Assessment of Toxicity and Safety Profiles of Nanoparticles

The world of medicine explored the use of nanoparticles in therapeutics in the last two decades. Owing to the advantages nanoparticles offer, they are proving beneficial to overcome many drawbacks faced by small drug molecules. Since the nature, architecture, shape, size, and mechanism of action of nanomedicines totally different from regularly used drugs, it is important to work on the possible toxicity these nanoparticles are causing so that its safety can be ensured. In today’s scenario, a lot of industries and institutes are synthesizing nano drugs, so it is important to check its toxicity and safety evaluation under in vivo and in vitro conditions, as it has come to fore that number of metal and carbon-based nanoparticles, although proving useful further display increased toxicity. Taken into consideration nanoparticle toxicity and safety, the present review discusses the exact working of nanoparticles at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels and the toxicity associated with it. The present strategies for safety assessment have also been reviewed. The research involving nanomaterials in therapeutics demand strict regulation in nanoparticle synthesis, its usage, properly regulated clinical trials ensuring safety assessment.

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Atovaquone: A Review with Emphasis on its Role in the Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia

Journal of Pharmacy Technology ◽

10.1177/875512259401000405 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 151-155

Author(s):

Daniel S. Maddix

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Mechanism Of Action ◽

Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia ◽

Pneumocystis Carinii ◽

Plasmodium Species ◽

Double Blind ◽

Medline Search

Objective: To discuss the mechanism of action, in vitro and in vivo activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage guidelines of atovaquone. Data Sources: Pertinent literature published since 1988 was identified via a MEDLINE search. Published proceedings of selected conferences were also used. Study Selection: All basic science, microbiologic, and pharmacokinetic articles were evaluated. Since only limited data regarding atovaquone are available in the literature, all clinical trials involving the use of atovaquone in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Atovaquone is an antiprotozoal agent that was recently approved for the treatment of mild to moderate P. carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients who are intolerant of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). The exact mechanism of action of atovaquone against P. carinii has not been determined. The drug has in vitro and in vivo activity against P. carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Plasmodium species. The bioavailability of oral atovaquone is highly variable. The drug must be administered with food to enhance absorption. In a double-blind comparative trial in AIDS patients with mild to moderate PCP, those who were treated with atovaquone had a significantly higher mortality rate than those treated with TMP/SMX. More patients who received TMP/SMX experienced adverse effects that resulted in discontinuation of therapy. Conclusions: Because of concerns of increased mortality in atovaquone recipients, the drug should be reserved for the treatment of mild to moderate PCP in patients who are unable to tolerate TMP/SMX and trimethoprim-dapsone.

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Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases by Plant-Derived Products

Current Cancer Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1568009620666201120144838 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Nur Najmi Mohamad Anuar ◽

Nurul Iman Natasya Zulkafali ◽

Azizah Ugusman

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Natural Products ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Extracellular Matrix Components

: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent metallo-endopeptidase that are responsible towards the degradation, repair and remodelling of extracellular matrix components. MMPs play an important role in maintaining a normal physiological function and preventing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Natural products derived from plants have been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds, such as catechin, resveratrol and quercetin, are suggested to play an important role as MMPs inhibitors, thereby opening new insights into their applications in many fields, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This review summarises the current knowledge on plant-derived natural products with MMP-modulating activities. Most of the reviewed plant-derived products exhibit an inhibitory activity on MMPs. Amongst MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the most studied. The expression of MMPs is inhibited through respective signalling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB and PI3 kinase pathways, which contribute to the reduction in cancer cell behaviours, such as proliferation and migration. Most studies have employed in vitro models, but a limited number of animal studies and clinical trials have been conducted. Even though plant-derived products show promising results in modulating MMPs, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to support their therapeutic applications in the future.

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Effect of ethanol and cocaine on [11C]MPC-6827 uptake in SH-SY5Y cells

Molecular Biology Reports ◽

10.1007/s11033-021-06336-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Naresh Damuka ◽

Miranda Orr ◽

Paul W. Czoty ◽

Jeffrey L. Weiner ◽

Thomas J. Martin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanism Of Action ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Neuroblastoma Cells ◽

Proper Function ◽

Brain Functions ◽

Biodistribution Studies ◽

Positron Emission ◽

Vitro Binding

AbstractMicrotubules (MTs) are structural units in the cytoskeleton. In brain cells they are responsible for axonal transport, information processing, and signaling mechanisms. Proper function of these processes is critical for healthy brain functions. Alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUDs) affects the function and organization of MTs in the brain, making them a potential neuroimaging marker to study the resulting impairment of overall neurobehavioral and cognitive processes. Our lab reported the first brain-penetrant MT-tracking Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ligand [11C]MPC-6827 and demonstrated its in vivo utility in rodents and non-human primates. To further explore the in vivo imaging potential of [11C]MPC-6827, we need to investigate its mechanism of action. Here, we report preliminary in vitro binding results in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to ethanol (EtOH) or cocaine in combination with multiple agents that alter MT stability. EtOH and cocaine treatments increased MT stability and decreased free tubulin monomers. Our initial cell-binding assay demonstrated that [11C]MPC-6827 may have high affinity to free/unbound tubulin units. Consistent with this mechanism of action, we observed lower [11C]MPC-6827 uptake in SH-SY5Y cells after EtOH and cocaine treatments (e.g., fewer free tubulin units). We are currently performing in vivo PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies in rodent and nonhuman primate models of AUD and SUDs and Alzheimer's disease.

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Whither Magnetic Hyperthermia? A Tentative Roadmap

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14040706 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 706

Author(s):

Irene Rubia-Rodríguez ◽

Antonio Santana-Otero ◽

Simo Spassov ◽

Etelka Tombácz ◽

Christer Johansson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Nanoparticle Synthesis ◽

Careful Analysis ◽

Magnetic Hyperthermia ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

In Vivo Testing ◽

Evolution Of Science ◽

Made In ◽

Critical Aspects

The scientific community has made great efforts in advancing magnetic hyperthermia for the last two decades after going through a sizeable research lapse from its establishment. All the progress made in various topics ranging from nanoparticle synthesis to biocompatibilization and in vivo testing have been seeking to push the forefront towards some new clinical trials. As many, they did not go at the expected pace. Today, fruitful international cooperation and the wisdom gain after a careful analysis of the lessons learned from seminal clinical trials allow us to have a future with better guarantees for a more definitive takeoff of this genuine nanotherapy against cancer. Deliberately giving prominence to a number of critical aspects, this opinion review offers a blend of state-of-the-art hints and glimpses into the future of the therapy, considering the expected evolution of science and technology behind magnetic hyperthermia.

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Melatonin in Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26092506 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (9) ◽

pp. 2506

Author(s):

Wamidh H. Talib ◽

Ahmad Riyad Alsayed ◽

Alaa Abuawad ◽

Safa Daoud ◽

Asma Ismail Mahmod

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Cell Proliferation Inhibition ◽

Different Types ◽

Solid Foundation

Melatonin is a pleotropic molecule with numerous biological activities. Epidemiological and experimental studies have documented that melatonin could inhibit different types of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Results showed the involvement of melatonin in different anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis induction, cell proliferation inhibition, reduction in tumor growth and metastases, reduction in the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, decreasing drug resistance in cancer therapy, and augmentation of the therapeutic effects of conventional anticancer therapies. Clinical trials revealed that melatonin is an effective adjuvant drug to all conventional therapies. This review summarized melatonin biosynthesis, availability from natural sources, metabolism, bioavailability, anticancer mechanisms of melatonin, its use in clinical trials, and pharmaceutical formulation. Studies discussed in this review will provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to design and develop new therapies to treat and prevent cancer using melatonin.

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Bacteriophage-derived CHAP domain protein, P128, kills Staphylococcus cells by cleaving interpeptide cross-bridge of peptidoglycan

Microbiology ◽

10.1099/mic.0.079111-0 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 160 (10) ◽

pp. 2157-2169 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Sudarson Sundarrajan ◽

Junjappa Raghupatil ◽

Aradhana Vipra ◽

Nagalakshmi Narasimhaswamy ◽

Sanjeev Saravanan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Mechanism Of Action ◽

Catalytic Domain ◽

Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Common Mechanism ◽

Cross Bridge ◽

Sensitivity Pattern

P128 is an anti-staphylococcal protein consisting of the Staphylococcus aureus phage-K-derived tail-associated muralytic enzyme (TAME) catalytic domain (Lys16) fused with the cell-wall-binding SH3b domain of lysostaphin. In order to understand the mechanism of action and emergence of resistance to P128, we isolated mutants of Staphylococcus spp., including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resistant to P128. In addition to P128, the mutants also showed resistance to Lys16, the catalytic domain of P128. The mutants showed loss of fitness as shown by reduced rate of growth in vitro. One of the mutants tested was found to show reduced virulence in animal models of S. aureus septicaemia suggesting loss of fitness in vivo as well. Analysis of the antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed that the mutants derived from MRSA strains had become sensitive to meticillin and other β-lactams. Interestingly, the mutant cells were resistant to the lytic action of phage K, although the phage was able to adsorb to these cells. Sequencing of the femA gene of three P128-resistant mutants showed either a truncation or deletion in femA, suggesting that improper cross-bridge formation in S. aureus could be causing resistance to P128. Using glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion peptides as substrates it was found that both P128 and Lys16 were capable of cleaving a pentaglycine sequence, suggesting that P128 might be killing S. aureus by cleaving the pentaglycine cross-bridge of peptidoglycan. Moreover, peptides corresponding to the reported cross-bridge of Staphylococcus haemolyticus (GGSGG, AGSGG), which were not cleaved by lysostaphin, were cleaved efficiently by P128. This was also reflected in high sensitivity of S. haemolyticus to P128. This showed that in spite of sharing a common mechanism of action with lysostaphin, P128 has unique properties, which allow it to act on certain lysostaphin-resistant Staphylococcus strains.

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Mechanistic evaluations of ketoconazole lipidic nanoparticles for improved efficacy, enhanced topical penetration, cellular uptake (L929 and J774A.1), and safety assessment: In vitro and in vivo studies

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology ◽

10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102743 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 102743

Author(s):

Mohhammad Ramzan ◽

Gurpreet Kaur ◽

Sonia Trehan ◽

Javed N. Agrewala ◽

Bozena B. Michniak-Kohn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cellular Uptake ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

In Vivo Studies

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Drug Disposition in the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract: Targeting and Monitoring

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13020161 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 161

Author(s):

Glenn Lemmens ◽

Arno Van Camp ◽

Stephanie Kourula ◽

Tim Vanuytsel ◽

Patrick Augustijns

Keyword(s):

Drug Absorption ◽

Drug Disposition ◽

Drug Stability ◽

Ussing Chamber ◽

Dissolution Kinetics ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Drug Molecules ◽

Epithelial Physiology

The increasing prevalence of colonic diseases calls for a better understanding of the various colonic drug absorption barriers of colon-targeted formulations, and for reliable in vitro tools that accurately predict local drug disposition. In vivo relevant incubation conditions have been shown to better capture the composition of the limited colonic fluid and have resulted in relevant degradation and dissolution kinetics of drugs and formulations. Furthermore, drug hurdles such as efflux transporters and metabolising enzymes, and the presence of mucus and microbiome are slowly integrated into drug stability- and permeation assays. Traditionally, the well characterized Caco-2 cell line and the Ussing chamber technique are used to assess the absorption characteristics of small drug molecules. Recently, various stem cell-derived intestinal systems have emerged, closely mimicking epithelial physiology. Models that can assess microbiome-mediated drug metabolism or enable coculturing of gut microbiome with epithelial cells are also increasingly explored. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the colonic physiology in relation to drug absorption, and review colon-targeting formulation strategies and in vitro tools to characterize colonic drug disposition.

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