Displaying publications 921 - 940 of 1094 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Design, Operation and Optimization of Constructed Wetland for Removal of Pollutant
    Rahman ME, Bin Halmi MIE, Bin Abd Samad MY, Uddin MK, Mahmud K, Abd Shukor MY, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 Nov 11;17(22).
    PMID: 33187288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228339
    Constructed wetlands (CWs) are affordable and reliable green technologies for the treatment of various types of wastewater. Compared to conventional treatment systems, CWs offer an environmentally friendly approach, are low cost, have fewer operational and maintenance requirements, and have a high potential for being applied in developing countries, particularly in small rural communities. However, the sustainable management and successful application of these systems remain a challenge. Therefore, after briefly providing basic information on wetlands and summarizing the classification and use of current CWs, this study aims to provide and inspire sustainable solutions for the performance and application of CWs by giving a comprehensive review of CWs' application and the recent development of their sustainable design, operation, and optimization for wastewater treatment. To accomplish this objective, thee design and management parameters of CWs, including macrophyte species, media types, water level, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and hydraulic loading rate (HLR), are discussed. Besides these, future research on improving the stability and sustainability of CWs are highlighted. This article provides a tool for researchers and decision-makers for using CWs to treat wastewater in a particular area. This paper presents an aid for informed analysis, decision-making, and communication. The review indicates that major advances in the design, operation, and optimization of CWs have greatly increased contaminant removal efficiencies, and the sustainable application of this treatment system has also been improved.
  2. Fulltext Advances in nano sensors for monitoring and optimal performance enhancement in photovoltaic cells
    Dhahi TS, Yousif Dafhalla AK, Tayfour OE, Mubarakali A, Alqahtani AS, Tayfour Ahmed AE, et al.
    iScience, 2024 Apr 19;27(4):109347.
    PMID: 38550986 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109347
    Nanosensors have gained significant attention in recent years for improving energy conversion and storage performance in solar cells. These nanosensors, typically made from nanoparticles or nanowires, can be embedded within the solar cell to monitor parameters like temperature and light intensity. By monitoring these parameters, nanosensors provide real-time feedback and control to optimize the efficiency and performance of the solar cell. They also play a role in detecting potential issues, such as defects, for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. The integration of nanosensors in solar cells enables the development of smart energy systems, leading to increased power output, improved stability, and a longer lifespan of solar cells. The deployment of nanosensors in solar cells offer promising trajectory for advancing energy conversion, utilization, and storage capabilities. This review summarizes recent advances in nanosensors in solar cells, with a focus on the role they play in enhancing energy conversion, utilization, and storage performance.
  3. Unraveling the role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
    Kakoty V, Sarathlal KC, Kaur P, Wadhwa P, Vishwas S, Khan FR, et al.
    Neurol Sci, 2024 Apr;45(4):1409-1418.
    PMID: 38082050 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07253-2
    Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition with its prevalence projected to 8.9 million individuals globally in the year 2019. Parkinson's disease affects both motor and certain non-motor functions of an individual. Numerous research has focused on the neuroprotective effect of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in Parkinson's disease. Discovered in 1993, GDNF is a neurotrophic factor identified from the glial cells which was found to have selective effects on promoting survival and regeneration of certain populations of neurons including the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. Given this property, recent studies have focused on the exogenous administration of GDNF for relieving Parkinson's disease-related symptoms both at a pre-clinical and a clinical level. This review will focus on enumerating the molecular connection between Parkinson's disease and GDNF and shed light on all the available drug delivery approaches to facilitate the selective delivery of GDNF into the brain paving the way as a potential therapeutic candidate for Parkinson's disease in the future.
  4. Fulltext CircRNAs: Pivotal modulators of TGF-β signalling in cancer pathogenesis
    Bhat AA, Gupta G, Dahiya R, Thapa R, Gahtori A, Shahwan M, et al.
    Noncoding RNA Res, 2024 Jun;9(2):277-287.
    PMID: 38505309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.013
    The intricate molecular landscape of cancer pathogenesis continues to captivate researchers worldwide, with Circular RNAs (circRNAs) emerging as pivotal players in the dynamic regulation of biological functions. The study investigates the elusive link between circRNAs and the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway, exploring their collective influence on cancer progression and metastasis. Our comprehensive investigation begins by profiling circRNA expression patterns in diverse cancer types, revealing a repertoire of circRNAs intricately linked to the TGF-β pathway. Through integrated bioinformatics analyses and functional experiments, we elucidate the specific circRNA-mRNA interactions that modulate TGF-β signalling, unveiling the regulatory controls governing this crucial pathway. Furthermore, we provide compelling evidence of the impact of circRNA-mediated TGF-β modulation on key cellular processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and cell proliferation. In addition to their mechanistic roles, circRNAs have shown promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential molecular targets for cancer therapy. Their ability to modulate critical pathways, such as the TGF-β signalling axis, underscores their significance in cancer biology and clinical applications. The intricate interplay between circRNAs and TGF-β is dissected, uncovering novel regulatory circuits that contribute to the complexity of cancer biology. This review unravels a previously unexplored dimension of carcinogenesis, emphasizing the crucial role of circRNAs in shaping the TGF-β signalling landscape.
  5. Nanoparticles toxicity: an overview of its mechanism and plausible mitigation strategies
    Sharma N, Kurmi BD, Singh D, Mehan S, Khanna K, Karwasra R, et al.
    J Drug Target, 2024 Feb 19.
    PMID: 38328920 DOI: 10.1080/1061186X.2024.2316785
    Over the last decade, nanoparticles have found great interest among scientists and researchers working in various fields within the realm of biomedicine including drug delivery, gene delivery, diagnostics, targeted therapy and biomarker mapping. While their physical and chemical properties are impressive, there is growing concern about the toxicological potential of nanoparticles and possible adverse health effects as enhanced exposure of biological systems to nanoparticles may result in toxic effects leading to serious contraindications. Toxicity associated with nanoparticles (nanotoxicity) may include the undesired response of several physiological mechanisms including the distressing of cells by external and internal interaction with nanoparticles. However, comprehensive knowledge of nanotoxicity mechanisms and mitigation strategies may be useful to overcome the hazardous situation while treating diseases with therapeutic nanoparticles. With the same objectives, this review discusses various mechanisms of nanotoxicity and provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the impact of nanotoxicity on biological control systems and organs including liver, brain, kidneys and lungs. An attempt also been made to present various approaches of scientific research and strategies that could be useful to overcome the effect of nanotoxicity during the development of nanoparticle-based systems including coating, doping, grafting, ligation and addition of antioxidants.
  6. Fulltext Triple-Band Reconfigurable Monopole Antenna for Long-Range IoT Applications
    Yahya MS, Soeung S, Singh NSS, Yunusa Z, Chinda FE, Rahim SKA, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jun 06;23(12).
    PMID: 37420526 DOI: 10.3390/s23125359
    In this study, a novel reconfigurable triple-band monopole antenna for LoRa IoT applications is fabricated on an FR-4 substrate. The proposed antenna is designed to function at three distinct LoRa frequency bands: 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz covering the LoRa bands in Europe, America, and Asia. The antenna is reconfigurable by using a PIN diode switching mechanism, which allows for the selection of the desired operating frequency band based on the state of the diodes. The antenna is designed using CST MWS® software 2019 and optimized for maximum gain, good radiation pattern and efficiency. The antenna with a total dimension of 80 mm × 50 mm × 0.6 mm (0.12λ0×0.07λ0 × 0.001λ0 at 433 MHz) has a gain of 2 dBi, 1.9 dBi, and 1.9 dBi at 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz, respectively, with an omnidirectional H-plane radiation pattern and a radiation efficiency above 90% across the three frequency bands. The fabrication and measurement of the antenna have been carried out, and the results of simulation and measurements are compared. The agreement among the simulation and measurement results confirms the design's accuracy and the antenna's suitability for LoRa IoT applications, particularly in providing a compact, flexible, and energy efficient communication solution for different LoRa frequency bands.
  7. Fulltext Natural products as novel anti-obesity agents: insights into mechanisms of action and potential for therapeutic management
    Shaik Mohamed Sayed UF, Moshawih S, Goh HP, Kifli N, Gupta G, Singh SK, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1182937.
    PMID: 37408757 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1182937
    Obesity affects more than 10% of the adult population globally. Despite the introduction of diverse medications aimed at combating fat accumulation and obesity, a significant number of these pharmaceutical interventions are linked to substantial occurrences of severe adverse events, occasionally leading to their withdrawal from the market. Natural products serve as attractive sources for anti-obesity agents as many of them can alter the host metabolic processes and maintain glucose homeostasis via metabolic and thermogenic stimulation, appetite regulation, pancreatic lipase and amylase inhibition, insulin sensitivity enhancing, adipogenesis inhibition and adipocyte apoptosis induction. In this review, we shed light on the biological processes that control energy balance and thermogenesis as well as metabolic pathways in white adipose tissue browning, we also highlight the anti-obesity potential of natural products with their mechanism of action. Based on previous findings, the crucial proteins and molecular pathways involved in adipose tissue browning and lipolysis induction are uncoupling protein-1, PR domain containing 16, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in addition to Sirtuin-1 and AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Given that some phytochemicals can also lower proinflammatory substances like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 secreted from adipose tissue and change the production of adipokines like leptin and adiponectin, which are important regulators of body weight, natural products represent a treasure trove for anti-obesity agents. In conclusion, conducting comprehensive research on natural products holds the potential to accelerate the development of an improved obesity management strategy characterized by heightened efficacy and reduced incidence of side effects.
  8. Spermidine as a promising anticancer agent: Recent advances and newer insights on its molecular mechanisms
    Prasher P, Sharma M, Singh SK, Gulati M, Chellappan DK, Rajput R, et al.
    Front Chem, 2023;11:1164477.
    PMID: 37090250 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1164477
    Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound found in semen. It is also found in several plant sources and boasts a remarkable biological profile, particularly with regards to its anticancer properties. Spermidine specifically interferes with the tumour cell cycle, resulting in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and suppression of tumor growth. Moreover, it also triggers autophagy by regulating key oncologic pathways. The increased intake of polyamines, such as spermidine, can suppress oncogenesis and slow the growth of tumors due to its role in anticancer immunosurveillance and regulation of polyamine metabolism. Spermidine/spermine N-1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) plays a critical role in polyamine homeostasis and serves as a diagnostic marker in human cancers. Chemically modified derivatives of spermidine hold great potential for prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications against various malignancies. This review discusses in detail the recent findings that support the anticancer mechanisms of spermidine and its molecular physiology.
  9. Emerging era of "somes": polymersomes as versatile drug delivery carrier for cancer diagnostics and therapy
    Sharma AK, Prasher P, Aljabali AA, Mishra V, Gandhi H, Kumar S, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2020 Oct;10(5):1171-1190.
    PMID: 32504410 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00789-2
    Over the past two decades, polymersomes have been widely investigated for the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Polymersomes are stable polymeric vesicles, which are prepared using amphiphilic block polymers of different molecular weights. The use of high molecular weight amphiphilic copolymers allows for possible manipulation of membrane characteristics, which in turn enhances the efficiency of drug delivery. Polymersomes are more stable in comparison with liposomes and show less toxicity in vivo. Furthermore, their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, significant biocompatibility, robustness, high colloidal stability, and simple methods for ligands conjugation make polymersomes a promising candidate for therapeutic drug delivery in cancer therapy. This review is focused on current development in the application of polymersomes for cancer therapy and diagnosis. Graphical abstract.
  10. Fulltext Non-coding RNA: A key regulator in the Glutathione-GPX4 pathway of ferroptosis
    Hussain S, Gupta G, Shahwan M, Bansal P, Kaur H, Deorari M, et al.
    Noncoding RNA Res, 2024 Dec;9(4):1222-1234.
    PMID: 39036600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.05.007
    Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, has emerged as a crucial process in diverse pathophysiological states, encompassing cancer, neurodegenerative ailments, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. The glutathione (GSH)-dependent lipid peroxidation pathway, chiefly governed by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), assumes an essential part in driving ferroptosis. GPX4, as the principal orchestrator of ferroptosis, has garnered significant attention across cancer, cardiovascular, and neuroscience domains over the past decade. Noteworthy investigations have elucidated the indispensable functions of ferroptosis in numerous diseases, including tumorigenesis, wherein robust ferroptosis within cells can impede tumor advancement. Recent research has underscored the complex regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating the GSH-GPX4 network, thus influencing cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis. This exhaustive review endeavors to probe into the multifaceted processes by which ncRNAs control the GSH-GPX4 network in ferroptosis. Specifically, we delve into the functions of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in regulating GPX4 expression and impacting cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis. Moreover, we discuss the clinical implications of dysregulated interactions between ncRNAs and GPX4 in several conditions, underscoring their capacity as viable targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, the review explores emerging strategies aimed at targeting ncRNAs to modulate the GSH-GPX4 pathway and manipulate ferroptosis for therapeutic advantage. A comprehensive understanding of these intricate regulatory networks furnishes insights into innovative therapeutic avenues for diseases associated with perturbed ferroptosis, thereby laying the groundwork for therapeutic interventions targeting ncRNAs in ferroptosis-related pathological conditions.
  11. Carbon Monoxide is an Inhibitor of HIF Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain 2
    Mbenza NM, Nasarudin N, Vadakkedath PG, Patel K, Ismail AZ, Hanif M, et al.
    Chembiochem, 2021 Aug 03;22(15):2521-2525.
    PMID: 34137488 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100181
    Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 (PHD2) is an important oxygen sensor in animals. By using the CO-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) as an in situ CO donor, we demonstrate that CO is an inhibitor of PHD2. This report provides further evidence about the emerging role of CO in oxygen sensing and homeostasis.
  12. Fulltext 12-Month clinical outcomes of amphilimus drug eluting stents in an all-comers South-East Asian registry
    Ho HH, Sinaga DA, Arshad MKM, Kasim S, Lee JH, Khoo DZL, et al.
    Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc, 2020 Feb;26:100469.
    PMID: 32021903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100469
    BACKGROUND: Amphilimus-eluting stent (AES) is a novel polymer-free drug eluting stent that combines sirolimus with fatty acid as antiproliferative drug and has shown promising results in percutaneous coronary intervention.We evaluated the clinical safety and efficacy of AES in an all-comers South-East Asian registry.

    METHODS: Between May 2014 to April 2017, 268 patients (88% male, mean age 60.1 ± 10.8 years) with 291 coronary lesions were treated with AES. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) ie a composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12-month follow-up.

    RESULTS: The majority of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (75%) and 75% had multi-vessel disease on angiography. Diabetes mellitus was present in 123 patients (46%). The most common target vessel for PCI was left anterior descending artery (43%) followed by right coronary artery (36%), left circumflex (10%) and left main (6%).The majority of lesions were type B-C (85%) by ACC/AHA lesion classification. An average of 1.25 ± 0.5 AES were used per patient, with mean AES diameter of 3.1 ± 0.4 mm and average total length of 34.8 ± 19.4 mm.At 12-month follow-up, 4% of patients developed MACE. MACE was mainly driven by cardiovascular mortality (1.5%), MI (2%) and TLR (1.5%). The rate of stent thrombosis was 1.5%.

    CONCLUSION: In a contemporary all-comers South-East Asian registry with high rate of diabetes mellitus, AES was found to be efficacious with a low incidence of MACE observed at 12-month follow-up.

  13. Fulltext Vitamin D-A prominent immunomodulator to prevent COVID-19 infection
    Ashique S, Gupta K, Gupta G, Mishra N, Singh SK, Wadhwa S, et al.
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2023 Jan;26(1):13-30.
    PMID: 36308699 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.14477
    COVID-19 remains a life-threatening infectious disease worldwide. Several bio-active agents have been tested and evaluated in an effort to contain this disease. Unfortunately, none of the therapies have been successful, owing to their safety concerns and the presence of various adverse effects. Various countries have developed vaccines as a preventive measure; however, they have not been widely accepted as effective strategies. The virus has proven to be exceedingly contagious and lethal, so finding an effective treatment strategy has been a top priority in medical research. The significance of vitamin D in influencing many components of the innate and adaptive immune systems is examined in this study. This review aims to summarize the research on the use of vitamin D for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. Vitamin D supplementation has now become an efficient option to boost the immune response for all ages in preventing the spread of infection. Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that treats infected lung tissue by improving innate and adaptive immune responses and downregulating the inflammatory cascades. The preventive action exerted by vitamin D supplementation (at a specific dose) has been accepted by several observational research investigations and clinical trials on the avoidance of viral and acute respiratory dysfunctions. To assess the existing consensus about vitamin D supplementation as a strategy to treat and prevent the development and progression of COVID-19 disease, this review intends to synthesize the evidence around vitamin D in relation to COVID-19 infection.
  14. Optimizing crop quality and yield: Assessing the impact of integrated potassium management on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis)
    Choudhary M, Kumar S, Onte S, Meena VK, Malakar D, Garg K, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Sep 15;10(17):e36208.
    PMID: 39263071 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36208
    Potassium, a pivotal macronutrient essential for growth, development, and crop yield, serves as a critical determinant of soil productivity. Its depletion disrupts the equilibrium of soil nutrients, prompting an investigation into integrated potassium management strategies to address this challenge. A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2020 using a randomized complete block design, with eight treatments, each replicated three times in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis). These treatments comprised standard (100 %) and reduced (75 % and 50 %) rates of the recommended dose of potassium (RDK) via muriate of potash (MOP). Variations in the inclusion and exclusion of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), farmyard manure (FYM) as 25 % of the potassium recommendation, and foliar spray of nano potash were systematically implemented. Findings unequivocally demonstrated that the treatmentT8, involving 100 % RDK +25 % K through FYM + PGPR + nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS, yielded significant improvements in both green fodder (64.0 t ha-1) and dry fodder (7.87 t ha-1).Moreover, T8 exhibited the highest values for total ash (8.75 %), total ash yield (68.9 ± 2.88 kg ha-1), ether extract (2.85 %), ether extract yield (22.4 ± 0.88 kg ha-1), crude protein (9.71 %), and total crude protein yield (76.4 ± 3.21 kg ha-1). Conversely, a marked reduction was observed in various fiber components and carbohydrate fractions upon application of the T8 treatment. The lowest values of yield, crude protein content, total ash ether extract were recorded in treatment T1 (control) applied with no potassium. This investigation underscores the inadequacy of the recommended potassium dose in achieving optimal productivity, necessitating a re-evaluation of potassium fertilization levels. The integrated approach involving FYM, PGPR, and nano potash, coupled with the recommended potassium dose through MOP, emerges as a promising avenue for augmenting both yield and quality parameters in Chinese cabbage.
  15. Fulltext Adaptation of a Theory-Based Mobile App to Improve Access to HIV Prevention Services for Transgender Women in Malaysia: Focus Group Study
    Gautam K, Shrestha R, Dlamini S, Razali B, Paudel K, Azwa I, et al.
    JMIR Form Res, 2024 Aug 13;8:e56250.
    PMID: 39137407 DOI: 10.2196/56250
    BACKGROUND: Globally, transgender women have been disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, including in Malaysia, where an estimated 11% of transgender women are living with HIV. Available interventions designed specifically to meet transgender women's needs for HIV prevention are limited. Mobile health, particularly smartphone mobile apps, is an innovative and cost-effective strategy for reaching transgender women and delivering interventions to reduce HIV vulnerability.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to adapt a theory-based mobile health HIV prevention smartphone app, HealthMindr, to meet the unique needs of transgender women in Malaysia. We conducted theater testing of the HealthMindr app with transgender women and key stakeholders and explored barriers to transgender women's uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

    METHODS: From February to April 2022, a total of 6 focus group (FG) sessions were conducted with 29 participants: 4 FG sessions with transgender women (n=18, 62%) and 2 FG sessions with stakeholders (n=11, 38%) providing HIV prevention services to transgender women in Malaysia. Barriers to PrEP uptake and gender-affirming care services among transgender women in Malaysia were explored. Participants were then introduced to the HealthMindr app and provided a comprehensive tour of the app's features and functions. Participants provided feedback on the app and on how existing features should be adapted to meet the needs of transgender women, as well as any features that should be removed or added. Each FG was digitally recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded inductively using Dedoose software (version 9.0.54; SocioCultural Research Consultants, LLC) and analyzed to identify and interpret emerging themes.

    RESULTS: Six subthemes related to PrEP barriers were found: stigma and discrimination, limited PrEP knowledge, high PrEP cost, accessibility concerns, alternative prevention methods, and perceived adverse effects. Participants suggested several recommendations regarding the attributes and app features that would be the most useful for transgender women in Malaysia. Adaptation and refinement of the app were related to the attributes of the app (user interface, security, customizable colors, themes, and avatars), feedback, and requests for additional mobile app functional (appointment booking, e-consultation, e-pharmacy, medicine tracker, mood tracker, resources, and service site locator) and communication (peer support group, live chat, and discussion forum) features.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal that multifaceted barriers hinder PrEP uptake and use among transgender women in Malaysia. The findings also provide detailed recommendations for successfully adapting the HealthMindr app to the context of Malaysian transgender women, with a potential solution for delivering tailored HIV prevention, including PrEP, and increasing accessibility to gender-affirming care services.

  16. Luteolin: a flavonoid with a multifaceted anticancer potential
    Prasher P, Sharma M, Singh SK, Gulati M, Chellappan DK, Zacconi F, et al.
    Cancer Cell Int, 2022 Dec 08;22(1):386.
    PMID: 36482329 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02808-3
    Therapeutic effect of phytochemicals has been emphasized in the traditional medicine owing to the presence of bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols. Luteolin is a flavone belonging to the flavonoid class of polyphenolic phytochemicals with healing effect on hypertension, inflammatory disorders, and cancer due to its action as pro-oxidants and antioxidants. The anticancer profile of luteolin is of interest due to the toxic effect of contemporary chemotherapy paradigm, leading to the pressing need for the development and identification of physiologically benevolent anticancer agents and molecules. Luteolin exerts anticancer activity by downregulation of key regulatory pathways associated with oncogenesis, in addition to the induction of oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, upregulation of apoptotic genes, and inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis in cancer cells. In this review, we discuss about the anticancer profile of luteolin.
  17. Deciphering NF-kappaB pathways in smoking-related lung carcinogenesis
    Thapa R, Moglad E, Goyal A, Bhat AA, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, et al.
    EXCLI J, 2024;23:991-1017.
    PMID: 39253534 DOI: 10.17179/excli2024-7475
    One of the main causes of death worldwide is lung cancer, which is largely caused by cigarette smoking. The crucial transcription factor NF-κB, which controls inflammatory responses and various cellular processes, is a constitutively present cytoplasmic protein strictly regulated by inhibitors like IκB proteins. Upon activation by external stimuli, it undergoes phosphorylation, translocates into the nucleus, and modulates the expression of specific genes. The incontrovertible association between pulmonary malignancy and tobacco consumption underscores and highlights a public health concern. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines, potent carcinogenic compounds present in the aerosol emitted from combusted tobacco, elicit profound deleterious effects upon inhalation, resulting in severe perturbation of pulmonary tissue integrity. The pathogenesis of smoking-induced lung cancer encompasses an intricate process wherein NF-κB activation plays a pivotal role, triggered by exposure to cigarette smoke through diverse signaling pathways, including those associated with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Unraveling the participation of NF-κB in smoking-induced lung cancer provides pivotal insights into molecular processes, wherein intricate crosstalk between NF-κB and pathways such as MAPK and PI3K-Akt amplifies the inflammatory response, fostering an environment conducive to the formation of lung cancer. This study reviews the critical function of NF-κB in the complex molecular pathways linked to the initiation and advancement of lung carcinogenesis as well as potential treatment targets. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
  18. Bridging gap in treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome through drug repurposing: what we achieved and where we are?
    Kumbhar PS, Chavan R, Darekar S, Kolekar K, Sequeira A, Vishwas S, et al.
    Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2024 Nov 09.
    PMID: 39520555 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03578-7
    Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the chief causes of infertility in women of reproductive age. Several drugs belonging to the oral contraceptive class have been approved for the treatment of PCOS. Nonetheless, the capability to target only a few symptoms of PCOS and fatal side effects are key hurdles to their use. Therefore, repurposing existing drugs can be promising in managing PCOS efficiently. Drugs from different pharmacological classes like antidiabetics (metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and semaglutide), statins (simvastatin and atorvastatin), antiandrogen drugs (finasteride and flutamide), etc. demonstrated significant potential in managing PCOS. The present review offers a comprehensive overview of all the medications examined as potential repurposed options for the efficient treatment of PCOS. The pathogenesis of PCOS, existing therapies for PCOS and their challenges, drug repurposing and its significance is also explained. The small-molecular drugs from various pharmacological classes and different phytoceuticals repurposed against PCOS are discussed along with their anti-PCOS activity mechanisms. Moreover, novel drug targets responsible for PCOS and opportunities for drug repurposing are briefed. The repurposed drugs in clinical trials for PCOS and drug repurposing challenges are discussed. Thus, drug repurposing can serve as a potential way to effectively treat PCOS, reducing the extent of infertility and improving the quality of life of women.
  19. Fulltext The impact of airborne particulate matter-based pollution on the cellular and molecular mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Taylor-Blair HC, Siu ACW, Haysom-McDowell A, Kokkinis S, Bani Saeid A, Chellappan DK, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Dec 01;954:176413.
    PMID: 39322084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176413
    Inhalation of particulate matter (PM), one of the many components of air pollution, is associated with the development and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is one of the leading causes of global mortality and morbidity, with a paucity of therapeutic options and a significant contributor to global health expenditure. This review aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways that lead to the development of COPD following chronic PM exposure. Our review describes how the inhalation of PM can lead to lung parenchymal destruction and cellular senescence due to chronic pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. Following inhalation of PM, significant increases in a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mediated by the nuclear factor kappa B pathway are reported. This review also highlights how the inhalation of PM can lead to deleterious chronic oxidative stress persisting in the lung post-exposure. Furthermore, our work summarises how PM inhalation can lead to airway remodelling, with increases in pro-fibrotic cytokines and collagen deposition, typical of COPD. This paper also accentuates the interconnection and possible synergism between the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to COPD. Our work emphasises the serious health consequences of PM exposure on respiratory health. Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms can provide insight into possible therapeutic options. Finally, this review should serve as a stark reminder of the need for genuine action on air pollution to decrease the associated health burden on our growing global population.
  20. Unravelling the success of transferosomes against skin cancer: Journey so far and road ahead
    Kumbhar PS, Kamble V, Vishwas S, Kumbhar P, Kolekar K, Gupta G, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2024 Sep;14(9):2325-2344.
    PMID: 38758498 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01607-9
    Skin cancer remains one of the most prominent types of cancer. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer are commonly found together, with melanoma being the more deadly type. Skin cancer can be effectively treated with chemotherapy, which mostly uses small molecular medicines, phytoceuticals, and biomacromolecules. Topical delivery of these therapeutics is a non-invasive way that might be useful in effectively managing skin cancer. Different skin barriers, however, presented a major obstacle to topical cargo administration. Transferosomes have demonstrated significant potential in topical delivery by improving cargo penetration through the circumvention of diverse skin barriers. Additionally, the transferosome-based gel can prolong the residence of drug on the skin, lowering the frequency of doses and their associated side effects. However, the choice of appropriate transferosome compositions, such as phospholipids and edge activators, and fabrication technique are crucial for achieving improved entrapment efficiency, penetration, and regulated particle size. The present review discusses skin cancer overview, current treatment strategies for skin cancer and their drawbacks. Topical drug delivery against skin cancer is also covered, along with the difficulties associated with it and the importance of transferosomes in avoiding these difficulties. Additionally, a summary of transferosome compositions and fabrication methods is provided. Furthermore, topical delivery of small molecular drugs, phytoceuticals, and biomacromolecules using transferosomes and transferosomes-based gel in treating skin cancer is discussed. Thus, transferosomes can be a significant option in the topical delivery of drugs to manage skin cancer efficiently.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links