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RNA interference (RNAi), also known as gene silencing, is a biological process that prevents gene expression in certain diseases such as cancer. It can be used to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and stability of treatments, particularly genetic therapies. However, challenges such as delivery of oligonucleotide drug to less accessible parts of the body and the high incidence of toxic side effects are encountered. It is therefore imperative to improve their delivery to target sites and reduce their harmful effects on noncancerous cells to harness their full potential. In this study, the role of RNAi in the treatment of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus disease plaguing many countries, has been discussed. This review aims to ascertain the mechanism and application of RNAi and explore the current challenges of RNAi therapy by identifying some of the cancer delivery systems and providing drug information for their improvement. It is worth mentioning that delivery systems such as lipid-based delivery systems and exosomes have revolutionized RNAi therapy by reducing their immunogenicity and improving their cellular affinity. A deeper understanding of the mechanism and challenges associated with RNAi in cancer therapy can provide new insights into RNAi drug development.

Spexin (SPX), also called neuropeptide Q (NPQ), is a novel endogenous neuropeptide. Spexin gene and protein are widely expressed in central nervous system and peripheral tissues in humans, rodents, goldfish, etc. A few of physiological and pathological roles of spexin are gradually emerged recently. This article summarized the roles of spexin in feeding behavior, gastrointestinal motility, obesity, diabetes, energy metabolism, endocrine, mental diseases, and cardiovascular function. Given the broad roles of spexin, this neuropeptide has attracted much interest from investigators and will be as a promising future target for novel therapeutic research and drug design.

In the present study, ZnS and ZnO quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via an all-aqueous process with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains on their surface, and their toxicity as well as biodistribution were evaluated. No haemolysis occurred at a high concentration of 1600 µg/mL in vitro haemolytic assay, which demonstrated that the QDs-PEG displayed good blood compatibility. Following intravenous administration at 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg of the QDs-PEG in mice, the biodistribution, excretion and biocompatibility were characterized at 1 h, 24 h and 7 days, respectively. Quantitative analysis results indicated that the biodistribution trend of ZnS QDs-PEG was similar to that of ZnO QDs-PEG. The QDs-PEG were mainly trapped in the lung and liver, and almost removed from blood within 1 h. QDs-PEG were primarily excreted in faeces at the 2 and 6 mg/kg doses. Coefficients, haematology, blood biochemistry and histopathology results indicated that the QDs-PEG were safe and biocompatible.