A combination of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with celecoxib and kartogenin has anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects: Results from an in vitro model of osteoarthritis

Targeted delivery of chrysin and 5-fluorouracil on MDA-MB-231 cancer cells by a peptide-functionalized L-DOPA-imprinted polymer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive and deadly form of breast cancer for which chemotherapy is the only systemic treatment option. Therefore, novel and more effective targeted or combined therapies, such as specific drug delivery systems that selectively target cancer cells, have received much attention. This research aimed to investigate the effect of targeted delivery of chrysin (CH) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) using polymer nanoparticles on MDA-MB-231 cells. In this regard, CH and 5FU were individually used as the template to polymerize L-DOPA on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Then, a CD138-targeting peptide was designed for the first time and immobilized on the surface of the polymeric nanocomposite to target TNBC. The results showed that poly(L-DOPA)-CH-peptide and poly(L-DOPA)-5FU-peptide are selective for MDA-MB-231 cells and deliver drugs to them in a targeted manner. In this study, peptide-containing nanocomposites targeting CD138 were more successful in reducing cell proliferation than peptide-free nanocomposites. Also, they increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells in vitro. The effective and targeted delivery of CH and 5FU to MDA-MB-231 cancer cells by the designed interference peptide in this study can promise an effective treatment method for inhibiting the growth and progression of cancer. However, animal studies are needed to understand the efficacy of the interfering peptide and the final designed construct.

Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Systematic Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced joint function. There are many variations of conventional therapies that exist, however, none proven to halt or reverse cartilage degradation. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, has emerged as a promising candidate in OA treatment due to its chondroprotective properties, and ability to enhance chondrocyte proliferation and suppress inflammatory mediators. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), which offer a novel and effective approach for addressing the limitations associated with standard chitosan formulations, such as poor solubility and limited tissue penetration. Chitosan NPs have demonstrated superior bioavailability, sustained drug release, and targeted delivery, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in preclinical models. This review explores evidence-based the therapeutic potential of chitosan NPs in the management of knee osteoarthritis, focusing on their role in cartilage regeneration and drug delivery.

Esterase-responsive kartogenin composite hydrogel microspheres boost nucleus pulposus regeneration in intervertebral disc degeneration

Cell transplantation for nucleus pulposus (NP) regeneration represents a promising strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Nonetheless, the hostile microenvironment within the degenerated intervertebral discs, characterized by redox imbalance and elevated mechanical pressure, poses risks of low cell survival and inadequate cell colonization for efficient NP regeneration. To address these challenges, we developed a biomimetic, esterase-responsive composite hydrogel microsphere (GHKM) for cell delivery, consisting of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) mixed with HAMA-KGN, a conjugate of hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) and the small heterocyclic molecule kartogenin (KGN) via ester bonds. GHKM mimic the NP extracellular matrix (ECM), providing essential adhesion and mechanical support for cell proliferation, while facilitating cellular adaptation to the adverse microenvironment through the esterase-responsive release of KGN. Furthermore, GHKM exhibit favorable biocompatibility and promote or protect ECM synthesis by nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) under both normal and inflammatory conditions. Transcriptomic sequencing analysis indicates a correlation between enhanced ECM synthesis and enrichment of antioxidant-related pathways. Subsequent cellular biological studies reveal that GHKM can also reduce reactive oxygen species production within the inflammatory milieu. The underlying mechanism of its protective effect on matrix metabolism may involve the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and the upregulation of downstream antioxidant enzymes. In vivo implantation of NPCs-laden GHKM into rat tail nuclectomy models for 4 and 8 weeks preserved disc height, structure, and biological function, with histological analysis confirming NP regeneration. These findings present GHKM as a promising, synergistic transplantation strategy for NP regeneration in IVDD. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduces an esterase-responsive gelatin methacrylate/hyaluronic acid methacrylate-kartogenin composite hydrogel microsphere (GHKM) system, aimed at mimicing the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the nucleus pulposus (NP) to address the pressing challenge of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). These microspheres offer an innovative solution for cell transplantation therapy by simultaneously addressing two critical barriers: the harsh microenvironment of the degenerated disc and the need for sustained therapeutic effects. GHKM provide mechanical support, enhance cell survival, and adapt dynamically to adverse conditions through esterase-responsive release of kartogenin (KGN), a multifunctional molecule with chondrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. This study will not only interest researchers focused on regenerative medicine and biomaterials but also inspire new directions for tackling complex degenerative diseases.

Nanomaterial-Based Drug Delivery Systems Targeting Functional Cells for Osteoarthritis Treatment: Mechanisms, Challenges and Future Prospects

Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a chronic joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, synovial inflammation, and subchondral bone erosions. Functional cells in OA mainly include macrophages, synoviocytes, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can secrete cytokines and non-coding RNAs and exosomes and interact with each other to coregulate the progression of OA. Some nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) surface ligands can alleviate OA by targeting receptors on the surface of functional cells. Meanwhile, other nanomaterial-based DDSs, whose surfaces are masked by the cell membranes or extracellular vesicles of these functional cells, treat OA by targeting and attacking the diseased site. When ligand-modified nanomaterials target specific functional cells to treat OA, the functional cells are attacked. Functional cells become attackers, similar to arrows, when their cell membranes or extracellular vesicles are modified into nanomaterials to deliver drugs for OA treatment. An increasing number of studies have been conducted on nanomaterial-based DDS-targeted functional cells for the treatment of OA, but none has summarized the corresponding research progress and mechanism of action. In this review, the related references on the treatment of osteoarthritis with nanomaterial-based DDSs targeting functional cells have been included, and how a variety of functional cells can be engineered into nanomaterial-based DDSs serving as targets or arrows to treat OA has been summarised for the first time, providing a new idea and method for the targeted treatment of OA.

A novel cocrystal approach celecoxib with piperine: Simultaneously enhance dissolution rate and compressibility

Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties similar to piperine, the secondary metabolite of Piper nigrum L. Unfortunately, celecoxib has a low compressibility and low dissolution rate in aqueous medium. This study aimed to prepare a cocrystal of celecoxib and piperine to enhance the dissolution rate and compressibility properties of celecoxib. The cocrystal was synthesized using the seeding method and thoroughly characterized using Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectrophotometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The complete change in PXRD, decrease in melting point in DSC measurements, and shift in the NH stretching band in the FT-IR spectrum suggested the formation of cocrystals phase. Single-crystal XRD confirmed the formation of an equimolar ratio of cocrystals of celecoxib and piperine. The intrinsic dissolution test was conducted to confirm the impact on the cocrystal to dissolution, and it showed a slight increase compared to intact celecoxib. To assess the physico-mechanical properties, the cocrystal powders were compressed into tablets with varying forces. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in compressibility compared with intact celecoxib owing to the slip plane in the crystal lattice of the cocrystal. In conclusion, our novel celecoxib-piperine cocrystal exhibited distinct physicochemical characteristics compared to intact celecoxib, showing enhanced dissolution rate and compressibility.

A drug-loaded nano chitosan/hyaluronic acid hydrogel system as a cartilage tissue engineering scaffold for drug delivery

Cartilage lesions, especially osteoarthritis (OA), usually arise from aging, trauma, or obesity and require medical intervention due to the damaged site's inflammation and the cartilage tissue's poor self-healing capacity. This study aimed to prepare a drug-loaded nanoparticle hydrogel system with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects to treat OA. First, hyaluronic acid (HA) was oxidized to create aldehyde functional groups and then cross-linked with adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) to form a hydrogel. Next, chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) loaded with an anti-inflammatory molecule (fisetin) and or a chondrogenic and chondroprotective agent (kartogenin) were incorporated into the hyaluronan hydrogel to improve the release profile of the drug and increase its retention time in the joint cavity. Incorporating drug-loaded NPs into the hyaluronan hydrogel provided the hydrogel with controlled release features and improved properties. In addition, the real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) results showed that the hyaluronan hydrogel containing both drug-loaded NPs performed better than either constituent alone on an in vitro model of OA. Finally, based on the results of in vitro evaluation, this drug-loaded nanoparticle hydrogel system can be a promising technique for treating OA by rapidly suppressing inflammation and supporting cartilage regeneration and requires further investigation in an animal model of OA. Meanwhile, this study investigated, for the first time, the effect of the simultaneous use of fisetin and kartogenin together with a nano CS/HA hydrogel system to treat OA.