Jiaxin Tao, Weian Zhao, Yuanli Luo, Bin Qiao, Yulin Wang, Lifei Liu
{"title":"Intratracheal Man-Rg3-Lipo Attenuates OLV-Induced Lung Injury in Juvenile Rats and Is Associated with Macrophage-Related NF-κB Suppression.","authors":"Jiaxin Tao, Weian Zhao, Yuanli Luo, Bin Qiao, Yulin Wang, Lifei Liu","doi":"10.2174/0115672018512243260901115015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018512243260901115015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>To determine whether intratracheally administered mannosemodified ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes (Man-Rg3-Lipo) mitigate One-Lung Ventilation (OLV)- induced lung injury in juvenile rats and to explore the associated pulmonary distribution, macrophage- associated inflammatory regulation, and NF-κB signaling changes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Man-Rg3-Lipo was prepared by thin-film dispersion and characterized for morphology, particle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), zeta potential, Encapsulation Efficiency (EE), Drug Loading (DL), and in vitro release. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging was performed after intratracheal administration to assess pulmonary distribution. An OLV model was established in male juvenile Sprague- Dawley rats with groups including MV, OLV, Man-Lipo, Rg3, and Man-Rg3-Lipo. Lung histopathology, tissue cytokines, NF-κB pathway activation, macrophage phenotype markers, and macrophage P65 nuclear localization were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, ELISA, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Man-Rg3-Lipo had a particle size of 142.3 ± 22.2 nm, a PDI of 0.268 ± 0.021, a zeta potential of -21.6 ± 7.7 mV, an EE of 92.46 ± 0.50%, and a DL of 8.46 ± 0.04%. After intratracheal delivery, fluorescence was concentrated in lung tissue; the paired mean difference between lung regions and other organs was 1.357 × 10^12 photons/s/cm²/sr (95% CI, 1.104 × 10^12 to 1.610 × 10^12; P = 0.0019). Compared with untreated OLV animals, Man-Rg3-Lipo reduced histopathological injury scores (4.10 ± 0.58 vs 9.90 ± 0.37; mean reduction, 5.80; 95% CI, 5.03 to 6.57; P < 0.0001), decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, restored IL-10, suppressed P65 and IκBα phosphorylation, decreased P65 nuclear localization in CD68-positive macrophages, and modulated CD86/CD163 macrophage phenotype markers.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings indicate that local pulmonary delivery of Man-Rg3-Lipo may improve pulmonary exposure and attenuate OLV-associated inflammatory lung injury. The observed macrophage phenotype and NF-κB signaling changes support an associated mechanism, although receptormediated uptake and pathway dependence were not directly established.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intratracheal Man-Rg3-Lipo attenuated OLV-induced lung injury in juvenile rats. The protective effect was associated with pulmonary enrichment, reduced tissue-level inflammatory responses, inhibition of NF-κB activation, and macrophage-mediated regulation of inflammation. Further studies should evaluate dose-response relationships, repeated-dose regimens, pharmacokinetics, safety, and causal mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Faizul Jaafar, Sophia Ogechi Ekeuku, Siti Liyana Saud Gany, Nurhazirah Mohd Ihsan, Zainurin Md Dom, Zalina Hamid, Nur Fathiah Abdul Sani, Jen-Kit Tan, Suzana Makpol
{"title":"New Insights into Tocotrienol Isomer Uptake in the Plasma and Tissues of Rats Supplemented with Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Solubilized in Palm Kernel Olein Carrier.","authors":"Faizul Jaafar, Sophia Ogechi Ekeuku, Siti Liyana Saud Gany, Nurhazirah Mohd Ihsan, Zainurin Md Dom, Zalina Hamid, Nur Fathiah Abdul Sani, Jen-Kit Tan, Suzana Makpol","doi":"10.2174/0115672018449542260901115338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018449542260901115338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) possesses anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardio-protective properties; however, its biological activity is limited by lower bioavailability compared to alpha-tocopherol. Although TRF has been studied with longchain triglyceride (LCT)-based carriers such as palm olein (PO), the influence of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)-rich carriers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and uptake of TRF solubilised in palm kernel olein (PKO) or palm olein (PO) carrier in rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally supplemented with carrier alone, or TRF solubilised into the carrier, PKO+TRF and PO+TRF for 1 day (acute), 14 days (subacute), and 90 days (subchronic). Blood was collected for liver function tests and plasma vitamin E analysis. Tissue uptake was assessed in the lung, liver, heart, brain, spleen, and kidney.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant toxicity was observed under the study conditions. PKO appeared to enhance TRF bioavailability in plasma and liver during a short-term (14-day) supplementation period. In contrast, PO was associated with increased plasma bioavailability during long-term supplementation (90 days).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Vitamin E absorption and tissue distribution were strongly influenced by the fatty-acid composition of the carriers used. PKO (MCT-rich) enhanced the short-term absorption, whereas PO (LCT-rich) appeared to support sustained retention over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PKO may be a novel carrier for enhancing short-term TRF absorption, while PO appears suitable for longer-term supplementation. These findings provide preliminary evidence of carrier- dependent differences in tocotrienol bioavailability.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Extracellular Vesicles and Their Contribution to the Pathophysiology and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.","authors":"Chaitanya Sree Somala, Deepali Desai, Renganathan Senthil, Chandrabose Selvaraj, Thirunavukarasou Anand, Damal Chandrasekar Mathangi, Konda Mani Saravanan","doi":"10.2174/0115672018476331260831072315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018476331260831072315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic-reproductive condition, which is linked with a hormonal imbalance, ovarian dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic lowgrade inflammation. Although much research has been conducted over the years, there are no potential diagnostic methods, and existing therapies are symptomatic. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, are known to play a critical role in intercellular communication, are significant for reproductive signaling, metabolic regulation, and immune modulation, and are altered in PCOS. No thorough review has been conducted to date that brings together evidence regarding EVs in PCOS. These issues have been addressed separately in the past or in a narrow context with regard to vesicles of the follicular fluid. This review aims to report the association among EV biogenesis, molecular cargo, and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory changes in PCOS. The paper is organized as follows: first, it describes the clinical complexity and unmet needs of PCOS, and then briefly describes EV biology. The paper then provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that dysfunctional EV signaling dysregulates granulosa and theca cells, leading to follicular arrest, the development of a dysmetabolic condition, endothelial cell destruction, and systemic inflammation. Biomarkers of EVs are discussed, including circulating markers, phenotypic markers, and the potential for monitoring disease response to treatment. Lastly, the article compares potential therapeutic breakthroughs, such as EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells, engineered vesicles for targeted delivery, and emerging clinical evidence, and ends with preclinical and emerging clinical evidence. This review aims to facilitate the translation of mechanistic insights into clinical practice, thereby expediting the use of EVs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools for diagnosing and treating PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancing Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery Through Nanofibers: Principles, Challenges, and Perspective.","authors":"Manvi Karayat, Niranjan Kaushik, Deepika Paliwal, Molakpogu Ravindra Babu, Amrish Kumar, Nitin Mishra, Nadeem Ahmad Siddique","doi":"10.2174/0115672018421206260829151302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018421206260829151302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as a promising class of drugs for treating multidrug-resistant illnesses. However, their clinical applicability is hampered by issues including instability, fast disintegration, and low bioavailability. Nanofibers, due to their distinct structural and functional features, provide a potent platform for improving the delivery and therapeutic effectiveness of AMPs. This study investigates the concepts that underpin the integration of AMPs with nanofibers, such as electrospinning processes, encapsulating strategies, and controlled release mechanisms. The synergistic effect of nanofibers in increasing AMP stability, targeting, and prolonged release is reviewed, as well as their potential to combat microbial resistance. We also discuss current viewpoints, new trends, and prospects in the field, including the creation of multipurpose nanofiber scaffolds and individualised delivery systems. The curative value of AMPs might be considerably enhanced by using nanofiber technology, leading the path for novel therapeutics against infectious illnesses. Hence, this review is focused on nanofibers as a viable platform for delivering antimicrobial peptides, with the potential to transform infection therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Global Research Trends and Thematic Evolution of Intravenous Lidocaine in Perioperative Analgesia: A Bibliometric Analysis (1983-2025).","authors":"Xu Li, Hailong Zhang, Di Wu","doi":"10.2174/0115672018497089260903101300","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018497089260903101300","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>Intravenous lidocaine is increasingly used as an adjunct for perioperative analgesia, but the global development and thematic evolution of this field remain incompletely mapped. This study aimed to characterize global research trends, major contributors, and evolving themes in intravenous lidocaine-related perioperative analgesia research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>English-language original articles published from January 1, 1983, to January 23, 2025, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the bibliometrix R package were used for bibliometric analysis and visualization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 517 publications from 2,706 authors across 52 countries were identified, with annual research output increasing continuously, peaking in 2023. The most significant growth occurred after 2009, aligning with broader adoption of multimodal analgesia and enhanced recovery strategies. The United States led in total publications (117) and citations (3,888), followed by China (92 publications). Analysis of keyword co-occurrence identified seven thematic clusters and revealed a shift from early focus on pharmacological mechanisms and local anesthesia toward systemic applications and opioid-sparing approaches, postoperative recovery, and multimodal perioperative care.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The thematic shift indicates that intravenous lidocaine research has progressed from foundational, technique-oriented investigations to outcome-oriented clinical applications and protocol development.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intravenous lidocaine research in perioperative analgesia has expanded over four decades. Future studies should prioritize standardized infusion protocols, individualized dosing, procedure- specific safety assessment, and stronger international collaboration to support translation into perioperative practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148946456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Progress in Natural Product Nanocarriers with Drug-excipient Homology.","authors":"Tianbao Zhang, Huan Yang, Xuan Ma, Fengyu Wang, Ruiyu, Junzi Wu","doi":"10.2174/0115672018455303260811094019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018455303260811094019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With advances and widespread adoption of nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical field, natural product-based nanocarriers with drug-excipient homology have emerged as a major focus of current research. Natural products, including polysaccharides, proteins and lipids, are extensively used for the development of nanocarriers because of their abundant availability, excellent biocompatibility and notable pharmacological activities. These nanocarriers function as both drug carriers and therapeutic agents and are thus suitable for drug delivery. Furthermore, they can improve the physicochemical properties of drugs, increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs, and enhance drug stability and pharmacological activity. Moreover, they can facilitate targeted drug delivery, thereby improving drug enrichment at specific sites. Such nanocarriers can exert intrinsic pharmacological effects and enhance the pharmacological effects of loaded drugs, thereby improving treatment effectiveness. Overall, this review highlights the combined and mutually beneficial advances in the integration of nanocarriers with natural products (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins and lipids) as well as the advantages of naturally occurring active small molecules based on drug-excipient homology.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148908575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Umay Merve Güven Bölgen, Tilbe Çevikelli, A Alper Öztürk
{"title":"Translational Liposomal Drug Delivery Systems: Clinically Approved Formulations, Scalable Manufacturing Strategies, and Emerging Characterization Approaches.","authors":"Umay Merve Güven Bölgen, Tilbe Çevikelli, A Alper Öztürk","doi":"10.2174/0115672018479857260820060310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018479857260820060310","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Liposomal drug delivery systems have evolved into clinically validated platforms across diverse therapeutic areas. This review aims to provide a translational perspective by linking fundamental formulation principles with clinically approved products and industrial manufacturing strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A structured narrative review was undertaken to examine liposomal formulations approved by major regulatory authorities across a range of clinical applications, including oncology, infectious diseases, vaccination, pain management, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. The analysis focused on key formulation parameters, manufacturing techniques, and characterization methods. Relevant studies were identified through comprehensive searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, as well as patent platforms such as Google Patents and Espacenet. Study selection was guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, prioritizing translational relevance, formulation strategies, manufacturing approaches, and clinically approved liposomal systems.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Lipid composition, vesicle size, surface functionalization, and release characteristics were identified as critical determinants of pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy, and safety. Scalable and environmentally conscious manufacturing approaches, including supercritical fluid technologies, microfluidic systems, and solvent-reduction strategies, demonstrated strong alignment with regulatory and sustainability expectations. In characterization, emerging artificial intelligence-based tools showed potential for improved vesicle identification, size distribution analysis, and morphological assessment compared with conventional techniques such as dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The integration of advanced formulation design, scalable manufacturing, and data-driven characterization enhances the translational potential of liposomal systems. However, challenges remain regarding standardization, regulatory acceptance of novel analytical tools, and reproducibility at industrial scale.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Liposomal drug delivery systems represent a mature yet evolving platform. Bridging laboratory innovations with clinically and industrially viable solutions requires coordinated advances in formulation, manufacturing, and characterization. This review provides a practical framework for the development of next-generation liposomal systems with translational relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148908585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shihao Yang, Chengmao Wang, Wenke Yang, Pengwei Li
{"title":"Controllable Fabrication of Highly Elastic and Drug-Loading Alginate-Chitosan Composite Embolic Microspheres.","authors":"Shihao Yang, Chengmao Wang, Wenke Yang, Pengwei Li","doi":"10.2174/0115672018506722260820114246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018506722260820114246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy for treating hypervascular tumors, which relies on the intravascular delivery of embolic agents to obstruct blood supply. Embolic microspheres have emerged as promising agents due to their spherical shape and uniform size, which ensure predictable occlusion levels and targeted delivery. There is a pressing need for a controllable strategy to engineer multifunctional embolic microspheres.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A novel droplet microfluidics-based method for the controllable fabrication of monodisperse alginate-chitosan composite (ACC) microspheres was developed. The mechanical and drugloading properties of the ACC microspheres were systematically characterized. The embolization performance of the optimized microspheres was visually evaluated in a microvascular chip model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The microfluidic platform enabled the generation of highly monodisperse emulsion templates, leading to ACC microspheres with excellent size uniformity. Mechanical characterization revealed that the elasticity of the microspheres could be finely tuned, allowing for the production of highly elastic microspheres suitable for catheter injection. The ACC microspheres demonstrated favorable drug-loading capacity and sustained release characteristics. In the in vitro chip, the microspheres exhibited superior embolization performance.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The successful fabrication of monodisperse ACC microspheres underscores the precision of droplet microfluidics in creating complex biomaterial structures. The high elasticity is particularly critical for clinical embolization, as it prevents catheter clogging and ensures deep, uniform vessel occlusion. The demonstrated drug-loading capability positions these ACC microspheres as effective drug-eluting beads (DEBs) for combined embolization and local chemotherapy. The visual confirmation of effective embolization in the in vitro chip validates the functional performance of the microspheres.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study presents a robust microfluidic strategy for the controllable synthesis of monodisperse alginate-chitosan composite microspheres with tunable elasticity and favorable drugloading properties. The fabricated microspheres demonstrated excellent embolization performance in an in vitro model, validating their potential as advanced embolic agents. The findings offer valuable insights and a practical methodology for the rational design and preparation of next-generation multifunctional microspheres, which are highly desired for applications in embolization therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gianna Dipalma, Angelo M Inchingolo, Francesca Elena Dell'Anna, Annarita Savino, Lucia Pia Zaminga, Francesco Inchingolo, Daniela Di Venere, Andrea Palermo, Grazia Marinelli, Giuseppe Minervini, Alessio D Inchingolo
{"title":"Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Temporomandibular Myofascial Disorders: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Gianna Dipalma, Angelo M Inchingolo, Francesca Elena Dell'Anna, Annarita Savino, Lucia Pia Zaminga, Francesco Inchingolo, Daniela Di Venere, Andrea Palermo, Grazia Marinelli, Giuseppe Minervini, Alessio D Inchingolo","doi":"10.2174/0115672018444786260820110530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018444786260820110530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This review explores the clinical role of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in treating Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) with a myofascial component, focusing on effectiveness, safety, injection protocols, and psychological and functional impact.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fourteen publications were retained for qualitative assessment after reviewing titles, summaries, and complete manuscripts. The risk of bias was appraised employing the ROBINS instrument.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BoNT-A treatment showed meaningful reductions in pain scores, especially in patients with high baseline pain or limited response to conservative care. Pain levels decreased significantly. Studies also reported improvements in jaw mobility, reduced muscle hyperactivity, and enhanced psychosomatic well-being. Some studies reported reductions in somatization and improvements in sleep quality. The depressive index remained unchanged, but functional disability improved significantly post-injection. Adverse effects, such as transient muscle soreness or facial changes, were rare and self-limiting. EMG data confirmed temporary neuromuscular relaxation lasting up to 22 weeks in some cases.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>BoNT-A represents a valuable adjunctive or alternative therapy for myofascial TMDs, particularly in patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. It modulates pain perception and muscle overactivity via local and central mechanisms. However, variability in dosing, diagnostic criteria, and follow-up protocols underscores the need for standardized, well-designed clinical trials to optimize treatment strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BoNT-A is a valuable alternative for patients unresponsive to standard therapies. It helps reduce muscle overactivity and pain perception through local and central mechanisms. However, lack of standardized dosing, variable diagnostic frameworks, and inconsistent follow-up protocols highlight the need for further well-designed clinical trials to guide optimal use (ID: 1106625).</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synergistic Nanomedicine-Microcarrier for Transarterial Chemoembolization Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma.","authors":"Qin Shi, Wen Zhang, Licheng Yang, Minjie Yang, Jingqin Ma, Jiaze Yu, Yongbin Cao, Jianjun Luo, Shengxiang Rao, Lingxiao Liu, Zhiping Yan","doi":"10.2174/0115672018451596260518200520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672018451596260518200520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has become a crucial treatment method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years. However, its effect is limited by low sensitivity to chemotherapy and unsatisfactory loading performance of the embolic agent. This study aimed to explore a promising treatment strategy that combines nanomedicine with a microcarrier to enhance the efficacy of TACE.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this work, the porous microcarrier was used to carry doxorubicin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles (M@ZIF-8-DOX) according to a conventional drug loading method. The physical and chemical properties were characterized. An in vitro cell assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake ability of the embolic agent. To evaluate the antitumor performance and safety, the M@ZIF-8-DOX was delivered by the standard interventional procedure in the rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The M@ZIF-8-DOX effectively slowed the release of DOX in the bloodstream and extended the blood circulation time. In vitro studies revealed that ZIF-8-DOX showed high tumor cellular uptake and increased the intracellular DOX concentration. Furthermore, it was observed that M@ZIF-8-DOX could significantly inhibit tumor growth and proliferation while promoting tumor cell necrosis. Safety evaluation further confirmed that the M@ZIF-8-DOX had negligible toxicity to major organs and hepatorenal function.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The structures of the nanoparticles can be disrupted by the acidic and hypoxic tumor microenvironment to release drugs in a short time. They usually increase intracellular drug concentrations to improve chemotherapy sensitivity and reduce systemic toxicity. Moreover, the combination of embolic agents and nanomedicine has demonstrated an excellent synergistic effect, providing a new strategy for TACE.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The M@ZIF-8-DOX is a simple and highly effective embolic agent for TACE, and the concept of nano platform synergistically enhanced embolization therapy may be profound effect in the development of nanodrugs for HCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":94287,"journal":{"name":"Current drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148809725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}