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Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as emerging anti-inflammatory agents: mechanisms, therapeutic advances, and future directions—a systematic review and meta-analysis

delete2026-07-23
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PRE
AI
S
Shaziya Khan
S
Suraj N. Mali *
J
João Marcos Carvalho-Silva
A
Abrar Ansari
A
Andréa Cândido dos Reis *
A
Amit Pratap *
DOI:10.1007/s10787-026-02348-6delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Inflammation contributes significantly to the development of several chronic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although conventional anti-inflammatory medications remain effective, prolonged use is often linked various side effects. In recent years, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a promising nanotherapeutic agent because of their unique physicochemical and biological properties. Green-synthesized AuNPs further showed improved biocompatibility and enhanced therapeutic efficacy due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. This review highlights recent advances (2015–2026) in the anti-inflammatory activity through both a literature review and meta-analysis. Findings from in-vitro and in-vivo studies showed that AuNPs can downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by modulating signaling pathways including NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. AuNPs also reduce oxidative stress and promote anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. Meta-analysis included total 20 in-vivo studies, among which 18 studies evaluated for pro-inflammatory cytokines, while 9 studies were assessed for anti-inflammatory cytokines, collectively supporting the therapeutic potential of AuNPs in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Keywords:
Gold nanoparticles
AuNPs
Anti-inflammatory activity
Green synthesis
Meta-analysis
In-vivo

Journal

Inflammopharmacology cover
Inflammopharmacology
IF:
5.3
Papers:
744
Citations:
6.6K

Organization

S
School of Pharmacy
Scholars:
3.0K
Papers: 1.1K
Citations: 2
D
Department of Oils
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10
Papers: 3
Citations: 0
R
ribeirao preto school of dentistry
Scholars:
6
Papers: 3
Citations: 0
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