%0 Journal Article
%T Enhanced neuroprotective effect of verapamil-loaded hyaluronic acid modified carbon quantum dots in an in-vitro model of amyloid-induced Alzheimer's disease.
%A Mosalam EM
%A Abdel-Bar HM
%A Elberri AI
%A Abdallah MS
%A Zidan AA
%A Batakoushy HA
%A Abo Mansour HE
%J Int J Biol Macromol
%V 275
%N 0
%D 2024 Aug 8
%M 38986998
%F 8.025
%R 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133742
%X This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms and the neuroprotective effect of hyaluronic acid modified verapamil-loaded carbon quantum dots (VRH-loaded HA-CQDs) against an in-vitro Alzheimer's disease model induced by amyloid beta (Aβ) in SH-SY5Y and Neuro 2a neuroblastoma cells. Briefly, different HA-CQDs were prepared using hydrothermal method and optimized by Box-Behnken design to maximize quantum yield and minimize particle size. Serum stable negatively charged VRH-loaded HA-CQDs was successfully prepared by admixing the optimized HA-CQDs and VRH with association efficiency and loading capacity of 81.25 ± 3.65 % and 5.11 ± 0.81 %, respectively. Cells were pretreated with VRH solution or loaded-HA-CQDs followed by exposure to Aβ. Compared to the control group, amyloidosis led to reduction in cellular proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential, expression of cytochrome P450, cytochrome c oxidase, CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator 3, and mitotic index, along with marked increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines. Pretreatment with VRH, either free or loaded HA-CQDs, enhanced cell survival, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitotic index, and gene expression. It also reduced inflammation and ROS. However, VRH-loaded HA-CQDs exhibited superior effectiveness in the measured parameters. These findings suggest that VRH-loaded HA-CQDs have enhanced therapeutic potential compared to free VRH in mitigating amyloidosis negative features.