Nephrotoxicity and genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in juvenile rats and possible mechanisms of action

Silver Nanoparticle Effects on Antioxidant Response in Tobacco Are Modulated by Surface Coating

The antimicrobial properties of silver and enhanced reactivity when applied in a nanoparticle form (AgNPs) led to their growing utilization in industry and various consumer products, which raises concerns about their environmental impact. Since AgNPs are prone to transformation, surface coatings are added to enhance their stability. AgNP phytotoxicity has been mainly attributed to the excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the induction of oxidative stress. Herein, in vitro-grown tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants were exposed to AgNPs stabilized with either polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as well as to ionic silver (AgNO₃), applied in the same concentrations, either alone or in combination with cysteine, a strong silver ligand. The results show a higher accumulation of Ag in roots and leaves after exposure to AgNPs compared to AgNO₃. This was correlated with a predominantly higher impact of nanoparticle than ionic silver form on parameters of oxidative stress, although no severe damage to important biomolecules was observed. Nevertheless, all types of treatments caused mobilization of antioxidant machinery, especially in leaves, although surface coatings modulated the activation of its specific components. Most effects induced by AgNPs or AgNO₃ were alleviated with addition of cysteine.

A Deep Insight Into Regulatory T Cell Metabolism in Renal Disease: Facts and Perspectives

Kidney disease encompasses a complex set of diseases that can aggravate or start systemic pathophysiological processes through their complex metabolic mechanisms and effects on body homoeostasis. The prevalence of kidney disease has increased dramatically over the last two decades. CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells that express the transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) are critical for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune disease and tissue damage caused by excessive or unnecessary immune activation, including autoimmune kidney diseases. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of metabolic reprogramming in controlling the plasticity, stability, and function of Treg cells. They are also likely to play a vital role in limiting kidney transplant rejection and potentially promoting transplant tolerance. Metabolic pathways, such as mitochondrial function, glycolysis, lipid synthesis, glutaminolysis, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation, are involved in the development of renal diseases by modulating the function and proliferation of Treg cells. Targeting metabolic pathways to alter Treg cells can offer a promising method for renal disease therapy. In this review, we provide a new perspective on the role of Treg cell metabolism in renal diseases by presenting the renal microenvironment、relevant metabolites of Treg cell metabolism, and the role of Treg cell metabolism in various kidney diseases.

Recent Advances in the Evaluation of Antimicrobial Materials for Resolution of Orthopedic Implant-Associated Infections In Vivo

While orthopedic implant-associated infections are rare, revision surgeries resulting from infections incur considerable healthcare costs and represent a substantial research area clinically, in academia, and in industry. In recent years, there have been numerous advances in the development of antimicrobial strategies for the prevention and treatment of orthopedic implant-associated infections which offer promise to improve the limitations of existing delivery systems through local and controlled release of antimicrobial agents. Prior to translation to in vivo orthopedic implant-associated infection models, the properties (e.g., degradation, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility) of the antimicrobial materials can be evaluated in subcutaneous implant in vivo models. The antimicrobial materials are then incorporated into in vivo implant models to evaluate the efficacy of using the material to prevent or treat implant-associated infections. Recent technological advances such as 3D-printing, bacterial genomic sequencing, and real-time in vivo imaging of infection and inflammation have contributed to the development of preclinical implant-associated infection models that more effectively recapitulate the clinical presentation of infections and improve the evaluation of antimicrobial materials. This Review highlights the advantages and limitations of antimicrobial materials used in conjunction with orthopedic implants for the prevention and treatment of orthopedic implant-associated infections and discusses how these materials are evaluated in preclinical in vivo models. This analysis serves as a resource for biomaterial researchers in the selection of an appropriate orthopedic implant-associated infection preclinical model to evaluate novel antimicrobial materials.