Nanotechnology in the Treatment of Diabetic Complications: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Icariin accelerates bone regeneration by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Icariin (ICA), a natural flavonoid compound monomer, has multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not yet been examined.

AIM

To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM.

METHODS

The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis. A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats. The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area.

RESULTS

ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) and angiogenesis-related markers (vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) compared to the untreated group. ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs. In the bone defect model T1DM rats, ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation. Lastly, ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area.

CONCLUSION

ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.

Use of Albumin for Drug Delivery as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool

Drug delivery is an important topic that has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. Albumin nanoparticles play a significant role in drug delivery as a carrier due to their unique characteristics. Albumin is non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Its structure is such that it can interact with different drugs, which makes the treatment of the disease faster and also reduces the side effects of the drug. Albumin nanoparticles can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. These nanoparticles can connect to some compounds, such as metal nanoparticles, antibodies, folate, etc. and create a powerful nanostructure for drug delivery. In this paper, we aim to investigate albumin nanoparticles in carrier format for drug delivery application. In the beginning, different types of albumin and their preparation methods were discussed, and then albumin nanoparticles were discussed in detail in diagnosing and treating various diseases.

Bacterial mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial and antifungal activities against drug-resistant pathogens

In the healthcare sector, the production of bioactive silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with antimicrobial properties is of great importance. In this study, a novel bacterial strain, Paenibacillus sp. MAHUQ-63, was identified as a potential candidate for facile and rapid biosynthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were used to control the growth of human pathogens, Salmonella Enteritidis and Candida albicans. The bacterial culture supernatant was used to synthesize the nanoparticles (NPs). Field emission transmission electron microscope examination showed spherical-shaped NPs with 15-55 nm in size. Fourier transform-infrared analysis identified various functional groups. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated remarkable activity against S. Enteritidis and C. albicans. The zones of inhibition for 100 µl (0.5 mg ml-1) of AgNPs against S. Enteritidis and C. albicans were 18.0 ± 1.0 and 19.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 25.0 and 12.5 µg ml-1 against S. Enteritidis and C. albicans, respectively. Additionally, the minimum bactericidal concentrations were 25.0 µg ml-1 against both pathogenic microbes. The field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the treatment of AgNPs caused morphological and structural damage to both S. Enteritidis and C. albicans. Therefore, these AgNPs can be used as a new and effective antimicrobial agent.

Screening compounds for treating the diabetes and COVID-19 from Miao medicine by molecular docking and bioinformatics

Both diabetes and Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are seriously harmful to human health, and they are closely related. It is of great significance to find drugs that can simultaneously treat diabetes and COVID-19. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine for treating COVID-19, this study first sorted out the compounds of Guizhou Miao medicine with "return to the lung channel" and "clear heat and detoxify" effects in China. The active components against COVID-19 were screened by molecular docking with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and angiotensin-converting enzyme II as targets. Furthermore, the common target dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) of diabetes and COVID-19 was used as a screening protein, and molecular docking was used to obtain potential components for the treatment of diabetes and COVID-19. Finally, the mechanism of potential ingredients in the treatment of diabetes and COVID-19 was explored with bioinformatics. More than 80 kinds of Miao medicine were obtained, and 584 compounds were obtained. Further, 110 compounds against COVID-19 were screened, and top 6 potential ingredients for the treatment of diabetes and COVID-19 were screened, including 3-O-β-D-Xylopyranosyl-(1-6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, Glycyrrhizic acid, Sequoiaflavone, 2-O-Caffeoyl maslinic acid, Pholidotin, and Ambewelamide A. Bioinformatics analysis found that their mechanism of action in treating diabetes and COVID-19 may be related to regulating the expression of DPP4, angiotensin II type 1 receptor, vitamin D receptor, plasminogen, chemokine C-C-motif receptor 6, and interleukin 2. We believe that Guizhou Miao medicine is rich in potential ingredients for the treatment of diabetes and COVID-19.

MiR-99a-5p Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Targeting NOX4

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes, and it is the main cause of vision loss among working-age people. This study interpreted the roles of miR-99a-5p in DR patients and human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (hRMECs) injury induced by high glucose. The expression of miR-99a-5p was detected in patients with NDR, NPDR, and PDR. The indictive impacts of miR-99a-5p were tested by the ROC curve, and the link between miR-99a-5p and clinical information was verified by the Pearson test. HG was used to instruct cell models. The CCK-8 and transwell methods were performed to detect the proliferative and migrated cells. The targeted relationship was explained by luciferase activity. The content of miR-99a-5p was gradually lessened in NPDR and PDR patients. MiR-99a-5p might differentiate DR patients from NDR patients and PDR patients from NPDR patients. The interconnection between miR-99a-5p and clinical factors was endorsed in all DR patients. Overexpression of miR-99a-5p assuaged the abnormality of cell migration and proliferation of hRMECs triggered by HG. NOX4 was a downstream signaling component of miR-99a-5p. In conclusion, MiR-99a-5p protected hRMECs against HG damage, and the miR-99a-5p might be a novel target for diagnosis of DR.

Current Therapeutic Modalities for the Management of Chronic Diabetic Wounds of the Foot

Impaired wound healing is common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Different therapeutic modalities including wound debridement and dressing, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), nanomedicine, shockwave therapy, hyperbaric (HBOT) and topical (TOT) oxygen therapy, and photobiomodulation (PBM) have been used in the management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The selection of a suitable treatment method for DFUs depends on the hosts' physiological status including the intricacy and wound type. Effective wound care is considered a critical component of chronic diabetic wound management. This review discusses the causes of diabetic wounds and current therapeutic modalities for the management of DFUs, specifically wound debridement and dressing, TENS, nanomedicine, shockwave therapy, HBOT, TOT, and PBM.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from the Extremophile Plant Aeonium haworthii and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Diabetic Capacities

The present paper described the first green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the extremophile plant Aeonium haworthii. The characterization of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was carried out by using UV-Vis, FTIR and STM analysis. The antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties were also reported. The newly described AgNPs were spherical in shape and had a size of 35-55 nm. The lowest IC50 values measured by the DPPH assay indicate the superior antioxidant behavior of our AgNPs as opposed to ascorbic acid. The silver nanoparticles show high antidiabetic activity determined by the inhibitory effect of α amylase as compared to the standard Acarbose. Moreover, the AgNPs inhibit bacterial growth owing to a bactericidal effect with the MIC values varying from 0.017 to 1.7 µg/mL. The antifungal action was evaluated against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida sake and non-dermatophytic onychomycosis fungi. A strong inhibitory effect on Candida factors' virulence was observed as proteinase and phospholipase limitations. In addition, the microscopic observations show that the silver nanoparticles cause the eradication of blastospores and block filamentous morphogenesis. The combination of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic behaviors of the new biosynthesized silver nanoparticles highlights their promising use as natural phytomedicine agents.

Antioxidant Capacities and Enzymatic Inhibitory Effects of Different Solvent Fractions and Major Flavones from Celery Seeds Produced in Different Geographic Areas in China

To extend the application of celery (Apium graveolens L.) seeds, the antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory activities of different fractions and their main flavones were investigated. The n-butanol fractions possessed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) values. The n-butanol fractions from Northeast China samples exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging (DPPH IC₅₀ = 20.27 μg/mL, ABTS IC₅₀ = 15.11 μg/mL) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP 547.93 mg trolox (TE)/g) capacity, while those collected from Hubei China showed the optimal cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) values (465.78 mg TE/g). In addition, the dichloromethane fractions from Jiangsu samples displayed a maximum Fe²⁺ chelating capacity (20.81 mg ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)/g). Enzyme level experiments indicated polyphenolic compounds might be the main hypoglycemic active components. Subsequently, the enzyme inhibitory activity of nine main flavones was evaluated. Chrysoeriol-7-O-glucoside showed better α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than others. However, apigenin showed the best inhibitory effect on α-amylases, while the presence of glycosides would reduce its inhibitory effect. This study is the first scientific report on the enzymatic inhibitory activity, molecular docking, and antioxidant capacity of celery seed constituents, providing a basis for treating or preventing oxidative stress-related diseases and hyperglycemia.

Nanoparticles application as a therapeutic strategy for diabetes mellitus management

The prevalence of diabetes, as reported by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation, has raised many eyebrows about the dangers of diabetes mellitus to society, leading to the development of various therapeutic techniques, including nanotechnological, in the management of this disease. This review discusses silver, gold, ceramic, alloy, magnetic, silica, polymeric nanoparticles and their various applications in diabetes management which may help to reduce the incidence of diabetes and its complication.

Effects of the Oral Administration of Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae) on Blood Glucose Levels in Wistar Rats

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that poses a major global health threat. The current diabetes mellitus uses insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, which have limitations, including adverse effects and secondary failures. Herbal medicine is being evaluated for its role in the pharmacotherapy of diabetes. This study was aimed to assess the anti-diabetic potential and short-term toxicity level of Chenopodium ambrosioides collected from Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

Leaves of C. ambrosioides were extracted by infusion and maceration with distilled water and 95% methanol, respectively. Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic potentials of the aqueous and methanolic were investigated in normoglycemic and intraperitoneal glucose-loaded rats at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. An oral acute toxicity test was carried out on healthy female Wistar rats.

Results

Acute toxicity test showed the mean lethal dose (LD₅₀) for both aqueous and methanol extracts of C. ambrosioides to be more than 2000 mg/kg. The group treated with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.w) and aqueous extract of the plant (200 mg/kg b.w) showed a significant reduction (p< 0.0001 and p< 0.05) of fasting blood glucose by 46.91% and 16.72%, respectively, compared to control and all other treatment groups. In acute conditions, a single oral administration of the aqueous and methanolic extracts lowered fasting blood glucose in rats. Any manifestation and signs of toxicity and mortality have been recorded for 14 days of observation.

Conclusion

Leaf aqueous and methanolic extracts of C. ambrosioides appeared safe at 2000 mg/kg. The plant demonstrated some anti-diabetic potential in rats, explaining its use as an anti-diabetic remedy locally.

Novel Nanotechnological Approaches for Targeting Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) in Mitigating Diabetic Neuropathic Pain (DNP)

Diabetic neuropathy is the most entrenched complication of diabetes. Usually, it affects the distal foot and toes, which then gradually approaches the lower part of the legs. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) could be one of the worst complications of diabetes mellitus. Long-term diabetes leads to hyperglycemia, which is the utmost contributor to neuropathic pain. Hyperglycemia causing an upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was often observed in models of neuropathic pain. DRG opening frequency increases intracellular sodium ion levels, which further causes increased calcium channel opening and stimulates other pathways leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Currently, pain due to diabetic neuropathy is managed via antidepressants, opioids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, and topical agents such as capsaicin. Despite the availability of various treatment strategies, the percentage of patients achieving adequate pain relief remains low. Many factors contribute to this condition, such as lack of specificity and adverse effects such as light-headedness, languidness, and multiple daily doses. Therefore, nanotechnology outperforms in every aspect, providing several benefits compared to traditional therapy such as site-specific and targeted drug delivery. Nanotechnology is the branch of science that deals with the development of nanoscale materials and products, even smaller than 100 nm. Carriers can improve their efficacy with reduced side effects by incorporating drugs into the novel delivery systems. Thus, the utilization of nanotechnological approaches such as nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, gene therapy (siRNA and miRNA), and extracellular vesicles can extensively contribute to relieving neuropathic pain.