Novel Developments to Enable Treatment of CNS Diseases with Targeted Drug Delivery

Pancreatic cancer environment: from patient-derived models to single-cell omics

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant cancer characterized by poor prognosis, high heterogeneity, and intricate heterocellular systems. Selecting an appropriate experimental model for studying its progression and treatment is crucial. Patient-derived models provide a more accurate representation of tumor heterogeneity and complexity compared to cell line-derived models. This review initially presents relevant patient-derived models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived explants (PDEs), which are essential for studying cell communication and pancreatic cancer progression. We have emphasized the utilization of these models in comprehending intricate intercellular communication, drug responsiveness, mechanisms underlying tumor growth, expediting drug discovery, and enabling personalized medical approaches. Additionally, we have comprehensively summarized single-cell analyses of these models to enhance comprehension of intercellular communication among tumor cells, drug response mechanisms, and individual patient sensitivities.

γ-Oryzanol from Rice Bran Antagonizes Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity in an In Vitro Model of Differentiated HT-22 Cells

The excessive activation of glutamate in the brain is a factor in the development of vascular dementia. γ-Oryzanol is a natural compound that has been shown to enhance brain function, but more research is needed to determine its potential as a treatment for vascular dementia. This study investigated if γ-oryzanol can delay or improve glutamate neurotoxicity in an in vitro model of differentiated HT-22 cells and explored its neuroprotective mechanisms. The differentiated HT-22 cells were treated with 0.1 mmol/L glutamate for 24 h then given γ-oryzanol at appropriate concentrations or memantine (10 µmol/L) for another 24 h. Glutamate produced reactive oxygen species and depleted glutathione in the cells, which reduced their viability. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also observed, including the inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I activity, the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the reduction of intracellular ATP levels in the HT-22 cells. Calcium influx triggered by glutamate subsequently activated type II calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in the HT-22 cells. The activation of CaMKII-ASK1-JNK MAP kinase cascade, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased Apaf-1-dependent caspase-9 activation were also observed due to glutamate induction, which were associated with increased DNA fragmentation. These events were attenuated when the cells were treated with γ-oryzanol (0.4 mmol/L) or the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine. The results suggest that γ-oryzanol has potent neuroprotective properties against glutamate excitotoxicity in differentiated HT-22 cells. Therefore, γ-oryzanol could be a promising candidate for the development of therapies for glutamate excitotoxicity-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including vascular dementia.

Magnetic hybrid nanovesicles for the precise diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system disorders

INTRODUCTION

Central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders are increasingly being recognized as a global health challenge worldwide. There are significant challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment due to the presence of the CNS barriers which impede the management of neurological diseases. Combination of nanovesicles (NVs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), referred to as magnetic nanovesicles (MNVs), is now well suggested as a potential theranostic option for improving the management of neurological disorders with increased targeting efficiency and minimized side effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a summary of major CNS disorders and the physical barriers limiting the access of imaging/therapeutic agents to the CNS environment. A special focus on the unique features of MNPs and NV is discussed which make them attractive candidates for neuro-nanomedicine. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of MNVs as a promising combined strategy for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in neurological disorders is provided.

EXPERT OPINION

The multifunctionality of MNVs offers the ability to overcome the CNS barriers and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The insights provided will guide future research toward better outcomes and facilitate the development of next-generation, innovative treatments for CNS disorders.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes provide neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury through the lncRNA TUBB6/Nrf2 pathway

Recently, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HucMSC) is a new focus of research in neurological diseases, and the beneficial effect of HucMSC is mediated by paracrine factors which are transported by exosome. Our previous study has shown that HucMSC-derived exosome could provide neuroprotection after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the underlying mechanisms were not fully understood. In the present study, we found that administration of exosome suppressed TBI-induced inflammation and ferroptosis. In addition, exosome activated the long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) TUBB6/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway after TBI. However, exosome partly failed to provide neuroprotection following TBI when TUBB6 was knockdown. Importantly, exosome treatment also decreased neuron cell death, suppressed inflammation, inhibited ferroptosis and activated the lncRNA TUBB6/Nrf2 pathway after TBI in vitro. Taken together, our results provided the first evidence that HucMSC-derived exosome played a key role in neuroprotection after TBI through the lncRNA TUBB6/Nrf2 pathway.

Emerging Trends and Translational Challenges in Drug and Vaccine Delivery

Drug and vaccine delivery have received considerable attention in recent years [...].