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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Application of Nanomedicine in Metabolic and Chronic Diseases
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Application of Nanomedicine in Metabolic and Chronic Diseases

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2025) | Viewed by 10392

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mehrnaz Abbasi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Interests: nutrition; metabolic diseases; nanomedicine; drug delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic and chronic diseases pose a significant global health burden, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. In recent years, the application of nanotechnology in the field of medicine has emerged as a promising approach for addressing the challenges associated with metabolic and chronic diseases. Nanomedicine offers a unique opportunity to target specific molecular pathways, improve drug delivery, and enhance therapeutic outcomes. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in nanomedicine for treating and managing metabolic and chronic diseases. It will cover topics such as nanoscale drug delivery systems and nanotheranostics, focusing on their application in treating metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, and chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases. It will span from the design and development of nanomedicine formulations to preclinical and clinical evaluations.

This Special Issue invites researchers and clinicians to contribute their latest findings, including original research articles and reviews, fostering a comprehensive understanding of nanomedicine's role in revolutionizing chronic disease management.

Dr. Mehrnaz Abbasi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanomedicine
  • metabolic diseases
  • chronic diseases
  • drug delivery
  • nanoscale materials
  • targeted therapy
  • controlled release

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 4993 KB  
Article
Amodiaquine Modulates Aggregation and Disassembly of Amyloid-β and Tau and Attenuates Neuroinflammatory Responses and Aβ Production
by Sinae Jang, Sujin Kim, Na-Hyun Kim, Soo Jung Shin, Vijay Kumar, Jeong Gyu Son, Minseok Lee, Choon-gil Kim, Eun-Kyung Lim, Hyunju Chung, Young Ho Koh, Yunkwon Nam and Minho Moon
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(11), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17111417 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles, which synergistically accelerate disease progression. Since Aβ plaques and tau tangles are key factors in the development of AD, dual-targeting of [...] Read more.
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles, which synergistically accelerate disease progression. Since Aβ plaques and tau tangles are key factors in the development of AD, dual-targeting of Aβ and tau aggregation represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Amodiaquine (AQ), a quinoline-based antimalarial, has recently attracted attention for its ability to suppress protein aggregation. However, direct effects of AQ on both Aβ and tau aggregation remain unclear. Methods: The effects of AQ on the aggregation and dissociation of Aβ and tau were examined using a thioflavin T (ThT) assays. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to examine binding characteristics and structural interactions. The effects of AQ on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by Aβ and tau aggregation in BV2 microglial cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Results: ThT assay demonstrated a dose-dependent dual effect of AQ on Aβ, where 25 μM inhibited aggregation after 36 h, while 250 μM markedly accelerated it, reaching a plateau within 12 h. All concentrations of AQ promoted the disassembly of mature Aβ fibrils within 12 h. Molecular docking revealed stronger binding of AQ to aggregated Aβ (−45.17 and −23.32 kcal/mol for pentameric 2BEG and hexameric 2NAO) than to monomeric Aβ (−4.81 and −7.29 kcal/mol for 1Z0Q and 2BEG). MD simulation suggested that AQ disrupted the cross-β-sheet interactions of Aβ aggregates. In the case of tau, ThT assay showed that all concentrations of AQ inhibited tau aggregation from 6 h, and 350 μM AQ promoted the disassembly of mature fibrils from 6 h. Molecular docking indicated stronger binding of AQ to aggregated tau (−27.95 and −12.13 kcal/mol for the pentameric and decameric 5O3L) than to monomeric tau (−3.05 kcal/mol for 8Q96). MD simulations revealed no major structural changes in the aggregates. In BV2 cells, 1 and 10 μM AQ significantly reduced Aβ and tau-induced TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expressions. In APP-H4 cells, 10 μM AQ decreased the level of Aβ compared to the control. Conclusions: AQ modulates both Aβ and tau aggregation and attenuates neuroinflammation and reduces Aβ pathology, supporting its potential as a dual-target therapeutic candidate for AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomedicine in Metabolic and Chronic Diseases)
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Review

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30 pages, 4009 KB  
Review
Ethosome-Based Transdermal Drug Delivery: Its Structural Components, Preparation Techniques, and Therapeutic Applications Across Metabolic, Chronic, and Oncological Conditions
by Rashed M. Almuqbil and Bandar Aldhubiab
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(5), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050583 - 29 Apr 2025
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4548
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) provide a non-invasive alternative to oral and parenteral routes, delivering drugs into the bloodstream while avoiding gastrointestinal degradation and first-pass metabolism. Despite benefits like enhanced bioavailability and patient compliance, the stratum corneum limits drug permeation. Ethosomes overcome the [...] Read more.
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) provide a non-invasive alternative to oral and parenteral routes, delivering drugs into the bloodstream while avoiding gastrointestinal degradation and first-pass metabolism. Despite benefits like enhanced bioavailability and patient compliance, the stratum corneum limits drug permeation. Ethosomes overcome the stratum corneum barrier with superior flexibility and permeability compared to liposomes. Ethanol disrupts the skin’s lipid bilayer, enabling deep penetration and efficient drug delivery. Ethosomes offer high entrapment efficiency and stability, delivering both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. However, challenges like stability optimization and clinical translation persist. This review examines the structural components, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications of ethosomes in metabolic and chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, arthritis, and cancers. Moreover, it highlights the potential of ethosomes to revolutionize TDDSs for managing chronic and metabolic diseases, providing a foundation for further research and clinical development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomedicine in Metabolic and Chronic Diseases)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 334 KB  
Review
Nanomaterial-Enhanced Microneedles: Emerging Therapies for Diabetes and Obesity
by Mehrnaz Abbasi, Divine Afunu Boka and Hannah DeLoit
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101344 - 21 Oct 2024
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3975
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDS) have improved therapeutic agent administration by enhancing efficacy and patient compliance while minimizing side effects. They enable targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved bioavailability. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer non-invasive medication administration and have evolved to include methods [...] Read more.
Drug delivery systems (DDS) have improved therapeutic agent administration by enhancing efficacy and patient compliance while minimizing side effects. They enable targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved bioavailability. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer non-invasive medication administration and have evolved to include methods such as chemical enhancers, iontophoresis, microneedles (MN), and nanocarriers. MN technology provides innovative solutions for chronic metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity using various MN types. For diabetes management, MNs enable continuous glucose monitoring, diabetic wound healing, and painless insulin delivery. For obesity treatment, MNs provide sustained transdermal delivery of anti-obesity drugs or nanoparticles (NPs). Hybrid systems integrating wearable sensors and smart materials enhance treatment effectiveness and patient management. Nanotechnology has advanced drug delivery by integrating nano-scaled materials like liposomes and polymeric NPs with MNs. In diabetes management, glucose-responsive NPs facilitate smart insulin delivery. At the same time, lipid nanocarriers in dissolving MNs enable extended release for obesity treatment, enhancing drug stability and absorption for improved metabolic disorder therapies. DDS for obesity and diabetes are advancing toward personalized treatments using smart MN enhanced with nanomaterials. These innovative approaches can enhance patient outcomes through precise drug administration and real-time monitoring. However, widespread implementation faces challenges in ensuring biocompatibility, improving technologies, scaling production, and obtaining regulatory approval. This review will present recent advances in developing and applying nanomaterial-enhanced MNs for diabetes and obesity management while also discussing the challenges, limitations, and future perspectives of these innovative DDS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomedicine in Metabolic and Chronic Diseases)
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