<p>Selenium-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Efficiently Ameliorate Secondary Spinal Cord Injury via Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species</p>

Abstract

Background The excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) has been identified as a leading cause of secondary injury, which can significantly exacerbate acute damage in the injured spinal cord. Thus, scavenging of ROS has emerged as an effective route to ameliorate secondary spinal cord injury. Purpose Selenium-doped carbon quantum dots (Se-CQDs) with the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species were prepared and used for efficiently ameliorating secondary injury in TSCI. Methods Water-soluble Se-CQDs were easily synthesized via hydrothermal treatment of l -selenocystine. The chemical structure, size, and morphology of the Se-CQDs were characterized in detail. The biocompatibility and protective effects of the Se-CQDs against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage were investigated in vitro. Moreover, the behavioral test, bladder function, histological observation, Western blot were used to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Se-CQDs in a rat model of contusion TSCI. Results The obtained Se-CQDs exhibited good biocompatibility and remarkable protective effect against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage in astrocytes and PC12 cells. Moreover, Se-CQDs displayed marked anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities, which thereby reduced the formation of glial scars and increased the survival of neurons with unscathed myelin sheaths in vivo. As a result, Se-CQDs were capable of largely improving locomotor function of rats with TSCI. Conclusion This study suggests that Se-CQDs can be used as a promising therapeutic platform for ameliorating secondary injury in TSCI.

Exploring Possible Mechanisms of Hormesis and Homeopathy in the Light of Nanopharmacology and Ultra-High Dilutions

“…82 Recently, selenium-doped carbon quantum dots have been found efficiently ameliorating secondary spinal cord injury via scavenging reactive oxygen species. 83 A synthetic nanomaterial for virus recognition has been produced by surface imprinting using silica nanoparticle as a carrier. 84 Nanoparticles have been found to have enhanced bioavailability, electromagnetic, and quantum properties compared with bulk form.…”

Injection of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles To Treat Spinal Cord Injury In Rats

“…This necessitates the discovery of new and effective methods for the treatment of SCI, which may allow the restoration of functionally active neuronal cells, the repair of SCI, and the subsequent reduction of neuropathic pain. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are dramatically increased during the in ammatory process following SCI, and are thought to be a major cause of secondary injury and damage to nerve cells, axonal degeneration, neuropathic pain, and motor dysfunction [9]. Therefore, reducing the levels of ROS is expected to improve the biological functions of acutely damaged nerve cells.…”

Effective Oxidation-Responsive Polyester Nanocarriers for Anti-Inflammatory Drug Delivery

“…It is beyond doubt that the excessive generated ROS together with the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β can cause significant damage to inflammatory cells. 30 In this study, NPs composed with mPEG- b -P(PA- alt -GPBAe) reacted with H 2 O 2 after cellular uptake, and reduced the oxidation stress of cells, and subsequently reduce the severity of inflammation. Subsequently, the NPs disassociated and the encapsulated CUR was selectively released at the inflammatory site ( Scheme 1 ).…”