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This study describes the synthesis and characterization of chlorambucil (CLB)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for potential application in cancer therapy. The nanoparticles were designed with a diameter between 20 and 50 nm to optimize cellular uptake and avoid rapid clearance from the bloodstream. The synthesis method involved modifying a previously reported technique to reduce particle size. Successful functionalization with CLB was confirmed through various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity of the CLB-functionalized nanoparticles (MSN@NH2-CLB) was evaluated against human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and colon carcinoma cells (CT26WT). The results suggest significantly higher cytotoxicity of MSN@NH2-CLB compared to unbound CLB, with improved selectivity towards cancer cells over normal cells. This suggests that MSN@NH2-CLB holds promise as a drug delivery system for targeted cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attalea phalerata Martius ex Spreng is a palm tree that is widely distributed in the Central-West region of Brazil. In this study, we investigated whether the oil-loaded nanocapsules of A. phalerata (APON) have acute and long-lasting antihypertensive effects in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), as well as explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. APON was prepared using the interfacial polymer deposition method. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were investigated using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering. The antihypertensive effects of APON (administered at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) were evaluated after acute intraduodenal administration and after 7 days of oral treatment. To investigate the molecular pathways involved, we used pharmacological antagonists and inhibitors that target prostaglandin/cyclic adenosine monophosphate, nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and potassium channels. Both acute and prolonged administration of APON (at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reduction in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure. Prior treatment with a non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (methylene blue), or non-selective calcium-sensitive K+ channel blocker (tetraethylammonium) abolished the antihypertensive effects of APON. Our study showed that A. phalerata oil-loaded nanocapsules have a significant antihypertensive effect in SHR after both short-term and long-term (7-day) use. This effect seems to rely on the vascular endothelium function and involves the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway. This research suggests a new direction for future studies to definitively prove the therapeutic benefits of APON in treating cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Zebrafish is an excellent model organism for studying tissue alterations caused by Bothrops alternatus venom (BAV) and for screening new anti-venom drugs. To study tissue alterations following exposure to BAV and the roles that glucocorticoids play in these tissue reactions, zebrafish were randomly divided into five groups: the free injection control group (FIC), the phosphate-buffered saline injection control group (PIC), the venom injected group (VI), the group treated with dexamethasone 1 h before venom injection (D1hBVI) and the group treated with dexamethasone 1 h after venom injection (D1hAVI). The concentration of BAV injected was 0.13 mg/mL and each fish received an injection of 20 μL. Body weight measurements and histopathological characteristics of the gills, kidneys, liver, and intestine were determined. Histopathological analyses showed necrosis, inflammation and weight gain in animals that received BAV. The histological alteration indices of the gills, liver, kidneys, and intestines were statistically higher in the animal groups treated with BAV. These alteration indices were lower in the D1hBVI and D1hAVI groups compared to the group treated with BAV alone. The D1hBVI group is presented with minor alterations. A significant difference in the histological alterations index was observed in the intestinal tissue of the FIC group compared to the PIC group. Cumulatively, zebrafish may serve as a useful biomarker for alterations induced by BAV. Interestingly, dexamethasone reduced the damage caused by BAV in the organs studied, which suggests that zebrafish might be useful for screening new drugs that can mitigate tissue damage caused by snakebites.