Liver-specific drug delivery platforms: Applications for the treatment of alcohol-associated liver disease

Navigating liver cancer: Precision targeting for enhanced treatment outcomes

Cancer treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy have several limitations, including ineffectiveness against large or persistent tumors, high relapse rates, drug toxicity, and non-specificity of therapy. Researchers are exploring advanced strategies for treating this life-threatening disease to address these challenges. One promising approach is targeted drug delivery using prodrugs or surface modification with receptor-specific moieties for active or passive targeting. While various drug delivery systems have shown potential for reaching hepatic cells, nano-carriers offer significant size, distribution, and targetability advantages. Engineered nanocarriers can be customized to achieve effective and safe targeting of tumors by manipulating physical characteristics such as particle size or attaching receptor-specific ligands. This method is particularly advantageous in treating liver cancer by targeting specific hepatocyte receptors and enzymatic pathways for both passive and active therapeutic strategies. It highlights the epidemiology of liver cancer and provides an in-depth analysis of the various targeting approaches, including prodrugs, liposomes, magneto-liposomes, micelles, glycol-dendrimers, magnetic nanoparticles, chylomicron-based emulsion, and quantum dots surface modification with receptor-specific moieties. The insights from this review can be immensely significant for preclinical and clinical researchers working towards developing effective treatments for liver cancer. By utilizing these novel strategies, we can overcome the limitations of conventional therapies and offer better outcomes for liver cancer patients.

Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Targeted Delivery System: In Treatment Approach for Dyslipidemia

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by abnormally high lipid levels in the bloodstream, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments have limitations in efficacy and may lead to side effects. Nanotechnology offers unique advantages in drug delivery, including improved drug stability, prolonged circulation time, and enhanced tissue targeting. Using nanoparticles as carriers, therapeutic agents can be precisely delivered to the target site, such as the liver or arterial walls, where lipid metabolism occurs. Chitosan nanoparticles represent an advanced approach engineered with precision to target atherosclerotic plaques. They have dual functionalities, serving therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in managing atherosclerosis. Targeting strategies involve coating nanoparticles with ligands or antibodies that recognize specific receptors overexpressed in hyperlipidemic conditions. This selective uptake maximizes the therapeutic effect while minimizing off-target effects, making it a promising alternative to traditional treatments. The review provides an overview of recent research developments for managing dyslipidemia based on the molecular target pathway of dyslipidemia, focusing on Chitosan-based delivery systems that allow controlled drug release, targeting, and enhancing patient compliance.

Plant extracts with antioxidant and hepatoprotective benefits for liver health: A bibliometric analysis of drug delivery systems

BACKGROUND

The rising global burden of liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis, has necessitated innovative therapeutic approaches. Plant-based therapies, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have shown promising effects. However, poor bioavailability limits their clinical application.

AIM

To map global research trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in plant-based therapies combined with advanced drug delivery systems for liver health.

METHODS

Using the Scopus database, 645 documents were retrieved and analyzed using bibliometric tools Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Analysis focused on publication trends, geographical contributions, and advancements in drug delivery technologies, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and polymeric micelles. Metrics such as publication growth rate, authorship collaboration, and thematic clustering were assessed.

RESULTS

The dataset spans 43 years (1981-2024), with an annual growth rate of 11.09% in the number of publications. Research output is dominated by China (33%), followed by the United States (24%) and India (18%). Collaborative studies accounted for 24.34% of publications, with an average of 5.81 co-authors per document. Key innovations include nanoparticle encapsulation of curcumin and silymarin, improving bioavailability by up to 85%. Highly cited studies demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties of these compounds. For instance, curcumin nanoparticles showed a 70% improvement in solubility, and silymarin liposomal formulations enhanced therapeutic efficiency by 62%. Thematic analysis revealed a transition from basic clinical observations to molecular and pharmacokinetic research, with a focus on oxidative stress mitigation and hepatoprotection.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the growing synergy between plant-based therapies and advanced drug delivery systems, with significant contributions from Asian and Western countries. Future efforts should prioritize clinical trials, standardization of plant extract formulations, and interdisciplinary approaches to maximize therapeutic outcomes. The findings provide a foundation for integrating plant-derived compounds into evidence-based hepatological therapies, addressing critical challenges in bioavailability and safety.

Portal Fibrosis and the Ductular Reaction: Pathophysiological Role in the Progression of Liver Disease and Translational Opportunities

A consistent feature of chronic liver diseases and the hallmark of pathologic repair is the so-called "ductular reaction." This is a histologic abnormality characterized by an expansion of dysmorphic cholangiocytes inside and around portal spaces infiltrated by inflammatory, mesenchymal, and vascular cells. The ductular reaction is a highly regulated response based on the reactivation of morphogenetic signaling mechanisms and a complex crosstalk among a multitude of cell types. The nature and mechanism of these exchanges determine the difference between healthy regenerative liver repair and pathologic repair. An orchestrated signaling among cell types directs mesenchymal cells to deposit a specific extracellular matrix with distinct physical and biochemical properties defined as portal fibrosis. Progression of fibrosis leads to vast architectural and vascular changes known as "liver cirrhosis." The signals regulating the ecology of this microenvironment are just beginning to be addressed. Contrary to the tumor microenvironment, immune modulation inside this "benign" microenvironment is scarcely known. One of the reasons for this is that both the ductular reaction and portal fibrosis have been primarily considered a manifestation of cholestatic liver disease, whereas this phenomenon is also present, albeit with distinctive features, in all chronic human liver diseases. Novel human-derived cellular models and progress in "omics" technologies are increasing our knowledge at a fast pace. Most importantly, this knowledge is on the edge of generating new diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Here, we will critically review the latest advances, in terms of mechanisms, pathophysiology, and treatment prospects. In addition, we will delineate future avenues of research, including innovative translational opportunities.

Liposomal nano-carriers mediated targeting of liver disorders: mechanisms and applications

Liver disorders present a significant global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment modalities. Liposomal nanocarriers have emerged as promising candidates for targeted drug delivery to the liver. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms and applications of liposomal nanocarriers in addressing various liver disorders. Firstly discussing the liver disorders and the conventional treatment approaches, the review delves into the liposomal structure and composition. Moreover, it tackles the different mechanisms of liposomal targeting including both passive and active strategies. After that, the review moves on to explore the therapeutic potentials of liposomal nanocarriers in treating liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Through discussing recent advancements and envisioning future perspectives, this review highlights the role of liposomal nanocarriers in enhancing the effectiveness and the safety of liver disorders and consequently improving patient outcomes and enhances life quality.

Targeting chronic liver diseases: Molecular markers, drug delivery strategies and future perspectives

Chronic liver inflammation, a pervasive global health issue, results in millions of annual deaths due to its progression from fibrosis to the more severe forms of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This insidious condition stems from diverse factors such as obesity, genetic conditions, alcohol abuse, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and toxic accumulation, manifesting as chronic liver diseases (CLDs) such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune hepatitis. Late detection of CLDs necessitates effective treatments to inhibit and potentially reverse disease progression. However, current therapies exhibit limitations in consistency and safety. A potential breakthrough lies in nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies, offering targeted delivery to specific liver cell types, such as hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells. This review explores molecular targets for CLD treatment, ongoing clinical trials, recent advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery, and the future outlook of this research field. Early intervention is crucial for chronic liver disease. Having a comprehensive understanding of current treatments, molecular biomarkers and novel nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies can have enormous impact in guiding future strategies for the prevention and treatment of CLDs.

Nanoparticle delivery systems of functional substances for precision nutrition

Foodborne functional substances have received much attention for their functional benefits in health and disease. However, these substances are easily affected by the adverse environment during production, transportation, or storage. They will also be damaged by the gastric environment and limited by the mucosal barrier after entering the human body, thus affecting the bioavailability of functional substances in the body. The construction of nanoparticle delivery systems is helpful to protect the biological activity of functional substances and improve their solubility, stability, and absorption of substances. Responsive delivery systems help control the release of functional substances in specific environments and targeted sites to achieve nutritional intervention, disease prevention, and treatment. In this chapter, the main types of foodborne functional substances and their commonly used delivery systems were reviewed, and the application of delivery systems in precision nutrition was described from the aspects of environmental stimuli-responsive delivery systems, site-specific delivery systems, and disease-targeted delivery systems.

Liposomes delivery systems of functional substances for precision nutrition

Natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and other biological activities are vital for maintaining the body's physiological functions and enhancing immunity. These compounds have great potential as nutritional therapeutic agents, but they can be limited due to their poor flavor, color, unstable nature, and poor water solubility, and degradation by gastrointestinal enzymes. Liposomes, as ideal carriers, can encapsulate both water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients, enhance the bioavailability of functional substances, promote the biological activity of functional substances, and control the release of nutrients. Despite their potential, liposomes still face obstacles in nutrient delivery. Therefore, the design of liposomes for special needs, optimization of the liposome preparation process, enhancement of liposome encapsulation efficiency, and industrial production are key issues that must be addressed in order to develop food-grade liposomes. Moreover, the research on surface-targeted modification and surface functionalization of liposomes is valuable for expanding the scope of application of liposomes and achieving the release of functional substances from liposomes at the appropriate time and site. The establishment of in vivo and in vitro digestion models of nutrient-loaded liposomes, in-depth study of gastrointestinal digestive behavior after liposome ingestion, targeted nutrient release, and deciphering the nutritional intervention of human diseases and positive health promotion are promising fields with broad development prospects.

Pharmacological inhibition of the Src homology phosphatase 2 confers partial protection in a mouse model of alcohol-associated liver disease

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading factor of liver-related death worldwide. ALD has various manifestations that include steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis and is currently without approved pharmacotherapies. The Src homology phosphatase 2 (Shp2) is a drug target in some cancers due to its positive regulation of Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and cell proliferation. Shp2 pharmacological inhibition yields beneficial outcomes in animal disease models, but its impact on ALD remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of Shp2 inhibition and its validity using a preclinical mouse model of ALD. We report that the administration of SHP099, a potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of Shp2, partially ameliorated ethanol-induced hepatic injury, inflammation, and steatosis in mice. Additionally, Shp2 inhibition was associated with reduced ethanol-evoked activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), oxidative, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver. Besides the liver, excessive alcohol consumption induces multi-organ injury and dysfunction, including the intestine. Notably, Shp2 inhibition diminished ethanol-induced intestinal inflammation and permeability, abrogated the reduction in tight junction protein expression, and the activation of ERK and stress signaling in the ileum. Collectively, Shp2 pharmacological inhibition mitigates the deleterious effects of ethanol in the liver and intestine in a mouse model of ALD. Given the multifactorial aspects underlying ALD pathogenesis, additional studies are needed to decipher the utility of Shp2 inhibition alone or as a component in a multitherapeutic regimen to combat this deadly malady.

Emerging Roles of Spatial Transcriptomics in Liver Research

Spatial transcriptomics, leveraging sequencing- and imaging-based techniques, has emerged as a groundbreaking technology for mapping gene expression within the complex architectures of tissues. This approach provides an in-depth understanding of cellular and molecular dynamics across various states of healthy and diseased livers. Through the integration of sophisticated bioinformatics strategies, it enables detailed exploration of cellular heterogeneity, transitions in cell states, and intricate cell-cell interactions with remarkable precision. In liver research, spatial transcriptomics has been particularly revelatory, identifying distinct zonated functions of hepatocytes that are crucial for understanding the metabolic and detoxification processes of the liver. Moreover, this technology has unveiled new insights into the pathogenesis of liver diseases, such as the role of lipid-associated macrophages in steatosis and endothelial cell signals in liver regeneration and repair. In the domain of liver cancer, spatial transcriptomics has proven instrumental in delineating intratumor heterogeneity, identifying supportive microenvironmental niches and revealing the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system as well as susceptibility to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, spatial transcriptomics represents a significant advance in hepatology, promising to enhance our understanding and treatment of liver diseases.

Enhancement of Liver Targetability through Statistical Optimization and Surface Modification of Biodegradable Nanocapsules Loaded with Lamivudine

The intention of the current work was to develop and optimize the formulation of biodegradable polymeric nanocapsules for lamivudine (LMV) in order to obtain desired physical characteristics so as to have improved liver targetability. Nanocapsules were prepared in this study as aqueous-core nanocapsules (ACNs) with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) using a modified multiple emulsion technique. LMV was taken as a model drug to investigate the potential of ACNs developed in this work in achieving the liver targetability. Three formulations factors were chosen and 33 factorial design was adopted. The selected formulation factors were optimized statistically so as to have the anticipated characteristics of the ACNs viz. maximum entrapment efficiency, minimum particle size, and less drug release rate constant. The optimized LMV-ACNs were found to have 71.54 ± 1.93% of entrapment efficiency and 288.36 ± 2.53 nm of particle size with zeta potential of -24.7 ± 1.2 mV and 0.095 ± 0.006 h-1 of release rate constant. This optimized formulation was subjected to surface modification by treating with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which increased the zeta potential to a maximum of -41.6 ± 1.3 mV at a 6 mM concentration of SLS. The results of in vivo pharmacokinetics from blood and liver tissues indicated that hepatic bioavailability of LMV was increased from 13.78 ± 3.48 μg/mL ∗ h for LMV solution to 32.94 ± 5.12 μg/mL ∗ h for the optimized LMV-ACNs and to 54.91 ± 6.68 μg/mL ∗ h for the surface-modified LMV-ACNs.

Gut microbiome as a therapeutic target for liver diseases

The prominent role of gut in regulating the physiology of different organs in a human body is increasingly acknowledged, to which the bidirectional communication between gut and liver is no exception. Liver health is modulated via different key components of gut-liver axis. The gut-derived products mainly generated from dietary components, microbial metabolites, toxins, or other antigens are sensed and transported to the liver through portal vein to which liver responds by secreting bile acids and antibodies. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can promote homeostasis of this gut-liver axis by regulating the intestinal barrier function and reducing the antigenic molecules. Conversely, liver secretions also regulate the gut microbiome composition. Disturbed homeostasis allows luminal antigens to reach liver leading to impaired liver functioning and instigating liver disorders. The perturbations in gut microbiome, permeability, and bile acid pool have been associated with several liver disorders, although precise mechanisms remain largely unresolved. Herein, we discuss functional fingerprints of a healthy gut-liver axis while contemplating mechanistic understanding of pathophysiology of liver diseases and plausible role of gut dysbiosis in different diseased states of liver. Further, novel therapeutic approaches to prevent the severity of liver disorders are discussed in this review.