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Topic Review
Exosomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Exosomes are small bilipid layer enclosed extracellular vesicles, which were once considered as a cellular waste and functionless. These nano-vesicles of 30–150 nm in diameter carry specific proteins, lipids, functional mRNAs, and high amounts of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs). As the exosomes content is known to vary as per their originating and recipient cells, these vesicles can be utilized as a diagnostic biomarker for early disease detection. 
  • 639
  • 19 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Bioactivity of Steroidal Arylidene Derivatives
Steroids constitute a unique class of chemical compounds, playing an important role in physiopathological processes, and have high pharmacological interest. Due to their straightforward preparation and intrinsic chemical reactivity, steroidal arylidene derivatives are important synthetic intermediates for the preparation of other compounds, particularly bearing heterocyclic systems, in addition to their relevant bioactivity with potential pharmacological interest. 
  • 639
  • 29 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Histone Deacetylases
Histone acetylation status is considered a potential diagnostic biomarker for depression, while inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have garnered interest as novel therapeutics.
  • 638
  • 08 Jun 2021
Topic Review
α-Synuclein Phosphorylation and Its Kinases
α-Synuclein is a protein with a molecular weight of 14.5 kDa and consists of 140 amino acids encoded by the SNCA gene. Missense mutations and gene duplications in the SNCA gene cause hereditary Parkinson’s disease. Highly phosphorylated and abnormally aggregated α-synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies found in neuronal cells of patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and glial cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in oligodendrocytes with multiple system atrophy. Aggregated α-synuclein is cytotoxic and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the above-mentioned synucleinopathies. In a healthy brain, most α-synuclein is unphosphorylated; however, more than 90% of abnormally aggregated α-synuclein in Lewy bodies of patients with Parkinson’s disease is phosphorylated at Ser129, which is presumed to be of pathological significance. Several kinases catalyze Ser129 phosphorylation, but the role of phosphorylation enzymes in disease pathogenesis and their relationship to cellular toxicity from phosphorylation are not fully understood in α-synucleinopathy. G-protein-coupled receptor kinases, casein kinase II, and polo-like kinase possess the ability to phosphorylate α-synuclein protein. On this point, inhibition of these kinases is able to prevent α-synuclein phosphorylation, which indicates the potential therapeutic targets and availability of drug development for α-synucleinopathies. α-Synuclein phosphorylation can clinically be an accompanying event in the brains of patients with Parkinson’s disease rather than the critical factor for α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Nevertheless, increasing phosphorylated α-synuclein and the accumulation with disease progression is useful as a therapeutic target and biomarker.
  • 637
  • 08 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Uses of Traditional Plants for Diabetes Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious kidney illness characterized by proteinuria, glomerular enlargement, reduced glomerular filtration, and renal fibrosis. DN is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease, accounting for nearly one-third of all cases of diabetes worldwide.
  • 637
  • 08 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Oral Administration for Small Extracellular Vesicles Delivery
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have burst into biomedicine as a natural therapeutic alternative for different diseases. Considered nanocarriers of biological origin, various studies have demonstrated the feasibility of their systemic administration, even with repeated doses. sEVs can resist the degradative conditions of the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, accumulating regionally in the intestine, where they are absorbed for systemic biodistribution. 
  • 636
  • 14 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Natural Photoprotectants From Sea
The thinning of the ozone layer due to increased atmospheric pollution has exacerbated the negative effects of excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and skin cancer has become a major public health concern. In order to prevent skin damage, public health advice mainly focuses on the use of sunscreens, along with wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours. Sunscreens present on the market are topical formulations that contain a number of different synthetic, organic, and inorganic UVR filters with different absorbance profiles, which, when combined, provide broad UVR spectrum protection. However, increased evidence suggests that some of these compounds cause subtle damage to marine ecosystems. One alternative may be the use of natural products that are produced in a wide range of marine species and are mainly thought to act as a defense against UVR-mediated damage.
  • 636
  • 28 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease primarily characterized by the presence of airflow limitation and inflammation, due to elevated inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, in the lungs.
  • 635
  • 26 May 2021
Topic Review
Opioid Analgesia and Opioid-Induced Adverse Effects
Opioids are broadly used as therapeutic agents against moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. Noticeably, these analgesics have many limitations as they induce analgesic tolerance, addiction, physical dependence, respiratory depression, and various other behavioural adverse effects that often result in patient non-compliance. In addition, the actual mechanisms of opioid-induced adverse reactions over long-term use are not entirely understood. 
  • 635
  • 08 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Magnesium and Morphine in Chronic Neuropathic Pain
The effectiveness of opioids in the treatment of neuropathic pain is limited. It was demonstrated that magnesium ions (Mg2+), physiological antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), increase opioid analgesia in chronic pain. Early data indicate the cross-regulation of mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and NMDAR in pain control. Morphine acting on MOR stimulates protein kinase C (PKC), while induction of NMDAR (for example in a state of neuropathic pain) recruits protein kinase A (PKA) leading to disruption of the MOR-NMDAR complex and promoting functional changes in receptors. The level of phosphorylated NMDAR NR1 subunit (pNR1) and phosphorylated MOR (pMOR) in the periaqueductal gray matter was determined with the Western blot method. The activity of PKA and PKC was examined by standard enzyme immunoassays. Mg2+ administered alone significantly decreased the level of pNR1 and pMOR, and activity of both tested kinases. The results suggest that blocking NMDAR signaling by Mg2+ restores the MOR-NMDAR complex and thus enables morphine analgesia in neuropathic rats.
  • 635
  • 03 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Nanotherapeutic Approaches to Overcome Drug Resistance in Cancers
Nanotherapeutics serve not so much to overcome the chemotherapeutic treatment, but rather to overcome the chemoresistance of cancers, improve pharmacokinetics of the drugs, and decrease or eliminate their systemic toxicity and so on. The foremost objective of the nanotherapeutics-based approach is to target specific cancer cells and their microenvironment with minimal toxicity by delivering chemotherapeutic agents efficiently to the target site. Moreover, the development of nanotherapeutics in the past few years indicates its considerable potential in the cancer therapeutic domain.
  • 635
  • 22 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Biomarkers Derived from the Molecular Profiling of TNBC
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive and heterogenous type of cancer, lacks the expression of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth receptor-2, making chemotherapy the only treatment regimen against TNBC. To overcome the problem faced during chemotherapy, and to address the heterogeneity of TNBC, targeted therapy emerged based on the molecular profiling of TNBC. Several biomarkers are used as targets for the precision therapy in TNBC, including EGFR, VGFR, TP53, interleukins, insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, c-MET, androgen receptor, BRCA1, glucocorticoid, PTEN, ALDH1, etc.
  • 635
  • 16 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Dabigatran in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by neurodegenerative, but also vascular and hemostatic changes in the brain. The oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, which has been used for over a decade in preventing thromboembolism and has a well-known pharmacokinetic, safety and antidote profile, can be an option to treat vascular dysfunction in early AD, a condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Dabigatran blocks soluble thrombin, thrombin-mediated formation of fibrin and amyloid-ß protein (Aβ)-containing fibrin clots. These clots are deposited in brain parenchyma and blood vessels in areas of CAA, leading to vascular and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, hypoperfusion and chronically reduced oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrient supply, mainly in hippocampal and neocortical brain areas. Dabigatran has the potential to preserve perfusion and oxygen delivery to the brain, and to prevent parenchymal Aß-, thrombin- and fibrin-triggered inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, leading to synapse and neuron death, and cognitive decline. 
  • 635
  • 06 Jul 2021
Topic Review
MRNA Therapies
Currently, mRNA appears as a very promising and innovative therapeutic approach for diseases associated with functional loss of proteins, through the administration of a synthetic mRNA, which promotes the reestablishment of protein levels and restores its function. Moreover, mRNA can create new cellular functions, for example for passive immunization, allowing to stimulate the immune system, through the translation of antigenic mRNA for specific cell recognition (e.g., cancer cells) or antibody production. The fact that a relatively small amount of encoded antigen, from a synthetic mRNA, can be sufficient to obtain robust signs of efficacy, is one of the main advantages of using this biomolecule in immunotherapy. However, the global success of such mRNA-based treatments depends on a high number of these biomolecules and an effective in vivo delivery to target cells involved in a given disease. After proving that in vivo mRNA administration is possible and viable, the concept of using mRNA as a therapeutic basis was readily accepted and used in a variety of diseases, including diabetes, HIV infection, anemia, hemophilia, myocardial infarction, cancer, asthma, metabolic disorders, fibrosis, skeletal degeneration and neurological disorders, such as Friedreich’s ataxia and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • 635
  • 04 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Ulcerative Colitis
The worldwide epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), still shows an increasing trend in Asia and Iran. Despite an improvement in the treatment landscape focused on symptomatic control, long-term colectomies have not decreased over the last 10-year period. Thus, novel therapies are urgently needed in clinics to supplement the existing treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells with immunosuppressive effects, targeting IBD as a new treatment strategy. They have recently received global attention for their use in cell transplantation due to their easy expansion and wide range of activities to be engrafted, and because they are home to the mucosa of the intestine. Moreover, MSCs are able to differentiate into epithelial and other cells that can directly promote repair in the mucosal damages in UC. It seems that there is a need to deepen our understanding to target MSCs as a promising treatment option for UC patients who are refractory to conventional therapies. Here, we overviewed the therapeutic effects of MSCs in UC and discussed the achievements and challenges in the cell transplantation of UC.
  • 634
  • 14 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Transient Receptor Potential
The superfamily of ion channels named transient receptor potential (TRP) acts as sensors of oxidative compounds at the plasma membrane and can amplify several signaling. The TRP superfamily is a non-selective cation channel initially identified in the Drosophila fly species. These channels are presented in different cell types and tissues, such as epithelial, immune, and neuronal cells.
  • 634
  • 12 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Endocytic Properties of vGPCRs
Endocytosis is a fundamental process involved in trafficking of various extracellular and transmembrane molecules from the cell surface to its interior. This enables cells to communicate and respond to external environments, maintain cellular homeostasis, and transduce signals. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a family of receptors with seven transmembrane alpha-helical domains (7TM receptors) expressed at the cell surface, where they regulate physiological and pathological cellular processes. Several herpesviruses encode receptors (vGPCRs) which benefits the virus by avoiding host immune surveillance, supporting viral dissemination, and thereby establishing widespread and lifelong infection, processes where receptor signaling and/or endocytosis seem central. vGPCRs are rising as potential drug targets as exemplified by the cytomegalovirus-encoded receptor US28, where its constitutive internalization has been exploited for selective drug delivery in virus infected cells. Therefore, studying GPCR trafficking is of great importance.
  • 633
  • 30 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Mexican Medicinal Plants
Some natural compounds belonging to the group of Mexican medicinal plants or “Mexican folk medicine”are  used for pain management in Mexico.
  • 632
  • 14 May 2021
Topic Review
Natural Compounds with Antioxidant in Maintaining Eye Health
An antioxidant compound can be defined as a substance that can delay or prevent oxidation. The body uses different strategies against the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS): firstly, antioxidant enzymes are used, as already reported, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px). It is important to remember that some antioxidant enzymes need micronutrients to function properly, such as zinc, selenium, copper and manganese. Secondly, ROS can be reduced or neutralized by the intake of antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin E (a-tocopherol), beta-carotene, and vitamin C, among others. An insufficient intake of foods with antioxidant function or an unbalanced diet can alter the body’s natural antioxidant system and facilitate the damage induced by ROS. Additional defense mechanisms include antioxidant compounds, such as metallothionein, melanin, and glutathione. Eye health is crucial, and the onset of diseases can reduce vision and affect the quality of life of patients. Evidence has accumulated that polyphenols (mostly deriving from Citrus Bergamia) represent a reliable source of antioxidants able to counteract oxidative stress accompanying early stages of eye diseases. Luteolin in particular has been found to protect photoreceptors, thereby improving vision in many disease states. Moreover, a consistent anti-inflammatory response was found to occur when curcumin is used alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals. Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 has been demonstrated to produce a consistent effect in reducing ocular pressure, thereby leading to protection in patients undergoing glaucoma. Both grape seed extract, rich in anthocyanosides, and polynsatured fatty acids seem to contribute to the prevention of retinal disorders. A combination of nutraceuticals and antioxidants may represent the right solution for a multi-action activity in eye protection.
  • 632
  • 09 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Lycorine Ameliorates Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats
Liver fibrosis is a foremost medical concern worldwide. Lycorine—a natural alkaloid—has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activates. Lycorine hinders TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats, due to—at least partly—its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to inhibit Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription factor (STAT3) signaling.
  • 631
  • 21 Mar 2022
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