No abstract

Growing evidences demonstrated that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) could reach the brain after oral ingestion; however, the “neurotoxicity of” ZnONPs after oral exposure has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to explore the “neurotoxicity of” ZnONPs (<100 nm) after oral exposure to two doses; 40 and 100 mg/kg for 24 h and 7 days. The exposure to 40 and 100 mg/kg of ZnONPs for 24 h did not elicit “neurotoxicity” compared to normal control. However, the daily exposure to both doses for 7 days caused oxidative stress in brain tissue as detected by the elevation of the levels of malondialdehyde, the main product of lipid peroxidation and nitrite as an index of nitric oxide with concomitant decline in the concentrations of antioxidants. In addition, both doses resulted in DNA fragmentation which was confirmed by increased percentage of tailed DNA, DNA tail intensity and length and tail moment particularly with the dose 100 mg/kg. Moreover, both doses led to the elevation of the inflammatory cytokines along with increased apoptotic markers including caspase-3 and Fas. Heat shock protein-70 levels were also elevated possibly as a compensatory mechanism to counteract the ZnONPs-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. The present results indicate the “neurotoxicity of” ZnONPs after recurrent oral exposure via oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammatory response and apoptosis.

Nanoparticles are the gateway to the new era in drug delivery of biocompatible agents. Several products have emerged from nanomaterials in quest of developing practical wound healing dressings that are nonantigenic, antishear stress, and gas-exchange permeable. Numerous studies have isolated and characterised various wound healing nanomaterials and nanoproducts. The electrospinning of natural and synthetic materials produces fine products that can be mixed with other wound healing medications and herbs. Various produced nanomaterials are highly influential in wound healing experimental models and can be used commercially as well. This article reviewed the current state-of-the-art and briefly specified the future concerns regarding the different systems of nanomaterials in wound healing (i.e., inorganic nanomaterials, organic and hybrid nanomaterials, and nanofibers). This review may be a comprehensive guidance to help health care professionals identify the proper wound healing materials to avoid the usual wound complications.

No abstract

Prodigiosin, a secondary metabolite red pigment produced by Serratia marcescens, has an interesting apoptotic efficacy against cancer cell lines with low or no toxicity on normal cells. HSP90α is known as a crucial and multimodal target in the treatment of TNBC. Our research attempts to assess the therapeutic potential of prodigiosin/PU-H71 combination on MDA-MB-231 cell line. The transcription and protein expression levels of different signalling pathways were assessed. Treatment of TNBC cells with both drugs resulted in a decrease of the number of adherent cells with apoptotic effects. Prodigiosin/PU-H71 combination increased the levels of caspases 3,8 and 9 and decreased the levels of mTOR expression. Additionally, there was a remarkable decrease of HSP90α transcription and expression levels upon treatment with combined therapy. Also, EGFR and VEGF expression levels decreased. This is the first study to show that prodigiosin/PU-H71 combination had potent cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells; proving to play a paramount role in interfering with key signalling pathways in TNBC. Interestingly, prodigiosin might be a potential anticancer agent to increase the sensitivity of TNBC cells to apoptosis. This study provides a new basis for upcoming studies to overcome drug resistance in TNBC cells.