Search Results (1,932)

Glycine betaine transport systems are widely exploited by bacteria to survive osmotic stress and represent potential entry routes for antimicrobial delivery. Here, we investigate the bactericidal glycine betaine analog Tox-GB and its uptake, intracellular fate, and antimicrobial activity in Escherichia coli K-12 under osmotic stress. We show that the xenobiotic enters cells via a hierarchical uptake route involving the osmotically regulated compatible solute transporters ProU and ProP, ABC- and MFS-type transporters, respectively. ProU functions as the primary high-affinity transporter at low concentrations, whereas ProP provides a secondary uptake route at somewhat higher substrate levels. Loss of either transporter confers partial resistance, while simultaneous inactivation of both systems causes full resistance, underscoring their functional redundancy and the robustness of Tox-GB import. Intracellularly, Tox-GB undergoes oxygen-dependent degradation, yielding 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and dimethylglycine. While 4-nitrobenzaldehyde contributes to toxicity under aerobic conditions, Tox-GB remains bactericidal under anaerobic conditions, indicating additional oxygen-independent mechanisms involving either the parent compound or unidentified metabolites. These findings suggest a complex intracellular fate and multifactorial mode of action. Despite initial promise as a Trojan horse antimicrobial strategy, the use of Tox-GB for practical applications faces key limitations. Resistance readily emerges via transporter inactivation, and intrinsic resistance occurs in species lacking appropriate compatible solute uptake systems. Structural constraints in glycine betaine transporters further restrict design flexibility. Osmotic regulation limits activity to specific niches, and potential host toxicity stemming from reactive metabolites raises safety concerns. Collectively, these findings highlight the mechanistic complexity and translational challenges faced by glycine betaine–derived xenobiotics as antimicrobial agents. Full article

The seasonal distribution of microplastics, as a representative case, was examined in Mytilus galloprovincialis from a pilot farm in the Gulf of Naples (Italy). The influence of marine parameters on microplastic uptake rate was assessed. A destructive patented method was used, and two microplastic size classes (<10 µm; >10 µm) were defined. Estimated Daily Intakes were calculated for different age groups. Results showed a significant abundance of small microplastics (9683.92 ± 6911 vs. 41.85 ± 13.98). In mussels, the highest levels (19,738.13 ± 3406.04) were detected in summer, and the lowest in autumn (4145.56 ± 2364.93). Summer variations in seawater temperature, oxygen, and pH were significantly different from those in winter and spring. High exposure levels, mainly of microplastics < 10 µm, were observed in the elderly (318.08 ± 227.00), followed by adults (225.29 ± 160.78) and children (212.29 ± 151.50), with the lowest in teenagers (127.51 ± 91.00). Despite the high variability of factors influencing mussel filtration and microplastic uptake, the study provided data on the seasonal microplastic distribution pattern and a size-based screening exposure level. Results highlight the importance of geographic and seasonal conditions, and particle size in assessing microplastic exposure through farmed mussel consumption. Full article

Prolonged endurance exercise performed in hot ambient conditions is associated with an increased prevalence of performance-limiting gastrointestinal perturbations. This study aimed to examine the associations between biomarkers of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (EIGS) and exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS) under exertional heat stress (EHS). Fifty-six non-heat acclimated endurance-trained individuals completed 2 h of steady state running at 60% maximal oxygen uptake ($\stackrel{.}{V}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\max }$) with an ambient temperature of 35.1 °C and relative humidity 29.4%. Venous blood samples were collected immediately pre- and post-exercise to quantify plasma concentrations of gastrointestinal epithelial injury and systemic inflammatory biomarkers, whilst gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded at regular intervals throughout the exercise protocol. Spearman’s rank correlation identified moderately significant relationships between interleukin-6 (IL-6) with defecation-bloody stools; interleukin-10 (IL-10) with upper abdominal pain; and IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and systemic inflammatory response (SIR) profile with flatulence. Simple linear regression demonstrated that IL-6 explained a small but significant proportion of the variance defecation-bloody stool (adjusted R² = 0.094, p = 0.024); whilst variance in flatulence was independently explained by IL-10 (adjusted R² = 0.138, p = 0.025), IL-1ra (adjusted R² = 0.122, p = 0.033), and SIR-Profile (adjusted R² = 0.112, p = 0.040). These findings suggest that Ex-GIS development is multifactorial in aetiology and pathophysiology, and that symptom reporting alone likely underestimates perturbations to the gastrointestinal tract during EHS. Full article

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPLs) are increasingly recognized as dynamic vectors capable of transporting a wide range of environmental contaminants, as well as acting as physical particulates. Their small size, high surface reactivity and strong sorption capacity allow them to carry metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and endocrine-active compounds into biological systems. This narrative review examines how these particle-contaminant complexes influence oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling and endocrine function during early development. Relevant literature was identified through structured searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, with a focus on the physicochemical properties of plastics, sorption mechanisms, gut barrier physiology and developmental toxicology. Early developmental stages are particularly sensitive, as immature mucus layers, permeable epithelial junctions and underdeveloped detoxification pathways facilitate the uptake and systemic distribution of MNPLs. Once internalized, these particles and their chemical cargo promote the generation of reactive oxygen species through redox-active contaminants, surface-catalysed reactions and mitochondrial dysfunction. The resulting oxidative imbalance activates stress-responsive pathways, including Nrf2–Keap1 signaling, and promotes lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and cellular dysfunction. MNPLs also stimulate inflammatory cascades by activating pattern-recognition receptors, altering cytokine profiles and disrupting epithelial homeostasis. These responses are intensified in the presence of sorbed pollutants, leading to sustained inflammatory states that can be particularly detrimental during organogenesis and immune maturation. Endocrine function is likewise affected, as MNPLs transport hormonally active chemicals and can interfere with hormone-responsive pathways through oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms. These interactions may disrupt thyroid signaling, metabolic regulation and the development of the reproductive axis, with potential long-term physiological consequences. Integrating evidence from polymer chemistry, contaminant behavior and developmental physiology, this review shows that MNPLs act as biologically active vectors that may increase oxidative, inflammatory and endocrine disturbances during early development. These findings highlight the importance of considering particle–contaminant interactions as a critical component of early-life risk assessment. Full article

Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine mean differences, reliability, and agreement between CP and W′ derived from a 3MAT performed after an ICT and values obtained during a standalone 3MAT performed on a separate day. Methods: Ten recreationally trained cyclists and triathletes completed four laboratory visits, including an ICT followed by a 3MAT after 30 min of recovery (same-day condition) and a standalone 3MAT performed on a separate day. CP and W′ were derived from both conditions and compared using paired t-tests and Bland–Altman agreement methods. Results: No systematic differences, but limited individual-level agreement were observed between same-day and separate-day conditions for CP (mean difference: 1.72 ± 36.5 W) or W′ (mean difference: 0.99 ± 5.9 kJ), with trivial to small effect sizes. Peak VO₂ values were also not significantly different across testing conditions (p = 0.483). However, Bland–Altman analysis revealed wide limits of agreement for both CP (−69.8 to 73.3 W) and W′ (−10.7 to 12.7 kJ), indicating substantial variability at the individual level. Conclusions: Although same-day testing does not introduce systematic bias in CP or W′ estimation, the wide limits of agreement suggest that these protocols are not interchangeable for individual monitoring. Same-day testing may be appropriate for group-level assessments but should be used with caution when applied to individual athlete monitoring. Full article

To elucidate the molecular structural characteristics of weakly caking coal and the microscopic mechanism by which CO₂ inhibits coal–oxygen complexation, a weakly caking coal sample from the Dahaize coal mine in Shaanxi, China, was investigated using proximate and ultimate analyses, FTIR, XPS, and ¹³C NMR. On this basis, a representative coal macromolecular model was constructed and further analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. The molecular formula of the representative weakly caking coal from the Dahaize mine (RNM) unit was determined as C₁₇₆H₁₅₆N₂O₁₉S₂. The aromatic carbon fraction was 65.41%, and the bridge carbon/peripheral carbon ratio was 0.25, indicating a certain degree of aromatic condensation but a limited content of highly fused aromatic structures. DFT calculations revealed that the reactive sites were mainly located around edge oxygen-containing functional groups and bridging structures, with a maximum Fukui index of approximately 0.024. Adsorption simulations showed that O₂ and CO₂ adsorption on RNM followed Langmuir-type behavior over 303.15–363.15 K: adsorption capacity increased with pressure and decreased with temperature. At 8000 kPa, the CO₂ uptake was approximately 1.6 times that of O₂. In the binary O₂-CO₂ system, CO₂ preferentially occupied pore surfaces and high-energy adsorption sites, reducing the local enrichment of O₂. These results provide a molecular-level explanation for the inhibition of coal–oxygen complexation by CO₂ through competitive adsorption, site shielding, and decreased oxidation probability at active sites. Full article

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with organosilane capping agents represents an effective strategy to control their physicochemical and biological properties. In this work, we report for the first time the use of halogenosilanes, namely (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPTMS), (3-bromopropyl)trimethoxysilane (BPTMS) and (3-iodopropyl)trimethoxysilane (IPTMS), for the surface functionalization of ZnO NPs obtained by chemical precipitation. Structural and morphological characterization (PXRD, TEM, SEM-EDX and FTIR) confirmed successful surface modification and revealed a significant particle size reduction from ~31 nm for unmodified ZnO to ~8 nm for BPTMS-modified ZnO (ZnO_b). The biological evaluation showed that halogenosilane-modified ZnO NPs exhibit enhanced cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and 22Rv1), with ZnO_b displaying the highest activity, likely associated with improved cellular uptake and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In contrast, antimicrobial assays revealed only moderate bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at relatively high concentrations (≥1250 µg mL⁻¹), while no significant activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia contaminans or Candida spp, within the tested range. These findings suggest that halogenosilane functionalization modulates the biological profile of ZnO nanoparticles by enhancing anticancer effects while also influencing microbiocidal activity, highlighting the role of surface chemistry in tuning biological selectivity. The present study supports the concept that rational surface engineering of ZnO-based nanoplatforms can be exploited to favor tumor-targeted activity over broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, providing new perspectives for the design of application-oriented nanomaterials. Full article

Background/Objectives: COPD patients often complain of severe dyspnea when walking uphill, even up a mild incline. This study aimed to determine whether the dyspnea experienced during uphill walking is disproportionate to the increased mechanical work required to overcome gravity. Methods: Fourteen COPD patients (FEV₁ 49 ± 11% predicted) and nine healthy participants performed three symptom-limited exercise tests on a treadmill, each at a fixed grade: 1%, 2.5%, and 4% for COPD patients; and 1%, 3%, and 5% for healthy participants. Treadmill speed was increased stepwise (3 min/stage). Inspiratory capacity (IC) maneuvers were performed during the last minute of each stage. Borg dyspnea scores (0–10) at the different inclines were compared at a uniform level of oxygen uptake (iso-$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂). Results: Borg dyspnea scores by COPD patients at the highest iso-$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂ attained were significantly higher at 4% treadmill grade compared to 2.5% and compared to 1% grade (7 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 2, respectively; p < 0.001 for 4% vs. 1% grade, p < 0.005 for 4% vs. 2.5%). Dynamic hyperinflation worsened with grade, as reflected by decrease in inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) at the highest common iso-$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂ attained: 798 ± 336 mL at 1% grade vs. 698 ± 325 mL at 2.5% (p < 0.004) vs. 564 ± 350 mL at 4% (p < 0.002 for 4% vs. 1%; p < 0.004 for 4% vs. 2.5%). In contrast, healthy participants showed no significant grade-dependent differences in dyspnea or IRV at iso-$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂. Conclusions: Walking uphill in itself increases breathlessness of COPD subjects at iso-$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂, suggesting that the increased dyspnea cannot be explained simply by the increased work. This phenomenon may be related to dynamic hyperinflation, which is worse at steeper inclines. Full article

Background: The relationship between physical exercise and human longevity constitutes one of the most consequential intersections in contemporary preventive medicine. Although international guidelines recommend 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, growing evidence suggests that the architecture of optimal exercise is far more complex, encompassing dose, modality, timing across the lifespan, and the paradox risks imposed by extreme endurance. Methods: We included in this narrative review landmark cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and expert physiological frameworks published in high-impact cardiovascular, sports medicine, and longevity journals from 1966 to 2024. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), indexed by maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), demonstrates the strongest and most linear dose–response relationship with all-cause mortality identified in preventive medicine, with every 1 metabolic equivalent of task (MET) increment associated with a 12–15% reduction in mortality risk. The optimal dose of vigorous-intensity exercise follows a J-shaped dose–response curve: 3–5 sessions per week generating 1–2.4 h of vigorous activity is associated with the lowest all-cause mortality risk in large prospective cohorts, whereas chronic extreme endurance exercise incurs measurable atrial remodeling, patchy myocardial fibrosis, and a 5.3-fold increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation. The importance of exercise types shifts profoundly across the lifespan, transitioning from aerobic capacity effort in the third decade to resistance training in the seventh decade and neuromuscular stability in the eighth. Based on our interpretation of the available evidence, we propose a structured, personalized four-step exercise pathway integrating CRF assessment, lifespan-adapted prescription, lifestyle co-interventions, and periodic reassessment. Conclusions: Among currently available lifestyle interventions, regular exercise is consistently associated with some of the largest and most reproducible reductions in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality observed in prospective cohort data, while remaining accessible and cost-effective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multi-strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum supplementation has been reported to promote weight loss outcomes in free-living conditions, but limited evidence exists on these probiotic strains added to an energy-restricted diet and walking program in overweight adults. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm randomized trial, overweight adults (35.2 ± 13.2 years old, 167.6 ± 8.6 cm, 79.9 ± 11.8 kg, 28.4 ± 2.7 kg/m² body mass index, 36.1 ± 6.6% body fat) completed a 12-week weight loss program that included a 500 kcal/day energy deficit and walking 10 k steps/d. Participants ingested one daily capsule containing a three-strain probiotic blend (L. fermentum K7-Lb1, L. fermentum K8-Lb1, L. fermentum K11-Lb3; 6 billion CFU/day) (PRO) or maltodextrin placebo (PLA). Assessments were performed at baseline, week 6, and week 12 and included body composition, resting energy expenditure, substrate utilization, peak oxygen uptake, dietary intake, step counts, blood biomarkers, quality of life, and side effects. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate repeated-measures general linear models (GLM), with mean changes from baseline presented alongside 95% confidence intervals. Results: All participants significantly reduced body weight, fat mass, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. At 12 weeks, PRO reduced fat mass more than PL (−2680.7 ± 1276.7 g; p = 0.039). In PRO, android and gynoid fat percentage decreased at 6 weeks (p < 0.001; p = 0.008) and 12 weeks (p = 0.004; p < 0.001), respectively. Visceral adipose tissue mass, volume, and area were lower at 6 weeks and trended lower at 12 weeks. In PRO, bone mineral content and bone mineral area decreased at 12 weeks, while bone mineral density paradoxically increased (0.007 ± 0.003 g/cm²; p = 0.024). Conclusions: During a 12-week weight loss program, supplementation of a multi-strain L. fermentum probiotic significantly reduced body fat and central adiposity. Full article

Partial nitrification (PN) is a promising strategy for reducing aeration demand and improving the energy efficiency of biological nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. However, maintaining stable PN in continuous-flow activated sludge reactors remains challenging due to the recovery of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and the absence of cyclic operational phases that naturally promote microbial selectivity in sequencing batch reactors. This study proposes a model-based multi-criteria optimization framework to identify and classify feasible operating conditions for stable PN in continuous-flow activated sludge reactors. A modified Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) was used to describe the dynamics of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, and heterotrophic biomass, while equilibrium points were determined through steady-state optimization and evaluated using a multi-criteria feasibility analysis based on nitrite accumulation ($\beta$), ammonium oxidation efficiency ($\alpha$), oxygen uptake rate (OUR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), and sludge retention time (SRT). Seasonal variability was incorporated through summer and winter operating scenarios. Results indicate that stable PN can be achieved under operating conditions of pH 7.5–8.5, dissolved oxygen concentrations between 0.3 and 2.5 mg/L, HRT values of approximately 2–3 h, and SRT values between 10 and 20 d. Under these conditions, high nitrite accumulation ($\beta >0.8$) and ammonium oxidation efficiency ($\alpha >0.8$) were maintained with moderate oxygen demand, although seasonal differences revealed greater operational flexibility in summer and tighter constraints in winter. The proposed framework provides a systematic approach for identifying robust and energy-efficient operating regions in continuous-flow PN systems and establishes a foundation for future supervisory control implementation in full-scale wastewater treatment applications. The study also shows that over 40% energy savings could be achieved at optimal equilibrium points for partial nitrification compared to full nitrification. Full article

Climate change has intensified the occurrence of combined abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, and waterlogging, thereby threatening cereal productivity and global food security. Root systems play a central role in plant adaptation to these interacting stresses by regulating water uptake, ion balance, nutrient acquisition, and stress signaling. However, many previous studies have primarily focused on individual stress factors rather than integrated stress environments. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding root-mediated adaptive mechanisms in cereal crops under combined abiotic stresses, with emphasis on barley (Hordeum vulgare), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and oats (Avena sativa). The review highlights how root system architecture, including root depth, branching density, and aerenchyma formation, contributes to stress resilience under interacting environmental conditions. Physiological and molecular mechanisms involving ion transporters, aquaporins, transcription factors, and auxin-regulated root plasticity are also discussed. In barley, deeper and steeper root systems improve water acquisition under combined drought and heat stress, while wheat genotypes carrying the HKT1;5 allele exhibit enhanced sodium exclusion under drought–salinity interactions. Oats respond to waterlogging and salinity through adventitious root formation and enhanced oxygen transport. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of root-targeted approaches for improving cereal adaptation under increasingly complex multi-stress environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated sarcopenia is characterized by impaired insulin signaling, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and progressive muscle loss. Although liraglutide improves glucose control and reduces lipid burden, its ability to preserve muscle integrity under diabetic lipotoxic conditions remains limited. This study investigated whether β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) could enhance liraglutide-mediated protection against high-glucose plus free fatty acid (HG+FFA)-induced injury in skeletal muscle cells. Methods: Differentiated C2C12 myotubes were exposed to HG+FFA to establish a sublethal lipotoxic model and treated with liraglutide, HMB, or their combination. Cell viability, lipid accumulation, myotube morphology, insulin signaling, glucose uptake, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant gene expression, and atrophy-related signaling were assessed. Results: HG+FFA induced marked lipid droplet accumulation, impaired insulin signaling, reduced glucose uptake, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS production, suppressed antioxidant gene expression, and promoted an atrophic phenotype characterized by increased atrogin-1 and MuRF1 and reduced myogenic markers. Liraglutide alone reduced large lipid droplets and partially improved insulin signaling but showed limited efficacy in preserving the myotube phenotype. HMB alone exerted modest effects on lipid accumulation but preserved myotube area. Notably, combined HMB and liraglutide treatment more effectively reduced lipid burden, restored insulin signaling and glucose uptake, attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, restored antioxidant gene expression, and preserved MyHC-positive area and myotube diameter while suppressing atrogin-1/MuRF1 activation. These protective effects were largely attenuated by rapamycin, indicating at least partial dependence on mTOR-associated signaling. Conclusions: Overall, HMB and liraglutide exert complementary protective effects against diabetic lipotoxic and atrophic stress, supporting the potential utility of this combination strategy for T2D-associated sarcopenia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Athletes are characterized by distinct haemodynamic adaptations of the cardiovascular system, including descending aorta haemodynamics, that could influence the diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta. This study aims to evaluate the normal range for the maximum velocity of blood flow in the descending aorta (Vmax-AoDesc) and the predictors of Vmax-AoDesc in apparently healthy athletes without coarctation of the aorta. Methods: We examined 559 asymptomatic healthy athletes with an age of at least 12 years and a tricuspid aortic valve (420 males, age: 29 ± 14 years). We performed evaluations of athletic history, measurements of brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac and aorta ultrasonography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Forty athletes were reassessed after a median follow-up of 3.0 (IQR: 2.1) years. Results: The median Vmax-AoDesc was 1.29 (IQR: 0.28) m/s, with a maximum of 2.00 m/s. The Vmax-AoDesc could be independently predicted by age (β = −0.392, p < 0.001), ratio of systole/diastole (β = 0.095, p = 0.023), brachial systolic blood pressure (β = 0.251, p < 0.001), left ventricular stroke volume (β = 0.256, p < 0.001), ascending aorta diameter (β = −0.230, p < 0.001), aortic arch diameter (β = −0.111, p = 0.044) and descending aorta diameter (β = −0.103, p = 0.017). Age accounted for the greatest variability of Vmax-AoDesc (5.8%). Vmax-AoDesc correlated positively with h/week of endurance exercise training (rho = 0.182, p < 0.001) and oxygen uptake at second ventilatory threshold (rho = 0.299, p = 0.001). Vmax-AoDesc did not change significantly during follow-up (p = 0.438). The median change in Vmax-AoDesc was −0.05 (IQR: 0.18) m/s. However, when Vmax-AoDesc was adjusted for all the above-mentioned independent predictors of Vmax-AoDesc apart from age and systolic blood pressure, there was a reduction in adjusted Vmax-AoDesc during follow-up (p = 0.007), indicating a reduction in Vmax-AoDesc with aging. Conclusions: The upper limit of the normal range for Vmax-AoDesc was 2.00 m/s in athletes without coarctation of the aorta. Young age was the most important predictor for the measurement of high Vmax-AoDesc. There was an upregulation of Vmax-AoDesc in athletes with a greater volume of endurance exercise training. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies primarily offer symptomatic relief and are often limited by systemic side effects, inadequate lung deposition, and poor patient compliance. Naringin (NAR), a natural flavonoid with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities, has demonstrated potential in mitigating COPD-associated pathophysiology. However, its therapeutic application is restricted by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, particularly poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, provide an effective approach for lung-targeted therapy. Their nanoscale size promotes deep lung deposition, enhanced cellular uptake, reduced lung clearance, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic side effects. The present study aimed to develop NAR-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NAR PLGA NP) for enhanced cell-targeting in inflammatory lung conditions. NAR PLGA NP were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation method, with PLGA in the organic phase and soya lecithin (SL) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as surfactants in the aqueous phase. A face-centered central composite design was employed to optimize the formulation. The optimized nanoparticles were characterized for size distribution by dynamic light scattering, entrapment efficiency, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and in vitro drug release. The safety of PLGA and lecithin-coated PLGA nanoparticles (LC PLGA NP) was assessed using an MTT assay on lung epithelial cells, followed by cellular uptake studies, angiogenesis by chick Yolk Sac Membrane (YSM) assay, and in vitro evaluation of reactive oxidative stress (ROS) and anti-inflammatory activity. The optimized PLGA formulation showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 201 ± 1 nm with PDI 0.20 ± 0.03 and EE of 76.11 ± 2.1%, and 81.7 ± 4.9% drug release at 72 h, whereas LC PLGA NP showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 308 ± 3 nm, PDI of 0.21 ± 0.05, entrapment efficiency of 82.45 ± 4.8%, and 71.4 ± 3.2% drug release at 72 h. Both PLGA NP and LC PLGA NP demonstrated good cytocompatibility with lung epithelial cells, efficient cellular uptake, and a significant reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (**** p value < 0.0001). Moreover, the formulations markedly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. The angiogenesis assay further suggested their ability for lung tissue repair and remodeling. These findings support the potential of LC PLGA NP as a promising cell-specific targeting system for naringin in inflammatory lung conditions. Full article