BackgroundGouty arthritis, characterized by excruciating pain and discomfort, poses a significant burden on patients. While nanomedicines have shown promise in addressing this ailment, their complicated synthesis processes often involve potentially toxic procedures, contributing to adverse side effects in disease management.MethodsIn this study, we introduce a straightforward and elegant solution by utilizing easily prepared gold platinum (AuPt) nanoparticles for the treatment of gouty arthritis. The synthesis of these nanoparticles involves the use of gold and platinum precursors in conjunction with NaBH4, simplifying the manufacturing process. Experimental models of gout were established in both in vivo and in vitro settings through lipopolysaccharide and monosodium urate crystal induction.ResultsOur findings revealed that AuPt nanoparticles exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects against gout. This effect was attributed to their ability to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, resulting in pain alleviation and the inhibition of inflammation, ultimately leading to the reduction of joint edema. With their uncomplicated synthesis and promising therapeutic potential, these simply prepared AuPt nanoparticles emerge as a compelling candidate for pharmaceutical intervention in the treatment of gouty arthritis.ConclusionThis approach not only holds the promise of delivering effective relief to patients but also minimizes the risk of unwanted side effects associated with complex nanomedicine synthesis processes.
Yang Chen,Shujun Bao,Zhongzhao Wang,Zheng Fang,Hao Tang
Background Cisplatin (DDP) chemotherapy is commonly used in therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but increased drug resistance has become a huge obstacle. Baicalin (BA) contributed to the sensitivity of NSCLC to DDP. Here, we aimed to further probe the pathophysiological mechanisms of BA in NSCLC. Methods A549 and A549/DDP cells and xenograft mice were treated with BA and DDP. Xenograft mice were treated additionally with the NRF2 inducer (Bardoxolone methyl, BM) and KEAP1 knockdown. The levels of ferritinophagy-related proteins and biomarkers were determined. The autophagosomes were observed. M1 macrophage polarization and the contents of related indicators were analyzed. The involvement of KEAP1/NRF2/HO-1 was determined. Results BA inhibited cell development, and the effect of BA and DDP on cell development was additive. The abundance of ferritinophagy-related proteins and the number of autophagosomes were induced by BA. BA also promoted the transition of GSH to GSSH. BA favored M1 macrophage polarization and affected the expression of related proteins. When BA and DDP combined, these molecular phenomena were further exacerbated. BA induced accumulation of KEAP1 and reduction of NRF2 and HO-1. However, BM and KEAP1 knockdown disrupted the synergistic effects of BA and DDP on inhibiting NSCLC growth. BM and KEAP1 knockdown reversed DDP and BA-promoted protein expression activity and M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion Our findings suggest that BA is involved in ferritinophagy and macrophage immunity through the KEAP1-NRF2/HO-1 axis, thereby improving the DDP sensitivity in NSCLC, which could provide new candidates for treatment strategies.
Background The incidence of ischemic stroke in the context of vascular disease is high, and the expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43) increases when neurons are damaged or stimulated, especially in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). Experimental design We bioengineered neuron-targeting exosomes (Exo) conjugated to a monoclonal antibody against GAP43 (mAb GAP43) to promote the targeted delivery of quercetin (Que) to ischemic neurons with high GAP43 expression and investigated the ability of Exo to treat cerebral ischemia by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results Our results suggested that Que loaded mAb GAP43 conjugated exosomes (Que/mAb GAP43-Exo) can specifically target damaged neurons through the interaction between Exo-delivered mAb GAP43 and GAP43 expressed in damaged neurons and improve survival of neurons by inhibiting ROS production through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The brain infarct volume is smaller, and neurological recovery is more markedly improved following Que/mAb GAP43-Exo treatment than following free Que or Que-carrying exosome (Que-Exo) treatment in a rat induced by MCAO/R. Conclusions Que/mAb GAP43-Exo may serve a promising dual targeting and therapeutic drug delivery system for alleviating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.