In vitro photothermal therapy of pancreatic cancer mediated by immunoglobulin G-functionalized silver nanoparticles.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and treatment options are limited. One therapeutic approach is to use nanoparticles to deliver the active agent directly to pancreatic cancer cells. Nanoparticles can be designed to specifically target cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Silver nanoparticles have the unique ability to absorb light, especially in the near-infrared (NIR) region. In this study, silver nanoparticles functionalized with IgG molecules were synthesized and administered to pancreatic cancer cell lines. Subsequently, the cells were photo-excited using a 2 W 808 nm laser and further examined in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy combined with immunochemical staining were used to examine the interaction between photo-excited silver nanoparticles and pancreatic cancer cells. The photothermal therapy based on IgG-functionalized silver nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer induces dysfunction in the Golgi apparatus, leading to the activation of the caspase-3 apoptotic pathway and ultimately resulting in cellular apoptosis. These findings suggest that our proposed IgG nanoparticle laser treatment could emerge as a novel approach for the therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Innovative prophylactic and therapeutic approaches in liver cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis is the consequence of chronicisation and of the evolution of untreated liver diseases. The complexity of the disease and the complications it can cause have been and are still intensively researched, aiming to discover new therapies or improve existing ones for the effective management of liver cirrhosis. Currently, the treatment used is directed against the cause that caused the disease, if it is known; in advanced cases, liver transplantation is the only valid therapeutic option. Hepatoprotectors that are currently on the market are numerous, having as common properties the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, stabilizing properties of the hepatocytic membrane; A few examples: the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa, the extract from the plant called Sophora flavescens, the extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra, silymarin (extracted from Sylibum marianum), the extract of Ganoderma lucidum, etc. Liver cirrhosis is accompanied by generalized hypovitaminosis, so supplementing the diet with hydro- and liposoluble vitamins is mandatory. Protein-caloric malnutrition can be prevented by a hyperprotein diet, especially beneficial being the supplementation with branched-chain amino acids, which are also applicable in the prophylaxis and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Nanoparticles are a state-of-the-art therapeutic option, proving increased bioavailability, for example polydopamine nanoparticles loaded with l-arginine have been tested as therapy in liver cirrhosis. Among the innovative treatment directions in liver cirrhosis are hybrid products (e.g. hybrid polymer nanoparticles loaded with caffeic acid), cell cultures and artificial or bioartificial liver support.

Implications of maternal systemic oxidative stress in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. To investigate a possible correlation between the intensity of oxidative stress, severity of preeclampsia and the fetal status at birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective transversal study was performed in three groups of 80 patients each: Group I--preeclampsia; Group II--normal pregnancy; Group III--control (non-pregnant patients). Degradation products of reactive oxygen species (lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls) and some antioxidants (hydrogen donor capacity and ceruloplasmin) were determined in the serum of patients. The data obtained were processed by descriptive and comparative statistical methods. RESULTS: A moderate level of oxidative stress was found in normal pregnancy. We found statistically significant differences between the control group and the normal pregnancy group (p < 0.000). In preeclampsia, oxidative stress increases. Statistically significant differences were found in the evaluated parameters between the normal pregnancy group and the preeclampsia group (p < 0.000). There were no correlations between the intensity of oxidative stress, severity of preeclampsia and the fetal status at birth in the group with preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress in preeclampsia is the result of the increase in reactive oxygen species and of the decrease in antioxidants.