Mechanisms of Bleomycin-induced Lung Fibrosis: A Review of Therapeutic Targets and Approaches.

Pulmonary toxicity is a serious side effect of some specific anticancer drugs. Bleomycin is a well-known anticancer drug that triggers severe reactions in the lungs. It is an approved drug that may be prescribed for the treatment of testicular cancers, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, ovarian cancer, head and neck cancers, and cervical cancer. A large number of experimental studies and clinical findings show that bleomycin can concentrate in lung tissue, leading to massive oxidative stress, alveolar epithelial cell death, the proliferation of fibroblasts, and finally the infiltration of immune cells. Chronic release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules by immune cells and fibroblasts leads to pneumonitis and fibrosis. Both fibrosis and pneumonitis are serious concerns for patients who receive bleomycin and may lead to death. Therefore, the management of lung toxicity following cancer therapy with bleomycin is a critical issue. This review explains the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pulmonary injury following treatment with bleomycin. Furthermore, we review therapeutic targets and possible promising strategies for ameliorating bleomycin-induced lung injury.

The effect of dapagliflozin ointment on induced psoriasis in an experimental model.

Dapagliflozin is a pharmacological drug commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter in the proximal renal tubules. The primary objective of this research was to develop a topical ointment formulation containing dapagliflozin and assess its efficacy in treating psoriasis using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model. A total of 16 Swiss albino mice, with weights ranging from 24 to 30 grams, were allocated randomly into six groups, each group including ten animals. The study assessed the effects of various concentrations of dapagliflozin ointment on levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-17, and IL-37, as well as on erythema, scaling, and epidermal thickness. Dapagliflozin ointment significantly reduced these cytokine levels and disease scores, indicating anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, when applied topically, dapagliflozin ointment had strong efficacy against imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin inflammation, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment.

Ultrasonic synthesis of green lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract: a sustainable approach for enhanced anticancer and antibacterial therapy.

Ultrasonic manufacturing has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to synthesize lipid-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. This study presents the novel ultrasonic preparation of lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract, repurposed for anticancer and antibacterial use. High-frequency ultrasonic waves enabled the precise self-assembly of DSPE-PEG, Span 40, and cholesterol to form nanocarriers encapsulating the therapeutic extract without the use of toxic solvents, exemplifying green nanotechnology. Leveraging the inherent anticancer and antibacterial properties of Scutellaria barbata, the study demonstrates that lipid encapsulation enhances the bioavailability and controlled release of the extract, which is vital for its therapeutic efficacy. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the increase in size and successful encapsulation post-loading, along with an augmented negative zeta potential indicating enhanced stability. A high encapsulation efficiency of 91.93% was achieved, and in vitro assays revealed the loaded nanocarriers' optimized release kinetics and improved antimicrobial potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to the free extract. The combination of ultrasonic synthesis and Scutellaria barbata in an eco-friendly manufacturing process not only advances green nanotechnology but also contributes to sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The data suggest that this innovative nanocarrier system could provide a robust platform for the development of nanotechnology-based therapeutics, enhancing drug delivery efficacy while aligning with environmental sustainability.

A chemometric approach based on response surface methodology for optimization of antibiotic and organic dyes removal from water samples.

In this study, the Fe3O4/rGO/Ag magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and employed as an adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline (TC), crystal violet (CV), and methylene blue (MB) from water samples. The influential parameters in the removal process were identified and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Characterization of the product was performed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. XRD and SEM analysis revealed the successful synthesis of the Fe3O4/rGO/Ag nanocomposite. EDX analysis elucidated the accuracy and clarity of the chemical composition of the magnetic nanocomposite structure. Additionally, the separation of the nano-adsorbent from the solution can be achieved using a magnetic field. Maximum removal of analytes was obtained at pH of 6, amount of nanocomposite 0.014 g, ultrasonic time of 8 min and concentration of 21 mg L-1. Under optimal conditions, the removal efficiencies for TC, CV, and MB were 91.33, 95.82, and 98.19%, respectively. Also, it was observed that after each adsorption-desorption cycle, Fe3O4/rGO/Ag magnetic nanocomposite had good stability to remove TC, CV, and MB. Achieving nearly 98% removal efficiency in optimal conditions showed that Fe3O4/rGO/Ag magnetic nanocomposite is an effective adsorbent for removing TC, CV, and MB from wastewater samples.

Adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using low-cost adsorbent: kinetic, isotherm adsorption, and thermodynamic studies.

Fig leaf, an environmentally friendly byproduct of fruit plants, has been used for the first time to treat of methylene blue dye. The fig leaf-activated carbon (FLAC-3) was prepared successfully and used for the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MB). The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). In the present study, initial concentrations, contact time, temperatures, pH solution, FLAC-3 dose, volume solution, and activation agent were investigated. However, the initial concentration of MB was investigated at different concentrations of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 200 mg/L. pH solution was examined at these values: pH3, pH7, pH8, and pH11. Moreover, adsorption temperatures of 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C were considered to investigate how the FLAC-3 works on MB dye removal. The adsorption capacity of FLAC-3 was determined to be 24.75 mg/g for 0.08 g and 41 mg/g for 0.02 g. The adsorption process has followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9841), where the adsorption created a monolayer covering the surface of the adsorbent. Additionally, it was discovered that the maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) was 41.7 mg/g and the Langmuir affinity constant (KL) was 0.37 L/mg. The FLAC-3, as low-cost adsorbents for methylene blue dye, has shown good cationic dye adsorption performance.

Enhancement of nerve regeneration with nimodipine treatment after sciatic nerve injury.

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI/s) are common orthopedic conditions, characterized by motor and sensory deficits in the damaged region. There is growing evidence that the L-type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine has neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects in animal models of neurological disorders. The efficacy of nimodipine on improving motor function and sensation following a sciatic nerve crush model was investigated in male Wistar rats as a model of PNI. At different time periods following damage, we evaluated motor function, sensory recovery, electrophysiology, histomorphometry, and gene expression. Moreover, we used histological and mass ratio analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle to assess atrophy. Our findings suggest that the nimodipine improves motor and sensory function more quickly in the damaged region 2, 4, and 6 weeks after 1 week of treatment. Nimodipine treatment also increased the number of myelinated fibers while decreasing their thickness, as shown by histomorphometry. Additionally, nimodipine treatment increases the mRNA levels of neurotrophic factors (BDNF and NGF), which are known to contribute to the regeneration of injured neurons. The impact of nimodipine in PNI recovery may be due to its stimulation of the CREB signaling pathway and suppression of pro-inflammatory factor production.

Microwave-assisted synthesis and development of novel penicillinoate@copper metal-organic frameworks as a potent antibacterial agent.

Recently, nanoscience, especially metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has been used to increase the effectiveness and properties of drugs. In this study, by using microwave irradiation; penicillin, which is a known antibiotic; and copper metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs), a new penicillinoate@copper metal-organic framework (penicillinoate@Cu-MOF) was synthesized. The structure and characterization of the newly synthesized compound were determined using FT-IR spectrums, EDAX analysis, elemental analysis, XRD patterns, SEM images, nitrogen adsorption/desorption curves, and TGA curve. Then, its antimicrobial effects were evaluated on numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and were compared with those of penicillin and gentamicin. In continuation of the biological activities, antioxidant tests were performed on the compounds using the DPPH method. For biological activities, the synthesized penicillinoate@Cu-MOF is much more effective than penicillin and Cu-MOF. The loading of penicillin on the nanostructure and the presence of copper in the final composition can be attributed to the high antibiotic properties of the synthesized composition.

Neuroprotective effects of celastrol on sciatic nerve transection model in male Wistar rats.

Objectives: Celastrol is an herbal compound with neuroprotective properties. Our research aimed to assess the neuroprotective properties of celastrol on sciatic nerve transection in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats' left sciatic nerve was cut and sutured directly. The animals were then given 1 or 2 mg/kg celastrol intraperitoneally for two weeks. The sensory and locomotor behaviors of the animals were then evaluated for 16 weeks. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and real-time PCR were also utilized to evaluate macrophage polarization, cytokine secretion, and neurotrophin expression in injured nerves. Results: Results showed that both doses of celastrol significantly accelerated nerve regeneration and improved sensorimotor functional recovery when compared with controls. Nevertheless, administration of 2 mg/kg of celastrol significantly outperforms treatment with a dose of 1 mg/kg. Celastrol treatment-induced M2 polarization in macrophages decreased proinflammatory cytokines at the injury site. It also increased the expression of BDNF mRNA. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a two-week treatment with celastrol had neuroprotective effects in a rat sciatic nerve transection model, most likely by inducing macrophage M2 polarization and anti-inflammatory effects.