Micelles Loaded With Puerarin And Modified With Triphenylphosphonium Cation Possess Mitochondrial Targeting And Demonstrate Enhanced Protective Effect Against Isoprenaline-Induced H9c2 Cells Apoptosis

The interplay of senescence and MMPs in myocardial infarction: implications for cardiac aging and therapeutics

Aging is associated with a marked increase in cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction (MI). Cellular senescence is also a crucial factor in the development of age-related MI. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) interaction with cellular senescence is a critical determinant of MI development and outcomes, most notably in the aged heart. After experiencing a heart attack, senescent cells exhibit a Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) and are involved in tissue regeneration and chronic inflammation. MMPs are necessary for extracellular matrix proteolysis and have a biphasic effect, promoting early heart healing and detrimental change if overexpressed shortly. This review analyses the complex connection between senescence and MMPs in MI and how it influences elderly cardiac performance. Critical findings suggest that increasing cellular senescence in aged hearts elevates MMP activity and aggravates extended ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutics that address MMPs and senescence to enhance old MI patient myocardial performance and regeneration.

Targeting ferroptosis: the role of non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and therapy

One of the most common tumors is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the prognosis for late-stage HCC is still not good. It is anticipated that improved outcomes would result from a deeper comprehension of the pathophysiology of HCC. Ferroptosis as a new discovered cell death type is linked to the progression of HCC and may be crucial for its detection, prevention, therapy, and prognosis. Numerous studies suggest that epigenetic alterations mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) might influence cancer cell susceptibility to ferroptosis. This study elucidates the processes of ferroptosis and delineates the paths by which ncRNAs influence HCC by modulating ferroptosis. Furthermore, it offers significant insights into ferroptosis-associated ncRNAs, intending to discover novel therapeutic approaches for HCC. It also explores innovative concepts for the future use of ncRNA-based ferroptosis-targeted therapeutics.

Exosomes in infectious diseases: insights into leishmaniasis pathogenesis, immune modulation, and therapeutic potential

Leishmaniasis continues to be a critical international health issue due to the scarcity of efficient treatment and the development of drug tolerance. New developments in the research of extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, have revealed novel disease management approaches. Exosomes are small vesicles that transport lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins in cell signalling. Its biogenesis depends on several cellular processes, and their functions in immune response, encompassing innate and adaptive immunity, underline their function in the pathogen-host interface. Exosomes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of some parasitic infections, especially Leishmaniasis, by helping parasites escape host immunity and promote disease progression. This article explains that in the framework of parasitic diseases, exosomes can act as master regulators that define the pathogenesis of the disease, as illustrated by the engagement of exosomes in the Leishmaniasis parasite and immune escape processes. Based on many published articles on Leishmaniasis, this review aims to summarize the biogenesis of exosomes, the properties of the cargo in exosomes, and the modulation of immune responses. We delve deeper into the prospect of using exosomes for the therapy of Leishmaniasis based on the possibility of using these extracellular vesicles for drug delivery and as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Lastly, we focus on the recent research perspectives and future developments, underlining the necessity to continue the investigation of exosome-mediated approaches in Leishmaniasis treatment. Thus, this review intends to draw attention to exosomes as a bright new perspective in the battle against this disabling affliction.

The beneficial health effects of puerarin in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: from mechanisms to therapeutics

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death globally that seriously threaten human health. Although novel western medicines have continued to be discovered over the past few decades to inhibit the progression of CVDs, new drug research and development for treating CVDs with less side effects and adverse reactions are continuously being desired. Puerarin is a natural product found in a variety of medicinal plants belonging to the flavonoid family with potent biological and pharmacological activities. Abundant research findings in the literature have suggested that puerarin possesses a promising prospect in treating CVDs. In recent years, numerous new molecular mechanisms of puerarin have been explored in experimental and clinical studies, providing new evidence for this plant metabolite to protect against CVDs. This article systematically introduces the history of use, bioavailability, and various dosage forms of puerarin and further summarizes recently published data on the major research advances and their underlying therapeutic mechanisms in treating CVDs. It may provide references for researchers in the fields of pharmacology, natural products, and internal medicine.

Development of Dual-Targeted Mixed Micelles Loaded with Celastrol and Evaluation on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

Considering that the precise delivery of Celastrol (Cst) into mitochondria to induce mitochondrial dysfunction may be a potential approach to improve the therapeutic outcomes of Cst on TNBC, a novel tumor mitochondria dual-targeted mixed-micelle nano-system was fabricated via self-synthesized triphenylphosphonium-modified cholesterol (TPP-Chol) and hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified cholesterol (HA-Chol). The Cst-loaded mixed micelles (Cst@HA/TPP-M) exhibited the characteristics of a small particle size, negative surface potential, high drug loading of up to 22.8%, and sustained drug release behavior. Compared to Cst-loaded micelles assembled only by TPP-Chol (Cst@TPP-M), Cst@HA/TPP-M decreased the hemolysis rate and upgraded the in vivo stability and safety. In addition, a series of cell experiments using the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 as a cell model proved that Cst@HA/TPP-M effectively increased the cellular uptake of the drug through CD44-receptors-mediated endocytosis, and the uptake amount was three times that of the free Cst group. The confocal results demonstrated successful endo-lysosomal escape and effective mitochondrial transport triggered by the charge converse of Cst@HA/TPP-M after HA degradation in endo-lysosomes. Compared to the free Cst group, Cst@HA/TPP-M significantly elevated the ROS levels, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, and promoted tumor cell apoptosis, showing a better induction effect on mitochondrial dysfunction. In vivo imaging and antitumor experiments based on MDA-MB-231-tumor-bearing nude mice showed that Cst@HA/TPP-M facilitated drug enrichment at the tumor site, attenuated drug systemic distribution, and polished up the antitumor efficacy of Cst compared with free Cst. In general, as a target drug delivery system, mixed micelles co-constructed by TPP-Chol and HA-Chol might provide a promising strategy to ameliorate the therapeutic outcomes of Cst on TNBC.

Construction of mitochondrial-targeting nano-prodrug for enhanced Rhein delivery and treatment for osteoarthritis in vitro

Rhein, a natural anthraquinone compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties via modulating the level of Reactive oxygen or nitrogen species (RONS). Nevertheless, its limited solubility in water, brief duration of plasma presence, as well as its significant systemic toxicity, pose obstacles to its in vivo usage, necessitating the creation of a reliable drug delivery platform to circumvent these difficulties. In this study, an esterase-responsive and mitochondria-targeted nano-prodrug was synthesized by conjugating Rhein with the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified triphenyl phosphonium (TPP) molecule, forming TPP-PEG-RH, which could spontaneously self-assemble into RPT NPs when dispersed in aqueous media. The TPP outer layer of these nanoparticles enhances their pharmacokinetic profile, facilitates efficient delivery to mitochondria, and promotes cellular uptake, thereby enabling enhanced accumulation in mitochondria and improved therapeutic effects in vitro. The decline in RONS was observed in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocyte after RPT NPs treating. RPT NPs also exert excellent anti-inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and MMP-13) and antioxidative effects (Cat and Sod) via the Nrf2 signalling pathway, upregulation of cartilage related genes (Col2a1 and Acan). Moreover, RPT NPs shows protection of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis. Moreover, These findings suggest that the mitochondria-targeted polymer-Rhein conjugate may offer a therapeutic solution for patients suffering from chronic joint disorders, by attenuating the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

Puerarin-Loaded Liposomes Co-Modified by Ischemic Myocardium-Targeting Peptide and Triphenylphosphonium Cations Ameliorate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Purpose

Mitochondrial damage may lead to uncontrolled oxidative stress and massive apoptosis, and thus plays a pivotal role in the pathological processes of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, it is difficult for the drugs such as puerarin (PUE) to reach the mitochondrial lesion due to lack of targeting ability, which seriously affects the expected efficacy of drug therapy for myocardial I/R injury.

Methods

We prepared triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cations and ischemic myocardium-targeting peptide (IMTP) co-modified puerarin-loaded liposomes (PUE@T/I-L), which effectively deliver the drug to mitochondria and improve the effectiveness of PUE in reducing myocardial I/R injury.

Results

In vitro test results showed that PUE@T/I-L had sustained release and excellent hemocompatibility. Fluorescence test results showed that TPP cations and IMTP double-modified liposomes (T/I-L) enhanced the intracellular uptake, escaped lysosomal capture and promoted drug targeting into the mitochondria. Notably, PUE@T/I-L inhibited the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, thereby decreasing the percentage of Hoechst-positive cells and improving the survival of hypoxia-reoxygenated (H/R)-injured H9c2 cells. In a mouse myocardial I/R injury model, PUE@T/I-L showed a significant myocardial protective effect against myocardial I/R injury by protecting mitochondrial integrity, reducing myocardial apoptosis and decreasing infarct size.

Conclusion

This drug delivery system exhibited excellent mitochondrial targeting and reduction of myocardial apoptosis, which endowed it with good potential extension value in the precise treatment of myocardial I/R injury.

Linking triphenylphosphonium cation to a bicyclic hydroquinone improves their antiplatelet effect via the regulation of mitochondrial function

Platelets are the critical target for preventing and treating pathological thrombus formation. However, despite current antiplatelet therapy, cardiovascular mortality remains high, and cardiovascular events continue in prescribed patients. In this study, first results were obtained with ortho-carbonyl hydroquinones as antiplatelet agents; we found that linking triphenylphosphonium cation to a bicyclic ortho-carbonyl hydroquinone moiety by a short alkyl chain significantly improved their antiplatelet effect by affecting the mitochondrial functioning. The mechanism of action involves uncoupling OXPHOS, which leads to an increase in mitochondrial ROS production and a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and OCR. This alteration disrupts the energy production by mitochondrial function necessary for the platelet activation process. These effects are responsive to the complete structure of the compounds and not to isolated parts of the compounds tested. The results obtained in this research can be used as the basis for developing new antiplatelet agents that target mitochondria.

Nanomaterials in Medicine: Understanding Cellular Uptake, Localization, and Retention for Enhanced Disease Diagnosis and Therapy

Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising tools for disease diagnosis and therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties. To maximize the effectiveness and design of NMs-based medical applications, it is essential to comprehend the complex mechanisms of cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention. This review illuminates the various pathways that NMs take to get from the extracellular environment to certain intracellular compartments by investigating the various mechanisms that underlie their interaction with cells. The cellular uptake of NMs involves complex interactions with cell membranes, encompassing endocytosis, phagocytosis, and other active transport mechanisms. Unique uptake patterns across cell types highlight the necessity for customized NMs designs. After internalization, NMs move through a variety of intracellular routes that affect where they are located subcellularly. Understanding these pathways is pivotal for enhancing the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging probes. Furthermore, the cellular retention of NMs plays a critical role in sustained therapeutic efficacy and long-term imaging capabilities. Factors influencing cellular retention include nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and the cellular microenvironment. Strategies for prolonging cellular retention are discussed, including surface modifications and encapsulation techniques. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention of NMs is essential for advancing their application in disease diagnosis and therapy. This review provides insights into the intricate interplay between NMs and biological systems, offering a foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanomedicines.

Construction and in vitro evaluation of pH-sensitive nanoparticles to reverse drug resistance of breast cancer stem cells

Breast cancer is a major threat to safety and health of women. The breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have multi-drug resistance to chemotherapy drugs, which leads to chemotherapy failure. We proposed a strategy of delivery of tumor-killing drugs and a resistance reversal agent, to enhance inhibition of BCSCs. Here, schisandrin B (SchB)/AP NPs are constructed using acid-grafted-poly (β-amino ester) (ATRA-g-PBAE, AP) grafted polymer nanoparticle encapsulated SchB, with pH-sensitive release function. This drug delivery system has good pharmacological properties and can increase the SchB release with the decrease of pH. The NPs showed cytotoxic effects in reversing ATRA resistance to BCSCs. Lysosomal escape was achieved when the nanoparticles were taken up by BCSCs. In addition, we found that NPs may reverse MDR by inhibiting the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and affecting the energy supply of drug efflux. This study provides a nanodelivery therapy strategy that reverses BCSCs multidrug resistance (MDR) and demonstrates that it did so by interfering with cancer cell energy metabolism. Therefore, the co-delivery strategy of ATRA and SchB provides a new option for the treatment of breast cancer.

Enhanced protection against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by puerarin-loaded liposomes modified with matrix metalloproteinases-targeting peptide and triphenylphosphonium

Based on the inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, puerarin (PUE) has a good potential to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). However, the lack of targeting of free PUE makes it difficult to reach the mitochondria. In this paper, we constructed matrix metalloproteinase-targeting peptide (MMP-TP) and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation co-modified liposomes loaded with PUE (PUE@T/M-L) for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery. PUE@T/M-L had a favorable particle size of 144.9 ± 0.8 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 78.9 ± 0.6%, and a sustained-release behavior. The results of cytofluorimetric experiments showed that MMP-TP and TPP double-modified liposomes (T/M-L) enhanced intracellular uptake, escaped lysosomal capture, and promoted drug targeting into mitochondria. In addition, PUE@T/M-L enhanced the viability of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injured H9c2 cells by inhibiting mPTP opening and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reducing Bax expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression. It was inferred that PUE@T/M-L delivered PUE into the mitochondria of H/R injured H9c2 cells, resulting in a significant increase in cellular potency. Based on the ability of MMP-TP to bind the elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), T/M-L had excellent tropism for Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated macrophages and can significantly reduce TNF-α and ROS levels, thus allowing both drug accumulation in ischemic cardiomyocytes and reducing inflammatory stimulation during MI/RI. Fluorescence imaging results of the targeting effect using a DiR probe also indicated that DiR@T/M-L could accumulate and retain in the ischemic myocardium. Taken together, these results demonstrated the promising application of PUE@T/M-L for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy of PUE.

Effects of Puerarin-Loaded Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is recognized as a common refractory orthopedic disease that causes severe pain and poor quality of life in patients. Puerarin (Pue), a natural isoflavone glycoside, can promote osteogenesis and inhibit apoptosis of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), demonstrating its great potential in the treatment of osteonecrosis. However, its low aqueous solubility, fast degradation in vivo, and inadequate bioavailability, limit its clinical application and therapeutic efficacy. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are promising novel DNA nanomaterials in drug delivery. In this study, tFNAs as Pue carriers is used and synthesized a tFNA/Pue complex (TPC) that exhibited better stability, biocompatibility, and tissue utilization than free Pue. A dexamethasone (DEX)-treated BMSC model in vitro and a methylprednisolone (MPS)-induced ONFH model in vivo is also established, to explore the regulatory effects of TPC on osteogenesis and apoptosis of BMSCs. This findings showed that TPC can restore osteogenesis dysfunction and attenuated BMSC apoptosis induced by high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) through the hedgehog and Akt/Bcl-2 pathways, contributing to the prevention of GC-induced ONFH in rats. Thus, TPC is a promising drug for the treatment of ONFH and other osteogenesis-related diseases.

Plant-derived nanomaterials (PDNM): a review on pharmacological potentials against pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and some metabolic diseases

Plant-derived nanomaterials (PDNM) have gained significant attention recently due to their potential pharmacological applications against pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and certain metabolic diseases. This review introduces the concept of PDNMs and their unique properties, including their small size, high surface area, and ability to penetrate biological barriers. Besides various methods for synthesizing PDNMs, such as green synthesis techniques that utilize plant extracts and natural compounds, the advantages of using plant-derived materials, such as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, were elucidated. In addition, it examines the recent and emerging trends in nanomaterials derived from plant approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance and metabolic diseases. The sizes of nanomaterials and their surface areas are vital as they play essential roles in the interactions and relationships between these materials and the biological components or organization. We critically analyze the biomedical applications of nanoparticles which include antibacterial composites for implantable devices and nanosystems to combat antimicrobial resistance, enhance antibiotic delivery, and improve microbial diagnostic/detection systemsIn addition, plant extracts can potentially interfere with metabolic syndrome pathways; hence most nano-formulations can reduce chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and antimicrobial resistance. As a result, these innovative plant-based nanosystems may be a promising contender for various pharmacological applications.

Puerarin Attenuates High-Glucose and High-Lipid-Induced Inflammatory Injury in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes via CAV3 Protein Upregulation

Background

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), including inflammation caused by high-glucose and high-lipid (HGHL). Targeting inflammation may provide a useful strategy for preventing and treating DCM. Puerarin has been shown to reduce the inflammation, apoptosis and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes induced by HGHL, in which this study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

H9c2 cardiomyocytes cultured with HGHL were used to establish a cell model of DCM. Puerarin was then placed to these cells for 24 hours. The effects of HGHL and puerarin on cell viability and apoptosis were investigated by the Cell Proliferation, Toxicity Assay Kit (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. Morphological changes of cardiomyocytes was observed by HE staining. CAV3 proteins in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were altered by transient transfection of CAV3 siRNA. IL-6 was detected by ELISA. The Western blot was performed to determine the CAV3, Bcl-2, Bax, pro-Caspase-3, cleaved-Caspase-3, NF-κB (p65) and p38MAPK proteins.

Results

Puerarin treatment reversed the cells viability, hypertrophy in morphology, inflammation (showed by p-p38 and p-p65 and IL-6) and apoptosis-related damage (showed by cleaved-Caspase-3/pro-Caspase-3/Bax, Bcl-2 and flow cytometry) of the H9c2 cardiomyocyte caused by HGHL. Puerarin treatment also restored the decrease of CAV3 proteins of the H9c2 cardiomyocyte caused by HGHL. When silenced the expression of CAV3 proteins with SiRNA, puerarin failed to decreased p-p38 and p-p65 and IL-6, and could not reversed cell viability and morphological damage. In contrast to the simple CAV3 silenced group, the CAV3 silenced with NF-κB pathway or p38MAPK pathway inhibitors, significantly downregulated the p-p38, p-p65 and IL-6.

Conclusion

Puerarin upregulated CAV3 protein expression in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and inhibited the NF-κB and p38MAPK pathways, thereby reducing HGHL-induced inflammation and may related to the apoptosis and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes.

Selection of an aggregation-caused quenching-based fluorescent tracer for imaging studies in nano drug delivery systems

In order to develop and optimize nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs), it is crucial to understand their in vivo fate. We previously found that P2 (Aza-BODIPY) and P4 (BODIPY) as aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) probes could be used to unravel the biofate of various nanoparticles owing to their water-sensitive emission. However, previous studies also found that quenched ACQ probe aggregates showed repartition into hydrophobic physiologically relevant constituents, resulting in fluorescence re-illumination. In this paper, we screened various types of fluorophores for ACQ and their re-illumination performance and focused on Aza-BODIPY dyes. BODIPY and Aza-BODIPY dyes were identified to be advantageous over other fluorophores. Some BODIPY and Aza-BODIPY dyes were selected as potential probes with improved performance against re-illumination. The best performing probes were Aza-C7 and Aza-C8. Aza-C7-loaded PMs were found to have decreased fluorescence re-illumination properties over P2 and DiR.

Role of polyphenolic compounds and their nanoformulations: a comprehensive review on cross-talk between chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a huge portion of the world's population and frequently leads to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It might be because of common risk factors between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. Renal dysfunction caused by chronic kidney disease creates oxidative stress which in turn leads to cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in heart which results in atherosclerosis. It ends in clogging of veins and arteries that causes cardiac stroke and myocardial infarction. To develop an innovative therapeutic approach and new drugs to treat these diseases, it is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanism behind the CKD and CVDs and their interrelationship. Natural phytoconstituents of plants such as polyphenolic compounds are well known for their medicinal value. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites with immense antioxidant properties, which can protect from free radical damage. Nowadays, polyphenols are generating a lot of buzz in the scientific community because of their potential health benefits especially in the case of heart and kidney diseases. This review provides a detailed account of the pathophysiological link between CKD and CVDs and the pharmacological potential of polyphenols and their nanoformulations in promoting cardiovascular and renal health.

Acute myocardial infarction therapy using calycosin and tanshinone co-loaded; mitochondrion-targeted tetrapeptide and cyclic arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid peptide co-modified lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system: preparation, characterization, and anti myocardial infarction activity assessment

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common ischemic heart diseases. However, lack of sufficient drug concentration (in the ischemic heart) is the major factor of treatment failure. It is urgent for researchers to engineer novel drug delivery systems to enhance the targeted delivery of cardioprotective agents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-AMI ability of calycosin (CAL) and tanshinone (TAN) co-loaded; mitochondrion-targeted tetrapeptide (MTP) and cyclic arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide co-modified nano-system.: We prepared CAL and TAN combined lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system, and RGD was modified to the system to achieve RGD-CAL/TAN NS. MTP-131 was conjugated with PEG and modified onto the nanoparticles to achieve dual ligands co-modified MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS. The physicochemical properties of nano-systems were characterized. The AMI therapy ability of the systems was investigated in AMI rats' model. The size of MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS was 170.2 ± 5.6 nm, with a surface charge of -18.9 ± 1.9 mV. The area under the curve (AUC) and blood circulation half-life (T_1/2) of MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS was 178.86 ± 6.62 μg·min/mL and 0.47 h, respectively. MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the most significant infarct size reduction effect of 22.9%. MTP/RGD-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the highest heart accumulation and best infarct size reduction effect, which could be used as a promising system for efficient treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Acute myocardial infarction therapy using calycosin and tanshinone co-loaded mitochondria targeted lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system: Preparation, characterization, and anti myocardial infarction activity assessment

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common ischemic heart diseases. However, lack of sufficient drug concentrations in the ischemic heart may led to treatment failure. It is urgent for researchers to engineer novel drug delivery systems to enhance the targeted delivery of cardioprotective agents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-AMI ability of calycosin (CAL) and tanshinone (TAN) co-loaded mitochondria targeted lipid-polymer hybrid nano-system.

METHODS

CAL and TAN combined lipid-polymer hybrid nano-systems were prepared and MTP-131 was conjugated with PEG and modified onto the nanoparticles to achieve MTP-CAL/TAN NS. The physicochemical properties of nano-systems were characterized, the AMI therapy ability of the systems was investigated in AMI rats' model.

RESULTS

The size of MTP-CAL/TAN NS was 168.7 ± 5.1 nm, with a surface charge of - 21.3 ± 2.3 mV. The area under the curve (AUC) and blood circulation half-life (T_1/2) of MTP-CAL/TAN NS was 178.86 ± 6.62 μg·min/mL and 0.47 h, respectively. MTP-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the most significant infarct size reduction effect of 23.9 %.

CONCLUSION

MTP-CAL/TAN NS exhibited the highest heart accumulation and best infarct size reduction effect, which could be used as a promising system for efficient treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Pharmacological Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin

As a kind of medicine and food homologous plant, kudzu root (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) is called an "official medicine" in Chinese folk medicine. Puerarin is the main active component extracted from kudzu root, and its structural formula is 8-β-D-grapes pyranose-4, 7-dihydroxy isoflavone, with a white needle crystal; it is slightly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is colorless or light yellow. Puerarin is a natural antioxidant with high health value and has a series of biological activities such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor effects, immunity improvement, and cardio-cerebrovascular and nerve cell protection. In particular, for the past few years, it has also been extensively used in clinical study. This review focuses on the antioxidant activity of puerarin, the therapy of diverse types of inflammatory diseases, various new drug delivery systems of puerarin, the "structure-activity relationship" of puerarin and its derivatives, and pharmacokinetic and clinical studies, which can provide a new perspective for the puerarin-related drug research and development, clinical application, and further development and utilization.

Ultrasensitive Reagent for Ratiometric Detection and Detoxification of III in Water and Mitochondria

Toxicity induced by inorganic arsenic as AsO₃^3- (iAs^III) is of global concern. Reliable detection of the maximum allowed contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water and in the cellular system remains a challenge for the water quality management and assessment of toxicity in the cellular milieu, respectively. A new Ir(III)-based phosphorescent molecule (AS-1; λ_Ext = 415 nm and λ_Ems = 600 nm, Φ = 0.3) is synthesized for the selective detection of iAs^III in an aqueous solution with a ratiometric luminescence response even in the presence of iAs^V and all other common inorganic cations and anions. The relatively higher affinity of the thioimidazole ligand (HPBT) toward iAs^III led to the formation of a fluorescent molecule iAs^V-HPBT (λ_Ext = 415 nm and λ_Ems = 466 nm, Φ = 0.28) for the reaction of iAs^III and AS-1. An improved limit of quantitation (LOQ) down to 0.2 ppb is achieved when AS-1 is used in the CTAB micellar system. Presumably, the cationic surfactants favor the localization of AS-1@CTAB^Micelle in mitochondria of MCF7 cells, and this is confirmed from the images of the confocal laser fluorescence scanning microscopic studies. Importantly, cell viability assay studies confirm that AS-1@CTAB^Micelle induces dose-dependent detoxification of iAs^III in live cells. Further, luminescence responses at 466 nm could be utilized for developing a hand-held device for the in-field application. Such a reagent that allows for ratiometric detection of iAs^III with LOQ of 2.6 nM (0.5 ppb) in water, as well as helps in visualizing its distribution in mitochondria with a detoxifying effect, is rather unique in contemporary literature.

Network pharmacology-based analysis of the effects of puerarin on sarcopenia

Background

With the acceleration of population aging, sarcopenia will place a heavy burden on families and society. Thus, effective treatments urgently need to be developed to slow down the development of sarcopenia. This study adopted a network pharmacological approach to explore the possible mechanisms of puerarin in treating sarcopenia.

Methods

The potential therapeutic targets of puerarin were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database, while the targets of sarcopenia were obtained from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was generated by BisoGenet, and core targets were identified by a topological analysis. To determine the potential targeting pathways, the core targets were further imported into the Metascape platform for the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The results were visualized using an online bioinformatics tool.

Results

We identified 53 targets for puerarin and 129 targets for sarcopenia. A total of 206 core targets, which were considered potential therapeutic targets, were identified from the merged PPI network. Further, the GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the functions of the core targets and related pathways were mainly associated with the cell cycle, apoptosis, protein synthesis, and proteolysis.

Conclusions

Puerarin has the potential to treat sarcopenia through the regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and protein homeostasis. Our study has laid a foundation for further studies on drug development and pharmacological experiments in the treatment of sarcopenia.

Development of Mitochondria-Targeted Small-Molecule Dyes for Myocardial PET and Fluorescence Bimodal Imaging

Mitochondria-targeting positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescent dual-modal probes are rarely reported. As one of the most promising lipophilic cations, F16 and its derivatives (F16s) have never been used for myocardial imaging. In this work, 14 F16s are synthesized and evaluated for cardiac imaging. In vitro cell fluorescence imaging revealed that the lead probe 5MEF is precisely localized in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes. In addition, it shows excellent ex vivo fluorescence imaging quality with the heart-to-muscle and heart-to-liver ratios up to ∼2. Furthermore, the radiofluorinated probe ¹⁸F-5MEF is successfully prepared and shows a high initial heart uptake of 8.66 ± 0.34 % ID/g at 5 min post injection. It displays a high heart imaging performance, a long retention time in the heart, and a low background in the most normal tissues as revealed by PET. To our knowledge, this is the first time novel F16 analogues are designed and developed for myocardial dual-modal imaging.

Upregulation of Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier 2 and Protein SUMOylation as a Cardioprotective Mechanism Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background: Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins modify proteins through SUMOylation as an essential protein post-translational modification (PTM) for regulating redox status, inflammation, and cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction. This study aimed to investigate whether natural product puerarin could alleviate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI-RI) by targeting protein SUMOylation. Methods: Mouse MI-RI model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and subsequently treated with puerarin at the dose of 100 mg/kg. Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells were challenged by hypoxia/reoxygenation and treated with puerarin at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 μM. The infarction area of mouse hearts was assessed by 2% TTC staining. Cell damage was analyzed for the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum and cell culture medium. Western blot technique was employed to detect the expression of SUMO2, phospho-ERK, pro-inflammatory biomarker COX2, fibrosis index galectin-3, apoptosis-related protein cleaved PARP-1. The activation of the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway was assayed by the dual-luciferase reporter system. Results: The present study validated that puerarin effectively reduced myocardial infarct size and LDH release in the mouse MI-RI model. In the cell culture system, puerarin effectively decreased the release of LDH and the protein level of COX2, galectin-3, and cleaved PARP-1. Mechanistic studies revealed that puerarin increased the expression of SUMO2, SUMOylation of proteins and the activation of ER/ERK pathway in cardiomyocytes. ER, ERK and SUMO2 inhibitors attenuated the cardioprotective effects of puerarin. Conclusion: Puerarin may alleviate myocardial injury by promoting protein SUMOylation through ER/ERK/SUMO2-dependent mechanism.

De novo Drug Delivery Modalities for Treating Damaged Hearts: Current Challenges and Emerging Solutions

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality, resulting in approximately one-third of deaths worldwide. Among CVD, acute myocardial infarctions (MI) is the leading cause of death. Current treatment modalities for treating CVD have improved over the years, but the demand for new and innovative therapies has been on the rise. The field of nanomedicine and nanotechnology has opened a new paradigm for treating damaged hearts by providing improved drug delivery methods, specifically targeting injured areas of the myocardium. With the advent of innovative biomaterials, newer therapeutics such as growth factors, stem cells, and exosomes have been successfully delivered to the injured myocardial tissue, promoting improvement in cardiac function. This review focuses on three major drug delivery modalities: nanoparticles, microspheres, and hydrogels, and their potential for treating damaged hearts following an MI.

Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Regenerative Medicine

The most important goal of regenerative medicine is to repair, restore, and regenerate tissues and organs that have been damaged as a result of an injury, congenital defect or disease, as well as reversing the aging process of the body by utilizing its natural healing potential. Regenerative medicine utilizes products of cell therapy, as well as biomedical or tissue engineering, and is a huge field for development. In regenerative medicine, stem cells and growth factor are mainly used; thus, innovative drug delivery technologies are being studied for improved delivery. Drug delivery systems offer the protection of therapeutic proteins and peptides against proteolytic degradation where controlled delivery is achievable. Similarly, the delivery systems in combination with stem cells offer improvement of cell survival, differentiation, and engraftment. The present review summarizes the significance of biomaterials in tissue engineering and the importance of colloidal drug delivery systems in providing cells with a local environment that enables them to proliferate and differentiate efficiently, resulting in successful tissue regeneration.

Advances in Nanomaterials for Injured Heart Repair

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Because of the limited regenerative capacity of adult myocardium to compensate for the loss of heart tissue after ischemic infarction, scientists have been exploring the possible mechanisms involved in the pathological process of ASCVD and searching for alternative means to regenerate infarcted cardiac tissue. Although numerous studies have pursued innovative solutions for reversing the pathological process of ASCVD and improving the effectiveness of delivering therapeutics, the translation of those advances into downstream clinical applications remains unsatisfactory because of poor safety and low efficacy. Recently, nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as a promising new strategy to strengthen both the efficacy and safety of ASCVD therapy. Thus, a comprehensive review of NMs used in ASCVD treatment will be useful. This paper presents an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms of ASCVD and the multifunctional mechanisms of NM-based therapy, including antioxidative, anti-inflammation and antiapoptosis mechanisms. The technological improvements of NM delivery are summarized and the clinical transformations concerning the use of NMs to treat ASCVD are examined. Finally, this paper discusses the challenges and future perspectives of NMs in cardiac regeneration to provide insightful information for health professionals on the latest advancements in nanotechnologies for ASCVD treatment.

Preparation and antitumor activity of triphenylphosphine-based mitochondrial targeting polylactic acid nanoparticles loaded with 7-hydroxyl coumarin

Due to the low bioavailability and severe toxic side effects caused by the lack of selectivity of traditional chemotherapy drugs, the targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs has become the key to tumor treatment. The activity and transmembrane potential of mitochondria in cancer cells were significantly higher than that of normal cells, making them a potential target for chemotherapeutic drug delivery. In this study, triphenylphosphine (TPP) based mitochondria targeting polylactic acid (PLLA) nanoparticles (TPP-PLLA NPs) were synthesized to improve the delivery efficiency of anticancer drugs. The carrier material was characterized by ¹H NMR and FT-IR and 7-hydroxyl coumarin (7-HC) was successfully loaded into TPP-PLLA to form 7-HC/TPP-PLLA NPs. Further studies showed that TPP-PLLA NPs were primarily accumulated in the mitochondrial and 7-HC/TPP-PLLA NPs had higher antitumor activity. Taken together, our results indicated that TPP-PLLA NPs could be a promising mitochondria-targeted drug delivery system for cancer therapy.

Current Advances in the Use of Nanophytomedicine Therapies for Human Cardiovascular Diseases

Considering the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the primary cause of death during the last several decades, it is necessary to develop proper strategies for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. Given the excessive side effects of current therapies, alternative therapeutic approaches like medicinal plants and natural products are preferred. Lower toxicity, chemical diversity, cost-effectiveness, and proven therapeutic potentials make natural products superior compared to other products. Nanoformulation methods improve the solubility, bioavailability, circulation time, surface area-to-volume ratio, systemic adverse side effects, and drug delivery efficiency of these medications. This study intended to review the functionality of the most recent nanoformulated medicinal plants and/or natural products against various cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Literature review revealed that curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol were the most applied natural products, respectively. Combination therapy, conjugation, or fabrication of nanoparticles and nanocarriers improved the applications and therapeutic efficacy of herbal- or natural-based nanoformulations. In the context of CVDs prevention and/or treatment, available data suggest that natural-based nanoformulations are considerably efficient, alone or in blend with other herbal/synthetic medicines. However, clinical trials are mandatory to elucidate the safety, cardioprotective effect, and mechanism of actions of nanophytomedicines.

Mitoapocynin, a mitochondria targeted derivative of apocynin induces mitochondrial ROS generation and apoptosis in multiple cell types including cardiac myoblasts: a potential constraint to its therapeutic use

Mitoapocynin is a triphenylphosphonium conjugated derivative of apocynin that specifically locates to the mitochondria. It has been developed as a mitochondrially targeted therapeutic antioxidant. We attempted to attenuate the mitochondrial ROS induced in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells treated with norepinephrine. Mitoapocynin was a poor quencher of total ROS as detected by the fluoroprobe DCFH-DA. Using mitochondrial superoxide specific probe MitoSoxRed, we found that 5-10 µM mitoapocynin itself induces superoxide over and above that is generated by the norepinephrine treatment. A supposedly control molecule to mitoapocynin, the synthetic compound PhC11TPP, having the triphenylphosphonium group and a benzene moiety with C11 aliphatic chain spacer was also found to be a robust inducer of mitochondrial ROS. Subsequent assays with several cell lines viz., NIH3T3, HEK293, Neuro2A, MCF-7 and H9c2, showed that prolonged exposure to mitoapocynin induces cell death by apoptosis that can be partially prevented by the general antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. Analyses of mitochondrial electron transport complexes by Blue Native Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that both mitoapocynin and PhC11TPP disrupt the mitochondrial Complex I and V, and in addition, PhC11TPP also damages the Complex IV. Our data thus highlights the limitations of the therapeutic use of mitoapocynin as an antioxidant.

Electroacupuncture pretreatment alleviates myocardial injury through regulating mitochondrial function

Background

Electroacupuncture is well known for its advantageous neuroanalgesic and therapeutic effects on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. The purpose of the present research was to verify whether electroacupuncture can alleviate bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury.

Methods

Specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were used to establish the bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury model. Western blot, PCR, transmission electron microscope and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) methods were used to evaluate bupivacaine-induced structure injury and dysfunction of the mitochondria as well as the alleviating effects of lipid emulsion, acupoint injection, and electroacupuncture pre-treatment of the oxidase stress response.

Results

Bupivacaine caused structural damage, degradation, and swelling of mitochondria. Furthermore, it reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and impaired energy metabolism in the mitochondria. Structural and functional impairment of the mitochondria was alleviated via lipid emulsion injection, acupoint injection, and electroacupuncture pre-treatment. Electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 yielded a greater alleviating effect than others approaches. Following electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 point, the number of mitochondria increased; apoptosis was reduced, enzymatic activity of cytochrome C oxidase (COX) and superoxide dismutase and expression of uncoupling protein 2, voltage-dependent anion channel 1, and Bcl 2 were upregulated and SLC25A6, MDA levels were downregulated. Additionally, our findings indicated that electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 point exerted an effect on the mitochondria via the mitochondrial-transcription-factor-A/nuclear-respiratory-factor-1/proliferator-activated-receptor-gamma-coactivator-1 pathway.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 could effectively alleviate bupivacaine-induced myocardial mitochondrial damage, thereby providing a theoretical basis for clinical studies and applications of this treatment method.

Puerarin alleviates cisplatin-induced acute renal damage and upregulates microRNA-31-related signaling

Cisplatin (DDP) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug; however, the side effects associated with its use, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI), limit its clinical application. Puerarin is a natural flavonoid extracted from the Chinese medical herb Radix puerariae, which has been reported to alleviate DDP-induced nephrotoxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying puerarin regulation on microRNA (miR)-31-mediated signaling pathways in AKI remain unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function of puerarin in a DDP-induced AKI rat model via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. The results demonstrated that DDP upregulated the levels of miR-31 in a concentration-dependent manner, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, DDP significantly increased blood urea nitrogen and malondialdehyde content, serum creatinine and histopathological changes, while significantly decreasing the expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase in kidney tissues. TUNEL and western blot analyses indicated that DDP increased the expression levels of apoptotic proteins and affected the Numb/Notch1 signaling pathway, which is downstream of miR-31. The effects induced by DDP were counteracted following treatment with puerarin. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that puerarin exhibits a renal protective effect against DDP-induced AKI by upregulating miR-31 expression and inhibiting the Numb/Notch1 signaling pathway.

Nanoparticle delivery of cardioprotective therapies

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the heart failure (HF) that often follows, are leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Crucially, there are currently no effective treatments, other than myocardial reperfusion, for reducing myocardial infarct (MI) size and preventing HF following AMI. Thus, there is an unmet need to discover novel cardioprotective therapies to reduce MI size, and prevent HF in AMI patients. Although a large number of therapies have been shown to reduce MI size in experimental studies, the majority have failed to benefit AMI patients. Failure to deliver cardioprotective therapy to the ischemic heart in sufficient concentrations following AMI is a major factor for the lack of success observed in previous clinical cardioprotection studies. Therefore, new strategies are needed to improve the delivery of cardioprotective therapies to the ischemic heart following AMI. In this regard, nanoparticles have emerged as drug delivery systems for improving the bioavailability, delivery, and release of cardioprotective therapies, and should result in improved efficacy in terms of reducing MI size and preventing HF. In this article, we provide a review of currently available nanoparticles, some of which have been FDA-approved, in terms of their use as drug delivery systems in cardiovascular disease and cardioprotection.

Triphenylphosphonium conjugated quaternary ammonium based gel: synthesis and potential application in the efficient removal of toxic acid orange 7 dye from aqueous solution

The concerted influence of quaternary ammonium and triphenylphosphonium moieties in a gel for removal of acid orange 7 from aqueous solutions.