The aim of the study was to investigate age-related changes in electrogustometry (EGM) thresholds, in morphology and density of the fungiform papillae (fPap) and in vessels’ shape and density at the tip of the human tongue.In 156 nonsmokers (74 males, 82 females; age range: 10–80 years), divided in age groups, EGM thresholds at the chorda tympani area, at the soft palate area, and at the area of the vallate papillae were recorded bilaterally. Morphology and density of the fPap and blood vessels’ density and morphology at the tip of the tongue were examined using contact endoscopy (CE). EGM thresholds at the chorda tympani area were significantly higher in both men and women ←60 years of age than in younger individuals. At the soft-palatine area, EGM thresholds were significantly higher in men aged 20–29 years and ←60 years compared with men of other age groups. In women older than 50 years, thresholds at all 3 areas were significantly higher than in the younger age groups. No significant differences in EGM thresholds between the two sexes at all locations tested were detected. The density of fPap decreased significantly in men aged >50 years and in women aged >60 years compared with younger individuals. Vascular density decreased significantly and vascular morphology worsened at the tip of the tongue in subjects older than 60 years of age compared with younger subjects. The study showed statistically significant differences in EGM thresholds between the right and the left side of the tongue and between the two sexes. Aging is associated with a progressive increase in EGM thresholds. Density of fPap plays an important role for taste acuity in females aged >60 years and males aged ←50 years. Morphology of fPap and vessels’ density and morphology at the tip of the tongue, as tested by CE, emerge as factors influencing taste function in subjects of both sexes aged >60 years.

Cancer, a leading global cause of death responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, demands innovative therapeutic strategies. Intrinsic cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have rendered them promising nanoplatforms in oncology. We herein systematically review their applications for targeted cancer chemotherapy, with a focus on physicochemical properties, drug delivery mechanisms, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception through December 2024 for peer-reviewed preclinical studies on cancer models. Results were qualitatively synthesized. Quality was assessed with the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. Among 20 eligible studies, ZnO-NPs were frequently functionalized with ligands to enhance tumor targeting and minimize systemic toxicity. Chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, docetaxel, cisplatin, gemcitabine, and tirapazamine) were loaded into ZnO-based carriers, with improved anticancer efficacy compared to free drug formulations, particularly in multidrug-resistant cell lines and in vivo murine xenografts. The mildly acidic TME was exploited for pH-responsive drug release, premature leakage reduction, and improvement of intratumoral accumulation. Enhanced therapeutic outcomes were attributed to reactive oxygen species generation, zinc ion-mediated cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and efflux pump inhibition. Deep tumor penetration, apoptosis induction, and tumor growth suppression were also reported, with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues. ZnO-NPs might constitute a versatile and promising strategy for targeted cancer chemotherapy, offering synergistic anticancer effects and improved safety profiles. Future studies emphasizing long-term toxicity, immune responses, and scalable production could lead to clinical translation of ZnO-based nanomedicine in oncology.

This study aimed to investigate in parallel changes in gustatory function, changes in morphology of the fungiform papillae, as well as changes in the shape and density of the vessels of the tip of the tongue in patients treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or radiochemotherapy. Twenty patients (7 females and 13 males; age range: 42–78 years) with head and neck malignancies (hypopharynx, larynx, oropharynx, and parotid) treated with radiochemotherapy (n = 8), chemotherapy (n = 8), or radiotherapy (n = 4) were prospectively studied. In all patients, electrogustometry and contact endoscopy were performed. Radiotherapy-treated patients exhibited higher electrogustometry thresholds and greater alterations in the morphology and vascularization of the fungiform papillae than the other two groups. Radiochemotherapy patients had less pronounced changes of the electrogustometry threshold and fungiform papillae structure compared with radiotherapy patients. Chemotherapy alone caused less severe change in both electrogustometry threshold and fungiform papillae structure than radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Radiotherapy alone caused greater disorders of taste-related anatomic parameters and electrogustometry thresholds compared with chemotherapy and combined radiochemotherapy.