Topic Review
AI Applications in Drug Discovery
The drug discovery and development process is very lengthy, highly expensive, and extremely complex in nature. Considering the time and cost constraints associated with conventional drug discovery, new methods must be found to enhance the declining efficiency of traditional approaches. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool that harnesses anthropomorphic knowledge and provides expedited solutions to complex challenges. Advancements in AI and machine learning (ML) techniques have revolutionized their applications to drug discovery and development. 
  • 59
  • 23 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Alcohol and Head and Neck Cancer
As suggested from recent findings, the role of alcohol in HNC seems to be broader than that of a simple risk factor. In this entry, authors report evidence from past studies to clarify the role of alcohol consumption in head and neck cancer (HNC) onset. Moreover, we further explore the role of oral microbiota, oxidative stress and genetic expression alterations due to alcohol drinking. Although alcohol is not the exclusive risk factor for HNC carcinogenesis, it plays a major role in the etiopathogenesis of both primary tumors and their recurrences, especially by means of ethanol and its metabolic products. Alcohol modifies oral microbiota, enhances intracellular oxidative stress, expose epithelial cells to carcinogens and alters cellular genetic expressions by promoting epigenetic mutations, DNA damage, and inaccurate DNA repair related to the formation of DNA adducts. The relationship between alcohol and HNC has been well established but, unfortunately, there is no clear threshold effect of alcohol for oncogenic patients, so that prevention and monitoring with long-term markers of alcohol consumption (especially those detected in the hair) that relay information on the actual alcohol drinking habits, seem to be the most effective ways to contrast its prevalence (and complications) in HNC drinker-patients. These conclusions seem to be especially important nowadays since, despite the established association between alcohol and HNC, a concerning pattern of alcohol consumption misconducts has been found in both in the general population and HNC  survivors. Interestingly, evidence that we report on HNC etiopathogenesis suggests a key role of polyphenols and alkylating agents for patient management, especially in case of heavy chronic drinkers.
  • 544
  • 20 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Alcohol, Inflammation, and Microbiota in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a consequence of excessive alcohol use. According to many studies, alcohol represents a significant socioeconomic and health risk factor in population. According to data from the World Health Organization, there are about 75 million people who have alcohol disorders, and it is well known that its use leads to serious health problems. ALD is a multimodality spectrum that includes alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFL) and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), consequently leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In addition, the rapid progression of alcoholic liver disease can lead to alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Alcohol metabolism produces toxic metabolites that lead to tissue and organ damage through an inflammatory cascade that includes numerous cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the process of inflammation, mediators are cells of the immune system, but also resident cells of the liver, such as hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells. These cells are activated by exogenous and endogenous antigens, which are called pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, DAMPs). Both are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which activation triggers the inflammatory pathways. It has been proven that intestinal dysbiosis and disturbed integrity of the intestinal barrier perform a role in the promotion of inflammatory liver damage. These phenomena are also found in chronic excessive use of alcohol. The intestinal microbiota has an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the organism, and its role in the treatment of ALD has been widely investigated. Prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and symbiotics represent therapeutic interventions that can have a significant effect on the prevention and treatment of ALD.
  • 240
  • 10 May 2023
Topic Review
Allicin and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. Recent evidence supports that inflammation plays a key role in triggering and maintaining pulmonary vascular remodeling. Recent studies have shown that garlic extract has protective effects in PAH, but the precise role of allicin, a compound derived from garlic, is unknown. Thus, we used allicin to evaluate its effects on inflammation and fibrosis in PAH.
  • 562
  • 21 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Allicin on Cardiovascular Diseases
Allicin, a sulfur compound naturally derived from garlic, has shown beneficial effects on several cardiovascular risk factors through the modulation of cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Garlic is especially rich in sulfur-containing compounds; thus, many of these compounds can be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Recent studies have shown that allicin, a garlic-derived sulfur compound, has beneficial effects on different cell types that could be useful for the management of CVD or its risk factors. 
  • 882
  • 19 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Aminoglycosides ICU patients PopPK models
Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics used as treatment for Gram-negative infections in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs). Life-threatening infections, often caused by Gram-negative bacteria [1,2], may lead to pathophysiological conditions, such as sepsis, influencing the pharmacokinetics (PK) of many drugs including antibiotics [3]. Antibiotic dosing regimens have been developed with the help of population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling and simulation [11]. Multiple studies have established PopPK models to characterize PK parameters and to gain a better understanding of the variability of aminoglycoside clinical response based on ICU patients’ characteristics. These studies have used nonlinear mixed effects modeling to target and quantify the contribution of specific demographic and pathophysiological characteristics that may influence the aminoglycoside PK profile. 
  • 559
  • 27 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathophysiology
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a traumatic condition, whereby motor neurons are lost eventually leading to death within a couple of years. There is no effective treatment, due primarily to a lack of understanding as to the relevant pathophysiological changes occurring. The biological underpinnings of ALS is described, highlighting the role of the gut microbiome, glia, muscles and the changes at the neuromuscular junction. It is proposed that alterations in the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway are a crucial aspect of ALS pathophysiology that underpins the changes in intercellular interactions that drive ALS. Many of these initial changes  seem to arise in the gut, indicating that this may be an important site for evaluation and treatment in the prevention of ALS. It is also proposed that glyphosate-based herbicides (weedkillers) exposure may be a relevant aspect of ALS susceptibility and progression. 
  • 475
  • 09 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with the Enteric Nervous System
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord, cerebral cortex, and medulla oblongata. Most patients present a clinical phenotype of classic ALS—with predominant atrophy, muscle weakness, and fasciculations—and survival of 3 to 5 years following diagnosis. There are two types of ALS: the familial form with genetic involvement, and the sporadic form with a multifactorial origin. ALS pathophysiology is characterized by involvement of multiple processes, including oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. Moreover, it is proposed that conditioning risk factors affect ALS development—such as susceptibility to neurodegeneration in motor neurons, the intensity of performed physical activity, and intestinal dysbiosis with involvement of the enteric nervous system—which supports the existing theories of disease generation.
  • 258
  • 14 Apr 2023
Topic Review
An Insight into Psychedelic Drugs in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia remains a serious chronic mental illness since its revelation more than a century ago by Dr. Emile Kraepelin. Despite the low prevalence, nearly 24 million people suffer from this disorder, which constitutes 1 in 300 people (0.32%) of the world’s population and this rate is 1 in 222 people (0.45%) among adults. The symptoms of schizophrenia more often appear in the second or third decade of life, and disease occurrence is tied to a combination of factors such as genetic, socio-demographic, and environmental factor. Clinical schizophrenia is presented in two unique and distinct sets of symptomatology, which include ‘positive’ symptoms and ‘negative’ symptoms, and is also accompanied by significant impairment of cognitive functioning in one or more major areas. This may include an inability to execute work, interpersonal relations, or self-care, and there is also a failure to achieve the expected level of interpersonal, academic, or occupational functioning. According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders-V (DSM-V), the positive symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and behaviour; and the negative symptoms are diminished emotional expression or avolitio. These symptoms have been found to be chronically present once the disease starts, but generally the illness is marked as alternate signs of remission and exacerbation or partial remission or exacerbation. Some psychotic symptoms may be treated without the need for medication with proper human care, social support and care including electroconvulsive therapy.
  • 5.6K
  • 08 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Anthocyanins as a Potential Natural Antidiabetic
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels-hyperglycemia, caused by a lack of insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or a combination of both. The incidence of DM is increasing, resulting in billions of dollars in annual healthcare costs worldwide. Therapeutics aim to control hyperglycemia and reduce blood glucose levels to normal. However, most modern drugs have numerous side effects, some of which cause severe kidney and liver problems. On the other hand, natural compounds rich in anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin) have also been used for the prevention and treatment of DM.
  • 325
  • 16 May 2023
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