HTML
(
)
Knowledge map
Save
The amalgamation of radioactivity and nanoparticles has catalyzed profound innovations across scientific and medical domains. This study offers a comprehensive exploration of synthesis methodologies, safety assessments, and formulation tactics pertaining to radioactive gold nanoparticles within the domain of precision medicine. The convergence of radioactivity and nanotechnology has instigated novel approaches to combat various diseases, notably cancer. Radioactive elements emit ionizing radiation, enabling targeted destruction of diseased cells, while nanoparticles provide unique benefits such as customizable properties and efficient payload delivery. Synthesis techniques for radioactive gold nanoparticles encompass a spectrum of methods, including chemical reduction, radiation-induced synthesis, and surface functionalization.
These methodologies afford precise control over nanoparticle attributes like size, morphology, and surface chemistry, thereby influencing their biological interactions and therapeutic efficacy. Synthesis methods are numerous in the literature and each one yields differently shaped gold nanoparticles, the particular geometry of these offers them different roles and functions with specific advantages and disadvantages. Safety considerations are paramount in nanoparticle-based therapies. Despite the inherent cytotoxicity of radioactivity, meticulous surface modifications and biocompatible coatings mitigate off-target effects, enhancing the safety profile of radioactive nanoparticles and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Formulation strategies play a pivotal role in tailoring the delivery and targeting of radioactive gold nanoparticles. Strategies such as encapsulation within polymeric matrices, conjugation with targeting ligands, and integration into nanocarriers offer versatility in modulating pharmacokinetics and maximizing therapeutic efficacy.
The fusion of radioactivity and nanotechnology presents significant potential for disease treatment. By elucidating synthesis, safety considerations, and formulation strategies of radioactive gold nanoparticles, this article aims to advance precision medicine and facilitate the development of personalized therapeutic interventions.
HTML
(
)
Knowledge map
Save
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a zinc metallopeptidase that participates in the metabolism of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) hormones and serves as the entry point for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This review explores the characteristics of ACE2 as a potential therapeutic target for various conditions, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, and arrhythmias. The literature highlights that angiotensin II (Ang II), a very active hormone in the RAS, exacerbates these conditions through pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, and oxidative stress-inducing effects. Oxidative stress and immune system overactivation are critical factors in the progression of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Ang II is synthesized by ACE and is subsequently converted to angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) by ACE2, which counter regulates the effects of Ang II. ACE2's importance is observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection, where its association with the spike protein leads to decreased ACE2 levels, increased inflammation and reactive oxygen species, thereby worsening the diseases selected for this review. In conclusion, ACE2 can be a potential therapeutic target due to its ability to mitigate the harmful effects of Ang II, offering potential benefits in the treatment and prevention of different diseases.
HTML
(
)
Knowledge map
Save
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most critical global health challenges, exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare. Resistant bacterial strains pose a greater threat to human health than cancer. This crisis has prompted an urgent search for novel antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from natural sources. This review explores the potential of arid zone plants as promising sources of new antimicrobial agents. They contain different types of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds target through a variety of mechanisms, such as disrupting bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting protein synthesis, and inhibiting DNA replication to effectively inhibit or kill the microbes, offering alternative therapeutic pathways. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology with phytochemicals enhances the therapeutic potential of nano-phytochemicals by improving bioavailability, controlled release, and enabling site-specific delivery. This innovative approach offers a promising strategy for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and overcoming biofilm-associated infections. However, challenges related to nanoparticle toxicity, biocompatibility, and regulatory hurdles persist. In this review, we discuss how an interdisciplinary approach to developing arid zone plant-based nanopharmaceuticals can offer an effective and sustainable solution to the escalating threat of MDR pathogens, thereby supporting global public health.
HTML
(
)
Knowledge map
Save
Background: The incidence of liver diseases is high in China. Although the concept of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) has been proposed, it has not been strictly defined. Infection is a common complication of ESLD. Immunoglobulin has been used in the treatment of related diseases. To explore the efficacy and safety of human immunoglobulin (HIG) therapy for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) complicated with infection.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 patients with ESLD complicated with infection admitted to the China Coast Guard Hospital of the People's Armed Police Force from May 2019 to May 2023, including 50 patients in the control group who were treated with conventional comprehensive treatment and 51 cases in the observation group receiving HIG in addition to conventional comprehensive treatment. The treatment efficacy, hepatic function parameters, immune function indices, complications, secondary infection rate, as well as mortality rate before and after treatment, were compared.
Results: Higher treatment efficacy was found in the observation group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBiL), and immunoglobulin (Ig) A/G/M in both groups, especially in the observation group (p < 0.05). There were no significant inter-group differences in the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and electrolyte disturbances (p > 0.05), but the incidences of hepatic encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome were lower in the observation group (p < 0.05). The observation group also exhibited lower secondary infection and mortality rates than the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: The HIG therapy in patients with ESLD complicated with infection can effectively enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve hepatic and immune functions, and reduce the risk of complications and secondary infection, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice.
HTML
(
)
Knowledge map
Save
Objectives: This research evaluated the consequences of repeated administration of M. oleifera ethanolic leaf extract (MOEL) orally on kidneys, liver and the blood of female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)-mice.
Methods: Fifty (50) 8-week-old female mice were assigned into 5 groups of 10 mice each: groups 1 (control), 2 (125 mg/kg), 3 (250 mg/kg), 4 (500 mg/kg) and 5 (1000 mg/kg) for the sub-chronic toxicity studies of the extract. A 90-day repeated daily oral doses of MOEL extracts were administered to each mouse in the treatment groups through oral gavage. However, distilled water was administered to the control group (group 1). The mice were euthenised at the end of the experiments to collect and analysed samples.
Results: An obvious (p < 0.05) elevation in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed in group 5 (437.50 ± 28.63 U/L) compared to 1 (239.10 ± 22.50 U/L), and then a significant (p < 0.05) elevation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in group 5 (355.90 ± 26.45 U/L) compared to 1 (207.90 ± 19.67 U/L). Histopathological evaluation of the liver revealed a moderate liver degeneration indicated by moderate vacuolation of the cytoplasm in group 5 (1.70 ± 0.24) compared to 1 (0.35 ± 0.18), as well as mild hepatic necrosis characterised by mild eosinophilic cytoplasm (1.10 ± 0.3) of the hepatocytes in group 5 compared to 1 (0.00 ± 0.00). There was also a moderate renal cytoplasmic vacuolation in group 5 (2.20 ± 0.08) compared to 1 (0.00 ± 0.00). Moreover, a moderate to severe kidney necrosis indicated by significant (p < 0.05) eosinophilic cytoplasm was observed in groups 4 (1.95 ± 0.09) and 5 (2.45 ± 0.05) compared 1 (0.00 ± 0.00), pyknosis (0.90 ± 0.27) and karyolysis (0.60 ± 0.26) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups 4 (1.15 ± 0.34) and 5 (1.75 ± 0.24) compared to 1 (0.00 ± 0.00).
Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that MOEL extract at high dose of 1000 mg/kg is associated with hepatic and renal toxicity in ICR-mice.
