International Journal of Nanomedicine最新文献

{"title":"Nanomaterial-Based Anti-Angiogenic Gene Therapy for Retinal Neovascular Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Preclinical Advances.","authors":"Longhai Zeng, Yanhao Wei, Yanmei Qiu, Rentang Bi, Haokun Peng, Bo Hu, Ya'nan Li","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S521960","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S521960","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Retinal neovascular diseases (RNVs) are the leading cause of preventable vision loss worldwide, including diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal vein occlusion. Anti-VEGF therapy remains central to current clinical management, while emerging molecular targets, including ANG-2, PDGF, Sema4D, integrins, and inflammatory mediators, are gaining therapeutic relevance. The current standard anti-VEGF intravitreal injection (administered every 4-8 weeks) regimen significantly increases the risk of complications such as endophthalmitis and elevated intraocular pressure, which has driven interest in one-time gene therapy approaches. However, traditional viral delivery systems for gene therapy are limited by limited drug loading and poor biocompatibility. This review systematically investigated nanomaterial mediated gene therapy options for anti-angiogenesis in RNVs, focusing on six distinct nanomaterial categories: metal nanoparticles, carbon/silicon nanostructures, lipid nanoparticles, polymers, dendrimers, and nanocomposites. The advantages and limitations of various nanomaterials in terms of gene-loading capacity, controlled release profiles, biocompatibility, and transfection efficiency in the preclinical application of anti-angiogenic gene therapy for RNV diseases were compared. It also provides unique insights into the future multi-target therapy of nanomaterials and hybrid nanomaterial delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11361-11388"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452977/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nano-Emulsion Incorporating Squalene and Mn²⁺ Stabilized by TA/Mn²⁺ Networks Enhances Subunit Vaccine Immunogenicity.","authors":"Kai Chen, Linlin Li, Ning Wang, Yunfeng Deng, Chuanying Xiang, Xiaomin Zhang, Yangyang Zhou, Hong Yang, Yu Xie, Xiaoting Chen, Ying Li, Yan Li, Gang Guo, Yun Shi","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S538737","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S538737","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Effective protection against infections requires humoral and cellular immune responses. Although current subunit vaccines primarily induce antibodies, they often fail to elicit strong CD8⁺ T cell responses. To overcome this challenge, we designed a dual-adjuvant nano-emulsion that integrates squalene (Sq) and Mn²⁺, using tannic acid (TA)/Mn²⁺ coordination networks for stabilization, serving as a potent immune-enhancing adjuvant system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The ultrasonic emulsification was used to prepared nano-emulsion system (Sq@TA/Mn) combining Sq and Mn²⁺. The Sq@TA/Mn adsorbed ovalbumin (OVA) to form a Sq@TA/Mn@OVA vaccine. The cytotoxicity, ROS generation, cellular uptake, and distribution of the OVA vaccine were evaluated in DC2.4 cells. The retention of OVA vaccines in the site of injection of female C57BL/6 mice were studied using an imaging system. The mice were administered intramuscular injections of Sq@TA/Mn@OVA vaccine with prime-boost immunization strategies. The humoral immune and cellular immune responses were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry, respectively. We evaluated the nano-emulsion using a recombinant peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (rPal) antigen to create a Sq@TA/Mn@rPal vaccine against Acinetobacter baumannii-induced pneumonia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Sq@TA/Mn nano-emulsion was constructed through ultrasonic emulsification. The nano-emulsion efficiently adsorbed OVA to form a Sq@TA/Mn@OVA vaccine. The OVA vaccine exhibited a favorable safety profile, enhanced ROS generation, dendritic cell uptake, and improved antigen retention at the injection site. Compared to Alum, this vaccine enhanced the production of OVA-specific antibodies and IFN-γ, promoted the expansion of spleen effector memory T cells, and increased the population of lung-resident memory T cells.The Sq@TA/Mn adjuvant elicited higher rPal-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a titers and improved the protective efficacy against infection as compared with Alum.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides a novel method for the co-delivery of Mn²⁺, Sq, and antigens. These results highlighted the potential of the Sq@TA/Mn platform as a versatile and effective adjuvant for enhancing subunit vaccines.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11341-11360"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452982/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"NIR-Programmed Trimodal Macrophage Nanovectors for Effective Anti-Tumor Therapy in Mice Model.","authors":"Yiwen Xie, Yuwei Shi, Zhihui Li, Sumei Xu, Zhiyun Chen, Xuxia Ye, Wenxi Yan","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S542647","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S542647","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Chemotherapy remains the primary treatment modality for advanced and unresectable tumors; however, its antitumor efficacy is limited, and it has significant toxic effects on normal tissues.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To address these challenges, cell carrier- and nanomaterial-based strategies were employed in this study to engineer macrophages into functional \"Trojan horses\" loaded with ICG-CDDP mesoporous silicon nanoparticles, yielding an intelligent cell carrier chemotherapeutic drug delivery system with controlled light responsiveness and \"on-demand\" nanophotothermolysis capabilities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings demonstrate that the intelligent macrophage drug delivery system actively homes to tumor sites and that indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence can be used to visualize exogenous macrophages at the tumor site. In response irradiation of the delivery area with exogenous near-infrared (NIR) light, ICG generates a thermal effect, resulting in the lysis of macrophages and facilitating spatiotemporally controlled burst release of intracellular cisplatin, thereby precisely targeting tumor cells. Simultaneously, ICG can trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) under NIR irradiation, transforming \"cold tumors\" into \"hot tumors\" and eliciting a prolonged antitumor immune response, thereby overcoming the limitations associated with chemotherapeutic drugs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This collaborative trimodal strategy successfully represents a triple breakthrough in precise delivery, spatiotemporally controlled drug release, and immune activation. It is an innovative solution for the precise treatment of advanced tumors and has substantial potential for clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11295-11314"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iron-Oxide Labeled Stem Cells with Specific Magnetic Occurrence for Effective in Mouse Model of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.","authors":"Ke Wang, Ye Zhao, Huiying Lv, Xiuying Li","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S528752","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S528752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by the abrupt loss of renal function and lack of curative therapies. Placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) have shown promise in regenerative medicine, including in the treatment of AKI. However, optimizing the therapeutic effects of PL-MSCs remains a critical objective. Magnetic targeting is one potential avenue of optimization. Using iron oxide-labeled MSCs with an external magnetic field to increase cell homing ability may be an ideal method for improving the cell therapy effects in vivo.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, PL-MSCs were labeled with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with polydopamine (Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs) for 24 h, and cell efficiency and viability were tested. The conditionally immortalized mice renal tubular endothelial cells (mRTECs) were incubated with cisplatin (Cis) and co-cultured with non-labeled or NP-labeled MSCs. The protective effect of NP-labeled MSCs on mRTEC was evaluated. In in vivo experiments, non-labeled or NP-labeled MSCs, with or without an external magnetic field, were injected into mice with Cis-induced AKI. The blood and tissue samples were collected to assess renal function and tissue damage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study confirmed that MSCs or MSC-NP can significantly improve Cis-induced mRTEC injury. In addition, NP-labeled MSCs with an external magnetic field (magnetically-targeted MSCs) improved their homing to the kidney tissues in mice with AKI, resulting in enhanced kidney function compared with those of mice treated with MSC or NP-labeled MSC treatment alone. Moreover, magnetically-targeted MSCs alleviated renal injury through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing cell apoptosis, and promoting cell proliferation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Magnetic targeting enhances the therapeutic effects of PL-MSCs on Cis-induced AKI in mice, suggesting that magnetically-targeted MSCs could serve as potential treatments for patients with Cis-induced AKI.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11435-11449"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogel-Based Vaccines: A Promising Approach for Cancer Immunotherapy.","authors":"Wenqin Zhang, Qingfu Zhang, Jiaodi Cai, Jin He, Zhijie Xu, Xiang Chen, Guoqun Chen","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S526305","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S526305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer vaccines, as a cornerstone of personalized immunotherapy, inhibit malignant growth through activation of a comprehensive immune defense mechanism across the organism. However, the immunosuppressive tumor environment (TME) and evasion mechanisms produced by tumors, coupled with the suboptimal immunogenic activation from vaccine-based approaches, collectively constrain therapeutic outcomes in precision immuno-oncology. Consequently, cancer vaccines have yet to realize their broad clinical translation into routine patients. Achieving controlled biodistribution and optimized pharmacokinetics of therapeutic immunization platforms within biological systems, thereby instigating durable and vigorous antitumor immunity, remains a significant challenge. To overcome these limitations, innovative administration platforms are under investigation, with hydrogel-based matrices gaining traction as effective vehicles owing to their inherent physicochemical advantages. Furthermore, recent years have witnessed accelerated advancements in hydrogel-based systems for anticancer immunization. This analysis systematically outlines the therapeutic implementations and functional mechanisms of cancer vaccines, followed by an analysis of the structural and functional properties of hydrogel-based delivery carrier. We then categorize hydrogel-based cancer vaccines and summarize their current application situation. Subsequently, a detailed overview of antitumor immune cascades orchestrated by hydrogel-integrated immunization platforms is methodically presented. Finally, we conclude with forward-looking perspectives on hydrogel-mediated therapeutic vectors.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11389-11415"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iontophoretic Delivery of Hyaluronic Acid Nanogel-Loaded Fermented Rice Extract Mitigates Skin Glycation.","authors":"Yuanyuan Han, Yunzhi Lin, Miao Guo, Yinshu Wang, Xiuju Dong, Lidan Xiong, Li Li, Hua Wang, Xuefeng Hu, Fan Yang","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S523731","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S523731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate (SRFF) in mitigating glycation-related skin aging, specifically focusing on the reduction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through improved transdermal delivery using nanotechnology and iontophoresis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We developed a hyaluronic acid (HA) nanogel as a carrier for SRFF, which enhances drug delivery efficiency and stability while providing skin protection. Iontophoresis, a non-invasive electrochemical method, was employed to facilitate the transdermal penetration of SRFF into the skin. An ex vivo skin tissue glycation model was established, and immunohistochemistry and tissue mechanics assessments were conducted to analyze the effects of SRFF combined with HA nanogel and iontophoresis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The combination of SRFF with HA nanogel and iontophoresis significantly reduced the formation of AGEs and mitigated the stiffening effects associated with glycation. The results demonstrated pronounced anti-glycation effects at both the cellular and ex vivo tissue levels. The observed reductions in AGEs and improved skin barrier functionality were likely due to the antioxidant properties of SRFF and its ability to competitively bind to AGEs crosslinking sites.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the potential of SRFF, in conjunction with HA nanogels and iontophoresis, as an effective method for anti-glycation treatment, reducing AGE accumulation and alleviating skin yellowing and stiffness. The findings support the development of non-invasive, efficacious strategies for enhancing skin health and counteracting the effects of aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11417-11434"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanocrystalline Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Compounds: Progress, Challenges and Future Opportunities.","authors":"Manting Ji, Li Long, Sijia Xiong, Zhongqiu Liu, Jun Luo, Dan Liu","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S536383","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S536383","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Herbal medicines, under the guidance of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, have played an irreplaceable role in treating and controlling various diseases for centuries. However, both traditional and contemporary TCM formulations are plagued by drawbacks such as complex preparation processes, poor stability, and the inconvenience of water decoction. Moreover, natural active ingredients derived from TCM, despite their definite physicochemical properties and significant therapeutic potential-exemplified by the anticancer effects of terpenoids like paclitaxel and tretinoin, and the antihypertensive properties of flavonoids including artemisinin and quercetin-face substantial hurdles in clinical translation due to poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocrystalline drug delivery systems (NCDDS) have emerged as a versatile strategy to address these limitations, leveraging the unique properties of nanocrystals to enhance drug dissolution, improve bioavailability, and enable targeted delivery. This review synthesizes recent advancements in NCDDS for natural compounds, elaborating on the current cutting-edge status of preparation techniques and characterization methods, as well as key progress in enhancing the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of natural agents, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Despite these accomplishments, several challenges persist, such as inadequate colloidal stability, obstacles in scaling up production, and potential long-term toxicity concerns. Future opportunities are centered on the development of advanced nanocrystal preparation technologies, integration with multifunctional modification techniques, and exploration of interdisciplinary cross-applications. The objective of this review is to offer insights into the current landscape of NCDDS for natural compounds and to guide further research efforts toward addressing existing challenges, thereby expediting their clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11315-11339"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12451043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ROS-Sensitive MgOSiO₂ Nano Capsules for Effective Against Osteoarthritis in Rat Model.","authors":"Yu Zheng, Zhouxiaolong Zhang, Yingna Cui, Na Liu, Hongting Ma, Benjie Wang, Ruixin Li, Nan Zhu, Nan Zhang","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S536547","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S536547","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) as magnesium ionophores have shown potential as a therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis. However, the rapid absorption and clearance of MgO NPs in the joint cavity and the lack of a clear underlying mechanism may limit their therapeutic efficacy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>MgO@SiO₂ nano capsules were synthesized as a controlled-release nanosystem to mitigate the rapid clearance and potential toxicity of MgO NPs. The physicochemical properties and surface charge of the nano capsules were examined through TEM, EDS, XRD and Zeta potential. The kinetics of nano capsule degradation were measured using using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and pH monitoring both in vivo and in vitro. Cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were monitored to assess the dose-dependent effect of MgO@SiO₂ on ROS-mediated oxidative stress. Finally, ROS production and the expression of proinflammatory factors (IL-6, MMP-13, COX-2) were quantified in the cartilage of osteoarthritis samples to evaluate the potential mechanism of action of the nanocapsules for treating osteoarthritis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MgO@SiO₂ nano capsules extended the duration of MgO NPs release from 12 h to 3-5 days both in vivo and in vitro. MgO@SiO₂ exhibited no cytotoxicity toward chondrocytes at formula concentrations <15 mM. Notably, low concentrations (5 mM) of MgO@SiO₂ (and thus of MgO NPs) suppressed ROS generation in chondrocytes, whereas higher concentrations (>10 mM) increased ROS production. In a rat model of osteoarthritis, intra-articular injection of 5 mM MgO@SiO₂ samples significantly alleviated cartilage degeneration and destruction. Finally, ROS levels and the expression of certain proinflammatory factors (IL-6, MMP-13, COX-2)] in articular cartilage were markedly reduced.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As a multi-functional ROS-responsive nanosystem, MgO@SiO₂ nano capsules not only slow the release of MgO NPs and reduce their cytotoxicity but also reduce ROS production and thus lessen the inflammatory response in cartilage. This dual-action mechanism achieves therapeutic efficacy for osteoarthritis, offering a promising strategy to delay or reverse osteoarthritis progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11235-11248"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12445432/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145112937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The New Approach to Treating Erectile Dysfunction: Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.","authors":"Xinglin Ping, Haibin Zhou, Yumeng Zhang, Xiaoliang Liu, Tao Tao, Qun Liu, Shangzhi Feng, Kecheng Lou","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S547834","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S547834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability of men to achieve or maintain sufficient erection during sexual activity, which significantly impacts their quality of life and mental health. The causes of erectile dysfunction are complex, involving multiple systems such as vascular, neural, endocrine, and psychological factors. Current treatment methods for erectile dysfunction have significant limitations in addressing organic lesions, particularly penile fibrosis and hypoxic microenvironments. However, the latest stem cell-derived nanovesicle technology has been found to significantly reverse cellular fibrosis and alter the cellular microenvironment, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach for erectile dysfunction. Additionally, extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells can exert stem cell-like regenerative effects while overcoming challenges associated with cell therapy, making them excellent tools for regenerative repair. Therefore, this paper summarizes the potential of extracellular vesicles from different stem cell sources in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and analyzes their engineered preclinical studies to facilitate their translation from the laboratory to clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11249-11266"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12442901/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145086121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exosomes and Renal Fibrosis: Diagnostic Value, Therapeutic Potential and Challenges.","authors":"Yumeng Li, Yousuf Abdulkarim Waheed, Dong Sun","doi":"10.2147/IJN.S529311","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJN.S529311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Renal fibrosis is a key pathological process in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), characterised by irreversible damage to the renal parenchyma. Currently, effective curative treatments are lacking. Exosomes, double-layer phospholipid vesicles containing bioactive components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, play a pivotal role in intercellular communication. Under physiological conditions, exosomes contribute to kidney development (eg regulating of ureteric bud branching and nephron formation) and maintenance of cellular homeostasis (eg protection of the glomerular filtration barrier and regulation of electrolyte balance). In pathological conditions, damaged renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and other renal cell types release exosomes carrying pro-fibrotic factors (eg miR-21, TGF-β), which activate fibroblasts and facilitate excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, thereby accelerating the fibrotic process. Exosomes possess significant diagnostic value, as their protein components (eg Cp and CD2AP in urinary exosomes) and RNA cargo (eg lncRNA, miRNA, circRNA) may serve as biomarkers for renal function impairment. Therapeutically, exosomes derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and urine can delay fibrosis through multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, promotion of angiogenesis, and regulation of signalling pathways (eg NOTCH, AKT). Engineered exosomes exhibit enhanced targeting and delivery efficiency through endogenous or exogenous loading methods, thereby further improving therapeutic efficacy. However, current research faces challenges including inconsistent methods of exosome isolation and purification, absence of standardised identification protocols, insufficient stability, and barriers to clinical translation. This review summarises the current progress in exosome research related to renal fibrosis, covering physiological and pathological roles, diagnostic and therapeutic potential, and existing challenges, aiming to facilitate translation from basic research to clinical practice and to provide novel strategies for precise diagnosis and treatment of renal fibrosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":14084,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Nanomedicine","volume":"20 ","pages":"11267-11294"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12442909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}