Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease

A multidisciplinary approach to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Arbutus pavarii Pampan fruit; in vitro and in Vivo biological evaluations, and in silico investigations

The Libyan Strawberry, Arbutus pavarii Pampan (ARB), is an endemic Jebel Akhdar plant used for traditional medicine. This study presents the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of ARB fruit-extract. ARB phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 354.54 GAE and 36.2 RE of the phenolics and flavonoids. LC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides. Gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B3, β-type procyanidin trimer C, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the major constituents of the plant extract. ARB administration to paracetamol (PAR)-intoxicated rats reduced serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, hepatic tissue MDA and proinflammatory markers; TNF-α and IL-6 with an increase in tissue GSH level and SOD activity. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed that ARB restored the liver histology and significantly reduced the tissue expression of caspase 3, IL-1B, and NF-KB in PAR-induced liver damage. Docking analysis disclosed good binding affinities of some compounds with XO, COX-1, 5-LOX, and PI3K.

Chronological-Programmed Black Phosphorus Hydrogel for Responsive Modulation of the Pathological Microenvironment in Myocardial Infarction

Electroactive hydrogels have garnered extensive interest as a promising approach to myocardial tissue engineering. However, the challenges of spatiotemporal-specific modulation of individual pathological processes and achieving nontoxic bioresorption still remain. Herein, inspired by the entire postinfarct pathological processes, an injectable conductive bioresorbable black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs)-loaded hydrogel (BHGD) was developed via reactive oxide species (ROS)-sensitive disulfide-bridge and photomediated cross-linking reaction. Significantly, the chronologically programmed BHGD hydrogel can achieve graded modulation during the inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases of myocardial infarction (MI). More details, during early infarction, the BHGD hydrogel can effectively reduce ROS levels in the MI area, inhibit cellular oxidative stress damage, and promote macrophage M2 polarization, creating a favorable environment for damaged myocardium repair. Meanwhile, the ROS-responsive structure can protect BPNSs from degradation and maintain good conductivity under MI microenvironments. Therefore, the BHGD hydrogel possesses tissue-matched modulus and conductivity in the MI area, facilitating cardiomyocyte maturation and electrical signal exchange, compensating for impaired electrical signaling, and promoting vascularization in infarcted areas in the maturation phase. More importantly, all components of the hydrogel degrade into nontoxic substances without adverse effects on vital organs. Overall, the presented BPNS-loaded hydrogel offers an expandable and safe option for clinical treatment of MI.

Injectable biocompatible RAFT mediated nitroxide nanogels: A robust ROS-reduction antioxidant approach

This work introduces novel nitroxide-based nanogels (NGs) crafted through controlled RAFT (Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer) polymerization, showcasing over 85% improved shelf-life compared to native superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. These 30-40 nm NGs hold great promise for injectable delivery, effectively reducing foam cell formation and displaying potent antioxidant behavior against various reactive oxygen species (ROS), revolutionizing antioxidant therapy. Featuring a meticulously designed core-shell structure via precise RAFT polymerization, these NGs mimic SOD enzymatic activity with nitroxide-based antioxidants, providing unprecedented defense against ROS. Combining methacrylated 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (PMA) and Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomers with precisely synthesized nitroxyl radicals results in exceptional properties. Validated through comprehensive analytical methods, these NGs exhibit remarkable stability, halting foam cell formation even at high concentrations, and demonstrate notable biocompatibility. Their ability to protect low density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation for up to a month positions them at the forefront of combating cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. This study pioneers injectable antioxidant therapy, offering an innovative approach to cardiovascular ailments. Targeting narrow plaques signifies a promising intervention, reshaping cardiovascular disease treatments. It highlights the potential of advanced drug delivery in biomedicine, promising more effective cardiovascular disease treatments.

The interaction between particles and vascular endothelium in blood flow

Particle-based drug delivery systems have shown promising application potential to treat human diseases; however, an incomplete understanding of their interactions with vascular endothelium in blood flow prevents their inclusion into mainstream clinical applications. The flow performance of nano/micro-sized particles in the blood are disturbed by many external/internal factors, including blood constituents, particle properties, and endothelium bioactivities, affecting the fate of particles in vivo and therapeutic effects for diseases. This review highlights how the blood constituents, hemodynamic environment and particle properties influence the interactions and particle activities in vivo. Moreover, we briefly summarized the structure and functions of endothelium and simulated devices for studying particle performance under blood flow conditions. Finally, based on particle-endothelium interactions, we propose future opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies and provide solutions to challenges in particle delivery systems for accelerating their clinical translation. This review helps provoke an increasing in-depth understanding of particle-endothelium interactions and inspires more strategies that may benefit the development of particle medicine.

ROS-Suppression Nanoplatform Combined Activation of STAT3/Bcl-2 Pathway for Preventing Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The most effective way to treat myocardial infarction is to rescue ischemic cardiomyocytes. After an ischemic event, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key driver of myocardial injury. The produced ROS affects mitochondrial function and induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. This was accomplished by constructing platelet-membrane-encapsulated ROS-responsive drug-releasing nanoparticles (PMN@NIC-MalNPs) to deliver malonate and niclosamide (NIC). The results revealed that PMN@NIC-MalNPs degraded and released malonate and niclosamide in a high-level ROS microenvironment, effectively reducing the oxidative stress and apoptosis rate. By enhancing basal mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and spare respiratory capacity (SRC) in vitro, reduced the oxidative stress levels and restored mitochondrial function. In vivo studies revealed that the PMN@NIC-MalNPs improved cardiac dysfunction, inhibited succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, increased ATP production, and reduced the myocardial infarct size in myocardial infarction model mice. Further, transcriptome analysis and Western blot revealed that PMN@NIC-MalNPs prevented apoptosis by activating the expressions of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Bcl-2, and inhibiting the expression of Bax. Thus, this study provides a novel therapeutic solution for treating myocardial infarction and predicting the viability of an antioxidant and antiapoptotic therapeutic solution in the treatment of myocardial injury.

Platelet Membrane-Encapsulated Nanocomplexes Based on Profundity Scavenging ROS Strategy for Myocardial Infarction Therapy

Ischemia-induced myocardial injury has become a serious threat to human health, and its treatment remains a challenge. The occurrence of ischemic events leads to a burst release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which triggers extensive oxidative damage and leads to dysfunctional autophagy, making it difficult for cells to maintain homeostasis. Antioxidants and modulation of autophagy have thus become promising strategies for the treatment of ischemic myocardial injury. This study proposes an antioxidant-activated autophagy therapeutic regimen based on combining melanin (Mel), an excellent antioxidant with metformin mimetic ploymetformin via electrostatic interactions, to obtain a nanocomplex (Met-Mel). The nanocomplex is finally encapsulated with platelet membranes (PMN) to construct a biomimetic nanoparticle (PMN@Met-Mel) capable of targeting injured myocardium. The prepared PMN@Met-Mel has good Mel loading capacity and optimal biosafety. It exhibits excellent antioxidant activity and autophagy activation, rapidly restoring mitochondrial function. Moreover, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis reveals that PMN@Met-Mel operates mechanistically by triggering the activation of the autophagy pathway. Subsequent in vivo experiments showcase promising cardioprotective effects of these nanoparticles. These discoveries present a newly devised nanoplatform with promising potential for the effective treatment of myocardial infarction.

Ceria-Based Therapeutic Antioxidants for Biomedical Applications

The growing interest in nanomedicine over the last 20 years has carved out a research field called "nanocatalytic therapy," where catalytic reactions mediated by nanomaterials are employed to intervene in disease-critical biomolecular processes. Among many kinds of catalytic/enzyme-mimetic nanomaterials investigated thus far, ceria nanoparticles stand out from others owing to their unique scavenging properties against biologically noxious free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), by exerting enzyme mimicry and nonenzymatic activities. Much effort has been made to utilize ceria nanoparticles as self-regenerating antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agents for various kinds of diseases, given the detrimental effects of ROS and RNS therein that need alleviation. In this context, this review is intended to provide an overview as to what makes ceria nanoparticles merit attention in disease therapy. The introductory part describes the characteristics of ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen-deficient metal oxide. The pathophysiological roles of ROS and RNS are then presented, as well as their scavenging mechanisms by ceria nanoparticles. Representative examples of recent ceria-nanoparticle-based therapeutics are summarized by categorization into organ and disease types, followed by the discussion on the remaining challenges and future research directions.

The protective role of ginsenoside Rg3 in heart diseases and mental disorders

Ginsenoside Rg3, a compound derived from Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., is increasingly recognized for its wide range of pharmacological effects. Under the worldwide healthcare challenges posed by heart diseases, Rg3 stands out as a key subject in modern research on Chinese herbal medicine, offering a novel approach to therapy. Mental illnesses are significant contributors to global disease mortality, and there is a well-established correlation between cardiac and psychiatric conditions. This connection is primarily due to dysfunctions in the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system (SAM), the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor impairment. This review provides an in-depth analysis of Rg3's therapeutic benefits and its pharmacological actions in treating cardiac and mental health disorders respectively. Highlighting its potential for the management of these conditions, Rg3 emerges as a promising, multifunctional therapeutic agent.

ROS scavenging activity of polydopamine nanoparticle-loaded supramolecular gelatin-based hydrogel promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play essential roles in cellular functions, but maintaining ROS balance is crucial for effective therapeutic interventions, especially during cell therapy. In this study, we synthesized an injectable gelatin-based hydrogel, in which polydopamine nanoparticles were entrapped using supramolecular interactions. The surfaces of the nanoparticles were modified using adamantane, enabling their interactions with β-cyclodextrin-conjugated with gelatin. We evaluated the cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties of the hydrogel on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM), where it demonstrated the ability to increase the metabolic activity of NRCMs exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) after 5 days. Hydrogel-entrapped nanoparticle exhibited a high scavenging capability against hydroxyl radical, 1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, and H2O2, surpassing the effectiveness of ascorbic acid solution. Notably, the presence of polydopamine nanoparticles within the hydrogel promoted the proliferation activity of NRCMs, even in the absence of excessive ROS due to H2O2 treatment. Additionally, when the hydrogel with nanoparticles was injected into an air pouch model, it reduced inflammation and infiltration of immune cells. Notably, the levels of anti-inflammatory factors, IL-10 and IL-4, were significantly increased, while the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α was suppressed. Therefore, this novel ROS-scavenging hydrogel holds promise for both efficient cell delivery into inflamed tissue and promoting tissue repair.

Supramolecular Integration of Multifunctional Nanomaterial by Mannose-Decorated Azocalixarene with Ginsenoside Rb1 for Synergistic Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The complexity and progressive nature of diseases require the exploitation of multifunctional materials. However, introducing a function inevitably increases the complexity of materials, which complicates preparation and decreases reproducibility. Herein, we report a supramolecular integration of multifunctional nanomaterials based on mannose-modified azocalix[4]arene (ManAC4A) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), which showed advances of simplicity and reproducibility. ManAC4A possesses reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and hypoxia-responsiveness, together with macrophage-targeting and induction functionality. Collectively, the Rb1@ManAC4A assembly simply prepared by two components is integrated with multifunction, including triple targeting (ELVIS targeting, macrophage-targeting, and hypoxia-targeted release) and triple therapy (ROS scavenging, macrophage polarization, and the anti-inflammatory effect of Rb1). The spontaneous assembly and recognition of ManAC4A, with its precise structure and molecular weight, facilitated the simple and straightforward preparation of Rb1@ManAC4A, leading to excellent batch consistency. Progress in simplicity and reproducibility, as directed by this research, will catalyze the clinical translation of multifunctional materials.

Ginsenoside Rb2 inhibits p300-mediated SF3A2 acetylation at lysine 10 to promote Fscn1 alternative splicing against myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury

INTRODUCTION

Ginsenosides (GS) derived from Panax ginseng can regulate protein acetylation to promote mitochondrial function for protecting cardiomyocytes. However, the potential mechanisms of GS for regulating acetylation modification are not yet clear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of GS in regulating protein acetylation and identify ginsenoside monomer for fighting myocardial ischemia-related diseases.

METHODS

The 4D-lable free acetylomic analysis was employed to gain the acetylated proteins regulated by GS pretreatment. The co-immunoprecipitation assay, immunofluorescent staining, and mitochondrial respiration measurement were performed to detect the effect of GS or ginsenoside monomer on acetylated protein level and mitochondrial function. RNA sequencing, site-specific mutation, and shRNA interference were used to explore the downstream targets of acetylation modificationby GS. Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasmon resonance were used for identifying the binding of ginsenoside with target protein.

RESULTS

In the cardiomyocytes of normal, oxygen glucose deprivation and/or reperfusion conditions, the acetylomic analysis identified that the acetylated levels of spliceosome proteins were inhibited by GS pretreatment and SF3A2 acetylation at lysine 10 (K10) was significantly decreased as a potential target of GS. Ginsenoside Rb2 was identified as one of the active ginsenoside monomers for reducing the acetylation of SF3A2 (K10), which enhanced mitochondrial respiration against myocardial ischemic injury in in vivo and in vitro experiments. RNA-seq analysis showed that ginsenoside Rb2 promoted alternative splicing of mitochondrial function-related genes and the level of fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (Fscn1) was obviously upregulated, which was dependent on SF3A2 acetylation. Critically, thermodynamic, kinetic and enzymatic experiments demonstrated that ginsenoside Rb2 directly interacted with p300 for inhibiting its activity.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide a novel mechanism underlying cardiomyocyte protection of ginsenoside Rb2 by inhibiting p300-mediated SF3A2 acteylation for promoting Fscn1 expression, which might be a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemic diseases.

Integrating Anion-π+ Interaction and Crowded Conformation to Develop Multifunctional NIR AIEgen for Effective Tumor Theranostics via Hippo-YAP Pathway

The technology of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) presents a promising avenue for fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic cancer therapy. However, existing near-infrared AIE photosensitizers (PSs) frequently encounter limitations, including tedious synthesis, poor tumor retention, and a limited understanding of the underlying molecular biology mechanism. Herein, an effective molecular design paradigm of anion-π+ interaction combined with the inherently crowded conformation that could enhance fluorescence efficacy and reactive oxygen species generation was proposed through a concise synthetic method. Mechanistically, upon photosensitization, the Hippo signaling pathway contributes to the death of melanoma cells and promotes the nuclear location of its downstream factor, yes-associated protein, which regulates the transcription and expression of apoptosis-related genes. The finding in this study would trigger the development of high-performance and versatile AIE PSs for precision cancer therapy based on a definite regulatory mechanism.

The Renin-Angiotensin System: The Challenge behind Autoimmune Dermatological Diseases

Autoimmune dermatological diseases (AIDD) encompass a diverse group of disorders characterized by aberrant immune responses targeting the skin and its associated structures. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests a potential involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. RAS is a multicomponent cascade, primarily known for its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. All of the RAS components play an important role in controlling inflammation and other immune responses. Angiotensin II, the main effector, acts on two essential receptors: Angiotensin Receptor 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R). A disturbance in the axis can lead to many pathological processes, including autoimmune (AI) diseases. AT1R activation triggers diverse signaling cascades involved in inflammation, fibrosis and tissue remodeling. Experimental studies have demonstrated the presence of AT1R in various cutaneous cells and immune cells, further emphasizing its potential contribution to the AI processes in the skin. Furthermore, recent investigations have highlighted the role of other RAS components, beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and Ang II, that may contribute to the pathophysiology of AIDD. Alternative pathways involving ACE2, Ang receptors and Ang-(1-7) have been implicated in regulating immune responses and tissue homeostasis within the skin microenvironment. Understanding the intricate involvement of the RAS in AIDD may provide novel therapeutic opportunities. Targeting specific components of the RAS, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) or alternative RAS pathway modulators, could potentially ameliorate inflammatory responses, reduce tissue damage and lessen disease manifestations. Further research is warranted to outline the exact mechanisms underlying RAS-mediated immune dysregulation in AIDD. This abstract aims to provide a concise overview of the intricate interplay between the RAS and AIDD. Therefore, we elaborate a systematic review of the potential challenge of RAS in the AIDD, including psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus and many more.

Biomimetic nanoparticles loaded lutein functionalized by macrophage membrane for targeted amelioration pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis

Lutein is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and cardioprotective effects and could be a promising candidate for the treatment of hypertensive heart disease (HHD), but is not clinically appealing because of its low oral bioavailability and main distribution in the eyes. To address this, a biomimetic drug delivery system-MMLNPs was established by coating macrophage membranes (MMs) onto lutein-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (LNPs). This study characterized the physical properties of biomimetic nanoparticles and examined the targeting capability, therapeutic effects and mechanism, and biosecurity of administering them for cardiac fibrosis therapy in the transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model and in vitro. Transmission electron microscope mapping and dynamic light scattering analysis proved that MMLNPs were spherical nanoparticles camouflaged by a layer of cell membrane and had negative zeta potential. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed that MMs on the biomimetic nanoparticles hindered the phagocytosis of macrophages and facilitated the targeting of activated endothelial cells. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging experiments demonstrated the targeting of biomimetic nanoparticles to the injured heart. EdU assay indicated that MMLNPs have the same potential to inhibit angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation as free lutein. Furthermore, echocardiography showed that MMLNPs improved cardiac function and structure, and Masson staining and western blotting showed that MMLNPs ameliorated cardiac fibrosis. We found MMLNPs inhibited the interleukin (IL)-11/ERK signaling pathway which was up-regulated in the TAC model compared to the sham-operated mouse. Biochemical testing and hematoxylin and eosin staining proved that the long-term use of MMLNPs lacked biological toxicity. Collectively, MMLNPs might be a promising nanodrug delivery approach to attenuate pressure overload (PO)-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Tanshinone IIA confers protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis and apoptosis via VDAC1

Tanshinone IIA (TSN) extracted from danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) could protect cardiomyocytes against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), however the underlying molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to identify the protective effects of TSN and its mechanisms of action through in vitro studies. An anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury model was established using H9c2 cells to simulate myocardial IRI in vitro. Before A/R, H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were pretreated with 8 µM TSN or 10 µM ferrostatin‑1 (Fer‑1) or erastin. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK‑8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit were used to detect the cell viability and cytotoxicity. The levels of total iron, glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), ferrous iron, caspase‑3 activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using commercial kit. The levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid ROS, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were detected by flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observed the mitochondrial damage. Protein levels were detected by western blot analysis. The interaction between TSN and voltage‑dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) was evaluated by molecular docking simulation. The results showed that pretreatment with TSN and Fer‑1 significantly decreased cell viability, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein and GSH expression and GSH/GSSG ratio and inhibited upregulation of LDH activity, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 and VDAC1 protein expression, ROS levels, mitochondrial injury and GSSG induced by A/R. TSN also effectively inhibited the damaging effects of erastin treatment. Additionally, TSN increased MMP and Bcl‑2/Bax ratio, while decreasing levels of apoptotic cells, activating Caspase‑3 and closing the mPTP. These effects were blocked by VDAC1 overexpression and the results of molecular docking simulation studies revealed a direct interaction between TSN and VDAC1. In conclusion, TSN pretreatment effectively attenuated H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage in an A/R injury model and VDAC1‑mediated ferroptosis and apoptosis served a vital role in the protective effects of TSN.

A Novel Strategy to Improve Tumor Targeting of Hydrophilic Drugs and Nanoparticles for Imaging Guided Synergetic Therapy

The fast renal clearance of hydrophilic small molecular anticancer drugs and ultrasmall nanoparticles (NPs) results in the low utilization rate and certain side effects, thus improving the tumor targeting is highly desired but faces great challenges. A novel and general β-cyclodextrin (CD) aggregation-induced assembly strategy to fabricate doxorubicin (DOX) and CD-coated NPs (such as Au) co-encapsulated pH-responsive nanocomposites (NCs) is proposed. By adding DOX×HCl and reducing pH in a reversed microemulsion system, hydrophilic CD-coated AuNPs rapidly assemble into large NCs. Then in situ polymerization of dopamine and sequentially coordinating with Cu2+ on the surface of NCs provide extra weak acid responsiveness, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and improved biocompatibility as well as stability. The subsequent tumor microenvironment responsive dissociation notably improves their passive tumor targeting, bioavailability, imaging, and therapeutic capabilities, as well as facilitates their internalization by tumor cells and metabolic clearance, thereby reducing side effects. The combination of polymerized dopamine and assembled AuNPs reinforces photothermal capability, thus further boosting CDT through thermally amplifying Cu-catalyzed Fenton-like reaction. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the desirable outcomes of these NCs as photoacoustic imaging guided trimodal (thermally enhanced CDT, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy) synergistic tumor treatment agents with minimal systemic toxicity.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel magnetic chitosan-nickel ferrite nanocomposite for antibacterial and antioxidant properties

A novel nanomagnet modified with nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) coated with hybrid chitosan (Cs-NiFe2O4) was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The resulting nanomagnets were characterized using various techniques. The size of the nanomagnetic particles was estimated to be about 40 nm based on the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) pattern (using the Debye-Scherrer equation). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that the surface of Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs is flatter and smoother than the uncoated NiFe2O4 NPs. According to value stream mapping (VSM) analysis, the magnetization value of Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs (17.34 emu/g) was significantly lower than NiFe2O4 NPs (40.67 emu/g). The Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs indicated higher antibacterial properties than NiFe2O4 NPs and Cs. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs against S. aureus and E. coli were 128 and 256 mg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity (evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging test) for NiFe2O4 NPs and Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs at the concentration of 100 µg/mL were 35% and 42%, respectively. Consequently, the synthesized Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs can be proposed as a viable material for biomedical applications.

Advances of nanotechnology for intracerebral hemorrhage therapy

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the most devastating subtype of stoke, is of high mortality at 5 years and even those survivors usually would suffer permanent disabilities. Fortunately, various preclinical active drugs have been approached in ICH, meanwhile, the therapeutic effects of these pharmaceutical ingredients could be fully boosted with the assistance of nanotechnology. In this review, besides the pathology of ICH, some ICH therapeutically available active drugs and their employed nanotechnologies, material functions, and therapeutic principles were comprehensively discussed hoping to provide novel and efficient strategies for ICH therapy in the future.

A new perspective on HIV: effects of HIV on brain-heart axis

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause damage to multiple systems within the body, and the interaction among these various organ systems means that pathological changes in one system can have repercussions on the functions of other systems. However, the current focus of treatment and research on HIV predominantly centers around individual systems without considering the comprehensive relationship among them. The central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system play crucial roles in supporting human life, and their functions are closely intertwined. In this review, we examine the effects of HIV on the CNS, the resulting impact on the cardiovascular system, and the direct damage caused by HIV to the cardiovascular system to provide new perspectives on HIV treatment.

Injectable liposomal docosahexaenoic acid alleviates atherosclerosis progression and enhances plaque stability

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease that is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and immune cells in plaques built up inside artery walls. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), which exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has long been purported to be of therapeutic benefit to atherosclerosis patients. However, large clinical trials have yielded inconsistent data, likely due to variations in the formulation, dosage, and bioavailability of DHA following oral intake. To fully exploit its potential therapeutic effects, we have developed an injectable liposomal DHA formulation intended for intravenous administration as a plaque-targeted nanomedicine. The liposomal formulation protects DHA against chemical degradation and increases its local concentration within atherosclerotic lesions. Mechanistically, DHA liposomes are readily phagocytosed by activated macrophages, exert potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and inhibit foam cell formation. Upon intravenous administration, DHA liposomes accumulate preferentially in atherosclerotic lesional macrophages and promote polarization of macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, resulting in attenuation of atherosclerosis progression in both ApoE-/- and Ldlr-/- experimental models. Plaque composition analysis demonstrates that liposomal DHA inhibits macrophage infiltration, reduces lipid deposition, and increases collagen content, thus improving the stability of atherosclerotic plaques against rupture. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) further reveals that DHA liposomes can partly restore the complex lipid profile of the plaques to that of early-stage plaques. In conclusion, DHA liposomes offer a promising approach for applying DHA to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and attenuate atherosclerosis progression, thereby preventing atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events.

Ultrasmall Cortex Moutan Nanoclusters for the Therapy of Pneumonia and Colitis

Infectious pneumonia and colitis are hard to be treated due to tissue infection, mucosal immune disorders, and dysbacteriosis. Although conventional nanomaterials can eliminate infection, they also damage normal tissues and intestinal flora. Herein, this work reports bactericidal nanoclusters formed through self-assembly for efficient treatment of infectious pneumonia and enteritis. The ultrasmall (about 2.3 nm) cortex moutan nanoclusters (CMNCs) has excellent antibacterial, antiviral, and immune regulation activity. The formation of nanoclusters is analyzed from the molecular dynamics mainly through the binding between polyphenol structures through hydrogen bonding and ππ stacking interaction. CMNCs have enhanced tissue and mucus permeability ability compared with natural CM. CMNCs precisely targeted bacteria due to polyphenol-rich surface structure and inhibited broad spectrum of bacteria. Besides, they killed H1N1 virus mainly through the inhibition of the neuraminidase. These CMNCs are effective in treating infectious pneumonia and enteritis relative to natural CM. In addition, they can be used for adjuvant colitis treatment by protecting colonic epithelium and altering the composition of gut microbiota. Therefore, CMNCs showed excellent application and clinical translation prospects in the treatment of immune and infectious diseases.

Radical oxygen species: an important breakthrough point for botanical drugs to regulate oxidative stress and treat the disorder of glycolipid metabolism

Background: The incidence of glycolipid metabolic diseases is extremely high worldwide, which greatly hinders people's life expectancy and patients' quality of life. Oxidative stress (OS) aggravates the development of diseases in glycolipid metabolism. Radical oxygen species (ROS) is a key factor in the signal transduction of OS, which can regulate cell apoptosis and contribute to inflammation. Currently, chemotherapies are the main method to treat disorders of glycolipid metabolism, but this can lead to drug resistance and damage to normal organs. Botanical drugs are an important source of new drugs. They are widely found in nature with availability, high practicality, and low cost. There is increasing evidence that herbal medicine has definite therapeutic effects on glycolipid metabolic diseases. Objective: This study aims to provide a valuable method for the treatment of glycolipid metabolic diseases with botanical drugs from the perspective of ROS regulation by botanical drugs and to further promote the development of effective drugs for the clinical treatment of glycolipid metabolic diseases. Methods: Using herb*, plant medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, phytochemicals, natural medicine, phytomedicine, plant extract, botanical drug, ROS, oxygen free radicals, oxygen radical, oxidizing agent, glucose and lipid metabolism, saccharometabolism, glycometabolism, lipid metabolism, blood glucose, lipoprotein, triglyceride, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, dysglycemia, NAFLD, and DM as keywords or subject terms, relevant literature was retrieved from Web of Science and PubMed databases from 2013 to 2022 and was summarized. Results: Botanical drugs can regulate ROS by regulating mitochondrial function, endoplasmic reticulum, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and other signaling pathways to improve OS and treat glucolipid metabolic diseases. Conclusion: The regulation of ROS by botanical drugs is multi-mechanism and multifaceted. Both cell studies and animal experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of botanical drugs in the treatment of glycolipid metabolic diseases by regulating ROS. However, studies on safety need to be further improved, and more studies are needed to support the clinical application of botanical drugs.

Nanomaterial-based Reactive Oxygen Species Scavengers for Osteoarthritis Therapy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play distinct but important roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recent studies on osteoarthritis (OA) have suggested that ROS plays a crucial role in its development and progression, serving as key mediators in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, mitochondrial dysfunction, chondrocyte apoptosis, and OA progression. With the continuous development of nanomaterial technology, the ROS-scavenging ability and antioxidant effects of nanomaterials are being explored, with promising results already achieved in OA treatment. However, current research on nanomaterials as ROS scavengers for OA is relatively non-uniform and includes both inorganic and functionalized organic nanomaterials. Although the therapeutic efficacy of nanomaterials has been reported to be conclusive, there is still no uniformity in the timing and potential of their use in clinical practice. This paper reviews the nanomaterials currently used as ROS scavengers for OA treatment, along with their mechanisms of action, with the aim of providing a reference and direction for similar studies, and ultimately promoting the early clinical use of nanomaterials for OA treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Nanomaterials serving as promising ROS scavengers have gained increasing attention in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ROS production and regulation, as well as their role in OA pathogenesis. Furthermore, this review highlights the applications of various types of nanomaterials as ROS scavengers in OA treatment and their mechanisms of action. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of nanomaterial-based ROS scavengers in OA therapy are discussed.

A Multifunctional Integrated Metal-Free MRI Agent for Early Diagnosis of Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely associated with the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and can be regarded as one of its early biomarkers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emerging as a powerful tool for the detection of cardiac abnormalities, but the sensitive and direct ROS-response MRI probe remains to be developed. This restricts the early diagnosis of DCM and prevents timely clinical interventions, resulting in serious and irreversible pathophysiological abnormalities. Herein, a novel ROS-response contrast-enhanced MRI nanoprobe (RCMN) is developed by multi-functionalizing fluorinated carbon nanosheets (FCNs) with multi-hydroxyl and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl groups. RCMNs capture ROS and then gather in the heart provisionally, which triggers MRI signal changes to realize the in vivo detection of ROS. In contrast to the clinical MRI agents, the cardiac abnormalities of disease mice is detected 8 weeks in advance with the assistance of RCMNs, which greatly advances the diagnostic window of DCM. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first ROS-response metal-free T₂ -weighted MRI probe for the early diagnosis of DCM mice model. Furthermore, RCMNs can timely scavenge excessively produced ROS to alleviate oxidative stress.

Reduction of Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation Using Gadolinium-Doped Ceria for the Alleviation of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease with increasing morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is strongly related to endothelial dysfunction, which is induced by severe oxidative stress damage derived from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, ROS plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. In this work, we demonstrated that the gadolinium doping of CeO₂ (Gd/CeO₂) nanozymes as effective ROS scavengers delivered high performance for antiatherosclerosis. It was found that the chemical doping of Gd promoted the surface proportion of Ce³⁺ in the nanozymes and thereby enhanced the overall ROS scavenging ability. In vitro and in vivo experiments unambiguously showed that the Gd/CeO₂ nanozymes efficiently scavenged harmful ROS at the cellular and histological levels. Further, Gd/CeO₂ nanozymes were demonstrated to significantly reduce vascular lesions by reducing lipid accumulation in macrophage and decreasing inflammatory factor levels, thereby inhibiting the exacerbation of atherosclerosis. Moreover, Gd/CeO₂ can serve as T₁-weighted magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, which can generate sufficient contrast to distinguish the location of plaque during living imaging. Through those efforts, Gd/CeO₂ may serve as a potential diagnostic and treatment nanomedicine for the ROS-induced atherosclerosis.

A Self-Sustaining Antioxidant Strategy for Effective Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death worldwide and can lead to the loss of cardiac function and heart failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathological progression of MI. The levels and effects of ROS are significantly different in three unique pathological stages of MI, and most antioxidants cannot make corresponding adjustments to eliminate ROS, which leads to a great compromise to treat MI with antioxidants. Herein, an innovative self-sustaining antioxidant strategy is developed to treat MI with self-sustaining selenium-embedded nanoparticles (SSSe NPs). SSSe NPs possess unique self-sustaining antioxidant effects at different pathological stages of MI. This strategy of on-demand ROS elimination during different pathological stages demonstrated excellent MI treatment efficacy and effectively reversed heart failure to normal heart function. The therapeutic mechanism of SSSe NPs is intensively investigated through a series of experiments and mainly involved five critical aspects of myocardial repair: protecting mitochondria, reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis, reducing inflammation and fibrosis, and promoting angiogenesis. This strategy not only provides a promising treatment option for MI but also offers inspiration for other ischemic diseases.

Protection against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Ergothioneine

Background: Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin remain a primary treatment for hematological malignancies and breast cancers. However, cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines, possibly leading to heart failure, severely limits their application. The pathological mechanisms of anthracycline-induced cardiac injury are believed to involve iron-overload-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. The dietary thione, ergothioneine (ET), is avidly absorbed and accumulated in tissues, including the heart. Amongst other cytoprotective properties, ET was shown to scavenge ROS, decrease proinflammatory mediators, and chelate metal cations, including Fe²⁺, preventing them from partaking in redox activities, and may protect against mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Plasma ET levels are also strongly correlated to a decreased risk of cardiovascular events in humans, suggesting a cardioprotective role. This evidence highlights ET's potential to counteract anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Methods and Findings: We investigated whether ET supplementation can protect against cardiac dysfunction in mice models of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and revealed that it had significant protective effects. Moreover, ET administration in a mouse breast cancer model did not exacerbate the growth of the tumor or interfere with the chemotherapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin. Conclusion: These results suggest that ET could be a viable co-therapy to alleviate the cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines in the treatment of cancers.

Real-time visualization of the fluctuations in HOBr with AIE fluorescent probes during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Two fluorescent probes (QM-S and QM-Se) featuring AIE properties were developed. The increased intracellular hypobromous acid (HOBr) in cardiomyocytes during MIRI was revealed with these probes. It was also observed that MIRI might be alleviated by combating oxidative stress, as well as inhibiting inflammation and ferroptosis, which could mediate oxidative stress.

Erk1/2-Dependent HNSCC Cell Susceptibility to Erastin-Induced Ferroptosis

Unfavorable clinical outcomes mean that cancer researchers must attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance in patients with HNSCC. Recently, ferroptosis was shown to be a promising pathway possessing druggable targets, such as xCT (SLC7A11). Unfortunately, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of HNSCC cells to ferroptosis. The goal of this study was to determine whether HNSCC cells with activated Erk1/2 are vulnerable to ferroptosis induction. Our results have shown that xCT (SLC7A11) was overexpressed in malignant tissues obtained from the patients with HNSCC, whereas normal mucosa demonstrated weak expression of the protein. In order to investigate the role of Erk1/2 in the decrease in cell viability caused by erastin, xCT-overexpressing FaDu and SCC25 HNSCC cells were used. The ravoxertinib-dependent inhibition of Erk1/2 signaling led to the decrease in erastin efficacy due to the effect on ROS production and the upregulation of ROS scavengers SOD1 and SOD2, resulting in repressed lipid peroxidation. Therefore, it was concluded that the erastin-dependent activation of ferroptosis seems to be a promising approach which can be further developed as an additional strategy for the treatment of HNSCC. As ferroptosis induction via erastin is strongly dependent on the expression of Erk1/2, this MAP kinase can be considered as a predictor for cancer cells' response to erastin.

Progress in molecular biology and translational science: Epigenetics in cardiovascular health and disease

Conrad Waddington's epigenetics landscape has provided a metaphorical framework for how cells progress from undifferentiated states to one of several discrete, distinct, differentiated cell fates. The understanding of epigenetics has evolved over time, with DNA methylation being the most studied epigenetic modification, followed by histone modifications and non-coding RNA. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading contributors to death worldwide, with the prevalence of CVDs increasing across the last couple of decades. Significant amount of resources being poured into researching key mechanisms and underpinnings of the various CVDs. These molecular studies looked at the genetics, epigenetics as well as the transcriptomics of various cardiovascular conditions, aiming to provide mechanistic insights. It has paved the way for therapeutics to be developed and in recent years, epi-drugs for the treatment of CVDs. This chapter aims to cover the various roles of epigenetics in the context of cardiovascular health and disease. The following will be examined in detail: the developments in basic experimental techniques used to study epigenetics, the role of epigenetics in various CVDs (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, and heart failure), and current advances in epi-therapeutics, providing a holistic view of the current concerted efforts in advancing the field of epigenetics in CVDs.

Real-Time Visualization of the Antioxidative Potency of Drugs for the Prevention of Myocardium Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by a NIR Fluorescent Nanoprobe

The burst of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the culprit of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. As direct ROS scavengers, antioxidants are clinically documented drugs for the prevention of reperfusion injury. However, some drugs give disappointing therapeutic performance despite their good in vitro effects. Therefore, in vivo assessments are necessary to screen the antioxidants before clinical trials. However, traditional methods such as histological study require invasive and complicated preprocessing of the biological samples, which may fail to reflect the actual level of the unstable ROS with a very short lifetime. Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) is a characteristic endogenous ROS produced during reperfusion. Here, we modified the ONOO^--responsive near-infrared fluorescent probe on a myocardium-targeting silica cross-linked micelle to prepare a nanoprobe for the real-time monitoring of ONOO^- during coronary reperfusion. A ROS-stable cyanine dye was co-labeled as an internal reference to achieve ratiometric sensing. The nanoprobe can passively target the infarcted myocardium and monitor the generation of ONOO^- during reperfusion in real-time. The antioxidants, carvedilol, atorvastatin, and resveratrol, were used as model drugs to demonstrate the capability of the nanoprobe to evaluate the antioxidative potency in situ. The drugs were either loaded and delivered by the nanoprobe to compare their in vivo efficacy under similar concentrations or administered intraperitoneally as a free drug to take their pharmacokinetics into account. The imaging results revealed that pharmacokinetics might be the determinant factor that influences the efficacy of the antioxidants.

Aligned electrospun fiber film loaded with multi-enzyme mimetic iridium nanozymes for wound healing

A film with elaborate microstructures that offers biomimetic properties and multi functionalities is highly desired in wound healing. Here, we develop an aligned hydrogel fiber film integrated with multi-active constituents to promote wound healing. Such fiber films are designed and constructed by photo-crosslinking the methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) doped with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and iridium nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-Ir NPs) in the precursor solution using electrospinning. The nature of GelMA hydrogel and the aligned arrangement of nanofibers endow the film with high-water content, self-degradability, improved bionic characteristics, oriented cell growth, and improved cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, the encapsulated nanozymes and Ag NPs offer the fiber film with superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and antibacterial capability. The infected wound model shows that the multi-active hydrogel fiber film can reduce inflammation by killing bacteria and decomposing ROS, which accelerates the growth of new blood vessels and granulation tissue. Benefitting from these features, the versatile aligned GelMA fiber film demonstrates the clinically translational potential for wound healing.

Thermosensitive Hydrogel Loaded with Nickel-Copper Bimetallic Hollow Nanospheres with SOD and CAT Enzymatic-Like Activity Promotes Acute Wound Healing

Various injury defense and repair functions are performed by the skin. Free radicals secreted after injury cause oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which make wound healing difficult. However, the current metal nanomaterials for wound repair do not have sufficient catalytic activity or complex material design and cannot properly fit wounds. Therefore, it is imperative to develop more effective therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the effect of Ni₄Cu₂ hollow nanospheres composited with F127 hydrogel on promoting wound healing by applying them to wounds. Ni₄Cu₂ hollow nanospheres exhibited a superior spatial structure, contained many catalytic sites, and could be synthesized in a simple manner. In vitro experiments showed that Ni₄Cu₂ hollow nanospheres had superoxide dismutase-like activity and promoted fibroblast migration, angiogenesis, and macrophage polarization. F127, which is a thermosensitive, nontoxic, phase-change and porous hydrogel material, has proven to be an effective choice for injectable and sprayable medical dressings. Ni₄Cu₂ hollow nanospheres were mixed with F127 hydrogel without significantly affecting its performance. In addition to adapting to the complex, irregular gaps of acute wounds, the mixture lengthened the nanozyme release time, which enhanced healing. Based on the animal experiments, the Ni₄Cu₂/F127 composite hydrogel effectively promoted wound healing, epithelial regeneration, and the formation of skin appendages such as hair follicles in mice. Furthermore, the Ni₄Cu₂/F127 composite hydrogel was nontoxic to animals and had high biological safety. The Ni₄Cu₂/F127 composite hydrogel has provided an innovative strategy to develop composite hydrogels for the treatment of acute skin wounds.

Paeoniflorin alleviates liver injury in hypercholesterolemic rats through the ROCK/AMPK pathway

Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component in Paeonia lactiflora Pall, and it has multiple effects. However, the precise mechanism of PF in hypercholesterolemia is unclear. In this study, rats were either fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 4 weeks to establish the hypercholesterolemic model or administered normal saline or PF (20 mg/kg/day). PF significantly reduced liver weight and the liver index. PF reduced hepatic lipid deposition and inflammation, improved serum lipid metabolism, and significantly inhibited serum and hepatic oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. PF treatment caused a marked decrease in the phosphorylated myosin phosphatase target subunit (p-MYPT)-1, nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) levels, and an increase in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). Thus, PF could alleviate liver injury in hypercholesterolemic rats, and the specific mechanism may be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and ROCK/AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Reactive Oxygen Species Based Nanotechnology for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of health problems around the world. Because of its unique properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based nanotechnology offers novel solutions to the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. In order to identify and further promote the development of ROS-based nanotechnology in CVDs, we here provide a bibliometric analysis. 701 eligible articles about the ROS–based nanotechnology for CVD up to May 26th, 2022, were taken from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The VOSviewer was used to analyze annual publications, countries/institutions, funding agencies, journals and research category, and the research hotspots. From the publication of the first article in 2005 to 2021, the output and the number of citations of articles are on the rise. Based on the bibliometric analysis, we found that the current research focuses on the correlation between diagnosis (sensors and), treatment (oxidative stress, inflammation, and drug delivery) and safety (toxicity). Since 2019, research on nanomedicine and drug delivery has become a hotspot. So, more research in chemistry, materials, biology, and medicine is required to further develop and construct ROS-based nanomaterials.