Design of Chitosan-Coated, Quercetin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced PSMA-Specific Activity on LnCap Prostate Cancer Cells

Curcumin loaded β-cyclodextrin-magnetic graphene oxide nanoparticles decorated with folic acid receptors as a new theranostic agent to improve prostate cancer treatment

This article presents a novel approach to treating prostate cancer using a nanocarrier composed of folic acid (FA), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) as a theranostic agent. The carrier is designed to improve the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin, a potential therapeutic substance against prostate cancer. Folic acid receptors overexpressed on the surface of solid tumors, including prostate cancer, may facilitate targeted drug delivery to tumor cells while avoiding nonspecific effects on healthy tissues. The anticancer efficacy of Folic acid-curcumin@β-CD-MGO in vitro was also examined on LNCaP (an androgen-dependent) and PC3 (an androgen-independent) prostate cancer cells. The relaxivity of nanoparticles in MRI images was also investigated as a diagnostic factor. The results showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, induction of oxidative damage, and apoptotic effects. Also, nanoparticle relaxometry shows that this agent can be used as a negative contrast agent in MRI images. Overall, this study represents a promising theranostic agent to improve the delivery and trace of curcumin and enhance its therapeutic potential in the treatment of prostate cancer.

M1 Macrophage-Targeted Curcumin Nanocrystals with l-Arginine-Modified for Acute Lung Injury by Inhalation

Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ALI/ARDS) with clinical manifestations of respiratory distress and hypoxemia remains a significant cause of respiratory failure, boasting a persistently high incidence and mortality rate. Given the central role of M1 macrophages in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI), this study utilized the anti-inflammatory agent curcumin as a model drug. l-arginine (L-Arg) was employed as a targeting ligand, and chitosan was initially modified with l-arginine. Subsequently, it was utilized as a surface modifier to prepare inhalable nano-crystals loaded with curcumin (Arg-CS-Cur), aiming for specific targeting of pulmonary M1 macrophages. Compared with unmodified chitosan-curcumin nanocrystals (CS-Cur), Arg-CS-Cur exhibited higher uptake in vitro by M1 macrophages, as evidenced by flow cytometry showing the highest fluorescence intensity in the Arg-CS-Cur group (P < 0.01). In vivo accumulation was greater in inflamed lung tissues, as indicated by small animal imaging demonstrating higher lung fluorescence intensity in the DiR-Arg-CS-Cur group compared to the DiR-CS-Cur group in the rat ALI model (P < 0.05), peaking at 12 h. Moreover, Arg-CS-Cur demonstrated enhanced therapeutic effects in both LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and ALI rat models. Specifically, treatment with Arg-CS-Cur significantly suppressed NO release and levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.01), while in ALI rat models, expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in lung tissues were significantly lower than those in the model group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, lung tissue damage was significantly reduced, with histological scores significantly lower than those in the CS-Cur group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, these findings underscore the targeting potential of l-arginine-modified nanocrystals, which effectively enhance curcumin concentration in inflammatory environments by selectively targeting M1 macrophages. This study thus introduces novel perspectives and theoretical support for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for acute inflammatory lung diseases, including ALI/ARDS.

PLGA nanomedical consignation: A novel approach for the management of prostate cancer

The malignancy of the prostate is a complicated ailment which impacts millions of male populations around the globe. Despite the multitude of endeavour accomplished within this domain, modalities that are involved in the ameliorative management of predisposed infirmity are still relent upon non-specific and invasive procedures, thus imposing a detrimental mark on the living standard of the individual. Also, the orchestrated therapeutic interventions are still incompetent in substantiating a robust and unabridged therapeutic end point owing to their inadequate solubility, low bioavailability, limited cell assimilation, and swift deterioration, thereby muffling the clinical application of these existing treatment modalities. Nanotechnology has been employed in an array of modalities for the medical management of malignancies. Among the assortment of available nano-scaffolds, nanocarriers composed of a bio-decomposable and hybrid polymeric material like PLGA hold an opportunity to advance as standard chemotherapeutic modalities. PLGA-based nanocarriers have the prospect to address the drawbacks associated with conventional cancer interventions, owing to their versatility, durability, nontoxic nature, and their ability to facilitate prolonged drug release. This review intends to describe the plethora of evidence-based studies performed to validate the applicability of PLGA nanosystem in the amelioration of prostate malignancies, in conjunction with PLGA focused nano-scaffold in the clinical management of prostate carcinoma. This review seeks to explore numerous evidence-based studies confirming the applicability of PLGA nanosystems in ameliorating prostate malignancies. It also delves into the role of PLGA-focused nano-scaffolds in the clinical management of prostate carcinoma, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective on these advancements.

Delivery of gefitinib loaded nanoparticles for effectively inhibiting prostate cancer progression

Androgen deprivation therapy is administered to suppress the growth of prostate cancer (PCa). However, some cells continue to proliferate independent of hormones, leading to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been observed in CRPC and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Gefitinib (GEF) is an EGFR inhibitor used to treat patients with CRPC. Nevertheless, some clinical studies have reported that gefitinib does not result in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or objectively measurable CRPC reactions. This lack of response may be attributed to the limited solubility in water, high side effects, low tumor aggregation, and insufficient tumor-specific reactions of GEF. In order to tackle these obstacles, we present a practical and efficient approach to administer GEF, encompassing the utilization of biocompatible nanostructures as a vehicle for drug delivery to augment its bioaccessibility and curative potency. Despite their small particle size, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) exhibit a high drug-loading capacity, low toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and minimal immunogenicity. The drug delivery efficiency can be improved by employing GEF@PLGA NPs, which could also enhance drug cytotoxicity and impede the advancement of prostate cancer. Moreover, through experiments in vivo, it has been verified that GEF@PLGA NPs exhibit selective accumulation in the tumor and effectively restrain tumor growth. Therefore, the GEF@PLGA NPs hold great promise for the treatment of PCa.

Chitosan in Oral Drug Delivery Formulations: A Review

Nanoformulations have become increasingly useful as drug delivery technologies in recent decades. As therapeutics, oral administration is the most common delivery method, although it is not always the most effective route because of challenges with swallowing, gastrointestinal discomfort, low solubility, and poor absorption. One of the most significant barriers that medications must overcome to exert a therapeutic effect is the impact of the first hepatic transit. Studies have shown that controlled-release systems using nanoparticles composed of biodegradable natural polymers significantly improve oral administration, which is why these materials have attracted significant attention. Chitosan possesses a wide variety of properties and functions in the pharmaceutical as well as healthcare industries. Drug encapsulation and transport within the body are two of its most important features. Moreover, chitosan can enhance drug efficacy by facilitating drug interaction with target cells. Based on its physicochemical properties, chitosan can potentially be synthesized into nanoparticles, and this review summarizes recent advances and applications of orally delivered chitosan nanoparticle interventions.

Unleashing novel horizons in advanced prostate cancer treatment: investigating the potential of prostate specific membrane antigen-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy with increasing incidence in middle-aged and older men. Despite various treatment options, advanced metastatic PCa remains challenging with poor prognosis and limited effective therapies. Nanomedicine, with its targeted drug delivery capabilities, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) stands as one of the most distinctive and highly selective biomarkers for PCa, exhibiting robust expression in PCa cells. In this review, we explore the applications of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in advanced PCa management. Our primary objective is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge nanomedicine research and clinical practice, making it accessible to the medical community. We discuss mainstream treatment strategies for advanced PCa, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, in the context of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines. Additionally, we elucidate novel treatment concepts such as photodynamic and photothermal therapies, along with nano-theragnostics. We present the content in a clear and accessible manner, appealing to general physicians, including those with limited backgrounds in biochemistry and bioengineering. The review emphasizes the potential benefits of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in enhancing treatment efficiency and improving patient outcomes. While the use of PSMA-targeted nano-drug delivery has demonstrated promising results, further investigation is required to comprehend the precise mechanisms of action, pharmacotoxicity, and long-term outcomes. By meticulous optimization of the combination of nanomedicines and PSMA ligands, a novel horizon of PSMA-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy could bring renewed hope for patients with advanced PCa.