Investigating the mechanisms behind extensive death in human cancer cells following nanoparticle assisted photo-thermo-radiotherapy

We have recently reported the synthesis and characterization of gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticle and demonstrated such a nanoparticle (Au@Fe2O3 NP) was able to significantly enhance the lethal effects of photo-thermo-radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms behind such an enhancement by investigating the changes induced in cancer cell viability, proliferation, and morphology as well as monitoring the alteration of some genes which play important role in the process of cell death. Using MTT assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the KB cells viability and morphology were assessed after treating with various combinations of NPs, photothermal therapy (PTT), and radiotherapy (RT). Clonogenic assay was used to assess the proliferation ability of treated KB cells. Nanoparticle internalization into the cells was investigated by TEM and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). During the treatment procedures, temperature changes were monitored using an IR-camera. Furthermore, the changes occurred in Bax, BCL2 and HSP70 genes expression level were measured using real-time PCR. The results showed that combination of NP, PTT, and RT caused more cell death compared to PTT or RT alone. Following such a combination therapy, massive cell injury was detected. We also observed an extensive increase in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and HSP70 expression for the KB cells treated by combination therapy procedure. Our results showed that massive cell injury and apoptosis induction are the main reasons of extensive cell death observed in cancer cells when a nanoparticle assisted photo-thermo-radiotherapy procedure is applied. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

Folate-conjugated gold nanoparticle as a new nanoplatform for targeted cancer therapy

Conventional cancer treatment methods suffer from many limitations such as non-specificity and low efficacy in discrimination between healthy and cancer cells. Recent developments in nanotechnology have introduced novel and smart therapeutic nanomaterials that basically take advantage of various targeting approaches. Targeted nanomaterials selectively bind to the cancer cells and affect them with minor effects on healthy cells. Folic acid (folate) is an essential molecule in DNA synthesis pathway which is highly needed for cancer cell duplication. Some certain cancer cells overexpress folate receptors higher than normal cells, and this fact is the basis of folate targeting strategy. There are many publications reporting various folate conjugated nanomaterials among which folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles hold great promises in targeted cancer therapy. Gold nanoparticles have been identified as promising candidates for new cancer therapy modalities because of biocompatibility, easy synthesis and functionalization, chemo-physical stability, and optical tunable characteristics. In the last decade, there has been a significant explosion in gold nanoparticles research, with a rapid increase in publications related to the area of biomedicine. Although there are many reports published on �gold nanoparticles� and �folate targeting,� there are a few reports on �folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles� in biomedical literature. This paper intends to review and illustrate the recent advances in biomedicine which have been designed on the basis of folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles. �© 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Nanotechnology in hyperthermia cancer therapy: From fundamental principles to advanced applications

In this work, we present an in-depth review of recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology for hyperthermia cancer therapy. Conventional hyperthermia methods do not thermally discriminate between the target and the surrounding normal tissues, and this non-selective tissue heating can lead to serious side effects. Nanotechnology is expected to have great potential to revolutionize current hyperthermia methods. To find an appropriate place in cancer treatment, all nanotechnology-based hyperthermia methods and their risks/benefits must be thoroughly understood. In this review paper, we extensively examine and compare four modern nanotechnology-based hyperthermia methods. For each method, the possible physical mechanisms of heat generation and enhancement due to the presence of nanoparticles are explained, and recent in vitro and in vivo studies are reviewed and discussed. Nano-Photo-Thermal Therapy (NPTT) and Nano-Magnetic Hyperthermia (NMH) are reviewed as the two first exciting approaches for targeted hyperthermia. The third novel hyperthermia method, Nano-Radio-Frequency Ablation (NaRFA) is discussed together with the thermal effects of novel nanoparticles in the presence of radiofrequency waves. Finally, Nano-Ultrasound Hyperthermia (NUH) is described as the fourth modern method for cancer hyperthermia. © 2016 Elsevier B.V

The Effect(s) of Vitamin A on Persistent Wheezing after Bronchiolitis in Infants Aged 1-12 Months

Background & aim: Viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common causeS of lower respiratory tract infection and almost responsible for 1-3% of hospitalization among children under one year of age. Post bronchiolitis wheezing is the main risk factor for childhood asthma, and its control can decrease incidence of the disease in future. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin A on persistent wheezing after bronchiolitis. Methods: The present double blind clinical trial was conducted on 84 patients aged 1 to 12 months of age who were admitted in Imam Sajad Hospital of Yasuj from October 2012 to 2013. After viral bronchiolitis diagnosis of patients with history and physical exam, they were divided into two similar groups of control and case randomly. Control group received cold and wet nebulized oxygen and bronchodilator and case group received the same protocol together with 5000 IU/kg Vitamin A intramascularlly. Both groups were examined by the same physician before, one and two weeks after treatment and quality and severity of wheezing was recorded. Data were analyzed by statistical student T – test and chi square test. Results: Intensity and quality of wheezing was similar in both groups before the intervention(85/0 = p=0.858) whereas a significant reduction was observed in the severity of wheezing in the group receiving vitamin A compared with the control group (05/0> p<0.05). Conclusion: A significant decrease was observed in persistent wheezing after intramascular administration of a dose of vitamin A in patients requiring hospitalization due to viral bronchiolitis. Administrating one dose vitamin A intramuscularly in patients who need hospitalization due to bronchiolitis, may decrease post bronchiolitis and persistent wheezing

Recent advances in ultrasound-triggered drug delivery through lipid-based nanomaterials

The high prescribed dose of anticancer drugs and their resulting adverse effects on healthy tissue are significant drawbacks to conventional chemotherapy (CTP). Ideally, drugs should have the lowest possible degree of interaction with healthy cells, which would diminish any adverse effects. Therefore, an ideal scenario to bring about improvements in CTP is the use of technological strategies to ensure the efficient, specific, and selective transport and/or release of drugs to the target site. One practical and feasible solution to promote the efficiency of conventional CTP is the use of ultrasound (US). In this review, we highlight the potential role of US in combination with lipid-based carriers to achieve a targeted CTP strategy in engineered smart drug delivery systems. © 2020 Elsevier Lt