Gold Nanoparticle-Based Therapy for Muscle Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Gold nanoparticles modulate macrophage polarization to promote skeletal muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process that depends on the interplay between immune responses and muscle stem cell (MuSC) activity. Macrophages play a crucial role in this process, exhibiting distinct polarization states-M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory)-that significantly affect tissue repair outcomes. Recent advancements in nanomedicine have positioned gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as promising tools for modulating macrophage polarization and enhancing muscle regeneration. This review examines the role of Au NPs in influencing macrophage behavior, focusing on their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and mechanisms of action. We discuss how Au NPs can promote M2 polarization, facilitating tissue repair through modulation of cytokine production, interaction with cell surface receptors, and activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Additionally, we highlight the benefits of Au NPs on MuSC function, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Despite the potential of Au NPs in skeletal muscle regeneration, challenges remain in optimizing nanoparticle design, developing targeted delivery systems, and understanding long-term effects. Future directions should focus on personalized medicine approaches and combination therapies to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the transformative potential of Au NPs in regenerative medicine, offering hope for improved treatments for muscle injuries and diseases.

Redox signaling‑mediated muscle atrophy in ACL injury: Role of physical exercise (Review)

Muscle atrophy frequently occurs in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, despite active participation in muscle strengthening programs. Without appropriate countermeasures such as exercise and pharmacological interventions, the atrophy may worsen. At the cellular and molecular levels, various protein synthesis‑related pathways and redox‑dependent molecules regulate processes associated with atrophy by activating or deactivating key signaling pathways. Muscle atrophy and the associated dysfunction can be reversed by physical exercise, which increases protein synthesis, thereby improving muscle strength and function around the ACL. However, the influence of different features of exercise protocols, including exercise type, intensity and duration, as well as the individual capacity of the patient, on the activity of the aforementioned pathways requires further investigation. Additionally, the mechanism by which redox‑sensitive molecules attenuate atrophy in ACL injury remains to be fully understood. The present review discusses exercise, signaling pathways and muscle atrophy in ACL injury, and highlights potential therapeutic strategies. These findings may also have implications for other joint diseases associated with ACL‑related injury.

Impact of gold nanoparticle exposure on the development pancreas and kidney: Dose-dependent;oxidative stress; miRNA expression and Nrf2/ARE Signalling

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in consumer and medical products necessitates investigation into their potential developmental toxicity.

AIM OF THE WORK

This study investigated the systemic effects of in-utero AuNP exposure on developing male rat offspring, focusing on metabolic, organ-specific, and cellular pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant rats were intravenously administered AuNPs (5, 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg) or saline from gestational day 1 to birth. Male offspring were assessed at postnatal day 60 through biochemical and genetic analyses in the pancreas, kidney tissues, plasma analysis, and pancreatic histology.

RESULTS

No mortality or clinical abnormalities occurred. However, in-utero AuNP high-dose exposure induced pancreatic abnormalities, including reduced endocrine function and morphological damage. Higher doses disrupt body and organ growth, leading to metabolic dysregulation (elevated glucose, amylase, lipase, reduced insulin), impairing glucose homeostasis, and pancreatic dysfunction. Compromised kidney function (elevated urea, creatinine, BUN, electrolyte imbalances), increased oxidative stress, and dysregulated inflammatory responses (altered TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, Nrf2, NF-κB) were also observed. AuNPs induced apoptosis (increased caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2, and altered COX-2), as well as dysregulation of mRNA and miRNA expression. Affected genes included those related to stress and inflammation (p-p38, NOX4, iNOS, NF-κB, Akt, mTOR, Anxa3) and cellular survival signalling (miR-21, miR-382, miR-34a, miR-223). Pancreatic histopathology revealed dose-dependent tissue damage.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that AuNPs, especially at higher doses, disrupt multiple biological processes, inducing metabolic, renal, and pancreatic dysfunction via oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular dysregulation. Further mechanistic research is crucial to establish safe applications, highlighting the need for biosafety assessments guided by green toxicology principles.

Impacts of loading thymoquinone to gold or silver nanoparticles on the efficacy of anti-tumor treatments in breast cancer with or without chemotherapeutic cisplatin

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology has been greatly examined for tumor medication, as nanoparticles (NPs) serve a crucial role in drug delivery mechanisms for cancer therapy. In contrast to traditional cancer therapies, NPs-based drug delivery offers several benefits, including increased stability and biocompatibility, improved retention capabilities and permeability, as well as precise targeting.

AIM

The objective of this study was to examine the tumor-targeting efficacy of Thymoquinone (TQ)-loaded gold NPs (AuNPs/TQ conjugate) or TQ-loaded silver NPs (AgNPs/TQ conjugate) in conjunction with the conventional chemotherapy agent cisplatin (CP) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice.

METHODS

The loading capacity of synthesized conjugates was characterized by UV-Vis spectra and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We used CD-1 mice with a peritoneal EAC tumor xenograft model that received oral administration of TQ, AuNPs, AgNPs, AuNPs/TQ conjugate, and AgNPs/TQ conjugate.

METHODS

EAC-bearing mice received daily oral administration of one of the following treatments for six consecutive days: TQ, AuNPs, AgNPs, AuNPs/TQ, AgNPs/TQ, AuNPs/TQ + CP, or AgNPs/TQ + CP conjugates. Eleven days after EAC inoculations, assessments were conducted to evaluate the total number of tumor cells, splenocytes, white blood cells (WBCs), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis in EAC cells, as well as the functionality of the kidney and liver.

RESULTS

EAC-bearing mice that received treatment with TQ, AuNPs, AgNPs, AuNPs/TQ, and AgNPs/TQ exhibited significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity and improved therapeutic efficacy. Our results further revealed that the combined synergistic approach of TQ's anti-tumor properties, along with the efficient penetration abilities of AuNPs or AgNPs, led to a significant inhibition of the growth of tumor cells in EAC tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, the incorporation of CP into the AuNPs/TQ or AgNPs/TQ conjugates substantially augmented the anti-proliferative effects against EAC tumor cells, effectively overcoming resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, our data revealed that this combination resulted in an elevation of leukocyte counts, along with an increase in the absolute quantities of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes, thereby activating the immune system and reducing the inflammatory marker CRP. However, the restoration of splenocyte levels, which had been reduced due to EAC cell inoculation, required an extended period to return to baseline. Furthermore, the results indicated moderate alterations in the functionality of both the liver and kidney.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, AuNPs, AgNPs, AuNPs/TQ, and AgNPs/TQ may hold great promise as potential nanoparticle-based therapies for cancer treatment. Additionally, provides numerous benefits compared to conventional cancer therapies, such as selectivity and minimal side effects. Additionally, AuNPs, AuNPs/TQ, AuNPs/TQ + CP, AgNPs, AgNPs/TQ, or AgNPs/TQ + CP can specifically target tumor tissues, suppress tumor growth, extend the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice, and minimize cytotoxic effects on normal tissues, relative to the administration of free CP alone. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of these nanoparticle-based therapies in clinical and optimize their use as cancer therapies.

Ultrasound-mediated nanomaterials for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

Sterile and infection-associated inflammatory diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Conventional drug therapies often entail significant drawbacks, such as the risk of drug overdose, the development of drug resistance in pathogens, and systemic adverse reactions, all of which can undermine the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as a promising tool in the treatment of inflammatory diseases due to their precise targeting capabilities, tunable characteristics, and responsiveness to external stimuli. Ultrasound (US), a non-invasive and effective treatment method, has been explored in combination with NMs to achieve enhanced therapeutic outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the use of US-mediated NMs for treating inflammatory diseases. A comprehensive introduction to the application and classification of US was first presented, emphasizing the advantages of US-mediated NMs and the mechanisms through which US and NMs interact to enhance anti-inflammatory therapy. Subsequently, specific applications of US-mediated NMs in sterile and infection-associated inflammation were summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects of US-mediated NMs in clinical translation were discussed, along with an outline of future research directions. This review aims to provide insights to guide the development and improvement of US-mediated NMs for more effective therapeutic interventions in inflammatory diseases.

Advances in nephroprotection: the therapeutic role of selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles in renal health

Renal toxicity is a disorder that causes considerable issues in healthcare systems world, highlighting the critical importance of creating alternative treatments. Metallic nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising therapeutic agents for nephroprotection because of their remarkable properties. Numerous disciplines, including medicine, biotechnology, and the food industry, are currently investigating and exploring metallic nanoparticles, such as selenium, silver, and gold, with promising outcomes. In this overview, we provide the most current findings on cutting-edge nephroprotection through metallic nanoparticles, especially selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles. While outlining the benefits, we outline possible methods for developing metallic nanoparticles, characterization techniques, and nephroprotection therapies. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) minimize oxidative stress, a primary cause of nephrotoxicity through cell regeneration which protects kidneys. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have anti-inflammatory capabilities that help alleviate kidney damage and nephrotoxicity. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which are biocompatible and immune-modifying, reduce inflammation and promote renal cell regeneration, indicating nephroprotective advantages. Renal protection via the use of metallic nanoparticles represents a promising new frontier in the fight against kidney disease and other renal disorders. Metallic nanoparticles of selenium, silver, and gold can protect the kidneys by lowering oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and improving cell repair. Through their mechanisms, these nanoparticles effectively safeguard and repair kidney function, making them suitable for treating renal diseases. The potential applications of selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles, as well as their complex modes of action and renal penetration, provide fresh hope for improving renal health and quality of life in patients with kidney disease. The current study highlights therapeutic ability, stability, nephroprotection, and toxicity profiles, as well as the importance of continuous research in this dynamic and evolving field.

A combination of gold nanoparticles and laser photobiomodulation to boost antioxidant defenses in the recovery of muscle injuries caused by Bothrops jararaca venom

This study aimed to evaluate gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and photobiomodulation (PBM), associated with antibothropic serum (AS), to treat a muscle lesion induced by Bothrops jararaca venom.

METHODS

108 Swiss male mice were used, divided into nine groups (n = 12) with different combinations of treatments. Animals were inoculated with 250 µg of B. jararaca venom at the right gastrocnemius muscle. The treatment started 12 h after the venom injection and occurred daily for 7 days. AS was administered as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Low-power aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) with continuous emission (wavelength 660 nm; average power 30 mW ± 20%; beam size of 0.06310 cm2; and dose of 2 J for ± 1 min per point). Irradiation was applied to five distinct areas surrounding the wound, at a perpendicular angle to the skin. The groups treated with GNPs received treatment through the application of 1 mL of 20 nm GNPs (30 mg/L). Muscle, heart, and kidneys were removed for histological and biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

GNPs can improve the results achieved by PBM and the standard treatment, presenting significant benefits in histological parameters, such as the increase of new blood vessels, fibroblasts, collagen, and a reduction of inflammatory infiltrate.

CONCLUSION

GNPs can be considered an option to accelerate the recovery of Bothrops lesions.

Ultrasound and Gold Nanoparticles Improve Tissue Repair for Muscle Injury Caused by Snake Venom

OBJECTIVE

To develop a treatment that enhances recovery from envenomation-induced lesions caused by Bothrops jararaca venom by using ultrasound in combination with gold nanoparticles (GNPs).

METHODS

A total of 108 Swiss mice were arranged into nine groups. The animals underwent necrotic induction with 250 µg B. jararaca venom (BjV) and were treated with ultrasound (U) at 1 MHz frequency at an intensity of 0.8 W/cm² for 5 min, 30 mg/L GNPs, and anti-bothropic serum (AS) in the following combinations: saline solution (SS); BjV; BjV + AS; BjV + AS + U; BjV + GNPs + AS; BjV + GNPs + AS + U; BjV + GNPs; BjV + GNPs + U; and BjV + U. The necrotic area, histology, oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and anti-oxidant system were assessed to evaluate the effects of the treatments.

RESULTS

Treatments that included GNPs, U, and/or AS demonstrated reductions in necrotic area, increases in angiogenesis and fibroblast means, decreases in inflammatory infiltrates, and improvements in collagen synthesis. Additionally, there was an increase in oxidants and oxidant damage within the gastrocnemius muscle, along with an increase in anti-oxidants. Furthermore, systemic effects appear to have been achieved, improving the anti-oxidant system at the cardiovascular and renal levels.

CONCLUSION

The use of GNPs and U may be effective at treating lesions caused by B. jararaca snake venom.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery for Vascular Applications

Nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems have received widespread attention due to the excellent physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. Different types of NPs such as lipid NPs, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs, inorganic NPs (e.g., iron oxide and Au), carbon NPs (graphene and carbon nanodots), 2D nanomaterials, and biomimetic NPs have found favor as drug delivery vehicles. In this review, we discuss the different types of customized NPs for intravascular drug delivery, nanoparticle behaviors (margination, adhesion, and endothelium uptake) in blood vessels, and nanomaterial compatibility for successful drug delivery. Additionally, cell surface protein targets play an important role in targeted drug delivery, and various vascular drug delivery studies using nanoparticles conjugated to these proteins are reviewed. Finally, limitations, challenges, and potential solutions for translational research regarding NP-based vascular drug delivery are discussed.

Metallic nanomaterials - targeted drug delivery approaches for improved bioavailability, reduced side toxicity, and enhanced patient outcomes

This paper explores the integral role of metallic nanomaterials in drug delivery, specifically focusing on their unique characteristics and applications. Exhibiting unique size, shape, and surface features, metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) (e.g., gold, iron oxide, and silver NPs) present possibilities for improving medication efficacy while minimizing side effects. Their demonstrated success in improving drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeted release makes them promising carriers for treating a variety of diseases, including inflammation and cancer, which has one of the highest rates of mortality in the world. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge some limitations of MNPs in drug delivery before successfully incorporating them into standard medical procedures. Thus, challenges such as potential toxicity, issues related to long-term safety, and the need for standardized production methods will also be addressed.

Anti-inflammatory role of gold nanoparticles in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes memory and cognitive dysfunction and reduces a person's decision-making and reasoning functions. AD is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. Patients with AD have increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the nervous system, and the sustained inflammatory response impairs neuronal function. Meanwhile, long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the incidence of AD to some extent. This confirms that anti-neuroinflammation may be an effective treatment for AD. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an emerging nanomaterial with promising physicochemical properties, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. AuNPs reduce neuroinflammation by inducing macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, blocking leukocyte adhesion, and decreasing oxidative stress. Therefore, AuNPs are gradually attracting the interest of scholars and are used for treating inflammatory diseases and drug delivery. Herein, we explored the role and mechanism of AuNPs in treating neuroinflammation in AD. The use of AuNPs for treating AD is a topic worth exploring in the future, not only to help solve a global public health problem but also to provide a reference for treating other neuroinflammatory diseases.

Gold nanoparticles retrogradely penetrate through testicular barriers via Sertoli-cells mediated endocytosis/exocytosis and induce immune response in mouse

Despite the rapidly growing interest in nanoparticle-mediated controllable male contraception and recovery of male fertility, novel applications of nanoparticles in these processes are limited by a knowledge gap regarding their transport and distribution in the testes. Here, we investigated the fate of gold nanoparticles in the mouse testes using two injection methods, namely, interstitial testicular injection (IT-AuNPs, AuNPs exposure in the interstitial compartment of the testes) and rete testis injection (RT-AuNPs, AuNPs exposure in the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules). In this study, we used 100 nm spherical AuNPs and microinjected with 5 μL AuNPs (30 mg/mL) for the experiments. For IT-AuNP injection, we found that AuNPs could not penetrate through the Sertoli cell-mediated blood-testis barrier (BTB) of the seminiferous tubules, and no male reproductive toxicity was observed. For RT-AuNP injection, AuNPs could be retrogradely transported from the adluminal compartment to the interstitial compartment of the testes via Sertoli cell-mediated endocytosis/exocytosis, resulting in damage and the release of inflammatory cytokines in the mouse testis. Our results highlight a retrograde nanoparticle transport function of Sertoli cells, thereby providing a mechanistic overview of the development and use of nanobiotechnology in male reproduction. SYNOPSIS: This study provides new insights into male reproductive immunotoxicity for AuNPs exposure and elucidates a mechanism via Sertoli cell-mediated endocytosis/exocytosis.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation in Wistar rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intranasal treatment of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and Curcumin (Cur) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute pulmonary inflammatory response. A single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.5 mg/Kg) was performed, and the animals in the Sham group were injected with 0.9% saline. Treatment was daily intranasally with GNPs (2.5 mg/L), Cur (10 mg/kg) and GNP-Cur started 12 h after LPS administration and ended on the seventh day. The results show that the treatment performed with GNP-Cur was the most effective to attenuate the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a lower leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar lavage, in addition to positively regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines in relation to other groups. As a result, it promoted an oxirreductive balanced environment in the lung tissue, providing a histological outcome with a reduction in inflammatory cells and greater alveolar area. The group treated with GNPs-Cur was superior to the other groups, with better anti-inflammatory activity and reduced oxidative stress, resulting in less morphological damage to lung tissue. In conclusion, the use of reduced GNPs with curcumin demonstrates promising effects in the control of the acute inflammatory response, helping to protect the lung tissue at the biochemical and morphological levels.

Microcurrent and Gold Nanoparticles Combined with Hyaluronic Acid Accelerates Wound Healing

This study aimed to investigate the effects of iontophoresis and hyaluronic acid (HA) combined with a gold nanoparticle (GNP) solution in an excisional wound model. Fifty Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were randomly assigned to the following groups: excisional wound (EW); EW + MC; EW + MC + HA; EW + MC + GNPs; and EW + MC + HA + GNPs. The animals were induced to a circular excision, and treatment started 24 h after injury with microcurrents (300 µA) containing gel with HA (0.9%) and/or GNPs (30 mg/L) in the electrodes (1 mL) for 7 days. The animals were euthanized 12 h after the last treatment application. The results demonstrate a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNϒ, IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6) in the group in which the therapies were combined, and they show increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) and growth factors (FGF and TGF-β) in the EW + MC + HA and EW + MC + HA + GNPs groups. As for the levels of dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and nitrite, as well as oxidative damage (carbonyl and sulfhydryl), they decreased in the combined therapy group when compared to the control group. Regarding antioxidant defense, there was an increase in glutathione (GSH) and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the combined therapy group. A histological analysis showed reduced inflammatory infiltrate in the MC-treated groups and in the combination therapy group. There was an increase in the wound contraction rate in all treated groups when compared to the control group, proving that the proposed therapies are effective in the epithelial healing process. The results of this study demonstrate that the therapies in combination favor the tissue repair process more significantly than the therapies in isolation.

Neuroprotective Effect of Gold Nanoparticles and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Mixture against Radiation-Induced Brain Damage in Rats

The current study aims to evaluate the possible neuroprotective impact of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and an alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) mixture against brain damage in irradiated rats. AuNPs were synthesized and characterized using different techniques. Then, a preliminary investigation was carried out to determine the neuroprotective dose of AuNPs, where three single doses (500, 1000, and 1500 µg/kg) were orally administrated to male Wistar rats, one hour before being exposed to a single dose of 7Gy gamma radiation. One day following irradiation, the estimation of oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, MDA; glutathione peroxidase, GPX), DNA fragmentation, and histopathological alterations were performed in brain cortical and hippocampal tissues in both normal and irradiated rats. The chosen neuroprotective dose of AuNPs (1000 µg/kg) was processed with ALA (100 mg/kg) to prepare the AuNPs-ALA mixture. The acute neuroprotective effect of AuNPs-ALA in irradiated rats was determined against valproic acid as a neuroprotective centrally acting reference drug. All drugs were orally administered one hour before the 7Gy-gamma irradiation. One day following irradiation, animals were sacrificed and exposed to examinations such as those of the preliminary experiment. Administration of AuNPs, ALA, and AuNPs-ALA mixture before irradiation significantly attenuated the radiation-induced oxidative stress through amelioration of MDA content and GPX activity along with alleviating DNA fragmentation and histopathological changes in both cortical and hippocampal tissues. Notably, the AuNPs-ALA mixture showed superior effect compared to that of AuNPs or ALA alone, as it mitigated oxidative stress, DNA damage, and histopathological injury collectively. Administration of AuNPs-ALA resulted in normalized MDA content, increased GPX activity, restored DNA content in the cortex and hippocampus besides only mild histopathological changes. The present data suggest that the AuNPs-ALA mixture may be considered a potential candidate for alleviating radiation-associated brain toxicity.