Incipient need of targeting airway remodeling using advanced drug delivery in chronic respiratory diseases

Liposomal curcumin inhibits cigarette smoke induced senescence and inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells

Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa extract), is very well known for its multiple biological therapeutic activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, due to its low water solubility, it exhibits poor bioavailability. In order to overcome this problem, in the current study, we have employed liposomal technology to encapsulate curcumin with the aim of enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. The curcumin-loaded liposomes (PlexoZome®) were tested on a cigarette smoke extract-induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in vitro model using minimally immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (BCiNS1.1). The anti-senescence and anti-inflammatory properties of PlexoZome® were explored. 5 µM PlexoZome® curcumin demonstrated anti-senescent activity by decrease in X-gal positive cells, and reduction in the expression of p16 and p21 in immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, PlexoZome® curcumin also demonstrated a reduction in proteins related to senescence (osteopontin, FGF basic and uPAR) and inflammation (GM-CSF, EGF and ST2). Overall, the results clearly demonstrate the therapeutic potential of curcumin encapsulated liposomes in managing CSE induced COPD, providing a new direction to respiratory clinics.

Berberine-loaded engineered nanoparticles attenuate TGF-β-induced remodelling in human bronchial epithelial cells

Airway remodelling occurs in chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is characterized by aberrant activation of epithelial reparation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and airway obstruction. The master regulator is Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), which activates tissue repair, release of growth factors, EMT, increased cell proliferation, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Due to its fundamental role in remodelling, TGF-β is an emerging target in the treatment of CRDs. Berberine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities whose clinical application is hampered by poor permeability. To overcome these limitations, in this study, berberine was encapsulated in monoolein-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles (BM-LCNs). The potential of BM-LCNs in inhibiting TGF-β-induced remodelling features in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) was tested. BM-LCNs significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced migration, reducing the levels of proteins upregulated by TGF-β including endoglin, thrombospondin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular-endothelial growth factor, and myeloperoxidase, and increasing the levels of cystatin C, a protein whose expression was downregulated by TGF-β. Furthermore, BM-LCNs restored baseline NO levels downregulated by TGF-β. The results prove the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of BM-LCNs in counteracting TGF-β-induced remodelling features. This study supports the suitability of berberine-loaded drug delivery systems to counteract airway remodelling, with potential application as a treatment strategy against CRDs.

Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidants as a Therapeutic Strategy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Oxidative stress is a major hallmark of COPD, contributing to inflammatory signaling, corticosteroid resistance, DNA damage, and accelerated lung aging and cellular senescence. Evidence suggests that oxidative damage is not solely due to exogenous exposure to inhaled irritants, but also endogenous sources of oxidants in the form of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria, the major producers of ROS, exhibit impaired structure and function in COPD, resulting in reduced oxidative capacity and excessive ROS production. Antioxidants have been shown to protect against ROS-induced oxidative damage in COPD, by reducing ROS levels, reducing inflammation, and protecting against the development of emphysema. However, currently available antioxidants are not routinely used in the management of COPD, suggesting the need for more effective antioxidant agents. In recent years, a number of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (MTA) compounds have been developed that are capable of crossing the mitochondria lipid bilayer, offering a more targeted approach to reducing ROS at its source. In particular, MTAs have been shown to illicit greater protective effects compared to non-targeted, cellular antioxidants by further reducing apoptosis and offering greater protection against mtDNA damage, suggesting they are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of COPD. Here, we review evidence for the therapeutic potential of MTAs as a treatment for chronic lung disease and discuss current challenges and future directions.

Concepts of advanced therapeutic delivery systems for the management of remodeling and inflammation in airway diseases

Chronic respiratory disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Pathophysiological changes to the normal airway wall structure, including changes in the composition and organization of its cellular and molecular constituents, are referred to as airway remodeling. The inadequacy of effective treatment strategies and scarcity of novel therapies available for the treatment and management of chronic respiratory diseases have given rise to a serious impediment in the clinical management of such diseases. The progress made in advanced drug delivery, has offered additional advantages to fight against the emerging complications of airway remodeling. This review aims to address the gaps in current knowledge about airway remodeling, the relationships between remodeling, inflammation, clinical phenotypes and the significance of using novel drug delivery methods.

Fenton Reaction Induced by Fe-Based Nanoparticles for Tumor Therapy

Fenton reaction, a typical inorganic reaction, is broadly utilized in the field of wastewater treatment. Recently In case of its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, it has been frequently reported in cancer treatment. Using the unique tumor microenvironment in cancer cells, many iron-based nanoparticles have been developed to release iron ions in cancer cells to induce Fenton reaction. In this mini review, we outline several different types of iron-based nanoparticles and several main means to enhance Fenton reaction in cancer cells. Finally, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of iron-based nanoparticles for cancer therapy, prospected the future development of iron-based nanoparticles. It is believed that iron-based nanoparticles can make certain contribution to the cause of human cancer in the future.

Treatment of chronic airway diseases using nutraceuticals: Mechanistic insight

Respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic, are reported to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people globally, leading to high socio-economic burden for the society in the recent decades. Chronic inflammation and decline in lung function are the common symptoms of respiratory diseases. The current treatment strategies revolve around using appropriate anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators. A range of anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators are currently available in the market; however, the usage of such medications is limited due to the potential for various adverse effects. To cope with this issue, researchers have been exploring various novel, alternative therapeutic strategies that are safe and effective to treat respiratory diseases. Several studies have been reported on the possible links between food and food-derived products in combating various chronic inflammatory diseases. Nutraceuticals are examples of such food-derived products which are gaining much interest in terms of its usage for the well-being and better human health. As a consequence, intensive research is currently aimed at identifying novel nutraceuticals, and there is an emerging notion that nutraceuticals can have a positive impact in various respiratory diseases. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of nutraceuticals in altering the various cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in mitigating the symptoms of respiratory diseases.

Targeting Cancer using Curcumin Encapsulated Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems

Curcumin is a major curcuminoid present in turmeric. The compound is attributed to various therapeutic properties, which include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial, and neuroprotection. Due to its therapeutic potential, curcumin has been employed for centuries in treating different ailments. Curcumin has been investigated lately as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer. However, the mechanisms by which curcumin exerts its cytotoxic effects on malignant cells are still not fully understood. One of the main limiting factors in the clinical use of curcumin is its poor bioavailability and rapid elimination. Advancements in drug delivery systems such as nanoparticle-based vesicular drug delivery platforms have improved several parameters, namely, drug bioavailability, solubility, stability, and controlled release properties. The use of curcumin-encapsulated niosomes to improve the physical and pharmacokinetic properties of curcumin is one such approach. This review provides an up-to-date summary of nanoparticle-based vesicular drug carriers and their therapeutic applications. Specifically, we focus on niosomes as novel drug delivery formulations and their potential in improving the delivery of challenging small molecules, including curcumin. Overall, the applications of such carriers will provide a new direction for novel pharmaceutical drug delivery, as well as for biotechnology, nutraceutical, and functional food industries.

Advancing of Cellular Signaling Pathways in Respiratory Diseases Using Nanocarrier Based Drug Delivery Systems

Cell Signaling pathways form an integral part of our existence that allows the cells to comprehend a stimulus and respond back. Such reactions to external cues from the environment are required and are essential to regulate the normal functioning of our body. Abnormalities in the system arise when there are errors developed in these signals, resulting in a complication or a disease. Presently, respiratory diseases contribute to being the third leading cause of morbidity worldwide. According to the current statistics, over 339 million people are asthmatic, 65 million are suffering from COPD, 2.3 million are lung cancer patients and 10 million are tuberculosis patients. This toll of statistics with chronic respiratory diseases leaves a heavy burden on society and the nation's annual health expenditure. Hence, a better understanding of the processes governing these cellular pathways will enable us to treat and manage these deadly respiratory diseases effectively. Moreover, it is important to comprehend the synergy and interplay of the cellular signaling pathways in respiratory diseases, which will enable us to explore and develop suitable strategies for targeted drug delivery. This review, in particular, focuses on the major respiratory diseases and further provides an in-depth discussion on the various cell signaling pathways that are involved in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases. Moreover, the review also analyses the defining concepts about advanced nano-drug delivery systems involving various nanocarriers and propose newer prospects to minimize the current challenges faced by researchers and formulation scientists.

The Potential for Phospholipids in the Treatment of Airway Inflammation: An Unexplored Solution

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF) are major inflammatory respiratory diseases. Current mainstay therapy for asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are corticosteroids, which have well-established side effect profiles. Phospholipids (PLs) are ubiquitous, diverse compounds with varying functions such as their structural role incell membrane, energy storage, and cell signaling.Recent advances in understanding PLs role as inflammatory mediators in the body as well as their widespread long-standing use as carrier molecules in drug delivery demonstrate the potential application of phospholipids in modulating inflammatory conditions. This review briefly explains the main mechanisms of inflammation in chronic respiratory diseases, currentanti-inflammatory treatments and areas of unmet need. The structural features, roles of endogenous and exogenous phospholipids, including their use as pharmaceutical excipients are reviewed. Current research on the immunomodulatory properties of PLs and their potentialapplication in inflammatory diseasesis the major section of this review. Considering the roles of PLs as inflammatory mediators and their safety profile established in pharmaceutical formulations, these small molecules demonstrate great potential as candidates in respiratory inflammation. Future studies need to focus on the immunomodulatory properties and the underlying mechanisms of phospholipids in respiratory inflammatory diseases.

Targeting eosinophils in respiratory diseases: Biological axis, emerging therapeutics and treatment modalities

Eosinophils are bi-lobed, multi-functional innate immune cells with diverse cell surface receptors that regulate local immune and inflammatory responses. Several inflammatory and infectious diseases are triggered with their build up in the blood and tissues. The mobilization of eosinophils into the lungs is regulated by a cascade of processes guided by Th2 cytokine generating T-cells. Recruitment of eosinophils essentially leads to a characteristic immune response followed by airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling, which are hallmarks of chronic respiratory diseases. By analysing the dynamic interactions of eosinophils with their extracellular environment, which also involve signaling molecules and tissues, various therapies have been invented and developed to target respiratory diseases. Having entered clinical testing, several eosinophil targeting therapeutic agents have shown much promise and have further bridged the gap between theory and practice. Moreover, researchers now have a clearer understanding of the roles and mechanisms of eosinophils. These factors have successfully assisted molecular biologists to block specific pathways in the growth, migration and activation of eosinophils. The primary purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the eosinophil biology with a special emphasis on potential pharmacotherapeutic targets. The review also summarizes promising eosinophil-targeting agents, along with their mechanisms and rationale for use, including those in developmental pipeline, in clinical trials, or approved for other respiratory disorders.

Emerging concepts and directed therapeutics for the management of asthma: regulating the regulators

Asthma is a common, heterogeneous and serious disease, its prevalence has steadily risen in most parts of the world, and the condition is often inadequately controlled in many patients. Hence, there is a major need for new therapeutic approaches. Mild-to-moderate asthma is considered a T-helper cell type-2-mediated inflammatory disorder that develops due to abnormal immune responses to otherwise innocuous allergens. Prolonged exposure to allergens and persistent inflammation results in myofibroblast infiltration and airway remodelling with mucus hypersecretion, airway smooth muscle hypertrophy, and excess collagen deposition. The airways become hyper-responsive to provocation resulting in the characteristic wheezing and obstructed airflow experienced by patients. Extensive research has progressed the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of new treatments for the management of asthma. Here, we review the basis of the disease, covering new areas such as the role of vascularisation and microRNAs, as well as associated potential therapeutic interventions utilising reports from animal and human studies. We also cover novel drug delivery strategies that are being developed to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Potential avenues to explore to improve the future of asthma management are highlighted.

Perspectives and advancements in the design of nanomaterials for targeted cancer theranostics

Cancer continues to be one of the most challenging diseases to be treated and is one of the leading causes of deaths around the globe. Cancers account for 13% of all deaths each year, with cancer-related mortality expected to rise to 13.1 million by the year 2030. Although, we now have a large library of chemotherapeutic agents, the problem of non-selectivity remains the biggest drawback, as these substances are toxic not only to cancerous cells, but also to other healthy cells in the body. The limitations with chemotherapy and radiation have led to the discovery and development of novel strategies for safe and effective treatment strategies to manage the menace of cancer. Researchers have long justified and have shed light on the emergence of nanotechnology as a potential area for cancer therapy and diagnostics, whereby, nanomaterials are used primarily as nanocarriers or as delivery agents for anticancer drugs due to their tumor targeting properties. Furthermore, nanocarriers loaded with chemotherapeutic agents also overcome biological barriers such as renal and hepatic clearances, thus improving therapeutic efficacy with lowered morbidity. Theranostics, which is the combination of rationally designed nanomaterials with cancer-targeting moieties, along with protective polymers and imaging agents has become one of the core keywords in cancer research. In this review, we have highlighted the potential of various nanomaterials for their application in cancer therapy and imaging, including their current state and clinical prospects. Theranostics has successfully paved a path to a new era of drug design and development, in which nanomaterials and imaging contribute to a large variety of cancer therapies and provide a promising future in the effective management of various cancers. However, in order to meet the therapeutic needs, theranostic nanomaterials must be designed in such a way, that take into account the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties of the drug for the development of effective carcinogenic therapy.