Current advances in niosomes applications for drug delivery and cancer treatment

The advent of nanotechnology has led to an increased interest in nanocarriers as a drug delivery system that is efficient and safe. There have been many studies addressing nano-scale vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosome is a newer generation of vesicular nanocarriers. The niosomes provide a multilamellar carrier for lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive substances in the self-assembled vesicle, which are composed of non-ionic surfactants in conjunction with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. These non-ionic surfactant vesicles, simply known as niosomes, can be utilized in a wide variety of technological applications. As an alternative to liposomes, niosomes are considered more chemically and physically stable. The methods for preparing niosomes are more economic. Many reports have discussed niosomes in terms of their physicochemical properties and applications as drug delivery systems. As drug carriers, nano-sized niosomes expand the horizons of pharmacokinetics, decreasing toxicity, enhancing drug solvability and bioavailability. In this review, we review the components and fabrication methods of niosomes, as well as their functionalization, characterization, administration routes, and applications in cancer gene delivery, and natural product delivery. We also discuss the limitations and challenges in the development of niosomes, and provide the future perspective of niosomes.

Mechanotransduction in tissue engineering: Insights into the interaction of stem cells with biomechanical cues

Stem cells in their natural microenvironment are exposed to biochemical and biophysical cues emerging from the extracellular matrix (ECM) and neighboring cells. In particular, biomechanical forces modulate stem cell behavior, biological fate, and early developmental processes by sensing, interpreting, and responding through a series of biological processes known as mechanotransduction. Local structural changes in the ECM and mechanics are driven by reciprocal activation of the cell and the ECM itself, as the initial deposition of matrix proteins sequentially affects neighboring cells. Recent studies on stem cell mechanoregulation have provided insight into the importance of biomechanical signals on proper tissue regeneration and function and have shown that precise spatiotemporal control of these signals exists in stem cell niches. Against this background, the aim of this work is to review the current understanding of the molecular basis of mechanotransduction by analyzing how biomechanical forces are converted into biological responses via cellular signaling pathways. In addition, this work provides an overview of advanced strategies using stem cells and biomaterial scaffolds that enable precise spatial and temporal control of mechanical signals and offer great potential for the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine will be presented.

Oral health-related quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a systemic disease with a major burden on several life aspects, including oral health. As life expectancy has improved in CKD patients, oral health status has become important regarding their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in CKD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Patients' age, gender, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stage were recorded. Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to evaluate OHRQoL. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was utilized to record oral health status. SPSS software was used to analyze data. One-way ANOVA, t-test and Pearson/Spearman correlations were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and four patients participated; 60.6% male versus 39.4% female. Mean age was 52.1 ± 18.1 years. The most frequent eGFR stage was 5 (41.2%). Mean DMFT score was 18.7 ± 8.5. Mean OHIP-14 score was 14.82 ± 5.86. DMFT score was significantly correlated with OHIP-14 total score as well as its physical domains (P < 0.05). The correlation between eGFR stage and OHIP-14/DMFT score was both statistically significant (P = 0.03/P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

DMFT score was significantly correlated with OHRQoL in CKD patients, especially regarding its physical domains. Paying attention to fulfill dental treatment needs seems mandatory to improve OHRQoL and overall quality of life in these patients.