Skip to main content
Download PDF

Magnetic nanotherapeutics for dysregulated synaptic plasticity during neuroAIDS and drug abuse

Molecular Brain volume 9, Article number: 57 (2016) Cite this article

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a neurotropic virus. It induces neurotoxicity and subsequent brain pathologies in different brain cells. Addiction to recreational drugs remarkably affects the initiation of HIV infections and expedites the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) associated neuropathogenesis. Symptoms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are noticed in many AIDS patients. At least 50 % of HIV diagnosed cases show one or other kind of neuropathological signs or symptoms during different stages of disease progression. In the same line, mild to severe neurological alterations are seen in at least 80 % autopsies of AIDS patients. Neurological illnesses weaken the connections between neurons causing significant altercations in synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity alterations during HIV infection and recreational drug abuse are mediated by complex cellular phenomena involving changes in gene expression and subsequent loss of dendritic and spine morphology and physiology. New treatment strategies with ability to deliver drugs across blood-brain barrier (BBB) are being intensively investigated. In this context, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based nanoformulations have shown significant potential for target specificity, drug delivery, drug release, and bioavailability of desired amount of drugs in non-invasive brain targeting. MNPs-based potential therapies to promote neuronal plasticity during HIV infection and recreational drug abuse are being developed.

Background

HIV mediated neurotoxicity

It was believed that HIV can enter into the brain only in the final phase of infection when viral load is higher. However, many studies show higher HIV concentration even during the initial infection or shortly after seroconversion [1, 2]. In fact, presence of HIV-proteins, HIV-DNA, and HIV-particles in the brain along with the CNS intrathecal production of anti-HIV antibodies are seen during the initial infection [2, 3]. This substantiates the belief that HIV may sneak into the brain from the beginning of infection. Mononuclear phagocytes, i.e. monocytes and blood-borne macrophages, are the major carriers of HIV into the brain [4]. HIV-infected monocytes from blood stream migrate into the brain in response to specific cytokines/chemokines (e.g. monocyte chemotactic protein-1) [5]. Initial infection of HIV in the brain triggers production of factors that alter the integrity of the blood brain barrier (BBB) (e.g. matrix metalloproteinase) and influence leukocytes transmigration across this barrier [6]. These intensify the HIV infection in various brain cells. Also, differentiation of HIV-infected monocytes into macrophages elicits neuroinflammation by activating astrocytes and resting microglia [7]. Infection and/or immune activation of macrophages and microglia release neuron-damaging products such as TNF-α, IL-1β, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and quinolinic acid, [8, 9]. Additionally four viral proteins, gp120, Tat, Nef, and Vpr have been shown to induce significant neurotoxicity and associated pathology [10]. These HIV proteins can be toxic across various brains cells including neurons (Fig. 1a-b) [11]. The HIV envelope protein gp120/gp41 incites activation of chemokine receptors (CXCR4 or CCR5) on neurons and triggers elevation of intracellular Ca2+ leading to apoptosis [12]. Similarly, gp120 activates NMDA receptors in neurons and downregulates glutamate uptake by astrocytes causing excitotoxicity [13]. HIV gp120 also induces nitric oxide synthase production by astrocytes causing cell death [14]. In macrophages and microglia, gp120 induces production of proinflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, arachidonic acid, β-chemokines, etc. [15, 16]. Interestingly, gp120 also induces apoptosis in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) [17] and inhibits proliferation and migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) [18]. Activation of apoptotic p53 pathway by gp120/gp41 has been reported in neurons, astrocytes, and macrophages/microglia [19, 20]. The HIV Tat protein induces multiple effects on neurons: it promotes insertion of NMDA receptors [21], activates NO and calcium release [22], inhibits tyrosine hydroxylase [23], and decreases dopamine [24] which eventually leads to cell death by apoptosis or other cytotoxicity means. In astrocytes, Tat causes upregulation of MCP-1 [24] and diminishes glutamate uptake [25]. Similar to gp120/gp41, Tat in macrophages and microglia induces production of proinflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IP-10 [26]. HIV Tat exposure in BMVECs causes apoptosis induction [27] and in NPCs, neurogenesis is inhibited due to Tat [28]. The HIV Vpr protein induces apoptosis in different brain cells such as neurons [29, 30], astrocytes, and BMVECs [31]. In neurons, Vpr also modulates ion channels [32] and H2O2 upregulation [33]. Exposure of Vpr to NPCs causes impaired maturation of neurons and mitochondrial dysfunction [34]. The HIV Nef also induces apoptosis in neurons, astrocytes [35], and BMVECs [36]. Additionally, Nef modulates [K+] channels in neurons [37] and induces production of proinflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-1, and superoxide release in macrophages and microglia [38]. In astrocytes, Nef has been also shown to upregulate complement factor C3, MCP-1, IP-10, and MMP-9 activity. Thus, injury of brain cells by HIV and its proteins involve various cell-specific mechanisms [39].

Fig. 1
figure 1

a–d- Confocal microscopy image showing changes in dendritic and spinal morphology of uninfected/untreated (a), HIV infected (b) [64], Morphine (c) [76], and Nicotine treated (d) [62] neuroblastoma (SKNMC) cells; e-f- Types of magnetic nanoformulations: Magnetoliposomes (e) [11] and Magnetic layer-by-layer assembly (f) [72]; g- In vitro BBB model for : Astrocytes-Endothelial cells co-culture in vitro BBB model: Culture plate is bi-compartmentalized via a transwell porous membrane. The top and underside of this membrane is cultured respectively with tightly junctioned endothelial cells and astrocytes which correspondingly mimics the external (peripheral blood side) and internal (brain microenvironment side) surface of BBB. Magnetic force is applied at the bottom of transwell which influence the transmigration of magnetic nanoformulations [11] (h)- Mechanism of MNPs targeting in rodent model: Anesthetized mouse can be placed in a platform with their head positioned between the poles of magnetic coil and retained in the desired field for desired time period. i- Proposed schematic of MNPs-based drugs delivery in human brain: Under the influence of in silico-controlled, non-invasive magnetic force from exterior, drug loaded magnetic nanocarriers can be directly transported across the BBB. Drug release at target is mediated by manually uncontrollable, cellular responses such as change in temperature, pH, intracellular Ca2 + level, etc. or by externally controlled mechanism such as magneto-electric force, radio-frequency magnetic force, etc. Leftover MNPs biodegrades automatically in 2–3 weeks without negative physiological implications in brain or may be cleared immediately by applying reverse magnetic force

Full size image

Role of drugs of abuse in HIV induced neurotoxicity

Similar to HIV neurotoxicity, recreational drugs alter brain hemostasis and subsequently damage the CNS. Neurotoxicity produced by recreational drugs is analogous to HIV infections and many of them have been shown to promote HIV infections and associated neuropathogenesis (Fig. 1c-d). In fact, it has been shown that HIV proteins and drugs of abuse can exert additive neurotoxic effects. All kinds of recreational drugs including cannabinoids, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, etc. have been shown to positively regulate HIV-associated neuropathogenesis [40–45]. Cocaine promotes HIV infectivity in multiple ways with its prime effect on CCR5 upregulation [46]. In synergy with HIV Tat and gp120, cocaine exacerbates neuronal apoptosis via ROS production and subsequent activation of the caspase-3 and NFkB pathway [47, 48]. Also, cocaine disrupts BBB permeability which causes influx of HIV infected mononuclear phagocytes into brain [49]. Methamphetamine is another major comorbid factor in HIV-induced neuropathogenesis. It has been shown that methamphetamine and HIV exert an adverse-additive effect on neuronal and glial markers and exacerbate the neurocognitive impairments in methamphetamine-abusing HIV patients. Methamphetamine disrupts dopamine levels resulting in oxidative damage of neurons and has damaging effects on mitochondria of astrocytes [50]. The immunomodulatory effects of opioids have been shown on several hematopoietic cell populations. Opioids induce the expression of μ and other chemokine receptors in monocytic cells resulting in increased HIV susceptibility and stimulation of HIV expression [51]. Also, opiates enhance the production of proinflammatory factors like MCP-1, RANTES, IL-6 and ROS in brain cells [52]. These exacerbate the preexisting inflammation of neurons due to HIV infections. Additionally, changes in the level of endogenous opioids causes disruption of dopaminergic functions which affect the neuro-immunological ability of nervous system to respond against HIV [53]. Cannabinoids uptake significantly suppresses the functional activities of immune cells via activation of cannabinoids receptors, primarily CB2. Various studies suggest a link between cannabinoid-mediated immune suppression and greater susceptibility of HIV infection. As such, it has been proposed that CB2-specific agonists may be useful agents against neuroinflammation [54]. Similarly, alcohol exposure alters the BBB, which lead to increased HIV entry and ROS level in the brain via influx of macrophages [55]. Thus, recreational drugs combined with the virus infection results a unique level of immune incompetence.

Synaptic plasticity dysregulation and magnetic nanoparticle based therapeutic approach during neuroAIDS

Synaptic plasticity. Changes during neuroAIDS and drug abuse

Neuronal synaptic plasticity in this context refers to any injury-stimulated changes in neuronal processes such as spine formation, dendritic spines, and synaptic network reorganization. It has been suggested that HAND symptoms in HIV patients are primarily caused by synaptodendritic injury [56, 57]. As such, subjects with HAND exhibit decreased synaptic and dendritic density, resulting from apoptosis and atrophy of grey and white matters [58]. Dendritic spines are postsynaptic specializations which play a critical role in neuronal plasticity. A recent study by Atluri et al. [59] showed significant loss of spines, spine density, dendrite diameter, total dendrite, and spine area in neuroblastoma cells infected with HIV-1 clade B and clade C infected. Inter-clade variations in the density and morphology of spines and dendrites were also noted [59]. Cells infected with HIV1-clade B resulted in a 2–2.5 fold decrease in dendrite diameter, total dendritic area, and spine density. Similarly, a nearly fivefold decrease in the spine length and spine area was found in clade B infected cells compared to uninfected cells. The HIV clade C was found to be less injurious to spine and dendritic phenotypes than Clade B; nonetheless injury was marked when Clade C was compared to uninfected cell culture. This inter-clade variation can be attributed to differences in the potency of neurotoxic peptides of clade B and clade C. As an example, Samikkannu et al. [60] reported that Tat peptide of HIV-1 clade B and C exert different effects on morphology and spine density, with clade C Tat being less potent.

One of the major phenotypic consequences of synaptic plasticity dysregulation is loss of memory. Immediate events recalled via short term memories are consolidated into long term memory for later recall by the brain. Memory consolidation is equally dependent on the changes in physical appearance of neuronal synapses and associated gene expression changes. Immediate-early genes (IEGs), long-term potentiation (LTP) genes, and long-term depression (LTD) genes are three major groups of genes playing central role in synaptic plasticity regulations [59]. It is believed that IEGs mediate LTP to enhance synaptic strength and consolidate memories. Gene expression changes associated with LTD regulate changes in the neuronal synapse that recycle receptors and either enhance or inhibit synaptic connections [61]. Changes in these genes either enhance or depress the synaptic strength causing synapse remodeling. Atluri et al. [62] reported that HIV clade B infection of neuroblastoma cells result in downregulation of 28 major synaptic plasticity genes (ADCY1, ADCY8, BDNF, CAMK2A, CDH2, CNR1, CREM, EGR4, GABRA5, GRIA1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, GRM1, GRM3, GRM4, GRM7, NCAM1, NFKB1, NOS1, NTF3, NTRK2, PPP1R14A, PRKCG, PRKG1, RELN, RHEB, TIMP1, and TNF), while 8 genes were upregulated (RAB3A, PPP2CA, PIM1, NFKBIB, IGF1, GRM5, GRIN1, and GRIA4). Treatment of neuroblastoma cells by HIV Tat resulted in similar results; nonetheless upregulated or downregulated gene sets in this case were different in comparison to HIV infection [60]. This may be due to differences in neurotoxic potency of HIV particles and individual HIV neurotoxic peptides. Similarly, HIV infection to astrocytes resulted in upregulation of 5 genes (EGR2, EGR4, HOMER1, INHBA, and SYNPO) and downregulation of 28 genes (ADAM10, AKT1, ARC, CAMK2A, CDH2, CEBPB, CEBPD, CNR1, CREB1, DLG4, EGR1, FOS, GABRA5, GRIA1, NMDAR1, GRIN28, GRM1, GRM8, JUN1, JUNB, MAPK1, NFKBIB, NGFR, NPTX2, PICK1, PLCG1, PPP1CA, PRKCA, RELA, SIRT1, and SRF) [59]. Cell based variation in the expression of synaptic plasticity genes during HIV infection may reflect infectivity intensity where one cell type establishes latent HIV infection while other is suitable for active infection. Furthermore, as discussed above, addiction of recreational drugs is the major complicating factor for neuroAIDS. Approximately, it is estimated that 13.1 % of the total number of people who inject drugs are living with HIV [63]. Various studies suggest that recreational drugs potentiate the effects of HIV infection in reducing the neuronal plasticity. For example, treatment of nicotine during HIV infection in neuronal cells resulted in downregulation of 47 genes following a combined treatment of nicotine and HIV (compared to 23 genes following HIV alone). Also, spine density was reduced during co-treatment of nicotine with HIV infection [62]. Similarly, Sagar et al. [64] showed significant reduction in spine density following exposure to morphine in the presence or absence of HIV infection. Methamphetamine co-treatment of neuronal cells during HIV infection resulted in additive downregulation of at least 19 genes and lower spine density [65]. A negative effect of methylenedioxypyrovalerone, the main component of bath salt, a synthetic recreational drug, has also been reported where several genes including JUN, JUNB, FOS, RAB3A, PPP1CA, etc. are significantly dysregulated following its acute and chronic treatment. Significant reduction in the spine length, numbers, density, and dendrite diameters of SKNMC cells were also seen after methylenedioxypyrovalerone treatment [66]. The effect of other recreational drugs such as cocaine, alcohol, etc. on synaptic plasticity genes at cellular level has been little studied, nonetheless, brain tissue atrophy and a reduction in neurocognitive performance has been reported in some studies [58].

Magnetic nanoparticle based therapeutic approaches

MNPs have been extensively investigated for target-specific drug delivery. Nonetheless, MNPs applications for brain drug delivery have been little explored. MNPs possess distinct advantage over other counterparts (Table 1) such as liposomes, micelles and polymeric nanoparticles in that its inherent superparamagnetism allows control over magnetization and therefore the movement and speed of MNPs can be regulated by an external magnetic field. Thus, magnetic nanoparticle based therapeutical formulations can be distributed to specific body locations by applying non-invasive magnetic force (Fig. 1g-i). Importantly, techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging can be used for quantifying localized MNPs-associated drugs which may help in determining site-specific optimal or suboptimal dosing. Another important facet of MNPs which makes it suitable for brain targeting is the flexibility in size. Super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of ≤10 nm can be synthesized which can cross the BBB without affecting its integrity [67]. In the same line, the basement membrane protein mesh at the BBB has been shown to allow diffusion of targeted immunoglobulins via transcellular transport. Moreover, MNPs can be hybridized with liposomes to get “magnetoliposomes” (Fig. 1e). The magnetoliposomes protect encapsulated drugs loaded on MNPs from biological degradation, reduce the clearance and entrapment of nanocarriers by the reticuloendothelial system, and increase drug bioavailability. Magnetoliposomes can also be utilized for the monocytes/macrophage-based nanodrug delivery at inflammatory sites including the brain [68]. Recently, we have shown the successful delivery of magneto electric nano carrier (MENC) across the BBB into the mouse brain model without significant toxicity [69].

Table 1 A comparison of various nanoparticle systems: all of these systems are in preclinical stages for targeted delivery of anti-retroviral and/or anti-addiction drugs to the drug-impenetrable physiological barrier and more rigorous research-homework (particularly in vivo) has to be elucidated to sort out various associated shortcomings
Full size table

A variety of biomolecules such as proteins, enzymes, and synthetic drugs can be immobilized on the exterior of coated or uncoated MNPs and can be guided magnetically to targeted sites [70]. However, the application of MNPs for treatment of drug abuse and neuroAIDS is limited. In recent years, our laboratory has intensively studied the transendothelial delivery of MNPs-bound anti-retroviral (ARV) and anti-addiction drugs. ARV drugs such as 3′-azido-3′ -deoxythymidine-5′ -triphosphate (AZTTP) and anti-morphine drugs such as CTOP could be directly (with no additional coatings) immobilized on the MNPs surface. It was found that the efficiency of AZTTP-magnetic nanoformulations, as determined by suppression of HIV replication, remains comparable to the free drug. The AZTTP-magnetic nanoformulations were also hybridized with liposomes which could sustainably release the drugs for 14 days with intact potency in inhibiting HIV replication [68]. Importantly, under the influence of an external magnetic field, both AZTTP-magnetic and AZTTP-magnetoliposome nanoformulations could have significantly higher (nearly 3 fold) transmigration across in vitro BBB, compared to free AZTTP, without affecting the integrity of the BBB. A similar result was obtained with AZTTP immobilized on magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENPs), when p24 inhibition efficiency of free drugs was compared to a.c. triggered released drugs from MENPs [71]. The sustained release nanoformulations developed by Jayant et al. [72] was effective in loading 2.8 times more Tenofovir and it increased the drug release period by 30-fold. This layer-by-layer nanoformulation of dextran sulphate bilayer on MNP, sandwiching anti-HIV drugs in between, showed better blood–brain barrier transmigration ability (37.95 % ± 1.5 %) and in vitro antiviral efficacy (~33 % reduction of p24 level) over a period of 5 days after HIV infection in primary human astrocytes. Fiandra et al. [73] showed that PMA coated ultra-small MNPs (10 nm) improve the permeation of Enfuvirtide across both in-vitro BBB and mouse models. Wen et al. [74] explored the transendothelial migration potential of a magnetoliposome nanoformulation with or without Tat coating. A dose and time dependent increase in the accumulation of Tat-coated magnetoliposome was seen in the endothelial cells. It was found that Tat-conjugated magnetoliposome may be an effective brain drug delivery system [74]. Raymond et al. [75] explored MNP based targeting to block the release of Nef containing exosomes from microglia in in vitro system. This approach showed a positive impact in protecting in vitro BBB integrity and permeability from Nef-exosome toxicity and we speculate that this technique may be beneficial in preventing or reducing HIV-associated neuropathogenesis [75]. All of these anti-retroviral nanoformulations show great promise in reducing or eliminating HIV load from the brain. As such magnetic nanoformulations of other ARV drugs can be developed. Nonetheless, ARV alone can only prevent the expansion of HIV mediated damage and may not be sufficient to revive or promote already damaged neuronal plasticity during HIV infection. Additionally, synaptic plasticity dysregulation by illicit drugs is accelerated during HIV infection and vice-versa (see above). Thus, an ideal therapeutic approach for treatment of synaptic plasticity dysregulation during neuroAIDS should also be able to revive and promote neuronal plasticity even when illicit drugs are present [58]. In this context, a magnetic nanoformulation of morphine antagonist (CTOP) has been developed by our group. Confocal microscopy study revealed that the efficacy of CTOP-magnetic nanoformulations was comparable to free CTOP in protecting modulation of neuronal dendrite and spine morphology during morphine exposure and morphine-treated HIV infection [64]. Similarly, Pilakka-Kanthikeel et al. [76] investigated a magnetic nanoformulation of a major neuron-resuscitating agent, BDNF. The BDNF-magnetic nanoformulation was able to revive the morphine induced degradation of spine density. Since HIV infection also reduces BDNF expression, BDNF-magnetic nanoformulations could be a common therapeutical agent for both neuroAIDS and drug addiction mediated neuronal plasticity dysregulation. In fact experimental evidence support BDNF as a therapy for HAND. Similarly magnetic nanoformulations of other agents, which could be beneficial for synaptic plasticity during neuroAIDS and drug addiction, could be developed. For example, studies have shown a neuroprotective role of platelet-derived growth factor via the induction of the synaptic plasticity gene Arc. Methanandamide, a synthetic stable analog of the endocannabinoid anandamide, has been demonstrated to improve motor function and downregulates the production of inflammatory mediators in microglial cells [77]. Similarly, a role for HDAC2 and miR-485 in regulation of synaptic plasticity genes in HIV infection has been shown [78]. Additionally, HIV latency breaking agents such as vorinostat and bryostatin could be beneficial [62]. Thus, magnetic nanoformulations of these agents, either singly or in combination, could be used to promote synaptic plasticity during neuroAIDS and drug addiction. The cell viability of the magnetic nanoformulations mentioned above has been >95 %, making them potentially promising therapeutic agents. However, much research is required before the practical application of this approach in a clinical setting.

MNPs bioavailability and drug release at target

A major advantage of MNPs mediated drug delivery lies in the quick delivery and early availability of associated drugs at the targeted site(s) in comparison with contemporary nanocarriers. This is achieved by an externally applied magnetic force which accelerates MNPs-drug delivery to the target site. The movement of all MNPs based nanocarriers such as magnetoliposomes or magnetized monocytes/macrophages can be manipulated in the same way as for naked MNPs. For drug delivery into brain and exposure of magnetic fields, anaesthetized animals are generally injected intravenously, and subsequently placed on a platform with their head positioned between the poles of magnetic coil and retained in the field for the desired time (Fig. 1h-i). Several rodent models have been developed in recent years to study neuroAIDS transmission and pathogenesis [79]. Kong et al. [80] have shown that accumulation of 124 nm MNPs in mouse brain reaches its peak between 15 min and 2 h with an external magnetic field intensity of ~1000 Oe. Notably, MNPs level in brain slowly diminished over time and vanished in 2–3 weeks without negative physiological effects [80]. Unlike controlled and targeted delivery of MNPs, release of drugs from MNPs cannot be controlled manually. Fe3O4/Fe2O3 or its derivatives are the most commonly used MNPs in biomedicine. These MNPs have an inverse spinel cubic crystal lattice where face-centered cubic lattice are occupied by O2− anions and tetrahedral and octahedral sites are occupied by Fe2+ or Fe3+ anions. Octahedral Fe moieties are primarily involved at environmental interfaces and in an aqueous medium the OH group of water molecules cause protonation (Fe-OH + H+ = Fe-OH2 +) and deportation (Fe-OH = Fe-O− + H+), resulting in positive or negative charged surface depending on the pH of the solution [81, 82]. Drug molecules containing opposite charge moieties can be immobilized on the MNPs surface via ionic interaction in a pH- dependent manner (Fig. 2a). Similarly, OH2 +, O− or other moieties on MNPs/drug molecules are generated due to H2O reactivity. This tunability in the surface charge allows binding of a wide range of biomolecules to MNPs either via ionic interactions or via surface coating or tethering agents [83, 84]. It is believed that manually uncontrollable, cellular factors such as pathology-specific changes in temperature, pH and intracellular Ca2 + level mediate drug release by modulating the original ionic interactions of MNPs and drug molecules. Recently we have discovered a novel magneto–electric nanoparticle for targeted drug delivery and on-demand drug release where under the influence of an external AC trigger, the symmetry of ionic bonding (charge distribution) between drug molecules and nanoparticles can be broken, and thus drug release from particles can be controlled as and when required [11, 85–87]. Similarly, silica-coated magnetic nano-capsules allow on-demand drug release via a remote radio-frequency magnetic field [80]. MNPs can also be coated with a near-infrared- photosensitive hydrogel layer which will allow automated navigation and targeted delivery via an external, non-invasive magnetic field and near infrared photo-targeting for sensing and controlled release of drugs [88]. Furthermore, Jayant et al. reported a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly (Fig. 1f) of dextran sulphate on MNPs for development of sustained release formulation of anti-retroviral drugs [72]. Nonetheless, development of externally controlled drug release mechanisms from MNPs remains a major concern. It is believed that the application of an external magnetic field generates torque in the encapsulated MNPs of magnetoliposomes, magnetic nano-capsules and layer-by-layer assemblies. This effect significantly disturbs and distorts the external geometry of nanocarrier causing increased carrier permeability (Fig. 2b-c).

Fig. 2
figure 2

a - Schematic illustration showing process of drug loading on MNPs. Interaction between negative charge on MNPs surface and positive charge on different moieties of drug molecules influence drug binding on MNPs [62]. b-c-Geometry of magnetic-polymer layer-by-layer (b) and magnetoliposomes (c) assembly under magnetic field: Application of external magnetic field generate torque and magnetic pulse in the encapsulated MNPs such that external layer of carrier is disturbed and distorted. This results in increased carrier permeability [84, 85]

Full size image

Conclusions

Although, highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has resulted in a remarkable decline in morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients, viruses still remain in the brain sanctuary causing neurotoxicity and subsequent HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Also, HIV infections potentiate the effects of drugs of abuse in compromising neuronal plasticity (and vice-versa). Delivery of therapeutic agents including anti-HIV and anti-addiction drugs to the brain remains a challenge due to impenetrability of the tightly-junctioned BBB. In this context, nanotechnology promises exciting prospects for the development of a novel drug delivery system to transport the desired therapeutic levels of drugs across the BBB. Among existing nano-based drug delivery methods for brain targeting, only MNPs combine the advantages of target specificity, drug delivery, drug release and bioavailability of the desired drug concentration. Several modifications in the MNPs-based drug carrier have been investigated. While MNPs alone can be sufficient to deliver drugs at target site, magneto-electric particles can allow control over drug release as and when required. Similarly, layer-by-layer sustained release nanoformulations on MNPs can be beneficial in reducing the therapeutics program from a daily-basis to longer intervals. Successful implementation of these therapeutic approaches in clinical settings may provide a step forward towards achieving near-normal life expectancy for HIV and drug addiction patients.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

As this study did not involve any animal or human participants, human data or human tissue, ethical committee approval is not required.

Abbreviations

AIDS:

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

ARV:

anti-retroviral

AZTTP:

3′-Azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine-5′-Triphosphate

BBB:

blood brain barrier

BDNF:

brain derived neurotropic factors

BMVECs:

brain microvascular endothelial cells

CNS:

central nervous system

CTOP:

D-Pen-Cys-Tyr-DTrp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2

DNA:

deoxyribonucleic acid

HAART:

highly active antiretroviral therapy

HAND:

HIV associated neurocognitive disorders

HDAC:

histone deacetylase

HIV:

human immunodeficiency virus

IEGs:

immediate-early genes

LBL:

layer-by-layer

LTP:

long-term potentiation

LTD:

long-term depression

mir:

micro RNA

MNPs:

magnetic nanoparticle

NPCs:

neural progenitor cells

NO:

nitric oxide

Oe:

oersted

PMA:

poly (methyl acrylate)

ROS:

reactive oxygen species

References

  1. Gonzalez RG, Cheng LL, Westmoreland SV, Sakaie KE, Becerra LR, Lee PL, et al. Early brain injury in the SIV-macaque model of AIDS. AIDS. 2000;14(18):2841–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Gray F, Lescs MC, Keohane C, Paraire F, Marc B, Durigon M, et al. Early brain changes in HIV infection: neuropathological study of 11 HIV seropositive, non-AIDS cases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 1992;51(2):177–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Chiodi F, Sönnerborg A, Albert J, Gaines H, Norkrans G, Hagberg L, et al. Human immunodeficiency virus infection of the brain. J Neurol Sci. 1988;85(3):245–57. doi:10.1016/0022-510x(88)90184-0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Peluso R, Haase A, Stowring L, Edwards M, Ventura P. A Trojan Horse mechanism for the spread of visna virus in monocytes. Virology. 1985;147(1):231–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Eugenin EA, Osiecki K, Lopez L, Goldstein H, Calderon TM, Berman JW. CCL2/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mediates enhanced transmigration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected leukocytes across the blood–brain barrier: a potential mechanism of HIV-CNS invasion and NeuroAIDS. J Neurosci. 2006;26(4):1098–106. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3863-05.2006.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Webster NL, Crowe SM. Matrix metalloproteinases, their production by monocytes and macrophages and their potential role in HIV-related diseases. J Leukoc Biol. 2006;80(5):1052–66. doi:10.1189/jlb.0306152.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Williams DW, Eugenin EA, Calderon TM, Berman JW. Monocyte maturation, HIV susceptibility, and transmigration across the blood brain barrier are critical in HIV neuropathogenesis. J Leukoc Biol. 2012;91(3):401–15. doi:10.1189/jlb.0811394.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Conant K, Garzino-Demo A, Nath A, McArthur JC, Halliday W, Power C, et al. Induction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in HIV-1 Tat-stimulated astrocytes and elevation in AIDS dementia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998;95(6):3117–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Nath A, Geiger J. Neurobiological aspects of human immunodeficiency virus infection: neurotoxic mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol. 1998;54(1):19–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Nath A. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteins in neuropathogenesis of HIV dementia. J Infect Dis. 2002;186 Suppl 2:S193–8. doi:10.1086/344528.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Sagar V, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Pottathil R, Saxena SK, Nair M. Towards nanomedicines for neuroAIDS. Rev Med Virol. 2014;24(2):103–24. doi:10.1002/rmv.1778.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Catani MV, Corasaniti MT, Navarra M, Nistico G, Finazzi-Agro A, Melino G. gp120 induces cell death in human neuroblastoma cells through the CXCR4 and CCR5 chemokine receptors. J Neurochem. 2000;74(6):2373–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Kaul M, Lipton SA. The NMDA Receptor-Its Role in Neuronal Apoptosis and HIV-Associated Dementia. NeuroAIDS. 2000;3(6). http://aidscience.org/neuroaids/zones/articles/2000/11/NMDA/.

  14. Walsh KA, Megyesi JF, Wilson JX, Crukley J, Laubach VE, Hammond RR. Antioxidant protection from HIV-1 gp120-induced neuroglial toxicity. J Neuroinflammation. 2004;1(1):8. doi:10.1186/1742-2094-1-8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Wesselingh SL, Takahashi K, Glass JD, McArthur JC, Griffin JW, Griffin DE. Cellular localization of tumor necrosis factor mRNA in neurological tissue from HIV-infected patients by combined reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. J Neuroimmunol. 1997;74(1–2):1–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Persidsky Y, Buttini M, Limoges J, Bock P, Gendelman HE. An analysis of HIV-1-associated inflammatory products in brain tissue of humans and SCID mice with HIV-1 encephalitis. J Neurovirol. 1997;3(6):401–16.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Ullrich CK, Groopman JE, Ganju RK. HIV-1 gp120- and gp160-induced apoptosis in cultured endothelial cells is mediated by caspases. Blood. 2000;96(4):1438–42.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Tran PB, Ren D, Miller RJ. The HIV-1 coat protein gp120 regulates cxcr4-mediated signaling in neural progenitor cells. J Neuroimmunol. 2005;160(1–2):68–76. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.11.001.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Khan MZ, Shimizu S, Patel JP, Nelson A, Le M-T, Mullen-Przeworski A, et al. Regulation of neuronal P53 activity by CXCR4. Mol Cell Neurosci. 2005;30(1):58–66. doi:10.1016/j.mcn.2005.05.007.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Garden GA, Guo W, Jayadev S, Tun C, Balcaitis S, Choi J, et al. HIV associated neurodegeneration requires p53 in neurons and microglia. FASEB J. 2004;18(10):1141–3. doi:10.1096/fj.04-1676fje.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Shin AH, Kim HJ, Thayer SA. Subtype selective NMDA receptor antagonists induce recovery of synapses lost following exposure to HIV-1 Tat. Br J Pharmacol. 2012;166(3):1002–17. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01805.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Pingle SC, Jajoo S, Mukherjea D, Sniderhan LF, Jhaveri KA, Marcuzzi A, et al. Activation of the Adenosine A1 Receptor Inhibits HIV-1 Tat-Induced Apoptosis by Reducing Nuclear Factor-κB Activation and Inducible Nitric-Oxide Synthase. Mol Pharmacol. 2007;72(4):856–67. doi:10.1124/mol.106.031427.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Zauli G, Secchiero P, Rodella L, Gibellini D, Mirandola P, Mazzoni M, et al. HIV-1 Tat-mediated inhibition of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in dopaminergic neuronal cells. J Biol Chem. 2000;275(6):4159–65.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Zhu J, Mactutus CF, Wallace DR, Booze RM. HIV-1 Tat protein-induced rapid and reversible decrease in [3H]dopamine uptake: dissociation of [3H]dopamine uptake and [3H]2beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane (WIN 35,428) binding in rat striatal synaptosomes. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009;329(3):1071–83. doi:10.1124/jpet.108.150144.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Zhou BY, Liu Y, Kim B, Xiao Y, He JJ. Astrocyte activation and dysfunction and neuron death by HIV-1 Tat expression in astrocytes. Mol Cell Neurosci. 2004;27(3):296–305. doi:10.1016/j.mcn.2004.07.003.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Bokhari SM, Yao H, Bethel-Brown C, Fuwang P, Williams R, Dhillon NK, et al. Morphine enhances Tat-induced activation in murine microglia. J Neurovirol. 2009;15(3):219–28. doi:10.1080/13550280902913628.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Price TO, Uras F, Banks WA, Ercal N. A novel antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide prevents gp120- and Tat-induced oxidative stress in brain endothelial cells. Exp Neurol. 2006;201(1):193–202. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2006.03.030.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Mishra M, Taneja M, Malik S, Khalique H, Seth P. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat modulates proliferation and differentiation of human neural precursor cells: implication in NeuroAIDS. J Neurovirol. 2010;16(5):355–67. doi:10.3109/13550284.2010.513028.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Guha D, Nagilla P, Redinger C, Srinivasan A, Schatten GP, Ayyavoo V. Neuronal apoptosis by HIV-1 Vpr: contribution of proinflammatory molecular networks from infected target cells. J Neuroinflammation. 2012;9:138. doi:10.1186/1742-2094-9-138.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Jones GJ, Barsby NL, Cohen EA, Holden J, Harris K, Dickie P, et al. HIV-1 Vpr causes neuronal apoptosis and in vivo neurodegeneration. J Neurosci. 2007;27(14):3703–11. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5522-06.2007.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Borgne-Sanchez A, Dupont S, Langonne A, Baux L, Lecoeur H, Chauvier D, et al. Targeted Vpr-derived peptides reach mitochondria to induce apoptosis of alphaVbeta3-expressing endothelial cells. Cell Death Differ. 2007;14(3):422–35. doi:10.1038/sj.cdd.4402018.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Piller SC, Ewart GD, Jans DA, Gage PW, Cox GB. The amino-terminal region of Vpr from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 forms ion channels and kills neurons. J Virol. 1999;73(5):4230–8.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Deshmane SL, Mukerjee R, Fan S, Del Valle L, Michiels C, Sweet T, et al. Activation of the oxidative stress pathway by HIV-1 Vpr leads to induction of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha expression. J Biol Chem. 2009;284(17):11364–73. doi:10.1074/jbc.M809266200.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Kitayama H, Miura Y, Ando Y, Hoshino S, Ishizaka Y, Koyanagi Y. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vpr Inhibits Axonal Outgrowth through Induction of Mitochondrial Dysfunction. J Virol. 2008;82(5):2528–42. doi:10.1128/jvi.02094-07.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Shi B, De Girolami U, He J, Wang S, Lorenzo A, Busciglio J, et al. Apoptosis induced by HIV-1 infection of the central nervous system. J Clin Invest. 1996;98(9):1979–90. doi:10.1172/JCI119002.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Acheampong EA, Parveen Z, Muthoga LW, Kalayeh M, Mukhtar M, Pomerantz RJ. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef Potently Induces Apoptosis in Primary Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells via the Activation of Caspases. J Virol. 2005;79(7):4257–69. doi:10.1128/jvi.79.7.4257-4269.2005.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. Kort JJ, Jalonen TO. The nef protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) inhibits a large-conductance potassium channel in human glial cells. Neurosci Lett. 1998;251(1):1–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Olivetta E, Percario Z, Fiorucci G, Mattia G, Schiavoni I, Dennis C, et al. HIV-1 Nef induces the release of inflammatory factors from human monocyte/macrophages: involvement of Nef endocytotic signals and NF-kappa B activation. J Immunol. 2003;170(4):1716–27.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Meggendorfer M, Rothenaigner I, Tigges B, Vincendeau M, Brack-Werner R. Neurotoxicity of HIV-1 proteins. The Neurology of AIDS. New York: Oxford University Press; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Agudelo M, Figueroa G, Yndart A, Casteleiro G, Munoz K, Samikkannu T, et al. Alcohol and Cannabinoids Differentially Affect HIV Infection and Function of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells (MDDC). Front Microbiol. 2015;6:1452. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2015.01452.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Cisneros IE, Ghorpade A. HIV-1, methamphetamine and astrocyte glutamate regulation: combined excitotoxic implications for neuro-AIDS. Curr HIV Res. 2012;10(5):392–406. doi:10.2174/157016212802138832.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  42. Rippeth JD, Heaton RK, Carey CL, Marcotte TD, Moore DJ, Gonzalez R, et al. Methamphetamine dependence increases risk of neuropsychological impairment in HIV infected persons. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2004;10(1):1–14. doi:10.1017/S1355617704101021.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Samikkannu T, Rao KV, Salam AA, Atluri VS, Kaftanovskaya EM, Agudelo M, et al. HIV Subtypes B and C gp120 and Methamphetamine Interaction: Dopaminergic System Implicates Differential Neuronal Toxicity. Sci Rep. 2015;5:11130. doi:10.1038/srep11130.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Aksenov MY, Aksenova MV, Nath A, Ray PD, Mactutus CF, Booze RM. Cocaine-mediated enhancement of Tat toxicity in rat hippocampal cell cultures: the role of oxidative stress and D1 dopamine receptor. Neurotoxicology. 2006;27(2):217–28. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2005.10.003.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Hauser KF, El-Hage N, Buch S, Nath A, Tyor WR, Bruce-Keller AJ, et al. Impact of opiate-HIV-1 interactions on neurotoxic signaling. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2006;1(1):98–105. doi:10.1007/s11481-005-9000-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Nair MP, Chadha KC, Hewitt RG, Mahajan S, Sweet A, Schwartz SA. Cocaine differentially modulates chemokine production by mononuclear cells from normal donors and human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 2000;7(1):96–100.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Bagetta G, Piccirilli S, Del Duca C, Morrone LA, Rombolà L, Nappi G, et al. Inducible nitric oxide synthase is involved in the mechanisms of cocaine enhanced neuronal apoptosis induced by HIV-1 gp120 in theneocortex of rat. Neurosci Lett. 2004;356(3):183–6. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2003.11.065.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Yao H, Allen JE, Zhu X, Callen S, Buch S. Cocaine and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 mediate neurotoxicity through overlapping signaling pathways. J Neurovirol. 2009;15(2):164–75. doi:10.1080/13550280902755375.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Buch S, Yao H, Roy S. HIV and cocaine. The Neurology of AIDS. New York: Oxford University Press; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Riddle EL, Fleckenstein AE, Hanson GR. Mechanisms of methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity. AAPS J. 2006;8(2):E413–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Rogers TJ, Steele AD, Howard OM, Oppenheim JJ. Bidirectional heterologous desensitization of opioid and chemokine receptors. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2000;917:19–28.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. El-Hage N, Gurwell JA, Singh IN, Knapp PE, Nath A, Hauser KF. Synergistic increases in intracellular Ca2+, and the release of MCP-1, RANTES, and IL-6 by astrocytes treated with opiates and HIV-1 Tat. Glia. 2005;50(2):91–106. doi:10.1002/glia.20148.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Reddy PV, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Saxena SK, Saiyed Z, Nair MP. Interactive Effects of Morphine on HIV Infection: Role in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. AIDS Res Treat. 2012;2012:953678. doi:10.1155/2012/953678.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Cabran GA, Raborn ES. HIV-1 and Cannabinoids. The Neurology of AIDS. New York: Oxford University Press; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Persidsky Y, Heilman D, Haorah J, Zelivyanskaya M, Persidsky R, Weber GA, et al. Rho-mediated regulation of tight junctions during monocyte migration across the blood–brain barrier in HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE). Blood. 2006;107(12):4770–80. doi:10.1182/blood-2005-11-4721.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  56. Ellis R, Langford D, Masliah E. HIV and antiretroviral therapy in the brain: neuronal injury and repair. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2007;8(1):33–44. doi:10.1038/nrn2040.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Iskander S, Walsh KA, Hammond RR. Human CNS cultures exposed to HIV-1 gp120 reproduce dendritic injuries of HIV-1-associated dementia. J Neuroinflammation. 2004;1(1):7. doi:10.1186/1742-2094-1-7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  58. Avdoshina V, Bachis A, Mocchetti I. Synaptic dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus type-1-positive subjects: inflammation or impaired neuronal plasticity? J Intern Med. 2013;273(5):454–65. doi:10.1111/joim.12050.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  59. Atluri VS, Kanthikeel SP, Reddy PV, Yndart A, Nair MP. Human synaptic plasticity gene expression profile and dendritic spine density changes in HIV-infected human CNS cells: role in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e61399. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0061399.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  60. Samikkannu T, Atluri VSR, Arias AY, Rao KVK, Mulet CT, Jayant RD, et al. HIV-1 Subtypes B and C Tat Differentially Impact Synaptic Plasticity Expression and Implicates HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders(). Curr HIV Res. 2014;12(6):397–405.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Napolitano M, Marfia GA, Vacca A, Centonze D, Bellavia D, Di Marcotullio L, et al. Modulation of gene expression following long-term synaptic depression in the striatum. Mol Brain Res. 1999;72(1):89–96. doi:10.1016/S0169-328X(99)00213-2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Atluri VS, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Samikkannu T, Sagar V, Kurapati KR, Saxena SK, et al. Vorinostat positively regulates synaptic plasticity genes expression and spine density in HIV infected neurons: role of nicotine in progression of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Mol Brain. 2014;7:37. doi:10.1186/1756-6606-7-37.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  63. UNODC. World drug report 2014. Vienna: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; 2014. Available from: http://www.unodc.org/wdr2014/. Accessed on 5 May 2016.

  64. Sagar V, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Atluri VSR, Ding H, Arias AY, Jayant RD, et al. Therapeutical Neurotargeting via Magnetic Nanocarrier: Implications to Opiate-Induced Neuropathogenesis and NeuroAIDS. J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2015;11(10):1722–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Atluri VS, Hernandez O, Hidalgo M, Kurapati KRV, Thangavel S, Kanthikeel SP, et al. Methamphetamine treatment and HIV-1 infection dysregulate Synaptic plasticity in SKNMC neuronal cells. J NeuroImmune Pharmacol. 2015;10(2):S59.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Yndart A, Agudelo M, Raymond A, Atluri VSR, Munoz-Caamano K, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, et al. Bath salts alter synaptic plasticity gene expression in neurons. J NeuroImmune Pharmacol. 2014;9(1):62.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Ding H, Sagar V, Agudelo M, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Atluri VSR, Raymond A, et al. Enhanced blood–brain barrier transmigration using a novel Transferrin-embedded fluorescent magnetoliposome nanoformulation. Nanotechnology. 2014;25(5):055101. doi:10.1088/0957-4484/25/5/055101.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  68. Saiyed ZM, Gandhi NH, Nair MP. Magnetic nanoformulation of azidothymidine 5′-triphosphate for targeted delivery across the blood–brain barrier. Int J Nanomedicine. 2010;5:157–66.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  69. Kaushik A, Jayant RD, Nikkhah-Moshaie R, Bhardwaj V, Roy U, Huang Z, et al. Magnetically guided central nervous system delivery and toxicity evaluation of magneto-electric nanocarriers. Sci Rep. 2016;6:25309.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  70. Escribano E, Fernandez-Pacheco R, Valdivia JG, Ibarra MR, Marquina C, Queralt J. Effect of magnet implant on iron biodistribution of Fe@C nanoparticles in the mouse. Arch Pharm Res. 2012;35(1):93–100. doi:10.1007/s12272-012-0109-8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Nair M, Guduru R, Liang P, Hong J, Sagar V, Khizroev S. Externally controlled on-demand release of anti-HIV drug using magneto-electric nanoparticles as carriers. Nat Commun. 2013;4:1707.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Jayant RD, Atluri VSR, Agudelo M, Sagar V, Kaushik A, Nair M. Sustained-release nanoART formulation for the treatment of neuroAIDS. Int J Nanomedicine. 2015;10:1077–93. doi:10.2147/ijn.s76517.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  73. Fiandra L, Colombo M, Mazzucchelli S, Truffi M, Santini B, Allevi R, et al. Nanoformulation of antiretroviral drugs enhances their penetration across the blood brain barrier in mice. Nanomedicine. 2015;11(6):1387–97. doi:10.1016/j.nano.2015.03.009.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Wen X, Wang K, Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Sun T, Zhang F, et al. Brain-targeted delivery of trans-activating transcriptor-conjugated magnetic PLGA/lipid nanoparticles. PLoS One. 2014;9(9):e106652. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106652.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  75. Raymond AD, Diaz P, Chevelon S, Agudelo M, Yndart-Arias A, Ding H, et al. Microglia-derived HIV Nef + exosome impairment of the blood–brain barrier is treatable by nanomedicine-based delivery of Nef peptides. Journal of neurovirology. 2015:1–11. doi:10.1007/s13365-015-0397-0

  76. Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Atluri VSR, Sagar V, Saxena SK, Nair M. Targeted Brain Derived Neurotropic Factors (BDNF) Delivery across the Blood–brain Barrier for Neuro-Protection Using Magnetic Nano Carriers: An In-Vitro Study. PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e62241.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  77. Ortega-Gutiérrez S, Molina-Holgado E, Arévalo-Martín Á, Correa F, Viso A, López-Rodríguez ML, et al. Activation of the endocannabinoid system as therapeutic approach in a murine model of multiple sclerosis. FASEB J. 2005;19(10):1338–40. doi:10.1096/fj.04-2464fje.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Venkata A, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Kurapati KR, Sagar V, Thangavel S, Ding H, et al. Role of HDAC2 and miR-485 in regulation of synaptic plasticity genes in HIV infection: Implication in HAND. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2014;9(1):6.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Vigorito M, Connaghan KP, Chang SL. The HIV-1 transgenic rat model of neuroHIV. Brain Behav Immun. 2015;48:336–49. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2015.02.020.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Kong SD, Lee J, Ramachandran S, Eliceiri BP, Shubayev VI, Lal R, et al. Magnetic targeting of nanoparticles across the intact blood–brain barrier. J Control Release. 2015;164(1):49–57. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.09.021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Tombacz E, Majzik A, Horvat ZS, Illes E. Magnetite in aqueous medium: Coating its surface and surface coated with it. Rom Rep Phys. 2006;58(3):281–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Ghose SK, Petitto SC, Tanwar KS, Lo CS, Eng PJ, Chaka AM et al. Chapter 1 Surface Structure and Reactivity of Iron Oxide-Water Interfaces. Developments in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier; 2007. p. 1–29.

  83. Yoo HS, Lee EA, Park TG. Doxorubicin-conjugated biodegradable polymeric micelles having acid-cleavable linkages. J Control Release. 2002;82(1):17–27. doi:10.1016/S0168-3659(02)00088-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Wiogo HTR, Lim M, Bulmus V, Gutierrez L, Woodward RC, Amal R. Insight into Serum Protein Interactions with Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biological Media. Langmuir. 2012;28(9):4346–56. doi:10.1021/la204740t.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Sagar V, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Ding H, Atluri VSR, Jayant RD, Kaushik A, et al. Novel magneto-electric nanodelivery of “microRNA mimic” across blood–brain barrier: Implications to cocaine modulation on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. J NeuroImmune Pharmacol. 2014;9(1):49.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Kaushik A, Jayant RD, Sagar V, Nair M. The potential of magneto-electric nanocarriers for drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2014;11(10):1635–46. doi:10.1517/17425247.2014.933803.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  87. Sagar VHZ, Kaushik A, Roy U, Jayant RD, Atluri VSR, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, El-Haage N, Nair M. Effect of Magneto-electric nanoparticle on deep brain motor coordination activity. J NeuroImmune Pharmacol. 2015;10(S2):S99–S100. doi:10.1007/s11481-015-9596-y.

    Google Scholar 

  88. Fusco S, Sakar MS, Kennedy S, Peters C, Bottani R, Starsich F, et al. An integrated microrobotic platform for on-demand, targeted therapeutic interventions. Adv Mater. 2013;26(6):952–7. doi:10.1002/adma.201304098.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by grants, R01DA034547, R01DA040537, and R21MH101025 from the National institute on Health. The funding agency did not play a role in the design of the study, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and in writing the manuscript.

Author information

Author notes

    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Immunology, Center for Personalized Nanomedicine/Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

      Vidya Sagar, Venkata Subba Rao Atluri, Sudheesh Pilakka-Kanthikeel & Madhavan Nair

    Authors
    1. Vidya Sagar
      View author publications

      You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

    2. Venkata Subba Rao Atluri
      View author publications

      You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

    3. Sudheesh Pilakka-Kanthikeel
      View author publications

      You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

    4. Madhavan Nair
      View author publications

      You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

    Corresponding author

    Correspondence to Madhavan Nair.

    Additional information

    Competing interests

    The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

    Authors’ contributions

    VS and VSRA equally contributed in writing. SP-K provided inputs in writings and MN supervised the manuscript preparation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

    Rights and permissions

    Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

    Reprints and Permissions

    About this article

    Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

    Cite this article

    Sagar, V., Atluri, V.S.R., Pilakka-Kanthikeel, S. et al. Magnetic nanotherapeutics for dysregulated synaptic plasticity during neuroAIDS and drug abuse. Mol Brain 9, 57 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13041-016-0236-0

    Download citation

    • Received:

    • Accepted:

    • Published:

    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13041-016-0236-0

    Keywords

    • HIV/AIDS
    • Morphine
    • Nicotine
    • Methamphetamine
    • Bath salt
    • Cocaine
    • HDAC2
    • BDNF
    • Neuropathogenesis
    • Blood-brain barrier
    • Synaptic plasticity
    • Magnetic nanoparticles

    Molecular Brain

    ISSN: 1756-6606