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A Surface-Engineered Cerium Oxide Nanozyme Functionalized with L-Theanine for Redox and Inflammatory Modulation in
Chih-Chuan Yang1,2,3, Mao-Hsien Wang4, Kuo-Chi Chang5,6
1Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104, Taiwan.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
A novel nanozyme platform combining cerium oxide nanoparticles and L-theanine effectively reduced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in neuropathic pain models. This new therapeutic candidate shows promise for treating neuropathic pain by targeting underlying pathological processes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuropathic pain involves complex oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis.
- Current treatments offer only symptomatic relief, failing to address core pathological mechanisms.
- A new therapeutic strategy is needed to target these underlying processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a surface-engineered nanozyme platform for neuropathic pain.
- To combine the redox properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles with the neuroprotective effects of L-theanine.
- To assess the efficacy of this platform in cellular and animal models of neuropathic pain.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly(acrylic acid)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles functionalized with L-theanine (CPT).
- Characterization of CPT's physicochemical properties.
- In vitro testing on H2O2-challenged Schwann cells to assess reactive oxygen species, cell viability, and gene expression.
- In vivo testing on a rat chronic constriction injury model to evaluate behavioral changes and molecular markers of pain.
Main Results:
- CPT demonstrated effective reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and improved cell viability in Schwann cells.
- CPT suppressed inflammation- and apoptosis-related gene expression more effectively than controls.
- In rats, CPT administration improved mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity.
- CPT treatment reduced spinal oxidative stress, inflammation, and caspase-3 activity in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Surface-functionalized nanoceria (CPT) effectively attenuates oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine production, and apoptosis-related responses.
- CPT shows potential as a nanozyme-based therapeutic candidate for modulating redox and inflammatory pathways in neuropathic pain.
- This study provides preliminary evidence for CPT's efficacy in preclinical models of neuropathic pain.
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