Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anna Rudzinska, Pola Juchaniuk, Jakub Oberda, Jolanta Wisniewska, Witold Wojdan, Katarzyna Szklener, Slawomir Mandziuk
Summary: Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances found in plants that contribute to flavor and color. They have potential health benefits in preventing diseases, including cancer. This review explores the therapeutic benefits of dietary phytochemicals in cancer treatment and prevention using epidemiological studies and clinical trials. However, while epidemiological studies show positive effects, clinical trials often fail to replicate these effects due to a lack of evidence and potential risks.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jun Lu, Bin-bin Xu, Li-li Shen, Dong Wu, Zhen Xue, Hua-Long Zheng, Jian-Wei Xie, Jia-Bin Wang, Jian-Xian Lin, Qi-Yue Chen, Long-Long Cao, Mi Lin, Ru-Hong Tu, Ze-Ning Huang, Ju-Li Lin, Chang-Ming Huang, Chao-Hui Zheng, Ping Li
Summary: This study described the characteristics of GC RCTs in the past 20 years, identified a burden of research waste, and may provide evidence for the development of rational RCTs and reduction of waste in the future.
Article
Immunology
W. Watson Buchanan, Colin A. Kean, K. D. Rainsford, Walter F. Kean
Summary: A clinical trial is a research method that investigates the therapeutic intervention's efficacy, both short-term and long-lasting, as well as its potential toxicity. The history of clinical trials can be traced back to Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar's court around 600 BC, as described in the Book of Daniel. However, it is in the past 500 years that significant written documentation and interpretation of therapeutic benefits have been made. Examples such as Lind's demonstration on the effectiveness of oranges and lemons for scurvy treatment in 1747, and Edward Jenner's unethical experiment on inoculation in 1796, showcase the importance of clinical trials. Ethical considerations, rigorous clinical observations, statistics, scientific purity of therapeutic agents, and safety testing have contributed to the foundation of modern clinical trials.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marcus A. Florez, Joseph Abi Jaoude, Roshal R. Patel, Ramez Kouzy, Timothy A. Lin, Brian De, Esther J. Beck, Cullen M. Taniguchi, Bruce D. Minsky, Clifton D. Fuller, J. Jack Lee, Michael Kupferman, Kanwal P. Raghav, Michael J. Overman, Charles R. Thomas, Ethan B. Ludmir
Summary: This cross-sectional study revealed substantial rates of PEP changes among active RCTs; PEP changes were markedly underreported in published articles and mostly occurred after reported study completion dates. Significant discrepancies in the rate of detected PEP changes call into question the role of increased protocol transparency and completeness in identifying key changes occurring in active trials.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mohammed Ajjoun, Loubna Kharchoufa, Ilyass Alami Merrouni, Mostafa Elachouri
Summary: This study provides scientific evidence on the dermatological properties of Moroccan medicinal plants and serves as a foundation for the discovery of new drugs for skin issues. The study identified 401 plants belonging to 86 families that are commonly used by Moroccans for managing skin diseases. Leaves are the most commonly used plant part, and powder and decoction are the most common methods of traditional drug preparation. Some of the plants and compounds derived from them have undergone pharmacological validation and clinical studies for their activities against skin diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mohammed Ajjoun, Loubna Kharchoufa, Ilyass Alami Merrouni, Mostafa Elachouri
Summary: This study reviews the dermatological properties of medicinal plants in Morocco and aims to provide evidence for new drugs against skin issues. A total of 401 plants belonging to 86 families were documented to be commonly used by Moroccans for managing skin diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Merry Peckham, Horace J. Spencer, Shorabuddin Syed, William B. Armstrong, Donald Gregory Farwell, Thomas J. Gal, David Goldenberg, Marika D. Russell, Roberto N. Solis, Deanne King, Brendan C. Stack
Summary: This study investigated the potential link between breast and thyroid cancer. The results showed no significant association between the risk of developing thyroid cancer and being a breast cancer survivor compared to individuals with no history of breast cancer. However, there was a wide range of relative risks observed among different institutions, indicating the need for further research with larger sample sizes.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Laurel B. Tanke, Eric J. Kim, Samantha D. Butterfield, Grayson B. Ashby, Erick D. Bothun, David O. Hodge, Brian G. Mohney
Summary: This population-based study reports the incidence and clinical characteristics of paediatric keratitis over a 10-year period. The study found that approximately 1 in 1300 children in the population will develop keratitis before the age of 19, regardless of the underlying cause.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Josianne Rocha Barboza, Francisco Assis Nascimento Pereira, Cleydlenne Costa Vasconcelos, Maria Nilce de Sousa Ribeiro, Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death among women with genital tract cancer. Platinum and taxanes-derived drugs are the main treatments for ovarian cancer, but their toxicity and resistance issues call for more effective and tolerable options. Phytochemicals, plant-derived chemicals with antitumor activity, have shown potential as therapeutic agents or adjuvants in the treatment of ovarian cancer. This literature review summarizes the existing evidence from pre-clinical and clinical trials on the potential of phytochemicals in ovarian cancer treatment and their mechanisms of action, aiming to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic options.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zohra Nausheen Nizami, Hanan E. Aburawi, Abdelhabib Semlali, Khalid Muhammad, Rabah Iratni
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can trigger cell death, and cancer cells' altered redox homeostasis makes them vulnerable to increased ROS levels. This paradox has been used in cancer therapy by using pro-oxidative drugs. Many chemotherapeutic drugs induce ROS as part of their mechanisms, and various drugs being investigated for their anticancer properties also induce ROS.
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paul Webster
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy has generated significant excitement, but the potential lies in antibody-drug conjugates, proteolysis-targeting chimeras, and liquid biopsy for early detection.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Junjie Huang, Sze Chai Chan, Yat Ching Fung, Fung Yu Mak, Veeleah Lok, Lin Zhang, Xu Lin, Don Eliseo Lucero-prisno, Wanghong Xu, Zhi-Jie Zheng, Edmar Elcarte, Mellissa Withers, Martin C. S. Wong
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the incidence, risk factors, and trends of small intestinal cancer by sex, age, and country. It found a significant geographic disparity in the burden of small intestinal cancer, with higher incidence in countries with higher human development index, gross domestic product, and prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease. The study also revealed an overall increasing trend in small intestinal cancer incidence.
Article
Oncology
Andrea N. Riner, Selamawit Girma, Vignesh Vudatha, Nitai Mukhopadhyay, Nevena Skoro, Tamas S. Gal, Devon C. Freudenberger, Kelly M. Herremans, Thomas J. George, Jose G. Trevino
Summary: This study investigated the impact of eligibility criteria on the participation of different racial groups in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) clinical trials. The results showed that traditional eligibility criteria disproportionately excluded Black patients from participating in the trials. Revised criteria may enhance participant diversity without compromising safety or study results.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rosaria Benedetti, Giuditta Benincasa, Kimberly Glass, Ugo Chianese, Maria Teresa Vietri, Raffaella Congi, Lucia Altucci, Claudio Napoli
Summary: Diabetic patients have an increased cancer risk and higher mortality rate. High blood glucose plays a role in promoting cancer progression. Inflammation is a common feature in both diabetes and cancer patients, and the correlation between high blood glucose and inflammation makes tumor development more susceptible. Glycemic control is crucial in treating diabetes and also has favorable outcomes in cancer.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simeon Omale, Kennedy I. Amagon, Titilayo O. Johnson, Shaun Kennedy Bremner, Gwyn W. Gould
Summary: Diabetes is a growing health emergency, causing economic burden and requiring more cost-effective therapies. This review explores the use of plant-based compounds in diabetes management, discussing their effects on insulin signaling pathways and providing evidence from both animal studies and clinical trials, suggesting their potential as novel therapeutics for diabetes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nasir Javaid, Thuong L. H. Pham, Sangdun Choi
Summary: Reversing the transcriptional status of genes using CRISPR/dCas9-based activators has proven to be useful for various purposes. Our study demonstrates that dCas9-VP192 is more effective than VP64-dCas9-VP64 in activating reference genes, resulting in higher mRNA and protein levels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Su Woong Jung, Jung-Woo Seo, Seon Hwa Park, Yang Gyun Kim, Ju-Young Moon, Sangdun Choi, Sang-Ho Lee
Summary: TIP1 demonstrated significant protective effects in a mouse model of renal IRI, reducing plasma creatinine levels, alleviating tubular injury, inhibiting inflammatory cytokine expression, decreasing apoptosis and oxidative stress levels, and reducing cell infiltration, suggesting potential benefits in attenuating kidney damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naila Qayyum, Muhammad Haseeb, Moon Suk Kim, Sangdun Choi
Summary: TXNIP plays a crucial role in the thioredoxin antioxidant system and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, making it a promising novel therapeutic target.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wook-Young Baek, Yang-Seon Choi, Sang-Won Lee, In-Ok Son, Ki-Woong Jeon, Sang-Dun Choi, Chang-Hee Suh
Summary: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in the innate immune system, with studies showing their regulatory effects on immune and inflammatory diseases. A TLR inhibitor peptide (TIP1) was found to suppress downstream signaling mediated by TIR domain-containing adapters, suggesting its potential as a candidate for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Faheem, Sara Ameer, Abdul Waheed Khan, Muhammad Haseeb, Qurratulaen Raza, Fawad Ali Shah, Ameer Khusro, Chirom Aarti, Muhammad Umar Khayam Sahibzada, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Niranjan Koirala, Muhammad Adnan, Saad Alghamdi, Hamza Assaggaf, Naif O. Alsiwiehri
Summary: Pakistan has a diverse range of medicinal plants and herbal therapy, particularly in rural areas, is widely used for treating epilepsy due to the unavailability and high cost of allopathic medicines. The local population considers herbal medicine to be the most effective treatment for seizures.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Mariya Farooq, Abdul Waheed Khan, Moon Suk Kim, Sangdun Choi
Summary: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a large family of secretory molecules that play crucial roles in various cellular functions through different signaling pathways. They are involved in cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, morphogenesis, differentiation, tissue repair and regeneration.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gi Ru Shin, Hee Eun Kim, Jae Ho Kim, Sangdun Choi, Moon Suk Kim
Summary: This review discusses the use of injectable in situ-forming hydrogels in intratumoral injection for cancer treatment, highlighting their potential for improving drug bioavailability and minimizing side effects. The antitumor effects of drug-loaded hydrogels through intratumoral injection are also explored, with a focus on future applications and challenges of this drug delivery technology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Haseeb, Nasir Javaid, Farzana Yasmeen, Uisuk Jeong, Ji Hye Han, Juhwan Yoon, Jee Yeon Seo, Jae Kyung Heo, Ho Chul Shin, Moon Suk Kim, Wook Kim, Sangdun Choi
Summary: A novel small-molecule inhibitor NIC7 and its derivative have been reported to inhibit NLRP3-mediated inflammation and significantly reverse disease symptoms in an Alzheimer's disease model, indicating therapeutic prospects.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdul Manan, Rameez Hassan Pirzada, Muhammad Haseeb, Sangdun Choi
Summary: This study mainly discusses the therapeutic approaches and the role of TLRs in SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection. TLRs play a key role in recognizing viral components and regulating the innate immune response, thus they are used as therapeutic agents in viral infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdul Waheed Khan, Mariya Farooq, Moon-Jung Hwang, Muhammad Haseeb, Sangdun Choi
Summary: Autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases are caused by abnormal immune responses in the nervous system, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Interleukins, particularly IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17, play crucial roles in the development of these diseases. IL-1 activates immune cells, promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and contributes to blood-brain barrier breakdown. IL-6 is necessary for the differentiation of T cells into Th17 cells and is implicated in the initiation and progression of neuroinflammation. IL-17, produced by Th17 cells, recruits immune cells to sites of inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)