Core-Shell Polymer-Based Nanoparticles Deliver miR-155-5p to Endothelial Cells

Navigating the landscape of RNA delivery systems in cardiovascular disease therapeutics

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the leading cause of death worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. Consequently, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance CVDs treatment is imperative. RNA-based therapies, encompassing non-coding RNAs, mRNA, aptamers, and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, have emerged as promising tools for addressing CVDs. However, inherent challenges associated with RNA, such as poor cellular uptake, susceptibility to RNase degradation, and capture by the reticuloendothelial system, underscore the necessity of combining these therapies with effective drug delivery systems. Various non-viral delivery systems, including extracellular vesicles, lipid-based carriers, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as hydrogels, have shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of RNA therapeutics. In this review, we offer an overview of the most relevant RNA-based therapeutic strategies explored for addressing CVDs and emphasize the pivotal role of delivery systems in augmenting their effectiveness. Additionally, we discuss the current status of these therapies and the challenges that hinder their clinical translation.

MicroRNA delivery based on nanoparticles of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease, especially myocardial infarction, is a serious threat to human health. Many drugs currently used cannot achieve the desired therapeutic effect due to the lack of selectivity. With the in-depth understanding of the role of microRNA (miRNA) in cardiovascular disease and the wide application of nanotechnology, loading drugs into nanoparticles with the help of nano-delivery system may have a better effect in the treatment of cardiomyopathy. In this review, we highlight the latest research on miRNAs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease in recent years and discuss the possibilities and challenges of using miRNA to treat cardiomyopathy. Secondly, we discuss the delivery of miRNA through different nano-carriers, especially inorganic, polymer and liposome nano-carriers. The preparation of miRNA nano-drugs by encapsulating miRNA in these nano-materials will provide a new treatment option. In addition, the research status of miRNA in the treatment of cardiomyopathy based on nano-carriers is summarized. The use of this delivery tool cannot only realize therapeutic potential, but also greatly improve drug targeting and reduce side effects.

Non-Coding RNAs in Cell-to-Cell Communication: Exploiting Physiological Mechanisms as Therapeutic Targets in Cardiovascular Pathologies

Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, has been characterized at the molecular level by alterations in gene expression that contribute to the etiology of the disease. Such alterations have been shown to play a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis, cardiac remodeling, and age-related heart failure. Although much is now known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms in this context, the role of epigenetics in the onset of cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Epigenetics, a complex network of mechanisms that regulate gene expression independently of changes to the DNA sequence, has been highly implicated in the loss of homeostasis and the aberrant activation of a myriad of cellular pathways. More specifically, non-coding RNAs have been gaining much attention as epigenetic regulators of various pathologies. In this review, we will provide an overview of the ncRNAs involved in cell-to-cell communication in cardiovascular disease, namely atherosclerosis, cardiac remodeling, and cardiac ageing, and the potential use of epigenetic drugs as novel therapeutic targets.

Nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular aging and related diseases

Aging-induced alternations of vasculature structures, phenotypes, and functions are key in the occurrence and development of vascular aging-related diseases. Multiple molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, cellular senescence, and epigenetic alterations are highly associated with vascular aging physiopathology. Advances in nanoparticles and nanotechnology, which can realize sensitive diagnostic modalities, efficient medical treatment, and better prognosis as well as less adverse effects on non-target tissues, provide an amazing window in the field of vascular aging and related diseases. Throughout this review, we presented current knowledge on classification of nanoparticles and the relationship between vascular aging and related diseases. Importantly, we comprehensively summarized the potential of nanoparticles-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in vascular aging and related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, as well as chronic kidney diseases, and discussed the advantages and limitations of their clinical applications.

Drug Targeting of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases by Biomolecules

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disabling, destructive and incurable immune-mediated inflammatory diseases comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), disorders that are highly prevalent worldwide and demand a large investment in healthcare. A persistent inflammatory state enables the dysfunction and destruction of healthy tissue, hindering the initiation and endurance of wound healing. Current treatments are ineffective at counteracting disease progression. Further, increased risk of serious side effects, other comorbidities and/or opportunistic infections highlight the need for effective treatment options. Gut microbiota, the key to preserving a healthy state, may, alternatively, increase a patient’s susceptibility to IBD onset and development given a relevant bacterial dysbiosis. Hence, the main goal of this review is to showcase the main conventional and emerging therapies for IBD, including microbiota-inspired untargeted and targeted approaches (such as phage therapy) to infection control. Special recognition is given to existing targeted strategies with biologics (via monoclonal antibodies, small molecules and nucleic acids) and stimuli-responsive (pH-, enzyme- and reactive oxygen species-triggered release), polymer-based nanomedicine that is specifically directed towards the regulation of inflammation overload (with some nanosystems additionally functionalized with carbohydrates or peptides directed towards M1-macrophages). The overall goal is to restore gut balance and decrease IBD’s societal impact.

Regulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway in heart failure: Role of extracellular vesicles and non-coding RNAs

The balance between pro- and antioxidant molecules has been established as an important driving force in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Chronic heart failure is associated with oxidative stress in the myocardium and globally. Redox balance in the heart and brain is controlled, in part, by antioxidant proteins regulated by the transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is reduced in the heart failure state. Nrf2 can, in turn, be regulated by a variety of mechanisms including circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from multiple cell types in the heart. Here, we review the role of the Nrf2 and antioxidant enzyme signaling pathway in mediating redox balance in the myocardium and the brain in the heart failure state. This review focuses on Nrf2 and antioxidant protein regulation in the heart and brain by miRNA-enriched EVs in the setting of heart failure. We discuss EV-mediated intra- and inter-organ communications especially, communication between the heart and brain via an EV pathway that mediates cardiac function and sympatho-excitation in heart failure. Importantly, we speculate how engineered EVs with specific miRNAs or antagomirs may be used in a therapeutic manner in heart failure.

Recent Advancements of Specific Functionalized Surfaces of Magnetic Nano- and Microparticles as a Theranostics Source in Biomedicine

Magnetic nano- and microparticles (MNMPs) belong to a highly versatile class of colloids with actuator and sensor properties that have been broadly studied for their application in theranostics such as molecular imaging and drug delivery. The use of advanced biocompatible, biodegradable polymers and polyelectrolytes as MNMP coating materials is essential to ensure the stability of MNMPs and enable efficient drug release while at the same time preventing cytotoxic effects. In the past years, huge progress has been made in terms of the design of MNMPs. Especially, the understanding of coating formation with respect to control of drug loading and release kinetics on the molecular level has significantly advanced. In this review, recent advancements in the field of MNMP surface engineering and the applicability of MNMPs in research fields of medical imaging, diagnosis, and nanotherapeutics are presented and discussed. Furthermore, in this review the main emphasis is put on the manipulation of biological specimens and cell trafficking, for which MNMPs represent a favorable tool enabling transport processes of drugs through cell membranes. Finally, challenges and future perspectives for applications of MNMPs as theranostic nanomaterials are discussed.

Functionalization of Crosslinked Sodium Alginate/Gelatin Wet-Spun Porous Fibers with Nisin Z for the Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Infections

Nisin Z, an amphipathic peptide, with a significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and low toxicity in humans, has been studied for food preservation applications. Thus far, very little research has been done to explore its potential in biomedicine. Here, we report the modification of sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GN) blended microfibers, produced via the wet-spinning technique, with Nisin Z, with the purpose of eradicating Staphylococcus aureus-induced infections. Wet-spun SAGN microfibers were successfully produced at a 70/30% v/v of SA (2 wt%)/GN (1 wt%) polymer ratio by extrusion within a calcium chloride (CaCl₂) coagulation bath. Modifications to the biodegradable fibers' chemical stability and structure were then introduced via crosslinking with CaCl₂ and glutaraldehyde (SAGNCL). Regardless of the chemical modification employed, all microfibers were labelled as homogeneous both in size (≈246.79 µm) and shape (cylindrical and defect-free). SA-free microfibers, with an increased surface area for peptide immobilization, originated from the action of phosphate buffer saline solution on SAGN fibers, were also produced (GNCL). Their durability in physiological conditions (simulated body fluid) was, however, compromised very early in the experiment (day 1 and 3, with and without Nisin Z, respectively). Only the crosslinked SAGNCL fibers remained intact for the 28 day-testing period. Their thermal resilience in comparison with the unmodified and SA-free fibers was also demonstrated. Nisin Z was functionalized onto the unmodified and chemically altered fibers at an average concentration of 178 µg/mL. Nisin Z did not impact on the fiber's morphology nor on their chemical/thermal stability. However, the peptide improved the SA fibers (control) structural integrity, guaranteeing its stability for longer, in physiological conditions. Its main effect was detected on the time-kill kinetics of the bacteria S. aureus. SAGNCL and GNCL loaded with Nisin Z were capable of progressively eliminating the bacteria, reaching an inhibition superior to 99% after 24 h of culture. The peptide-modified SA and SAGN were not as effective, losing their antimicrobial action after 6 h of incubation. Bacteria elimination was consistent with the release kinetics of Nisin Z from the fibers. In general, data revealed the increased potential and durable effect of Nisin Z (significantly superior to its free, unloaded form) against S. aureus-induced infections, while loaded onto prospective biomedical wet-spun scaffolds.

Selenomethionine alleviates LPS-induced chicken myocardial inflammation by regulating the miR-128-3p-p38 MAPK axis and oxidative stress

Selenium is closely related to the occurrence of heart disease, and an appropriate amount of selenium can alleviate inflammatory changes caused by various factors. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as a specific component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, is often used to construct various inflammatory models. In order to explore the effect of selenium on LPS-induced myocardial inflammation in chickens, we chose 4-month-old laying hens to be fed with a selenium-rich diet containing 0.5 g kg-1 Se, and injected LPS into the abdominal cavity at the age of 8 months to establish an inflammation model. We observed the myocardial tissue lesions by light microscopy, and detected miR-128-3p, p38MAPK, and NF-κB pathway-associated inflammatory factors and Th1/Th2 related factors by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results showed that LPS stimulation inhibited miR-128-3p, which increased the expression of p38MAPK and NF-κB, while the expression of TNF-α, IL-1, PTGE, COX-2 and iNOS increased. Additionally, the expression of IL-4 and IL-6 increased and IFN-γ decreased, suggesting an imbalance of Th1/Th2. We also found that LPS treatment not only increased the content of H2O2 and MDA in the myocardium, but also increased the expression of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90, while the activity of SOD, GPX and CAT and the content of GSH decreased. Interestingly, the addition of selenium can alleviate the changes in the above indicators. Finally, we concluded that selenium inhibits the occurrence of oxidative stress and ultimately alleviates myocardial inflammation induced by LPS through the miR-128-3p-p38MAPK-NF-κB pathway.

Airway mir-155 responses are associated with TH1 cytokine polarization in young children with viral respiratory infections

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRs) control gene expression and the development of the immune system and antiviral responses. MiR-155 is an evolutionarily-conserved molecule consistently induced during viral infections in different cell systems. Notably, there is still an unresolved paradox for the role of miR-155 during viral respiratory infections. Despite being essential for host antiviral TH1 immunity, miR-155 may also contribute to respiratory disease by enhancing allergic TH2 responses and NFkB-mediated inflammation. The central goal of this study was to define how airway miR-155 production is related to TH1, TH2, and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses during naturally occurring viral respiratory infections in young children.

METHODS

Normalized nasal airway levels of miR-155 and nasal protein levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-13, IL-4 were quantified in young children (≤2 years) hospitalized with viral respiratory infections and uninfected controls. These data were linked to individual characteristics and respiratory disease parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 151 subjects were included. Increased miR-155 levels were observed in nasal samples from patients with rhinovirus, RSV and all respiratory viruses analyzed. High miR-155 levels were strongly associated with high IFN-γ production, increased airway TH1 cytokine polarization (IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios) and increased pro-inflammatory responses. High airway miR-155 levels were linked to decreased respiratory disease severity in individuals with high airway TH1 antiviral responses.

CONCLUSIONS

The airway secretion of miR-155 during viral respiratory infections in young children is associated with enhanced antiviral immunity (TH1 polarization). Further studies are needed to define additional physiological roles of miR-155 in the respiratory tract of human infants and young children during health and disease.

Biofunctionalization of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites for Biomedical Applications

In the last ten years, environmental consciousness has increased worldwide, leading to the development of eco-friendly materials to replace synthetic ones. Natural fibers are extracted from renewable resources at low cost. Their combination with synthetic polymers as reinforcement materials has been an important step forward in that direction. The sustainability and excellent physical and biological (e.g., biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity) properties of these biocomposites have extended their application to the biomedical field. This paper offers a detailed overview of the extraction and separation processes applied to natural fibers and their posterior chemical and physical modifications for biocomposite fabrication. Because of the requirements for biomedical device production, specialized biomolecules are currently being incorporated onto these biocomposites. From antibiotics to peptides and plant extracts, to name a few, this review explores their impact on the final biocomposite product, in light of their individual or combined effect, and analyzes the most recurrent strategies for biomolecule immobilization.