Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), also generally known as “green cancer”, is a chronic, non-specific disease of the intestine. IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, each of which are likely to be debilitating, lifelong conditions that may prove fatal in severe cases. Currently, there isn’t a cure for IBD. The important clinical treatments are drugs comparable to aminosalicylic acid preparations and corticosteroids, but they are sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal problems, anemia, and various intestinal complications. Finding alternative, more practical options is a priority for researchers.

In a study published within the KeAi journal Fundamental Research, researchers from China explored a treatment method using ultrasmall Au25 – gold – nanoparticles. In previous studies, these nanoclusters have been found to effectively eliminate a wide range of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a style of free radical molecule that may construct up and damage DNA, RNA and proteins in a cell. Elevated levels of ROS are commonly present in the gastrointestinal tract of IBD patients.

The team found that administering Au25 nanoclusters orally to mice affected by colitis eliminated ROS, increased antioxidant enzymes, and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines, with none obvious unwanted effects. Based on one among the paper’s authors, Fei Wang of China’s The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, a discount within the inflammation within the gastrointestinal tracts of the mice was observed inside 24 hours. She adds: “And the indisputable fact that these nanoclusters will be administered orally, means there isn’t a need for invasive procedures.”

As well as, the team found that the nanoclusters have various advantages in comparison with natural enzymes utilized in traditional IBD treatments, including lower cost, higher stability, mass synthesis and easier storage.

The storage of Au25 nanoclusters was not affected by pH, temperature or solution medium, and their good physiological stability and acid resistance meant they were easily in a position to access the inflamed colon. In addition they have good biocompatibility and chemical stability and may remove a wide range of ROS.”

Fei Wang, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University

Wang concludes: “Au25 nanoclusters offer a promising strategy within the research field of nanomedicine therapy for IBD. We consider this study demonstrates their value as a scientific basis and experimental basis for the clinical treatment of IBD.”

Source:

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.

Journal reference:

Wang, F., et al. (2022) An orally administered gold nanocluster with ROS scavenging for inflammatory bowel disease treatment. Fundamental Research. doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2022.07.002.