Topic Review
Zonulin Pathway as a Therapeutic Target
The integrity and thus the function of blood–brain barrier (BBB) TJs play a crucial role in the pathomechanism of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, it has been suggested that targeting different elements of the zonulin pathway, including actin filaments, TJs, or NF-κB, have potential therapeutic effects on CNS diseases. Indeed, encouraging results are accumulating from a recent preclinical study, using myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML-7, which attenuates BBB disruption by preventing the disintegration of actin cytoskeletal microfilaments. Similarly, blocking the cleavage of TJ proteins by matrix metalloproteases (MMP) inhibitors, using either direct (broad-spectrum or selective MMP-2 and MMP-9) or indirect inhibitors (COX) has been shown to protect BBB. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists, such as rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, or D-allose, also prevented BBB integrity by inhibiting NF-κB activation. Therefore, the use of zonulin inhibitors seems to be justified in the treatment of CNS diseases.
  • 490
  • 04 May 2023
Topic Review
Zinc-Alpha2-Glycoprotein (AZGP1) and Fibrotic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. It is typically accompanied by progressive fibrosis of the tubulointerstitial compartment.
  • 381
  • 26 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Wood as Possible Renewable Material for Bone Implants
Bone fractures and bone defects affect millions of people every year. Metal implants for bone fracture fixation and autologous bone for defect reconstruction are used extensively in treatment of these pathologies. Simultaneously, alternative, sustainable, and biocompatible materials are being researched to improve existing practice. Wood as a biomaterial for bone repair has been considered.
  • 235
  • 23 May 2023
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.
  • 312
  • 27 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Whole-Body Cryostimulation in Fibromyalgia
Currently, all available therapies for the control and management of fibromyalgia (FM) are mostly focused on relieving patients’ symptoms and improving their quality of life. Thermal stress caused by cryostimulation induces an analgesic effect, improving pain, redox balance, and inflammatory symptoms in an exercise-mimicking fashion. In addition, it reduces the feeling of fatigue, improves mood, and reduces mental health deterioration with positive consequences on depressive states and improved sleep quality. 
  • 310
  • 30 May 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.
  • 205
  • 29 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Weight Regain after Metabolic Surgery
Patients undergoing metabolic surgery have factors ranging from anatomo-surgical, endocrine metabolic, eating patterns and physical activity, mental health and psychological factors. Some of the latter can explain the possible pathophysiological neuroendocrine, metabolic, and adaptive mechanisms that cause the high prevalence of weight regain in postbariatric patients.
  • 48
  • 23 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Vulnerabilities That Spread Systemically to Cause Complications
COVID-19 and long COVID-19 vulnerabilities may be caused indirectly by albumin binding deficiency (ABD), which can be corrected by the correct administration of human serum albumin(HSA). The liver is the primary site of nutrient regulation and fluid volume maintenance; control of both is by changes to albumin concentration. In healthy subjects, the HSA lymphatic nutrient pump(HSALNP) ensures continual pumping of nutrients from the liver and that nutrients are appropriately distributed to organs. Nutrients are delivered to cells according to the availability of binding to HSA.The HSALNP, therefore, maintains the correct nutrient and colloidal pressure balance in all tissues independently. In unhealthy tissues, following COVID-19 infection, the passage of HSA/nutrients through the interstitial spaces and lymph will be impeded. Fluid therapy into the periphery leads to the dilution of essential nutrients attached to the protein carriers such as albumin. The levels of albumin being charged by the liver with nutrients is critical in maintaining immune stability by maintaining nutrient support and colloidal pressure of the cellular structures. The site of HSA binding by the liver is of great importance, and direct infusion of albumin into the hepatic portal vein is the most appropriate method of maintaining colloid pressure and cellular nutrient levels.
  • 318
  • 10 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin D3 and Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and permanent disability worldwide. The only efficient treatment to date is anticoagulant therapy and thrombectomy, which enable restitution of blood flow to ischemic tissues. Numerous promising neuroprotectants have failed in clinical trials. Given the complex pathomechanism of stroke, a multitarget pharmacotherapy seems a more rational approach in stroke prevention and treatment than drugs acting on single molecular targets. Vitamin D3 has emerged as a potential treatment adjunct for ischemic stroke, as it interferes with the key prosurvival pathways and shows neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, regenerative and anti-aging properties in both neuronal and vascular tissue.
  • 366
  • 28 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation
Over the past two decades, virtual reality technology (VRT)-based rehabilitation has been increasingly examined and applied to assist patient recovery in the physical and cognitive domains. The advantages of the use of VRT in the neurorehabilitation field consist of the possibility of training an impaired function as a way to stimulate neuron reorganization (to maximize motor learning and neuroplasticity) and restoring and regaining functions and abilities by interacting with a safe and nonthreatening yet realistic virtual reality environment (VRE). Furthermore, VREs can be tailored to patient needs and provide personalized feedback on performance. VREs may also support cognitive training and increases patient motivation and enjoyment. Despite these potential advantages, there are inconclusive data about the usefulness of VRT in neurorehabilitation settings, and some issues on feasibility and safety remain to be ascertained for some neurological populations.
  • 709
  • 07 May 2021
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