scholarly journals Preparation and Characterization of Silymarin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic Effects against Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats: Role of MicroRNAs as Molecular Targets

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1767
Author(s):  
Abdullah Saad Abdullah ◽  
Ibrahim El Tantawy El Sayed ◽  
Abdel Moneim A. El-Torgoman ◽  
Noweir Ahmad Alghamdi ◽  
Sami Ullah ◽  
...  

Background: The main obstacles of silymarin (SIL) application in liver diseases are its low bioavailability, elevated metabolism, rapid excretion in bile and urine, and inefficient intestinal resorption. The study aimed to synthesize and characterize silymarin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (SGNPs) formulation to improve SIL bioavailability and release for potentiating its antifibrotic action. Methods: Both SGNPs and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared and characterized using standard characterization techniques. The improved formulation was assessed for in vitro drug release study and in vivo study on rats using CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis model. SIL, SGNPs, and GNPs were administered by oral gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the study, rats underwent anesthesia and were sacrificed, serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were collected to measure the genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) expressions. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations of hepatic tissues supported these results. Results: The successful formation and conjugation of SGNPs were confirmed by measurements methods. The synthesized nanohybrid SGNPs showed significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats, and preserved normal body weight, liver weight, liver index values, retained normal hepatic functions, lowered inflammatory markers, declined lipid peroxidation, and activated the antioxidant pathway nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2). The antifibrotic activities of SGNPs mediated through enhancing the hepatic expression of the protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a which results in suppressed expression of the main fibrosis mediators; TGFβR1, COL3A1, and TGFβR2, respectively. The histopathology and IHC analysis confirmed the anti-fibrotic effects of SGNPs. Conclusions: The successful synthesis of SGNPs with sizes ranging from 16 up to 20 nm and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity 96% and 38.69%, respectively. In vivo studies revealed that the obtained nano-formulation of SIL boosted its anti-fibrotic effects.

Author(s):  
Bhikshapathi D. V. R. N. ◽  
Kanteepan P

Rebamipide, an amino acid derivative of 2-(1H)-quinolinone, is used for mucosal protection, healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis. The current research study aimed to develop novel gastro-retentive mucoadhesive microspheres of rebamipide using ionotropic gelation technique. Studies of micromeritic properties confirmed that microspheres were free flowing with good packability. The in vitro drug release showed the sustained release of rebamipide up to 99.23 ± 0.13% within 12 h whereas marketed product displayed the drug release of 95.15 ± 0.23% within 1 h. The release mechanism from microspheres followed the zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas (R2 = 0.915, 0.969), respectively. The optimized M12 formulation displayed optimum features, such as entrapment efficiency 97%, particle size 61.94 ± 0.11 µm, percentage yield 98%, swelling index 95% and mucoadhesiveness was 97%. FTIR studies revealed no major incompatibility between drug and excipients. SEM confirmed the particles were of spherical in shape. Optimized formulation (M12) were stable at 40°C ± 2°C/75% RH ± 5% RH for 6 months. In vivo studies were performed and kinetic parameters like Cmax, Tmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, t1/2, and Kel  were calculated. The marketed product Cmax (3.15 ± 0.05 ng/mL) was higher than optimized formulation (2.58 ± 0.03 ng/mL). The optimized formulation AUC0-t (15.25 ± 1.14 ng.hr/mL), AUC0-∞ (19.42 ± 1.24 ng.hr/mL) was significantly higher than that of marketed product AUC0-t (10.21 ± 1.26 ng.hr/mL) and AUC0-∞ (13.15 ± 0.05 ng.hr/mL). These results indicate an optimized formulation bioavailability of 2.5-fold greater than marketed product.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara De Berardis ◽  
Magda Marchetti ◽  
Anna Risuglia ◽  
Federica Ietto ◽  
Carla Fanizza ◽  
...  

AbstractIn recent years, the introduction of innovative low-cost and large-scale processes for the synthesis of engineered nanoparticles with at least one dimension less than 100 nm has led to countless useful and extensive applications. In this context, gold nanoparticles stimulated a growing interest, due to their peculiar characteristics such as ease of synthesis, chemical stability and optical properties. This stirred the development of numerous applications especially in the biomedical field. Exposure of manufacturers and consumers to industrial products containing nanoparticles poses a potential risk to human health and the environment. Despite this, the precise mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicity have not yet been fully elucidated. It is well known that the three main routes of exposure to nanomaterials are by inhalation, ingestion and through the skin, with inhalation being the most common route of exposure to NPs in the workplace. To provide a complete picture of the impact of inhaled gold nanoparticles on human health, in this article, we review the current knowledge about the physico-chemical characteristics of this nanomaterial, in the size range of 1–100 nm, and its toxicity for pulmonary structures both in vitro and in vivo. Studies comparing the toxic effect of NPs larger than 100 nm (up to 250 nm) are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani ◽  
Kamran Hosseini ◽  
Haleh Forouhandeh ◽  
Tohid Ghasemnejad ◽  
Vahideh Tarhriz ◽  
...  

Lymphoma is a name for malignant diseases of the lymphatic system including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Although several approaches are used for the treatment of these diseases, some of them are not successful and have serious adverse effects. Therefore, other effective treatment methods might be interesting. Studies have indicated that plant ingredients play a key role in treating several diseases. Some plants have already shown a potential therapeutic effect on many malignant diseases. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in different plants and could be useful in the treatment of different malignant diseases. Quercetin has its antimalignant effects through targeting main survival pathways activated in tumor cells. In vitro/in vivo experimental studies have demonstrated that quercetin possesses a cytotoxic effect on lymphoid cancer cells. Regardless of the optimum results that have been obtained from both in vitro/in vivo studies, few clinical studies have analyzed the antitumor effects of quercetin in lymphoid cancers. Thus, it seems that more clinical studies should introduce quercetin as a therapeutic, alone or in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Here, in this study, we reviewed the anticancer effects of quercetin and highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of quercetin in various types of lymphoma.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (16) ◽  
pp. 3232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Maccora ◽  
Valentina Dini ◽  
Chiara Battocchio ◽  
Ilaria Fratoddi ◽  
Antonella Cartoni ◽  
...  

In the last decade, many innovative nanodrugs have been developed, as well as many nanoradiocompounds that show amazing features in nuclear imaging and/or radiometabolic therapy. Their potential uses offer a wide range of possibilities. It can be possible to develop nondimensional systems of existing radiopharmaceuticals or build engineered systems that combine a nanoparticle with the radiopharmaceutical, a tracer, and a target molecule, and still develop selective nanodetection systems. This review focuses on recent advances regarding the use of gold nanoparticles and nanorods in nuclear medicine. The up-to-date advancements will be shown concerning preparations with special attention on the dimensions and functionalizations that are most used to attain an enhanced performance of gold engineered nanomaterials. Many ideas are offered regarding recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the recent clinical trials and applications are discussed.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vuanghao Lim ◽  
Edward Schneider ◽  
Hongli Wu ◽  
Iok-Hou Pang

Cataract is an eye disease with clouding of the eye lens leading to disrupted vision, which often develops slowly and causes blurriness of the eyesight. Although the restoration of the vision in people with cataract is conducted through surgery, the costs and risks remain an issue. Botanical drugs have been evaluated for their potential efficacies in reducing cataract formation decades ago and major active phytoconstituents were isolated from the plant extracts. The aim of this review is to find effective phytoconstituents in cataract treatments in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. A literature search was synthesized from the databases of Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus using different combinations of keywords. Selection of all manuscripts were based on inclusion and exclusion criteria together with analysis of publication year, plant species, isolated phytoconstituents, and evaluated cataract activities. Scientists have focused their attention not only for anti-cataract activity in vitro, but also in ex vivo and in vivo from the review of active phytoconstituents in medicinal plants. In our present review, we identified 58 active phytoconstituents with strong anti-cataract effects at in vitro and ex vivo with lack of in vivo studies. Considering the benefits of anti-cataract activities require critical evaluation, more in vivo and clinical trials need to be conducted to increase our understanding on the possible mechanisms of action and the therapeutic effects.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 769-782
Author(s):  
Karan Razdan ◽  
Nikhil S Sahajpal ◽  
Kuldeep Singh ◽  
Harmanpreet Singh ◽  
Harjeet Singh ◽  
...  

Aim: The present work focused on the development of sustained-release microsphere formulation of cefixime to provide reduction in dosing frequency, improved antibacterial activity and patient compliance. Methodology & results: Microspheres were prepared by modified emulsion solvent evaporation method and evaluated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Optimized formulation (FK-07) was found to have entrapment efficiency of 81.12 ± 0.93% and particle size of 166.82 ± 0.86 μm. FK-07 sustained release up to 24 h as demonstrated by in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats. FK-07 showed approximately twofold increase in bioavailability and twofold decrease in MIC90 value against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi in comparison to marketed formulation. Conclusion: Sustaining the release of cefixime using microspheres enhanced its bioavailability, antibacterial efficacy and will help in reducing its dosing frequency.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Karković Marković ◽  
Jelena Torić ◽  
Monika Barbarić ◽  
Cvijeta Jakobušić Brala

The Mediterranean diet and olive oil as its quintessential part are almost synonymous with a healthy way of eating and living nowadays. This kind of diet has been highly appreciated and is widely recognized for being associated with many favorable effects, such as reduced incidence of different chronic diseases and prolonged longevity. Although olive oil polyphenols present a minor fraction in the composition of olive oil, they seem to be of great importance when it comes to the health benefits, and interest in their biological and potential therapeutic effects is huge. There is a growing body of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as intervention-based clinical trials, revealing new aspects of already known and many new, previously unknown activities and health effects of these compounds. This review summarizes recent findings regarding biological activities, metabolism and bioavailability of the major olive oil phenolic compounds—hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, oleocanthal and oleacein—the most important being their antiatherogenic, cardioprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective and endocrine effects. The evidence presented in the review concludes that these phenolic compounds have great pharmacological potential, however, further studies are still required.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (35) ◽  
pp. 6493-6513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Mioc ◽  
Marius Mioc ◽  
Roxana Ghiulai ◽  
Mirela Voicu ◽  
Roxana Racoviceanu ◽  
...  

Cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide, while most chemotherapies induce nonselective toxicity and severe systemic side effects. To address these problems, targeted nanoscience is an emerging field that promises to benefit cancer patients. Gold nanoparticles are nowadays in the spotlight due to their many well-established advantages. Gold nanoparticles are easily synthesizable in various shapes and sizes by a continuously developing set of means, including chemical, physical or eco-friendly biological methods. This review presents gold nanoparticles as versatile therapeutic agents playing many roles, such as targeted delivery systems (anticancer agents, nucleic acids, biological proteins, vaccines), theranostics and agents in photothermal therapy. They have also been outlined to bring great contributions in the bioimaging field such as radiotherapy, magnetic resonance angiography and photoacoustic imaging. Nevertheless, gold nanoparticles are therapeutic agents demonstrating its in vitro anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on various cell lines, such as human cervix, human breast, human lung, human prostate and murine melanoma cancer cells. In vivo studies have pointed out data regarding the bioaccumulation and cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles, but it has been emphasized that size, dose, surface charge, sex and especially administration routes are very important variables.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 988-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bellamkonda Bosebabu ◽  
Sri Pragnya Cheruku ◽  
Mallikarjuna Rao Chamallamudi ◽  
Madhavan Nampoothiri ◽  
Rekha R. Shenoy ◽  
...  

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds have been authenticated for its medicinal value in both Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Its numerous potential nutritional benefits are attributed to its main bioactive constituents, sesamol. As a result of those studies, several molecular mechanisms are emerging describing the pleiotropic biological effects of sesamol. This review summarized the most interesting in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological effects of sesamol. The present work summarises data available from Pubmed and Scopus database. Several molecular mechanisms have been elucidated describing the pleiotropic biological effects of sesamol. Its major therapeutic effects have been elicited in managing oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome and mood disorders. Further, compelling evidence reflected the ability of sesamol in inhibiting proliferation of the inflammatory cell, prevention of invasion and angiogenesis via affecting multiple molecular targets and downstream mechanisms. Sesamol is a safe, non‐toxic chemical that mediates anti‐inflammatory effects by down‐regulating the transcription of inflammatory markers such as cytokines, redox status, protein kinases, and enzymes that promote inflammation. In addition, sesamol also induces apoptosis in cancer cells via mitochondrial and receptor‐mediated pathways, as well as activation of caspase cascades. In the present review, several pharmacological effects of sesamol are summarised namely, antioxidant, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, radioprotective, anti-aging, anti-ulcer, anti-dementia, anti-depressant, antiplatelet, anticonvulsant, anti-anxiolytic, wound healing, cosmetic (skin whitening), anti-microbial, matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) inhibition, hepatoprotective activity and other biological effects. Here we have summarized the proposed mechanism behind these pharmacological effects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankita Dadwal ◽  
Neeraj Mishra ◽  
Raj Kumar Narang

Background: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin with lapsing episodes of hyperkeratosis, irritation, and inflammation. Numerous traditional and novel drug delivery systems have been used for better penetration through psoriatic barrier cells and also for retention in the skin. As there is no effective remedy for better penetration and retention is there because of the absence of an ideal carrier for effective and safe delivery of antipsoriatic drugs. Objectives: The main objective of this project is to develop Squalene integrated NLC based carbopol 940 gel to create a local drug depot in skin for improved efficacy against psoriasis. Methods: Homogenization method is used for the formulation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and were characterized on the basis of size, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity, spreadability, DSC, zeta potential, % in vitro release, in vitro skin permeation and retention studies, physical storage stability studies and in vivo studies can use other alternative models for induction of psoriasis by severe redness, swelling macroscopically and microvascular dilation edema lasting for 10 days. Further histopathology study was done to basses of changes in the skin. Conclusion: The optimized formulation of nanostructured lipid carrier-based gel has shown significant sustained release of clobetasol propionate. Further, this formulation has also shown retention in skin because of squalene as it is sebum derived lipid show affinity towards the sebaceous gland.


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