Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petros Pousinis, Christina Virgiliou, Thomai Mouskeftara, Sofia Chalvatzi, Fotios Kroustallas, Eleftherios Panteris, Georgios A. A. Papadopoulos, Paschalis Fortomaris, Michaela Cernat, Leonidas Leontides, Olga Begou
Summary: Urinary tract infections (UTI) of sows are major health issues in the swine industry, but current detection methods lack sensitivity. This study investigated the urine metabolome of sows to identify UTI biomarkers. Eighteen potential markers were found, and these biomarkers showed good predictive accuracy for UTI. This study provides new information for early and accurate diagnosis of UTI and sheds light on their application in live animals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Margaret L. Eng, Chunyan Hao, Christena Watts, Fengrong Sun, Christy A. Morrissey
Summary: The study utilized sensitive analytical methods to measure the effects of two field-realistic concentrations of neonicotinoid insecticides on red-winged blackbirds. Imidacloprid was rapidly absorbed and metabolized within 48 hours, with the most significant decrease in parent IMI observed at 6 hours post-exposure. 5-OH-IMI was identified as a persistent marker of exposure at 48 hours.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fei-Long Liu, Tian-Tian Ye, Jiang-Hui Ding, Xiao-Ming Yin, Xiao-Ke Yang, Wei-Hua Huang, Bi-Feng Yuan, Yu-Qi Feng
Summary: Researchers synthesized paired reagents of DMPI and d(3)-DMPI, which can efficiently react with phosphate groups on polar phosphorylated metabolites. They found that tagging DMPI onto ribonucleotides significantly increased ionization efficiencies during LC/MS analysis, resulting in enhanced detection sensitivities.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Philippe Massonnet, Elodie Grifnee, Jordi Farre-Segura, Justine Demeuse, Loreen Huyghebaert, Thomas Dubrowski, Patrice Dufour, Matthieu Schoumacher, Stephanie Peeters, Caroline Le Goff, Etienne Cavalier
Summary: Immunocapture is a mature method for sample preparation in quantitation of peptides and proteins. This review provides an overview of clinical applications of immunocapture methods, including protocols with and without enzymatic digestion. The advantages and limitations of these approaches are discussed, along with challenges related to mass spectrometer selection. The potential of these techniques in proteomics-based clinical medicine is demonstrated, paving the way for personalized medicine.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Stephanie Rankin-Turner, Liam M. Heaney
Summary: Mass spectrometry (MS) has become a powerful and versatile tool in clinical laboratory, with advancements in biomarker detection, protein measurement, therapeutic drug monitoring, and automation leading to potential revolution in clinical testing.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Kimsa-Furdzik, Anna Bednarek, Grzegorz Hibner, Paulina Czajka-Francuz, Sylwia Cison-Jurek, Dobromila Karawasiecka, Bozena Szymczak, Jerzy Wojnar, Jerzy Chudek, Tomasz Francuz
Summary: This study investigated the predictive role of vitamin D (VD) in the survival of breast cancer (BC) patients. The results showed that BC patients had a higher frequency of VD deficiency compared to the control group, and this deficiency increased during chemotherapy treatment. The concentrations of VD active forms and catabolites decreased after chemotherapy. Furthermore, BC patients without VD deficiency at baseline had significantly longer survival. These findings highlight the importance of VD supplementation in BC patients with low VD levels.
Article
Parasitology
Mingxing Zhu, Xiancai Du, Hongxia Xu, Songhao Yang, Chan Wang, Yazhou Zhu, Tingrui Zhang, Wei Zhao
Summary: Metabolomics approach revealed that the metabolism of nucleotides, alkaloids, amino acids, amides, and organic acids in mice is closely interrelated with E. granulosus infection. The study found that metabolic pathways in the liver such as tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism were notably associated with the occurrence and development of hydatid disease.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Runmin Yang, Jingjing Ma, Shu Zhang, Yu Zheng, Lusheng Wang, Daming Zhu
Summary: This study introduces a new storage format called mzMD for MS datasets and presents an algorithm to query this format for summarizing a given data window. Experimental results demonstrate the high speed and stability of mzMD in retrieving high-quality data window summaries.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Assunta Acquavia, Raffaella Pascale, Luca Foti, Giuseppe Carlucci, Laura Scrano, Giuseppe Martelli, Monica Brienza, Donatella Coviello, Giuliana Bianco, Filomena Lelario
Summary: Apples represent a significant portion of the global fruit supply, with various studies focusing on their health properties. The metabolic profile of apple fruits is closely related to their unique characteristics, with bioactive molecules serving as markers for specific apple varieties. Researchers can benefit from a thorough understanding of analytical protocols for characterizing and quantifying apple metabolites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Gu, Guoxin Dai, Siyu Liu, Yanbing Zhai, Qian Xu, Hongqiang Wu, Wei Xu
Summary: Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is an important analytical technique in clinical diagnostics. A compact LC-MS instrument was developed, consisting of an assembled liquid chromatograph and a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer. The use of LC improved the mixture analysis capability and detection sensitivity of the miniature mass spectrometer. This compact LC-MS instrument shows potential for clinical diagnosis.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Pierre Guichard, Michel Laurentie, Dominique Hurtaud-Pessel, Eric Verdon
Summary: An LC-MS/MS method was developed for confirmation of nitrofuran metabolites in meat and aquaculture products, including DNSH. The method showed good trueness and precision, with decision limits and detection limits well within the specified criteria. The sample preparation included a washing step to analyze only protein-bound residues.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Jordi Farre-Segura, Neus Fabregat-Cabello, Chiara Calaprice, Laurent Nyssen, Stephanie Peeters, Caroline Le Goff, Etienne Cavalier
Summary: A rapid and specific LC-MS/MS method for glucagon quantitation has been developed and validated, showing stability and accuracy in comparison to other immunoassay methods. This method could potentially establish a standardized approach for glucagon analysis in routine care settings.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Natalia Bordin Andriguetti, Daniel T. Barratt, Joseph Tucci, Paul Pumuye, Andrew A. Somogyi
Summary: This study validated a LC-MS/MS method to quantify and investigate the stability of efavirenz and its metabolites in human plasma. Efavirenz and 8-hydroxyefavirenz were found to be stable under all tested conditions, while 7-hydroxyefavirenz and 8,14-dihydroxyefavirenz showed instability in plasma under various temperature conditions. Further research is needed to develop alternative biosafety measures for accurate quantification of these metabolites.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Alessia Staropoli, Maria Michela Salvatore, Anna Andolfi, Samuele Voyron, Francesco Vinale, Antonietta Mello
Summary: Pleurotus tuber-regium was isolated from a dead trunk in a forest in Antsohihy, Madagascar, and confirmed by molecular analysis and morphological observations. The main bioactive metabolites of the mycelium extracts were identified using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography techniques.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cylia Dahmani, Patrick Caron, David Simonyan, Veronique Turcotte, Jean Gregoire, Marie Plante, Chantal Guillemette
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that androgens play a significant role in the development of endometrial cancer. This study found that 11-oxygenated androgen metabolites could potentially serve as prognostic markers for endometrial cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara M. Bento, Ana Teresa Silva, Bruno Mansano, Luisa Aguiar, Catia Teixeira, Maria Salome Gomes, Paula Gomes, Tania Silva, Ricardo Ferraz
Summary: This work presents the synthesis, analysis, and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of two new organic salts derived from clofazimine and fluoroquinolones. These organic salts have potential as cost-effective formulations with improved features, such as enhanced solubility and stability, compared to their parent drugs. For example, the clofazimine-derived organic salts exhibit improved solubility and thermostability without compromising the drug's bioactivity profile.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Amina El Mihyaoui, Saoulajan Charfi, El Hadi Erbiai, Mariana Pereira, Diana Duarte, Nuno Vale, Maria Emilia Candela Castillo, Alain Badoc, Ahmed Lamarti, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Marino B. Arnao
Summary: Cancer is a major health concern worldwide, and phytochemicals are considered interesting molecules for the development of anticancer drugs. This study investigated the effects of extracts from the plant Cladanthus mixtus on human tumor cells. The extracts showed significant antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines and a non-tumoral cell line. The aim was to identify bioactive compounds and evaluate the anticancer activity of the extracts.
Article
Microbiology
Samuel C. Uzoechi, Bruce A. Rosa, Kumar Sachin Singh, Young-Jun Choi, Bethany K. Bracken, Paul J. Brindley, R. Reid Townsend, Robert Sprung, Bin Zhan, Maria-Elena Bottazzi, John M. Hawdon, Yide Wong, Alex Loukas, Sergej Djuranovic, Makedonka Mitreva
Summary: We used mass spectrometry to analyze and compare the excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of male and female Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a zoonotic hookworm. We identified 795 ESPs with common and sex-specific functions, providing insights into parasite-host interactions and potential targets for drug development.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Goncalo de Jesus, Lara Marques, Nuno Vale, Rui Amaral Mendes
Summary: This experimental study aims to assess the influence of chitosan on the healing process of oral mucosa and the result shows that chitosan can alleviate inflammation and accelerate the healing process of oral mucosa.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Irene Castro, Pedro Carvalho, Nuno Vale, Teresa Monjardino, Joana Mourao
Summary: There is increasing evidence supporting the use of perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion in surgical patients for its analgesic, opioid-sparing, and anti-inflammatory effects. This systematic review examined the impact of intravenous lidocaine infusion on postoperative anti-inflammatory status in patients undergoing elective surgery. The review found that lidocaine infusion significantly reduced IL-6 levels and other pro-inflammatory markers, providing support for its use as an anti-inflammatory strategy in elective surgery.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Eduarda Ribeiro, Barbara Costa, Francisco Vasques-Novoa, Nuno Vale
Summary: Drug repurposing searches for new therapeutic uses for approved drugs. In cancer, vasodilators have shown potential as a targeted treatment option. These drugs relax blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tumors and improving drug delivery. They also have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells. However, further research is needed on their mechanisms of action and optimal dosing for patients.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leandro Pereira-Dias, Paulo R. Oliveira-Pinto, Juliana O. Fernandes, Laura Regalado, Rafael Mendes, Catia Teixeira, Nuno Mariz-Ponte, Paula Gomes, Conceicao Santos
Summary: Agricultural systems require low-cost, safe antibiotics to protect crops from pests and diseases. Peptaibiotics have shown potential as alternatives to agrochemicals, with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity, and the ability to induce plant resistance against phytopathogens. However, their low solubility and difficulty in synthesis and purification have limited their application in agriculture. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of peptaibiotics, including their classification, biosynthesis, relevance to plant protection, and mode of action against phytopathogens, as well as strategies to enhance their solubility and production.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Apisit Ruangsuwast, Michael J. Smout, Paul J. Brindley, Alex Loukas, Thewarach Laha, Sujittra Chaiyadet
Summary: The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini secretes extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can promote cellular proliferation and inflammation, leading to the formation of a cancerous microenvironment. CD63 family tetraspanins of the fluke enhance innate immune responses and migration of biliary epithelial cells.
FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Rafael Almeida, Ana Gomes, Bruno Mendes, Luisa Aguiar, Mariana Ferreira, Mariana Borges Costa Brioschi, Denise Duarte, Fatima Nogueira, Sofia Cortes, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Danilo C. Miguel, Catia Teixeira, Paula Gameiro, Paula Gomes
Summary: Malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease are neglected tropical diseases that have a major impact on fragile societies. Snake venoms have been found to contain biomacromolecules with antiprotozoal activity, such as peptides and proteins. This review discusses the potential of venom-derived biomacromolecules as pioneering treatments for these diseases and highlights the need for further research and clinical translation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Abreu, Nuno Vale, Olivia Salome G. P. Soares
Summary: Due to the increase in new types of cancer cells and resistance to drugs, nanotechnology is being applied to biomedical areas as an alternative cancer treatment to minimize side effects and drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy. This study focused on finding a promising cancer treatment for colorectal adenocarcinoma cells using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with different drugs (5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and repurposing drugs tacrine (TAC) and ethionamide (ETA)). CNT samples with different functional groups and textural properties were prepared and characterized, and the results showed that CNTs doped with nitrogen and sulfur groups (CNT-BM-N and CNT-H2SO4-BM) improved the activity of 5-FU and TAC.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catarina Moura, Nuno Vale
Summary: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates cognitive and emotional processes in the brain. Its role in cancer is uncertain, but it interacts with receptors in tumor cells and influences cellular processes such as proliferation and migration. Drugs developed for other purposes have been explored for potential cancer treatment, but the role of dopamine in this context needs further clarification.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rafaela Rodrigues, Pedro Vieira-Baptista, Carlos Catalao, Maria Jose Borrego, Carlos Sousa, Nuno Vale
Summary: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a leading global health concern, causing significant burden in terms of disease, mortality, healthcare costs, and social stigma. Chlamydial and gonococcal infections, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) respectively, are the most common bacterial STIs. These infections are often asymptomatic, but can lead to severe long-term complications and increased risk of other STIs. Dual-testing for both pathogens is recommended due to similar symptoms and frequent co-occurrence. This review provides insights into the clinical aspects, diagnostic tests, treatment, and strategies for controlling CT and NG infections worldwide. Antibiotics are the primary treatment, but the increasing incidence and antibiotic resistance pose challenges, particularly for NG infections. The potential association between CT infections and tumorigenesis is also discussed, along with the molecular basis that may aid in developing effective drugs and vaccines.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Salome Correia, Lara Marques, Armando Cardoso, Nuno Vale
Summary: This study investigates the influence of hypoxia on the cellular response to antidepressant drugs and drugs that interact with serotonin receptors. The results suggest that all potential repurposed drugs tested in hypoxic conditions promote cell viability, particularly when hypoxia is chemically induced.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Mendes, Nuno Vale
Summary: Cancer is a widely studied disease that affects many people worldwide. Drug resistance in cancer is a limiting factor in successful therapies, and understanding how cancer cells acquire this resistance is crucial. Recently, the altered microbiome has emerged as an important hallmark of cancer, sparking interest in its role in cancer development and treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduarda Ribeiro, Nuno Vale
Summary: Tezosentan is a vasodilator drug that has potential anticancer properties by inhibiting endothelin receptors. This review highlights its potential in oncology and the potential benefits of drug repurposing to solve resistance problems.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emilie Steinbach, Davide Masi, Agnes Ribeiro, Patricia Serradas, Tiphaine Le Roy, Karine Clement
Summary: The study of the gut microbiome is crucial for understanding and treating metabolic diseases. While research on the fecal microbiome has provided valuable insights, relying solely on this may not be enough to draw comprehensive conclusions. The microbiome in the proximal part of the small intestine may play a significant role in metabolic regulation, but further exploration is needed due to limited accessibility.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Evangelia Chavdoula, Vollter Anastas, Alessandro La Ferlita, Julian Aldana, Giuseppe Carota, Mariarita Spampinato, Burak Soysal, Ilaria Cosentini, Sameer Parashar, Anuvrat Sircar, Giovanni Nigita, Lalit Sehgal, Michael A. Freitas, Philip N. Tsichlis
Summary: This study reveals the important role of KDM2B in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). KDM2B affects cellular resistance to oxidative stress by regulating a network of genes and metabolic enzymes, in collaboration with ATF4 and MYC. Additionally, high expression of KDM2B is associated with poor prognosis in patients.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Joongmin Kim, Hyeongsoo Kim, Sang Hyun Park, Yura Kang, Kyungdo Han, Sang-Hak Lee
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the optimal LDL-C level after statin therapy in individuals with intermediate cardiovascular risk. The results showed that achieving LDL-C levels <120 mg/dL after statin therapy could lower the event risk.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2024)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ze Chen, Li -Ping Xia, Lang Shen, Dan Xu, Yu Guo, Hui Wang
Summary: Accumulating evidence suggests that NAFLD has an intrauterine origin, with adverse prenatal environments and glucocorticoid exposure playing a crucial role in the developmental programming of fetal hepatic lipid metabolism. The offspring's glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis is programmed in utero, leading to postnatal catch-up growth and disrupted glucose and lipid metabolism, increasing susceptibility to NAFLD. Mismatch between intrauterine and postnatal environments can further disturb the programmed endocrine axes and accelerate the onset of NAFLD.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Fuwen Zuo, Youzhao Wang, Xinlei Xu, Ruihao Ding, Wei Tang, Yu Sun, Xiaojie Wang, Yan Zhang, Jichao Wu, Yusheng Xie, Min Liu, Ziying Wang, Fan Yi
Summary: This study investigates the role of CCDC92 in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The expression of CCDC92 was found to increase in kidney biopsies from patients with DKD and was correlated with glomerular lipid accumulation. Animal studies further confirmed the induction of CCDC92 in the kidney, particularly in podocytes, and the podocyte-specific deletion of Ccdc92 ameliorated podocyte injury and lipid deposition. CCDC92 was shown to promote podocyte lipotoxicity through ABCA1 signaling-mediated lipid homeostasis. Therefore, CCDC92 may serve as a potential biomarker of podocyte injury in DKD and targeting CCDC92 could be an innovative therapeutic strategy for DKD patients.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2024)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Khanyisani Ziqubu, Phiwayinkosi Dludla, Sihle E. Mabhida, Babalwa U. Jack, Susanne Keipert, Martin Jastroch, Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje
Summary: The discovery and revival of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans have opened up new possibilities for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. BAT not only plays a role in generating heat, but also secretes signaling molecules known as batokines, which regulate overall metabolism. This review highlights the importance of BAT-derived metabolites in controlling thermogenesis, substrate metabolism, and other biological processes, as well as their potential to alleviate obesity and related metabolic complications.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2024)
