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Topic Review
Bioactive Phytochemicals
Bioactive phytochemicals, including natural compounds, secondary metabolites and their derivatives, have attracted significant attention for use in both medicinal products and cosmetic products. Our review highlights the pharmacological mode-of-action and current biomedical applications of key bioactive compounds applied as anti-inflammatory, bactericidal with antibiotics effects, and pain relief purposes in controlled clinical studies or preclinical studies.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of different metabolic disorders, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension, that lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [1]. In Western countries, the increased prevalence of CVDs and atherosclerosis, which actually accounted for approximately 50% of all CVD-related deaths, is further sustained by a sedentary lifestyle and high-calorie food intake [3]. It has been estimated that, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults (>18 of age) were overweight and 650 million were obese. A diet rich in fat and sugar and a lack of exercise leads to the accumulation of visceral fat, the development of liver steatosis, and the onset of MS risk factors. Since the prevalence of all these metabolic dysfunctions increased worldwide in the last years, it is essential to find new strategies for preventing or treating obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance [3], e.g. nutritional intervention and functional foods.
  • 1.1K
  • 16 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Nuclear factor-κB in Psoriasis
Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays a central role in psoriasis and canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway blunts the immune-mediated inflammatory cascade in psoriasis. Adenosine A2A receptor activation blocks NF-κB and boosts the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a biologic agonist of the A2A receptor and its effects were studied in an experimental model of psoriasis. Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by a daily application of imiquimod (IMQ) on the shaved back skin of mice for 7 days. Animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: Sham psoriasis challenged with Vaseline; IMQ animals challenged with imiquimod; and IMQ animals treated with PDRN (8 mg/kg/ip). An additional arm of IMQ animals was treated with PDRN plus istradefylline (KW6002; 25 mg/kg/ip) as an A2A antagonist. PDRN restored a normal skin architecture, whereas istradefylline abrogated PDRN positive effects, thus pointing out the mechanistic role of the A2A receptor. PDRN decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, prompted Wnt signaling, reduced IL-2 and increased IL-10. PDRN also reverted the LPS repressed Wnt-1/β-catenin in human keratinocytes and these effects were abolished by ZM241385, an A2A receptor antagonist. Finally, PDRN reduced CD3+ cells in superficial psoriatic dermis. PDRN anti-psoriasis potential may be linked to a “dual mode” of action: NF-κB inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin stimulation.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Mango Peel Pectin: Recovery, Functionality and Sustainable Uses
Mango peel is the byproduct of agro-processing and has been used for high value-added components such as polysaccharide biopolymers. Pectin derived from the peel is yet to be exploited to its greatest extent, particularly in terms of its separation and physiochemical properties, which limit its applicability to dietary fiber in culinary applications. The functionality of the mango peel pectin (MPP) strongly depends on the molecular size and degree of esterification which highlight the importance of isolation and characterisation of pectin from this novel resource.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Endolysins
Endolysins are phage-encoded enzymes utilized by mature phage virions to hydrolyze the cell wall from within. There is significant evidence that proves the ability of endolysins to degrade the peptidoglycan externally without the assistance of phage. Thus, their incorporation in therapeutic strategies has opened new options for therapeutic application against bacterial infections in the human and veterinary sectors, as well as within the agricultural and biotechnology sectors. While endolysins show promising results within the laboratory, it is important to document their resistance, safety, and immunogenicity for in-vivo application.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Lindera Obtusiloba
Lindera, a core genus containing more than 100 species, is a member of the Litseeae tribe under the Lauraceae family. Plants of the Lindera genus are widely distributed all over the world, particularly in the tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of Asia and midwestern America. Plants from the Lindera genus are considered a rich source of essential oils and are often used in the production of aromatic cosmetic products such as soap and lubricants for their elegant fragrance. Most importantly, throughout history, many Lindera plants have been used in traditional medicine for their healing and curing capabilities for several health-related implications, such as pain, cold, urinary tract disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, gastric ulcer, abdominal pain, cholera, and beriberi.
  • 1.1K
  • 11 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Natural-Drugs-Based Low-Molecular-Weight Supramolecular Gels
The utilization of paclitaxel, camptothecin, rhein, curcumin, and other natural small molecular drugs with unique rigid backbone structures and modifiable multiple sites as building blocks to form gels by self-assembly has attracted widespread attention. The obtained low-molecular-weight supramolecular gel not only retains the general characteristics of the gel but also overcomes the shortcomings of natural drugs, such as poor water solubility and low bioavailability.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Anti-inflammatory potential of Sesquiterpene Lactones
Inflammation is a crucial and complex process that reestablishes the physiological state after a noxious stimulus. In pathological conditions the inflammatory state may persist, leading to chronic inflammation and causing tissue damage. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are composed of a large and diverse group of highly bioactive plant secondary metabolites, characterized by a 15-carbon backbone structure. In recent years, the interest in SLs has risen due to their vast array of biological activities beneficial for human health. The anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds results from their ability to target and inhibit various key pro-inflammatory molecules enrolled in diverse inflammatory pathways, and prevent or reduce the inflammatory damage on tissues. Research on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SLs has thrived over the last years, and numerous compounds from diverse plants have been studied, using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Besides their anti-inflammatory potential, their cytotoxicity, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics have been investigated.
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Jul 2021
Topic Review
MGluRI and ErbB Receptors
It is well-appreciated that phosphorylation is an essential post-translational mechanism of regulation for several proteins, including group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRI), mGluR1 and mGluR5 subtypes. While contributions of various serine/threonine protein kinases on mGluRI modulation have been recognized, the functional role of tyrosine kinases (TKs) is less acknowledged. Here, we describe current evidence on the modulatory roles of the ErbB tyrosine kinases receptors - activated by the neurotrophic factors neuregulins (NRGs) - on mGluRI function. Available evidence suggests that mGluRI activity is tightly dependent on ErbB signaling, and that ErbB's modulation profoundly influences mGluRI-dependent effects on neurotransmission, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory processes. 
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Irinotecan
Irinotecan has been used in the treatment of various malignancies for many years. Still, the knowledge regarding this drug is expanding. The pharmacogenetics of the drug is the crucial component of response to irinotecan. Furthermore, new formulations of the drug are introduced for it enhanced delivery. Novel formulations of drugs (e.g., liposomal formulations, dendrimers, and nanoparticles) have a huge potential to avoid potentially life-threatening side effects of the iriniotecan. 
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Jul 2020
Topic Review
CYP2D6 and Tamoxifen Metabolism
Tamoxifen is an important adjuvant endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer patients. It is metabolized into its most active antiestrogenic metabolite endoxifen, predominantly by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). Many factors, including genetic variation in CYP2D6, influence tamoxifen metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Squalene and Cardiovascular Health
Squalene (SQ), an unsaturated hydrocarbon naturally synthesized in plants and animals, could become the alternative treatment or supplementary agent for cardiovascular health.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Fluoride Toxicity
The practice of community water fluoridation used prophylactically against dental caries increased concern of adverse fluoride effects. Millions of people living in endemic fluorosis areas suffer from various pathological disturbances. Authors assessed the publications on fluoride toxicity until June 2020. Authors present evidence that fluoride is an enzymatic poison, inducing oxidative stress, hormonal disruptions, and neurotoxicity. Fluoride in synergy with aluminum acts as a false signal in G protein cascades of hormonal and neuronal regulations in much lower concentrations than fluoride acting alone. Our review shows the impact of fluoride on human health. We suggest focusing the research on fluoride toxicity to the underlying integrative networks. Ignorance of the pluripotent toxic effects of fluoride might contribute to unexpected epidemics in the future.
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Overcoming Multidrug Resistance of Antibiotics via Nanodelivery Systems
Antibiotic resistance has become a threat to microbial therapies nowadays. The conventional approaches possess several limitations to combat microbial infections. Therefore, to overcome such complications, novel drug delivery systems have gained pharmaceutical scientists’ interest. Significant findings have validated the effectiveness of novel drug delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and lipid-based nanoparticles against severe microbial infections and combating antimicrobial resistance. 
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Polysaccharide-Based Materials
Polysaccharide-based materials created by physical processes have received considerable attention for biomedical applications. 
  • 1.1K
  • 20 May 2021
Topic Review
Algae and Fungi: use in Pre-Hispanic Mexico
The use of microorganisms in Mexico began before the Spanish conquest. Grains and fruit were fermented for thousands of years around the world, and Mexico was no exception. Many beverages are still prepared nowadays using an assortment of different microorganisms. These beverages use several yeasts, including Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces species. Although not conclusive, it has been suggested (and strong evidence points towards it) that pre-Hispanic cultures not only fermented beverages, but also distilled them.
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a usual digestive tract malignancy and the third main cause of cancer death around the world, with a high occurrence rate and mortality rate. Conventional therapies for CRC have certain side effects and restrictions. However, the exciting thing is that with the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles have gradually become more valuable drug delivery systems than traditional therapies because of their capacity to control drug release and target CRC. This also promotes the application of nano-drug targeted delivery systems in the therapy of CRC.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 May 2022
Topic Review
Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disorder that causes degeneration of the cells in the brain and it is the main cause of dementia, which is characterized by a decline in thinking and independence in personal daily activities. AD is considered a multifactorial disease: two main hypotheses were proposed as a cause for AD, cholinergic and amyloid hypotheses. Additionally, several risk factors such as increasing age, genetic factors, head injuries, vascular diseases, infections, and environmental factors play a role in the disease.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Algae-Derived Compounds against PM-induced Diseases
Air pollution has recently become a subject of increasing concern in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly 4.2 million early deaths are due to exposure to fine particles in polluted air, which causes multiple respiratory diseases. As a natural product, algae can be an alternative treatment due to potential biofunctional properties and advantages.
  • 1.1K
  • 07 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Scleroderma
Vitamin D status has been linked to immune system and autoimmune disorders; in fact, low levels of vitamin D are common in many autoimmune disorders. The aims of our study were to assess the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and the possible correlation with clinical parameters in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We recruited 40 patients (38 female and two male) with scleroderma and 40 healthy controls matched for age and gender. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded and the 25-hydroxivitamin D3 serum levels were measured. Serum 25-hydroxivitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in patients with systemic sclerosis than in the control group. The prevalence of 25-hydroxivitamin D3 insufficiency was 50% in the patients and 22.5% in the control group. A statistically significant association was observed between the insufficiency of 25-hydroxivitamin D3 and skin involvement (p = 0.02) and echocardiography systolic pulmonary artery pressure >35 mmHg (p = 0.02). Our data show that the systemic sclerosis group has significantly lower serum 25-hydroxivitamin D3 concentrations compared to the control group; skin involvement and pulmonary hypertension are associated with vitamin D3 insufficiency.
  • 1.1K
  • 01 Nov 2020
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