Search Results (100)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continues to carry a dismal prognosis in older adults and those with secondary or high-risk disease, where conventional 7 + 3 chemotherapy has long delivered complete remission rates below 40% and median overall survival often under 6 months. CPX-351 (Vyxeos), a liposomal co-encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin at a fixed synergistic 5:1 molar ratio, was designed to overcome the pharmacokinetic mismatch that undermines the traditional regimen. This review critically examines the preclinical rationale and clinical evidence for CPX-351, with particular attention to whether its nanoparticle platform truly represents a breakthrough or merely an incremental refinement of decades-old cytotoxics. Across phase I–III trials and real-world cohorts, CPX-351 consistently outperformed standard 7 + 3 in its approved populations of newly diagnosed therapy-related AML (t-AML) and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) in patients aged 60–75 years. In the pivotal phase III study (n = 309), CPX-351 improved median overall survival from 5.95 to 9.56 months (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.90; p = 0.005) and raised the complete remission rate from 33.3% to 47.7%, while facilitating allogeneic transplantation in 34% as opposed to 25% of patients. A five-year follow-up sustained the separation in survival curves, and post-hoc analyses of responders showed median overall survival exceeding 25 months with CPX-351 versus approximately 10 months with 7 + 3 (HR 0.49). Real-world series have reported composite remission rates of 53–60%, measurable residual disease negativity in up to 65% of responders, and median overall survival of 12–20 months, depending on transplant utilization. Despite these gains, the absolute survival benefit remains modest, prolonged cytopenias are universal, and outcomes in TP53-mutated or younger adverse-risk patients are still poor, raising legitimate questions about cost-effectiveness and generalizability. Nonetheless, CPX-351 stands as the first clinically validated example of ratiometric nanomedicine in oncology, proving that reformulating established drugs can yield meaningful progress where novel agents have often failed. Full article

The study focused on essential oils (EOs) of plant origin, which are of great interest to scientists in the context of medical applications due to their biological properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. The objective of the study was to determine chemical profiles and biological activities of the essential oils extracted from five mixtures (M1 [Thymus vulgaris, Ammi visnaga, Syzygium aromaticum, Citrus sinensis]; M2 [Thymus vulgaris, Ammi visnaga, Cinnamomum verum, Citrus sinensis]; M3 [Mentha pulegium, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Citrus sinensis]; M4 [Mentha pulegium, Lavandula angustifolia, Cinnamomum verum, Citrus sinensis]; M5 [Ammi visnaga, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Syzygium aromaticum]). Each mixture was derived from a blend of four selected plants used in traditional medicine in Mostaganem, Algeria. When selecting the best composition, the interactions between plant components were considered in terms of potential therapeutic benefits. The chemical compositions of the EO mixtures were analyzed using GC-MS. The acute toxicity of the EO mixtures was evaluated in vivo following oral administration. The sensitivity of the microorganisms to the EO mixtures was determined using the agar diffusion method. Virucidal testing was performed using the quantitative suspension method to determine virucidal activity, as described in the European standard for disinfectants used in the medical field. The antioxidant activity of the EO mixtures was evaluated using a model membrane system based on liposomes derived from soybean phosphatidylcholine. Chemopreventive activity was assessed in vitro using cell culture. The main compounds identified were carvacrol and thymol in M1; geranial, cinnamylaldehyde, and carvacrol in M2; pulegone and limonene in M3; geranial and cinnamylaldehyde and limonene in M4; and eugenol and caryophyllene in M5. The selection of the “best” blend depended on the biological activity deemed most critical for the specific application. Specifically, M3, M4, and M5 exhibited the strongest anti-HSV-1, anti-HAdV-5, and anticancer activity, respectively. In contrast, M1, a potent antioxidant, demonstrated the strongest antibacterial and anticancer activity. These results indicate that M1, M3, M4, and M5 EOs have promising applications in the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. Full article

Background: Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening form of infective endocarditis that typically occurs in patients with a history of cardiac surgery, prosthetic valve implantation, or profound immunosuppression. Native valve involvement in non-traditional hosts remains exceptionally rare and is diagnostically challenging. Case presentation: We describe a 56-year-old woman with CREST syndrome and advanced liver disease awaiting transplantation who developed native aortic valve endocarditis. Blood cultures and serum biomarkers (galactomannan and β-d-glucan) were also negative. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed vegetation on the aortic valve. Valve replacement was performed, and Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from two valve cultures. Liposomal amphotericin B was initiated; however, the patient died of multiorgan failure two weeks later. Systematic review: To contextualise this case, we conducted a systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines. We included microbiologically confirmed cases of native valve Aspergillus endocarditis based on valve or embolic tissue analysis. Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 45 patients in total. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and narratively synthesised due to clinical heterogeneity. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of native-valve Aspergillus endocarditis in patients without classical risk factors for the disease. Early imaging and a high index of suspicion are crucial for diagnosis. Combined surgical and antifungal therapy remains the cornerstone of management, although the mortality rate remains high. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most critical challenges to global public health in the 21st century, posing a significant threat to healthcare systems and human health due to treatment failure and high mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, without effective interventions, AMR-associated infections could cause 10 million deaths annually and economic losses of up to 100 trillion US dollars by 2050. The rapid spread of drug-resistant strains, especially in hospital and community settings, has significantly reduced the efficacy of traditional antibiotics. With the continuous advancements in relevant research, bacteriophage (Phage) therapy is constantly innovating in the antimicrobial field. The application of frontier technologies, such as phage cocktails and engineered phages, has significantly enhanced the broad spectrum and high efficiency of phage therapy, which is gradually becoming a new generation of tools to replace antibiotics and effectively combat pathogenic bacteria. However, phage therapy is facing several challenges, including phage inactivation by gastric acid, enzymes, ultraviolet light, and mechanical stress, as well as the potential risk of bacterial phage resistance. Advanced encapsulation technologies such as electrospun fibers, liposomes, chitosan nanoparticles, and electrospray provide solutions to these problems by protecting phage activity and enabling controlled release and targeted delivery. This review addresses phage therapeutic studies of Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, summarizes the recent advances in phage research, and details the current development and applications of encapsulated phage technologies across various delivery modes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Liposomes and niosomes are established drug delivery systems, some of which have received FDA approval and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy. This study investigates a novel niosome formulation, utilizing two natural food-derived components, as a cost-effective alternative to traditional nanocarriers. The active pharmaceutical ingredient, calcium fructoborate (CF), possesses notable anti-inflammatory properties. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of this novel natural niosome (NN) system, in comparison to existing nanocarrier formulations, in an ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) pain model. Methods: An acute ischemia/reperfusion injury model was employed to induce pain in 36 rats. The efficacy of the following treatments was assessed: standard CF, liposomal CF, niosomal CF, and natural niosomal CF. Efficacy was determined by quantifying the treatments’ ability to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver, and by evaluating potential organ damage through histopathological analysis. Results: The NN treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the kidneys and liver compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). In the kidney, NN treatment also significantly decreased creatinine levels relative to the other treatments (p < 0.01). The histopathological analysis of kidney tissue revealed that NN treatment attenuated tubular dilation, interstitial inflammation, and epithelial thinning. In the heart, liposomal treatment significantly increased MDA levels (p < 0.05) and decreased sialic acid levels (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were observed in troponin levels (p > 0.05). In the lung, no significant differences in MDA, lactate, TNF-α, or sialic acid levels were detected among the treatment groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The natural niosome drug delivery system demonstrates potential as a therapeutic intervention for protecting and improving kidney and liver health. While liposomal treatment exhibited some adverse effects, it effectively suppressed inflammation. This study provides a foundation for future research and positions the NN drug delivery system as a promising, cost-effective alternative for inflammation-associated pathologies. Full article

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage that contains ethyl caproate (EC), a compound that enhances its economic value due to consumer preference. Procyanidins are polyphenolic compounds found in fruits such as apples, with procyanidin B2 (PB2) commonly used as a standard compound. Detecting EC and PB2 directly in intact or simply prepared beverages (e.g., dilution without organic solvent) requires liposomes as a model system. In this study, we focused on liquid-ordered/liquid-disordered liposomes, particularly reverse-domain liposomes, which were identified by fluorescence microscopy. EC and PB2 were found to increase and decrease the ratio of reverse-domain liposomes, respectively. The observation of cell-sized liposomes, combined with calibration curves, enabled a simplified analysis of EC and PB2. This approach has potential applications in the development, optimization, and practical implementation of food analytical methods for routine monitoring of beverage quality. These findings also provide a foundation for further studies on the biophysical and physiological properties of EC and PB2. Full article

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with conventional treatments often limited by systemic toxicity, different tumor sensitivity to the drugs, and the emergence of multidrug resistance. To address these challenges, nanoparticle-based delivery systems have emerged as an innovative strategy, enabling the simultaneous transport of multiple agents, including chemotherapeutic drugs and expression vectors, to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome tumor resistance. This review explores various nanocarrier platforms, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and inorganic nanoparticles, specifically designed for lung cancer therapy. Synergistic effects and physicochemical properties of therapeutic agents must be carefully considered in the design of nanoparticle-based co-delivery systems for lung cancer therapy. We highlight the applications of these nanoparticle systems in drug–drug, gene–gene, and drug–gene co-delivery approaches. By addressing the limitations of traditional therapies, nanoparticle-based systems offer a promising avenue to improve outcomes in patients with lung cancers. Full article

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the expansion of the spectrum of invasive fungal infections beyond traditional immunocompromised populations. Although COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis is increasingly being recognised, COVID-19-associated mucormycosis remains rare, particularly in non-endemic regions. Concurrent COVID-19-associated invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis and pulmonary mucormycosis with histopathological confirmation is exceedingly uncommon and poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case presentation: We report the case of a 57-year-old female with myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent haploidentical allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. During post-transplant recovery, she developed COVID-19 pneumonia, complicated by respiratory deterioration and radiological findings, including a reverse halo sign. Bronchoscopy revealed multiple whitish plaques in the right main bronchus. Despite negative serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid galactomannan assay results, cytopathological examination revealed septate hyphae and Aspergillus fumigatus was subsequently identified. Given the patient’s risk factors and clinical features, liposomal amphotericin B therapy was initiated. Subsequent surgical resection and histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of Rhizopus microsporus. Following antifungal therapy and surgical intervention, the patient recovered and was discharged in stable condition. Conclusions: This case highlights the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion of combined invasive fungal infections in severely immunocompromised patients with COVID-19, even in non-endemic regions for mucormycosis. Early tissue-based diagnostic interventions and prompt initiation of optimal antifungal therapy are essential for obtaining ideal outcomes when co-infection is suspected. Full article

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent form of alopecia areata. Traditional treatment options, including minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplantation, have their limitations, such as skin irritation, systemic side effects, invasiveness, and high costs. The transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) offers an innovative approach for treating AGA by administering medications through the skin to achieve localized and efficient delivery while overcoming the skin barrier. This review systematically explores the application of TDDS in AGA treatment, highlighting emerging technologies such as microneedles (MNs), liposomes, ionic liquids (ILs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and transporters (TFs). It analyzes the underlying mechanisms that enhance drug penetration through hair follicles. Finally, this review presents a forward-looking perspective on the future use of TDDS in the management of AGA, aiming to provide insights and references for designing effective transdermal drug delivery systems for this condition. Full article

Phytochemicals from medicinal plants offer significant therapeutic benefits, yet their clinical utility is often limited by poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. Nanotechnology presents a transformative approach to overcome these challenges by encapsulating phytochemicals in nanocarriers that enhance stability, targeted delivery, and controlled release. This review highlights major classes of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids and explores various nanocarrier systems including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and hybrid platforms. It also discusses their mechanisms of action, improved pharmacokinetics, and disease-specific targeting. Further, the review examines clinical advancements, regulatory considerations, and emerging innovations such as smart nanocarriers, AI-driven formulation, and sustainable manufacturing. Nano-phytomedicine offers a promising path toward safer, more effective, and personalized therapies, bridging traditional herbal knowledge with modern biomedical technology. Full article

By 2030, millions of new cancer cases will be diagnosed, as well as millions of cancer-related deaths. Traditional drug delivery methods have limitations, so developing smart drug delivery systems (SDDs) has emerged as a promising avenue for more effective and precise cancer treatment. Nanotechnology, particularly nanomedicine, provides innovative approaches to enhance drug delivery, including the use of nanoparticles. One such type of SDD is thermosensitive nanoparticles, which respond to internal and external stimuli, such as temperature changes, to release drugs precisely at tumor sites and minimize off-target effects. On the other hand, hyperthermia is a cancer treatment mode that goes back centuries and has become popular because it can target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This paper presents a comprehensive review of smart thermosensitive nanoparticles for cancer treatment, with a primary focus on organic nanoparticles. The integration of hyperthermia with temperature-sensitive nanocarriers, such as micelles, hydrogels, dendrimers, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, offers a promising approach to improving the precision and efficacy of cancer therapy. By leveraging temperature as a controlled drug release mechanism, this review highlights the potential of these innovative systems to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse side effects. Full article

The purpose of this narrative review is to identify and present clinical trials published in the last five years on local delivery agents used as adjuncts to subgingival instrumentation in the non-surgical management of periodontitis. Epidemiological studies have shown that periodontitis is highly prevalent in the general population. Treatment is usually based on mechanical removal of contaminants from the root surface followed by long-term supportive care, resulting in decreased occurrence of tooth loss. Clinical health is not always achieved at all sites, leading to research efforts by researchers to find adjunctive agents to help improve the periodontal condition. This review aims to present the most recent developments in local adjunctive agents for the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. Therapies used included antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as well as antimicrobial and biomodulating compounds. A search in PubMed was conducted to identify the most recent randomized controlled trials relating to locally delivered adjunctive agents in periodontitis treatment beyond traditional therapies such as chlorhexidine, minocycline and doxycycline. Thirty-one articles published in the last five years were included. The most current evidence from human trials supports that, despite the high variability in experimental protocols, there may be a clinical benefit to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and gels carrying sodium hypochlorite, melatonin, tea tree oil and Aloe vera. Most recently, advances in nanotechnology, including liposomes, present an avenue forward to potentially increase the effectiveness of current and future local delivery agents in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. Full article

GBM is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by low survival rates, high recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic methods remain limited due to the difficulty in permeating the blood–brain barrier (BBB), diffuse tumor cell infiltration, and tumor heterogeneity. In recent years, nano-based technologies have emerged as innovative approaches for the detection and treatment of GBM. A wide variety of nanocarriers, including dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots, extracellular vesicles, and many more demonstrate the ability to cross the BBB, precisely deliver therapeutic agents, and enhance the effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Surface functionalization, peptide modification, and cell membrane coating improve the targeting capabilities of nanostructures toward GBM cells and enable the exploitation of their photothermal, magnetic, and optical properties. Furthermore, the development of miRNA nanosponge systems offers the simultaneous inhibition of multiple tumor growth mechanisms and the modulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This article presents current advancements in nanotechnology for GBM, with a particular focus on the characteristics and advantages of specific groups of nanoparticles, including their role in radiosensitization. Full article

This review explores the enhanced transdermal therapy of several skin disorders with the application of carriers comprising phospholipid vesicular gel systems. Topical drug delivery has several advantages compared to other administration methods, including enhanced patient compliance, the avoidance of the first-pass impact associated with oral administration, and the elimination of the need for repeated doses. Nonetheless, the skin barrier obstructs the penetration of drugs, hence affecting its therapeutic efficacy. Carriers with phospholipid soft vesicles comprise a novel strategy used to augment drug delivery into the skin and boost therapeutic efficacy. These vesicles encompass chemicals that possess the ability to fluidize phospholipid bilayers, producing a pliable vesicle that facilitates penetration into the deeper layers of the skin. Phospholipid-based vesicular carriers have been extensively studied for improved drug delivery through dermal and transdermal pathways. Traditional liposomes are limited to the stratum corneum of the skin and do not penetrate the deeper layers. Ethosomes, glycerosomes, and glycethosomes are nanovesicular systems composed of ethanol, glycerol, or a combination of ethanol and glycerol, respectively. Their composition produce pliable vesicles by fluidizing the phospholipid bilayers, facilitating deeper penetration into the skin. This article examines the impact of ethanol and glycerol on phospholipid vesicles, and outlines their respective manufacturing techniques. Thus far, these discrepancies have not been analyzed comparatively. The review details several active compounds integrated into these nanovesicular gel systems and examined through in vitro, in vivo, or clinical human trials involving compositions with various active molecules for the treatment of various dermatological conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, characterized by alterations in neuronal electrical activity that result in recurrent seizures and involuntary body movements. Anticonvulsants are the primary treatment for this condition, helping patients improve their quality of life. However, the development of new drugs with fewer side effects and greater economic accessibility remains a key focus in nanomedicine. Macamides, secondary metabolites derived from Maca (Lepidium meyenii), represent a promising class of novel drugs with diverse therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of neurological disorders. Methods: In this study, we optimized the potential of the macamide N-3-methoxybenzyl-linoleamide (3-MBL) as an anticonvulsant agent through its encapsulation in PEGylated liposomes conjugated with OX26 F(ab′)₂ fragments. Results: These immunoliposomes exhibited a size of 120.52 ± 9.46 nm and a zeta potential of −8.57 ± 0.80 mV. Furthermore, in vivo tests using a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus model revealed that the immunoliposomes provided greater efficacy against epileptic seizures compared to the free form of N-3-methoxybenzyl-linoleamide at the same dose. Notably, the observed anticonvulsant effect was comparable to that of carbamazepine, a traditional FDA-approved antiepileptic drug. Conclusions: This pioneering work employs liposomal nanocarriers to deliver macamides to the brain, aiming to set a new standard for the use of modified liposomes in anticonvulsant epilepsy treatment. Full article