Advances That Nanomedicine Is Contributing To The Field Of Health Sciences

Currently, the advances that nanomedicine is contributing to the health sciences are focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, especially, of pathologies that have a great impact on the population.

This branch of medicine  uses the knowledge of nanotechnology, specifically directing treatments to diseased tissue, without damaging healthy tissues.

Nanotechnology is dedicated to the control and manipulation of matter at a scale of less than 1 micron,  which is why it creates materials and systems with unique properties, capable of performing any function.

Nanomedicine areas

Nanomedicine comprises three areas:

1. Nanodiagnosis

Nanodiagnosis is based on the use of nanodevices and contrast systems. In this way, a more sensitive, rapid and precise detection of a disease in the initial stages is achieved. Nanodiagnostic devices can be used in vitro or in vivo.

2. Nanotherapy or controlled drug release

This part of nanomedicine is based on the use of nanostructures that allow the accumulation and controlled release of an active substance exclusively in diseased cells.

The nanostructures must be:

• Biocompatible.
• Carry adequate drug doses.
• Be stable until reaching the target tissue.

3. Regenerative nanomedicine

Repair or replace damaged tissues and organs using nanotechnology. As a consequence, it is possible to stimulate the repair mechanisms of the human body.

Currently, theranostic systems are being developed, which combine elements in the same nanoparticle for the detection and localized treatment of a disease.

On the other hand, these systems will allow the visualization and evaluation of the kinetics and efficacy of the treatment.

Nanomedicine Advances in Oncology

In the field of oncology, the use of nanomedicine has focused on two problems common to any type of cancer: the diagnosis and the side effects of chemotherapy.

The early diagnosis of cancer very significantly increases the chances of a cure. One of the main uses of nanomedicine in this field is the possibility of detecting tumor cells   in the early stages  of the disease.

In this sense, studies carried out in animal models have revealed that magnetic nanoparticles related to tumor markers allow the correct detection of cancer.

This can occur even when the levels of these markers are well below the levels detectable with currently used methods.

Nanomedicine to avoid chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is a very aggressive treatment. It is based on the destruction of cancer cells and is associated with multiple side effects since it also destroys healthy cells.

In cancer treatment, nanotechnology makes it possible to ‘encapsulate’ drugs used in chemotherapy. In this way, its effectiveness improves and its toxicity in the patient’s body is reduced.

Recently, a group of European researchers has created nanospheres capable of penetrating only cancer cells. In this way, the negative consequences of chemotherapy such as nausea, physical weakness or hair loss could be avoided.

Nanomedicine in cardiovascular diseases

With regard to cardiovascular disease, many utilities have also been described. One of the most important results is the possibility of identifying lesions in the arteries in very early stages.

In addition, studies are being carried out in which certain nanoparticles are capable of delivering drugs to the affected areas in a specific way.

Neurodegenerative diseases

Diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or even arthritis can be treated more effectively. The  nanoparticles target specific areas of the brain or tissues.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a progressive death of neurons. In this regard, the  possibility of generating neurons using stem cells existing in the brain or through growth factors has been described .

However, if growth factors are injected into the bloodstream, they can be taken up by tissue other than the brain. This problem could also be solved thanks to nanomedicine.

Conclution

Nanomedicine will allow the best and earliest diagnosis of diseases in the near future. In addition, localized and personalized treatments will be developed. Likewise, it will be possible to have a precise follow-up of the evolution of the diagnosed disease.