescence as a new therapeutic target to reverse intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). By targeting this, dual-functional greigite nanozyme is successfully constructed, which shows the ability to release abundant polysulfides and presents strong superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, both of which function to scavenge ROS and maintain the tissue at physical redox level. By significantly lowering the ROS level, greigite nanozyme rescues damaged mitochondrial function in IVDD models both in vitro and in vivo, rescues NPCs from senescence and alleviated the inflammatory response. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing reveals ROS-p53-p21 axis is responsible for cellular senescence-induced IVDD. Activation of the axis abolishes greigite nanozyme rescued NPCs senescence phenotype, as well as the alleviated inflammatory response to greigite nanozyme, which confirms the role of ROS-p53-p21 axis in greigite nanozyme's function to reverse IVDD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ROS-induced NPCs senescence leads to IVDD and the dual-functional greigite nanozyme holds strong potential to reverse this process, providing a novel strategy for IVDD management.

From liver fibrosis to hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of excessive liver H2O2 and targeting nanotherapeutics

Liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been worldwide threats nowadays. Liver fibrosis is reversible in early stages but will develop precancerosis of HCC in cirrhotic stage. In pathological liver, excessive H₂O₂ is generated and accumulated, which impacts the functionality of hepatocytes, Kupffer cells (KCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), leading to genesis of fibrosis and HCC. H₂O₂ accumulation is associated with overproduction of superoxide anion (O₂^•−) and abolished antioxidant enzyme systems. Plenty of therapeutics focused on H₂O₂ have shown satisfactory effects against liver fibrosis or HCC in different ways. This review summarized the reasons of liver H₂O₂ accumulation, and the role of H₂O₂ in genesis of liver fibrosis and HCC. Additionally, nanotherapeutics targeting H₂O₂ were summarized for further consideration of antifibrotic or antitumor therapy.

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Liver fibrosis and HCC are closely related because ROS induced liver damage and inflammation, especially over-cumulated H₂O₂.

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Excess H₂O₂ diffusion in pathological liver was due to increased metabolic rate and diminished cellular antioxidant systems.

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Freely diffused H₂O₂ damaged liver-specific cells, thereby leading to fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis.

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Nanotherapeutics targeting H₂O₂ are summarized for treatment of liver fibrosis and HCC, and also challenges are proposed.

Apigenin alleviates oxidative stress-induced myocardial injury by regulating SIRT1 signaling pathway

Apigenin is a natural flavonoid which is widely found in vegetables and fruits. However, the mechanism of apigenin in oxidative stress-induced myocardial injury has not been fully elucidated. We established an isoproterenol (Iso)-induced myocardial injury mouse model and a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cell injury model, followed by pretreatment with apigenin to explore its protective effects. Apigenin can significantly alleviate isoproterenol-induced oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and myocardial remodeling in vivo. Apigenin pretreatment can also significantly improve cardiomyocyte morphology, decrease H/R induced oxidative stress, and attenuate cell apoptosis and inflammation in vitro. Further mechanism study revealed that apigenin treatment reversed isoprenaline and H/R-induced decrease of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1). Molecular docking results proved that apigenin can form hydrogen bond with 230 Glu, a key site of SIRT1 activation, indicating that apigenin is an agonist of SIRT1. Moreover, SIRT1 knockdown by siRNA significantly reversed the protective effect of apigenin in H/R-induced myocardial injury. In conclusion, apigenin protects cardiomyocyte function from oxidative stress-induced myocardial injury by modulating SIRT1 signaling pathway, which provides a new potential therapeutic natural compound for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Recent progress in ferroptosis: inducers and inhibitors

Ferroptosis is a new iron-dependent form of programmed cell death characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. In recent years, ferroptosis has garnered enormous interest in disease treatment research communities in pursuit to reveal the mechanism and key targets of ferroptosis because ferroptosis is closely related to the pathophysiological processes of many diseases. Recent studies have shown some key targets, such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and System Xc^-, and several inducers and inhibitors have been developed to regulate these key targets. With the emergence of new ferroptosis targets, studies on inducers and inhibitors have made new developments. The selection and use of inducers and inhibitors are very important for related work. This paper briefly introduces important regulatory targets in the ferroptosis metabolic pathway, lists and categorizes commonly used and recently developed inducers and inhibitors, and discusses their medical application. The paper ends of with potential future research direction for ferroptosis.

Progress in Stimuli-Responsive Biomaterials for Treating Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) describe abnormal vascular system conditions affecting the brain and heart. Among these, ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide, resulting in 16% and 11% of deaths globally. Although several therapeutic approaches are presented over the years, the continuously increasing mortality rates suggest the need for more advanced strategies for their treatment. One of these strategies lies in the use of stimuli-responsive biomaterials. These "smart" biomaterials can specifically target the diseased tissue, and after "reading" the altered environmental cues, they can respond by altering their physicochemical properties and/or their morphology. In this review, the progress in the field of stimuli-responsive biomaterials for CCVDs in the last five years, aiming at highlighting their potential as early-stage therapeutics in the preclinical scenery, is described.

Systematic Identification of Genomic Markers for Guiding Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Cervical Cancer Based on Translational Bioinformatics

Purpose

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (MNP) drug delivery system is a novel promising therapeutic option for cancer treatment. Material issues such as fabrication and functionalized modification have been investigated; however, pharmacologic mechanisms of bare MNPs inside cancer cells remain obscure. This study aimed to explore a systems pharmacology approach to understand the reaction of the whole cell to MNPs and suggest drug selection in MNP delivery systems to exert synergetic or additive anti-cancer effects.

Methods

HeLa and SiHa cell lines were used to estimate the properties of bare MNPs in cervical cancer through 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and enzyme activity assays and cellular fluorescence imaging. A systems pharmacology approach was utilized by combining bioinformatics data mining with clinical data analysis and without a predefined hypothesis. Key genes of the MNP onco-pharmacologic mechanism in cervical cancer were identified and further validated through transcriptome analysis with quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

Low cytotoxic activity and cell internalization of MNP in HeLa and SiHa cells were observed. Lysosomal function was found to be impaired after MNP treatment. Protein tyrosine kinase 2 beta (PTK2B), liprin-alpha-4 (PPFIA4), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (SMAD7), and interleukin (IL) 1B were identified as key genes relevant for MNP pharmacology, clinical features, somatic mutation, and immune infiltration. The four key genes also exhibited significant correlations with the lysosome gene set. The qRT-PCR results showed significant alterations in the expression of the four key genes after MNP treatment in HeLa and SiHa cells.

Conclusion

Our research suggests that treatment of bare MNPs in HeLa and SiHa cells induced significant expression changes in PTK2B, PPFIA4, SMAD7, and IL1B, which play crucial roles in cervical cancer development and progression. Interactions of the key genes with specific anti-cancer drugs must be considered in the rational design of MNP drug delivery systems.

SS-31 Modification Inhibits the Proinflammatory Effect on Macrophages Induced by Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can induce macrophage polarization into the proinflammatory M1-type. This adverse effect is very likely to restrict the applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in various inflammatory medical conditions. To inhibit the proinflammatory effect, the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant peptide SS-31 was physically adsorbed on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to develop superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31. The macrophages (RAW 264.7) were incubated with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles or superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31 at a concentration of 50 μg Fe3O4/mL for 24 hours. Compared to the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles group, the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31 group demonstrated significantly reduced cell damage, as evidenced by the inhibition of cell viability loss, early cell apoptosis and the production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the proinflammatory factor TNF-α and M1-type cell surface markers CD86 and CD80 were significantly downregulated in the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31 group as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometric analysis. Notably, compared with the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles group, levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-10, TGF-β and the M2-type cell surface marker CD163 were markedly upregulated in the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31 group. In addition, severe disruption of the mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy in the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles group, but the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31 group displayed structurally intact mitochondria. All of these results suggest that superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can promote macrophage M1-type polarization by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, while superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@SS-31 can significantly inhibit superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles-induced toxicity by releasing SS-31 to exert mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, indicating that the strategy of coloading the SS-31 peptide into superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles has the potential to alleviate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles-induced proinflammatory effects.

Novel insights and perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss through the implementation of magnetic nanotheranostics

Hearing loss (HL) is a sensory disability that affects 5% of the world's population. HL predominantly involves damage and death to the cochlear cells. Currently, there is no cure or specific medications for HL. Furthermore, the arrival of therapeutic molecules to the inner ear represents a challenge due to the limited blood supply to the sensory cells and the poor penetration of the blood-cochlear barrier. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) perfectly coordinate with the requirements for controlled drug delivery along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic and monitoring capabilities. Besides, they are suitable tools to be applied to HL, expecting to be more effective and non-invasive. So far, the published literature only refers to some preclinical studies of SPIONs for HL management. This contribution aims to provide an integrated view of the best options and strategies that can be considered for future research punctually in the field of magnetic nanotechnology applied to HL.

Nanomaterials-induced toxicity on cardiac myocytes and tissues, and emerging toxicity assessment techniques

The extensive production and use of nanomaterials have resulted in the continuous release of nano-sized particles into the environment, and the health risks caused by exposure to these nanomaterials in the occupational population and the general population cannot be ignored. Studies have found that particle exposure is closely related to cardiovascular disease. In addition, there have been many reports that nanomaterials can enter the heart tissue, accumulate and then cause damage. Therefore, in the present article, literature related to nanomaterials-induced cardiotoxicity in recent years was collected from the PubMed database, and then organized and summarized to form a review. This article mainly discusses heart damage caused by nanomaterials from the following three aspects: Firstly, we summarize the research 8 carbon nanotubes, etc. Secondly, we discuss in depth the possible underlying mechanism of the damage to the heart caused by nanoparticles. Oxidative stress damage, mitochondrial damage, inflammation and apoptosis have been found to be key factors. Finally, we summarize the current research models used to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of nanomaterials, highlight reliable emerging technologies and in vitro models that have been used for toxicity evaluation of environmental pollutants in recent years, and indicate their application prospects.

Reactive oxygen species-based nanomaterials for the treatment of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injuries

Interventional coronary reperfusion strategies are widely adopted to treat acute myocardial infarction, but morbidity and mortality of acute myocardial infarction are still high. Reperfusion injuries are inevitable due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells. However, many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs are largely limited by pharmacokinetics and route of administration, such as short half-life, low stability, low bioavailability, and side effects for treatment myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective drugs and technologies to address this issue. Fortunately, nanotherapies have demonstrated great opportunities for treating myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Compared with traditional drugs, nanodrugs can effectively increase the therapeutic effect and reduces side effects by improving pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties due to nanodrugs’ size, shape, and material characteristics. In this review, the biology of ROS and molecular mechanisms of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury are discussed. Furthermore, we summarized the applications of ROS-based nanoparticles, highlighting the latest achievements of nanotechnology researches for the treatment of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.

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Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Researches of the myocardial infarction pathology and development of new treatments have very important scientific significance in the biomedical field.

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Many nanomaterials have shown amazing therapeutic effects to reduce myocardial damage by eliminating ROS.

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Nanomaterials effectively reduced myocardial damage through eliminating ROS from NOXs, M-ETC, M-Ca²⁺, M-mPTP, and RIRR.

Graphene Oxide Functionalized Double-Layered Patch with Anti-Adhesion Ability for Abdominal Wall Defects

Background

Effective repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defects requires a patch with sufficient mechanical strength and anti-adhesion characteristics to avoid the formation of hernias and intra-abdominal complications such as intestinal obstruction and fistula. However, patches made from polymers or bio-derived materials may not meet these requirements and lack the bionic characteristics of the abdominal wall.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we report a consecutive electrospun method for preparing a double-layer structured nanofiber membrane (GO-PCL/CS-PCL) using polycaprolactone (PCL), graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS). To expand the bio-functions (angiogenesis/reducing reactive oxygen species) of the patch (GO-PCL/NAC-CS-PCL), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was loaded for the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defects (2×1.5cm) in rat model.

Results

The double-layered patch (GO-PCL/NAC-CS-PCL) showed excellent mechanical strength and biocompatibility. After 2 months, rats treated with the patch exhibited the desired repair effect with no hernia formation, less adhesion (adhesion score: 1.50±0.50, P<0.001) and more collagen deposition (percentage of collagen deposition: 34.94%±3.31%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

The double-layered nanomembranes presented in this study have good anti-hernia and anti-adhesion effects, as well as improve the microenvironment in vivo. It, therefore, holds good prospects for the repair of abdominal wall defects and provides a promising key as a postoperative anti-adhesion agent.

Quercetin Attenuates Brain Oxidative Alterations Induced by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Rats

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) therapy has diverse health benefits but high doses or prolonged therapy might induce oxidative cellular injuries especially in the brain. Therefore, we conducted the current study to investigate the protective role of quercetin supplementation against the oxidative alterations induced in the brains of rats due to IONPs. Forty adult male albino rats were allocated into equal five groups; the control received a normal basal diet, the IONP group was intraperitoneally injected with IONPs of 50 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) and quercetin-treated groups had IONPs + Q25, IONPs + Q50 and IONPs + Q100 that were orally supplanted with quercetin by doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg quercetin/kg B.W. daily, respectively, administrated with the same dose of IONPs for 30 days. IONPs induced significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Consequently, IONPs significantly induced severe brain tissue injuries due to the iron deposition leading to oxidative alterations with significant increases in brain creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Furthermore, IONPs induced significant reductions in brain epinephrine, serotonin and melatonin with the downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) mRNA expressions. IONPs induced apoptosis in the brain monitored by increases in caspase 3 and decreases in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) expression levels. Quercetin supplementation notably defeated brain oxidative damages and in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, quercetin supplementation during IONPs is highly recommended to gain the benefits of IONPs with fewer health hazards.

Metal- and metal/oxide-based engineered nanoparticles and nanostructures: a review on the applications, nanotoxicological effects, and risk control strategies

The production and demand of nanoparticles in the manufacturing sector and personal care products, release a large number of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the atmosphere, aquatic ecosystems, and terrestrial environments. The intentional or involuntary incorporation of ENPs into the environment is carried out through different processes. The ENPs are combined with other compounds and release into the atmosphere, settling on the ground due to the water cycle or other atmospheric phenomena. In the case of aquatic ecosystems, the ENPs undergo hetero-aggregation and sedimentation, reaching different living organisms and flora, as well as groundwater. Accordingly, the high mobility of ENPs in diverse ecosystems is strongly related to physical, chemical, and biological processes. Recent studies have been focused on the toxicological effects of a wide variety of ENPs using different validated biological models. This literature review emphasizes the study of toxicological effects related to using the most common ENPs, specifically metal and metal/oxides-based nanoparticles, addressing different synthesis methodologies, applications, and toxicological evaluations. The results suggest negative impacts on biological models, such as oxidative stress, metabolic and locomotive toxicity, DNA replication dysfunction, and bioaccumulation. Finally, it was consulted the protocols for the control of risks, following the assessment and management process, as well as the classification system for technological alternatives and risk management measures of ENPs, which are useful for the transfer of technology and nanoparticles commercialization.

Mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in alleviating diabetic myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by regulating PTEN/Akt pathway through promoting DJ-1

Ischemic heart disease is the main cardiovascular complication of diabetes patients which is mainly caused by oxidative stress. DJ-1 is the key regulator for myocardial protection through inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and activating Akt (also known as PKB or protein kinase B). This research is to investigate whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could alleviate diabetic myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by the protective molecule DJ-1. DJ-1 in rat myocardial H9c2 cells and cardiac tissue was respectively knocked down by siRNA and adeno-associated virus (AAV). From the present study, it could be found that compared with high glucose (HG)-normal (N)/DM group, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) or I/R injury can aggravate oxidative stress injury and apoptosis rate of myocardial cells, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2, activate the BAX and cleaved caspase-3 (c-caspase-3) protein and PTEN/Akt pathway. However, in the groups of HG-N, DM, HG-N+I/R and DM+I/R, NAC can significantly reduce oxidative stress injury and apoptosis rate of myocytes, promote the Bcl-2 and DJ-1 molecules, inhibit BAX and c-caspase-3 protein and PTEN/Akt pathway. Compared with HG-N+I/R+NAC and DM+I/R+NAC groups, the oxidative stress injury, apoptosis rate of myocardial cells and heart tissues increased after the knockdown of DJ-1, the expression of Bcl-2 and DJ-1 were inhibited, the BAX and c-caspase-3 expression was increased, and PTEN/Akt pathway was activated. Taken together, the findings suggest that NAC can reduce I/R injury in diabetic myocardium by up-regulating the PTEN/Akt pathway through the level of DJ-1.

The optimization conditions of establishing an H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model based on an AnaeroPack System

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of cardiomyocyte apoptosis after vascular recanalization, which was mimicked by a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury model of cardiomyocytes in vitro. In this study, we explored an optimal H/R duration procedure using the AnaeroPack System. To study the H/R procedure, cardiomyocytes were exposed to the AnaeroPack System with sugar and serum-free medium, followed by reoxygenation under normal conditions. Cell injury was detected through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cardiac troponin (c-Tn) release, morphological changes, cell apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins. The results showed that the damage to H9c2 cells increased with prolonged hypoxia time, as demonstrated by increased apoptosis rate, LDH and c-Tn release, HIF-1α expression, as well as decreased expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, hypoxia for 10 h and reoxygenation for 6 h exhibited the highest apoptosis rate and damage and cytokine release; in addition, cells were deformed, small, and visibly round. After 12 h of hypoxia, the majority of the cells were dead. Taken together, this study showed that subjecting H9c2 cells to the AnaeroPack System for 10 h and reoxygenation for 6 h can achieve a practicable and repeatable H/R injury model.

Mesoporous Silica Hybridized With Gadolinium(III) Nanoplatform for Targeted Magnetic Imaging-Guided Photothermal Breast Cancer Therapy

Achieving drug target accumulation in antitumor tissue, simultaneous diagnostic imaging, and optimal release behavior with treatment needs a best chemotherapy procedure involving receptive switch of drug delivery. Constructed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which are crossed with multiscale charming nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-aided and alternate magnetic field (AMF) response chemotherapy for breast cancer, we report in this work the assembly of a new theranostics drug conveyance process. Hydrothermal processes (gadolinium(III) oxide nanoparticles [Gd-NPs]) and heat decomposition process (radical size uFe-NPs) were used to prepare superparamagnetic Gd-NPs with multiscale sizes. Gadolinium(III) oxide nanoparticles act as an AMF-responsive heat mediator, while ultra-Fe nanoparticles (uFe-NPs) act as an MRI T₂ contrast mediator. Nanoparticles of the mesoporous silica with radially oriented mesochannels were further grown in situ on the surfaces of the Gd-NPs, and the uFe-NPs anticancer drug doxorubicin can be easily incorporated in the mesochannels. To provide better targeting capabilities for the as-synthesized biotin-loaded nanohybrids, the particle surfaces are updated with biotin (Bt). This optimized drug conveyance method based on nanocomposites of SiO₂ demonstrated great efficiency of medication charging and receptive properties of AMF stimulus release. However, tests of MRI in vitro showed an outstanding contrast effect in MRI with a high stimulation quality (299 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹). In contrast, the study of in vitro cytotoxicity assessment revealed that an MRI-directed stimulus-mediated theranostics tool can be used as a drug conveyance device to efficiently treat breast cancer.

Multi-Layered Polyamide/Collagen Scaffolds with Topical Sustained Release of N-Acetylcysteine for Promoting Wound Healing

Background

Impaired wound healing might be associated with many issues, especially overactive of reactive oxygen species (ROS), deficiency of blood vessels and immature of epidermis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant, could solve these problems by inhibiting overreactive of ROS, promoting revascularization and accelerating re-epithelialization. How to deliver NAC in situ with a controllable releasing speed still remain a challenge.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we combined collagen (Col) with N-acetylcysteine to perform the characteristics of sustained release and chemically crosslinked Col/NAC composite with polyamide (PA) nanofibers to enhance the mechanical property of collagen and fabricated this multi-layered scaffold (PA-Col/NAC scaffold). The physical properties of the scaffolds such as surface characteristics, water absorption and tensile modulus were tested. Meanwhile, the ability to promote wound healing in vitro and in vivo were investigated.

Results

These scaffolds were porous and performed great water absorption. The PA-Col/NAC scaffold could sustainably release NAC for at least 14 days. After cell implantation, PA-Col/NAC scaffold showed better cell proliferation and cell migration than the other groups. In vivo, PA-Col/NAC scaffolds could promote wound healing best among all the groups.

Conclusion

The multi-layered scaffolds could obviously accelerate the process of wound healing and exert better and prolonged effects.