Amoxicillin-docosahexaenoic acid encapsulated chitosan-alginate nanoparticles as a delivery system with enhanced biocidal activities against Helicobacter pylori and improved ulcer healing

Nano-in-microparticles approach: Targeted gastric ulcer therapy using trans-resveratrol nanoparticles encapsulated in hyaluronic acid and alginate microparticles

Gastric ulcers affect 4 million people worldwide and occur when the stomach's defenses are compromised, allowing harmful agents, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori, to damage the tissue. The naturally occurring polyphenol, trans-resveratrol (RESV), demonstrates promising potential for treating gastric diseases. However, its therapeutic application is limited by its photosensitivity and solubility. To overcome these challenges, RESV was encapsulated in a new nano-in-microparticle system comprised of chitosan nanoparticles incorporated into hyaluronic acid and alginate microparticles (RESV-MNP). RESV-MNP exhibited spherical morphology (~2 μm) and encapsulation efficiency of 79 %, releasing about 41 % of RESV within 24 h, showing a prolonged release profile compared to the free drug. Additionally, RESV-MNP interacted with porcine mucin in an acid environment. RESV-MNP showed no toxicity against AGS/MKN-74 cell lines in vitro and in acute toxicity tests using Galleria mellonella and hemolysis. RESV-MNP presented a minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) of 3.9 μg/mL, eradicating H. pylori after 24 h. At 2×MIC, RESV-MNP completely eradicated H. pylori biofilm. In an in vitro infection assay, RESV-MNP reduced H. pylori load. The formulation effectively reduced the mortality rate of H. pylori-infected larvae in the G. mellonella model. Furthermore, RESV-MNP demonstrated gastroprotective effects, reducing the extent and severity of indomethacin-gastric lesions in rats.

Recent developments in sustained-release and targeted drug delivery applications of solid lipid nanoparticles

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) are versatile nano-carriers for wide range of applications. The advantages of SLNs include ease of preparation, low toxicity, high active compound bioavailability, flexibility of incorporating hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, and feasibility of large-scale production. This review provides an overview on the preparation methods of the SLNs, the micro and nanostructure characteristics of the SLNs, and the different factors influencing sustained release and targeted drug delivery. The applications in agriculture and environment, cosmetics, wound healing, malarial treatment, gene therapy and nano-vaccines, and cancer therapy, are elaborated. The mechanisms such as passive, active, and co-delivery are discussed. The issues, challenges and the way forward with ionisable SLNs for delivery of gene and vaccines, RAS-targeted therapy, and bioactive compounds, are highlighted. In combination with multiple compounds and the potential for integration with nature/bio-based solutions, SLNs are proven to be effective, and practical for diverse applications.

Exploring the Therapeutical Potential of Asparagopsis armata Biomass: A Novel Approach for Acne Vulgaris Treatment

Acne vulgaris, a high-prevalence skin condition afflicting people, persists as a significant challenge in the absence of effective treatments and emerging antibiotic resistance. To address this pressing concern, exploration of innovative approaches is of the utmost importance. Asparagopsis armata, an invasive red seaweed renowned for its diverse array of bioactive compounds, emerges as a promising candidate. This study seeks to elucidate the potential utility of A. armata biomass in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Crude extracts were obtained through solid-liquid extraction, and fractions were obtained using liquid-liquid extraction. The analyzed bioactivities included antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Also, chemical characterization was performed to identify free fatty acids and compounds through LC-MS and elements. The present findings unveil compelling attributes, including anti-Cutibacterium acnes activity, cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic effects, antioxidant properties, and its ability to reduce nitric oxide production with consequent anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, chemical characterization provides insights into its mineral elements, free fatty acids, and diverse compounds. The observed antimicrobial efficacy may be linked to halogenated compounds and fatty acids. Cytoprotection appears to be associated with the presence of glycerolipids and glycosylated metabolites. Furthermore, its antioxidant activity, coupled with anti-inflammatory properties, can be attributed to phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids. This study underscores the potential of A. armata as a natural ingredient in skincare formulations, offering an important contribution to the ongoing battle against acne vulgaris.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems for Combating H. pylori: A Brief Review

It is well established that Helicobacter pylori infection is a primary cause of gastritis. There is an alarming potential for this infection to progress into gastric cancer if left unaddressed. However, the efficacy of conventional treatments is undermined by the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance and the necessity for complex multidrug and high-dose therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, the presence of factors such as biofilm formation, efflux pumps, and gene mutations significantly elevates the risk of treatment failure. In view of these significant challenges, contemporary drug delivery systems represent a vital adjunct in the battle against H. pylori. These advanced and sophisticated systems offer significant advantages, including enhanced drug protection, controlled release, and targeted delivery to specific tissues. Nanoparticles, in particular, show promise in combating H. pylori infection through a variety of mechanisms, including direct drug delivery into the bacteria and the destruction of bacterial walls, as well as generation of free radicals. This review provides an overview of the current therapeutic landscape, including both existing and evolving treatment options. It delves into the transformative potential of novel drug delivery systems, including micro- and nanoparticles, to play a transformative role in the complex field of H. pylori infection treatment. By examining the complex relationship between infection dynamics and cutting-edge delivery technologies, this review seeks to identify avenues for more effective and targeted interventions against this persistent threat. As our understanding of H. pylori infection advances, new treatments and enhanced drug delivery methods offer the prospect of a more effective and personalized approach to combating this persistent health problem. This dynamic intersection of microbiology and nanotechnology exemplifies the relentless pursuit of innovative solutions to safeguard against the formidable challenges posed by H. pylori. Ultimately, it offers hope for improved patient outcomes and a healthier population.

Drug Loading in Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are promising vehicles for targeted and controlled drug release. Recognized for their biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ease of production, CSNPs represent an effective approach to drug delivery. Encapsulating drugs within nanoparticles (NPs) provides numerous benefits compared to free drugs, such as increased bioavailability, minimized toxic side effects, improved delivery, and the incorporation of additional features like controlled release, imaging agents, targeted delivery, and combination therapies with multiple drugs. Keys parameters in nanomedicines are drug loading content and drug loading efficiency. Most current NP systems struggle with low drug loading, presenting a significant challenge to the field. This review summarizes recent research on developing CSNPs with high drug loading capacity, focusing on various synthesis strategies. It examines CSNP systems using different materials and drugs, providing details on their synthesis methods, drug loadings, encapsulation efficiencies, release profiles, stability, and applications in drug delivery. Additionally, the review discusses factors affecting drug loading, providing valuable guidelines for future CSNPs' development.

Chitosan/Alginate-Based Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Agents Delivery

Nanoparticle systems integrating alginate and chitosan emerge as a promising avenue to tackle challenges in leveraging the potency of pharmacological active agents. Owing to their intrinsic properties as polysaccharides, alginate and chitosan, exhibit remarkable biocompatibility, rendering them conducive to bodily integration. By downsizing drug particles to the nano-scale, the system enhances drug solubility in aqueous environments by augmenting surface area. Additionally, the system orchestrates extended drug release kinetics, aligning well with the exigencies of chronic drug release requisite for antibacterial therapeutics. A thorough scrutiny of existing literature underscores a wealth of evidence supporting the utilization of the alginate-chitosan nanoparticle system for antibacterial agent delivery. Literature reviews present abundant evidence of the utilization of nanoparticle systems based on a combination of alginate and chitosan for antibacterial agent delivery. Various experiments demonstrate enhanced antibacterial efficacy, including an increase in the inhibitory zone diameter, improvement in the minimum inhibitory concentration, and an enhancement in the bacterial reduction rate. This enhancement in efficacy occurs due to mechanisms involving increased solubility resulting from particle size reduction, prolonged release effects, and enhanced selectivity towards bacterial cell walls, stemming from ionic interactions between positively charged particles and teichoic acid on bacterial cell walls. However, clinical studies remain limited, and there are currently no marketed antibacterial drugs utilizing this system. Hence, expediting clinical efficacy validation is crucial to maximize its benefits promptly.

Helicobacter pylori infection in humans and phytotherapy, probiotics, and emerging therapeutic interventions: a review

The global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains high, indicating a persistent presence of this pathogenic bacterium capable of infecting humans. This review summarizes the population demographics, transmission routes, as well as conventional and novel therapeutic approaches for H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection exceeds 30% in numerous countries worldwide and can be transmitted through interpersonal and zoonotic routes. Cytotoxin-related gene A (CagA) and vacuolar cytotoxin A (VacA) are the main virulence factors of H. pylori, contributing to its steep global infection rate. Preventative measures should be taken from people's living habits and dietary factors to reduce H. pylori infection. Phytotherapy, probiotics therapies and some emerging therapies have emerged as alternative treatments for H. pylori infection, addressing the issue of elevated antibiotic resistance rates. Plant extracts primarily target urease activity and adhesion activity to treat H. pylori, while probiotics prevent H. pylori infection through both immune and non-immune pathways. In the future, the primary research focus will be on combining multiple treatment methods to effectively eradicate H. pylori infection.

Antibacterial and Immunoregulatory Effects of Metformin against Helicobacter pylori Infection in Rat Model

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces gastritis by stimulating Th17 cells and related cytokines. The aim of our study was to investigate the synergistic effect of metformin with amoxicillin as an antibiotic in inhibiting H. pylori and modulating the immune response in a rat model.

Methods

Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups and infected with H. pylori. Over the course of 14 days, all animals were treated with metformin and amoxicillin alone and in combination. The antibacterial activity of metformin was evaluated by growth curves and colony counts. The immunoregulatory effect on Treg/Th17 balance was assessed by flow cytometry, and the cytokine profile of IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β, and IL-10 was determined by ELISA. The effect of metformin on gene expression of cagA and IL-8 was investigated by RT-PCR. Pathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.

Results

Metformin showed weak antibacterial activity against clinically isolated H. pylori. However, the combination of metformin and amoxicillin (AMX) showed strong synergistic antibacterial activity (ΣFIC = 0.24). Compared with AMX, metformin reduced inflammation and tissue damage but resulted in increased bacterial growth. During metformin administration, both TGF-β levels and Treg cells increased dramatically (P = 0.002). In synergy with AMX, metformin decreased the effective dose of antibiotic to eradicate H. pylori.

Conclusions

The combination of metformin with potential antibiotics such as AMX had a positive effect on the relief of H. pylori-related inflammation by inducing Treg cells while successfully eliminating H. pylori.