Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anqi Wang, Yuan Zheng, Wanxin Zhu, Liuxin Yang, Yang Yang, Jinliang Peng
Summary: This review discusses recent advances in nano-delivery systems of MEL, as well as MEL-modified nano drug carriers for cancer therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paula Costales, Nicolas Rios-Lombardia, Seila Lorenzo-Herrero, Francisco Moris, Javier Gonzalez-Sabin
Summary: A novel series of enantiopure naphthalimide-cycloalkanediamine conjugates were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of the compounds depended on the size of the cycloalkyl ring and length of the spacer, with no observed enantioselectivity. Compounds 22 and 23 were found to effectively induce G2/M arrest in the tested cell lines, despite a mild apoptotic effect.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jianzhong Zhang, Xue Liu, Yutian Xia, Shuyu Xu, Xuan Liu, Haiqing Xiao, Xiaoyong Wang, Chao Liu, Gang Liu
Summary: A novel genetically engineered vesicular antibody-melittin (VAM) drug delivery platform was developed for targeted cancer combination therapy. The VAM could release nanomelittin at tumor sites in a controlled manner, reducing off-target toxicity and allowing co-delivery of small-molecule drugs or nanoparticles. This strategy achieved enhanced therapeutic effects through the synergistic action of nanomelittin and anticancer agents.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pravesh M. Jain, Denisse A. Gutierrez, Sujeet Kumar, Renato J. Aguilera, Subhas S. Karki
Summary: A series of pyrazole-oxindole conjugates were studied as potential cytotoxic agents. The compound 5-methyl-3-((3-(1-phenyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)indolin-2-one 6h showed the highest cytotoxic activity against Jurkat cells with a CC50 of 4.36 +/- 0.2 μM. Mechanistic studies revealed that 6h induced apoptosis in a dose-response manner, without generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altering mitochondrial health.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Maher Obeidat, Ihab F. F. Al-khraisat, Da'san M. M. Jaradat, Bayan Y. Y. Ghanim, Qasem M. M. Abdallah, Duaa Abu Arqoub, Duaa Sabbah, Ola M. M. Al-Sanabra, Tawfiq Arafat, Nidal A. A. Qinna
Summary: This study collected Jordanian crude bee venom (JCBV) during different seasons and investigated its in vitro antitumor effects. It was found that JCBV collected during springtime had the highest content of melittin (MEL), which showed apoptotic and cell cycle arrest effects on K562 leukemia cells. The study concludes that the application of bee venom in chemotherapy needs further research and should carefully consider the correlation between bee genotype, collection time, and MEL concentration in JCBV.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nabil A. Alhakamy, Osama A. A. Ahmed, Shadab Md, Usama A. Fahmy
Summary: The study developed a nanocomplex of FLV with MAS, called MAS-FLV-NC, which demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro, inducing cell apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and leading to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.
Article
Cell Biology
Vera L. Silva, Jayeta Saxena, Francesco Nicolini, Joseph Hoare, Stephen Metcalf, Sarah A. Martin, Michelle Lockley
Summary: Chloroxine restores sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy in high-grade serous cancer by overriding DNA damage tolerance, suggesting a promising combination therapy for patient benefit.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mariacristina Nicolosi, Francesco Bellia, Maria Laura Giuffrida, Stefania Zimbone, Valentina Oliveri, Graziella Vecchio
Summary: Researchers have synthesized and characterized two new cyclodextrin-fluvastatin conjugates, the first example of cyclodextrin conjugates of statins. Experimental results suggest that these conjugates are stable in cells and can protect cells to some extent from cell death induced by Aβ oligomers.
RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sara Ghandehari, Mohammad Taghi Goodarzi, Jafar Izadi Nia, Masoud Homayouni Tabrizi
Summary: The aim of this study was to load kombucha-fermented extract (KFE) on PLGA nanoparticles (KFE-PNPs) to increase bioavailability and to evaluate its anti-cancer effects. The results showed that KFE-PNPs had stable nanoparticle characteristics, selectively killed cancer cells, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited angiogenesis.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Amy K. Harper, Thea K. Kirsch-Mangu, Hala Lutfi, Robert T. Morris, Ghassan M. Saed
Summary: We reported the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and tissues. We found that EOC cells express only the monomeric form of MPO, and identified the unique expression of cell membrane receptor alpha V/beta 1 integrin in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells. Monoclonal antibodies against alpha V/beta 1 integrin induced cytotoxicity in EOC cells and showed synergy with conventional chemotherapies. Targeting this unique MPO-dependent survival mechanism may lead to specific ovarian cancer therapies.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Eric Chun Hei Ho, Rong Qiu, Ellis Miller, Maria Teresa Bilotta, David FitzGerald, Antonella Antignani
Summary: The monoclonal antibody '40H3' can bind to both EGFRvIII and full-length EGFR when overexpressed on cancer cells. By modifying 40H3 with small molecular weight payloads, including tubulin-modifying agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, and a PBD dimer, candidate cytotoxic antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) were generated. Among the five evaluated ADCs, the 40H3-Tesirine conjugate showed the highest cytotoxicity against EGFR-positive cells. In vivo experiments on TNBC tumor lines demonstrated that three treatments with 40H3-Tesirine ADC achieved complete remissions without mouse toxicity. These findings support the development of ADCs derived from the 40H3 antibody for treating EGFRvIII-expressing or high EGFR-expressing cancers.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoli Wei, Peixian Li, Hongfeng Zhou, Xiaowei Hu, Dan Liu, Jin Wu, Yi Wang
Summary: Gemcitabine reduced graphene oxide (GEM-rGO) holds promising potential as an effective anticancer candidate for lung cancer treatment by targeting the Erk/Mek/Raf/Ras pathway, displaying significant cytotoxic activities against lung cancer cells, and demonstrating high safety profiles in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nurit Shalev, Michelle Kendall, Seegehalli M. Anil, Sudeep Tiwari, Hadar Peeri, Navin Kumar, Eduard Belausov, Ajjampura C. Vinayaka, Hinanit Koltai
Summary: The research found that cannabis compounds in combination with a PARP inhibitor can act synergistically to combat ovarian cancer cells, while also altering gene expression and cellular localization related to the Wnt pathway.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shuang Chen, Jun F. Liang
Summary: Orlistat-dopamine conjugates (ODCs) self-assembled into nano-sized particles (Nano-ODCs) on cell surfaces, exhibiting a unique mechanism of cell lysis in drug-sensitive and -resistant cancer cells. The strong synergistic effects between orlistat and dopamine led to the release of intact drugs and induced mitochondrial dysfunctions, resulting in cytotoxicity. This new technology-enabled orlistat repurposing can overcome drug resistance and improve cancer chemotherapy.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Andika Pramudya Wardana, Nanik Siti Aminah, Alfinda Novi Kristanti, Mochamad Zakki Fahmi, Haninda Iffatuz Zahrah, W. Widiyastuti, Hendrix Abdul Ajiz, Ummi Zubaidah, Priangga Adi Wiratama, Yoshiaki Takaya
Summary: This study investigated the anti-cancer and chemopreventive effects of nanoencapsulated Indonesian gambir on breast cancer. The results showed that nanoencapsulated gambir had higher anti-cancer activity and chemopreventive effects on breast cancer induced mice. Administration of 200 mg/kg BW nanoencapsulated gambir significantly increased SOD and GSH levels and decreased TNF-alpha levels. Histological analysis of breast tissue in the group given 200 mg/kg BW nanoencapsulated gambir showed no damage or histological abnormalities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Mohamed A. Abdel-Lateef, Marzough Aziz Albalawi, Sameera N. Al-Ghamdi, Wael A. Mahdi, Sultan Alshehri, Mohamed A. El Hamd
Summary: In this study, a novel fluorescence probe was designed to detect the adulteration of curcumin by harmful artificial dye metanil yellow. The probe was synthesized from the conversion of Tannic acid-Eu3+ complex to Eu-carbon dots. The formed Eu-carbon dots exhibited unique fluorescence excitation and emission features, which can be successfully quenched by metanil yellow dye. The proposed method has a low detection limit and good recovery values.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anna Privitera, Vincenzo Cardaci, Dhanushka Weerasekara, Miriam Wissam Saab, Lidia Diolosa, Annamaria Fidilio, Renaud Blaise Jolivet, Giuseppe Lazzarino, Angela Maria Amorini, Massimo Camarda, Susan Marie Lunte, Filippo Caraci, Giuseppe Caruso
Summary: Carnosine is a naturally occurring peptide with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaggregation properties. It has the potential to treat disorders characterized by oxidative stress and energy unbalance such as depression and Alzheimer's disease. Carnosine can prevent LPS + ATP-induced cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and restore cellular energy metabolism. Therefore, it may be a promising pharmacological tool for neuroinflammatory disorders.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Delfina Janiri, Gaia Sampogna, Umberto Albert, Filippo Caraci, Giovanni Martinotti, Gianluca Serafini, Alfonso Tortorella, Alessandro Zuddas, Andrea Fiorillo, Gabriele Sani
Summary: This study conducted an umbrella review to analyze the efficacy and safety of lithium in mood disorders across different age groups and special clinical conditions. The results showed that lithium may be effective in treating pediatric bipolar disorders and preventing mood episodes during the peripartum period. In addition, it may also be beneficial for elderly individuals with bipolar disorders and treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIPOLAR DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Antonino Messina, Carmen Concerto, Alessandro Rodolico, Antonino Petralia, Filippo Caraci, Maria Salvina Signorelli
Summary: Understanding the pathogenesis of schizophrenia is a challenge in global mental health. Recent clinical studies suggest that microglia hyperactivation and neuroinflammation may play a crucial role in the development of the disease. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors can cause a shift in microglia activation state, leading to neuronal damage and degeneration. Combining anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective drugs with antipsychotic treatment could be an effective approach for managing schizophrenia.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wael A. Mahdi, Shareefa A. AlGhamdi, Amira M. Alghamdi, Syed Sarim Imam, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammad A. Almaniea, Baraa Mohammed Hajjar, Fahad A. Al-Abbasi, Nadeem Sayyed, Imran Kazmi
Summary: The effect of europinidin on alcoholic liver damage in rats was investigated. The results showed that europinidin restored liver function and biochemical indicators, including liver enzymes, biochemical tests, lipid assessment, endogenous antioxidants, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cytokines, caspase-3, and nuclear factor kappa B, associated with alcohol-induced liver injury. In conclusion, europinidin has favorable effects on alcoholic liver damage and may have hepatoprotective potential.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Giuseppe Caruso, Elena Maria Scalisi, Roberta Pecoraro, Vincenzo Cardaci, Anna Privitera, Emanuela Truglio, Fabiano Capparucci, Romana Jarosova, Antonio Salvaggio, Filippo Caraci, Maria Violetta Brundo
Summary: Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants/antioxidant system. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) has been linked to the development of diseases. Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, has shown the ability to scavenge ROS and inhibit protein oxidation. In this study, the effects of carnosine and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) on zebrafish embryos/larvae were investigated, and it was found that carnosine could reduce TiO2-NPs-induced oxidative stress.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Caruso, Anna Privitera, Miriam Wissam Saab, Nicolo Musso, Salvatore Maugeri, Annamaria Fidilio, Anna Provvidenza Privitera, Alessandra Pittala, Renaud Blaise Jolivet, Luca Lanzano, Giuseppe Lazzarino, Filippo Caraci, Angela Maria Amorini
Summary: The activity of microglia plays a crucial role in various physiological processes and its imbalance can lead to neurodegenerative disorders. Carnosine, a naturally occurring molecule, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and can modulate immune cell response and energy metabolism. Understanding microglia characteristics and their response to environmental challenges is important for therapeutic strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mohit Vij, Neha Dand, Lalit Kumar, Pankaj Wadhwa, Shahid Ud Din Wani, Wael A. Mahdi, Sultan Alshehri, Prawez Alam, Faiyaz Shakeel
Summary: BCS class II molecules have low oral bioavailability due to poor permeability and sub-optimal aqueous solubility. Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges are used to enhance their bioavailability. This study aimed to optimize and evaluate a microwave-assisted synthesis method for nanosponges to improve domperidone's solubility and drug delivery potential.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Angela Bonaccorso, Anna Privitera, Margherita Grasso, Sonya Salamone, Claudia Carbone, Rosario Pignatello, Teresa Musumeci, Filippo Caraci, Giuseppe Caruso
Summary: Carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, has been investigated for its pharmacodynamic profile in various disease models and clinical settings due to its anti-aggregant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as its ability to modulate energy metabolism in immune cells. However, the rapid hydrolysis of carnosine by carnosinases, especially at the plasma level, limits its therapeutic use. Therefore, the development of new strategies, such as chemical modification and drug delivery systems, is crucial to increase carnosine bioavailability and site-specific transport to different tissues.
Article
Psychiatry
Antonino Messina, Filippo Caraci, Eugenio Aguglia, Maria Salvina Signorelli
Summary: The study revealed a significant relationship between blunted affect and psychomotor slowing, representing the two-faced Janus of immobility. Furthermore, the longer the duration of schizophrenia, the more prominent the aggregation of symptoms in CLB, leading to a specific pattern of immune activation.
ANNALS OF GENERAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sultan Alshehri, Shareefa A. AlGhamdi, Amira M. Alghamdi, Syed Sarim Imam, Wael A. Mahdi, Mohammad A. Almaniea, Baraa Mohammed Hajjar, Fahad A. Al-Abbasi, Nadeem Sayyed, Imran Kazmi
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of fustin on animals with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis by altering the inflammatory response. Rats were induced with arthritis using complete Freund's adjuvant and treated with fustin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 21 days. The results showed that fustin was able to reduce hind paw volume, arthritic score, and improve hematological parameters. Additionally, it exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sunil Kumar, Amritha Manoharan, J. Jayalakshmi, Mohamed A. Abdelgawad, Wael A. Mahdi, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Leena K. Pappachen, Subin Mary Zachariah, T. P. Aneesh, Bijo Mathew
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition associated with ageing, gradually impairs memory and cognitive function, leading to abnormal behavior, incapacity, and reliance. It is projected that by 2050, there will be 100 million cases of AD worldwide. This study developed models using various methods to identify potential BuChE inhibitors for AD treatment, and discovered hit compounds through virtual screening and molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulation and ADME property prediction were also conducted. The results suggest that BuChE inhibitors may be used as a treatment for AD.
Article
Polymer Science
Farhat Fatima, Mohammad Aleemuddin, Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed, Md. Khalid Anwer, Mohammed F. Aldawsari, Gamal A. Soliman, Wael A. Mahdi, Mohammed Jafar, Abubaker M. Hamad, Sultan Alshehri
Summary: This study aimed to develop a topical gel containing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating fluoxetine for diabetic wound healing. The optimized SLN showed desirable particle size, polydispersity, and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained drug delivery. The SLN-loaded gel also exhibited promising effects in an in vivo study using diabetic rats. Overall, the SLN gel could be a potential carrier for the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Article
Polymer Science
Jaweria Ambreen, Abdul Haleem, Aqeel Ahmed Shah, Fozia Mushtaq, Muhammad Siddiq, Muhammad Ali Bhatti, Syed Nizam Uddin Shah Bukhari, Ali Dad Chandio, Wael A. Mahdi, Sultan Alshehri
Summary: Polymeric cryogels containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were synthesized by cryo-polymerization at subzero temperature, and loaded with silver and palladium nanoparticles using the reducing agent NaBH4. The chemical structure of the cryogels was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their synthesis was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray. The pore size and surface morphology of the cryogels were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The hybrid cryogels showed superior catalytic performance and antibacterial activity compared to pure cryogels, making them potential candidates for water purification systems and biomedical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed A. El Hamd, Osama M. Soltan, Kamal S. Abdelrahman, Ali Fouad, Safaa F. Saleh, Reem H. Obaydo, Sahar Sallam, Sultan Alshehri, Wael A. Mahdi, Ahmed Abdulhafez Hamad
Summary: This study achieved ultrasensitive quantification of amlodipine through facile incorporation of a fluorescence-modulating moiety. The fluorescence core was produced via a derivatized condensation reaction in an alkaline buffered solution and tracked by fluorimetric means. The method exhibited linear response, low LOD and LOQ, and was validated according to ICH guidelines. It accurately assessed the pharmaceutical product in both bulk powder and dosage forms.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)