Presenting a bioactive nanotherapeutic agent for colon cancer treatment.

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Insufficient drug concentration, non-specificity, or serious adverse effects of the conventional chemotherapeutic agents necessitate application of more effective treatment options. Herein, poly-ursolic acid, a polymer with anticancer effect, has been self-assembled for producing nanoparticles (NPs) for delivery of irinotecan (IRN) which is usually associated with poor solubility and severe adverse effects. NPs showed therapeutic efficiency by themselves in vivo and in vitro. IRN-loaded NPs with appropriate physicochemical characteristics, released IRN in a controlled fashion and demonstrated more efficient cytotoxicity, lower clearance rate and distribution volume, higher Cmax and AUC, prolonged t1/2, increased accumulation in tumor, and therapeutic effects in vivo as compared to free drug. There was no significant alteration of body weight or damage to the major organs. The prepared bioactive nanoplatform via improvement of IRN efficiency could be applied for inducing synergistic toxicity against CC.

Development of a novel nanoformulation against the colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) with high metastasis rates has been known as a major cause of death worldwide. Lack of the specificity and insufficient concentrations of traditional chemotherapeutics at tumor site and their severe adverse effects necessitate development of new treatment strategies such as designing suitable nanocarriers for delivery of drugs, improving their pharmacological profiles and reducing adverse effects. We have developed a platform based on the poly-ursolic acid (poly-UA), a polymeric system with potential anticancer effect. Following the self-assembly of poly-UA into the nanoparticles (NPs), they were applied for delivery of mithramycin A (Mith-A), a promising candidate for CRC therapy, however, with some limitations such as rapid clearance and serious side effects. Mith-A-loaded poly-UA NPs with suitable physicochemical properties and efficient drug entrapment, released Mith-A in a controlled manner and provided suitable toxicity against the CT-26 colorectal cancer cells, increased accumulation in tumor, and protection against the detrimental features of the disease. Poly-UA NPs demonstrated therapeutic efficiency (in vivo and in vitro) by themselves. The prepared NPs induced no remarkable alteration of body weights or damages to the major organs in animals bearing tumor indicating the safety of NPs. The bioactive nanoformulation along with improving the pharmacological profile of Mith-A could provide a synergistic toxicity against the CRC.

Coating of ferulic acid-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles with neutrophil membranes: A promising strategy against the acute pancreatitis.

Nanotechnology-based approaches have enabled overcoming the challenging issues such as the rapid clearance, poor solubility, and non-specific action or cellular uptake of drugs. In this study, we have evaluated the therapeutic effects of the phenolic compound, ferulic acid (FA), in the acute pancreatitis (AP) as this phenolic compound has demonstrated promising effects against the oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. In order to overcome the poor solubility and bioavailability of FA, it was entrapped into the nanoparticles (NPs) based on the silk fibroin (SF) as a biomimetic substance. Neutrophil membrane-coated SF-NPs with appropriate capacity of FA loading and physicochemical characteristics, released FA in a controlled fashion, selectively delivered FA into the inflammatory pancreas lesion, and demonstrated protective effects against the detrimental aspects of the disease. The prepared nanoformulation by improving the pharmacological profile of FA and targeted delivery could be of therapeutic importance against the AP via suppressing the inflammation and oxidative stress.

Ferulic acid-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: A promising nanoformulation against the ischemic neural injuries.

AIMS: Treatment of the ischemic stroke has remained a major healthcare challenge. The phenolic compound, ferulic acid (FA), has shown promising antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, however, low bioavailability may negatively affect its efficiency. This, prompted us to incorporate FA into the nanostructured lipid carriers (FA-NLCs) and evaluate its therapeutic potential in in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic stroke. MAIN METHODS: FA-NLCs were prepared by high-pressure homogenization followed by physicochemical characterization, evaluation of the bioactivity of FA-NLCs in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and implication of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in this regard. KEY FINDINGS: Formation of FA-NLCs which exhibited a controlled release profile, was confirmed by scanning electron microscope and differential scanning calorimetry. 1- and 8-h OGD followed by 24h re-oxygenation significantly reduced PC12 cell viability, increased lactate dehydrogenase activity and number of condensed nuclei, and induced oxidative stress as revealed by increased malondialdehyde and decreased glutathione content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. FA (80 and 100µM) reduced the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cellular damage only after 1-h OGD, while, FA-NLCs (containing 80 and 100µM of FA) were effective at both time points. Intravenous injections of FA-NLCs (20 and 25mg/kg) into rats significantly attenuated I/R-induced neurobehavioural deficits, cellular damage, and oxidative stress, while, FA failed. Pre-treatment with PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, abolished the protective effects against OGD or I/R. SIGNIFICANCE: FA-NLCs by improving the pharmacological profile of FA and activating PI3K pathway might be of therapeutic value in cerebral stroke.

Nerve growth factor-carbon nanotube complex exerts prolonged protective effects in an in vitro model of ischemic stroke.

AIMS: The therapeutic potential of nerve growth factor (NGF) against the neurological disorders may be negatively affected by its short half-life. Based on the superior properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for controlled drug delivery, we aimed to prepare CNT-NGF complex and evaluate its effect in an in vitro model of ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs)-NGF complex was prepared using amino-functionalized COOH-MWCNTs and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. PC12 cells in the absence or presence of NGF (0.5, 1, 2µg/ml), acid- or amine-modified MWCNTs, or MWCNTs-NGF complex (2, 4, 8µg/ml) were exposed to 1 and 6h oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by 24h re-oxygenation. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: OGD significantly reduced the cell viability (P<0.001). NGF dose-dependently increased the cell viability only after 1-h OGD (P<0.05), while, MWCNTs-NGF complex was effective at both 1- and 6-h OGD (P<0.05, P<0.001). NGF reduced the formation of condensed nuclei due to 1-h OGD (P<0.01, P<0.001), while, MWCNTs-NGF showed efficiency at both time points (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). OGD significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and decreased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities (P<0.001). After 1-h OGD, NGF reduced MDA (P<0.001) and increased CAT (P<0.05, P<0.01) and SOD (P<0.01), while, MWCNTs-NGF was effective after both 1- and 6-h OGD (MDA: P<0.01, P<0.001, CAT: P<0.001, SOD: P<0.01, P<0.001). SIGNIFICANCE: Aminated MWCNTs-NGF complex by providing longer lasting effects for NGF might be of therapeutic significance against the disorders associated with NGF deficiency.

Application of carbon nanotubes as the carriers of the cannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol: Towards a novel treatment strategy in colitis.

AIMS: Treatment of colitis has remained a major clinical challenge. The cannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyglycerol (2-AG), has shown beneficial effects in colitis, however, poor solubility or rapid hydrolysis may limit its efficiency. According to the high biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their ability for controlled drug delivery, we aimed to prepare multi-walled CNTs-2-AG (MWCNTs-2-AG) complex in order to improve the pharmacological profile of 2-AG and evaluate the therapeutic potential of this nanocomplex in a rat model of colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aminated MWCNTs-2-AG complex was prepared using acidified MWCNTs and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity of MWCNTs was evaluated. Colitis was induced by colonic instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and the effects of 2-AG solution and various types of MWCNTs on the colonic tissue damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: Aminated MWCNTs and MWCNTs-2-AG complex exhibited significantly lower cytotoxicity than acidified MWCNTs. Once daily intrarectal application of MWCNTs-2-AG complex (containing 2mg/kg of 2-AG) 2days before and 8days after the induction of colitis effectively reduced the macroscopic and microscopic injuries, malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-α, and interlukin-1ß concentrations, and myeloperoxidase activity. While, free 2-AG (2mg/kg), and acidified or aminated MWCNTs showed no beneficial effects. SIGNIFICANCE: Amino-functionalized MWCNTs appear as the suitable carriers for 2-AG which provide a sustained concentration for this cannabinoid leading to the promising therapeutic effects in the experimental colitis.

Ferulic acid exhibits antiepileptogenic effect and prevents oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in the kindling model of epilepsy.

AIMS: Some conventional antiepileptic drugs induce oxidative stress and cognitive impairment which may limit their clinical applications. Ferulic acid is a phenolic phytochemical with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that prompted us to evaluate its therapeutic potential in epilepsy which is usually associated with oxidative stress and cognitive decline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats received 30mg/kg of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) intraperitoneally (i.p.) once every alternate day until the development of kindling. The locomotor activity, elevated plus maze, and passive avoidance tests were performed. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the determination of brain malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione. The effects of pre-treatment with ferulic acid (25, 50, 75, and 100mg/kg, i.p.) against PTZ-kindled seizures, cognitive impairment, and oxidative stress were investigated. KEY FINDINGS: Kindling was developed 34.18±1.54days after PTZ treatment which was associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), myoclonic jerks, cognitive deficit, and oxidative stress. Ferulic acid at doses of 75 and 100mg/kg significantly reduced the seizure score, number of myoclonic jerks, cognitive decline and oxidative stress. Spontaneous locomotor activity did not significantly differ between the groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Ferulic acid exhibits antiepileptogenic effect and prevents oxidative stress and cognitive impairment induced by PTZ kindling. Therefore, this phenolic phytochemical appears as a promising adjuvant for antiepileptic drugs. Meanwhile, further experimental and clinical studies are required to provide insights into the cellular/molecular mechanism(s) underlying the action of ferulic acid.

In Vitro Study of Er:YAG and Er, Cr:YSGG Laser Irradiation on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cell Line.

The ultimate goal of the periodontal treatments is a regeneration of periodontium. Recently, laser irradiations are commonly used to improve wound repair. Because of many controversies about the effects of laser on soft tissue regeneration, more in vitro studies are still needed. The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the effects of different doses of Er:YAG (erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, garnet) and Er, Cr:YSGG (erbium, chromium-doped: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet) laser treatment on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) proliferation. In this randomized single-blind controlled in vitro trial, HGF cells were irradiated using Er:YAG and Er, Cr:YSGG laser for 10 and 30 seconds or remained unexposed as a control group. After a culture period of 24 and 48 hours, HGF cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The data were subjected to one-sided analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparison tests. Our results showed Er:YAG application for 10 and 30 seconds as well as Er, Cr:YSGG irradiation for 10 and 30 seconds induced statistically significant (P<0.05) proliferation of HGF cells as compared with the control at 24 hours up to 18.39%, 26.22%, 21.21%, and 17.06% respectively. In 48 hour incubations, Er:YAG and Er, Cr:YSGG irradiation for 10 and 30 seconds significantly increased cellular proliferation up to 22.9%, 32.24%, 30.52% and 30.02% respectively (P<0.05). This study demonstrates that Er:YAG and Er, Cr:YSGG laser significantly increased HGF cell proliferation compared to the control specimens. This higher proliferation can lead to increased wound repair in clinical conditions.

The endocannabinoid system and NGF are involved in the mechanism of action of resveratrol: a multi-target nutraceutical with therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric disorders.

RATIONALE: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. It has also shown antidepressant-like effects in the behavioral studies; however, its mechanism(s) of action merit further evaluation. OBJECTIVES: The interaction between the nerve growth factor (NGF) and endocannabinoid system (eCBs) and their contribution to the antidepressant or emotional activity prompted us to evaluate their implications in the mechanism of action of resveratrol. METHODS: After single and 4-week intraperitoneal (i.p.) once-daily injections of resveratrol (40, 80, and 100 mg/kg), amitriptyline (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg), or clonazepam (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) into male Wistar rats, eCB and NGF contents were quantified in the brain regions implicated in the modulation of emotions by isotope-dilution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and Bio-Rad protein assay, respectively. In the case of any significant alteration of brain eCB or NGF level, the effect of pre-treatment with cannabinoid CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonist (AM251 or SR144528) was investigated. RESULTS: Four-week treatment with resveratrol or amitriptyline resulted in a significant and sustained enhancement of NGF and eCB contents in dose-dependent and brain region-specific manner. Neither acute nor 4-week treatment with clonazepam affected brain eCB or NGF contents. Pre-treatment with AM251 (3 mg/kg), but not SR144528, prevented the enhancement of NGF protein levels. AM251 exhibited no effect by itself. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol like the classical antidepressant, amitriptyline, affects brain NGF and eCB signaling under the regulatory drive of CB1 receptors.

The ameliorative effects of sesamol against seizures, cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in the experimental model of epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE(S): A growing interest has recently been attracted towards the identification of plant-based medications including those with protective effects against cognitive impairment. Sesamol has shown promising antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, therefore, we aimed to evaluate its therapeutic potential in epilepsy which is commonly associated with oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats received pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (30 mg/kg, IP) once every other day until the development of kindling, i.e., the occurrence of stage 5 of seizures for three consecutive trials. After the completion of kindling procedure, behavioural tests including elevated plus maze and passive avoidance were performed in order to assess learning and memory. Oxidative stress was assessed by estimation of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione. The effects of pretreatment with sesamol (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg, IP) against PTZ-induced seizures, cognitive impairment and oxidative stress were investigated. RESULTS: 32.45 ± 1.86 days after treatment with PTZ, kindling was developed that was associated with myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, PTZ kindling induced a remarkable cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. Sesamol (30 mg/kg) significantly delayed the development of kindling and prevented seizure-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Sesamol exerts ameliorative effects in the experimental model of epilepsy. This phytochemical may be considered as a beneficial adjuvant for antiepileptic drugs.

Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors Mediate the Gastroprotective Effect of Neurotensin.

OBJECTIVES: Several lines of evidence indicate that neuropeptides exhibit protective properties against gastroduodenal ulcers. Neurotensin, a gut-brain neuropeptide, is implicated in a number of physiological processes in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues including gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the gastroprotective potential of either peripherally or centrally administered neurotensin with a look at the role of the cannabinoid CB1 receptors which are located in brain areas implicated in the regulation of gastric functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastric mucosal damage was induced by intragastric administration of acidified ethanol in male Wistar rats. One hour later, gastric lesions were evaluated macroscopically. In gastroprotection study, neurotensin was administered either intravenously (1.5, 3, and 5 µM/kg) or intracerebroventricularly (0.5, 1, and 2.5 nM/rat) 30 min before the ethanol challenge. In order to evaluate the involvement of central CB1 receptors in the gastroprotective effect of neurotensin, the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (5, 10, and 15 nM/rat) was given i.c.v. 30 min prior to the administration of neurotensin. The effects of AM251 on the intact stomach and ethanol-induced gastric lesions were also evaluated. RESULTS: Acidified ethanol induced large areas of gastric lesions which were significantly reduced by the highest dose of neurotensin in i.v. or i.c.v. application. The gastroprotective effect of neurotensin was prevented by pretreatment with 15 nM/rat AM251. AM251 had no effect by itself. CONCLUSION: Peripherally or centrally given neurotensin protects gastric mucosa against damage induced by acidified ethanol through the activation of central cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

The Effects of Progesterone on Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor Secretion from C6 Glioma Cells.

OBJECTIVES: Progesterone is a steroid hormone whose biology has been greatly studied within the confines of reproductive function. In recent years, the neuroprotective effects of progesterone have attracted growing interest. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), is a neurotrophic factor which plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of distinct sets of central and peripheral neurons. In the present study, we investigated the potential implication of GDNF in the neuroprotective action of progesterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured rat C6 glioma cells were treated with progesterone (100 nm, 1 µM, and 10 µM) or its vehicle. After 24, 36, 48 and 72 hr, GDNF protein levels were measured in the cell-conditioned media and cell lysates using a GDNF ELISA kit. Cell numbers were determined by a cell-counting assay kit. RESULTS: Forty-eight hr treatment with progesterone (10 µM) resulted in a significant elevation of GDNF secretion from C6 glioma cells that remained elevated up to 72 hr. The intracellular content of GDNF and cell numbers were not affected by progesterone treatment. CONCLUSION: Stimulation of GDNF release from glial cells appears as a potential mechanism through which progesterone exerts its neuroprotective effects.

The -4817 G>A (rs2238136) variant of the vitamin D receptor gene: a probable risk factor for colorectal cancer.

Vitamin D appears to have anti-tumor activities in the large bowel. Our aim was to investigate whether -4817 G>A (rs2238136) polymorphism located at 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the human vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene was associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We conducted a case-control study and VDR genotypes, determined by Bpu10I restriction endonuclease digestion of PCR-amplified DNA, were performed on 327 cases with CRC and 327 controls. The distribution of VDR -4817 G>A genotypes and alleles differed significantly between cases with CRC and controls even after adjustment for confounding factors such as age, BMI, sex, and smoking status. Individuals carrying the "AA" genotype had a 2.09-fold increased risk compared with those with "GG" genotype (P = 0.016, OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.15-3.78) and a 1.87-fold increased risk compared with those with "GG and GA" genotypes (P = 0.033, OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.05-3.33) for CRC. Furthermore, the VDR "A" allele was significantly overrepresented in cases with CRC than controls (P = 0.044; OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01-1.63). Interestingly, the analysis of the SNP revealed that all these associations were stronger for women subjects than for all subjects combined. These data indicated for the first time a direct association between "AA" genotype of VDR gene -4817 G>A polymorphism and CRC, with a stronger association for female subjects. However, our findings remain to be confirmed in other populations.