If you get sick during pregnancy, you need to be extra cautious in treatment, because many drugs may pose risks to mother and baby. To address this problem, the Swiss Empa research team, together with experts from many countries, is developing a new type of nanomedicine – nanozymes, which aims to safely and effectively treat inflammation during pregnancy and protect the health of mother and baby.
Why is inflammation during pregnancy difficult to treat?
Inflammation during pregnancy is often associated with complications such as gestational hypertension, diabetes, and premature birth. Existing drugs often have limited effects, and there are concerns about affecting fetal development, making treatment complicated. How to control inflammation while ensuring fetal safety is an urgent problem to be solved in the medical community.
What are nanozymes?
Nanozymes are extremely small synthetic particles with enzyme-like functions. They are composed of a nanostructured metal or metal oxide core, and the surface is specially modified to enhance stability and targeting. Nanozymes can be “intelligently” activated according to the internal environment, capture harmful reactive oxygen species produced by inflammation, or kill infected bacteria, and accurately regulate inflammatory responses.
How to ensure safety?
The research team used an advanced human placenta model and real placental tissue obtained after cesarean section to simulate the physiological environment in the mother and baby to ensure the safety and effectiveness of nanozymes. Empa expert Tina Bürki pointed out: “Only by using human placental tissue can reliable data on the action of nanozymes be obtained.”
In addition, the team has also developed “placenta chip” technology, a micro-device that simulates the placental barrier and embryonic environment to further observe the effects of nanozymes on early embryonic development and ensure that the treatment does not bring potential risks.
Preliminary research results are exciting
Current experimental results show that nanozymes do not damage the placental barrier and no obvious side effects are observed. Next, the research team will further evaluate its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, looking forward to a breakthrough in the treatment of inflammation during pregnancy.
Life Tips
If you have inflammatory symptoms during pregnancy, you should seek medical attention in time and avoid self-medication.
Maintaining a healthy diet and a good work and rest schedule can help enhance immunity and reduce the risk of inflammation.
Pay attention to new technologies and treatment progress during pregnancy, and choose safer medical options for yourself and your baby.
The research on nanozymes has opened up a new path for the treatment of inflammation during pregnancy, and in the future it is expected to help more pregnant women spend their pregnancy with peace of mind and protect the health of mothers and babies.
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