Discriminatory alteration of carbohydrate homeostasis by gold nanoparticles ingestion in Drosophila.

With the extensive usage of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in various industrial sectors and biomedical applications, evaluation of their possible effects on human health becomes imperative. Therefore, the present study was aimed toward assessing the dose-dependent impact of AuNPs ingestion on metabolic homeostasis using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. We found that larval ingestion of higher dose of AuNPs significantly reduced body weight. Further analysis of the crucial energy reservoir showed selective alteration in carbohydrate levels without any change in the lipid and protein levels. Transcriptional downregulation of glycogen synthase further supported impaired glycogen metabolism in flies supplemented with higher dose of AuNPs. Additionally, ingestion of higher dose of AuNPs in larvae results in significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the peripheral tissues, suggestive of stress condition. Our findings clearly imply that supplementing higher doses of AuNPs at an early developmental stage can potentially cause weight loss, impair glycogen metabolism, and elevate ROS production. Therefore, determination of a biologically effective dose is critical for the safety of mankind and vulnerable populations at the workplace.

Fabrication of innocuous gold nanoparticles using plant cells in culture.

Plant extracts and their different growth phases have been manipulated for the fabrication of nanomaterials, which can be an eco-friendly alternative to the chemical methods that produce hazardous by-products. However, practical difficulties in isolation of the nanoparticles obtained through biological methods and the scanty control that these methods allow over their shapes and sizes impose limitations in their utility. For the first time, we report here a versatile system using cell suspension culture of Medicago sativa, which ensures control over the reaction to regulate size of the particles as well as their easier recovery afterwards. Isolated nanoparticles were characterized for their shape, size and functions. The particles varied in shapes from isodiametric spheres to exotic tetrahedrons, pentagons and pentagonal prisms. They clearly demonstrated catalytic activity in the reduction reaction of methylene blue by stannous chloride. Interestingly, the cell culture-derived particles were found less cytotoxic to healthy human cell line HEp-2 while more cytotoxic to the cancer cell line 4T-1 in comparison to those synthesized through citrate method. However, when administered in mice, these nanoparticles elicited similar inflammatory responses as those produced by chemically synthesized counterparts. These results envisage the utility of these particles for various biological applications.

Biogenic Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites kill Staphylococcus aureus without provoking nuclear damage and cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblasts cells under hyperglycemic condition with enhanced wound healing proficiency.

The aim of the present study is focused on the synthesis of Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites, where zinc oxide is overlaid on biogenic gold nanoparticles obtained from Hibiscus Sabdariffa plant extract. Optical property of nanocomposites is investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy and crystal structure has been determined using X-ray crystallography (XRD) technique. The presence of functional groups on the surface of Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites has been observed by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Electron microscopy studies revealed the morphology of the above core-shell nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposite material has shown antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH). The microbes are notorious cross contaminant and are known to cause infection in open wounds. The possible antimicrobial mechanism of as synthesized nanomaterials has been investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and obtained data suggests that the antimicrobial activity could be due to release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Present study has revealed that surface varnishing of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles through zinc oxide has improved its antibacterial proficiency against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas reducing its toxic effect towards mouse fibroblast cells under normal and hyperglycaemic condition. Further studies have been performed in mice model to understand the wound healing efficiency of Au@ZnO nanocomposites. The results obtained suggest the possible and effective use of as synthesized core shell nanocomposites in wound healing.

A Biomimetic Gold Nanocages-Based Nanoplatform for Efficient Tumor Ablation and Reduced Inflammation.

Gold nanocages (AuNCs), with high photothermal conversion efficiency and unique hollow interiors, have become a promising nanoplatform for synergistic phototheraml therapy (PTT)-chemotherapy. However, the insufficient tumor targeting, in vivo premature drug leakage and low drug loading efficiency responsible for the spatial-temporal un-synchronization of PTT-chemotherapy, as well as inflammatory response might compromise the anticancer treatment of AuNCs-based drug delivery systems. Methods: Cancer cell membrane (CCM)-coated AuNCs were developed to load anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX@CAuNCs) by transmembrane ammonium sulfate gradient method. In vitro and in vivo analysis, including characterization, macrophage phagocytosis and tumor targeting capacity, near-infrared (NIR) laser-induced drug release, antitumor efficacy and inflammation response were systematically performed. Results: DOX@CAuNCs showed a high DOX loading capacity and on-demand NIR laser-triggered DOX release compared with CAuNCs passively loading DOX by electrostatic adsorption, a commonly used method to load drug to AuNCs. Meanwhile, in view of the properties of CCM coated on AuNCs, DOX@CAuNCs exhibited decreased macrophage phagocytosis, prolonged blood circulation and enhanced internalization by cancer cells, generating preferable tumor targeting ability. With these integrated advantages, DOX@CAuNCs demonstrated highly efficient and precise spatial-temporal synchronization of PTT-chemotherapy, achieving complete tumor ablation with no obvious side effects. Besides, coating with CCM significantly alleviated AuNCs-induced inflammatory response. Conclusion: This biomimetic AuNCs-based platform might be a prospective drug delivery system for precision PTT and chemotherapy, acquiring desired cancer treatment efficacy and low inflammatory response.

Enhanced Internalization of Indian Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma (Gold Nanopowder) for Effective Interaction with Human Cells.

In the ancient traditional Indian Ayurvedic system of natural healing, gold nanoparticles (Swarna Bhasma, gold ash) have been used for its therapeutic benefits as far back as 2500 B.C. Ayurvedic medicinal preparations are complex mixtures that include many plant-derived products and metals. Bhasmas date as far back as the 8th century and are made by samskaras (processings), such as shodhana (purification and potentiation), jarana (roasting), and marana (incineration, trituration) in the presence of plant products, including juices and concoctions. Previous studies characterized the physical properties of gold ash, and the mechanisms of its entry into human cells, but only preliminary data exist on its toxicity. Before using nanoparticles for therapeutic application, it is extremely important to study their toxicity and cellular internalization. In the present study, various imaging techniques were used to investigate Swarna Bhasma's (gold nanopowder) toxicity in both cancerous and noncancerous cells (HeLa and HFF-1) and to characterize its spectral properties. The results showed that gold ash particles had no impact on the cellular viability of both HeLa and HFF-1 cells, even at high concentrations or long incubation times. Moreover, it was found that the internalization level of Swarna Bhasma to cells may be improved by mechanical breaking of the large aggregates into smaller agglomerates. Hyperspectral images revealed that after breaking, the small agglomerates have different spectral properties in cells, compared to the original aggregates, suggesting that size of particles is instrumental for the subcellular interaction with human cells.

Assessment of radical scavenging, whitening and moisture retention activities of Panax ginseng berry mediated gold nanoparticles as safe and efficient novel cosmetic material.

Panax ginseng berry extract possess remarkable pharmacological effects on skin treatment such as anti-aging, antioxidant, promotor of collagen synthesis and alleviation against atopic dermatitis. In recent years, gold nanoparticles have gained much attention due to their extensive range of applications in particular in the field of drug delivery as a result of their biological compatibility and low toxicity. In a previous study, we designed and developed biocompatible gold and silver nanoparticles based on phytochemical profile and pharmacological efficacy of P. ginseng berry extract, we were able to reduce gold ions to nanoparticles through the process of green synthesis. However, its potential as a cosmetic ingredient is still unexplored. The aim of the present study is to investigate the moisture retention, in-vitro scavenging and whitening properties of gold nanoparticles synthesized from P. ginseng berry in cosmetic applications. Our findings confirm that P. ginseng berry mediated gold nanoparticles exhibited moisture retention capacity. In addition, MTT assay results confirmed that P. ginseng berry mediated gold nanoparticles are non-toxic to human dermal fibroblast and murine melanoma skin cells, possess scavenging activity, protect and provide alleviation against injured caused by H2O2-induced damage. In addition, P. ginseng berry mediated gold nanoparticles, significantly reduced melanin content and suppress tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16BL6 cells. We conclude that P. ginseng berry mediated gold nanoparticles are biocompatible and environmental affable materials and can be a potential novel cosmetic ingredient.

Preparation, Surface Properties, and Therapeutic Applications of Gold Nanoparticles in Biomedicine.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) due to their unique properties and manifold surface functionalities have been applied in bio-nanotechnology. The application of GNPs in recent medical and biological research is very extensive. Especially it involves applications such as detection and photothermalysis of microorganisms and cancer stem cells, biosensors; optical bio-imaging and observing of cells and these nanostructures also serve as practical platforms for therapeutic agents. In this review we studied all therapeutic applications of gold nanoparticles in biomedicine, synthesis methods, and surface properties.

A review of the use of fiducial markers for image-guided bladder radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing target visualization and reducing set-up errors in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) are issues faced when trying to implement more conformal and partial bladder techniques. This review examines the evidence available pertaining to the clinical use of Lipiodol and gold fiducials for IGRT for bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine published articles relating to the feasibility of using Lipiodol injections or gold fiducial markers in IGRT for bladder patients were recruited from a database search strategy. Set-up errors were evaluated in addition to the stability and visibility of each on verification imaging. Adverse reactions from the insertion of each method were also assessed. RESULTS: Both Lipiodol and gold fiducials have the potential to remain stable and visible in the bladder, however, fading, washout and seed loss was also reported. Set-up errors can be reduced by using Lipiodol or fiducial registration when compared to other registration techniques. Adverse reactions reported were minimal for each. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that Lipiodol injections and gold fiducial markers present as promising and highly accurate methods of overcoming interfraction bladder motion in IGRT.

Gold nanoprisms for photothermal cell ablation in vivo.

AIM: To develop new methodologies for selective cell ablation in a temporally and spatially precise fashion in model organisms. MATERIALS & METHODS: living polyps (Hydra vulgaris) treated with gold nanoprisms were near-infrared (NIR) irradiated and the photothermal effects evaluated at whole-animal, cellular and molecular levels. RESULTS: Nanoprisms showed good efficiency of internalization in living specimens, with no sign of toxicity; under NIR irradiation they induced cell death and the overexpression of the hsp70 gene. CONCLUSION: gold nanoprisms could be employed as efficient heat mediators in model organisms, and NIR-triggered cell ablation may represent a new advanced tool to study cell function. Solving bioethical and economical issues, invertebrates may provide alternative models bridging the gap between cell research and preclinical studies of photothermal therapy.

Therapeutic nanoparticles in clinics and under clinical evaluation.

This article reviews nanoparticulate-chemotherapeutic systems that have been developed for human therapy, considering the components of the nanoparticles, the therapeutic agents associated with the nanoparticles and the clinical indications these therapeutic nanoparticles have been developed for. In this evaluation we have put into perspective the types of nanomaterials and their therapeutic indications. We have reviewed the nanoparticulate-chemotherapeutic systems that have been published, approved and marketed and that are currently in clinical use. We have also analyzed the nanoparticulate-chemotherapeutic systems that are in clinical trials and under preclinical development.

Gold nanomaterials: preparation, chemical modification, biomedical applications and potential risk assessment.

Gold nanomaterials (Au NMs) have attracted increasing attention in biomedicine due to their facile preparation, multifunctional modifications, unique optical and electrical properties, and good biocompatibility. The physicochemical properties of Au NMs at nanoscale, like size, shape, surface chemistry, and near field effects, are rendering Au NMs potent candidates in biomedicine. Thus, risk assessment of negative effects of Au NMs on biological systems is becoming urgent and necessary for future applications. In this review, we summarize up-to-date progresses on the preparation and modification of Au NMs and their biomedical applications, including biosensor, bioimaging and phototherapy, gene/drug delivery. Finally, we discuss the potential risk of Au NMs to biological systems, which is instructive for rationally designing and preparing nanomaterials for safe applications in nanomedicine.

Common misconceptions in contact dermatitis counseling.

Both physicians and patients hold many misconceptions when it comes to allergen avoidance. Ten commonly held misconceptions are exposed, allowing more accurate approach to the individual with cutaneous allergies.

CD30-positive T-cell-rich pseudolymphoma induced by gold acupuncture.

Cases of pseudolymphoma induced by intradermal gold injection or gold piercing have previously been described. Most of these cases showed the histopathological finding of B-lymphocyte predominant lymphocytoma cutis. We describe a patient with gold acupuncture-induced T-cell-rich pseudolymphoma. Some T cells showed positive staining with CD30. The lesions responded to an intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide.

Immunomodulation as asthma therapy: where do we stand?

There is increasing evidence that chronic inflammation in asthma is mediated via a network of cytokines emanating from inflammatory and structural cells in the airways. The prominent eosinophilic inflammation that characterizes asthma appears to be orchestrated by cytokines derived from type 2 T-helper (Th2)-like lymphocytes, suggesting that immunosuppressants might be beneficial in the control of asthma. Indeed, one of the critical modes of action of glucocorticoids in controlling asthma may be the suppression of Th2-lymphocyte-derived cytokines, such as interleukin-5 (IL-5). Cyclosporin-A may have a similar immunomodulatory role, but its potential beneficial effects are outweighed by its toxicity, at least when given parenterally. Future immunomodulators need to be more selective, either by means of delivery (inhalation, liposomes) or by a more specific effect on Th2, as opposed to Th1, lymphocytes or their products. Such approaches may include new immunomodulators, such as mycophenolate mofetil, specific cytokine inhibitors (such as interleukin-5 antibodies), endogenous suppressors of Th2 cells (interferon-gamma or interleukin-12), or type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Aurum metallicum (El Oro) / Aurum metallicum (Gold)

El oro, metal precioso altamente codiciado, se emplea actualmente en medicina para suprimir la sintomatologia de algunos padecimientos sobre todo de tipo autoimune; sin embargo su uso esta limitado no solo por su costo, sino tambien por la severidad de sus efectos secundarios; en terapeutica homeopatica se utiliza para el tratamiento de un grupo un poco mas diverso de enfermedades, evitando los efectos secundarios y sobre todo tomando en cuenta al ser humano de uma manera mas integral. A continuacion hacemos una breve revision bibliografica de los aspectos mas importantes sobre el uso del oro en medicina, principalmente en homeopatia

Aurum metallicum (El Oro) / Aurum metallicum (Gold)

El oro, metal precioso altamente codiciado, se emplea actualmente en medicina para suprimir la sintomatologia de algunos padecimientos sobre todo de tipo autoimune; sin embargo su uso esta limitado no solo por su costo, sino tambien por la severidad de sus efectos secundarios; en terapeutica homeopatica se utiliza para el tratamiento de un grupo un poco mas diverso de enfermedades, evitando los efectos secundarios y sobre todo tomando en cuenta al ser humano de uma manera mas integral. A continuacion hacemos una breve revision bibliografica de los aspectos mas importantes sobre el uso del oro en medicina, principalmente en homeopatia