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Topic Review

Reactive Oxygen Species in Macrophages

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a chemically defined group of reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen. ROS are involved in a plethora of processes in cells in all domains of life, ranging from bacteria, plants and animals, including humans. The importance of ROS for macrophage-mediated immunity is unquestioned. Their functions comprise direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria and parasites as well as redox-regulation of immune signaling and induction of inflammasome activation.

3.6K
10 May 2021

Topic Review

Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Bio-Application

Surface functionalization of nanoparticles applies to the use of covalent and non-covalent bonds—such as hydrogen bonds, electrostatic force, and the van der Waals interactions—to integrate diverse organic and inorganic molecules at the nanoscale. Typically, multiple linker molecules are used to form covalent bonds between ligands and the surfaces of nanoparticles (NPs).

3.6K
20 Apr 2022

Topic Review

Inflammation is intimately linked to the development or worsening of several non-infectious diseases. Chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders often result from tissue injury and genomic changes induced by persistent low-grade inflammation. Current treatments for these diseases are often not curative and come with significant side effects. Apigenin, a flavonoid found in common fruits and vegetables, has garnered attention for its broad biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Despite its potential, achieving therapeutic levels of apigenin, especially in the CNS, remains challenging due to its limited bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Recent research has focused on developing advanced delivery systems, such as nanosized drug delivery systems, enteric polymer-coated spheres, and intranasal formulations, to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. These innovative delivery methods show promise in maximizing apigenin's potential as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neuroinflammatory disorders.

3.5K
05 Aug 2024

Topic Review

Tumor Invasion and Metastasis

Metastasis is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer and enhanced tumor invasion and metastasis is significantly associated with cancer mortality. Metastasis occurs via a series of integrated processes involving tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. The innate immune components of the microenvironment have been shown to engage with tumor cells and not only regulate their proliferation and survival, but also modulate the surrounding environment to enable cancer progression.

3.5K
01 Dec 2021

Topic Review

Dextran is an exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesized by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or their enzymes in the presence of sucrose. Dextran is composed of a linear chain of d-glucoses linked by α-(1→6) bonds, with possible branches of d-glucoses linked by α-(1→4), α-(1→3), or α-(1→2) bonds, which can be low (<40 kDa) or high molecular weight (>40 kDa). The characteristics of dextran in terms of molecular weight and branches depend on the producing strain, so there is a great variety in its properties. Dextran has commercial interest because its solubility, viscosity, and thermal and rheological properties allow it to be used in food, pharmaceutical, and research areas.

3.5K
07 Jul 2021

Topic Review

Marine Organism-Derived Polydeoxyribonucleotide

Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) are a family of DNA-derived drugs with a molecular weight ranging from 50 to 1500 kDa, which are mainly extracted from the sperm cells of salmon trout or chum salmon. Many pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties of PDRN, which are mediated by the activation of adenosine A2A receptor and salvage pathways, in addition to promoting osteoblast activity, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. In fact, PDRN is already marketed due to its therapeutic properties against various wound healing- and inflammation-related diseases.

3.5K
26 May 2021

Topic Review

P-Coumaric Acid in Cosmetics

p-Coumaric acid is a natural metabolite contained in many edible plants, and its antioxidant activities in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions have been demonstrated in various experimental models. p-Coumaric acid has an optimal structure to be a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase that catalyzes key reactions in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. Experimental evidence supports this notion as it was found to be a more potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, especially toward human enzymes, than other well-known tyrosinase inhibitors such as arbutin and kojic acid. p-Coumaric acid inhibited melanin synthesis in murine melanoma cells, human epidermal melanocytes, and 3-dimensionally reconstituted human skin models. Ex vivo skin permeation experiments and in vivo efficacy tests for p-coumaric acid confirmed its efficient transdermal delivery and functional efficacy in reducing erythema development and skin pigmentation due to ultraviolet exposure. Human studies further supported its effectiveness in hypopigmentation and depigmentation. These findings suggest that p-coumaric acid has good potential to be used as a skin-lightening active ingredient in cosmetics.

3.4K
30 Jul 2021

Topic Review

Major Pathological Hallmarks of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system which is characterized by demyelinating lesions and axonal damage. MS is a complex disease characterized by important pathophysiological heterogeneity affecting the clinical appearance, progression and therapeutic response for each patient. Therefore, there is a strong unmet need to define specific biomarkers that will reflect the different features of the disease. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most commonly used experimental model for the study of MS, as it resembles the pathological features of human MS in many aspects and has allowed for the elucidation of pathogenesis pathways and the validation of certain targets for MS therapies.

3.2K
18 Oct 2022

Topic Review

Spawn is the eggs and sperm released or deposited into water by aquatic animals. As a verb, to spawn refers to the process of releasing the eggs and sperm, and the act of both sexes is called spawning. Most aquatic animals, except for aquatic mammals and reptiles, reproduce through the process of spawning. Spawn consists of the reproductive cells (gametes) of many aquatic animals, some of which will become fertilized and produce offspring. The process of spawning typically involves females releasing ova (unfertilized eggs) into the water, often in large quantities, while males simultaneously or sequentially release spermatozoa (milt) to fertilize the eggs. Most fish reproduce by spawning, as do most other aquatic animals, including crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps, molluscs such as oysters and squid, echinoderms such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers, amphibians such as frogs and newts, aquatic insects such as mayflies and mosquitoes and corals, which are actually small aquatic animals—not plants. Fungi, such as mushrooms, are also said to "spawn" a white, fibrous matter that forms the matrix from which they grow. There are many variations in the way spawning occurs, depending on sexual differences in anatomy, how the sexes relate to each other, where and how the spawn is released and whether or how the spawn is subsequently guarded.

3.2K
08 Nov 2022

Topic Review

Wild Edible Plants in India

Despite significant evidence base on quantifying ecosystem services, the role of biodiversity in supporting such services in diversified landscapes, and how indigenous communities exploit, utilize and manage plant resources in a biocultural regime, remains understudied. A sum total of 172 WEPs comprising 60 vegetables, 70 fruits, seeds and nuts, 23 underground tubers and 19 mushrooms were collected, consumed, and surplus were marketed by the communities. On average, the number of wild edibles collected annually by households were in the following quantities: 40–240 kg leafy vegetables, 125–386 kg flowers, 120–250 kg fruits, 12–125 kg legumes, 24–120 kg tubers, 5–35 kg mushrooms. Among ethnic groups, the Baiga primitive community utilized 70–90% followed by Gonds (58–81%), Kols (52–78%), Oraons (43–79%), and other communities (38–68%) in different zones. WEPs have contributed to 5–24% (Rs 3559- 12,710) of household income, which was highest in the core zone and lowest in the transition zone. It was observed that WEPs were complemented the diets rather than being a substitute for staple foods. They supplied only 3.7–8.3% of energy and 1.1–4.9% protein requirements; however, they significantly supplemented ascorbic acid, thiamine, calcium, and iron by 38.1–73%, 13.7–35.4%, 17.2–29.1%, 2.6–13.5%, respectively. Significantly higher quantities of nutrients were supplemented in the core zone compared to other zones. WEPs were currently underutilized (less intake) especially in buffer and transition zones, complementing the staple foods and partially supplementing the essential macro- and micro-nutrients. However, these have the potential to fulfill the dietary needs and ensure balanced nutrition, if consumed in recommended portions and sizes.

3.1K
14 Jan 2022

Topic Review

Ganoderma Triterpenoids and Their Bioactivities

Ganoderma has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries to prevent and treat various diseases. Numerous publications are stating that Ganoderma species have a variety of beneficial medicinal properties, and investigations on different metabolic regulations of Ganoderma species, extracts or isolated compounds have been performed both in vitro and in vivo.

3.1K
11 Jan 2023

Topic Review

Podophyllotoxin

Podophyllotoxin is an aryltetralin-type lignan isolated from species of Podophyllum. Two most common sources are the rhizomes of Podophyllum peltatum (American mayapple) and Sinopodophyllum hexandrum Royle (Barberry family). The podophyllotoxin extract has been documented for its use as a laxative, and as a remedy for various medical complications such as gonorrhea, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, psoriasis, dropsy, cough, syphilis and venereal warts.

3.1K
27 Apr 2021

Topic Review

Cyanidin-3-Glucoside

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is a well-known natural anthocyanin and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The catabolism of C3G in the gastrointestinal tract could produce bioactive phenolic metabolites, such as protocatechuic acid, phloroglucinaldehyde, vanillic acid, and ferulic acid, which enhance C3G bioavailability and contribute to both mucosal barrier and microbiota.

2.9K
02 Aug 2021

Topic Review

Chloroplasts in Plant Stress Responses

The chloroplast has a central position in oxygenic photosynthesis and primary metabolism. In addition to these functions, the chloroplast has recently emerged as a pivotal regulator of plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Chloroplasts have their own independent genomes and gene-expression machinery and synthesize phytohormones and a diverse range of secondary metabolites, a significant portion of which contribute the plant response to adverse conditions.

2.9K
05 Jan 2022

Topic Review

The Biology of Coral

Coral reefs are portrayed as tropical underwater forests, profusely rich in biodiversity and has immense ecological and economical importance. Apart from other marine calcifying organisms, scleractinian corals are the major biogenic contributor of complex bicarbonate structures. Corals are built from a collective group of tiny transparent organisms known as coral polyps. The increasing impact of natural and anthropogenic factors such as variation in temperature, salinity, cyclones, pollution and so forth have exert direct or direct effects on the coral reef, engendering the phenomenon of coral bleaching with severe outcomes. Coral microbiome comprises of diverse microorganisms including symbiotic algae, which play a determining role in coral physiology, immunity and responsiveness. Further, corals are equipped with sophisticate chemical and biological warfare that is used to their advantage in unfavorable conditions.

2.8K
18 Jul 2022

Topic Review

Salvadora persica

Salvadora persica (SP) extract, displays very valuable biotherapeutic capacities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects.

2.8K
17 Jun 2021

Topic Review

Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids as Sunscreen

Prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can induce many chronic or acute skin disorders in humans. To protect themselves, many people have started to apply cosmetic products containing UV-screening chemicals alone or together with physical sunblocks, mainly based on titanium–dioxide (TiO2) or zinc-oxide (ZnO2). However, it has now been shown that the use of chemical and physical sunblocks is not safe for long-term application, so searches for the novel, natural UV-screening compounds derived from plants or bacteria are gaining attention. Certain photosynthetic organisms such as algae and cyanobacteria have evolved to cope with exposure to UVR by producing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). These are promising substitutes for chemical sunscreens containing commercially available sunblock filters. The use of biopolymers such as chitosan for joining MAAs together or with MAA-Np (nanoparticles) conjugates will provide stability to MAAs similar to the mixing of chemical and physical sunscreens.

2.8K
21 May 2021

Topic Review

Marine Bioactive Compounds Available on the Market

Marine natural products are potent and promising sources of drugs among other natural products of plant, animal, and microbial origin. Marine drugs are classified into six categories, where the basis of classification is nonuniform but maintains the flow of context within the category. Most of the drugs are categorized on the basis of the complexity of structures such as “spongonucleosides”, “antibody-drug conjugates”, and “peptides or proteins used as drugs or used in drug preparations”, but some are categorized on the basis of their mechanism of action, such as “microtubule inhibitors” and “deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) alkylating agents”, or their natural source of abundance, such as “fish oil and its components as drugs”.

2.8K
29 Aug 2022

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Soil as a Source of Fungi Pathogenic for Public Health

Soil is an environment for huge diversity of fungi, which fulfill various tasks and support the maintaining of soil health. At the same time, varieties of soil fungal species, which produce numerous airborne spores and a range of mycotoxins, are known to be pathogenic for human health. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge on soil fungi causing public health problems, including dermatoses, allergies, pulmonary diseases, wound infections, infections of the central nervous system, etc.

2.7K
26 Jul 2024

Topic Review

In biology, a kingdom (Latin: regnum, plural regna) is the second highest taxonomic rank, just below domain. Kingdoms are divided into smaller groups called phyla. Traditionally, some textbooks from the United States and Canada used a system of six kingdoms (Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaea/Archaebacteria, and Bacteria/Eubacteria) while textbooks in Great Britain, India, Greece, Brazil and other countries use five kingdoms only (Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista and Monera). Some recent classifications based on modern cladistics have explicitly abandoned the term kingdom, noting that some traditional kingdoms are not monophyletic, meaning that they do not consist of all the descendants of a common ancestor. The terms flora (for plants), fauna (for animals), and, in the 21st century, funga (for fungi) are also used for life present in a particular region or time.

2.7K
10 Oct 2022

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