Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ingvill Pedersen Saebo, Magnar Bjoras, Henrik Franzyk, Emily Helgesen, James Alexander Booth
Summary: In vitro determination of hemolytic properties is commonly used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of chemicals, drugs, or blood-contacting medical devices or materials. However, there is significant variation in the protocols used in different experimental setups, leading to difficulties in interpretation and comparison of results. This study examines the impact of different variables on the outcome of the assay and proposes an optimized protocol to standardize future hemolysis studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hedmon Okella, Hilda Ikiriza, Sylvester Ochwo, Clement Olusoji Ajayi, Christian Ndekezi, Joseph Nkamwesiga, Bruhan Kaggwa, Jacqueline Aber, Andrew Glory Mtewa, Tindo Kevin Koffi, Steven Odongo, Didier Vertommen, Charles Drago Kato, Patrick Engeu Ogwang
Summary: This study identified and extracted antimicrobial peptides from the skin mucus of African Catfish, showing antibacterial activity and potential therapeutic benefits in combating antimicrobial resistance. These peptides have low molecular weight and high hydrophobicity, making them suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Prapenpuksiri Rungsa, Steve Peigneur, Nisachon Jangpromma, Sompong Klaynongsruang, Jan Tytgat, Sakda Daduang
Summary: This study investigates the structure-activity relationship of antimicrobial peptides by analyzing the effect of amino acid substitutions and deletion of C-terminal residues. It is found that phenylalanine substitution increases antibacterial activity, while deletions of C-terminal residues decrease antibacterial and hemolytic activity.
Article
Biophysics
Emanuelle D. Freitas, Rogerio A. Rataglioli, Josephine Oshodi, Marisa M. Beppu
Summary: The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of bioactive materials in mitigating viral infections. Bioinspired antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as suitable building blocks for antimicrobial coatings due to their versatile design and environmentally friendly features. This review discusses the advances and opportunities in using AMPs to create virucidal coatings, including the fundamental characteristics of peptide structure, advances in coating medical devices, and the role of different materials in designing antiviral coatings.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Livia Oliveira Alves Ferreira, Szilard Molnar, Felipe Terra Martins, Pal Perjesi, Luiz Henrique Keng Queiroz, Caridad Noda-Perez
Summary: The study on symmetrical halogenated bischalcones (SHBCs) and their Michael addition reaction with reduced glutathione (GSH) revealed that the formation of adducts did not directly correlate with their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yujia Zhang, Zinuo Meng, Shilong Li, Ting Liu, Juan Song, Jia Li, Xiumin Zhang
Summary: The overuse of antibiotics has led to the increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms, and the search for alternative antimicrobial agents has become a priority. In this study, two strains of Bacillus with good antibacterial activity were isolated from commercial feed additives, and two small molecule peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity were obtained. These peptides exhibited good heat, acid, and alkali resistance, as well as protease stability, making them potential feed antibiotic substitutes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Rosa Loffredo, Filippo Savini, Sara Bobone, Bruno Casciaro, Henrik Franzyk, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Lorenzo Stella
Summary: The activity of many antibiotics depends on the initial cell density used in bacterial growth inhibition assays, with a significant inoculum effect observed for higher cell densities. Antimicrobial peptides perturb cell membranes and the inoculum effect can impact their bacterial killing ability. Routine evaluation of the dependence of antimicrobial peptides and peptidomimetics on inoculum density should be considered.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gulzar Bhat, Shabir H. Lone, Muzafar Ahmad Rather, Abdul S. Shawl
Summary: Scutellaria, a popular herb in China, has been traditionally used for treating various diseases. This study focused on the chemical investigation of Scutellaria prostrata, a perennial herb grown in Kashmir Himalaya. Eight known compounds were isolated and characterized. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed for the compounds, which showed clear separation and well-resolved peaks. Some compounds exhibited significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, while others showed promising antitubercular activity. The developed method and biological screening can serve as a quality control method for standardization of Scutellaria prostrata and contribute to a deeper understanding of its pharmacological importance.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Henghui Fan, Wenhui Yan, Lihua Wang, Jie Liu, Yannan Bin, Junfeng Xia
Summary: In the postgenomic era, it is important to quickly identify the functions of therapeutic peptides generated in large numbers. Predicting accurate multi-functional therapeutic peptides (MFTP) is a challenge. This study proposes a novel multi-label method called ETFC, which utilizes a deep learning-based model architecture and an imbalanced learning strategy with a multi-label focal dice loss function. Experimental results show that ETFC outperforms existing methods for MFTP prediction. Teacher-student-based knowledge distillation is used to obtain attention weights from self-attention mechanism and quantify their contributions to investigated activities in MFTP prediction.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joana C. Barbosa, Itala C. Silva, Tania Caetano, Eva Mosker, Maria Seidel, Joana Lourenco, Roderich D. Suessmuth, Nuno C. Santos, Sonia Goncalves, Sonia Mendo
Summary: Lichenicidin is a promising natural antimicrobial peptide with strong bactericidal activity and no cytotoxicity towards human cells.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jose Maria Garcia-Beltran, Marta Arizcun, Elena Chaves-Pozo
Summary: Aquaculture production is increasing, but infectious diseases pose a threat. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from photosynthetic marine organisms have potential as alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture due to their defense mechanisms and additional activities. This study reviews the knowledge about AMPs from photosynthetic marine organisms and evaluates their suitability for aquaculture.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Himani Chaurasia, Vishal K. Singh, Richa Mishra, Aditya K. Yadav, Nand K. Ram, Prashant Singh, Ramendra K. Singh
Summary: A series of novel N-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential antimicrobial agents, showing excellent inhibitory activity against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Structurally, less polar and more hydrophobic substituents were found to enhance antibacterial activity, while more polar and hydrophilic substituents favored antifungal activity. This study suggests these compounds may serve as promising candidates for drug development against drug-resistant strains.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hui Shao, Jin Zhou, Xiaoqian Lin, Yue Zhou, Yumeng Xue, Weili Hong, Xubo Lin, Xiaoling Jia, Yubo Fan
Summary: Developing new antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant pathogens and biofilms is an urgent task. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have potential due to their unique membrane rupture mechanism, but their high toxicity and low stability limit their application. In this study, a biomimetic strategy was used to construct cationic peptide-conjugated liposomes, inspired by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), to enhance antibacterial efficacy and biosafety. Computational simulation and experimental investigations identified the optimal peptide-conjugated liposomes, which showed enhanced antibacterial efficacy without compromising cytotoxicity. This bio-inspired design could contribute to the development of next-generation antimicrobials.
Article
Microbiology
James A. Karlowsky, Melanie R. Baxter, Alyssa R. Golden, Heather J. Adam, Andrew Walkty, Philippe R. S. Lagace-Wiens, George G. Zhanel
Summary: Variability exists in the performance of fosfomycin susceptibility testing among different bacterial isolates, with varying degrees of agreement with different interpretive criteria. Targeted interpretation of results based on specific criteria can improve the accuracy of fosfomycin susceptibility testing across different bacterial species.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesco Scavello, Mohamed Amiche, Jean-Eric Ghia
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of molecules with antimicrobial activity produced by living organisms, which can serve as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Some AMPs also exhibit multifunctionality, including modulation of inflammation and anticancer activity.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Soudabeh Balarastaghi, Mohammad Delirrad, Abbas Jafari, Mohammad Majidi, Mahmood Sadeghi, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Gholamreza Karimi, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: The use of herbal medicine has significantly increased worldwide over the past two decades, but some herbal medicines may have toxic effects on pregnant women and their fetuses, potentially leading to severe adverse effects, such as miscarriage and fetal developmental abnormalities.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Fatemeh Keshmiri, Yaser Ghelmani
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of continuing interprofessional education on collaborative self-efficacy, attitude toward the team, and interprofessional learning. The results revealed significant improvements in participants' attitude toward the team, attitude toward interprofessional learning, and interprofessional collaborative self-efficacy.
JOURNAL OF INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samaneh Sepahi, Sina Gerayli, Mohammad Delirrad, Mohammad Ehsan Taghavizadeh Yazdi, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Behzad Bushehri, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: Inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity has been used as the main diagnostic method for organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides poisoning. However, ChE activity may also be altered due to exposure to other toxicants and medical conditions. This systematic review identified additional biomarkers, such as beta-glucuronidase, neuropathy target esterase, and hematological indicators, that show high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of OP poisoning.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Samaneh Sepahi, Lily Kiaei, Mahmoud Kiaei, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: The efficacy and safety of chemotherapy in treating ovarian cancer are major challenges. Nanocarrier technologies show promise in targeting cancer cells and improving clinical outcomes while reducing side effects. A systematic analysis of published data identified 81 key articles that investigated the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs combined with nanocarriers, demonstrating improved efficacy and safety.
PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Farzaneh Fesahat, Amir Masoud Firouzabadi, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Maryam Imani
Summary: Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are cationic peptides with amphipathic spatial shape and high cysteine content. The members of this peptide family have various functions in the human body, including the reproductive system. Beta-defensin 1 interacts with chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) to prevent bacterial infections in the male reproductive system and has positive effects on antitumor immunity and fertilization in the female reproductive system. Beta-defensin 2 has antibacterial action and may play a role in preventing cervical cancer through interactions with dendritic cells. Beta-defensin 126 is essential for sperm motility and protection against immune system factors. This study reviews the roles of beta-defensin 1, beta-defensin 2, and beta-defensin 126 in both the male and female reproductive systems.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abbasali Mokarmat-Yazdi, Masoumeh Mazidi, Mohsen Ghiasi Tarzi, Hadi Zare-Zardini
Summary: The study collected the germ of Date seeds by breaking a thousand date kernels, and it was powdered and dissolved in distilled water to achieve different concentrations. Cancerous and normal cell lines were treated with these concentrations for different time periods, and cell viability and P53 gene expression were evaluated. Results showed that the germ of Date seed led to a decrease in viable cells and an increase in P53 gene expression in both cancerous and normal cell lines.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shervin Dokht Farhangfar, Farzaneh Fesahat, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Mahdi Dehghan-Manshadi, Fateme Zare, Seyed Mohsen Miresmaeili, Maryam Vajihinejad, Hossein Soltaninejad, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of Ginsenoside Rh2 and its combination with arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg-Rh2) in treating mice with breast cancer. The results showed that mice treated with Gr-Arg and Gr-Arg-Rh2 exhibited more energy compared to Rh2 and control groups. Based on these findings, Gr-Arg-Rh2 may reduce cancer-related fatigue and low energy in cancer patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yaser Ghelmani, Mohammad Hossein Ahrar Yazdi, Farimah Shamsi, Tahereh Fallah
Summary: This study evaluated lung CT images in COVID-19 patients and analyzed their relationship with clinical and laboratory factors as well as the worst disease condition. The results showed a high prevalence of lung and cardiac involvement. Age was significantly related to recovery. CT score, bilateral lung involvement, and Crazy paving had a significant effect on recovery rate.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nooshin Hatamizadeh, Afsar Sadat Tabatabaei Bafghi, Fahimeh Nokhostin, Shokoufeh Behdad, Farimah Shamsi
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rectal and sublingual misoprostol administration in reducing bleeding during and after cesarean section. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as side effects. Therefore, sublingual misoprostol can be used as an alternative to rectal misoprostol in preventing postpartum hemorrhage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seyed Ali Miresmaeili Mazrakhondi, Hadi Zare-Zardini
Summary: In this study, it was found that serum levels of IL-21 were significantly higher in schizophrenic patients compared to the control group, while IL-17A levels did not show significant changes. After three months of treatment, both IL-21 and IL-17A levels in schizophrenic patients remained relatively stable.
REPORTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shervin Dokht Farhangfar, Farzaneh Fesahat, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Mahdi Dehghan-Manshadi, Fateme Zare, Seyed Mohsen Miresmaeili, Maryam Vajihinejad, Hossein Soltaninejad
Summary: The study demonstrates that arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg-Rh2) can reduce tumor size, weight, and growth, decrease TGF-beta gene expression, and increase tumor necrosis and survival time in mice.
IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hadi Zare-Zardini, Hossein Soltaninejad, Adel Ghorani-Azam, Reza Nafisi-Moghadam, Navid Haddadzadegan, Mojtaba Ansari, Seyed Houssein Saeed-Banadaki, Mohammad Reza Sobhan, Sima Mozafari, Mahlagha Zahedi
Summary: Curcumin-containing soy protein nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity and drug release behavior.
PROGRESS IN BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hadi Zare-Zardini, Nooshin Hatamizadeh, Navid Haddadzadegan, Hossein Soltaninejad, Mojgan Karimi-Zarchi
Summary: Carbon nanostructures are important nanomaterials with unique physical and chemical properties. They have been widely studied for their applications in various fields of medicine, such as cancer detection and treatment, Parkinson's disease, and reproductive medicine. However, it is important to be aware of the potential negative effects of carbon nanostructures on the reproductive system.
JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE REPRODUCAO ASSISTIDA
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hossein Soltaninejad, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Mohammad Amir Amirkhani, Masoomeh Mohammadzadeh, Akram Ghadiri-Anari, Mahtab Ordouei, Ashraf Alemi, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: This study investigated the impact of nanoalumina on sex hormones and fetuses in pregnant rats. The results showed that nanoalumina increased progesterone levels at certain concentrations, while significantly reducing estrogen levels and the number of aborted fetuses at other concentrations.
JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE REPRODUCAO ASSISTIDA
(2022)
