RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Infections caused by parasitic flatworms impose a considerable worldwide health burden. Recently, World Health Organization launched its roadmap for neglected diseases for the period 2021 to 2030 and oral treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) in tablet form is the main drug therapy for combating these diseases, but its use is limited by many drawbacks, including the high therapeutic dose due to the drug's low solubility and bioavailability. Among the strategies to improve PZQ performance, the use of drug nanocarriers has been cited as an interesting approach to overcome these pharmacological issues. AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on the various types of nanomaterials (polymeric, lipidic, inorganic nanoparticles, and nanocrystals) which have been recently used to improve PZQ therapy. In addition, recent advances in PZQ nanoformulations, developed to overcome the barriers of the conventional drug are described. EXPERT OPINION: Considering the poor rate of discovery in the anthelmintic segment observed in recent decades, the effective management of existing drugs has become essential. The application of new strategies based on nanotechnology can extend the useful life of PZQ in new and more effective formulations. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology can solve the pharmacokinetic challenges characteristic of PZQ and improve its solubility and bioavailability.
Assuntos
Anti-Helmínticos , Helmintíase , Anti-Helmínticos/química , Anti-Helmínticos/uso terapêutico , Disponibilidade Biológica , Helmintíase/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Praziquantel/farmacologia , Praziquantel/uso terapêutico , SolubilidadeAssuntos
Portadores de Fármacos/química , Lipossomos/uso terapêutico , Sarcoma de Kaposi/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/tratamento farmacológico , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Composição de Medicamentos/métodos , Liberação Controlada de Fármacos , Humanos , Lipossomos/química , Terapia de Alvo Molecular/métodos , Nanomedicina/métodosRESUMO
AIM: To evaluate the DNA methylation profile of MCF-7 cells during and after the treatment with maghemite nanoparticles (MNP-CIT). MATERIALS & METHODS: Noncytotoxic MNP-CIT concentrations and cell morphology were evaluated by standard methods. DNA methylation was assessed by whole genome bisulfite sequencing. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 30 and 60 µgFeml-1 MNP-CIT accumulated in cytoplasm but did not present cytotoxic effects. The overall percentage of DNA methylation was not affected, but 58 gene-associated regions underwent DNA methylation reprogramming, including genes related to cancer onset. DNMT transcript levels were also modulated. CONCLUSION: Transient exposure to MNP-CIT promoted epigenomic changes and altered the DNMT genes regulation in MCF-7 cells. These events should be considered for biomedical applications.