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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
Characteristics of Mucosal Layer in Gastrointestinal Tract
The main constituents of mucus are water (90–95%), electrolytes, lipids (1–2%), and proteins. Owing to the presence of mucin, a large complex glycosylated protein, mucus can form mesh-like structured viscous gel layers on various mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. In the GI tract, the mucus layer on the surface of the epithelial membrane can act as a smart physiological barrier not only for foreign substances with harmful potential and pathogens but also for orally dosed drugs. For effective and sufficient oral drug delivery, avoiding protective mechanisms and/or even turning barrier mechanisms should be considered. Therefore, several strategies have been developed to control the diffusive properties of drug nanoparticles within the mucus layer, including the mucopenetration and mucoadhesion of NCs.
127
19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
RNA Combined with Nanoformulation to Advance Therapeutic Technologies
Nucleic acid-based therapies have the potential to address numerous diseases that pose significant challenges to more traditional methods. RNA-based therapies have emerged as a promising avenue, utilizing nanoformulation treatments to target a range of pathologies. Nanoformulation offers several advantages compared to other treatment modalities, including targeted delivery, low toxicity, and bioactivity suitable for drug loading. Various types of nanoformulations are available, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), magnetic NPs, nanoshells, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). RNA-based therapy utilizes intracellular gene nanoparticles with messenger RNA (mRNA) emerging prominently in cancer therapy and immunotechnology against infectious diseases. The approval of mRNA-based technology opens doors for future technological advancements, particularly self-amplifying replicon RNA (repRNA). RepRNA is a novel platform in gene therapy, comprising viral RNA with a unique molecular property that enables the amplification of all encoded genetic information countless times. As a result, repRNA-based therapies have achieved significant levels of gene expression.
87
19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Multifaceted Potential of Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It has been widely studied for its potential as a neuroprotective and anticancer agent. SFN has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, the modulation of neuroinflammation, and epigenetic mechanisms. In cancer treatment, SFN has demonstrated the ability to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells, inhibit histone deacetylase, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. SFN has also shown chemoprotective properties through inhibiting phase I metabolizing enzymes, modulating phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and targeting cancer stem cells.
261
18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Drug–Drug Interactions Involving Dexamethasone in Clinical Practice
Concomitant administration of multiple drugs frequently causes severe pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic drug–drug interactions (DDIs) resulting in the possibility of enhanced toxicity and/or treatment failure. The activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a drug efflux pump sharing localization and substrate affinities with CYP3A4, is a critical determinant of drug clearance, interindividual variability in drug disposition and clinical efficacy, and appears to be involved in the mechanism of numerous clinically relevant DDIs, including those involving dexamethasone. The recent increase in the use of high doses of dexamethasone during the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the need for better knowledge of the clinical significance of drug–drug interactions involving dexamethasone in the clinical setting.
136
18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Biosimilar Agents
A biosimilar is a biological product highly similar to and interchangeable with an already approved reference product. Innovations in computer-aided discovery for biosimilar agents involve several key approaches. Structural bioinformatics and molecular docking techniques, including homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, aid in understanding the structure-function relationships. In silico screening and virtual high-throughput screening, powered by database mining and predictive modeling, expedite the identification of potential biosimilar candidates. Machine learning and artificial intelligence contribute by analyzing large datasets to predict success probabilities and integrating diverse data sources. Immunogenicity prediction tools assess potential immune responses, while network pharmacology and quantitative systems pharmacology provide a holistic understanding of biosimilar effects. Optimization algorithms play a role in formulating biosimilars for desired properties. This dynamic field continues to evolve, with regular updates reflecting the latest advancements in computational tools for biosimilar discovery.
141
13 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Off-Label Prescribing in Pediatric Population
Off-label prescribing is widespread among pediatricians, and it is unlikely that this trend will soon be bound by a uniform legal framework. This is necessitated by the fact that there are four variables: the patient’s health condition, the physician’s experience and knowledge, the legislative measures (laws, directives, guidelines, and recommendations), and finally, the pharmaceutical industry. There is considerable concern worldwide about the use of off-label medicines in children.
101
06 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Lyotropic Liquid Crystals for Efficient Intestinal Lymphatic Targeting
Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are liquids that have crystalline structures. LLCs as drug delivery systems that can deliver hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic agents. Due to their unique phases and structures, LLCs can protect both small molecules and biologics from the gastrointestinal tract’s harsh environment, thus making LLCs attractive as carriers for oral drug delivery.
290
30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Overexpression of Glutathione S-Transferases in Human Diseases
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a major class of phase II metabolic enzymes. Besides their essential role in detoxification, GSTs also exert diverse biological activities in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Much research interest has been paid to exploring the mechanisms of GST overexpression in tumor drug resistance. Correspondingly, many GST inhibitors have been developed and applied, solely or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, for the treatment of multi-drug resistant tumors. Moreover, novel roles of GSTs in other diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and neurodegenerative diseases, have been recognized, although the exact regulatory mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
160
27 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Mentha piperita
Mentha species are famous as therapeutic herbs and have long served as natural herbal formulations. Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) is regarded as one of the best potential sources of biologically active substances for the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. M. piperita, a hybrid mint, is a cross-species between watermint (Mentha aquatica L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). Other Mentha species are also cultivated around the world for essential oil production.
338
27 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Fungal–Fungal Co-Culture for Discovery of New Secondary Metabolites
Fungi are an important and prolific source of secondary metabolites (SMs) with diverse chemical structures and a wide array of biological properties. Fungal–fungal co-culture is the major source of new SMs and consists of two types including liquid state fermentation (LSF) and solid state fermentation (SSF). Potato dextrose broth (PDB) and rice are the most common co-culture media for fungal LSF and SSF, respectively.
320
24 Nov 2023
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