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Topic Review
Blood-Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits pharmacotherapy of several brain disorders. In addition to structural and metabolic characteristics of the BBB, the ATP-driven, drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a selective gatekeeper of the BBB, and thus, a primary hindrance to drug delivery into the brain.
  • 1.4K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Blood Microsamples for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a specialized area of laboratory medicine which involves the measurement of drug concentrations in biological fluids with the aim of optimizing efficacy and reducing side effects, possibly modifying the drug dose to keep the plasma concentration within the therapeutic range. Plasma and/or whole blood, usually obtained by venipuncture, are the “gold standard” matrices for TDM. Microsampling, commonly used for newborn screening, could also be a convenient alternative to traditional sampling techniques for pharmacokinetics (PK) studies and TDM, helping to overcome practical problems and offering less invasive options to patients.
  • 259
  • 21 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Blood Biomarkers of Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
A biomarker is a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated to detect disease in patients. Traditionally, laboratory diagnoses of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and assessments of cardiovascular risk (CVR) include analyses of blood (serum or plasma) biomarkers, i.e., total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin and C-peptide.
  • 345
  • 18 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Black Cumin and Kidney Injury
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide, and a close association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and CKD has recently been identified. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) has been shown to be effective in treating various kidney diseases. Accumulating evidence shows that black cumin and its vital compound, thymoquinone (TQ), can protect against kidney injury caused by various xenobiotics, namely chemotherapeutic agents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental chemicals. Black cumin can also protect the kidneys from ischemic shock. The mechanisms underlying the kidney protective potential of black cumin and TQ include antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and antifibrosis which are manifested in their regulatory role in the antioxidant defense system, NF-κB signaling, caspase pathways, and TGF-β signaling. 
  • 15.8K
  • 01 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Bisphenol A and Obesity
Lines of evidence have shown the embryogenic and transgenerational impact of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, on immune-metabolic alterations, inflammation, and oxidative stress, while BPA toxic effects in adult obese mice are still overlooked. Here, we evaluate BPA’s worsening effect on several hepatic maladaptive processes associated to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. After 12 weeks HFD feeding, C57Bl/6J male mice were exposed daily to BPA (50 μg/kg per os) along with HFD for 3 weeks. Glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism were examined in serum and/or liver. Hepatic oxidative damage (reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes), and mitochondrial respiratory capacity were evaluated. Moreover, liver damage progression and inflammatory/immune response were determined by histological and molecular analysis. BPA amplified HFD-induced alteration of key factors involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, liver triglycerides accumulation, and worsened mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing oxidative stress and reducing antioxidant defense. The exacerbation by BPA of hepatic immune-metabolic dysfunction induced by HFD was shown by increased toll-like receptor-4 and its downstream pathways (i.e., NF-kB and NLRP3 inflammasome) amplifying inflammatory cytokine transcription and promoting fibrosis progression.
  • 441
  • 17 Dec 2020
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.
  • 153
  • 13 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Biopolymer Based Prodrugs as Potential Antineoplastic Therapy
Cancer represents a major public health issue, a substantial economic issue, and a burden for society. Limited by numerous disadvantages, conventional chemotherapy is being replaced by new strategies targeting tumor cells. In this context, therapies based on biopolymer prodrug systems represent a promising alternative for improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic properties of drugs and reducing their toxicity. The polymer-directed enzyme prodrug therapy is based on tumor cell targeting and release of the drug using polymer–drug and polymer–enzyme conjugates. In addition, current trends are oriented towards natural sources. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, and represent a valuable and renewable source. Drug–polymer conjugates based on natural polymers such as chitosan (CTS), hyaluronic acid (HA), dextran (DEX), pullulan (PL), silk fibroin (SF), centyrins (CTR), heparin (HEP), and polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula (AAP) are presented. 
  • 566
  • 19 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Bioplastic-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Systems
Plastics have changed human lives, finding a broad range of applications from packaging to medical devices. Biodegradable plastic materials have been introduced on the market. These polymers are biodegradable but also bioresorbable and, indeed, are fundamental tools for drug formulations, thanks to their transient ability to pass through biological barriers and concentrate in specific tissues.
  • 348
  • 01 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Biomimetic Systems Involving Macrophages in Targeted Drug Delivery
The concept of targeted drug delivery can be described in terms of the drug systems’ ability to mimic the biological objects’ property to localize to target cells or tissues. For example, drug delivery systems based on red blood cells or mimicking some of their useful features, such as long circulation in stealth mode, have been known for decades. Therapeutic strategies based on macrophages gradually gain more attention.
  • 312
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Biomedical Applications of Plant-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Zinc oxide nanoparticles have become one of the most popular metal oxide nanoparticles and recently emerged as a promising potential candidate in the fields of optical, electrical, food packaging, and biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and low cost. They have a role in cell apoptosis, as they trigger excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and release zinc ions (Zn2+) that induce cell death. The zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the plant extracts appear to be simple, safer, sustainable, and more environmentally friendly compared to the physical and chemical routes. These biosynthesized nanoparticles possess strong biological activities and are in use for various biological applications in several industries. Initially, the present review discusses the synthesis and recent advances of zinc oxide nanoparticles from plant sources (such as leaves, stems, bark, roots, rhizomes, fruits, flowers, and seeds) and their biomedical applications (such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, photocatalytic, wound healing, and drug delivery), followed by their mechanisms of action involved in detail. 
  • 1.1K
  • 21 Oct 2021
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