Advanced drug delivery reviews
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Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. · Feb 2010
Comparative Study Historical ArticleHPMA copolymers: origins, early developments, present, and future.
The overview covers the discovery of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers, initial studies on their synthesis, evaluation of biological properties, and explorations of their potential as carriers of biologically active compounds in general and anticancer drugs in particular. The focus is on the research in the authors' laboratory - the development of macromolecular therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and musculoskeletal diseases. In addition, the evaluation of HPMA (co)polymers as building blocks of modified and new biomaterials is presented: the utilization of semitelechelic poly(HPMA) and HPMA copolymers for the modification of biomaterial and protein surfaces and the design of hybrid block and graft HPMA copolymers that self-assemble into smart hydrogels. Finally, suggestions for the design of second-generation macromolecular therapeutics are portrayed.
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Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. · Feb 2010
Editorial Historical ArticleHPMA copolymers: 30 years of advances.
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Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. · Dec 2009
ReviewMolecular and magnetic resonance imaging: The value of immunoliposomes.
Molecular imaging has the potential to transform the field of diagnostic imaging through enabling far more detailed investigation and characterisation of disease processes than is currently possible. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of three-dimensional non-invasive imaging of opaque tissues at near cellular resolution. Among the imaging techniques available today, MRI has, perhaps, the greatest potential to exploit the possibilities that molecular imaging presents. ⋯ In this article we examine the progress made in the development of nanoparticles as targeted contrast agents for molecular magnetic resonance imaging. In particular, we will examine the potential of antibody-targeted liposomes (immunoliposomes) as vehicles for delivering MRI contrast agents to cellular biomarkers, thus enabling visualisation of structures and processes at the molecular level. We will address some of the challenges that must be faced by researchers in this field before the progress made in the laboratory can be translated into improved clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.
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The terms mitochondrial myopathy, mitochondrial cytopathy and inherited mitochondrial encephalomyopathy encompass a large grouping of syndromes produced either by genetically transmitted or acquired disruption of mitochondrial energy production or biosensor function. Many of these disorders are clinically apparent during infancy, but for some the metabolic signs of oxidative stress may not appear until the young or middle adult years. ⋯ Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction may explain and link a wide variety of clinical phenomena. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the clinical implications of inherited and acquired mitochondrial disease, the effects of anesthetics on mitochondrial function, and the extent to which mitochondrial bioenergetic state determines anesthetic requirement and potential anesthetic toxicity.