Reviews

Nanotechnology in the Future Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

Robert A. Smith

Abstract

Diabetic wounds have a large and increasing burden on the healthcare of the UK. Currently, none of the standard treatment options for the treatment of diabetic wounds specifically target the physiological processes behind their enhanced severity. This review evaluated recent studies in the field of nanotechnology concerned with treating diabetic wounds. The studies had each developed novel therapeutics involving nanomedicines that sought to either enhance angiogenesis, the construction of new blood vessels, or increase collagen production, as well as limit the augmented inflammation, in wounds in diabetic rat or mice models. The investigations tended to either target specific anti-inflammatory or pro-proliferative receptors on endogenous cells, or transport growth factors to the wound. Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of growth factors on healing, but they are easily broken down. By transporting them in nanoscaffolds and liposomes, it has been shown that the longevity of growth factors can be enhanced. Gold nanoparticle matrices have also been shown to have a beneficial effect on healing, by both conveying proliferative factors and independently triggering angiogenesis and collagen production. The most impressive results in the review were achieved by nanomedicines involving multiple growth factors, hence, the review will highlight the beneficial factors to wound healing and suggest a composite therapy to be trialled in the future. The review will evaluate each set of papers using similar nanomedicines and highlight the challenges of transferring this therapy to the clinic.

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Recent Advances in In-Vitro Assays for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview

Nazmina Vhora^1,2, Ujjal Naskar^23,, Aishwarya Hiray^23,, Abhijeet S. Kate³, Alok Jain^1,4

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A higher rate of attenuation of molecules in drug discovery has enabled pharmaceutical companies to enhance the efficiency of their hit identification and lead optimization. Selection and development of appropriate in-vitro and in-vivo strategies may improve this process as primary and secondary screening utilize both strategies. In-vivo approaches are too relentless and expensive for assessing hits. Therefore, it has become indispensable to develop and implement suitable in-vitro screening methods to execute the required activities and meet the respective targets. However, the selection of an appropriate in-vitro assay for specific evaluation of cellular activity is no trivial task. It requires thorough investigation of the various parameters involved. AIM: In this review, we aim to discuss in-vitro assays for type 2 diabetes (T2D), which have been utilized extensively by researchers over the last five years, including target-based, non-target based, low-throughput, and high-throughput screening assays. METHODS: The literature search was conducted using databases including Scifinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to find the significant published articles. DISCUSSION and CONCLUSION: The accuracy and relevance of in-vitro assays have a significant impact on the drug discovery process for T2D, especially in assessing the antidiabetic activity of compounds and identifying the site of effect in high-throughput screening. The report reviews the advantages, limitations, quality parameters, and applications of the probed in-vitro assays, and compares them with one another to enable the selection of the optimal method for any purpose. The information on these assays will accelerate numerous procedures in the drug development process with consistent quality and accuracy.

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Insulin-like Growth Factor and its Therapeutic Potential for Diabetes Complications - Mechanisms and Metabolic Links: A Review

Belete Biadgo¹, Workineh Tamir², Sintayehu Ambachew¹

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is an important system in normal physiological functioning of the body. In diabetes mellitus, alterations of IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) levels have been described, mainly in vascular complications. AIM: The aim of this review was to explore the role of the IGF system in reducing diabetes complications and its role as potential therapeutic target. RESULTS: IGF-1 plays a role in neuronal growth and developmental processes. Low concentrations of IGF-1 have been associated with neuropathy and other diabetes complications. Moreover, impaired IGF synthesis and function may result in cellular senescence and impaired vascular endothelial proliferation, adhesion, and integration. Of note, high IGF-1 bioavailability may prevent or delay the inception of diabetes-associated complications in diabetes patients. The mechanism of normal functioning IGF-1 is induced by increasing nitric oxide synthesis and potassium ion channel opening in cardiovascular physiology, which improves impaired small blood vessel function and reduces the occurrence of diabetes complications associated with reduced concentrations of IGF-1. CONCLUSIONS: IGF may be considered an alternative therapy for diabetes and diabetes-associated complications. Therefore, future studies should focus on the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of IGFs in reducing the risk of development and progression of the disease in different clinical settings.

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