Targeting kidneys by superparamagnetic allopurinol loaded chitosan coated nanoparticles for the treatment of hyperuricemic nephrolithiasis

Advancements in Nanomedicine for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones constitute a common condition impacting the urinary system. In clinical diagnosis and management, traditional surgical interventions and pharmacological treatments are primarily utilized; however, these methods possess inherent limitations. Presently, the field of nanomedicine is undergoing significant advancements. The application of nanomaterials in biosensors enables the accurate assessment of urinary ion composition. Furthermore, contrast agents developed from these materials can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and enhance image clarity. By mitigating oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, nanomaterials can inhibit the formation of kidney stones and enhance the efficacy of drug delivery as effective carriers. Additionally, by modifying the physical and chemical properties of bacteria, nanomaterials can effectively eliminate bacterial presence, thereby preventing severe complications. This review explores the advancements in nanomaterials technology related to the early detection of risk factors, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of kidney stones and their associated complications.

Current Status of Gout Arthritis: Current Approaches to Gout Arthritis Treatment: Nanoparticles Delivery Systems Approach

The deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within joint spaces produces a painful inflammatory condition known as gout, a specific form of arthritis. The condition calls for a combined curative and preventive management model. A new development in the approach to gout is that of NLRP3-targeted biologic agents, such as monoclonal therapies, to provide more accurate treatment by blocking specific pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nanoparticle drug delivery enhances biological availability and delivery to targets, which may increase therapeutic efficacy and decrease general toxicity. The preventive approach again cannot be ignored, mainly keeping up certain modifications in diet and weight, along with pharmacological therapies to reduce uric acid (UA) levels and to decrease the frequency of acute attacks. The advancement of genetic profiling of patients and biomarker discoveries drives the trend towards building individualized medicine and care, quickly gaining ground as the most effective method of delivering treatments to individual patients, moving away from one-size-fits-all treatments. The following paper aims to provide an updated account of the management of gout with a focus on recent developments, in order to enhance these approaches, the quality of life for patients with gout, and the standard of gout treatment.

An overview of the potential application of chitosan in meat and meat products

Chitosan is considered the second most ubiquitous polysaccharide next to cellulose. It has gained prominence in various industries including biomedicine, textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and notably, the food industry over the last few decades. The polymer's continual attention within the food industry can be attributed to the increasing popularity of greener means of packaging and demand for foods incorporated with natural alternatives instead of synthetic additives. Its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and film-forming abilities reinforced by the polymer's biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic nature have fostered its usage in food packaging and preservation. Microbial activity and lipid oxidation significantly influence the shelf-life of meat, resulting in unfavorable changes in nutritional and sensory properties during storage. In this review, the scientific studies published in recent years regarding potential applications of chitosan in meat products; and their effects on shelf-life extension and sensory properties are discussed. The utilization of chitosan in the form of films, coatings, and additives in meat products has supported the extension of shelf-life while inducing a positive impact on their organoleptic properties. The nature of chitosan and its compatibility with various materials make it an ideal biopolymer to be used in novel arenas of food technology.

Effect of Different Molecular Weights of Chitosan on Formulation and Evaluation of Allopurinol-Loaded Nanoparticles for Kidney Targeting and in Management of Hyperuricemic Nephrolithiasis

Present research study was conducted to formulate kidney-targeted allopurinol (AO)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ANPs) for management of hyperuricemic related nephrolithiasis. Different molecular weights of chitosan were used for fabricating ANP formulation by adopting modified ionotropic gelation method. The prepared batches were than evaluated for particle size analysis, entrapment efficiency, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, in vitro release and in vivo animal study. The in vivo study depicted that post 2 h of administration of different formulations and pure drug; ANPs prepared from low molecular weight chitosan showed maximum concentration of AO in kidney signifying successful kidney targeting of drug (25.92 fold) whereas no or very less amount of AO was seen in other animal groups. Effectiveness (p < 0.01) of formulation in management of hyperuricemia-associated nephrolithiasis was also evaluated via estimation of urine pH and serum and urine uric acid levels of mice. Further histological study was also performed on kidney samples which again affirmed these results. Present investigation demonstrated that ANPs prepared from low MW chitosan depicted maximum kidney-targeting ability that might be due to its specific uptake by the kidneys as well as its higher solubility than other two polymers, which results in enhanced release rate from the formulation and also offers an efficient strategy for the management of hyperuricemic nephrolithiasis.

Formulation, Optimization, and Evaluation of Allopurinol-Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Targeting Kidney in Management of Hyperuricemic Nephrolithiasis : Formulation, optimization, and evaluation of ABNPs for kidney targeting

The aim of present research work was to design, fabricate, optimize, and evaluate allopurinol (ALLO)-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (ABNPs) for kidney targeting of the drug and exploring the potential of fabricated ABNPs for management of hyperuricemia-related nephrolithiasis. ABNP formulation was prepared by employing desolvation technique, and its optimization was conducted by 2-factor-3-level central composite design (CCD) in order to achieve minimum particle size (PSA) and polydispersity index (PDI), maximum entrapment efficiency (EE), and zeta potential (ZP). Further, the optimized formulation (ABNPs_opt) was also assessed for in vitro drug release study, TEM, DSC, XRD analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and in vivo animal study. The in vivo study revealed that after 2 h of ABNPs_opt administration, a significant concentration of ALLO was present in kidney (21.26-fold) as compared with serum while in case of standard pure drug group; no drug was seen in mice kidney and serum post 2 h administration, which indicates successful targeting of ALLO by formulating its albumin nanoparticles. Also, uric acid and pH levels were measured in serum and urine samples of mice which showed significant (P < 0.01) efficacy of ABNPs_opt formulation in management of hyperuricemia-related nephrolithiasis. Histological studies on kidney samples also confirmed these outcomes. Findings of present study indicate higher kidney uptake of allopurinol from formulated ABNPs_opt, which could be due to the specificity of albumin polymer for cubilin and megalin receptors, and it also serves as effective strategy in management of hyperuricemic-related nephrolithiasis.