Current pharmaceutical biotechnology最新文献

Introduction: Prostate cancer is an androgen-dependent malignancy, and the use of androgen deprivation therapies frequently results in treatment resistance, relapse, and the development of aggressive castration-resistant tumors. Patchouli alcohol, a tricyclic sesquiterpene derived from Pogostemon cablin of the Labiatae family, has demonstrated potential in modulating inflammatory responses and tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which patchouli alcohol influences inflammatory pathways associated with prostate cancer using bioinformatics and experimental validation.

Methods: Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) were identified from the GSE46602 dataset, containing 36 prostate cancer and 14 normal prostate biopsy samples, using the GEO2R tool (adjusted P < 0.05). Functional annotation was performed using GO and KEGG databases, while PPI networks were constructed via STRING and Cytoscape. Key hub genes were identified. To validate the bioinformatics findings, qPCR and Western blotting were employed to confirm the differential expression of selected hub genes in DU145 prostate cancer cells treated with patchouli oil.

Results: Bioinformatic analysis revealed 71 DEGs, including 35 upregulated and 36 downregulated genes. Thirteen hub genes were identified (DCK, APRT, ADK, KCNK9, ADSL, PKM, KCNK3, S100A10, ENTPD2, PKLR, ARHGEF38, TPK1, and AK5), which were enriched in pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Ras, and Rap1. Experimental validation confirmed the upregulation of DCK, APRT, KCNK9, ADSL, PKM, S100A10, ENTPD2, PKLR, ARHGEF38, and AK5, and the downregulation of ADK, KCNK3, and TPK1 at both the mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusion: Patchouli alcohol appears to influence multiple hub genes associated with prostate cancer progression through its modulation of key cellular signaling and metabolic pathways. These findings support its potential role as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.

The emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance in recurrent bacterial infections has led to exploring alternative therapeutic options, including using bacteria lysing viruses [bacteriophages] to control recalcitrant infections. Bacteriophages [Phage] and their end products such as enzymes, virus-like particles, and vectors are being used for varied applications such as basic and applied research for the field of phage therapeutics. Phage-based products and services such as viral vectors for gene therapy/vaccines, imaging agents, diagnostics as well as drug delivery agents form a wide range of useful innovative therapeutics that are under development. Regulatory compliances are hence essential for safely implementing phage in varied applications. Product compliances ensure safety, efficacy, stability, and quality control in preclinical as well as manufacturing and marketing processes. A well-established regulatory framework ensures innovative product development with high rates of successful clinical translation and development of phage therapeutics as effective alternatives to antibiotics or for consideration in integrated pathogen management strategies. This review highlights the importance of regulatory standards in different stages of phage therapy- during preclinical research as well as different regulatory bodies in the manufacturing, clinical evaluation, and market approval of phage-based products. Global trends in facilitating phage therapeutics' regulatory frameworks and compliances are discussed.

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignant tumor. BC is serious and has a high mortality rate. The incidence of BC has increased in recent years. The incidence rate is higher in coastal cities than in inland areas and in urban areas than in rural areas. Affect the occurrence and development of BC, such as inflammation and immune response. One of the cutting- edge studies to gain insight into the pathogenesis of BC is through the gut microbiota (GM) influencing the health status of the human body. Advances in metabolomics analysis can provide a clearer picture of changes in the composition of GM. The composition and quantity of GM can affect the health of other parts of the body, and the disorder of GM can lead to the occurrence and aggravation of diseases in different parts of the body. This paper not only discusses the dual biological effects of GM on BC, the relationship between GM and its metabolites, and BC and its related mechanisms but also explores traditional treatments for BC as well as the treatment of BC through GM, providing theoretical support for the use of methods to regulate GM in the clinical study of BC.

Since their inception, therapeutic or prophylactic vaccines have emerged as promising candidates for the prevention or treatment of infections and various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. In recent times, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have acquired active roles in the field of vaccine development due to their intrinsic capacity to adjust and enhance the immune response. Due to their characteristics, GNPs can exert optimal effects as both delivery vehicles and adjuvants. Despite their significant importance in vaccinology, numerous obstacles need to be overcome before GNPs can be used in the formulations of vaccines in clinical settings. The current review summarizes the latest and successful use of gold nanoparticles as a viable method for developing a new generation of vaccines.

Cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the years, incorporating a range of modalities including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, challenges such as drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and poor targeting necessitate innovative approaches. Peptides have gained attention in cancer therapy due to their specificity, potency, and ability to modulate various biological pathways. Peptide-based drugs can act as hormones, enzyme inhibitors, or targeting ligands, contributing to their versatile role in cancer treatment. However, peptides face several challenges, including instability, rapid degradation, and poor bioavailability. One promising strategy is the use of niosomal delivery systems for peptidebased therapies. Niosomes, which resemble liposomes in structure, are vesicles based on nonionic surfactants. They are composed of a bilayer created through the self-assembly of non-ionic surfactants in water, enabling them to encapsulate hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs. Their unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents, make them suitable for drug delivery applications. This review aims to explore how the niosomal preparation of peptides can revolutionize oncology drugs by overcoming critical challenges like drug resistance, systemic toxicity, poor targeting, instability, rapid degradation, and low bioavailability. This review aims to explore how niosomes can specifically address key limitations in cancer therapy, including targeting, bioavailability, and stability of peptide-based drugs. By consolidating recent advancements, the review sheds light on how niosomal encapsulation can overcome barriers in cancer treatment and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.

The traditional use of plants of the Cinnamomum genus dates back to traditional Eastern medicine for millennia and they have also been used in Western integrative medicine practices, especially for their anti-inflammatory activity. In the context of chemical diversity, the absolute majority of species in this genus have cinnamaldehyde as the majority component, which in turn holds the title of the active ingredient, whose biological effect profile has already been demonstrated in numerous experiments in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. In this context, the objective of this research was to investigate how cinnamaldehyde can influence inflammatory phenomena. To this end, the data search was carried out in Pub- Med, SciELO, and LILACS databases using the following descriptors: "cinnamaldehyde OR cinnamaldehyde" and "inflammation". Next, the methodological quality of the selected articles was checked, excluding repeated studies, which were purely in silico and not relevant to the construction of this research. The findings showed cinnamaldehyde to modulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and important signaling trajectories, including NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, TGF-β/Smads, and the NRF2/ARE antioxidant pathway. Cinnamaldehyde's scope of investigation also involves aspects of translational science, exhibiting therapeutic effects in human models, which suggests that it may have clinical relevance. The data support that cinnamaldehyde is a promising candidate for development as a treatment in inflammatory pathologies.

Nature has been acknowledged as a fundamental source of diverse bioactive molecules. Among natural carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and their oxidative metabolites are specifically deposited in the macular region of living organisms. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids primarily found in green leafy vegetables, eggs, and various fruits. Lutein and zeaxanthin emerge as the primary carotenoids in the retina, playing a crucial role as photo-protectants to prevent retinal degeneration. The extraction of lutein and zeaxanthin from natural sources involves several techniques, including solvent extraction and supercritical fluid extraction, with an emphasis on optimizing efficiency and yield. Incorporating these carotenoids into functional foods-such as fortified dairy products, baked goods, and snacks-enhances their nutritional profiles and provides significant health benefits. This review examines the sources, stability, bioactivity, and various extraction methods for lutein and zeaxanthin, highlighting their potential for photoprotection, antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic effects. These attributes, combined with innovative extraction techniques, position lutein and zeaxanthin as promising ingredients for functional food applications.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need for society, as a whole, to be prepared against potential pandemics caused by a variety of different viral families of concern. Here, we describe a roadmap towards the identification and validation of conserved T cell epitope regions from Viral Families of Pandemic Potential (VFPP). For each viral family, we select a prototype virus, the sequence of which could be utilized in epitope identification screens. Examples of viral families considered and their respective prototypes (species/ subspecies) are Coronaviridae (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus/ SARS-CoV-2), Flaviviridae (Dengue virus/DENV2), Togaviridae (Chikungunya virus/ CHIKV), Paramyixoviridae (Morbillivirus/measles), Arenaviridae (Mammarenavirus/ Lassa), and Picornaviridae (Enterovirus C/poliovirus). The peptide sequences encoded in each prototype virus are then analyzed to determine their conservation across different viral taxonomic groups and viral variants derived from each of the VFPP. We outline available methodologies for epitope discovery based on panels of overlapping peptides and bioinformatics- based predictions of HLA-peptide binding, along with high-throughput in vitro assays, with emphasis on addressing coverage of the general worldwide population. Validation can be achieved by a variety of methodologies, including determining HLA restriction and recognition in samples from volunteers convalescent from previous infections or immunized with approved or experimental vaccines, and immunophenotyping of responding T cells. The capacity of these regions to induce crossreactive T cell responses can be tested experimentally with homologous peptides derived from the various viral species of interest. Importantly, they could be considered as a component of pan-viral family vaccines. Conversely, immunogenic regions that are highly specific to a given virus could be of interest for diagnostic applications.

Cosmeceutical products such as skin-lightening agents have been used globally to enhance skin tone and obtain a magnificent outward appearance. The pigment known as melanin, produced by melanocytes, imparts skin color. The Cosmetic Europe survey testifies that most people believe that cosmetics enhance one's quality of life. The most in-demand in the cosmetics industry are skin-whitening agents. Heavy metals and dangerous substances like lead and mercury are present in these skin-brightening cosmetics, which have a long-term effect on important organs and begin asymptomatic. Despite these negative consequences, there is a sizable market for these products due to the desire for fairer skin tones. Cosmetovigilance studies determine the of heavy metals in these preparations, which need to be monitored regularly. This article discusses the toxicity of heavy metals such as nickel, mercury, arsenic, lead, cobalt, and others found in skin-lightening formulas. The acceptable limit for these toxic agents is recognized by several healthcare organizations worldwide.