UA Scientists Create Bioengineered Naringenin Molecule to Combat Inflammation and Boost Healing
Introduction
Researchers from the University of Alabama have devised a bioengineered molecule harnessing a natural compound to address and alleviate inflammation.
Naringenin: Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Absorption Challenges
Naringenin, a flavonoid occurring naturally in citrus fruits, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Yet, the human body struggles to absorb it effectively from good or existing supplements. Typically, it begins to degrade in the stomach's acidic environment and what remains finds it difficult to pass through the intestinal wall into the blood. The University of Alabama researchers have now managed to harness its inflammation-combating potential.
Patented Drug Delivery Technique
Published in Science Advances, the research employs a patented technique devised by UA's Drug Research and Engineering for Advanced Medicine Laboratory.
Biodegradable Polymer Casing
This involves enclosing the drug within a biodegradable polymer casing, the surface of which is adorned with extra naringenin molecules acting as ligands, enabling them to bind with specialized receptors present on cell surfaces in the gut.
Ligand-Receptors Binding Discovery
Researchers at UA discovered that naringenin binds effectively as a ligand to a specific receptor type. These receptors act as entry points, permitting the medicine to pass through rather than excluding it.
"This marks the first occasion that a single molecule has been employed for both guidance and healing," explained Dr. Meenakshi Arora, associate professor at UA and principal investigator of the project. "Our dual-function nanoparticles enhance drug delivery while also reinstating immune balance and limiting tissue damage."
Significant Improvements Seen in Kidney Damage Trials
In a mouse model of acute kidney injury triggered by cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy agent, the research team showed that their dual-action nanoparticles could:
- Lessen kidney damage and inflammation.
- Reduce key inflammatory markers.
- Restore immune cell performance and counter immune exhaustion.
- Deliver therapeutic results at only half the dosage of standard treatments.
The findings indicate that the therapy not only combats inflammation but also encourages the repair of both kidney and liver tissue. For those undergoing cancer treatment, this may translate to reduced side effects and shorter recovery periods, aided by a supplement suitable for home use.
Regulatory Advantages and Broader Potential
Nearly every element of the dual-function naringenin particle is already approved for human use, simplifying the route through regulatory procedures. Researchers are now exploring its potential in treating other health issues, including cancer.
Adaptability of the System
"One of the advantage of this system is its remarkable adaptability," explained Assistant Professor Dr. Raghu Ganugula, the team's molecular pharmacologist. "It can be fine-tuned according to drug concentrations and ligand-receptor dynamics."
The results of the study could influence treatments for numerous inflammatory conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, sepsis, arthritis and liver disease.
Arora explained, "In the end, our findings demonstrate a robust proof-of-concept for a new generation of oral drug delivery platforms, which may offer more effective treatment at lower doses for inflammatory conditions."
The Importance of Dosage
The animal model component of the study was managed by third-year PhD student Abiodun Wahab, whose veterinary background equipped her with the knowledge and determination to pursue safer dosing methods.
Veterinary Insights into Dosage Risks
"As an undergraduate during may placement at a veterinary clinic, I often treated animals suffering from parasitic infections," he said.
The drug commonly prescribed for treating parasites proved highly effective, though it carried risks if administered in the wrong dose.
"So I arrived with the understanding that one must be cautious about both the dosage and how often it is administered," Wahab remarked. "Discovering this innovative system for lowering drug concentrations and associated toxicities was particularly significant for me."
Breakthrough like this bioengineered naringenin therapy show how science can reshape healthcare by making treatments more effective and safer.
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