Theranostic: An Innovative Approach to Targeted Nanotherapy and Imaging

Arthritis represents a chronic inflammatory condition that significantly impacts elderly populations, which challenges existing treatment paradigms. Conventional therapeutic approaches face substantial limitations in drug delivery and sustained joint tissue intervention. Nanotechnology offers an innovative solution to these longstanding medical conditions through advanced theranostic strategies. Chitosan nanoparticles and quantum dots (QDs) have been explored independently for potential therapeutic applications. Chitosan nanoparticles have demonstrated pH-sensitive characteristics in various biomedical contexts, which enable precisely controlled drug release mechanisms within inflammatory environments. QDs have been investigated for their imaging capabilities in biological systems, providing potential for real-time diagnostic monitoring. In addition, curcumin is useful because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, and potential to reduce cartilage tissue degradation. Its molecular mechanisms include suppressing nuclear factor-κB activation and modulating inflammatory signaling pathways critical in arthritis progression. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a critical role in arthritis pathogenesis and drive extracellular matrix degradation and joint tissue destruction. These proteolytic enzymes are upregulated during inflammatory processes, contributing to cartilage breakdown and joint structural changes. Their increased activity represents a key molecular mechanism underlying the progressive nature of arthritis conditions. Moreover, protease activity, extracellular matrix degradation, and inflammatory microenvironments represent key challenges in arthritis management. This review paper highlights the transformative potential of nanoscale technologies in developing advanced theranostic methodologies for chronic inflammatory diseases.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nanoparticles ، drug delivery systems ، theranostic ، osteoarthritis