Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Properties Research Articles

Biomimetic Lung-Targeting Nanoparticles with Antioxidative and Nrf2 Activating Properties for Treating Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Lung Injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) has a high mortality rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in causing cellular damage and death in IR-induced ALI. In this work, we developed a biomimetic lung-targeting nanoparticle (PC@MB) as an antioxidative lung protector for treating IR-induced ALI. PC@MBs showed excellent ROS scavenging and Nrf2 activation properties, along with a lung-targeting function through autologous cell membrane coating. The PC@MBs exhibited an impressive antioxidative and pulmonary protective role via redox homeostasis recovery through Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 activation. PC@MBs could maintain cell viability by effectively scavenging the intracellular ROS and restoring the redox equilibrium in the lesion. In the IR mouse model, the PC@MBs preferentially accumulated in the lung and distinctly repaired the pneumonic damage. Our strategy has the potential to offer a promising therapeutic paradigm for treating IR-induced ALI through the incorporation of different therapeutic mechanisms.

A Factor-Free Hydrogel with ROS Scavenging and Responsive Degradation for Enhanced Diabetic Bone Healing.

In view of the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disturb the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), the repair of diabetic bone defects remains a great challenge. Herein, a factor-free hydrogel is reported with ROS scavenging and responsive degradation properties for enhanced diabetic bone healing. These hydrogels contain ROS-cleavable thioketal (TK) linkers and ultraviolet (UV)-responsive norbornene (NB) groups conjugated with 8-arm PEG macromers, which are formed via UVcrosslinking-mediated gelation. Upon reacting with high levels of ROS in the bone defect microenvironment, ROS-cleavable TK linkers are destroyed, allowing the responsive degradation of hydrogels, which promotes the migration of BMSCs. Moreover, ROS levels are reduced through hydrogel-mediated ROS scavenging to reverse BMSC differentiation from adipogenic to osteogenic phenotype. As such, a favorable microenvironment is created after simultaneous ROS scavenging and hydrogel degradation, leading to the effective repair of bone defects in diabetic mouse models, even without the addition of growth factors. Thus, this study presents a responsive hydrogel platform that regulates ROS scavenging and stromal degradation in bone engineering.

Propofol and salvianolic acid A synergistically attenuated cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic mice via modulating the CD36/AMPK pathway.

Prevention of diabetic heart myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury (MIRI) is challenging. Propofol attenuates MIRI through its reactive oxygen species scavenging property at high doses, while its use at high doses causes hemodynamic instability. Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a potent antioxidant that confers protection against MIRI. Both propofol and SAA affect metabolic profiles through regulating Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of low doses of propofol combined with SAA against diabetic MIRI. Diabetes was induced in mice by a high-fat diet followed by streptozotocin injection, and MIRI was induced by coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Mice were treated with propofol at 46mg/kg/h without or with SAA at 10mg/kg/h during IR. Cardiac origin H9c2 cells were exposed to high glucose (HG) and palmitic acid (PAL) for 24h in the absence or presence of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) overexpression or AMPK gene knockdown, followed by hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) for 6 and 12h. Diabetes-exacerbated MIRI is evidenced as significant increases in post-ischemic infarction with reductions in phosphorylated (p)-AMPK and increases in CD36 and ferroptosis. Propofol moderately yet significantly attenuated all the abovementioned changes, while propofol plus SAA conferred superior protection against MIRI to that of propofol. In vitro, exposure of H9c2 cells under HG and PAL decreased cell viability and increased oxidative stress that was concomitant with increased levels of ferroptosis and a significant increase in CD36, while p-AMPK was significantly reduced. Co-administration of low concentrations of propofol and SAA at 12.5μM in H9c2 cells significantly reduced oxidative stress, ferroptosis and CD36 expression, while increasing p-AMPK compared to the effects of propofol at 25μM. Moreover, either CD36 overexpression or AMPK silence significantly exacerbated HR-induced cellular injuries and ferroptosis, and canceled propofol- and SAA-mediated protection. Notably, p-AMPK expression was downregulated after CD36 overexpression, while AMPK knockdown did not affect CD36 expression. Combinational usage of propofol and SAA confers superior cellular protective effects to the use of high-dose propofol alone, and it does so through inhibiting HR-induced CD36 overexpression to upregulate p-AMPK.

Melatonin as a Mediator of the Gut Microbiota-Host Interaction: Implications for Health and Disease.

In recent years, the role played by melatonin on the gut microbiota has gained increasingly greater attention. Additionally, the gut microbiota has been proposed as an alternative source of melatonin, suggesting that this antioxidant indoleamine could act as a sort of messenger between the gut microbiota and the host. This review analyses the available scientific literature about possible mechanisms involved in this mediating role, highlighting its antioxidant effects and influence on this interaction. In addition, we also review the available knowledge on the effects of melatonin on gut microbiota composition, as well as its ability to alleviate dysbiosis related to sleep deprivation or chronodisruptive conditions. The melatonin-gut microbiota relationship has also been discussed in terms of its role in the development of different disorders, from inflammatory or metabolic disorders to psychiatric and neurological conditions, also considering oxidative stress and the reactive oxygen species-scavenging properties of melatonin as the main factors mediating this relationship.

Near-infrared light-mediated CuS@Rutin nanocomposites for the PTT/PDT synergistic treatment in bacterial infections

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) and heat-based photothermal therapy (PTT) have garnered significant attention for their non-resistant and minimally invasive characteristics in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the excessive generation of ROS during treatment can lead to persistent levels of oxidative stress, causing irreversible damage to surrounding tissues. In this study, we successfully synthesized a multifunctional nanocomposite consisting of hollow interior and porous surface nanostructured copper sulfide (Nano CuS) loaded with Rutin, a compound known for its ROS scavenging properties. This nanocomposite effectively eliminates bacteria through PDT and PTT in the initial stage, while simultaneously releasing Rutin to clear ROS at the site of inflammation. This dual therapeutic approach provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a promising strategy for combating bacterial infections. Overall, our synthesized nanomaterial demonstrates excellent efficacy in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory applications, offering new insights for future developments in infection treatments.

A Critical Appraisal of Functional Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Healing: Recent Advances and Ongoing Research

Abstract: In diabetic wounds, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are developed in large quantities in a consistently hyperglycemic and excessive biogenic environment. Inflammatory factors are increased as a result of impaired hematopoiesis. Because, subsequent infections obstruct the healing process and as a result, most chronic wounds are not healed properly. The majority of chronic diabetic wounds are worsened during the inflammatory stage. Because of excessive ROS, it is still challenging for a timely closure of diabetic chronic wounds. Wound dressings with anti-inflammatory and ROS scavenging properties are preferable for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Hence, a strategic treatment is required which facilitates both targeting and myogenic potential. In recent decades, the production of macroporous hydrogels via three-dimensional (3D) printing has gained popularity as a cutting-edge technique for chronic wounds. Multiple hydrogel subtypes have been formulated for different states of healing of chronic wounds. The hydrogel used in 3D printing indicated better wound healing by enhancing the expression of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) activities in scaffolds due to the presence of an ordered macroporous structure. Regenerative medicine has undergone a paradigm shift as a result of the introduction of inventive medicines based on the use of living organisms. New treatments for skin wounds have been the subject of several studies, with bioactive peptides, nanoparticles, and hydrogels attracting a lot of attention due to their potential as therapeutics. For chronic wound healing, hydrogels create an angiogenesis microenvironment and avoid wound infections. Hence, the present review provides light on different superficial hydrogels along with their properties for chronic wound healing.

Polypropylene composite mesh modified by polyurethane gel with ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects for pelvic floor repair.

Development of an inflammation modulating polypropylene (PP) mesh in pelvic floor repair is an urgent clinical need. This is because PP mesh for pelvic floor repair can cause a series of complications related to foreign body reactions (FBR) in postoperative period. Therefore, we successfully prepared PP composite mesh that can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit inflammation to moderate FBR by a simple method. First, a pregel layer was formed on PP mesh by dip coating. Among them, polyurethane with polythioketal (PTK) is an excellent ROS scavenger, and dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) improves the stability of the coating and synergistically scavenges ROS. Then, a composite mesh (optimal PU50-PP) was obtained by photopolymerization. The results showed that the polyurethane gel layer was able to scavenge more than 90% of free radicals and about 75% of intracellular ROS. In vitro, PU50-PP mesh significantly scavenged ROS and resisted macrophage adhesion. After implantation in the posterior vaginal wall of rats, PU50-PP eliminated 53% of ROS, inhibited inflammation (decreased IL-6, increased IL-10), and dramatically reduced collagen deposition by about 64%, compared to PP mesh. Thus, the composite PP mesh with ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties provides a promising approach for mitigating FBR.

Pimobendan prevents cardiac dysfunction, mitigates cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction, and preserves myocyte ultrastructure in a rat model of mitral regurgitation

BackgroundPimobendan has been proven to delay the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR); however, molecular underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate (1) the effects of pimobendan on cardiac function, cardiac mitochondrial quality and morphology, and cardiac ultrastructure in a rat model of chronic MR and (2) the direct effect of pimobendan on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cardiac cells. MR was surgically induced in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats, and sham procedures were performed on 10 rats. Eight weeks post-surgery, the MR rats were randomly divided into two groups: the MR group and the MR + pimobendan group. Pimobendan (0.15 mg/kg) was administered twice a day via oral gavage for 4 weeks, whereas the sham and MR groups received equivalent volumes of drinking water. Echocardiography was performed at baseline (8 weeks post-surgery) and at the end of the study (4 weeks after treatment). At the end of the study protocol, all rats were euthanized, and their hearts were immediately collected, weighed, and used for transmission electron microscopy and mitochondrial quality assessments. To evaluate the role of pimobendan on intracellular ROS production, preventive or scavenging properties were tested with H2O2-induced ROS generation in rat cardiac myoblasts (H9c2).ResultsPimobendan preserved cardiac functions and structure in MR rats. In addition, pimobendan significantly improved mitochondrial quality by attenuating ROS production and depolarization (P < 0.05). The cardiac ultrastructure and mitochondrial morphology were significantly preserved in the MR + pimobendan group. In addition, pimobendan appeared to play as a ROS scavenger, but not as a ROS preventer, in H2O2-induced ROS production in H9c2 cells.ConclusionsPimobendan demonstrated cardioprotective effects on cardiac function and ultrastructure by preserving mitochondrial quality and acted as an ROS scavenger in a rat model of MR.

2D Cobalt Oxyhydroxide Nanozymes Inhibit Inflammation by Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome

AbstractNucleotide‐binding domain and leucine rich repeat family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are implicated in diverse inflammatory diseases, so their activation needs to be tightly controlled. Over generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key factor in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Consequently, nanozymes with ROS scavenging ability are potential inhibitors of NLRP3 activation and promising therapeutic agents for related inflammatory diseases. Herein, a type of 2D cobalt hydroxide oxide nanosheets (Co NSs), a nanozyme with excellent multienzyme‐like activity, possessing peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, exhibits superior ROS scavenging properties and protects cells from oxidative damage. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal these enzyme‐like catalytic reactions of ROS eliminating are spontaneous and CAT is dominant under physiological conditions. Performing multienzyme properties, Co NSs present excellent anti‐inflammation activity by blocking NLRP3 oligomerization and ASC speck formation, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation. Importantly, treatment with Co NSs attenuates the severity of LPS‐induced systemic inflammation and DSS‐induced colitis. This study highlights a successful strategy for utilizing cobalt‐based nanozymes to scavenge ROS and provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanism, demonstrating the potential therapeutic effects of nanozyme for the prevention and treatment of NLRP3‐associatied inflammatory diseases.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Effect of Cerium Precursor to Gelatin Ratio

Hemocompatible nanoparticles with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties for titanium implant surface coatings may eliminate implant failure related to inflammation and bacterial invasion. Cerium (Ce) is a rare earth element, that belongs to the lanthanide group. It exists in two oxidation states, Ce+3 and Ce+4, which contribute to antioxidant, catalytic, antibacterial, and ROS-scavenging properties. The purpose of the present study was to synthesize ceria nanoparticles and to evaluate their hemocompatibility and ROS scavenging properties. The synthesis of Ce-NPs was performed via the sol-gel method, and five different ratios of cerium precursors to gelatin were evaluated. Their characterization was achieved through FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Hemocompatibility and ROS analysis were evaluated at different concentrations with human erythrocytes. The morphology and size distribution were certified by TEM and the cubic CeO2 fluorite structure was identified by selected area electron diffraction and high-resolution TEM. The particle size of the lowest Ce concentration presented a mean diameter of 10 nm. At concentrations of &lt;500 μg/mL, no hemolytic effect was observed. At the highest concentrations, no hemolytic behavior was recorded for samples with the highest Ce precursor, which also presented ROS scavenging properties (10–50% reduction in ROS). These properties make those CeO2 NPs unique candidates as nanofillers or nanocoatings with antibacterial properties.

Highly efficient bacteria-infected diabetic wound healing employing a melanin-reinforced biopolymer hydrogel

Owing to hyperglycemia-related metabolic abnormalities that cause oxidative stress, recurrent infections, and vascular lesions, the therapeutic management of diabetic wounds is still unsatisfactory. Herein, we present a hydrogel (GCM) wound dressing loaded with melanin nanoparticles in a polysaccharide matrix (biguanide chitosan and oxidized β-glucan) for efficient healing of bacterially infected diabetic wounds. By a simple local injection, a protective GCM hydrogel barrier is established over the wound to rapidly stop bleeding and neutralize inflammatory cytokines. Subsequently, the GCM hydrogel achieves an accelerated transfer from the inflammatory process to the healing phase of the wound because of its excellent photothermal antimicrobial and reactive oxygen species scavenging properties. Additionally, GCM hydrogel has a three-dimensional network structure that dramatically enhances cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis by creating favorable ecological conditions for cell survival. Notably, our GCM hydrogel can help treat a variety of bacteria-infected diabetic wounds like skin and oral ulcer wounds. Collectively, this work provides a new option for diabetic wound treatment.

Preventive effects of nano-graphene oxide against Parkinson’s disease via reactive oxygen species scavenging and anti-inflammation

We investigated the neuroprotective effects of deca nano-graphene oxide (daNGO) against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced Parkinsonian rat model. An MTT assay was performed to measure cell viability in vitro in the presence of 6-OHDA and/or daNGO. The intracellular ROS level was quantified using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. daNGO showed neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity and also displayed ROS scavenging properties. We then tested the protective effects of daNGO against 6-OHDA induced toxicity in a rat model. Stepping tests showed that the akinesia symptoms were improved in the daNGO group compared to the control group. Moreover, in an apomorphine-induced rotation test, the number of net contralateral rotations was decreased in the daNGO group compared to the control group. By immunofluorescent staining, the animals in the daNGO group had more tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells than the controls. By anti-Iba1 staining, 6-OHDA induced microglial activation showed a significantly decrease in the daNGO group, indicating that the neuroprotective effects of graphene resulted from anti-inflammation. In conclusion, nanographene oxide has neuroprotective effects against the neurotoxin induced by 6-OHDA on dopaminergic neurons. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(3): 202-207].

Cordycepin-induced Keratinocyte Secretome Promotes Skin Cell Regeneration.

Skin regeneration is the intrinsic ability to repair damaged skin tissues to regaining skin well-being. Processes of wound healing, a major part of skin regeneration, involve various types of cells, including keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, through their autocrine/paracrine signals. The releasable factors from keratinocytes were reported to influence dermal fibroblasts behavior during wound-healing processes. Here, we developed a strategy to modulate cytokine components and improve the secretome quality of HaCaT cells, a nontumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte cell line, via the treatment of cordycepin, and designated as cordycepin-induced HaCaT secretome (CHS). The bioactivities of CHS were investigated in vitro on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). The effects of CHS on HDF proliferation, reactive oxygen species-scavenging, cell migration, extracellular matrix production and autophagy activation were investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell viability assay, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate, the wound-healing assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent microscopy. Finally, Proteome Profiler™ Array was used to determine the composition of the secretome. CHS induced fibroblast proliferation/migration, reactive oxygen species-scavenging property, regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis, and autophagy activation. Such enhanced bioactivities of CHS were related to the increase of some key cytokines, including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1, interleukin 1 receptor A, interleukin 8, macrophage migration-inhibitory factor, and serpin family E member 1. These findings highlight the implications of cordycepin alteration of the cytokine profile of the HaCaT secretome, which represents a novel biosubstance for the development of wound healing and skin regeneration products.

Flavonoid-Conjugated Gadolinium Complexes as Anti-Inflammatory Theranostic Agents.

In this study, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated gadolinium compounds conjugated with flavonoids as potential theranostic agents for the treatment of inflammation. These novel theranostic agents combine a molecular imaging agent and one of three flavonoids (galangin, chrysin, and 7-hydroxyflavone) as anti-inflammatory drugs as a single integrated platform. Using these agents, MR imaging showed contrast enhancement (&gt;10 in CNR) at inflamed sites in an animal inflammation model, and subsequent MR imaging used to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of these integrated agents revealed changes in inflamed regions. The anti-inflammatory effects of these agents were demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the antioxidant efficacy of the agents was evaluated by measuring their reactive oxygen species scavenging properties. For example, Gd-galangin at 30 μM showed a three-fold higher ROS scavenging of DPPH. Taken together, our findings provide convincing evidence to indicate that flavonoid-conjugated gadolinium compounds can be used as potentially efficient theranostic agents for the treatment of inflammation.

A Comprehensive Analysis and Anti-Cancer Activities of Quercetin in ROS-Mediated Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce carcinogenesis by causing genetic mutations, activating oncogenes, and increasing oxidative stress, all of which affect cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. When compared to normal cells, cancer cells have higher levels of ROS, and they are responsible for the maintenance of the cancer phenotype; this unique feature in cancer cells may, therefore, be exploited for targeted therapy. Quercetin (QC), a plant-derived bioflavonoid, is known for its ROS scavenging properties and was recently discovered to have various antitumor properties in a variety of solid tumors. Adaptive stress responses may be induced by persistent ROS stress, allowing cancer cells to survive with high levels of ROS while maintaining cellular viability. However, large amounts of ROS make cancer cells extremely susceptible to quercetin, one of the most available dietary flavonoids. Because of the molecular and metabolic distinctions between malignant and normal cells, targeting ROS metabolism might help overcome medication resistance and achieve therapeutic selectivity while having little or no effect on normal cells. The powerful bioactivity and modulatory role of quercetin has prompted extensive research into the chemical, which has identified a number of pathways that potentially work together to prevent cancer, alongside, QC has a great number of evidences to use as a therapeutic agent in cancer stem cells. This current study has broadly demonstrated the function-mechanistic relationship of quercetin and how it regulates ROS generation to kill cancer and cancer stem cells. Here, we have revealed the regulation and production of ROS in normal cells and cancer cells with a certain signaling mechanism. We demonstrated the specific molecular mechanisms of quercetin including MAPK/ERK1/2, p53, JAK/STAT and TRAIL, AMPKα1/ASK1/p38, RAGE/PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, HMGB1 and NF-κB, Nrf2-induced signaling pathways and certain cell cycle arrest in cancer cell death, and how they regulate the specific cancer signaling pathways as long-searched cancer therapeutics.

Caffeine Supplementation in Semen Extender Protects Buffalo Spermatozoa from Cryodamage

Caffeine is widely known for its phosphodiesterase enzymes inhibiting, and its powerful reactive oxygen species scavenging property. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine supplementation @ 0 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM and 5 mM in AndroMed® extender on cryopreservation of Jaffarabadi buffalo semen. Twenty-four semen ejaculates (6/bull) with &gt;70% initial sperm motility were obtained from four mature Jaffarabadi bulls using AV. The ejaculates were split-diluted in an egg-yolk-free AndroMed® extender supplemented with different concentrations of caffeine and were cryopreserved using a standard protocol. The semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality parameters as well as oxidative stress parameters, viz., lipid peroxidation, and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity in seminal plasma at pre-freeze (after equilibration) and post-thaw stage. The levels of caffeine had a significant effect on all these parameters, except sperm abnormalities, at both pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Supplementation of caffeine in semen extender at 1 mM and 3 mM concentration showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in post-thawed sperm motility (62.04 ± 0.84, 61.25 ± 1.01%), viability (64.21 ± 0.88, 64.25 ± 0.84%), acrosome integrity (58.08 ± 1.08, 57.30 ± 0.93%) and plasma membrane integrity (52.75 ± 0.89, 52.71 ± 0.74%) and a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in oxidative damage as evident by lower lipid peroxidation (MDA 7.62 ± 0.41, 7.80 ± 0.70 μM) and GST enzyme activity (31.15 ± 1.36, 29.54 ± 0.54 nmol CDNB/mL/min) as compared to control and 5 mM caffeine. The study concludes that the post-thaw quality of frozen semen of Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls improves significantly with decreased oxidative stress if the AndroMed® extender is supplemented with 1 and 3 mM concentration of caffeine over control.

Hyaluronic acid-g-lipoic acid granular gel for promoting diabetic wound healing.

Diabetic patients are prone to developing chronic inflammation after trauma and have persistent nonhealing wounds. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and recurrent bacterial infections at the site of long-term wounds also further delay skin wound healing and tissue regeneration. In this study, a granular gel (which exhibits ROS scavenging and antibacterial properties) is fabricated based on hyaluronic acid-g-lipoic acid (HA-LA). Briefly, HA-LA is synthesized to fabricate HA-LA microgels, which are further assembled by Ag+ via its coordination effect with disulfide in dithiolane to form a granular gel. The extrudable bulk granular gel possesses a shear-thinning feature and is immediately restored to a solid state after extrusion, and this can be easily applied to the whole wound area. Therefore, the grafted LA not only allows for the construction of the granular gel but also removes excess ROS from the microenvironment. Additionally, the presence of Ag+ realizes the assembly of microgels and has antibacterial effects. In vivo experiments show that the HA-LA granular gel eliminates excessive ROS at the wound site and up-regulates the secretion of reparative growth factors, thus, accelerating common and diabetic wound healing significantly. Therefore, the ROS-scavenging granular gel that can be applied to the wound surface with chronic inflammation demonstrates strong clinical utility.

Epigallocatechin gallate-based nanoparticles with reactive oxygen species scavenging property for effective chronic periodontitis treatment

Chronic periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide and the excessive local reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of periodontitis aggravates the destruction of periodontal tissue. Scavenging of ROS to remodel the periodontal microenvironment and relieve inflammatory response may be an effective strategy for periodontal therapy. Tea polyphenol-derived functional nanomaterials often serve as ROS scavenger in inflammatory disease for their antioxidant and anti-inflammation ability. However, the therapeutic effect of tea polyphenol resources remains unsatisfactory due to the tedious encapsulation, poor stability, and low operational bioactivities. In this work, functionalized epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, green tea derivative) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed via a one-step polyphenolic condensation reaction. The resulting polyphenol-based nanoparticles with potent antioxidant capacity improved the chemical stability of epigallocatechin gallate. The EGCG NPs can scavenge ROS effectively, and down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by reprograming macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype. In vivo results illustrate that EGCG NPs can inhibit the alveolar bone loss from 1346.8 ± 244.9 μm to 596.1 ± 92.1 μm via decreasing ∼ 50% ROS level, as well as reduce osteoclastic activity in a rat model of chronic periodontitis. Therefore, the biosafe EGCG NPs have great potential in ROS-scavenging and provide a promising strategy to remodel the inflammatory microenvironment by inducing the polarization of macrophages from M1 toward M2 phenotype for efficient periodontitis therapy.

Assessing Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Therapeutic Effect for Glioblastoma Multiforme.

In this study, we demonstrate that Raman microscopy combined with computational analysis is a useful approach to discriminating accurately between brain tumor bio-specimens and to identifying structural changes in glioblastoma (GBM) bio-signatures after nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) administration. NDGA phenolic lignan was selected as a potential therapeutic agent because of its reported beneficial effects in alleviating and inhibiting the formation of multi-organ malignant tumors. The current analysis of NDGA’s impact on GBM human cells demonstrates a reduction in the quantity of altered protein content and of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-damaged phenylalanine; results that correlate with the ROS scavenger and anti-oxidant properties of NDGA. A novel outcome presented here is the use of phenylalanine as a biomarker for differentiating between samples and assessing drug efficacy. Treatment with a low NDGA dose shows a decline in abnormal lipid-protein metabolism, which is inferred by the formation of lipid droplets and a decrease in altered protein content. A very high dose results in cell structural and membrane damage that favors transformed protein overexpression. The information gained through this work is of substantial value for understanding NDGA’s beneficial as well as detrimental bio-effects as a potential therapeutic drug for brain cancer.

Carrier-Free Deferoxamine Nanoparticles against Iron Overload in Brain

Carrier-Free Deferoxamine Nanoparticles against Iron Overload in Brain