Preparation, characterization, in vitro drug release and anti-inflammatory of thymoquinone-loaded chitosan nanocomposite

Effect of cyclodextrin-complexed lyophilized nanosuspension of Nigella sativa seeds oleoresin on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in mice

Depression is a prevalent global health concern necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antidepressant medications due to its associated adverse effects. Nigella sativa (NS) is recognized for its potential as an antidepressant, offering a promising solution with fewer side effects. This study investigated the antidepressant efficacy of cyclodextrin-complexed lyophilized nanosuspension of NS oleoresin (NSOR) in a murine model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. This study sought to evaluate and contrast the antidepressant potential of the nano-NSOR with that of the NS ethanolic extract (NSEE). The prepared nano-NSOR was characterized physicochemically and evaluated for in vitro drug release and in vivo antidepressant activity. The particle size of nano-NSOR was determined to be 164.6 nm. In vitro drug release studies suggested the higher drug release from nano-NSOR (90.15 % after 72 h) compared to the native NSOR (59.55 % after 72 h). Furthermore, nano-NSOR exhibited a more pronounced antidepressant effect than NSEE in the context of CUMS-induced depression. This study highlights a potential alternative for managing depression, addressing the need for improved antidepressant treatments with reduced side effects. These results suggest that nano-NSOR ameliorates CUMS-induced depression by modulating neurotransmitter levels, reducing inflammation, and enhancing neuroprotection.

Mangifera indica L. kernel ethanol extract inhibits cell viability and proliferation with induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in lung cancer cells

In this study, we investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Mangifera indica L. kernel on the viability and proliferation of human lung cancer cells. We utilized MTT and BrdU cell proliferation assays, morphological assessments, cell cycle analyses, and apoptosis assays to investigate the extract's effects on lung cancer (A549 and NCI-H292) and normal lung (MRC-5) cells. The extract demonstrated a toxicity toward cancer cells compared to normal cells with dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on lung cancer cells. The extract also caused differential effects on the cell cycle, inducing G0/G1 arrest and increasing the Sub-G1 population in both lung cancer and normal lung cells. Notably, the extract induced loss of membrane integrity, shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and apoptosis in lung cancer cells, while normal cells exhibited only early apoptosis. Furthermore, the extract exhibited higher toxicity towards NCI-H292 cells, followed by A549 and normal MRC-5 cells in decreasing order of potency. Our results suggest that the ethanolic extract of M. indica L. kernel has significant potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating lung cancer cells, given its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines while causing minimal harm to normal cells.

Sodium alginate encapsulated iron oxide decorated with thymoquinone nanocomposite induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells via PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway

The present study investigated the cytotoxicity and proapoptotic properties of iron oxide-sodium-alginate-thymoquinone nanocomposites against breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and in silico. This study used chemical synthesis to formulate the nanocomposite. Electron microscopies such as scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-Visible, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction studies (XRD) were used to characterize the synthesized ISAT-NCs and the average size of them was found to be 55 nm. To evaluate the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic potentials of ISAT-NCs on MDA-MB-231 cells, MTT assays, FACS-based cell cycle studies, annexin-V-PI staining, ELISA, and qRT-PCR were used. PI3K-Akt-mTOR receptors and thymoquinone were predicted using in-silico docking studies. Cell proliferation is reduced in MDA-MB-231 cells due to ISAT-NC cytotoxicity. As a result of FACS analysis, ISAT-NCs had nuclear damage, ROS production, and elevated annexin-V levels, which resulted in cell cycle arrest in the S phase. The ISAT-NCs in MDA-MB-231 cells were found to downregulate PI3K-Akt-mTOR regulatory pathways in the presence of inhibitors of PI3K-Akt-mTOR, showing that these regulatory pathways are involved in apoptotic cell death. We also predicted the molecular interaction between thymoquinone and PI3K-Akt-mTOR receptor proteins using in-silico docking studies which also support PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling inhibition by ISAT-NCs in MDA-MB-231 cells. As a result of this study, we can conclude that ISAT-NCs inhibit the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in breast cancer cell lines, causing apoptotic cell death.

Downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α in rheumatoid arthritis using nano-lipidic carriers of a quinone-based phenolic: an in vitro and in vivo study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint ailment with multi-factorial immune-mediated degenerative pathogenesis, including genetic and environmental defects. Resistance to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens due to excessive drug efflux over time, rendering the concentration insufficient to elicit a response. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a quinone-based phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that downregulate numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, its pharmaceutical importance and therapeutic utility are underexplored due to intrinsic physicochemical characteristics such as inadequate biological stability, short half-life, low hydrophilicity, and less systemic availability. Tamanu oil-stabilised nanostructured lipid carriers (TQ-NLCs) were prepared and optimised using Box-Behnken design (BBD) with the size of 153.9 ± 0.52 nm and surface charge of -30.71 mV. The % entrapment efficiency and drug content were found to be 84.6 ± 0.50% and 14.75 ± 0.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the TQ-loaded NLCs (TQ-NLCs) assayed for skin permeation for transdermal delivery which significantly (p < 0.05) increased skin enhancement ratio 14.6 times compared to the aqueous solution of TQ. Tamanu oil displayed the synergistic anti-inflammatory potential with TQ in comparison to pure TQ, as evidenced against carrageenan (CRG)-induced paw oedema model and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic model. The arthritic and X-ray scores significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in TQ-NLCs and standard formulation-treated groups. Moreover, serum pro-inflammatory marker TNF-α and IL-6 levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in TQ-NLCs gel-treated group compared to the arthritic control group.

Chitosan as a potential biomaterial for the management of oral mucositis, a common complication of cancer treatment

Oral mucositis is a serious issue in patients receiving oncological therapies. Mucosal protectants considered to be one of the preferred choices used in the management of mucositis. However, the protective efficacy of currently available mucosal protectants has been significantly compromised due to poor retention, lack of lubrication, poor biodegradability, and inability to manage secondary complications. Chitosan is a promising material for mucosal applications due to its beneficial biomedical properties. Chitosan is also anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and capable of scavenging free radicals, makes it a good candidate for the treatment of oral mucositis. Additionally, chitosan's amino polysaccharide skeleton permits a number of chemical alterations with better bioactive performance. This article provides a summary of key biological properties of chitosan and its derivatives that are useful for treating oral mucositis. Current literature evidence shows that Chitosan has superior mucosal protective properties when utilised alone or as delivery systems for co-encapsulated drugs.

Preparation and Characterization of Salsalate-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles: In Vitro Release and Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity

The controlled-release characteristic of drug delivery systems is utilized to increase the residence time of therapeutic agents in the human body. This study aimed to formulate and characterize salsalate (SSL)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) prepared using the ionic gelation method and to assess their in vitro release and antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The optimized CSNPs and CSNP-SSL formulation were characterized for particle size (156.4 ± 12.7 nm and 132.8 ± 17.4 nm), polydispersity index (0.489 ± 0.011 and 0.236 ± 132 0.021), zeta potential (68 ± 16 mV and 37 ± 11 mV), and entrapment efficiency (68.9 ± 2.14%). Physicochemical features of these nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicated that CSNPs and CSNP-SSL were spherical in shape with a smooth surface and their particle size ranged between 200 and 500 nm. In vitro release profiles of the optimized formulations showed an initial burst followed by slow and sustained drug release after 18 h (64.2 ± 3.2%) and 48 h (84.6 ± 4.23%), respectively. Additionally, the CSNPs and CSNP-SSL nanoparticles showed a sustained antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus (15.7 ± 0.1 and 19.1 ± 1.2 mm) and Escherichia coli (17.5 ± 0.8 and 21.6 ± 1.7 243 mm). Interestingly, CSNP-SSL showed better capability (89.4 ± 1.2% and 95.8 ± 0.7%) than did CSNPs in inhibiting antibiofilm production by Enterobacter tabaci (E2) and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae (SC3). Therefore, CSNPs are a promising dosage form for sustained drug delivery and enhanced antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of SSL; these results could be translated into increased patient compliance.