Polymer-Based Nanoparticles with Probucol and Lithocholic Acid: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Oxidative Stress-Induced Retinopathies.

Oxidative stress is pivotal in retinal disease progression, causing dysfunction in various retinal components. An effective antioxidant, such as probucol (PB), is vital to counteract oxidative stress and emerges as a potential candidate for treating retinal degeneration. However, the challenges associated with delivering lipophilic drugs such as PB to the posterior segment of the eye, specifically targeting photoreceptor cells, necessitate innovative solutions. This study uses formulation-based spray dry encapsulation technology to develop polymer-based PB-lithocholic acid (LCA) nanoparticles and assesses their efficacy in the 661W photoreceptor-like cell line. Incorporating LCA enhances nanoparticles' biological efficacy without compromising PB stability. In vitro studies demonstrate that PB-LCA nanoparticles prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress by improving cellular viability through the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. These findings propose PB-LCA nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-induced retinopathies.

Novel Nanoencapsulation Technology and its Potential Role in Bile Acid-Based Targeted Gene Delivery to the Inner Ear.

Hearing loss impacts a large proportion of the global population. Damage to the inner ear, in particular the sensitive hair cells, can impact individuals for the rest of their lives. There are very limited options for interventions after damage to these cells has occurred. Targeted gene delivery may provide an effective means to trigger appropriate differentiation of progenitor cells for effective replacement of these sensitive hair cells. There are several hurdles that need to be overcome to effectively deliver these genes. Nanoencapsulation technology has previously been used for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, proteins and nucleic acids, and may provide an effective means of delivering genes to trigger appropriate differentiation. This review investigates the background of hearing loss, current advancements and pitfalls of gene delivery, and how nanoencapsulation may be useful.

Biguanide Pharmaceutical Formulations and the Applications of Bile Acid-Based Nano Delivery in Chronic Medical Conditions.

Biguanides, particularly the widely prescribed drug metformin, have been marketed for many decades and have well-established absorption profiles. They are commonly administered via the oral route and, despite variation in oral uptake, remain commonly prescribed for diabetes mellitus, typically type 2. Studies over the last decade have focused on the design and development of advanced oral delivery dosage forms using bio nano technologies and novel drug carrier systems. Such studies have demonstrated significantly enhanced delivery and safety of biguanides using nanocapsules. Enhanced delivery and safety have widened the potential applications of biguanides not only in diabetes but also in other disorders. Hence, this review aimed to explore biguanides' pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmaceutical applications in diabetes, as well as in other disorders.

Influence of soy isoflavones in breast cancer angiogenesis: a multiplex glass ELISA approach.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-angiogenic properties of soy isoflavones using two breast cancer cell lines, by measuring the concentration of 30 cytokines involved in angiogenesis using a multiplex glass slide ELISA-based array. METHODS: Estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells and estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to genistein (Gen), daidzein (Dai) and a soy seed extract (Ext) for 72 hrs, at selected concentration levels. The conditioned medium was analyzed using a glass slide, multiplex sandwich ELISA-based platform with fluorescent detection which allowed the identification and the quantification of 30 angiogenesis-related cytokines. RESULTS: In MCF-7 cells, low, stimulatory concentrations of test compounds determined the increase of CXCL16 and VEGF-A level. Gen induced the greatest effect, with 1.5-fold change compared to control. When MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to inhibitory concentrations, all test compounds determined a reduction of CXCL16 and VEGF-A level with approximately 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble CXCL16 and VEGF-A are two promoters of angiogenesis and metastasis in breast cancer. The stimulation of these two angiogenesis-related cytokines could represent one of the mechanisms explaining the proliferative effects of low isoflavone doses in estrogen-dependent cells. In estrogen-independent cells, soy isoflavones inhibited their secretion, demonstrating promising anti-angiogenic properties.

The Impact of Soy Isoflavones on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells Using a Global Metabolomic Approach.

Despite substantial research, the understanding of the chemopreventive mechanisms of soy isoflavones remains challenging. Promising tools, such as metabolomics, can provide now a deeper insight into their biochemical mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to offer a comprehensive assessment of the metabolic alterations induced by genistein, daidzein and a soy seed extract on estrogen responsive (MCF-7) and estrogen non-responsive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), using a global metabolomic approach. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that all test compounds induced a biphasic effect on MCF-7 cells and only a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) profiling of extracellular metabolites and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of intracellular metabolites confirmed that all test compounds shared similar metabolic mechanisms. Exposing MCF-7 cells to stimulatory concentrations of isoflavones led to increased intracellular levels of 6-phosphogluconate and ribose 5-phosphate, suggesting a possible upregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway. After exposure to inhibitory doses of isoflavones, a significant decrease in glucose uptake was observed, especially for MCF-7 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, the glutamine uptake was significantly restricted, leading to alterations in protein biosynthesis. Understanding the metabolomic alterations of isoflavones represents a step forward in considering soy and soy derivates as functional foods in breast cancer chemoprevention.

Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Cell Lines: Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives.

The potential benefit of soy isoflavones in breast cancer chemoprevention, as suggested by epidemiological studies, has aroused the interest of numerous scientists for over twenty years. Although intensive work has been done in this field, the preclinical results continue to be controversial and the molecular mechanisms are far from being fully understood. The antiproliferative effect of soy isoflavones has been commonly linked to the estrogen receptor interaction, but there is growing evidence that other pathways are influenced as well. Among these, the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation and survival, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis or antioxidant properties have been recently explored using various isoflavone doses and various breast cancer cells. In this review, we offer a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanisms of isoflavones observed in in vitro studies, emphasizing each time the dose-effect relationship and estrogen receptor status of the cells. Furthermore, we present future research directions in this field which could provide a better understanding of the inner molecular mechanisms of soy isoflavones in breast cancer.

Exploring delivery systems for targeted nanotechnology-based gene therapy in the inner ear.

Hearing loss places a significant burden on our aging population. However, there has only been limited progress in developing therapeutic techniques to effectively mediate this condition. This review will outline several of the most commonly utilized practices for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss before exploring more novel techniques currently being investigated via both in vitro and in vivo research. This review will place particular emphasis on novel gene-delivery technologies. Primarily, it will focus on techniques used to deliver genes that have been shown to encourage the proliferation and differentiation of sensory cells within the inner ear and how these technologies may be translated into providing clinically useful results for patients.

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Biotechnological Effects of Advanced Smart-Bile Acid Cyclodextrin-Based Nanogels for Ear Delivery and Treatment of Hearing Loss.

Inner ear delivery requires safe and effective drug delivery vehicles incorporating high-viscosity formulations with permeation enhancers. This study designs novel thermoresponsive-smart polymer-bile acid and cyclodextrin-based nanogels for inner ear delivery. Nanogels are examined for their rheological and physical properties. The biocompatibility studies will be assessed on auditory and macrophage cell lines by investigating the impact of nanogels on cellular viability, mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, intracellular oxidative stress, inflammatory profile, and macrophage polarization. Novel ther nanogels based on bile acid and beta-cyclodextrin show preserved porous nanogels' inner structure, exhibit non-Newtonian, shear-thinning fluid behavior, have fast gelation at 37 °C and minimal albumin adsorption on the surface. The nanogels have minimal impact on cellular viability, mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, intracellular oxidative stress, and inflammatory profile of the auditory cell line House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 after 24 h incubation. Nanogel exposure of 24 h to macrophage cell line RAW264.7 leads to decreased viability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased intracellular ROS and inflammatory cytokines. However, polarization changes from M2 anti-inflammatory to M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages are minimal, and inflammatory products of RAW264.7 macrophages do not overly disrupt the survivability of HEI-OC1 cells. Based on these results, thermoresponsive bile acid and cyclodextrin nanogels can be potential drug delivery vehicles for inner ear drug delivery.

Bile Acid Application in Cell-Targeting for Molecular Receptors in Relation to Hearing: A Comprehensive Review.

Bile acids play important roles in the human body, and changes in their pool can be used as markers for various liver pathologies. In addition to their functional effects in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular survivability, the unconjugated or conjugated, secondary, or primary nature of bile acids accounts for their various ligand effects. The common hydrophilic bile acids have been used successfully as local treatment to resolve drug-induced cell damage or to ameliorate hearing loss. From various literature references, bile acids show concentration and tissue-dependent effects. Some hydrophobic bile acids act as ligands modulating vitamin D receptors, muscarinic receptors, and calcium-activated potassium channels, important proteins in the inner ear system. Currently, there are limited resources investigating the therapeutic effects of bile acid on hearing loss and little to no information on detecting bile acids in the remote ear system, let alone baseline bile acid levels and their prevalence in healthy and disease conditions. This review presents both hydrophilic and hydrophobic human bile acids and their tissue-specific effects in modulating cellular integrity, thus considering the possible effects and extended therapeutic applicability of bile acids to the inner ear tissue.

Probucol-bile acid nanoparticles: a novel approach and promising solution to prevent cellular oxidative stress in sensorineural hearing loss.

The use of antioxidants could thus prove an effective medication to prevent or facilitate recovery from oxidative stress-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). One promising strategy to prevent SNHL is developing probucol (PB)-based nanoparticles using encapsulation technology and administering them to the inner ear via the established intratympanic route. The preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies support that PB is a proven antioxidant that could effectively prevent oxidative stress in different study models. Such findings suggest its applicability in preventing oxidative stress within the inner ear and its associated neural cells. However, several hurdles, such as overcoming the blood-labyrinth barrier, ensuring sustained release, minimising systemic side effects and optimising targeted delivery in the intricate inner ear structures, must be overcome to efficiently deliver PB to the inner ear. This review explores the background and pathogenesis of hearing loss, the potential of PB in treating oxidative stress and its cellular mechanisms, and the obstacles linked to inner ear drug delivery for effectively introducing PB to the inner ear.

The Intersection of Dermatological Dilemmas and Endocrinological Complexities: Understanding Necrobiosis Lipoidica-A Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous skin disorder with a predilection for females, often associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). This paper aims to comprehensively review the literature on NL, focusing on its association with DM, thyroid disorders, and the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in English-language literature from inception to October 2023, utilizing PubMed. We identified 530 studies and selected 19 based on clinical significance, statistical support, and relevance to the paper's goals. RESULTS: The coexistence of NL and DM is prevalent, with rates ranging from 11% to 65.71%. NL may precede DM diagnosis and a correlation between NL and increased daily insulin requirements has been observed in such patients. NL is suggested as a potential prognostic marker for DM complications; however, recent studies question this association, highlighting the need for further research. Studies in the context of NL and Thyroid Disease indicate a correlation, especially with autoimmune thyroiditis. Regarding NL and Metabolic Syndrome, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among NL patients is notably higher than in the general population. Additionally, DM patients with ulcerated NL commonly exhibit hypertension or obesity, raising questions about the potential influence of hypertension and obesity on NL ulcerations. CONCLUSION: Additional research is required to untangle the complex connections between NL and various comorbidities.

Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Inner Ear Targeted Trans Differentiation Gene Therapy.

Hearing loss is a significant disability that often goes under recognised, largely due to poor identification, prevention, and treatment. Steps are being made to amend these pitfalls in the investigation of hearing loss, however, the development of a cure to reverse advanced forms remains distant. This review details some current advances in the treatment of hearing loss, with a particular focus on genetic-based nanotechnology and how it may provide a useful avenue for further research. This review presents a broad background on the pathophysiology of hearing loss and some current interventions. We also highlight some potential genes that may be useful in the amelioration of hearing loss. Pathways of cellular differentiation from stem or supporting cell to functional hair cell are covered in detail, as this mechanism represents a key means of regenerating these cell types. Overall, we believe that polymer-based nanotechnology coupled with novel excipients represents a useful area of further research in the treatment of hearing loss, although further studies in this area are required.

Probucol-Ursodeoxycholic Acid Otic Formulations: Stability and In Vitro Assessments for Hearing Loss Treatment.

Targeted drug delivery is an ongoing aspect of scientific research that is expanding through the design of micro- and nanoparticles. In this paper, we focus on spray dried microparticles as carriers for a repurposed lipophilic antioxidant (probucol). We characterise the microparticles and quantify probucol prior to assessing cytotoxicity on both control and cisplatin treated hair cells (known as House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1; HEI-OC1). The addition of water-soluble polymers to 2% ß-cyclodextrin resulted in a stable probucol formulation. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) used as formulation excipient increases probucol miscibility and microparticle drug content. Formulation characterisations reveals spray drying results in spherical UDCA-drug microparticles with a mean size distribution of ∼5-12 µm. Probucol microparticles show stable short-term storage conditions accounting for only ∼10% loss over seven days. By mimicking cell culture conditions, both UDCA-probucol (67%) and probucol only (82%) microparticles show drug release in the initial two hours. Furthermore, probucol formulations with or without UDCA preserve cell viability and reduce cisplatin-induced oxidative stress. Mitochondrial bioenergetics results in lower basal respiration and non-mitochondrial respiration, with higher maximal respiration, spare capacity, ATP production and proton leak within cisplatin challenged UDCA-probucol groups. Overall, we present a facile method for incorporating lipophilic antioxidant carriers in polymer-based particles that are tolerated by HEI-OC1 cells and show stable drug release, sufficient in reducing cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation.

The effect of deoxycholic acid-based hydrogels on hepatic, muscle and pancreatic beta cells.

Aim: The aim of this study is to test the biocompatibility of hydrogels with polysaccharides and bile acids on three murine cell lines. Materials & methods: Novel hydrogels containing poloxamer 407, polysaccharides (starch, pectin, acacia, carboxymethyl and methyl 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose) and deoxycholic acid were prepared using cold method, sterilized and used in biological assays to determine effects on hepatic, muscle, and pancreatic beta cells. Results and conclusion: Hydrogels with deoxycholic acid had tissue-depending effects on cellular survival and bioenergetics, resulting in the best cellular viability and bioenergetics within pancreatic beta cells. Further research is needed as proposed hydrogels may be beneficial for cell delivery systems of pancreatic beta cells.

In this study, we made gels using different materials, including five types of sugar and an acid found in bile. We investigated whether these gels would harm cells and their respiration. Muscle cells responded poorly to gels, as gels harmed their natural processes. Liver cells responded slightly better to gels, but gels still harmed them a lot. Cells found in the pancreas were not especially affected by gels, and these gels may be good candidates for further research with pancreatic cells. The gels could potentially be used to deliver drugs to the cells.

Probucol-bile acid based nanoparticles protect auditory cells from oxidative stress: an in vitro study.

Aim: Excessive free radicals contribute to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The antioxidant probucol holds promise, but its limited bioavailability and inner ear barriers hinder effective SNHL treatment. Methodology: We addressed this by developing probucol-loaded nanoparticles with polymers and lithocholic acid and tested them on House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti cells. Results: Probucol-based nanoparticles effectively reduced oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, enhanced cellular viability, improved probucol uptake and promoted mitochondrial function. Additionally, they demonstrated the capacity to reduce reactive oxygen species through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway. Conclusion: This innovative nanoparticle system holds the potential to prevent oxidative stress-related hearing impairment, providing an effective solution for SNHL.

Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence is expected to double by 2050. Current treatments have limitations, pushing researchers to explore new options. Oxidative stress is a key player in hearing loss and is known to damage inner ear hair cells. While antioxidants, known for their protective effects, hold promise, delivering them effectively to the inner ear is challenging. Scientists have been testing nanoparticles loaded with the antioxidant probucol to fight hearing loss. In this study, these particles protected inner ear cells in cell studies, offering potential hope for preventing hearing problems. This research is a significant step toward finding better treatments for hearing loss.

Novel polysaccharides-bile acid-cyclodextrin gel systems and effects on cellular viability and bioenergetic parameters.

Aim: The novel hydrogel systems made from sodium alginate, pectin, beta-cyclodextrin and deoxycholic acid (DCA) were proposed as potential drug-delivery matrices. Materials & methods: To ensure biocompatibility, rheological parameters were examined and hydrogels' effects on bioenergetic parameters and cellular viability on murine hepatic, and muscle and pancreatic beta cells. Results & conclusion: All hydrogels show non-Newtonian, shear thinning behavior. Cells displayed various oxygen-dependent viability patterns, with the bile acid overall adversely affecting their biological activities. All cells performed best under normoxia, with pancreatic beta cells displaying the most profound oxygen-dependent viability behavior. The cells tolerated the addition of a moderate concentration of beta-cyclodextrin to the polymer matrix.

Comparative study concerning mistletoe viscotoxins antitumor activity.

Viscum album L. (Santalaceae) (VA) - a parasitic plant that grows on various trees - has proved a significant anticancer effect in both experimental studies and clinical trials. The present study assesses the influence of oxidative stress in mistletoe induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells, in relation to classic cytostatic therapy. VA ethanolic extract was administered alone and combined with doxorubicin (chloride) in Swiss female mice previously intraperitoneally (i.p.) inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells (1 × 106/animal) that consequently developed Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The administered doses were of 50 mg/kg on the 1st, 3rd and 6th day for the VA extract, respectively of 2.5 mg/kg on the 1st and 6th day for doxorubicin, after tumor cell implantation. Fourteen days later all mice were euthanized, ascites of the EAC were collected in order to analyze the tumor proliferation parameters, as well as blood samples, in order to evaluate the antioxidant status in plasma. Tumor development was associated with increased activity of plasma enzymes; classic doxorubicin therapy not only prevents the accumulation of ascitic fluid, but also significantly reduces the activity of plasma antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, in association with VA extract, the protective effect is improved. Oxidative changes in Ehrlich tumor cells consisted in decreased catalase activity and amplified xanthine oxidase and peroxidase activities.

Roman Republican coarse ware from Norba, Southern Lazio (Italy): a multi-analytical study of production technology and trade.

The first objective of this paper is to reconstruct the production technology of fourth-first centuries BCE coarse ware from surveys near the ancient town of Norba in the Lepini Mountains of Southern Lazio, Italy, adopting a multi-analytical method, combining macroscopic observation with polarised light optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The second objective of this study is to gain insight into Norba's integration in broader production and distribution networks in Southern Lazio between the fourth-first centuries BCE, by comparing the results with previous data for coarse ware prevalent in the region at that time. The results indicate that the coarse ware from Norba was produced with Fe-rich, Ca-poor, and illite-muscovite clays and fired in an oxidising atmosphere between 750 and 900 °C. Differences among the coarse ware exist in the paste recipes, e.g. intentionally added temper. Most coarse ware from Norba bears compositional similarities to that from the Alban Hills and the Tiber Valley, north of Rome, suggesting that Norba was integrated into the marketing of pottery that was common in Southern Lazio during the fourth-first centuries BCE. In comparison, only a few coarse wares seem to have been produced in the surrounding area (e.g. Satricum and Forum Appii), or even locally in Norba. The results further indicate changes in these regional/local distribution networks; some coarse ware seems to have been imported from Satricum, where a workshop was active during the fourth century BCE. When ceramic production at Satricum ceased, potters settled in the towns of Forum Appii and Norba, where they produced ceramic building material and fine ware in the second-first centuries BCE, respectively. The results of this study tentatively suggest that potters in these locations may have also manufactured coarse ware during this period.

Influence of poly-L-ornithine-bile acid nano hydrogels on cellular bioactivity and potential pharmacological applications.

Aim: Cellular bioactivity and pathophysiological changes associated with chronic disorders are considered pivotal detrimental factors when developing novel formulations for biomedical applications. Methods: This paper investigates the use of bile acids and synthetic polypeptide poly-L-ornithine (PLO) in formulations and their impacts on a variety of cell lines, with a particular focus on their cellular bioactivity. Results: The hepatic cell line was the most negatively affected by the presence of PLO, while the muscle and beta-pancreatic cell lines did not show as profound of a negative impact of PLO on cellular viability. PLO was the least disruptive regarding mitochondrial function for muscle and beta cells. Conclusion: The addition of bile acids generally decreased mitochondrial respiration and altered bioenergetic parameters in all cell lines.

In our study, we made special gels using two kinds of materials and different acids found in bile. We wanted to see how these gels affected different cells like muscles, liver and pancreatic beta cells. The gels we made had good traits needed for injections. Liver cells didn't enjoy the new materials very much. Adding bile acids to the materials changed how the cells acted for all cell types we looked at.

Potentials and limitations of pharmaceutical and pharmacological applications of bile acids in hearing loss treatment.

Hearing loss is a worldwide epidemic, with approximately 1.5 billion people currently struggling with hearing-related conditions. Currently, the most wildly used and effective treatments for hearing loss are primarily focus on the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants. However, these have many limitations, highlighting the importance of developing a pharmacological solution that may be used to overcome barriers associated with such devices. Due to the challenges of delivering therapeutic agents to the inner ear, bile acids are being explored as potential drug excipients and permeation enhancers. This review, therefore, aims to explore the pathophysiology of hearing loss, the challenges in treatment and the manners in which bile acids could potentially aid in overcoming these challenges.