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Topic Review
Glycation-Associated Diabetic Nephropathy and Long Noncoding RNAs
The glycation of various biomolecules is the root cause of many pathological conditions associated with diabetic nephropathy and end-stage kidney disease. Glycation imbalances metabolism and increases renal cell injury. Numerous therapeutic measures have narrowed down the adverse effects of endogenous glycation, but efficient and potent measures are miles away. Recent advances in the identification and characterization of noncoding RNAs, especially the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), have opened a mammon of new biology to explore the mitigations for glycation-associated diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, tissue-specific distribution and condition-specific expression make lncRNA a promising key for second-generation therapeutic interventions.
  • 999
  • 03 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Coating Polymers for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Many types of nanocarriers have been developed for treating brain disorders. Polymer-based therapeutic agents have been explored for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases due to various fascinating advantages of polymers such as great biocompatibility, nontoxicity, controllable degradation rate, tunable architectures, the possibility of multiple interactions between amyloidogenic protein/peptide and polymer, and excellent in vivo stability. Some of the most commonly used coating polymers for neurodegenerative disorders are discussed.
  • 997
  • 19 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Caspase-1 Inhibition
The inflammatory protease caspase-1 is associated with the release of cytokines. An excessive number of cytokines (a “cytokine storm”) is a dangerous consequence of COVID-19 infection and has been indicated as being among the causes of death by COVID-19. The anti-inflammatory drug colchicine (which is reported in the literature to be a caspase-1 inhibitor) and the corticosteroid drugs, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, are among the most effective active compounds for COVID-19 treatment.
  • 996
  • 18 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Whole Genome Amplification and the appropriate DNA polymerases
In the same way that specialized DNA polymerases (DNAPs) replicate cellular and viral genomes, only a handful of dedicated proteins from various natural origins as well as engineered versions are appropriate for competent exponential amplification of whole genomes and metagenomes (WGA). Different applications have led to the development of diverse protocols, based on various DNAPs. Isothermal whole genomes and metagenomes (WGA) is currently widely used due to the high performance of Φ29 DNA polymerase, but polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods are also available and can provide competent amplification of certain samples. Replication fidelity and processivity must be considered when selecting a suitable enzyme for WGA. However, other properties, such as thermostability, capacity to couple replication, and double helix unwinding, or the ability to maintain DNA replication opposite to damaged bases, are also very relevant for some applications.
  • 996
  • 29 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Lysosomal Storage Disorders Linked to Impaired Autophagy
Lysosomes are the main organelles responsible for the degradation of macromolecules in eukaryotic cells. Beyond their fundamental role in degradation, lysosomes are involved in different physiological processes such as autophagy, nutrient sensing, and intracellular signaling. In some circumstances, lysosomal abnormalities underlie several human pathologies with different etiologies known as Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). These disorders can result from deficiencies in primary lysosomal enzymes, dysfunction of lysosomal enzyme activators, alterations in modifiers that impact lysosomal function, or changes in membrane-associated proteins, among other factors. 
  • 991
  • 10 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Potential Medical Applications of Chitooligosaccharides
Chitooligosaccharides (COSs), also known as chitosan oligomers or chitooligomers, are made up of chitosan with a degree of polymerization (DP) that is less than 20 and an average molecular weight (MW) that is lower than 3.9 kDa. COS can be produced through enzymatic conversions using chitinases, physical and chemical applications, or a combination of these strategies. COS is of significant interest for pharmacological and medical applications due to its increased water solubility and non-toxicity, with a wide range of bioactivities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. 
  • 990
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Therapeutic Perspectives of Metal Nanoformulations
Acceptance of nanoparticles (NPs) in therapeutic applications has increased because of their outstanding physicochemical features. By overcoming the drawbacks of conventional therapy, the utilization of metal NPs, metal-oxide, or metal supported nanomaterials have shown to have significant therapeutic applications in medicine. This is proved by a lot of clinical and laboratory investigations that show improved treatment outcomes, site-specific drug delivery, and fewer side effects compared to traditional medicine. The metal NPs interaction with living cells (animal and plant) showed many ways to develop therapeutic models with the NPs.
  • 990
  • 06 May 2023
Topic Review
Human Stem Cell Transplantation for Retinal Degenerative Diseases
Irreversible visual impairment is mainly caused by retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell research has experienced rapid progress in recent years, and researchers and clinical ophthalmologists are trying to implement this promising technology to treat retinal degeneration. There is currently no surgical or pharmacological solution to regenerate an injured or degenerative retina, and the only approach ophthalmologists can take is to slow the progress of the loss of vision. In the last decade, many efforts have been made to take advantage of the promising properties of the stem cell technology and apply them to retinal degenerative diseases.
  • 989
  • 08 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Biomaterials-Based Regenerative Therapies for Intervertebral Disc
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common cause of low back pain and most spinal disorders. Recent advances in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering suggest the potential of biomaterial-based IVD regeneration therapies. These treatments may be indicated for patients with IVDs in the intermediate degenerative stage, a point where the number of viable cells decreases, and the structural integrity of the disc begins to collapse.
  • 987
  • 28 Mar 2022
Topic Review
DPP4: A Multifunctional Enzyme Drug-Target for Diabetes II
The text describes the Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4 or CD26) emphasizing its multi-substrate and multi-functional role. As it is an established drug target for the treatment of Diabetes type II, it refers to the approved inhibitors of the enzyme, their mechanism and mode of inhibitory action and the mechanism underneath their side effects, when it is known. It also discusses the probable usefulness of uncompetitive, non-competitive or mixed inhibitors in addition to the approved competitive or covalent bond forming inhibitors because of the multi-substrate character of the enzyme.
  • 987
  • 14 Jan 2025
Topic Review
Wnt Signaling Inhibitors
The inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway has been recognized as a promising target in the continous search for antitumor therapies. The altered functioning of the Wnt signaling in human tumors points to the therapeutic strategy of the inhibition of its activity. Drugging the Wnt signaling pathway continues to be one of the promising approaches for future tumor treatment, both alone and in combination therapy that would impact the clinical outcomes and survival of patients.
  • 986
  • 27 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Breast Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (BCAFs) are the CAFs present in breast cancers with genetic and phenotypic characteristics similar to CAFs. CAFs originate from a diverse range of cells, including endothelial cells, adipocytes, pericytes, and MSCs. Although CAFs were derived from endothelial cells and pericytes, the derivation was not tested in breast cancer models similar to other cancers. BCAFs have also been derived from adipocytes that lead to a desmoplastic microenvironment. BCAFs can originate from MSCs, which contribute to angiogenesis through up-regulation of clusterin leading to tumorigenesis. BCAFs possess the fibrillar collagen receptor, DDR2, which rearranges collagen fibers to develop an invasive and metastatic TME. Additionally, integrin α11 in BCAFs interacts with platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) and promotes invasiveness by activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and producing a matricellular protein, tenascin C.
  • 985
  • 14 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Low-Cost, Open-Source Devices for Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases pose an increasing socio-economic burden worldwide given their high prevalence and their elevated morbidity and mortality. Medical devices play an important role in managing acute and chronic respiratory failure, including diagnosis, monitoring, and providing artificial ventilation. 
  • 984
  • 28 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Kynurenines in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial, initiated by a series of the causative complex which develops into a certain clinical picture. The pathogenesis and disease course vary from patient to patient. Thus, it should be likewise to the treatment. Peripheral biomarkers are to play a central role for tailoring a personalized therapeutic plan for patients who suffered from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Nevertheless, the use of biomarkers in clinical practice is still underappreciated and data presented in biomarker research for clinical use is still uncompelling, compared to the abundant data available for drug research and development. So is the case with kynurenines (KYNs) and the kynurenine pathway (KP) enzymes, which have been associated with a wide range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurologic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. 
  • 979
  • 25 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Heme Oxygenase-1 Modulation for Diabetic Foot Ulcers treatment
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the major complications of diabetes. Wound healing under diabetic conditions is often impaired. This is in part due to the excessive oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, immune cell dysfunction, decreased infection control, delayed re-epithelialization, and decreased  angiogenesis  present at the wound site. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation generating carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin (BV) which is converted into bilirubin (BR), and iron. HO-1 is a potent antioxidant. HO-1 can act as an anti-inflammatory, proliferative, angiogenic and cytoprotective enzyme, in wound healing suggesting that HO-1 modulation could be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. 
  • 978
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool in healthcare with the primary aim of improving patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare delivery. By harnessing machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and computer vision, AI enables the analysis of complex medical data. The integration of AI into healthcare systems aims to support clinicians, personalize patient care, and enhance population health, all while addressing the challenges posed by rising costs and limited resources. 
  • 977
  • 12 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Transplantation Research in Small Animal Models
Transplantation research is a discipline that largely benefits from the use of animal models with mouse and pig models being the most frequently used models in organ transplantation research. A suitable animal model should reflect best the situation in humans, and the researcher should be aware of the similarities as well as the limitations of the chosen model. Small animal models with rats and mice are contributing to the majority of animal experiments with the obvious advantages of these models being easy handling, low costs, and high reproductive rates. 
  • 976
  • 11 Nov 2021
Topic Review
CFTR Lifecycle Map
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common genetic diseases prevalent among the Caucasian population and is caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. To date, several hundred disease-causing mutations are known, resulting in a vast range of geno- and phenotypes, which makes the development of therapeutics especially challenging. To support the development of novel therapeutics, systems biological disease maps can be used. Disease maps represent existing knowledge on disease mechanisms in a computationally readable and comprehensive manner so they can then be used by clinicians and experimental scientists as well as computational scientists for different purposes, such as structuring high-throughput data, identifying disease biomarkers, developing better diagnostics and also identifying potential drug targets and drug repositioning. The CFTR Lifecycle Map in particular details the biogenesis of CFTR in cells to support ongoing drug discovery endeavours in CF research.
  • 975
  • 22 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Association between Microplastics and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the predominant cause of chronic liver injury; however, the mechanisms underlying its progression have not been fully elucidated. Pathophysiological studies have stated that NAFLD is significantly influenced by dietary and environmental factors that could participate in the development of NAFLD through different mechanisms. “Plastic pollution” is one of the most challenging environmental problems worldwide since several plastics have potential toxic or endocrine disputing properties. Specifically, the intake of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in water or diet and/or the inhalation from suspended particles is well established, and these particles have been found in human samples. Laboratory animals exposed to MPs develop inflammation, immunological responses, endocrine disruptions, and alterations in lipid and energy metabolism, among other disorders. MPs additives also demonstrated adverse reactions.  Adequate mitigation strategies worldwide, reducing environmental pollution and human exposure levels of MPs, could reduce the risk of NAFLD.
  • 974
  • 26 May 2023
Topic Review
G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerating disease involving the motor neurons, which causes a progressive loss of movement ability, usually leading to death within 2 to 5 years from the diagnosis. Much effort has been put into research for an effective therapy for its eradication, but still, no cure is available. The only two drugs approved for this pathology, Riluzole and Edaravone, are onlyable to slow down the inevitable disease progression. As assessed in the literature, drug targets such as protein kinases have already been extensively examined as potential drug targets for ALS, with some molecules already in clinical trials.
  • 970
  • 12 May 2022
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