Potential impact of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) on the concentration of C-reactive protein and middle-mass molecules after wound treatment in rats

Protein and peptide profiles of rats' organs in scorpion envenomation

Problem of scorpion envenomation becomes more alarming each year. Main effects of scorpion venom are commonly believed to be related to its neurotoxic properties, yet severe symptoms may also be developed due to the uncontrolled enzymatic activity and formation of various bioactive molecules, including middle-mass molecules (MMMs). MMMs are considered as endogenous intoxication markers, their presence may indicate multiple organ failure. Scorpions, belong to the Leiurus macroctenus species, are very dangerous, nevertheless, effects of their venom on protein and peptide composition within the tissues remains unclear. In this work we have focused the attention on changes in protein and MMM levels and peptide composition in various organs during Leiurus macroctenus envenomation. The results revealed a decrease in protein level during envenomation as well as a significant increment of MMM₂₁₀ and MMM₂₅₄ levels in all assessed organs. Quantitative and qualitative compositions of various protein and peptide factions were continually changing. All of this may suggest that Leiurus macroctenus sting causes considerable destruction of cell microenvironment across all essential organs, providing systemic envenomation. In addition, MMM level increment may indicate endogenous intoxication development. Peptides, formed during envenomation, may possess various bioactive properties, analysis of which constitutes an area of further studies.

CeO2 Nanoparticle-Containing Polymers for Biomedical Applications: A Review

The development of advanced composite biomaterials combining the versatility and biodegradability of polymers and the unique characteristics of metal oxide nanoparticles unveils new horizons in emerging biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration, drug delivery and gene therapy, theranostics and medical imaging. Nanocrystalline cerium(IV) oxide, or nanoceria, stands out from a crowd of other metal oxides as being a truly unique material, showing great potential in biomedicine due to its low systemic toxicity and numerous beneficial effects on living systems. The combination of nanoceria with new generations of biomedical polymers, such as PolyHEMA (poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-based hydrogels, electrospun nanofibrous polycaprolactone or natural-based chitosan or cellulose, helps to expand the prospective area of applications by facilitating their bioavailability and averting potential negative effects. This review describes recent advances in biomedical polymeric material practices, highlights up-to-the-minute cerium oxide nanoparticle applications, as well as polymer-nanoceria composites, and aims to address the question: how can nanoceria enhance the biomedical potential of modern polymeric materials?