Abstract:A potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit tau protein
aggregation
in neurons has substantial effects on preventing or controlling Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). In this work, we designed a covalent and noncovalent
conjugation of β-boswellic acid (BA) to gold nanoparticles (GNPs).
We provided the opportunity to investigate the effect of the surface
composition of BA-GNPs on the aggregation of the tau protein 1N/4R
isoform in vitro. HR-TEM and FESEM micrographs revealed that GNPs
were spherical and uniform, smaller… Show more
“…Another recent study was carried out by Maity et al [ 243 ] using GNS functionalized with naringenin, a polyphenolic compound obtained mainly from several citrus fruits, showing an inhibitory effect on α-syn kinetics and stabilizing α-syn in its helix-α structure [ 219 ]. Similar results were observed using GNS functionalized with β-boswellic acid, a plant-derived terpenoid, which inhibit the Tau aggregation process [ 244 ]. Fig.…”
The use of nanomaterials in medicine offers multiple opportunities to address neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These diseases are a significant burden for society and the health system, affecting millions of people worldwide without sensitive and selective diagnostic methodologies or effective treatments to stop their progression. In this sense, the use of gold nanoparticles is a promising tool due to their unique properties at the nanometric level. They can be functionalized with specific molecules to selectively target pathological proteins such as Tau and α-synuclein for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, respectively. Additionally, these proteins are used as diagnostic biomarkers, wherein gold nanoparticles play a key role in enhancing their signal, even at the low concentrations present in biological samples such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, thus enabling an early and accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles act as drug delivery platforms, bringing therapeutic agents directly into the brain, improving treatment efficiency and precision, and reducing side effects in healthy tissues. However, despite the exciting potential of gold nanoparticles, it is crucial to address the challenges and issues associated with their use in the medical field before they can be widely applied in clinical settings. It is critical to ensure the safety and biocompatibility of these nanomaterials in the context of the central nervous system. Therefore, rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of these strategies in patients. Since there is scarce and sometimes contradictory literature about their use in this context, the main aim of this review is to discuss and analyze the current state-of-the-art of gold nanoparticles in relation to delivery, diagnosis, and therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as recent research about their use in preclinical, clinical, and emerging research areas.
Graphical Abstract
“…Another recent study was carried out by Maity et al [ 243 ] using GNS functionalized with naringenin, a polyphenolic compound obtained mainly from several citrus fruits, showing an inhibitory effect on α-syn kinetics and stabilizing α-syn in its helix-α structure [ 219 ]. Similar results were observed using GNS functionalized with β-boswellic acid, a plant-derived terpenoid, which inhibit the Tau aggregation process [ 244 ]. Fig.…”
The use of nanomaterials in medicine offers multiple opportunities to address neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These diseases are a significant burden for society and the health system, affecting millions of people worldwide without sensitive and selective diagnostic methodologies or effective treatments to stop their progression. In this sense, the use of gold nanoparticles is a promising tool due to their unique properties at the nanometric level. They can be functionalized with specific molecules to selectively target pathological proteins such as Tau and α-synuclein for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, respectively. Additionally, these proteins are used as diagnostic biomarkers, wherein gold nanoparticles play a key role in enhancing their signal, even at the low concentrations present in biological samples such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, thus enabling an early and accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles act as drug delivery platforms, bringing therapeutic agents directly into the brain, improving treatment efficiency and precision, and reducing side effects in healthy tissues. However, despite the exciting potential of gold nanoparticles, it is crucial to address the challenges and issues associated with their use in the medical field before they can be widely applied in clinical settings. It is critical to ensure the safety and biocompatibility of these nanomaterials in the context of the central nervous system. Therefore, rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of these strategies in patients. Since there is scarce and sometimes contradictory literature about their use in this context, the main aim of this review is to discuss and analyze the current state-of-the-art of gold nanoparticles in relation to delivery, diagnosis, and therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as recent research about their use in preclinical, clinical, and emerging research areas.
Graphical Abstract
“…These NPs can also improve the acquisition and retention of spatial memory and learning in AD mouse models [105]. Other approaches in the treatment of AD include conjugating β-Boswellic Acid to Au-NPs to inhibit tau protein [106] and electrochemical quantification of apoE4 gene by ferrocene-coated Au-NPs. ApoE4 gene not only increases the risk of AD but also lowers the age of its onset and so this approach can help in early diagnosis and designing an effective therapeutic strategy for combating this neurodegenerative disorder [107].…”
One of the most frequent brain diseases, Alzheimer's is defined by poor cognitive function brought on by the build-up of Beta Amyloid plaques and the gradual death of neurons. Glucose metabolism and the development of amyloid plaques are being studied together. Under physiologically normal circumstances, glucose is the primary substrate for the adult human brain. The prodromal phases of AD are significantly influenced by glucose hypometabolism. Hypometabolism of glucose in the brain is a clear sign of mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic system impairment. By regulating energy synthesis and cell death, mitochondria play a crucial role in the functioning of cells. Increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are a result of mitochondrial dysfunction, which also accelerates the development of Alzheimer's disease. For the maintenance of balance, autophagy is crucial because it selectively destroys damaged mitochondria. AD affects this route for mitochondrial breakdown. Targeting specific mitochondrial ligands by interventions along this pathway might be a useful therapeutic approach. Due to a number of biological obstacles, this method has significant limitations. As a result, many nanocarriers have been created to improve drug delivery effectiveness. All potential nanotechnology-based treatments for AD have been examined in this study, with a particular emphasis on medication delivery to the mitochondria
Aim: Encapsulating epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery of drugs could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment. Materials & methods: Nanoparticles were synthesized to release drugs at colon pH. Dynamic light scattering measured their average diameter and ζ-potential, while differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction assessed EGCG encapsulation. Results: The nanoparticles showed stability and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, efficiently encapsulating and releasing over 93% of EGCG at pH 7.2. They enhanced cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells and demonstrated antibacterial properties, increasing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: The study underscores the potential of nanoparticles in enhancing EGCG delivery for colorectal cancer therapy, aiming to minimize side effects and improve therapeutic outcomes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
