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Topic Review
Stability and Activity of L-ASNases
L-asparaginases (EC 3.5.1.1) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of L-asparagine to L-aspartic acid and ammonia. These proteins with different biochemical, physicochemical and pharmacological properties are found in many organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, plants and mammals. To date, asparaginases from E. coli and Dickeya dadantii (formerly known as Erwinia chrysanthemi) are widely used in hematology for the treatment of lymphoblastic leukemias. 
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin E in Neuro-Nutrition
Vitamin E was first discovered by the American endocrinologist and anatomist Herbert. M. Evans, together with his assistant Katherine S. Bishop. The isolated substance, later termed vitamin E, describes a group of compounds consisting of four tocopherol (TP)- and four tocotrienol (TT)-derivatives.
  • 1.5K
  • 27 Oct 2021
Topic Review
JNKs in Development of Disease
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) have emerged as suitable therapeutic strategies. In fact, it has been demonstrated that some unspecific JNK inhibitors exert antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects, albeit they usually show high toxicity or lack therapeutic value. In this sense, natural specific JNK inhibitors, such as Licochalcone A, are promising candidates. Nonetheless, research on the understanding of the role of each of the JNKs remains mandatory in order to progress on the identification of new selective JNK isoform inhibitors. In the present review, a summary on the current gathered data on the role of JNKs in pathology is presented, as well as a discussion on their potential role in pathologies like epilepsy and metabolic-cognitive injury. Moreover, data on the effects of synthetic small molecule inhibitors that modulate JNK-dependent pathways in the brain and peripheral tissues is reviewed.
  • 1.5K
  • 23 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Bacterial Virulence Factors
There are several levels to influence the expression of eukaryotic genes. A first level of interference is changing of the DNA’s structure on the chromatin level. Epigenetic modulation enables remodelling of the chromatin to transfer heterochromatin into euchromatin allowing transcription or vice versa. In addition, the affinity of promotors and other regulatory DNA sequences for RNA polymerases and transcription factors (TFs) can be influenced by cytosine or adenine methylation. Only a minor portion (fewer than 2%) of genes is transcribed into mRNAs, instead the majority is transferred into so called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Certain long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) are also involved in epigenetic regulations. Epigenetic mechanisms are used for manipulation of gene expression in the course of several cellular processes. Here, we give an overview on the epigenetic control of gene expression by bacterial virulence factors during host cell infection.
  • 1.5K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Stabilization of Essential Oil
Essential oils (EOs) have stability problems, including volatility, oxidation, photosensitivity, heat sensitivity, humidity sensitivity, pH sensitivity, and ion sensitivity. A drug delivery system is an effective way to stabilize EOs, especially due to the protective effect of polymeric drug carriers. Polysaccharides are frequently employed as drug carrier materials because they are highly safe, come in a variety of forms, and have plentiful sources.
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Eucalyptus globulus Leaves in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting elderly people worldwide. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD able to prevent disease progression, highlighting the urgency of finding new therapeutic strategies to stop or delay this pathology. Several plants exhibit potential as source of safe and multi-target new therapeutic molecules for AD treatment. Meanwhile, Eucalyptus globulus extracts revealed important pharmacological activities, namely antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to the reported neuroprotective effects.
  • 1.5K
  • 17 Aug 2022
Topic Review
The Genus Porophyllum
The genus Porophyllum (family Asteraceae) is native to the western hemisphere, growing in tropical and subtropical North and South America. Mexico is an important center of diversification of the genus. Plants belong of genus Porophyllum have been used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat kidney and intestinal diseases, parasitic, bacterial, and fungal infections and anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables that acts as a chemopreventive agent, but its mechanism of action is not clear. Due to antioxidative mechanisms being thought central in preventing cancer progression, SFN could play a role in oxidative processes. Since redox imbalance with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the initiation and progression of bladder cancer, this mechanism might be involved when chemoresistance occurs.
  • 1.5K
  • 02 Jul 2021
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.
  • 1.5K
  • 03 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Nrf2-Keap1-ARE Signaling and IRI
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with substantial clinical implications, including a wide range of organs such as the brain, kidneys, lungs, heart, and many others. I/R injury (IRI) occurs due to the tissue injury following the reestablishment of blood supply to ischemic tissues, leading to enhanced aseptic inflammation and stimulation of oxidative stress via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Since ROS causes membrane lipids’ peroxidation, triggers loss of membrane integrity, denaturation of proteins, DNA damage, and cell death, oxidative stress plays a critical part in I/R pathogenesis. Therefore, ROS regulation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for IRI. In this context, Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of several factors involved in the cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). 
  • 1.5K
  • 01 Jun 2021
Topic Review
RBM-007
RBM-007 is an anti-FGF2 aptamer composed of 37 nucleotides, whose ribose 2′ positions are modified to resist ribonucleases, in addition to being 5′-PEGylated and 3′-conjugated with an inverted dT to confer an advantageous pharmacokinetic profile. RBM-007 binds strongly and specifically to FGF2 and does not cross-react with other FGF family proteins or heparin-binding proteins, blocking the interaction between human FGF2 and its receptors FGFR1 through FGFR4. The dissociation constant (KD) of the non-PEGylated form of RBM-007 to human FGF2 protein is 2 pM, compared to 5, 7, and 27 pM in rat, mouse, and rabbit protein, respectively, showing the high affinity of RBM-007 for different FGF2s regardless of the species difference.
  • 1.4K
  • 08 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Antiviral Properties of Seaweeds
Bioactive compounds from seaweed’s currently receive major attention from pharmaceutical companies as they express several interesting biological activities which are beneficial for humans. The structural diversity of seaweed metabolites provides diverse biological activities which are expressed through diverse mechanisms of actions. This research mainly focuses on the antiviral activity of seaweed’s extracts, highlighting the mechanisms of actions of some seaweed molecules against infection caused by different types of enveloped viruses: influenza, Lentivirus (HIV-1), Herpes viruses, and coronaviruses. Seaweed metabolites with antiviral properties can act trough different pathways by increasing the host’s defense system or through targeting and blocking virus replication before it enters host cells. Several studies have already established the large antiviral spectrum of seaweed’s bioactive compounds. 
  • 1.4K
  • 04 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Antioxidant Activity of Coumarins
Ubiquitously present in plant life, coumarins have multiple applications—in everyday life, in organic synthesis, in medicine and many others. They are well known for their broad spectrum of physiological effects. The specific structure of the coumarin scaffold involves a conjugated system with excellent charge and electron transport properties. The antioxidant activity of natural coumarins has been a subject of intense study for at least two decades. Significant research into the antioxidant behavior of natural/semi-synthetic coumarins and their complexes has been carried out and published in scientific literature.
  • 1.4K
  • 11 May 2023
Topic Review
Polyphenols and Stroke
Polyphenols are an important family of molecules of vegetal origin present in many medicinal and edible plants, which represent important alimentary sources in the human diet. Polyphenols are known for their beneficial health effects and have been investigated for their potential protective role against various pathologies, including cancer, brain dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
  • 1.4K
  • 15 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Effects of Rhein on the Kidney
Rhein is a monomeric component of anthraquinone isolated from rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine. It has anti-inflflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-bacterial and other pharmacological activities, as well as a renal protective effects. Rhein exerts its nephroprotective effects mainly through decreasing hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, playing anti-inflflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fifibrotic effects and regulating drug-transporters. However, the latest studies show that rhein also has potential kidney toxicity in case of large dosages and long use times. 
  • 1.4K
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia without cytological atypia is commonly treated with progestins, but other treatments may be available with equivalent efficacy and reduced side effects. Here, we evaluate the effect of genistein aglycone on angiogenesis and apoptosis-related markers women with endometrial hyperplasia. Premenopausals (n=38) with nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia were administered either genistein aglycone (54 mg/day, n=19) or norethisterone acetate (10 mg/day, n=19) on days 16–25 of the menstrual cycle and evaluated for 6 months. Biopsies were taken during hysteroscopy at baseline and 6 months, and symptoms including excessive uterine bleeding were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months following recruitment. The expression of angiogenesis (Vegf), epithelial (Egf and Tgfb), and apoptosis-related (Bax, Bcl-2, and Casp-9) molecules, were assessed in uterine biopsies at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, SHBG, and progesterone levels were also measured. After 6 months, 42% of genistein aglycone-administered patients had a significant improvement of symptoms compared to 47% of norethisterone acetate subjects. No significant differences were noted in hormone levels for any treatment. Gene expression revealed a significant reduction in Vegf, Egf, and Tgfb (P<0.05 versus baseline), and an increase in proapoptotic molecules (Bax and Casp-9), with a concomitant decrease in Bcl-2 values (P<0.05) in both groups. These results suggest that genistein aglycone might be useful for the management of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia in women who cannot or do not wish to be treated with progestin.
  • 1.4K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Microbial Biosurfactants
Surface-active molecules also known as surfactants are chemicals that have key impacts on several aspects of our daily products and life. Most of these chemical surfactants originate from petrochemical of oleochemical sources and are ingredients of household laundry cleaning agents, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, environmental cleaning products, petroleum, and agro-food processing industry. Worldwide use of these compounds has been steadily increasing during the past few decades and will be further increasing in the future.  Most such chemical surfactants  however, have negative effects on the environment, a fact that led to the search for alternatives with less impact and the shift towards a more sustainable environmental friendly biological surfactants (biosurfactants) which was mainly driven by the sustainability agenda by many international players in the field. Most these biosurfactants are produced by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and the advantages they bring include much lower toxicity, relative stability at high temperature and in adverse environments in addition to being readily biodegradable when, discharged into the environment. Many chemical surfactants included in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compounds have been reported to have the potential to cause detrimental effects such as allergic reactions and skin irritations to the human skin which encouraged the search for a more suitable replacements  with less or no negative effects on skin health. As biosurfactants were known to exhibit skin compatibility, protection and surface moisturizing effects which are key components for an effective skincare routine in addition to lower toxicity. Interest therefore in biosurfactants that have antimicrobial, skin surface moisturizing and low toxicity properties which would make them suitable substitutes for chemical surfactants in current cosmetic and personal skincare and pharmaceutical formulations has been steadily increasing. 
  • 1.4K
  • 24 Mar 2023
Topic Review
β-Lactamase Inhibitors
The inhibitors of β-lactamases (BLI) have gained a prominent role in the safeguard of beta-lactams. In the last years, new β-lactam–BLI combinations have been registered or are still under clinical evaluation, demonstrating their effectiveness to treat complicated infections. It is also noteworthy that the pharmacokinetics of BLIs partly matches that of β-lactams companions, meaning that some clinical situations, as well as renal impairment and renal replacement therapies, may alter the disposition of both drugs. Common pharmacokinetic characteristics, linear pharmacokinetics across a wide range of doses, and known pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters may guide modifications of dosing regimens for both β-lactams and BLIs. However, comorbidities (i.e., burns, diabetes, cancer) and severe changes in individual pathological conditions (i.e., acute renal impairment, sepsis) could make dose adaptation difficult, because the impact of those factors on BLI pharmacokinetics is partly known. Therapeutic drug monitoring protocols may overcome those issues and offer strategies to personalize drug doses in the intensive care setting. Further prospective clinical trials are warranted to improve the use of BLIs and their β-lactam companions in severe and complicated infections. 
  • 1.4K
  • 11 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungal species that commonly have a toxic effect on human and animal health. Different foodstuff can be contaminated and are considered the major source of human exposure to mycotoxins, but occupational and environmental exposure can also significantly contribute to this problem.
  • 1.4K
  • 19 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Fabrication Methods for Composite Films/Coatings
Chitin is made by joining N-acetyl glucosamine residues through β (1–4) glycosidic linkages and is the second-most prevalent natural polysaccharide after cellulose. Chitosan and its derivatives exhibit anti-hypoxic, adaptogenic, immunostimulant, antiviral, antibacterial, radioprotective, and hemostatic properties. In addition, they are nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable.
  • 1.4K
  • 02 Aug 2023
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