Review
Microbiology
Jerome Moulden, Cathy Yea Won Sung, Ilija Brizic, Stipan Jonjic, William Britt
Summary: Human cytomegalovirus infection of the developing fetus can cause neurodevelopmental disorders, with limited understanding of the neuropathogenesis due to complexities including maternal immune responses and virus replication in the CNS. Animal models have been developed to study CMV neuropathogenesis despite species limitations, providing valuable insights into the human infection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zili Gu, Candido G. Da Silva, Yang Hao, Timo Schomann, Marcel G. M. Camps, K. van der Maaden, Qi Liu, Ferry Ossendorp, Luis J. Cruz
Summary: Therapeutic cancer drug efficacy is often limited by factors such as insufficient tumor penetration, rapid clearance, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance. In this study, a liposomal platform was used to improve the therapeutic index by enhancing drug penetration and reducing clearance and toxicity. The combination of docetaxel and pemetrexed encapsulated in pH-sensitive liposomes showed strong cytotoxicity and induced immunogenic cell death in cellular experiments. In vivo, the liposome-based drug combination inhibited tumor development and stimulated immune responses, with significantly reduced systemic toxicity. When combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, tumor control was further enhanced in mouse models of colon cancer. These findings highlight the promising potential of liposome-mediated chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy for the treatment of colon cancers.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Federica Rinaldi, Patrizia Nadia Hanieh, Simona Sennato, Federica De Santis, Jacopo Forte, Maurizio Fraziano, Stefano Casciardi, Carlotta Marianecci, Federico Bordi, Maria Carafa
Summary: Treatment of pulmonary infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus is challenging due to the bacterium's natural resistance to antibiotics. Formulating rifampicin-loaded liposomes for lung delivery can help increase the local concentration of the drug and enhance its biological activity against intracellular mycobacteria. Overall, liposome formulation of rifampicin represents a promising strategy for combating Mycobacterium abscessus infections.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Tiemei Lu, Sadaf Javed, Claudia Bonfio, Evan Spruijt
Summary: Compartmentalization is vital for cell function, with membranes providing protection, regulation, and organization. Membraneless condensates also play important roles, facilitating interactions with cellular membranes and contributing to various cellular processes. These interactions have potential applications in artificial cells, as demonstrated by recent studies involving coacervates and liposomes. Different functions, such as acting as artificial organelles, membrane templates, remodelers, and cargo containers, can be achieved based on the size and interaction strength between coacervates and membranes. This review discusses experimental examples, underlying principles, and future applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taebum Lee, Kyoung Sub Kim, Kun Na
Summary: In this study, an intracellular pH-regulating nanoparticle (IPRN) was developed and coencapsulated with chemosensitizers and anticancer agents for effective cancer treatment. The IPRN showed improved cytotoxicity and tumor growth inhibitory effect compared to free drugs, while reducing hepatotoxicity.
Review
Immunology
Dominik Brokatzky, Georg Hacker
Summary: The structure and integrity of the mitochondrial network play vital roles in various cellular processes, and loss of integrity can affect the cell's response to infections. Despite some understanding of mitochondrial factors in pro-inflammatory signaling, the diverse roles of mitochondria in host defense remain unclear.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Foteini Gkartziou, Nikolaos Giormezis, Iris Spiliopoulou, Sophia G. Antimisiaris
Summary: The review article focuses on nine leading antimicrobial drug-resistant organisms causing difficult-to-treat infections, discussing bacteriophages and nanosystems developed or used in the last 20 years, highlighting the potential of nano-antimicrobials for the treatment of persistent infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hugo S. Diaz, Angelica Rios-Gallardo, Domiziana Ortolani, Esteban Diaz-Jara, Maria Jose Flores, Ignacio Vera, Angela Monasterio, Fernando C. Ortiz, Natalia Brossard, Fernando Osorio, Rodrigo Del Rio
Summary: The use of liposomes as carriers for grape tannins can enhance their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially preventing neuronal oxidative stress and inflammation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Susana P. Mejia, Arturo Sanchez, Viviana Vasquez, Jahir Orozco
Summary: This study focused on encapsulating itraconazole into polymeric nanoparticles for targeted release against intracellular infections. The optimized formulation showed high drug-loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency, with potential applications in efficient drug delivery systems for fighting infectious diseases. Functionalization of nanoparticles using different methods also showed improved efficiency and stability for macrophage uptake.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Samara Bonesso dos Reis, Juliana de Oliveira Silva, Fernanda Garcia-Fossa, Elaine Amaral Leite, Angelo Malachias, Gwenaelle Pound-Lana, Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira, Monica Cristina Oliveira, Andre Luis Branco de Barros, Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
Summary: pH-sensitive liposomes showed fast accumulation and intracellular release of doxorubicin in tumor cells, leading to apoptosis. The cytotoxicity of pH-sensitive liposomes can be enhanced by chloroquine and E64d.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chengyuan Qin, Ning Tang, Yingying Gan, Huimin Zhao, Yuzhen Li, Guo-bao Tian, Yi Yan Yang, Peiyan Yuan, Xin Ding
Summary: This study discovered that curcumin can reverse colistin-resistant bacteria and prepared negatively charged poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized liposomes encapsulating both curcumin and colistin, which showed stronger antibacterial activity against colistin-resistant bacteria than the combination of free curcumin and colistin. Mechanistical studies revealed that the liposomes restored the affinity of colistin for the bacterial membrane and improved the uptake of curcumin, leading to reduced efflux pump activity and achieving a synergistic effect. In addition, the liposomes showed no toxicity at effective antibacterial doses and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in an intestinal bacterial infection model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
D. Avdoshina, A. S. Kondrashova, M. G. Belikova, E. O. Bayurova
Summary: Viruses are recognized as causes of human cancer, with approximately 15% of all tumors worldwide estimated to be caused by viruses. These viruses establish long-term infections in humans and cancer is an unintended consequence of their replication strategies. Mice, being a useful model for human pathology, are not susceptible to infection with known carcinogenic viruses. However, various mouse models have been developed to study virus-associated carcinogenesis, including xenograft models and genetically engineered mice.
Article
Polymer Science
Bingbing Zhao, Yuting Yan, Junmei Zhang, Enping Chen, Ke Wang, Changshun Zhao, Yinan Zhong, Dechun Huang, Zhiqin Cui, Dawei Deng, Congying Gu, Wei Chen
Summary: A novel zwitterionic triblock copolymer was designed and synthesized, showing well-defined structure and controlled molecular weight; the copolymer could self-assemble into polymersomes with good biocompatibility and cell transmembrane ability; cytochrome c-loaded polymersomes exhibited potent cancer inhibitory activity and apoptosis-inducing ability against HeLa cells.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sueden O. Souza, Rafael B. Lira, Cassia R. A. Cunha, Beate S. Santos, Adriana Fontes, Goreti Pereira
Summary: This review explores various methods for intracellular delivery of quantum dots, including electroporation, microinjection, cell-penetrating peptides, molecular coatings, and liposomes. Despite the advantageous features of QDs, overcoming delivery barriers is necessary to fully utilize their potential as fluorescent probes.
TOPICS IN CURRENT CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Miro-Canturri, Rafael Ayerbe-Algaba, Manuel Enrique Jimenez-Mejias, Jeronimo Pachon, Younes Smani
Summary: The study found that LPC in combination with colistin treatment inhibited multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection in mice and reduced the mortality rate of the mice.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina P. Matos, Melissa Albino, Joana Lopes, Ana Silveira Viana, Leonor Corte-Real, Filipa Mendes, Joao Costa Pessca, Ana Isabel Tomaz, Catarina Pinto Reis, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Isabel Correia
Summary: Malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, can potentially be treated using metallodrugs combined with liposomes for targeted delivery. In this study, a family of iron(III) complexes with high cytotoxic activity towards cancer cells was synthesized. One of the complexes was incorporated into a liposomal formulation, which demonstrated the highest impairment on tumor progression in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Morais, Luis Tanoeiro, Andreia T. Marques, Tiago Goncalves, Aida Duarte, Antonio Pedro Alves Matos, Joana S. Vital, Maria Eugenia Meirinhos Cruz, Manuela Colla Carvalheiro, Elsa Anes, Jorge M. B. Vitor, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Filipa F. Vale
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major threat to human and animal health due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Encapsulation of lysins in liposomes can be an effective strategy against this Gram-negative bacterium. This study identified and analyzed lysins from prophages in P. aeruginosa genomes and successfully encapsulated them in liposomes, resulting in a significant reduction in cell viability and lysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sofia Pinto, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Lia Ascensao, Pedro Faisca, Catarina Pinto Reis, Rita Pacheco
Summary: This study aimed to design a novel oral formulation of bovine albumin serum nanoparticles loaded with Eisenia bicyclis extract and evaluate its health benefits in preventing hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The results showed that the nanoformulation was more effective than the free extract in inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and reducing cholesterol permeation. Both in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the safety and metabolic effects of the extract and nanoparticle formulation. These preliminary results suggest that seaweed extract and the nanoformulation may provide a safe and simple alternative to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent hypercholesterolemia, a major risk factor for CVDs.
Review
Oncology
Joana Lopes, Cecilia M. P. Rodrigues, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Catarina Pinto Reis
Summary: Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, is characterized by high heterogeneity and metastatic potential, with limited response to current therapies. Advances in pathophysiological mechanisms have led to the development of new therapeutic classes, although effectiveness is still limited. Clinical trials are now focusing on investigating new drugs and combinations, with nanotechnology-based strategies showing promise for enhancing treatment efficacy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana Lopes, Cecilia M. P. Rodrigues, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Catarina Pinto Reis
Summary: Nanotechnology has made significant progress in the treatment of melanoma, particularly in the development of drug carriers and light absorbents, providing great opportunities to enhance treatment outcomes.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jacinta O. Pinho, Mariana Matias, Vanda Marques, Carla Eleuterio, Celia Fernandes, Lurdes Gano, Joana D. Amaral, Eduarda Mendes, Maria Jesus Perry, Jao Nuno Moreira, Gert Storm, Ana Paula Francisco, Cecilia M. P. Rodrigues, M. Manuela Gaspar
Summary: Researchers synthesized a new hybrid molecule that showed remarkable antiproliferative activity against melanoma by specifically activating tyrosinase. They also demonstrated that incorporating the molecule into long blood circulating liposomes allowed for passive targeting of tumor sites, leading to high therapeutic efficacy.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Pires, Manoj Mandal, Jacinta Pinho, Maria Joao Catalao, Antonio Jose Almeida, Jose Miguel Azevedo-Pereira, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Elsa Anes
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis establishes chronic colonization in lung macrophages through controlled replication, leading to latent infection. Manipulation of endolysosomal enzymes, cathepsins, by the pathogen is crucial for intracellular survival. Liposomal delivery of saquinavir, a protease inhibitor, enhances its internalization in macrophages and exhibits significant intracellular killing effects on drug-susceptible and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hugo Luiz, Jacinta Oliveira Pinho, Maria Manuela Gaspar
Summary: Nanomedicine, through the use of nanosized tools, specifically liposomes, has shown great potential in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Liposomes, as biodegradable and biocompatible nanosystems, have a wide range of applications in disease management, analgesia, vaccination, diagnostics, and immunosuppression in organ transplantation. Furthermore, liposomes have already been successfully used in clinical trials as effective and safe nanomedicine tools.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jacinta O. Pinho, Mariana Matias, Ana Godinho-Santos, Joana D. Amaral, Eduarda Mendes, Maria Jesus Perry, Ana Paula Francisco, Cecilia M. P. Rodrigues, M. Manuela Gaspar
Summary: A newly synthesized hybrid molecule has been incorporated in liposomes for the treatment of melanoma. This molecule has shown promising therapeutic effects in cell culture and significant anti-tumor activity in a murine melanoma model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Iris Neto, Joao Rocha, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Catarina P. Reis
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global malignancy and several animal models have been established to study its biology. These models include chemically-induced models and genetically engineered mouse models, each with their own advantages and limitations. Patient-derived xenografts are considered the most reliable models for preclinical drug development due to their ability to retain pathological and molecular characteristics. However, a model that accurately reflects the pathophysiology of CRC is still needed. Overall, murine CRC models will continue to be important tools in advancing our understanding and treatment of this disease.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana Lopes, Tania Ferreira-Goncalves, Lia Ascensao, Ana S. Viana, Lina Carvalho, Jose Catarino, Pedro Faisca, Abel Oliva, Dragana P. C. de Barros, Cecilia M. P. Rodrigues, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Catarina Pinto Reis
Summary: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted the interest of researchers due to their unique properties, and are being explored for diagnostics and therapy, particularly in cancer cell ablation. Safety is a crucial factor for medical applications, so the physicochemical properties and morphology of AuNPs coated with different materials were characterized. The safety of the developed AuNPs was evaluated in various cell lines, skin models, and biosafety assays, showing no significant toxicity.
Article
Polymer Science
Pedro Francisco, Mariana Neves Amaral, Afonso Neves, Tania Ferreira-Goncalves, Ana S. Viana, Jose Catarino, Pedro Faisca, Sandra Simoes, Joao Perdigao, Adilia J. Charmier, M. Manuela Gaspar, Catarina Pinto Reis
Summary: This study focuses on the production and characterization of AgNPs loaded in a Pluronic((R)) F127 hydrogel, as well as assessing its antimicrobial and wound-healing potential. The results showed that hydrogel-loaded AgNPs is potentially an important resource in the treatment of skin burns due to their proven efficacy by topical administration.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Andre Campanico, Shrika G. Harjivan, Elisabete Freitas, Marco Serafini, M. Manuela Gaspar, Rita Capela, Pedro Gomes, Audrey Jordaan, Ana M. Madureira, Vania Andre, Andreia B. Silva, M. Teresa Duarte, Isabel Portugal, Joao Perdigao, Rui Moreira, Digby F. Warner, Francisca Lopes
Summary: This study successfully improved the metabolic stability and solubility of N-acetyl azaaurones by replacing the N-acetyl moiety with a N-carbamoyl group. The new N-carbamoyl azaaurones exhibited potent antimycobacterial activity against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates, with improved microsomal stability and kinetic solubility. These findings highlight the potential of azaaurones as antimycobacterial agents.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Leonor Corte-Real, Vivien Posa, Matilde Martins, Raquel Colucas, Nora V. May, Xavier Fontrodona, Isabel Romero, Filipa Mendes, Catarina Pinto Reis, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Joao Costa Pessoa, Eva A. Enyedy, Isabel Correia
Summary: In this study, three novel Schiffbases (L1-L3) derived from the condensation of 2-carbaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline with amines containing morpholine or piperidine moieties were synthesized and characterized. These Schiffbases were reacted with CuCl2 and ZnCl(2) to yield six new coordination compounds, which were all characterized using various techniques. The Cu(II) complexes showed higher stability and anticancer activity than the Zn(II) complexes.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Joana Godinho-Pereira, Daniela Vaz, Ines Figueira, Joana Aniceto-Romao, Istvan Krizbai, Rui Malho, Joao Rocha, Manuela Colla Carvalheiro, Sandra Simoes, Maria Manuela Gaspar, Maria Alexandra Brito
Summary: This study thoroughly describes an improved surgical procedure to establish a reliable animal model that recapitulates the preferential formation of brain metastases in triple-negative breast cancer. The procedure involved the injection of cancer cells into the carotid artery of mice, resulting in brain metastases mostly occurring in the hippocampus and sparse lesions in the lungs. This surgical approach provides an important and reliable tool for studying brain metastases in breast cancer.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Daniela Rubanova, Svitlana Skoroplyas, Alena Libanska, Eva Randarova, Josef Bryja, Michaela Chorvatova, Tomas Etrych, Lukas Kubala
Summary: This study explored the use of nanocarriers to deliver dexamethasone for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that this method increased the accumulation of dexamethasone in the arthritic area, had a dose-dependent healing effect, and reduced the accumulation of the RA mediator RANKL. This study provides a feasible strategy for improving rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thanpisit Lomphithak, Apiwit Sae-Fung, Simone Sprio, Anna Tampieri, Siriporn Jitkaew, Bengt Fadeel
Summary: In this study, iron-doped hydroxyapatite (FeHA) was evaluated as a potential nanomedicine approach for treating PDAC. The results showed that FeHA, in combination with a sublethal dose of the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3, could trigger ferroptosis in KRAS mutant PANC-1 cells while sparing normal human cells. The induction of ferroptosis by FeHA plus RSL3 was found to be dependent on the metalloreductase STEAP3 in PDAC cells.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2024)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Marco Felipe Salas-Orozco, Ana Cecilia Lorenzo-Leal, Idania de Alba Montero, Nuria Patino Marin, Miguel Angel Casillas Santana, Horacio Bach
Summary: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in severe infections is a growing concern, particularly in hospital environments. Metal-based nanomaterials have shown potential as an alternative to combat these bacteria, but there is a risk of bacterial resistance and environmental accumulation.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2024)