جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « nanoparticles » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Natural herbs have garnered significant research recently as their components target multiple disease signaling pathways, making them highly potential for various disease prevention and treatment. Embelin, a naturally occurring benzoquinone isolated from Embelia ribes, has shown promising biological activities such as antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial. Various mechanisms have been reported, including monitoring genes that synchronize the cell cycle, up-regulating multiple anti-oxidant enzymes, suppressing genes that prevent cell death, influencing transcription factors, and preventing inflammatory biomarkers. However, the hydrophobic nature of embelin leads to poor absorption and limits its therapeutic potential. This review highlights a wide range of nanocarriers used as delivery systems for embelin, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, micelles, nanoemulsion, and metallic nanoparticles. These embelin nanomedicine formulations have been developed in preclinical studies as a possible treatment for many disorders and characterized using various in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models.

Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in both men and women. This study investigated the anticancer efficacy of a new synthetic form of quinolone nanoparticles (QNPs) against colon cancer cells. As an experimental model, we investigated methods to prevent the development of colon cancer in adult male albino rats induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH).

Forty adult male rats (weighing 150-200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups of ten as follows:Group 1: Normal rats considered the reference group.Group 2: Normal rats treated intraperitoneally with 100 μg/kg/day of quinolone.Group 3: Rats with induced colon cancer by DMH.Group 4: Rats with colon cancer, as the experimental model, and administered QNPs at 100 μg/kg/day for 6 weeks.

The results showed that QNPs significantly improved the treatment of induced colon cancer in rats. This finding was supported by significant increases in CD4, colon SOD, and GPx activity, as well as in GSH and CAT levels. Further discoveries included a significant decline in the serum values of CEA, CA19-9, AFP, TNF-α, IL1β, ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, colon DNA damage, MDA, and NO. The histopathological results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of QNPs, which were successful in halting the development of colon cancer in an experimental animal model.

The findings of the current study demonstrated that QNPs were able to prevent colon cancer in rats by enhancing their immune system, lowering inflammatory markers, and improving damaged oxidative stress tolerance.

The toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proven in the female reproductive system. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural antioxidant and bioactive component of Nigella sativa.

We evaluated the efficacy of TQ on ovarian tissue following toxicity induced by AgNPs in female mice.

24 female NMRI mice (5-6 wk, an average weight of 33 gr) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6/each): control, AgNPs (500 mg/kg, gavage), TQ (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection), and TQ+AgNPs. Mice were treated every day for 35 days. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured. The optical disector and stereological techniques were utilized to estimate the follicular count, their volume at different developmental stages, and the structure of ovarian tissue.

In the AgNPs group, the serum concentrations of TAC (p = 0.01), luteinizing hormone (p < 0.001), follicle-stimulating hormone, the volume of corpus luteum (p < 0.001), and the number of follicles decreased significantly compared to the control group. Nevertheless, AgNPs significantly increased the MDA level. In the TQ+AgNPs group compared to the AgNPs group, a significant decrease in MDA level (p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in TAC (p = 0.03), and hormonal levels, the number of primary, preantral, and antral follicles (p = 0.04), and the volume of corpus luteum (p = 0.01) were observed.

TQ improved the number of follicles by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in AgNPs-damaged ovarian tissue.

In the last decades, magnetic nanoparticles have been considered and are being studied for employment in tumor therapy and imaging. Also, alongside their utilization in the role of MRI contrast factors, investigations of targeting tumor cells with biomolecules like anticancer drugs, antibodies, and siRNA, the utility of magnetic nanoparticles is evaluated. This preliminary work aimed to investigate the effects of iron oxide NPs on embryo growth and development with an emphasis on brain morphology and teratogenic effects. 

After recognizing the air sac with candling, one hundred sixty fertile eggs of the Ross 308 broiler strains were divided into 8 groups (n=20). Group 1 (control) received 0.3 mL serum normal. Groups 2, 3, and 4 received iron oxide nanoparticles as maghemite with doses of 100, 250, and 500 ppm, respectively. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 received iron oxide NPs as magnetite with doses of 100, 250, 500, and 2500 ppm, respectively. Twenty days after injections, death day, chicken, brain, liver, heart, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen weights and teratogenic samples were recorded, and brain tissues from all chickens were collected for histological evaluations. 

The results demonstrated that iron oxide NPs had teratogenic effects such as the lack of formation of abdominal wall muscles and exposing the heart out of the thorax. Also, alterations were observed in the weight ratio of the liver, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius in experimental groups compared to the control group. In the microscopic assessment of the brain tissue, hyperemia, neuronophagia, edema around vessels, necrosis, and vacuolation of neurons were noticeable. 

It can be concluded that iron oxide NPs affect the growth and development of embryos and can cross the BBB and penetrate the brain tissue by affecting brain morphology.

Maternal separation in the early days after birth can induce autistic-like behaviors in animals. Nanoparticles of Magnesium oxide (nano-MgO) can decrease anxiety, pain perception and improve animal memory. Also, sex hormones are involved in the formation of many behaviors. In this study, the effects of nano-MgO on behavioral responses in immature rats and gonadal histological structures of adult rats in the autistic-like model of maternal separation were investigated.Juvenile male and female offspring (60±5g) were divided into control and maternal-separated groups. The maternal separation was done by separation of thepup from the mother for 1 hour/daily/1-10 postnatal days. Nano-MgO 2.5 and 5 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally during the 31±2-35±2 postnatal days.Pain perception and memory were evaluated after the first, third, and last injections and on 45±2 postnatal days. Social interaction, anxiety level, and motor activity were evaluated on 36±2 postnatal days. Tissue samples were removed from the testis and ovary for histological studies on 73±2 postnatal days. Maternal separation increased pain perception, anxiety, and motor activity, and also decreased social interaction index, and impaired memory in animals. Nano-MgO improved anxiety, and social interaction, induced analgesia, and modulated hyperactivity. Also, memory impairment was reversed by the nano-MgO2.5 mg/kg while it was not significant. There were no alterations in the histological and histometrical structure of the testis and ovary of adult rats between the studied groups. The behavioral complications caused by the autistic-like model can be corrected by nano-MgO; however, the gonads were not affected by the autism condition and nano-MgO application

Various forms of microorganisms have developed multiple resistances against the effects of applied antibacterial agents controlling them. Hence, there is a need to formulate potent antimicrobial agents from natural sources to eliminate them from the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the potency of chitosan conjugated with some medicinal plants against recalcitrant microorganisms and overcome the problem of multiple antibiotic resistance.

In this study, the synergistic effects of chitosan derived from snail shells were explored in conjunction with eight plant sources, including Ocimum gratissimum, Croton zambesicus, Phyllanthus niruri, Aloe barbadensis, Moringa oleifera, Andrographis paniculate, Aloe barbadensis, and Curcuma longa. The investigation focused on the antimicrobial properties of these combinations, aiming at enhancing the efficacy of pharmaceutical products against antibiotic-resistant strains. Four samples were analyzed in this regard. Sample A consisted of 0.5 g of sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) conjugated with chitosan, and Sample B contained 1 g of SNPs conjugated with chitosan from shrimp shells dissolved in 1% acetic acid. In addition, Sample C involved chitosan from shrimp shells dissolved in 1% acetic acid, and Sample D utilized chitosan from snail shells dissolved in 1% acetic acid. All demonstrated varied antimicrobial potentials.

Notably, Sample B, which utilized chitosan from shrimp shells as nanocarriers for SNPs, exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with zones of inhibition measuring up to 35 mm and 37 mm against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus sp. (coagulase-negative), Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli, respectively. Additionally, promising antimicrobial effects were observed against organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella ornithinolytica, and E. coli, with zone sizes reaching 20 mm, 23 mm, and 25 mm, respectively. Iron oxide NPs (Fe3 O4 ) and silica-coated iron oxide NPs displayed lower activity levels, except at the 100 mg/mL concentration, where they represented efficacy against certain multidrug-resistant strains such as AKR 18 - Enterobacter agglomerans, OKI 10 - Acinetobacter haemolyticus, and T30 – K. oxytoca.

The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the management of infectious disease and the treatment of challenging pathogens in healthcare systems, providing a potential roadmap for combating antibiotic resistance and improving therapeutic strategies.

Many people lose their lives to cancer each year. The prevalence of illnesses, metabolic disorders, high-risk infections, and other conditions has been greatly slowed down by expanding scientific research. Chemotherapy and radiation are still the initial lines of treatment for cancer patients, along with surgical removal of tumors. Modifications have been made in chemotherapy since medicines frequently have substantial systemic toxicity and poor pharmacokinetics and still do not reach the tumor site at effective concentrations. Chemotherapy may now be administered more safely and effectively thanks to nanotechnology. Nanotechnology-based graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are very applicable in breast cancer detection, as a drug delivery system, and in the treatment of breast cancer because of their physical and chemical properties, lower toxicity, small size, fluorescence, and effective drug delivery. This paper analyzes the GQDs as cutting-edge platforms for biotechnology and nanomedicine also its application in drug delivery in cancer. It shows that GQDs can be effectively conjugated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to achieve efficient and target-specific delivery.

 The repositioning of previously approved drugs is occupying the researchers’ plans. Baclofen (Bac) was our candidate for its established neuroprotective capacity, with a proposal of efficient drug delivery as non-ionic surfactant-based nanovesicles (NISNV) formulae against mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (mRTBI) in rats, thus reducing the number of orally or injected medications, especially in severely comatose patients or pediatrics.

 A (23 ) factorial design was implemented for confining Bac-loaded NISNV formulae, where a bunch of variables were inspected. An in-vivo experiment was done to test the prepared formula’s efficacy transdermally. The following parameters were measured: brain expression of gamma amino butyric acid B (GABAB), protein kinase C- α (PKC-α), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), TNF-α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and histopathology.

 The particle size (PS) and entrapment efficiency percent (EE%) speckled from 60.40±0.28% to 88.02±0.01% for the former and 174.64±0.93 to 1174.50±3.54 nm for the latter. In vitro release% after 8 hours ranged from 63.25±5.47% to 84.79±3.75%. The optimized formula (F4) illustrated desirability=1, with 630.09±3.53 µg/cm2 of Bac permeated over 8 hours, which equates to 100% of Bac. Bac post-trauma treatment restored brain expression of GABAB and PKC-α, while decreasing FAK. Besides enhancing the histological findings, the anti-inflammatory effect was clear by decreasing TNF-α and NF-κB p65. Consequently, significant antioxidant sequelae were revealed herein by diminishing MDA levels and restoring SOD activity.

 Transdermal delivery of Bac-loaded niosomes confirmed neuroprotection and succeeded in surpassing skin-to-brain barriers, which makes it a promising therapeutic option for repeated traumas.

This study explores the biosynthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Equisetum ramosissimum Desf as both a reducing and stabilizing agent and evaluates its antibacterial activity against cariogenic streptococcus mutans.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using UV-VIS, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, DLS, and Zeta potential analyses. Antibacterial activity against S. mutans was evaluated via the agar well diffusion method.

Optical analysis revealed an absorption peak within the 307–314 nm range, suggesting a bandgap value of 3.04–3.37 eV. FTIR analysis confirmed Ce-O stretching vibrations and bonds with phytochemicals from the E.ramosissimum Desf extract on the nanoparticle surfaces. XRD showed a cubic fluorite structure with a crystalline size of 5.99–11.74 nm. FESEM imaging depicted uniform, nearly spherical nanoparticles with estimated sizes ranging from 22 to 31 nm. The EDX spectrum indicated the presence of cerium and oxygen signals, affirming the purity of the fabricated nanoparticles. DLS results corroborated the average nanoparticle size (28.11–54.61 nm), in agreement with FESEM findings and zeta potential values (-11.4 to 29.2 mV) indicating moderate stability of nanoparticles. Antibacterial assays showed significant inhibition zones (20–32 mm) against S. mutans.

The green-synthesized CeO2-NPs exhibit promising antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans, suggesting their potential for dental applications. Furthermore, employing plant extract for cerium salt reduction presents a promising avenue for reducing the environmental impact associated with chemical synthesis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world and requires novel medications or existing ones should be improved.  Nanotechnology is a modern science that helps to avoid adverse reactions and resistance to drugs. The current regimen for standard therapy calls for routine administration of medications over six months. Since the noncompliance of patients and the emergence of drug-resistant strains, therapies become more challenging. The objective of the current study was to develop Isoniazid-Rifampicin-loaded (INH-RIF-NPs) nanoparticles to improve release properties and drug encapsulation efficiency.

Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used for optimizing the nanoparticles. Eudragit was used in the preparations in varying concentrations (1-2% w/v). The compatibility of the drug and excipients was shown. The existence of the nanoparticles was confirmed by the analytical results of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). 

The optimized nanoparticles showed no drug-polymer interaction. The mean size of the INH-RIF-NPs was around 112±8.73 nm, and they were sphere-like, smooth, fairly uniform in size, and well-dispersed, and entrapment efficiencies were high at 98.7±0.68%. Drug release was slow and sustained with 66.91% INH cumulative release and 80.06 of RFP after 24 hr. 

Significant drug uptake with higher encapsulation efficiency, uniform size, good dispersion, and prolonged release characteristics are all present in INH-RIF-NPs. This suggests the existence of a delivery system capable of effectively encapsulating and delivery of combined drug formulation in polymeric nanoparticles.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits across a wide spectrum of health conditions. Despite its remarkable antioxidant properties, ALA is hindered by challenges such as low bioavailability, short half-life, and unpleasant odor. To overcome these limitations and enhance ALA's therapeutic efficacy, various nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have been explored. This comprehensive review evaluates the application of different nanoparticulate carriers, including lipid-based nanoparticles (solid lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and micelles), nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles (nanocapsules, PEGylated nanoparticles, and polycaprolactone nanoparticles), films, nanofibers, and gold nanoparticles, for ALA delivery. Each nanoparticulate system offers unique advantages, such as improved stability, sustained release, enhanced bioavailability, and targeted delivery. For example, ALA-loaded SLNs demonstrated benefits for skin care products and skin rejuvenation. ALA encapsulated in niosomes showed potential for treating cerebral ischemia, a condition largely linked to stroke. ALA-loaded cationic nanoemulsions showed promise for ophthalmic applications, reducing vascular injuries, and corneal disorders. Coating liposomes with chitosan further enhanced stability and performance, promoting drug absorption through the skin. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in nanoparticulate delivery systems for ALA, highlighting their potential to overcome the limitations of ALA administration and significantly enhance its therapeutic effectiveness. These innovative approaches hold promise for the development of improved ALA-based treatments across a broad spectrum of health conditions.

Oral cancer’s aggressive nature poses a significant health risk, demanding timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Despite progress in conventional therapies like chemotherapy and surgery, their limitations drive the exploration of alternative strategies. This study assessed Solanum trilobatum-derived silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in impacting cancer cell cycles, inducing apoptosis, and modulating key pathways, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, leveraging phytotherapy and nanotechnology—a promising frontier in cancer treatment.

AgNPs were synthesized through the reduction of ions and stabilized using aqueous leaf extracts of S. trilobatum. After the characterization of AgNPs, the mRNA Gene Expression and mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs) were assessed. DNA fragmentation was done and DNA pattern by gel documentation system was observed. The study also assessed the modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade, impacting tumor growth and proliferation.

Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry (UVvis), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DNA fragmentation exhibited a typical ladder pattern. Dose-dependent changes in MMP were observed in the treated oral cancer cells. The effect of S. trilobatum-derived AgNPs in targeting the cell signaling pathway correlated significantly with their anticancer potency (P<0.001).

This study reveals S. trilobatum leaf extract-based AgNPs as a natural cytostatic agent against oral squamous carcinoma. Utilizing nature’s resources and nanoscale science, they hold promise for enhancing oral cancer treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as pharmaceutical and drug delivery tools exhibited harmful effects on human health and other living species. Quercetin (Qur) reveals various pharmacological effects specially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic. This study is directed to investigate hepatotoxicity of GNPs, in addition, to assess the impact of Qur in mitigating the toxicological effects of GNPs.

Groups of rats were treated with or without sphere GNPs (10, 20 and 50 nm) and Qur (200 mg/kg b.wt.). Blood and liver samples from euthanized rats were subjected to biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations.

In comparison with 20 and 50 nm treated groups, the 10 nm GNPs significantly increased serum hepatic enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. These 10 nm GNPs were associated with oxidative stress and markedly decreased antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Immunohistochemically, 10 nm GNPs expressed intense positive signals in nuclei of hepatocytes when stained with anti-caspase-3 antibody confirming extensive apoptosis. Pre-cotreatment with Qur decreased all tested hepatic enzymes and increased serum level of antioxidant enzymes compared to 10 nm GNPs. Qur treatment strongly exhibited anti-Ki67 antibody (proliferative marker) indicating high proliferation of hepatic parenchyma. Histopathologically, 10 nm GNPs revealed diffuse hydropic degenerations, severe sinusoidal congestion, coagulative necrosis, sever steatosis and diffuse hemosiderosis within the hepatic parenchyma. Qur treatment ameliorated most of these pathological effects.

The smaller diameters of GNPs induce potential oxidative stress, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects in hepatic tissues rather than larger ones. In addition, Qur demonstrated a significant prophylactic role against hepatotoxicity of GNPs.

Proteins and peptides have secured a place as excellent therapeutic moieties on account of their high selectivity and efficacy. However due to oral absorption limitations, current formulations are mostly delivered parenterally. Oral delivery of peptides and proteins (PPs) can be considered the need of the hour due to the immense benefits of this route. This review aims to critically examine and summarize the innovations and mechanisms involved in oral delivery of peptide and protein drugs.

Comprehensive literature search was undertaken, spanning the early development to the current state of the art, using online search tools (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Scopus).

Research in oral delivery of proteins and peptides has a rich history and the development of biologics has encouraged additional research effort in recent decades. Enzyme hydrolysis and inadequate permeation into intestinal mucosa are the major causes that result in limited oral absorption of biologics. Pharmaceutical and technological strategies including use of absorption enhancers, enzyme inhibition, chemical modification (PEGylation, pro-drug approach, peptidomimetics, glycosylation), particulate delivery (polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, microspheres), site-specific delivery in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), membrane transporters, novel approaches (self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, Eligen technology, Peptelligence, self-assembling bubble carrier approach, luminal unfolding microneedle injector, microneedles) and lymphatic targeting, are discussed. Limitations of these strategies and possible innovations for improving oral bioavailability of protein and peptide drugs are discussed.

This review underlines the application of oral route for peptide and protein delivery, which can direct the formulation scientist for better exploitation of this route.

Oral cancer remains one of the most dreadful diseases in developing nations. Currently, there has been a rise in the prevalence of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with a poor prognosis. The use of standard treatment approaches against oral cancer patients brings about several side effects. In recent years, nanomedicine has provided a versatile platform for developing new targeted therapeutic modalities. However, safety remains a concern in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). Therefore, the present study aims to synthesize safer phytoconstituent‑mediated gold NPs (AuNPs) utilizing leaf extracts of Annona muricata, where the biochemical components of the plant leaf act as the reducing and capping agents in the synthesis of NPs, and to evaluate its anti‑cancer activity against SCC.

In this in vitro experimental study, AuNPs were synthesized through an effective, simple, and ecologically sound green synthesis method. After characterization of these synthesized AuNPs, in vitro assays such as 3‑(4, 5‑dimethylthiazole2‑yl)‑2, 5‑biphenyl tetrazolium bromide, wound healing, and clonogenic assays were carried out to investigate the anti‑cancer potential of green synthesized AuNPs in the human tongue SCC cell line (SCC‑15), and the possible mechanism of action was evaluated through gene and protein expression analysis of Bax, Bcl‑2, and p53 genes. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 software and Student’s t‑test was performed for experimental data. P ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.

The in vitro assays demonstrated that the synthesized AuNPs are exhibiting anti‑cancer activity by apoptosis of SCC‑15 cells in a dose‑dependent manner. Further, it also revealed a highly significant decrease in anti‑apoptotic Bcl‑2 gene expression, whereas pro‑apoptotic genes p53 and Bax revealed a highly significant increase, which is statistically significant compared to the control (P < 0.05).

Our findings demonstrated that the AuNPs synthesized from A. muricata leaf extract could act as a novel anticancer agent, particularly against SCC, after further scrutiny.