Journal: Pharmaceutics

Article Title: Design and Evaluation of Autophagy-Inducing Particles for the Treatment of Abnormal Lipid Accumulation

doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071379

Figure Lengend Snippet: In vivo and organ DiR fluorescence imaging of genetically obese ob/ob mice following a single IV injection (120 µL) of soluble fluorophore or fluorescent particles (0.25% w/v ). ( a ) Autophagy-inducing fluorescent particles (NP DiR T-B) and plain fluorescent particles (NP DiR) accumulate in the liver over the course of 72 h. Images are representative of scans from 3–4 mice per group. ( b ) Quantification of whole-body fluorescence up to 72 h post a single IV injection. The percentage values reported are calculated from the 5 min timepoint, when the maximal fluorescence was observed, and are reported as mean ± s.e.m. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Sidak’s multiple comparison test, which revealed no significant difference between the NP DiR and the NP DiR T-B group for all timepoints. ( c , d ) Organ biodistribution of fluorescent NPs 24 h after a single intravenous (IV) injection in ob/ob mice. n = 3–4 mice per group. Ex vivo DiR fluorescence imaging on main organs (liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys) ( c ) and quantification of DiR fluorescence ( d ). The percentage values reported are calculated from total organ fluorescence and presented as mean ± s.e.m ( d ).

Article Snippet: Mice were immediately injected in the retro-orbital vein with 120 µL of either free fluorophore (Xenolight DiR-Fluorescent Dye, PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA, USA, 125964), fluorescent nanoparticles (NP DiR, Near Infra-Red Fluorescent i-Particles ® , Adjuvatis, France) or fluorescent Tat-Beclin nanoparticles (NP DiR T-B) of 0.25% w/v solid content.

Techniques: In Vivo, Fluorescence, Imaging, IV Injection, Ex Vivo

Journal: Theranostics

Article Title: Reversal of Vascular Calcification and Aneurysms in a Rat Model Using Dual Targeted Therapy with EDTA- and PGG-Loaded Nanoparticles

doi: 10.7150/thno.16547

Figure Lengend Snippet: Schematic representation of the experiment. The experiment consisted of five groups (n=6 animals per group) with different NP treatments viz. DIR NPs, Blank NPs, EDTA+PGG NPs, BB-94 NPs and PGG NPs. Calcium chloride injury to the aorta was done on Day 0 following which the animals were allowed to develop aneurysm for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, they were treated with NPs and euthanized at various chosen time points as shown in the legend. DIR NPs were administered once after 4 weeks, Blank and PGG NPs were injected twice biweekly after 6 and 8 weeks, and BB-94 NPs were injected one weekly starting at 6 weeks and through 9 weeks after injury. The EDTA+PGG NPs group was given two EDTA NP injections every week starting at 4 weeks and through 5 weeks after injury, immediately followed by biweekly PGG NP injections through 9 weeks after injury. All rats were euthanized at week 12.

Article Snippet: Briefly, fluorescent infra-red dye 1, 1-dioctadecyl-3, 3, 3, 3-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DIR)-loaded NPs(DIR-NPs) were obtained by dissolving 250 mg of BSA (Seracare, MA) in 4 mL of deionized water.

Techniques: Injection

Journal: Theranostics

Article Title: Reversal of Vascular Calcification and Aneurysms in a Rat Model Using Dual Targeted Therapy with EDTA- and PGG-Loaded Nanoparticles

doi: 10.7150/thno.16547

Figure Lengend Snippet: In situ zymography for MMPs (A1), alizarin red staining for calcium (A2) and VVG staining for elastin (fibers stained black) (A3) for aortic samples 30 days after injury. In situ zymography confirmed the high activity of MMPs (-9 and-2). Alizarin red confirmed calcification in the media and adventitia. VVG showed the elastin damage. (B) NP accumulation after intravenous injection of EL-NP-DIR, 30 days after injury at the site of elastin damage (squares show sections of the abdominal aorta where CaCl 2 was applied); image taken 24 hrs after injection. (C) Organ distribution of fluorescent NPs 24 hrs after injection of EL-NP-DIR. (D) Cross-section of abdominal aorta showing NPs (EL-NP-DIR) targeting from the adventitial side and accumulating more in the degraded elastic lamina; DIR fluorescence (purple) and elastin (green autofluorescence). * indicates lumen.

Article Snippet: Briefly, fluorescent infra-red dye 1, 1-dioctadecyl-3, 3, 3, 3-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DIR)-loaded NPs(DIR-NPs) were obtained by dissolving 250 mg of BSA (Seracare, MA) in 4 mL of deionized water.

Techniques: In Situ, Zymography, Staining, Activity Assay, Injection, Fluorescence