Nanoparticles in Combating Neuronal Dysregulated Signaling Pathways: Recent Approaches to the Nanoformulations of Phytochemicals and Synthetic Drugs Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Introduction

In recent decades, nanoparticles have shown significant implications in improving biodegradability/biocompatibility, therapeutic effectiveness, and drug pharmacokinetics while decreasing the adverse effects of current medications.^1–3 The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a critical issue in managing neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) since it inhibits the accessibility of drugs to the brain in sufficient therapeutic concentrations. The functional intricacy of the BBB is mainly ascribed to the brain capillary endothelial cells, which limit trans-cellular transit, as well as the tight and adherens junctions between the cells, which result in the limitation of para-cellular flow. Thus, to overcome the pharmacokinetic limitations of drugs used against NDDs, employing novel delivery systems would be helpful.⁴

By passing BBB, nanoparticles have shown the potential of regulating several dysregulated pathways in NDDs, including oxidative stress,^1,2 inflammation,⁵ apoptosis,^6,7 and protein aggregation.⁸ Oxidative stress is commonly defined as a discrepancy between the activity of antioxidants and the generation of oxidants, which shows negative health benefits to play a fundamental part in the aggravation of several diseases.^1,2,6,9–11 Modulating oxidative stress is one of the most effective support mechanisms of nanoparticles against NDDs.^1,2 Furthermore, neuroinflammation is defined as a critical activator of the brain’s innate immune system in a complicated pattern to an inflammatory state related to numerous molecular and cellular changes inside the brain. These changes inhibit glial cell activation while increasing the levels, concentrations, and releases of several inflammatory mediators, including chemokines, cytokines, and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS).^12,13 Nanoformulations have also shown the potential to modulate main apoptotic pathways, termed extrinsic (death receptor) and intrinsic (mitochondrial-dependent) pathways.^14,15 Besides, nanoparticles play essential roles in decreasing the burdens of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Aβ is formed by the enzymatic degradation of an amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaved in a series of stages, resulting in the creation and production of amyloid proteins. An imbalance in the design and subsequent elimination of Aβ results in the neuronal buildup that could be a precursor to some NDDs.^8,16

Consequently, since phytochemicals are potential multi-target agents in targeting neuroinflammatory, neuroapoptotic, neuronal oxidative stress and proteins aggregation pathways, they would be potential alternative therapies in combating NDDs. In this line, targeting the aforementioned pathways by nanoformulations of phytochemicals and synthetic drugs^1,8,17,18 could open new roads in combating Alzheimer’s disease (AD),¹⁹ Parkinson’s disease (PD),^20,21 amyotrophic lateral disease (ALS),^22,23 stroke,^24–26 multiple sclerosis (MS),²⁷ and Huntington’s disease (HD).²⁸

Previous reports have shown the potential of nanoformulations against some NDDs, with no focuses on phytochemical effects.^20,29–31 A recent study highlighted the nanoformulations of limited phytochemicals and some plant extracts against NDDs with no focus on dysregulated pathways.¹ The current study aims to develop nanoparticles’ therapeutic potential in combating neuroinflammation, neuroapoptosis, neuronal oxidative stress and protein aggregation with a promising approach to the nanoformulations of phytochemicals and synthetic drugs against NDDs.

How Nanoformulations Modulate Neuronal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Proteins Aggregation in NDDs

The term nanoparticles predominantly refer to small structures with size ranges from 1 to 100 nm that could be categorized according to their shapes, properties, or sizes. Carbon-based (carbon nanotubes and fullerenes), ceramic, metal, semiconductor, lipid-based, polymeric nanoparticles,^1,2 peptide engineering techniques,³² DNA nanocage, and nanoenzymes are reported as the primary essential classes of nanoparticles.³³ These compounds’ nanoscale size and high surface area have given nanoparticles variant physical and chemical properties. Nanotechnology provides preferable drug delivery systems for enhancing the management of neuronal-related disorders via the diagnosis, monitoring, controlling, and repairing at a molecular level. Treatment with nanoparticles has shown considerable consequences like suitable biodegradability and biocompatibility, improvement of the therapeutic efficacy and drug pharmacokinetics, and decreasing adverse effects of the drug. Regarding exerting such effects, nanoparticles modulate major dysregulated pathways of NDDs, including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and proteins aggregation. Such anti-inflammatory properties are dependent on several factors, including nanoparticles’ high surface area to volume ratio, which facilitate the suppressive potential of associated drugs on enzymes, cytokines, and other components involved in the inflammatory process.⁵

Neuronal Oxidative Stress in NDDs: Role of Nanoparticles

Oxidative stress is usually described as a disparity between antioxidants’ activity and oxidants production leading to undesirable health consequences in humans and showing an undeniable role in the intensification of variant disorders.³⁴ This process triggers the onset or exacerbation of diseases by inducing DNA, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma are related to oxidative stress and ROS production. Similarly, there is reliable evidence that oxidative stress may contribute to various NDDs like AD, PD, stroke, HD, and ALS. Oxidative damage to macromolecules is the hallmark of NDDs and accelerates the progression of such disorders. Oxidative stress could lead to neuronal cell death and promote toxic signalings/cascades. Accordingly, several studies reveal the exogenous and endogenous sources of oxidative stress and possible effective mechanisms in controlling those pathways.^9,35 In addition, protein misfolding plays a pivotal role in generating ROS-induced NDDs. Although reducing oxidative stress seems to be the essential characteristic of nanoparticles, nanoparticle-related effects are contradictory and confusing. The nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress could be related to the presence of metals, mitochondrial respiration, cell interaction, and immune cell activation.³⁶

The intrinsic antioxidant properties of nanoparticles are not significant, and most of the reported antioxidant effects have been associated with the loaded antioxidant compounds. Nanoparticles have increased the bioavailability, solubility, and BBB permeability of antioxidant compounds, enhancing the efficiency and performance of such compounds.² However, some oxide nanoparticles exert intrinsic antioxidant activity via triggering antioxidant mediators and scavenging the ROS and RNS. Cerium oxide (CeO) nanoparticles can appropriately mimic the effects of variant enzymes involved in reducing oxidative stress, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and phosphatase. The use of CeO nanoparticles seems to be increasing due to such an inherent effect. CeO nanoparticles are memorable and exciting with unique properties that have attracted much attention due to their specific features, including their yummy regenerative potential and ROS scavenging activity.³⁷ In the study of Caputo et al, the antioxidant potential of CeO nanoparticles emphasized that the antioxidant activity of CeO nanoparticles was considerably more than a vitamin E analog and N-acetyl-cysteine to diminishing the oxidative signal of 2′-7′-Dichlorofluorescein promoted by irradiated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles.³⁸ In another study, Ragg et al reported that manganese oxide nanoparticles provided an intrinsic SOD-like activity and remarkably increased the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast, making it suitable for the imaging and treating cancer cells.³⁹

Similarly, treating transgenic mice with CeO nanoparticles led to the suppression of progressive left ventricular dysfunction and diminished the myocardial oxidative stress. It also refused the serum levels of C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and total nitrated proteins and the levels and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in the myocardium.⁴⁰ However, these nanostructures do not have sufficient therapeutic potential to be used without therapeutic options. For this reason, functionalizing these nanoparticles by adding the enzymes, natural and synthetic compounds increases their therapeutic effects. In addition to the key enzymatic antioxidant such as glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, SOD, CAT, other non-enzymatic antioxidants, including GSH, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, as well as several phytochemical compounds protect the neurons from oxidative stress and show practical advantages in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, applying the supplemental enzymatic to scavenging the free radical is a rational approach to defend against the neuronal degeneration-induced oxidative stress and associated treatment to delay or prevent the progression/development of NDDs.

Targeting and accurate delivery of antioxidant compounds and enzymes to different body parts, especially the central nervous system (CNS), is another support mechanism of nanoparticles versus oxidative stress.^41,42 Gil et al investigated the in vitro antioxidant and beneficial effects of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide (CeO2) in elevating CAT and SOD enzymes in conjugation with nanocrystalline CeO2. Results demonstrated that antioxidant enzymes combined with nanoceria had shown suitable stability as antioxidant activity synergistically increased.⁴³ Furthermore, Reddy et al attempted to enhance the bioavailability of SOD by providing a nanoformulation, encapsulating SOD in poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles. It led to increased bioavailability, neuroprotection against apoptosis, neurological recovery, and reducing the infarct volume, level of ROS, and diminished the ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat’s model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.⁴⁴ In a similar study, a new nanoformulation’s in vitro neuroprotective activity was investigated. Results demonstrated that the intracellular neuronal uptake of SOD increased when encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] nanoparticles. Additionally, its neuroprotective activity in cultured human neurons was enhanced versus the oxidative stress phenomenon.^45,46

Platinum (Pt) is another helpful agent in nanomedical studies that can catalytically convert O2 to H2O2 and then facilitate the conversion of H2O2 to O2 and H2O. This essential and practical feature of Pt makes it an attractive and suitable candidate for modulating oxidative stress conditions through mimicking the CAT/SOD enzyme effects.^47,48 Moreover, improving the delivery of CAT via the generation of CAT-loaded nanoparticles provided better in vitro neuroprotective activity against the oxidative stress induced by H2O2. CAT-loaded nanoparticles decreased H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial membrane distortion, DNA damage, cell membrane integrity, and protein oxidation.⁴⁹ Also, Martín et al designed and investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity of new Pt and gold nanoparticles supported on Fenton-treated diamond nanoparticles (Pt/HO-DNP and Au/HO-DNP). The characterized structure could cross the cell membrane and exert significant biocompatibility and meaningful antioxidant activity versus ROS-induced cellular oxidative stress in a hepatoma cell line.⁵⁰

In addition, several studies were performed to investigate the beneficial effects and the antioxidant potential of various types of functionalized nanoparticles. The variant nanoparticles, including silver, gold, iron, copper oxide, and zinc oxide, exerted significant antioxidant activity. Briefly, the considerable role of nanoparticles in the prevention and control of oxidative stress in NDDs is not hidden from anyone, and these systems can play a more vital role in various diagnostic and therapeutic stages of NDDs in the future.

Neuroinflammation in NDDs: Role of Nanoparticles

Neuroinflammation is the stimulation and enabling of the brain’s innate immune system in a complex replication to an inflammatory condition associated with several molecular and cellular variations within the brain. This response leads to interfering with the activation of glial cells and enhancing the levels, concentration, and release of variant inflammatory mediators, like chemokines (CXCL1, CCL5, CCL2), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), as well as the production of ROS and RNS.^13,51 Moreover, enhancing the edema, infiltration of peripheral immune cells, elevating the breakdown, and permeability of the BBB are also other harmful mechanisms that occur during neuroinflammation.^13,52 Mast cells are other parts of the inflammatory and immunoregulatory process that exerts their roles via releasing variant inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, histamines, and leukotrienes. Moreover, mast cells promote the allergic inflammatory responses by enhancing immunoglobulins E (IgE) synthesis by B-lymphocytes.⁵

Additionally, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling is another crucial pathway that can activate and affect more than 500 genes involved in the neuroinflammation process. The role of NF-κB is critical in regulating neuroinflammation-associated disease pathogenesis.⁵³ Neuroinflammation plays a major role in fighting the pathogenesis progression of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders which leads to neuronal system damage. It seems that regulation of neuroinflammation can contribute to suitable attractive strategies to prevent, treat, and improve the condition of patients with psychiatric and NDDs, including AD, PD, stroke, ALS, HD, and MS.

Nanoparticles have shown significant anti-inflammatory potential in the past few decades. These anti-inflammatory effects are due to the large ratio of surface area to volume, which predisposes nanoparticles to exert more appropriate effects in inhibiting the enzymes, cytokines, and other factors involved in the inflammatory process. Previously, the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the variant nanoparticles, including gold, copper, silver, selenium, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, and CeO, were reported.⁵

Zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity via blocking the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β that lead to the downregulation of inflammatory responses, reducing the proliferation and differentiation of mast cells. Furthermore, zinc oxide nanoparticles diminished caspase-1 in activated mast cells, suppressed the NF-κB signaling and lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB as well as reduced the cytosolic degradation of IκBα, and production of malondialdehyde, IL-1β, TNF-α.^5,54,55 Inhibiting the proliferation of mast cells, regulating the level of p53 protein, suppressing the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) are some of the other anti-inflammatories mechanisms of zinc oxide nanoparticles.⁵ Furthermore, gold nanoparticles decrease ROS production, diminish the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17, IL-12, and IL-1β.^5,56 Treatment with gold nanoparticles led to the modulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in hepatic stellate and Kupffer cells.^5,57 Gold nanoparticles also showed the potential of suppressing Aβ aggregation in AD.⁵⁸

Similarly, silver nanoparticles also showed anti-inflammatory activity via diminishing the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), reducing the generation and secretion of several pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-13, IL-12, IL-9, IL-5, and IL-4. Moreover, treatment with silver nanoparticles diminished the expression of the COX-2 gene, reduced the mucin hypersecretion, decreased VEGF levels, decreased the levels of VEGF, and suppressed the T helper type-2 cell-mediated inflammation.^5,59–62 Selenium nanoparticles exert the anti-inflammatory response via suppressing the phosphorylation of IκB-α, inhibiting the release of NF-κB, and reducing the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, the expression of COX-2 and iNOS enzymes was inhibited after treatment with selenium nanoparticles.^5,63 The fibrinogen into fibrin converter enzyme, thrombin, can augment the inflammatory response through amplifying the downstream signaling or mediators via activation of protease-activated receptors and enhancing the levels of cytokines and P-selectin. Previous studies demonstrated that TiO2 nanoparticles led to the suppression of the inflammation via increasing levels of the thrombin-antithrombin complex, thrombin inactivation, and suppressing the protease-activated receptor’s pathway.^5,64 Also, CeO nanoparticles decreased the inflammatory response, neuronal death, microglial activation, oxidative stress, reduced TNF-α, and neurodegenerative events in the rat’s model of retinal neurodegeneration.⁶⁵

Besides, green synthesized nanoparticles showed more significant anti-inflammatory effects. The gold nanoparticles synthesized from some plants showed significant neuroprotective activity via enhancing motor coordination and diminishing the neuroinflammation in vitro and in vivo models of PD.⁶⁶ In a similar study, Park et al investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of the gold nanoparticles capped with plant extracts. Synthesized gold nanoparticles showed anti-neuroinflammatory effects via diminishing the levels and activity of pro-neuroinflammatory cytokines and mediators, decreasing the production of ROS, downregulation of p38MAPK, NF-κB, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK-1/2), Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), IKK-α/β, signaling pathways as well as enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and upregulation of NQO1 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression.⁶⁷ Moreover, synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles exerted anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.⁶⁸

Similarly, synthesized silver nanoparticles enhanced the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetes, and antibacterial activities of some extracts.⁶⁹ Besides, silver nanoparticles produced by plant extracts diminished in vivo carrageenan-induced oxidative stress and inflammation responses.⁷⁰ In addition, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles^71,72 and Terminalia species leaves extract⁷³ showed significant anti-inflammatory activity via reducing the production of cytokines and inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme.

In all, nanoparticles can attenuate several inflammatory pathways and mediators towards combating NDDs.

Neuroapoptosis in NDDs: Role of Nanoparticles

Apoptosis is described as programmed cell death associated with some of the morphological changes, including the condensation of chromatin, breakdown of the nuclear membrane, cell shrinkage, and the production of apoptotic bodies. Two main pathways that trigger the apoptosis process are extrinsic that commonly known as the death receptor pathway, and mitochondrial or the intrinsic pathway.¹⁴ The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis is started within the cell, which leads to increasing the activation and expression of BH3-only proteins, consequences in the activation of the Bax. In some cells, this process may be accompanied by Bak elevation that enhances the formation of mitochondrial membrane pores’ construction and facilitates the releasing and extrication of cytochrome c to bind apoptotic peptidase activating factor-1 (APAF-1). Caspase activation results from this cascade that enhances cleave and activates the downstream caspases and cellular protein degradation.¹⁴ The external pathway starts outside the cell and is triggered via the activation of death receptors by death ligands and activates caspase-8 and leads to cleaves downstream caspases as well as cleaves and facilitates the activation of the BH3-only protein Bid.¹⁴ Inhibiting variant parts of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways can lead to significant effects and is considered a promising strategy for suppressing neuronal apoptosis.

Despite these applications, nanoparticles have been used in several studies to enhance various compounds’ in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective properties. Such technology has effectively reduced neuronal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.¹ Accordingly, Wang et al designed a new nanoparticle-mediated formulation to improve the drug delivery for protecting neurons against injury induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Nanoparticles loaded with complement components significantly diminished the microglial neurotoxicity after injury via decreasing the levels and activity of pro-inflammatory factors, inflammatory cells, and neuronal apoptosis.⁷⁴ In the study of Yuan et al, treatment with selenium nanoparticles provided significant neuroprotective activity via diminishing the oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic cascade.

Moreover, selenium nanoparticles properly reversed the neurochemical alterations, neuronal loss, and oxidative damage in the mice model.⁷⁵ In another study, antioxidant enzymes-loaded nanoparticles protected the neuronal cell against apoptosis via declining mitochondrial dysfunction in the rat model of spinal cord injury. The treatment with encapsulated CAT and SOD in biodegradable nanoparticles improved mitochondrial function, decreased cytochrome c activities, and inhibited the activation of caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3, ROS concentration, and neuronal activity cell apoptosis as well as lesser affected area compared to untreated animals.⁷⁶ Furthermore, the combination treatment with gold nanoparticles reduced brain cell apoptosis and brain infarct volume. It enhanced the levels and concentration of several neurotrophic factors in the rats model of ischemic stroke.⁷⁷ Also, using biodegradable nanoparticles diminished the edema formation, inflammatory responses, neuronal apoptosis and promoted the process of neurogenesis in infarcted rat brain.⁷⁸ Accordingly, boron nitride nanoparticles provided significant neuroprotective effects versus the MPP⁺ induced neuronal apoptosis in the in vitro model of PD.⁷⁹

Thus, multiple apoptotic mediators are modulated by nanoparticles in fighting NDDs.

Protein’s Aggregation in NDDs: Role of Nanoparticles

Protein and peptide aggregation into amyloid fibrils has been identified as a key cause of various protein misfolding-related disorders, including AD, PD, ALS, and miscellaneous NDDs.³ Researchers discovered Aβ as the significant part of brain plaques/tau protein and a central component of neurofibrillary tangles.⁸⁰ In afflicted families with genetic anomalies, mutations and multiplications of α-synuclein and Aβ-related genes produce some kinds of NDDs. Overproduction of such proteins and their excessive aggregation has been proven in various models to neuronal malfunction and death.⁸¹ Neurofibrillary tangles are composed of intraneuronal paired helical filaments of a microtubule-associated protein (tau) that has been hyper-phosphorylated at several locations throughout the polypeptide chain.

On the other hand, amyloid plaques are extracellular aggregates whose major component is an amyloid peptide (Aβ40–42). These amyloid plaques arise when Aβ aggregates, thereby generating oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils that are deposited in the brain.³ The primary peptide in the brain parenchyma is the Aβ1-42 peptide, which is sensitive to aggregation/fibrillation, is thought to undergo metal-induced aggregation response, and finally produces plaques. In this way, nanoparticles play an important role with their anti-amyloid properties.³

AD is considered a common form of dementia characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and behavioral problems. AD is a protein misfolding-based disorder caused by the aggregation and misfolding of tau and Aβ peptides, leading to neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, respectively.^82,83 The results of two sequential cleavages of amyloid precursor protein are a transmembrane protein with 42-residue known as Aβ that does not play a specific physiological role.^82,83 Increased concentration of immature autophagic vacuoles in neurons is associated with elevating the production of autophagic core agents, spoiled fusion with lysosomes, and retrograde transportation of autophagosomes that facilitate the accumulation of pathogenic Aβ.⁸² Tau phosphorylation, located primarily in neurofibrillary tangles, is another hallmark of AD.^82,84

Further, a mutant form of the nerve terminal protein, α-synuclein, is a significant pathogen of PD. The function of mutant α-synuclein as the main autosomal dominant promoted several point mutations accompanying the PD (eg, E46K, A30P, and A53T) that lead to rendering the aggregation and misfolding of α-synuclein prone. The formation and development of intracellular inclusions named Lewy bodies (LBs) result from aggregation and accumulation of mutant α-synuclein that are a hallmark of familial and sporadic PD.^82,85,86 ALS is another debilitating neurodegenerative disease that loses neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Signs and symptoms play a significant role in diagnosing a person and tests that eliminate other possible reasons. It was reported that mutations in the chromosome encoding SOD, chromosome 21, have been implicated as a major cause in 2% of all cases and 20% of familial cases with ALS.⁸² Over one hundred diverse mutations have been identified with this mutation, which is thought to be transmitted autosomal dominantly. Mutation of the SOD1 gene is the most common cause of ALS, frequently occurring in North America; this level of mutation is characterized by an exceptionally rapid onset and progression of the disease. Scandinavians are more likely to have the mutation D90A-SOD1 than people living with typical ALS. It is more slowly progressing than typical ALS, and people with this mutation live an average of 11 more years.^87–89 In addition to the SOD1, vesicle-associated protein B (VAPB), tank binding kinase 1 (TBK1), Ubiquilin-2, tar DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43), valosin containing protein (VCP), p62, and fused in sarcoma (FUS) are other misfolded proteins involve in pathologically of ALS.^90,91

In addition, tau protein, huntingtin with tandem glutamine repeats, prion proteins, and transthyretin (mutant forms) are other essential aggregated proteins related and associated with several neurodegenerative diseases including multiple neurodegenerative disease tauopathies, HD, spongiform encephalopathies, and familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, respectively.^82,92 Misfolded disease proteins exert toxic effects by interfering with several pathways and strongly binding to the biological membranes, such as mitochondrial membranes, plasma, and other cytosolic protein membranes.^92,93 This process results in the distortion and loss of membrane integrity and leads to ROS production, Ca²⁺ influx aberrant, and the alteration of variant signaling pathways, which facilitated cell death.^92,93 For instance, mutant tau disrupts neuronal transport mechanisms and microtubule function, and α-synuclein, tau, and Aβ lead to interference with synaptic signaling. Moreover, mitochondrial protein transport disruption is another α-synuclein toxicity mechanism. The nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins and RNA has also been disrupted by cytosolic aggregates of several other proteins, including mutant huntingtin, artificial β-sheets, and TDP-43.^92–94 Targeting these proteins can be a valuable and significant strategy for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. Various drugs have been approved or investigated in different phases of clinical studies, including istradefylline, deferiprone, arimoclomol, nuedexta, AADvac1, and TRx0237, targets this protein.⁹²

Dysregulated signaling pathways in NDDs are presented in Figure 1. Besides, the role of nanoparticles in combating NDDs-associated neuroinflammation, neuronal oxidative stress, neuroapoptosis and protein aggregation is provided in Figure 2.

Figure 1 Dysregulated signaling pathways in NDDs. Abbreviations: AD, Alzheimer’s disease; ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Cyt c, cytochrome c; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; HD, Huntington’s disease; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; JAK, Janus kinase; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; PD, Parkinson’s disease; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinases; RNS, reactive nitrogen species; ROS, reactive oxygen species; STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription.

Figure 2 The role of nanoparticles in combating NDDs-associated neuroinflammation, neuronal oxidative stress, and neuroapoptosis. Abbreviations: Ag, silver; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; ARE, antioxidant response element; Au, gold; CAT, catalase; CeO, cerium oxide; CeO2, cerium dioxide; COX, cyclooxygenase; Cu, copper; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; Fe2O3, Iron oxide; IL, interleukin; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; JAK, Janus kinase; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MgO, magnesium oxide; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; NPs, nanoparticles; Nrf2, nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinases; PLGA, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); Pt, platinum; RNS, reactive nitrogen species; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Se, selenium; SOD, superoxide dismutase; STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription; TiO2, titanium dioxide; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha; ZnO, zinc oxide.

Dual Function of Nanoparticles; Neurotoxicity Potential of Nanoparticles via Induction of Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation

As mentioned, nanoparticles have shown significant beneficial activities and promoted increasing effects, bioavailability, half-life, stability against degradation in the CNS. Such effects enhance the efficacy, reduce dosage and side effects of these structures in the treatment of NDDs.^1,31 Despite these practical effects, nanoparticles have also shown a severe triggering effect on inflammation, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress processes, which may promote the potential of chronic and acute human health risks⁹⁵; however, the systematic clinical studies and detailed documented reports that nanoparticle-induced toxicity in humans is limited. Several studies analyzed the toxicity potentials of nanoparticles in animal models and cell culture.⁹⁶ Therefore, increasing our understanding and knowledge of the toxicity mechanisms of these structures is essential and helps to provide new strategies for designing, producing, and utilizing suitable nanoparticles for safer use of nanotechnology in humans.⁹⁵ Neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity are some of the most important examples of reported human toxicity induced by nanoparticles.⁹⁵ The nanoparticle-induced toxicity may be related to dosage, frequency of use, concentration, and time of exposure, as well as the routes of administration.⁹⁵ Also, shape, particle size, charge, roughness, surface coating, and composition are other parameters that affect nanoparticles toxicity.⁹⁷ The production of variant ROS including hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, peroxide ions, oxygen radicals, superoxide anion radicals, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was introduced as the main nanotoxicity mechanism that may occur in various ways.^95,98 ROS generation, inducing oxidative stress, membrane perturbation, DNA damage, cytoskeletal dysfunction, direct physical damage, enzyme dysfunction, blocking the cell membrane channels and receptors, abnormal morphological stretching, and protein misfolding were reported as the main toxicity mechanism of nanoparticles.^97–100 The oxidative reaction of an electron with nanoparticle’s surface groups or transition metals is another reported mechanism of ROS production. Enhancing the surface area leads to an augmentation of chemical reactivity potentially and ROS production. Nanoparticles can promote mitochondrial membrane damages.

For this reason, mitochondrial respiration and penetration of ROS from perforated mitochondrial membranes into the cytoplasm is another mechanism of ROS production.^95,101,102 The elevated intracellular ROS levels lead to more ROS releases from mitochondria and amplify the oxidative imbalance and oxidative stress that promoted damage to the DNA, cellular organelles, ion channels, receptors, and cell membranes, which accelerate more adverse effects and toxicity.⁹⁵ In addition, released harmful metal ions and ROS can interfere with variant signaling pathways including protein kinase B (Akt), Src, MAPK, NF-κB, and HIF that cause influence cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.^95,103

Several other studies have investigated the neurotoxicity of various nanostructures. The intravenous injection of polysorbate 80-modified chitosan nanoparticles leads to the accumulation of nanoparticles in the cerebellum, frontal cortex, oxidative stress elevation, inflammatory process activation, and neuronal apoptosis in treated rats.¹⁰⁴ Moreover, it was reported that direct administration of the liposomal formulation of cisplatin into the brain might lead to highly neurotoxic advantages due to the intrinsic neurotoxic effects of liposomes in combination with cisplatin.¹⁰⁵ Also, exposure to the polyamidoamine dendrimers provided a charge surface-dependent in vitro neurotoxic activity and increased the DNA damage, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and suppressed neuronal differentiation and mitochondrial function in neural cells.¹⁰⁶ Treatment with iron oxide nanoparticles prompted oxidative stress, enhanced iron accumulation, and facilitated protein aggregation in the neural cells.¹⁰⁷ Also, induction of oxidative stress was reported as the primary neurotoxicity mechanism of silver nanoparticles in the exposed rat’s cerebral astrocytes.¹⁰⁸ Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro investigation of neurotoxicity mechanisms of silica nanoparticles showed the induction of neuropathology, MAPK activation, and behavior changes in mice and cultured neurons.¹⁰⁹ Silica and gold nanoparticles also represent a new class of delivery systems to multi-drug resistance into neurons to treat future brain disease.¹¹⁰ Oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammatory response, apoptosis, dysregulation of neurotransmitters, and to a lesser extent, DNA methylation and autophagy have been considered possible neurotoxicity mechanisms of TiO2 nanoparticles.¹¹¹ Cadmium telluride quantum dots exerted neurotoxicity effects on motor neurons via induction of oxidative stress.¹¹² Moreover, acceleration of autophagy process, elevating levels of cytoplasmic Ca²⁺, and impairments of synaptic transmission are reported as the primary other in vivo and in vitro neurotoxicity mechanisms of the quantum dot.¹¹³

Overcoming the BBB by Nanoparticles, as an Attractive, and Effective Strategy

The inability of most therapeutic compounds to sufficiently cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) diminishes the potential of treatment tools for NDDs. It makes the BBB one of the main limitations of progress in the treatment of NDDs. The BBB is composed of an evolved from the brain microvascular system, which acts as an effective membrane barrier that separates circulating blood from the brain’s extracellular fluid in most vertebrate species.^114–117 The BBB consists of the basal lamina, which comprises various extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, heparan sulfate, and laminin that surround pericytes and microvessel endothelial cells.^114,116 Astrocyte endfeet and interneurons are other structures present in the construction of BBB. The BBB already contains gap junctions, tight junctions, and adherens junctions. Still, tight junctions appear to be more important than the other types of connections in the BBB because they cause high levels of electrical resistance between the endothelial cells.^114,115 The prominent role of BBB is the protection of the brain from all foreign agents. BBB also supported the brain from alterations of ionic composition in the cerebrospinal fluid and facilitated the metabolizing of variant chemical compounds and disposing of waste products.^115,116 The disruption of the extracellular matrix proteins can increase the BBB permeability, which assists and improves the drug’s transportation. Nanoparticles generally cross the BBB through two mechanisms, including passive and active transfer pathways. Accordingly, gold nanoparticles and small lipophilic molecules (<400 Da) could pass through the BBB in a passive transfer system.^115,116,118 In addition, active endocytosis is mediated by receptor, carrier, and adsorption strategies. Receptor-mediated endocytosis facilitates the penetration of various nanostructures such as liposomes and PLGA based nanoparticles from BBB.^116,119,120 The receptors responsible for active influence include low-density lipoproteins, transferrin, lactoferrin, insulin receptors, and their ligands.^115–117 The process of nanoparticles transportation by adsorption to endothelial cells is mediated by the surface properties of the nanoparticles. As the plasma membrane of endothelial cells is negatively charged, the cationic nanoparticles are more likely to undergo this mechanism than negatively charged or neutral ones. Liposomes and gold nanoparticles can cross the BBB using such method.¹¹⁶ An additional mechanism of nanoparticles for enhancing drug delivery across the BBB is carrier-mediated transport pathways such as the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) protein and the amino acid transporter (ASCT2).¹¹⁶

Nanoformulations in Combating Neurodegeneration: Pre-Clinical Evidence

Pharmaceutical studies have recently concentrated on advancing nanotechnology methods relevant in several medicine sectors, including drug delivery.³¹ As a result, it is necessary to develop novel ways to enhance the effectiveness, transport throughout the BBB, bioavailability, and ultimately the negative impact of pharmacological substances used to treat NDDs.¹²¹ Applying nanoparticles to transport therapeutic substances enhances biodistribution and pharmacokinetics, permits co-delivery of several drugs, provides targeted intracellular drug delivery and decreases systemic toxicity/side effects.¹²²

Alzheimer’s Disease and Nanoformulation

AD is the primary cause of dementia, a clinical condition marked by a gradual decrease in two or more general cognitive, such as dysfunctionalities in cognition, language, executive/visuospatial activity, personality and behavior, resulting in a loss of ability to execute instrumental and/or fundamental activities, and the most common neurodegenerative condition.¹²³ It is generally diagnosed after 3–6 years of amnestic moderate cognitive problems. The brains of AD patients show the existence of extracellular Aβ plaques and intraneuronal tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles cross-talked to inflammatory/oxidative stress/apoptotic pathways.¹²⁴ The presence of BBB is a critical issue in the treatment of neurological disorders because it prevents many medicines from entering the brain in adequate concentration.¹⁹ So, we need nanomedicine therapy to overcome such issues.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Phytochemicals Nanoformulations

The plant kingdom and associated phytochemicals have shown promising anti-AD effects.¹⁰ As a natural polyphenolic compound, resveratrol is found in grapes, mulberries, peanuts, rhubarb, and wines. It has been shown to depolymerize Aβ peptides via a proteasome function; however, it does not impact β‐ and γ-secretase enzymes and transthyretin, a sequesters protein amyloid protein. Several findings showed the potential of resveratrol against tauopathy associated with AD, demonstrating a decrease in tau levels in rats and suppression of tau hyperphosphorylation/accumulation.¹²¹ However, there are some pharmacokinetic limitations in its application.¹²⁵ Considering the resveratrol’s quick clearance from the bloodstream, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were designed to encapsulate and carry the extracts into the brain, where amyloid fibril production occurs. SLNs are a viable, dynamic mechanism for delivering resveratrol to the brain in an area and avert/slow AD development by inhibiting the production of Aβ (1–42) aggregates.¹²⁶ Also, the in vivo evaluation showed that designed nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), delivered nasally, may successfully combat AD compared to an orally supplied resveratrol solution. The better memory function and enhanced permeation across nasal mucosa recommend that the resveratrol NLC-based in situ gel could efficiently decrease the crystallinity of particles through the lipid-oil mixture and convenient strategy for the treatment of AD.¹²⁷

As another phenolic compound, curcumin, which is gained from Curcuma longa, has beneficial effects in treating NDDs; however, low bioavailability, a fast metabolism, and quick elimination of curcumin limited its efficacy.¹²⁸ Curcumin’s primary product, responsible for its neurotherapeutic effectiveness, exerts through a decrease in Aβ peptide aggregation. It also reduced Aβ-induced oxidative damage and neuroinflammation by using nanoformulation. Continuously, nanocurcumin prevented the formation and neurotoxicity of two AD markers, hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid misfolding.¹²⁹ Furthermore, it controls several aspects of the AD, such as binding copper, decreasing cholesterol levels, regulating microglial function, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, upregulating the insulin signaling pathway, and acting as an antioxidant.¹³⁰ Even at modest doses, nanocurcumin improved working and recall memory in a mice AD model. Besides, curcumin bioavailability was considerably enhanced by the nanoparticle formulation, according to pharmacokinetic tests.¹²⁹

Using curcumin nanoformulation also increased its solubility and stability, propelling it to the forefront of medicinal uses. Additionally, nanocurcumin nanoparticles are more stable than native curcumin under physiological circumstances. Accordingly, PLGA-nanoparticles offered an effective curcumin delivery method to defend human neuronal cells from oxidative damage, as shown in AD.¹³¹ Curcumin encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles with a ligand for BBB crossing demonstrates minimal toxicity and a substantial reduction in Aβ aggregates. Consequently, brain administration of nanocurcumin through BBB crossing is a potential future strategy in treating AD.¹³²

Curcumin-encapsulated in PLGA (Cur-PLGA) nanoparticles, particularly compared to bulk curcumin, promoted proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells and neuronal differentiation in vitro and in the hippocampus and subventricular zone in vivo. Curcumin nanoparticles stimulate proliferation at smaller concentrations and are not toxic at high doses. In an AD rat model, Cur-PLGA nanoparticles restored mediated inhibition on hippocampus neurogenesis, cognition, and memory via activating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.¹³³ For the treatment of AD, PLGA-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) conjugated with B6 peptide-loaded with curcumin (PLGA-PEG-B6/Curcumin) might be a viable option in vitro through reducing curcumin size, enhancing its cellular absorption, and also blood compatibility. The results showed a significant increase in spatial learning and memory performance of APP/PS1 mice compared to native curcumin. Besides, ex vivo studies revealed that PLGA-PEG-B6/Curcumin decreased hippocampus Aβ production and deposit, as well as tau hyperphosphorylation.¹³⁴

As another novel formulation of curcumin, nanoliposomes were found to be stable and monodispersed. Those formulations were safe in vitro, inhibited amyloid peptide production, and partly reduced Aβ-induced toxicity. They found deposits in post-mortem brain tissue from AD patients and mice following treatment with nanoliposomes.¹³⁵ Curcumin can bind tau protein-based amyloid by in vivo and in vitro models of AD. It exhibited anti-amyloid effects at micromolar doses. Curcumin was also found to be capable of inhibiting tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Curcumin-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles could eliminate amyloid aggregates, thereby showing antioxidative, with no cytotoxic effect.³

Naringenin is a flavonoid that protects neurons from free radicals and inflammation but has a poor capacity to penetrate biomembranes. The naringenin-loaded nanoemulsion significantly decreased the direct toxic effect of Aβ on SH-SY5Y cells, which was linked with a decrease in the expression of APP, β-secretase, and attenuating amyloidogenesis. In SH-SY5Y cells exposed to Aβ, it also reduced the amounts of phosphorylated tau. These findings implied that naringenin-loaded nanoemulsion might be a potential method for treating AD.¹³⁶

As another phytochemical, quercetin has shown potential therapeutic roles against NDDs. The limited oral bioavailability of quercetin restricted its medicinal use. As a possible oral therapy for AD, nanoencapsulated quercetin in zein nanoparticles dramatically increased oral absorption and bioavailability of the flavonoid. Treatment with such orally used flavonoid enhanced the cognitive and memory deficits of SAMP8 mice.¹³⁷ When quercetin was incorporated into -cyclodextrin-dodecyl carbonate nanoparticles, its anti-inflammatory actions via diminishing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and COX-2 signaling pathway on SH-SY5Y cells were increased compared to cells treated with free quercetin. The objective of encapsulating quercetin in nanoparticles was to enhance its penetration through the BBB and bioavailability, preventing or decelerating the progression of AD.¹³⁸ Palle and Neerati also showed that pretreatment of rats with quercetin nanoparticles reduced scopolamine-induced behavioral alterations, suggesting that it might be used as a preventative approach against the advancement of AD. In such experimental models, quercetin nanoparticles outperformed quercetin, implying that the enhanced effectiveness is related to a more extended residence period in the systemic circulation and higher bioavailability.¹³⁹

The genesis of AD has been linked to the dysfunctional interaction of Aβ with excess metal ions. As a result, employing nanoparticles to disturb these metal-peptide connections holds much potential as a treatment method. In vitro investigations showed that PLGA-functionalized quercetin nanoparticles have minimal cytotoxicity and, therefore, can prevent the neurotoxicity of the Zn²⁺-Aβ42 system while also increasing neuron cell survival by suppressing the Zn²⁺-Aβ42 system. Administration of PLGA-functionalized quercetin nanoparticles in APP/PS1 mice improved cognitive functions and memory, according to data from in vivo investigations.¹⁴⁰

Polyacrylamide-chitosan-PLGA nanoparticles with CRM197 and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) nanoparticles were created to slow the degeneration of Aβ-insulted neurons, improve rosmarinic acid transportation throughout the BBB, and boost antiapoptotic impact via blocking the production of caspase-3 and c-Jun parameters on SK-N-MC cells. Such nanoparticles have the potential to be an important route of administration for brain-targeting behavior and have neuronal restoration in AD therapy.¹⁴¹

The antioxidant effects of epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), the main catechin found in tea, are well documented. It can enhance the non-amyloidogenic processing of APP via increasing the expression of α-secretase, therefore reducing the development of brain Aβ plaques, a characteristic of AD pathogenesis. The potential of EGCG nanolipidic particles enhanced neuronal α-secretase in vitro by up to 91% and its oral bioavailability in vivo by more than two-fold over free EGCG.¹⁴² Anti-amyloidogenic, metal chelation, and antioxidant activities of EGCG have been demonstrated. NanoEGCG antioxidant and metal chelation capabilities outperformed its free form and significantly reduced cellular toxicity.

Furthermore, an in vitro study demonstrated that EGCG nanoparticles could prevent Al³⁺-induced Aβ42 fibrillation and neurotoxicity.¹⁴³ In another study, EGCG was bonded to the surface of selenium nanoparticles to decrease the cytotoxicity of EGCG at significant concentrations. EGCG-selenium nanoparticles were synthesized, given the affinity of peptide to neurons, due to the poor delivery efficiency of EGCG-selenium nanoparticles to the targeted cells. The role of selenoprotein in antioxidation and neuroprotection is essential in limiting the initiation and progression of AD. EGCG-stabilized selenium nanoparticles coated with peptides inhibited Aβ fibrillation and efficiently disaggregated Aβ fibrils into harmless aggregates. Furthermore, EGCG-selenium nanoparticles showed a strong affinity for labeling Aβ fibrils.¹⁴⁴

Sesamol, a polyphenolic substance, is the main component of sesame seed oil (Sesamum indicum L).¹⁴⁵ When the pure sesamol and sesamol-SLN groups were compared, the latter group was much more effective than the pure sesamol group at 16 mg/kg dosage, which was nearly comparable to the rivastigmine impacts. Our findings showed that putting sesamol in the SLNs is an excellent approach for reducing intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced neuronal malfunction and memory impairments by lowering oxidative stress.¹⁴⁶ Sesamol is an antioxidant-rich substance derived from the oil of Sesamum species that may play a preventive function in age-related NDDs such as AD. SLNs are excellent delivery vehicles for transporting sesamol to the CNS; they can be investigated as a brain targeting approach for AD. SLNs were found to successfully repair cognitive impairments in rats given intracerebroventricular streptozotocin, as well as alleviating oxidative stress measures including nitro-oxidative stress and cytokine production in an in vivo research on AD-induced model.¹²⁴ As another phenolic compound, ferulic acid showed high antioxidant action against AD. Pure SLN demonstrated zero toxicity on human neuroblastoma cells (LAN 5) at the doses tested, as well as the capacity to enter these cells. Furthermore, cells treated with ferulic acid-loaded SLN produced less ROS than those treated with free ferulic acid.¹⁴⁹

In addition to the phenolic compounds, alkaloids are another class of phytochemicals whose nanoformulations have shown hopeful neuroprotective effects. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid used to manage NDDs, especially dementia, for centuries.¹⁴⁷ Berberine-loaded multiwalled carbon nanotubes are a tremendous nanostructured construct for delivering berberine throughout the BBB. Furthermore, the phospholipid-coated and polysorbate-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes demonstrated excellent memory function recovery in line with the capacity for transferring neuropharmaceutical agents to brain microglial cells. The ability of these nanotubes to maintain normal biochemical levels in brain tissue indicated their promise for decreasing Aβ-induced AD.¹⁴⁸

In addition to phenolic compounds and alkaloids, terpenoids are also promising candidates against NDDs. A sesquiterpene huperzine A (HupA)-loaded, mucoadhesive, and targeted PLGA nanoparticles with surface modification by lactoferrin-conjugated N-trimethylated chitosan nanoparticles are used for effective intranasal transport of huperzine A to the brain for the treatment of AD. The significant mucoadhesion of such nanoparticles was shown by in vitro mucin adsorption. The regulated drug release was validated by ex vivo drug release and cell survival tests utilizing the 16HBE cell line. Thus, the active targeting of lactoferrin and the mucoadhesion of trimethylated chitosan nanoparticles were widely dispersed in the brain over a long time.¹⁴⁹ As triterpenoids, ginsenosides are other phytochemicals with neuroprotective mechanisms. A new nanotherapeutic approach that increases ginsenoside distribution to the brain by boosting BBB permeability might aid neuroprotective effects and minimize the formation of Aβ plaques and eventual neurodegeneration. For the diagnosis and treatment of AD, PLGA-ginsenoside Rg3 nanoparticles offered an intriguing novel theranostic material suitable of encapsulating natural nutraceuticals.¹⁵⁰

Therefore, the nanoformulations of phytochemicals (eg, resveratrol, curcumin, naringenin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, EGCG, ginsenoside, ferulic acid, berberine, huperzine, and sesamol) of different classes (eg, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and terpenoids) have shown therapeutic effects on AD by modulating multiple dysregulated pathways. In this line, nanophytochemicals critically inhibit the aggregation and production of protein misfolding, modulate neuroinflammatory, neuroapoptosis, and neuronal oxidative stress. Additionally, nanophytochemicals improve the bioavailability of secondary metabolites and reduce cellular toxicity by affecting the pathways mentioned above.

Alzheimer Disease and Nanoformulations of Synthetic Drugs

Several synthetic formulations are employed in combating AD; however, nanoformulations seem to increase their efficacy. As a hematopoietic factor, erythropoietin (EPO) is a potential neuroprotective agent in AD by promoting neuronal survival and controlling neurogenesis. However, the transfer of EPO to the CNS is complicated and occurs at deficient levels because of its large molecular weight, hydrophilicity, and fast blood elimination. This way, Dara et al created EPO-loaded SLN to alleviate the restrictions mentioned above.¹⁵¹ In vivo studies showed that EPO-SLN could protect the animals’ brains from damage caused by an intra-hippocampal injection, with spatial recognition memory considerably recovered compared to rats treated with free EPO. Another synthetic drug, nicotinamide, a histone deacetylase blocker demonstrated in preclinical trials to be beneficial in stopping AD, has poor absorption. This hydrophilic medication was encapsulated in SLN, who functionalized the nanocarriers using polysorbate 80, phosphatidylserine, or phosphatidic acid.¹⁵¹ When compared to traditional oral nicotinamide, the phosphatidylserine-SLN was efficient in conveying and distributing nicotinamide to the brain in a sustained manner, supposed to lead to cognition enhancement, protection of more neuronal cells (higher neuronal counts in hippocampus subregions) and decrease of tau hyperphosphorylation in an AD rat model.

According to the findings, the liposomes formulation of rivastigmine (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) contributed to quicker memory recovery and improved metabolic abnormalities in AlCl3-treated rats. The rivastigmine liposomes nano-based formulation outperformed traditional drug solutions in terms of sustained release and patient compliance, suggesting it to be a promising drug delivery method for treating AD.¹⁵² Another research showed that rivastigmine SLN, while lipidic, demonstrated more drug diffusion than a drug solution containing a crystalline form of the drug. Rivastigmine SLN did not affect nasociliary disruption or cell necrosis, showing that it is acceptable for nasal administration.¹⁵³ The liposomal preparation of donepezil (another acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), a prototype anti-AD medication, was resilient and exhibited sustained-release characteristics. Compared to the traditional dose form and method of administration, intranasal delivery of donepezil liposomes dramatically improved the drug’s brain bioavailability. Furthermore, this method allows patients to self-administer medications painlessly and simply.¹⁵⁴ Continuing to the drugs of this class, galantamine hydrobromide, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, poorly penetrates the brain. To solve these constraints, the SLN formulation of galantamine hydrobromide was created. In vivo tests revealed substantial memory restoration potential in cognitive deficit rats compared to an uninformed medication; SLN provided the bioavailability of the standard medicines.¹⁵⁵

Memantine (an NMDA blocker), authorized for AD treatment, was incorporated into biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles generated using a double emulsion technique and had a PEG surface coating to target the BBB when taken orally. The in vitro and in vivo data for brain drug levels revealed that the devised methods transport the medication to the target tissue throughout time and the decrease of Aβ plaques.¹⁵⁶ Endogenous estrogen deficiency following menopause has been linked to the development of AD in postmenopausal women.¹⁵⁷ In an ovariectomized rat AD model, orally given tween 80-coated PLGA nanoparticles carrying estradiol resulted in substantially greater brain estradiol levels after 24 hours than unmodified ones.¹⁵⁸

Tarenflurbil is an Aβ42 selective reducing agent, and the γ-secretase modulator demonstrated encouraging outcomes in vitro and in vivo. A Phase II clinical study on 210 patients with mild AD found that the drug was well tolerated, with improved performance decline in primary endpoints.¹⁵⁹ Tarenflurbil’s limited brain penetration was one of the chief factors for its defeat in Phase III clinical studies on Alzheimer’s patients. As a result, there is an urgent need to create effective Tarenflurbil delivery methods. It was loaded into two types of nanocarriers, PLGA nanoparticles, and SLNs. Such nanoparticles demonstrated acceptable brain biodistribution patterns. The pharmacokinetic behavior was enhanced by using nanoparticles rather than solution/suspension.¹⁶⁰

For transport via the BBB, n-butyl-cyanoacrylate nanoparticles can be utilized to contain clioquinol, a quinolone derivative capable of solubilizing plaques that develop in the neocortex in extracellular synaptic gaps during the start of AD in humans.¹⁶¹ As another synthetic agent, the administration of essential fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) into the hippocampus may protect neuronal degeneration and improve learning impairments in AD rats. After intranasal treatment, Solanum tuberosum lectin coupled PEG-PLGA nanoparticles may efficiently promote direct transport of bFGF into the rat brain with decreased peripheral adverse reactions.¹⁶²

Altogether, nanoformulations of synthetic drugs, like erythropoietin, nicotinamide, rivastigmine, donepezil, memantine, estradiol, tarenflurbil, galantamine, clioquinol, and bFGF have shown different effects on AD through increasing neurogenesis, improving bioavailability, reducing the aggregation of proteins and attenuating dysregulated inflammation/apoptosis/oxidative stress. The pre-clinical evidence on using nanoformulations of synthetic drugs against AD is presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Nanoformulations of Phytochemicals and Synthetic Drugs in Combating AD and PD

Parkinson’s Disease and Nanoformulations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disease caused by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neuronal cells in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta area of the basal ganglia. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are the main pathophysiological characteristics of PD.¹³⁰ It is thought that PD has a significant hereditary connection, with mutations in the gene α-synuclein, which encodes for a protein that has been recognized as one of the contributing reasons for the beginning of PD.²⁰

Parkinson’s Disease and Phytochemicals Nanoformulations

We have previously introduced several phytochemicals in combating PD.¹⁶³ Resveratrol nanoparticles can sustain their blood levels for a longer time, improving bioavailability and, thus, pharmacological impact. As a result, resveratrol nanoparticles were shown to be more effective than naïve resveratrol in dampening rotenone-induced PD-like behavioral abnormalities, biochemical and histological changes, oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by rotenone and saved the functions of complex-I and tricarboxylic acid enzymes in rats.¹⁶⁴

Resveratrol is severely hampered by the BBB, which restricts resveratrol’s entry to the CNS. In vitro, magnetic targeting drug nanocarrier, Fe3O4-modified resveratrol liposomes demonstrated sustained and delayed drug release. In vivo studies revealed that such nanoparticles could efficiently penetrate the BBB and enhance drug concentration at the targeted area in the presence of an external magnetic field.¹⁶⁵ The in vitro and ex vivo nasal mucosa penetration of resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsions for PD was relatively high. The brain tissues of the group given resveratrol nanoemulsions had lower levels of degenerative alterations and oxidative stress indicators via the antioxidant effect of resveratrol and fewer eosinophilic lesions in the positive control group according to histopathological and biochemical tests.¹⁶⁶ Resveratrol in polysorbate 80-coated poly(lactide) [PLA] nanoparticles can provide neuroprotection against behavioral and biochemical properties. These findings suggested that resveratrol-loaded PLA nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 increased resveratrol concentration in the brain; thus, it could be a promising nanomedical device and adjuvant therapy for NDDs such as PD.¹⁶⁷

In the form of nanoformulation in a bind with polybutyl cyanoacrylate, curcumin shows neuroprotective effects in PD, crosses the BBB, and is thought to alleviate PD symptoms.¹³⁰ In another study, piperine and curcumin co-encapsulated glyceryl monooleate (GMO) nanoparticles increased suppression of S protein oligomerization and fibril formation, decreased rotenone-induced toxicity, oxidative stress through reducing GSH depletion induced by rotenone, and apoptosis via reducing the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, and initiation of the autophagic pathway in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo research showed that such nanoparticles could cross the BBB, reverse rotenone-induced motor coordination impairment, and prevent dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in a PD mouse model.¹⁶⁸

Gaba et al found that combining vitamin E-loaded naringenin (another flavonoid) nanoemulsion with conventional medication (levodopa) effectively restored the consequences of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), namely improved muscular coordination, grip strength, and swimming activity. It also increased the naringenin level in the brain and boosted brain bioavailability in a rat model. Although GSH and SOD levels were considerably greater, malondialdehyde (MDA) showed a significant decrease in the group treated with naringenin nanoemulsion intranasally coupled with levodopa.¹⁶⁹

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid present in a variety of fruits and vegetable, has well-known neuroprotective through repairing mitochondrial electron transport chain abnormalities and upregulated, increasing mitochondrial quality control¹⁷⁰ and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, quercetin has a high capacity to remove ROS. Considering its favorable benefits, low solubility and bioavailability have limited its therapeutic uses; so, the bioavailability and effectiveness of quercetin nanocrystals were higher in PD-like animals than in the naïve quercetin. There was a substantial increase in antioxidant enzyme functions and total GSH levels in the hippocampus region and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels.¹

Therefore, the nanoformulations of resveratrol, curcumin, piperine, naringenin, quercetin, and gallic acid have shown various therapeutic effects on PD by improving bioavailability and reducing the harmful effects of rotenone. From the mechanistic point, nanophytochemicals increase neurogenesis, suppress apoptotic pathways, and decrease oxidative stress/inflammation. Table 1 shows the pre-clinical evidence on using nanoformulations of phytochemicals against AD.

Parkinson’s Disease and Nanoformulation of Synthetic Drugs

Several synthetic drugs are being indicated for PD symptoms; however, the lack of efficacy urges the need to find a way to counter their possible pharmacokinetic limitations. Levodopa (a dopamine precursor) is the most therapeutically beneficial medication in PD treatment. However, the clinical response is unpredictable and inaccurate because of its inconsistent oral absorption and variations in plasma concentrations. Variations in motor function and the emergence of drug-induced involuntary movements provide difficulty in treating PD.¹⁷¹ In rats, levodopa administration can result in dyskinesia. Meanwhile, in dyskinetic rats, the treatment of levodopa methyl ester/benserazide-loaded nanoparticles decreased dyskinesia while avoiding the rise of molecules strongly linked with the development of dyskinesia.¹⁷²

Like another drug, bromocriptine is an ergot with dopamine receptor agonist activity that has been commonly used in practice trials to postpone and reduce the destructive motor fluctuations coupled with prolonged levodopa treatment in PD. Bromocriptine protects dopaminergic cells, directly and indirectly, to act as a dopamine receptor agonist.¹⁷³ The promising results implied that SLN based on a tristearin/tricaprin combination might be suggested as a novel method for administering bromocriptine during PD treatment to provide controlled drug release by the surrounding solid lipid barrier and firmly contained during long time established. Furthermore, this method may offer a unique technique for achieving stable medication levels, enhancing patient adherence to therapy, and decreasing long-term adverse effects.¹⁷⁴ Also, intranasal treatment of bromocriptine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles improved bromocriptine absorption in the brain and protected catalepsy and akinesia in a mouse model of PD.¹⁷¹

A novel drug delivery system comprised PLGA nanoparticles filled with ropinirole was created for PD treatment. In the animal model tested, this approach could reverse PD-like symptoms.¹⁷⁵ Ropinirole is a nonergoline dopamine receptor agonist that attaches to D2-receptors in the striatum and substantia nigra with specificity similar to dopamine. Its antiparkinsonian effect is elicited via increasing striatal neuronal firing rates through the selective activation of D2-dopamine receptors.¹⁷⁶ The carrier technology might provide an exciting way of CNS neurotherapeutic administration. Polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles might be regarded as a strong, safe, and stable alternative to traditional dose formulations, which would aid in reducing the dose and dosing frequency, optimizing the therapeutic index, ensuring proper, eliminating peak-to-valley fluctuations, and lowering the risk of side reactions.¹⁷⁷ As another non-ergot-based dopamine agonist, pramipexole is particularly useful when combined with levodopa or monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors to slow the progression of PD. It has been revealed that intranasal chitosan nanoparticles of pramipexole outperformed oral or solution dosage forms in controlling motor deficits in a rotenone PD model via its antioxidant potential in increased SOD and CAT function while enhanced dopamine level in the brain significantly.¹⁷⁸

Oral administration is a method of delivery that may be used in a variety of therapeutic conditions. Unfortunately, oral administration of apomorphine (a dopamine receptor agonist) was ineffective due to fast degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and the first-pass effect, culminating in bioavailability of 1.7%.¹⁷⁹ Apomorphine oral bioavailability improved via utilizing SLNs as carriers. The drug’s dose and frequency of administration can be decreased. The in vivo drug distribution data showed that SLNs effectively focused apomorphine to the brain striatum, one of the most damaged areas, substantially improving apomorphine’s capacity to treat PD.¹⁸⁰ Compared to the free medication, selegiline (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor) encapsulated in nanoemulsions demonstrated greater antioxidant activity via increasing GSH and SOD while reducing the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Additionally, compared to a control group, a haloperidol-induced rat model of PD treated with the selegiline nanoemulsions exhibited increased drug bioavailability and brain uptake, resulting in decreased dopamine depletion.¹⁸¹ The findings suggested that the proposed formulation might be a promising strategy for effective intranasal administration of selegiline into the CNS, reducing neurodamage caused by free radicals and preventing subsequent metabolic alterations during PD.¹⁸²

Pentamidine is among the most potent inhibitors of S100B activity, a crucial component in neuroinflammation that underpins the pathophysiology of PD, although its ability to penetrate the BBB is restricted. To deal with this issue, researchers utilized chitosan-coated niosomes with entrapped pentamidine to restore dopaminergic neuronal function via its suppressing effect on glial-derived S100B function, which resulted in a significant enhancement in parkinsonian motor dysfunctions.¹⁸³ Overall, the nanoformulation of synthetic drugs such as levodopa, bromocriptine, ropinirole, selegiline, apomorphine, pentamidine, and pramipexole have presented various protective roles on PD by reducing dyskinesia, lessening the side effects of naive drugs, improving the bioavailability of drugs, suppressing glial-function/oxidative stress, and enhancing dopamine level in the brain.

Table 1 shows the pre-clinical evidence on using nanoformulations of phytochemicals and synthetic drugs against AD and PD.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Nanoformulations

ALS, commonly known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fast-progressing NDDs that causes muscular movement neurons to fail. ALS explicitly targets motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord, resulting in progressive motor neuron degeneration and muscular atrophy, leading to paralysis and death because of respiratory failure. Gene mutations that affect regular protein activity oxidative stress, protein misfolding and aggregation, and mitochondrial malfunction neuroinflammation are implicated in the causes of ALS.²²

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Phytochemicals Nanoformulations

In 2018, Ahmadi et al designed and conducted a randomized clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral capsules containing 80 mg nanomicelles curcuminoids combined with riluzole in patients with ALS. Results emphasized that nanocurcumin was safe with no serious adverse events, which increased the probability of survival in treated patients, especially those with irritable bladder.²³

According to some findings, pathological inclusions, including SOD1 in ALS, are comparable to amyloid fibrils produced in vitro. Fibrillar inclusions characterize the pathology of neural tissues in mouse models that express human SOD1 mutations.¹⁸⁷ Inhibiting SOD1 amyloid development could be a helpful approach for combating ALS. Accordingly, curcumin prevented SOD1 fibrillation and promoted the formation of smaller, disordered aggregates. Curcumin nanoparticles with a more excellent water solubility showed similar aggregation management as curcumin bulk.¹⁸⁸

Furthermore, Tripodo et al introduced a new drug delivery system to treat NDDs, especially ALS. A carried-in-carrier system was produced via loading the curcumin and mesenchymal stromal cells in the curcumin-loaded micelles. According to the research, these nanoparticles achieved maximal loading in micelle-loaded mesenchymal stromal cells in a matter of minutes, and the loading was concentration-dependent. When naked curcumin was utilized, mesenchymal stromal cells showed apparent cytotoxicity; however, naive curcumin micelles shielded them from this impact.¹⁸⁹

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Nanoformulations of Synthetic Drugs

The FDA has authorized only two drugs to manage ALS, riluzole and edaravone supporting neurons by removing ROS from the nervous system.¹⁹⁰ Riluzole is one of only two approved drugs to treat ALS. Furthermore, because riluzole is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, its brain distribution is hampered by efflux transporters at the BBB. Verapamil cocktail liposomes reduced p-gp levels. TNF-α or H2O2-induced increases in drug efflux transporters. Thus, a liposomal co-delivery method that may efficiently transport riluzole to brain cells by decreasing efflux pumps with verapamil, a P-gp inhibitor, could circumvent riluzole pharmacoresistance for enhancing ALS therapy.¹⁹¹ SLNs containing riluzole had higher drug loading and effectiveness than free riluzole and could transport more into the brain with less indiscriminate biodistribution in rats.¹⁹²

Besides, dimethyl fumarate is effective in the treatment of recurrent ALS. On the other hand, such pills cause flushing, gastrointestinal problems, and more significant side effects. As intranasal transport vehicles, simple tristearin SLN, coated with polysorbate 80 and cationized with dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, were evaluated. An in vitro investigation using a mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells model revealed that cationic SLN had greater brain penetration. The biodistribution of polysorbate 80-treated SLN in mice was investigated using fluorescence imaging following intraperitoneal or intranasal administration. Thus, polysorbate 80-treated SLN entered the brain via intraperitoneal and intranasal routes; however, they were primarily collected in the liver and spleen via the intraperitoneal way.¹⁹³

Neurodegeneration in ALS mice is linked to the proliferative repair efforts of ependymal stem progenitor cells, typically dormant in the spinal cord. As a result, controlling the development of ependymal stem progenitor cells might be a viable approach for preventing neurodegeneration. A mutant version of the human SOD1 gene is overexpressed in the G93A-SOD1 transgenic mouse model of ALS. In addition, FM19G11, a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) modulator loaded in the gold nanoparticles, activates the PI3K/Akt and mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP2) signal transduction pathways, which regulate stemness, self-renewal, and proliferation is responsible for this action. This research might pave the way for novel methods to slow the neurodegeneration and disease progression in ALS patients based on FM19G11-loaded.¹⁹⁴

Therefore, curcumin nanomicelle has protective effects on ALS by regulating different dysregulated pathways like SOD1 fibrillation. Additionally, nanomicelles improve the bioavailability of curcumin and lower the cytotoxicity responses. Nanoformulations of synthetic drugs like riluzole, edaravone, dimethyl fumarate, verapamil, and FM19G11 improve their bioavailability and control the development of ependymal stem progenitor cells by activating the PI3K/Akt and UCP2 signal transduction pathways.

Stroke and Nanoformulation

Cerebrovascular diseases are the primary cause of physical impairment, the second most significant cause of death, and the main reason for hospital inpatient hospitalization for many patients. Stroke is the most frequent cerebrovascular illness and is the third-largest cause of mortality in the developed world, causing 15 million injuries and 5 million fatalities each year. Ischemic stroke accounts for 80% of all stroke injuries caused by hypoperfusion, thrombosis, or embolism.²⁹ Several variables, particularly oxidative stress, apoptosis, edema caused by ionic imbalance, and inflammation, are thought to have a role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke.¹⁹⁵ Clinical trials have demonstrated that the biological activities of several herbal formulations produced from natural products are related to their antioxidant properties, which is considered as one of the treatment mechanisms of ischemic stroke. The main issue with using phytochemicals in stroke treatment is their poor bioavailability, limiting their efficacy in clinical studies.²⁴

Stroke and Phytochemicals Nanoformulations

In rats with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, the intraarterial injection of resveratrol nanoparticles exhibited additional safety from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. Resveratrol nanoparticles reduced oxidative stress caused by ischemia-reperfusion via decreasing MDA, avoided brain edema, rescued neurons from apoptosis through decreasing Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and promoted neurogenesis by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.¹⁹⁶

Curcumin therapy has vascular protective benefits in people at risk of stroke. Curcumin incorporated in a solid lipid matrix of SLNs resists enzymatic breakdown during absorption and has a long circulation duration and lower elimination in vivo after absorption. After curcumin-SLNs treatment, SOD, CAT, GSH, and mitochondrial complex enzyme activity enhanced, but lipid peroxidation, nitrite, and acetylcholinesterase rates declined.¹⁹⁷ In another study, oral therapy with nanoencapsulated quercetin could defend from oxidative damage by decreasing the expression of iNOS and caspase-3 activities and reducing the loss of pyramidal neurons from the hippocampus CA1 and CA3 subfields in young and old rats subjected to I/R. Early therapy with nanodrugs improves survival chances due to less neuronal loss.¹⁹⁸ Following cerebral I/R, deliverable quercetin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules showed increased brain uptake and impressive mitochondrial localization. In both young and old rats, this novel regulated mitochondrial delivery of quercetin alleviated histopathological intensity by protecting mitochondrial structural and functional integrity via sequestering ROS through increasing GSH level and SOD and CAT activities regulating mitochondrial ROS-driven apoptotic cell death.¹⁹⁹

The primary active component of Panax notoginseng is Panax notoginsenoside. When administered orally, the unique Panax notoginsenoside-loaded core-shell hybrid liposomal vesicle (HLV) delivery method improved free drug bioactivity. Furthermore, decreased brain water content and infarction volume detecting cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in the acute myocardial ischemia group compared to the control group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the serum, H2O2, and MDA increased significantly, whereas SOD decreased significantly. Compared to the model group, there were substantial restorations of the enzymatic level in the Panax notoginsenoside-treated group, particularly in the Panax notoginsenoside-HLV-treated group the improved physicochemical characteristics.²⁰⁰

With stem cell treatment, the potential of overcoming the damage caused by cerebral ischemia appeared promising. The entrapped drug naringenin has a prolonged release pattern in a nanoformulation of naringenin. The findings suggest that naringenin-loaded gelatin-coated polycaprolactone nanoparticles have protective effects on human mesenchymal stem cells via reducing the inflammatory responses (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS) through NF-κB pathways caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation.²⁰¹

As another phytochemical, retinoic acid nanoparticles decreased microglial activation in N9 microglial cells; organotypic hippocampus slices culture and effectively inhibited LPS-induced release of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of iNOS and promoted arginase-1 and IL-4 production.²⁵

In summary, nanoformulations of resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, ginsenoside, naringenin, and retinoic acid have various effects on stroke. Such therapeutic responses are applied by reducing oxidative stress by enhancing the activation of SOD, CAT, GSH, and mitochondrial complex enzymes. Nanophytochemicals also decrease Bax and cleaved caspase-3, increase BDNF expression, and reduce the loss of pyramidal neurons from the hippocampus CA1 and CA3. Nanophytocompounds also reduce the inflammatory mediators (eg, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS) through NF-κB pathways, inhibiting LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) promoted arginase-1 and IL-4 production.

Stroke and Nanoformulations of Synthetic Drugs

The findings revealed that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) to PEG-PCL nanoparticles equal 10% of a normal rtPA dosage in dissolving fibrin clots. Such nanoparticles had a neuroprotective effect after localized cerebral ischemia, as seen by reduced infarct volume and improved neurological impairment. Such conjugation showed a half-life of about 18 times greater than free rtPA.²⁰² Medication with liposomal fasudil before tPA may reduce the chance of tPA-derived cerebral hemorrhage and lengthen the therapeutic time window of thrombolytic therapy. The combined treatment may be a helpful therapeutic alternative for ischemic stroke.²⁰³ The antioxidant capabilities of CeO nanoparticles aided cell viability and dramatically decreased free radical generation. CeO nanoparticles substantially reduced cell death in an animal model of stroke. Besides, Pt nanoparticles have been used as ROS scavengers in vitro and in vivo in mice, reducing the oxidative stress caused by ischemia. Similarly, Pt nanoparticles enhanced motor function and reduced infarct volume in the brain.²⁶

Single-walled carbon nanotubes showed an anti-inflammatory impact in a rat stroke model and prevented neurons from ischemia injury.²⁰⁴ Local administration of SOD-loaded nanoparticles produced persistent protective implications resulting in a 65% decrease in infarct volume, whereas SOD solution therapy increased infarct volume by 25%. The prolonged lifespan of rats treated with nanoparticles indicated the superior protective impact of SOD-loaded nanoparticles. An angiogenic growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stimulated neurogenesis and cerebral angiogenesis, which reduced ischemic brain damage. VEGF-encoding plasmids were encased in liposomes functionalized with transferrin for intravenous administration, allowing them to cross the BBB.²⁹

In another study, VEGF and angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) are two essential factors triggering angiogenesis.²⁰⁵ Despite VEGF and Ang1’s potential therapeutic potential, their in vivo short half-life through direct delivery made some limitations.²⁰⁶ Additional studies suggested that the hyaluronic acid-based biodegradable hydrogel scaffold, mixed with PLGA hydrogel, is a potential material capable of inducing angiogenesis in the ischemic area by releasing VEGF and Ang1, providing a favorable niche for neural repair in the later stages of stroke. In addition, such nanoformulation stimulated vascularization and axonal development.²⁰⁷ After brain ischemia, Zhao et al utilized a transferrin-coupled liposomes vector to supply VEGF to rats. They discovered that a single intravenous injection of the vector induced brain-specific VEGF production, improved neuroprotection, and stimulated neovascularization.²⁰⁸

In all, the nanoformulations of rtPA, fasudil, VEGF, Ang-1, and VEGF modulate stroke symptoms by reducing infarct volume and neurological impairment, increasing angiogenesis in the ischemic area, elevating vascularization and axonal development and increasing neuroprotection via reducing cerebral infarcts/neovascularization.

Table 2 shows the pre-clinical evidence on the use of phytochemical/synthetic nanoparticles against ALS and stroke.

Table 2 Phytochemical/Synthetic Nanoformulations Against ALS and Stroke

Other NDDs and Nanoformulation

Nanoformulations have also shown potential to combat other NDDs, including HD and MS. HD is a neurological condition that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. HD begins in middle age and progresses to death 15–20 years later, with the following signs and symptoms, including uncontrollable movement problems, cognitive deficits, and mental aspects. This disease is defined by an irregular repeat of the Huntingtin gene’s triplet cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG), which is translated at the protein level by a polyglutamine increase at the NH2-terminus of the protein huntingtin (HTT).²⁰⁹ The precise etiology of neuronal death in HD is unknown. However, the main drivers are glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial malfunction, poor protein degradation, protein misfolding, caspase activation, transcriptional pathway dysregulation, decreased proteasome activity, and proteolysis abnormalities.²¹⁰

Curcumin SLNs were administered to rats treated with 3-nitropropionic-acid (3-NP). This toxin induces HD-like neuropathology in rodents, leading to a decline in HD-like neurodegeneration and a considerable increase in mitochondrial complex function and cytochrome rates. The results demonstrated that the enhanced bioavailability of curcumin by SLN encapsulation has a distinct advantage over curcumin alone. Curcumin-SLNs indeed recovered GSH levels and SOD activity. Compared to 3-NP-treated rats, curcumin-SLN-treated rats demonstrated a significant difference in neuromotor coordination.²¹¹ In a recent report, curcumin-loaded nanoparticles based on amphiphilic hyaluronan-conjugate showed neuroprotective properties, in an in vitro model of HD.²¹²

In another study, treatment with rosmarinic acid-loaded SLNs significantly reduces impairments in body weight, beam walk, locomotor and motor coordination, as well as 3-NP-induced striatal oxidative stress via restored endogenous antioxidants enzyme (CAT and GSH). The importance of choosing the nasal route over the i.v. route is demonstrated by the optimal brain medication concentration.²¹³

MS is a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating condition of the CNS that can be relapsing-remitting or progressive, with axon loss and paralysis as a result. MS generally develops in adults between the ages of 20 and 50, and women are more prone to developing MS. MS is characterized by a wide range of persistent physical, neurological, and psychotic disorders, including muscular weakness, weak reflexes, muscle spasms, trouble moving, poor coordination, and imbalance. Nanotechnology is a promising method that has made significant contributions to diagnosing and treating CNS-related diseases like MS.²¹⁴ Like another drug, dimethyl fumarate is a potential medication for treating MS; however, it is linked with repeated dosage, inadequate brain penetration, and gastrointestinal flushing. Studies demonstrated the superiority of nanocarriers carrying dimethyl fumarate in a once-daily dosing regimen vs thrice-daily plain dimethyl fumarate administration on critical metrics such as motor coordination, grip strength, weight, and locomotor activity.²¹⁵ The same study showed that SLN-dimethyl fumarate improves bioavailability, biological residence, and brain absorption, implying that lipid nanocarrier formulations might help treat MS adequately.²¹⁶ Also, an in vitro investigation of fluorescent SLN penetration using a mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell model revealed that cationic SLN had greater permeability values than SLN treated with polysorbate 80. The in vivo images showed that polysorbate 80-treated SLN could reach the brain, although they mostly collected in the liver and spleen.²¹⁷

For example, exosomes, or tiny nanovesicles formed by dendritic cells, contain proteins and RNAs that help repair myelin sheaths. Exosomes have been proposed as a replacement for liposomes in administering medicinal drugs. Exosomes do not have toxicity effects and can quickly cross the BBB, giving them great therapeutic benefits. By encouraging preoligodendrocytes to differentiate into myelin-producing cells, dendritic-derived exosomes significantly increased myelination and enhanced remyelination after damage. Moreover, serum exosomes nasally given to naive rats enhanced myelin content, oligodendrocyte precursor cell, and neural stem cell levels and reduced oxidative damage in hippocampal slice cultures. PLGA nanoparticles covalently cross-linked to myelin peptides reduced inflammation and modulated effector T cell function. CeO nanoparticles became stable with citrate/EDTA and acted as an antioxidant in CNS ROS levels in C57/Bl6 MOG EAE mice after IV treatment. This therapy reduced clinical symptoms and motor deficits while reducing CNS damage caused by free radical buildup.²¹⁴ In another study, artificial neurotrophins are highlighted as promising agents against neurodegeneration.²¹⁸ The potential uses of phytochemical/synthetic nanoformulations against multiple NDDs are provided in Figure 3.

Figure 3 The potential uses of phytochemical/synthetic nanoformulations against multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Abbreviations: AD, Alzheimer’s disease; ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; bFGF, fibroblast growth factor; EPO, erythropoietin; DMF, dimethyl fumarate; EGCG, epigallocatechin 3-gallate; GA, Gallic acid; NPs, nanoparticles; PD, Parkinson’s disease; RA, rosmarinic acid; rtPA, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

So, nanoformulations of phytochemicals and synthetic drugs critically modulated dysregulated mediators in NDDs, thereby combat neurodegeneration.

Table 3 shows the pre-clinical evidence on the use of phytochemical/synthetic nanoparticles against HD and MS.

Table 3 Phytochemical/Synthetic Nanoformulations in Combating HD and MS

Conclusion and Future Outlook

NDDs are defined as the progressive loss of neuronal architecture or activity, which is usually followed by neuronal death. The most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions are AD, PD, ALS, stroke, HD, and MS. Several dysregulated pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of NDDs, including neuronal oxidative stress, neuroapoptosis, and neuroinflammation (Figure 4). Such complex pathophysiological mechanisms and the pharmacokinetics limitations, lower efficacy, and higher side effects of conventional therapies urge the need to investigate alternative formulations and novel treatments. In recent decades, phytochemicals have been highlighted as a hopeful therapeutic agent in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Despite the effectiveness of plant secondary metabolites, they often suffer from poor bioavailability, low solubility, instability, decreased absorption, and low selectivity, which limit their therapeutic applications in cancer. Besides, rapid metabolism, chemical degradation, and clearance of phytochemicals make their low plasma concentration in clinical trials. The application of polymeric/metallic nanoparticles, micelle, liposome, and solid-lipid nanoparticles has favorably overcome these pharmacokinetic limitations through enhancing cellular uptake, bioavailability, efficacy and specificity of anticancer secondary metabolites.^6,219

Figure 4 Nanophytochemicals and nanosynthetic drugs pave the road in combating neurodegenerative diseases, targeting different dysregulated mechanisms. Abbreviations: AD, Alzheimer’s disease; ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; NEs, nanoemulsions; NPs, nanoparticles; PD, Parkinson’s disease; PEG, polyethylene glycol; SLNs, solid lipid nanoparticles.

Therefore, nanoparticles have shown a new gate to pave the road in combating NDDs through their intrinsic neuroprotective effects, restricting pharmacokinetic limitations, improving biodegradability/biocompatibility, and easily passing BBB. In recent decades, novel delivery systems of conventional drugs and the application of multi-target phytochemicals used against NDDs have shown a bright future against AD, PD, ALS, stroke, HD, and MS. In this line, liposomes, metal, semiconductor, polymeric nanoparticles, SLN, NLC, and NEs, have all demonstrated their ability to improve brain transportation by more readily passing into the CNS.

The current manuscript highlights novel delivery systems of phytochemicals and synthetic drugs against NDDs. Such studies may reshape the therapeutic strategies in the prevention/treatment of NDDs, towards novel delivery systems of plant-derived secondary metabolites and synthetic drugs that target central dysregulated mechanisms possessing higher efficacy and a lower rate of side effects/drug resistance. Although there are yet some concerns on the neurotoxicity of novel delivery systems, which requested additional studies.²²⁰ Further pre-clinical studies are needed to elucidate the precise tools and evaluate additional suitable novel systems (eg, peptide engineering techniques, DNA nanocages, nanoenzymes) against cancer chemoresistance. Besides, alternative therapies against NDDs and well-controlled clinical trials for possible applicability and neurotoxicity of delivery systems are critical steps in combating cancer.