Nanomaterial with anti-inflammatory activity
Despite many studies on factors and pathways affecting human aging, the molecular mechanisms that link the process of aging to diseases have not been systematically explored (Dimmeler & Nicotera, 2013). Recent evidence reflects that the pro-inflammatory gene induction and related inflammatory pathways activation are critical causative triggers in aging and several age-related diseases (Chung, Sung, Jung, Zou, & Yu, 2006). Many studies confirmed the direct link between inflammatory pathways and aging. Based on this hypothesis, redox stress leads to age-associated alterations. This imbalance of cellular redox is incorporated by the immune system perturbation, hormonal changes, and also modifications on a cell’s DNA or histones and gene expression subsequently as well as telomere shortening contributes to elevated inflammation in aging (Fougère, Boulanger, Nourhashémi, Guyonnet, & Cesari, 2016).
Based on in vitro and in vivo studies on senescence state, the increased generation of some of the important pro-inflammatory proteins, such as COX-derived RS is confirmed and also elevated expressions of TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6, genes, COX-2, iNOS, and others like AMs (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-, E-selectin) are also have been detected (Chien et al., 2011; Chung et al., 2009, Chung, 2011 ). Studies on human models have illustrated that aging is associated with incremental levels of IL-6, IL-1, TNF-a, CRP in plasma accompanied by high numbers of inflammatory cells (neutrophil, monocytes) (Bruunsgaard, 2006). According to the recent medical investigations, chronic systemic inflammation has a central and remarkable role in the initiation and progression of the age-dependent complications (Figure 2 ), such as dementia, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, cancers, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, etc. (Olivieri, Rippo, Procopio, & Fazioli, 2013). Although each disease is characterized by various inflammatory molecular factors, the fundamental mechanisms of the pro-inflammatory mediated process, including cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules, are rather identical (Chung et al., 2009).
The current anti-inflammatory drugs mainly have steroidal structures, such as prednisone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications have shown lower efficacy, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Ghlichloo & Gerriets, 2019).