Future Science OA最新文献

Aim: This study aims to explore a sustainable and scalable approach using tomato fruit-derived sEVs (TsEVs) to deliver calcitriol for enhanced anticancer effects, addressing challenges of low yield and high costs associated with mammalian cell-derived sEVs.

Methods: TsEVs were isolated by centrifugation and ultrafiltration and characterized using DLS, TEM, and biochemical assays. Calcitriol was loaded into TsEVs via loading methods, with efficiency measured by spectrophotometry and HPLC. HCT116 and HT29 colon cancer cells were treated with TsEV-calcitriol and assessed for viability, colony formation, migration, ROS levels, and apoptosis gene expression.

Results: Isolated TsEVs ranged from 30-200 nm with a protein-to-lipid ratio of ∼1. Calcitriol encapsulation efficiencies were 15.4% (passive), 34.8% (freeze-thaw), and 47.3% (sonication). TsEV-calcitriol reduced HCT116 cell viability with IC50 values of 4.05 µg/ml (24 h) and 2.07 µg/ml (48 h). Clonogenic assays showed reduced colony formation and migration. Elevated ROS levels and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were observed in treated HCT116 and HT29 colon cancer cells.

Conclusion: These findings highlight TsEVs as a promising alternative drug delivery platform to mammalian cell-derived sEV for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of calcitriol and other anticancer agents.

Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among patients with diabetic neuropathy and identify contributing factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, recruiting 153 patients from outpatient clinics. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaires, with recent A1C results obtained from medical records.

Results: The mean depression score was 16.5, with 98 patients (65%) reporting depression and 20 (13%) indicating moderate to severe depression. Approximately half of the sample experienced neuropathy and neuropathic pain. The mean Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument score was 5 (SD = 5), and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 score was 4 (SD = 3.5). Regression analyses showed significant demographic influences on depression. Higher Michigan Neuropathy Screening scores predicted greater depression severity, while DN4 scores did not significantly impact depression levels.

Conclusions: Depression in patients with diabetic neuropathy is influenced by the severity of neuropathy. Factors commonly associated with depression in diabetes, such as pain intensity and glycemic control, do not significantly affect depression in the context of neuropathy. These findings highlight the complexity of addressing depression in diabetes care, requiring comprehensive and ongoing approaches.

This review explores the potential of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) as targeted drug delivery systems for arthritic treatment, overcoming the limitations of the present therapy. A thorough literature search was conducted on the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to find published articles on the use of polymeric nanoparticles in the treatment of arthritis. This includes synthesis methods, mechanisms in drug delivery, and applications of PNPs. Polymeric nanoparticles showed excellent promise in the management of arthritis through enhanced stability of drugs, controlled and sustained drug release, and reduced systemic side effects. Some of the highlighted biocompatible and targeting capabilities of natural and synthetic polymers include chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and PLGA. Bioactive compounds such as curcumin and resveratrol delivered by PNPs enhanced therapeutic efficacy in preclinical arthritis models. Despite their promise, challenges such as rapid clearance and manufacturing scalability remain critical barriers. Polymeric nanoparticles offer a transformative approach to arthritis management by enabling targeted, sustained, and safe drug delivery. Translation into clinical applications would thus require developments in nanoparticle design, personalized medicine, and scalable production techniques.

Computer Vision Syndrome is a growing health concern in the digital age, with a reported prevalence of 69.0%. It is caused by screen-related, environmental, ergonomic, and physiological factors, affecting diverse demographics. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly amplified CVS due to increased screen time for remote work, online learning, and social media use, with studies reporting symptoms in up to 74% of individuals. Unique visual challenges from digital screens, including reduced clarity and glare, exacerbate symptoms like dry eyes and discomfort, especially in those with uncorrected vision. Understanding CVS is crucial for mitigating its impact through effective prevention and management strategies. This study explores the causes, diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies of CVS by synthesizing recent findings from optometry, occupational health, digital health, and ergonomics. It also highlights emerging trends such as AI, wearables, and augmented reality while providing practical management strategies. A narrative review of literature from 2014 to 2024 was conducted, focusing on PubMed-indexed, peer-reviewed articles, including meta-analyses and systematic reviews, with priority given to recent, highly cited studies.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies, as potentially curative treatments, are a group of immunotherapy agents that are changing the paradigm for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Ongoing research on CAR-T cell therapy is expected to expand the currently approved indications, which, given the high prices of these innovative therapeutic solutions, will increase the pressure on the sustainability of health systems, enhancing the need to establish adjusted financial solutions and promote the implementation of post-marketing monitoring procedures. This study examines the specific challenges in the development of robust clinical evidence to support the value measurement and cost-effectiveness assessment of CAR-T cell therapies and in the selection of adequate financing solutions. Managed Entry Agreements, which create mechanisms in which the risk associated with the uncertainty in long-term outcomes of these therapies is shared between the manufacturer and the payer, have emerged as preferred solutions in several European Union countries. The access barriers to CAR-T cell therapies are described, and recommendations on potential solutions to address affordability concerns using a framework of a life cycle approach to value assessment involving different stakeholders and adapted financing tools are proposed.

Purpose: The present study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of important proteomic salivary biomarkers; IL-6, IL-8, and sCD44 in the early detection of oral cancer, and any possible associations with risk factors of oral cancer in an Egyptian population.

Methods: The present investigation was conducted on 100 individuals; 25 healthy controls, 25 patients having oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with dysplasia; 25 patients having OPMDs without dysplasia, and 25 oral cancer patients. Demographic data modified gingival index, oral hygiene level, and salivary levels of the biomarkers were assessed.

Results: Salivary levels of IL-6, IL-8, and sCD44 progressively increased with increased disease severity. Salivary IL-8 and IL-6 levels possess a discriminating potential from normal tissue through different degrees of dysplasia to oral cancer, sCD44 levels had a discriminating power between normal and dysplastic tissues with high sensitivity and specificity. A positive correlation was found between the three biomarkers and the grade of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and with different risk factors.

Conclusion: This is the first study that evaluated multiple salivary proteomic biomarkers in the Egyptian population, and the results validate the ability of IL-6, IL-8, and sCD44 to be used as sensitive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for screening and early detection of oral cancer.

Background: Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, has limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Taiwanese green propolis, known for its tumor-inhibitory properties, shows promise when combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT), a targeted, low-toxicity treatment. This study investigated a novel Taiwanese green propolis-based compound for inducing apoptosis in glioblastoma cells and its synergistic potential with daylight PDT.

Methods: Ethanol extracts of green propolis, wheatgrass, and mulberry leaves were combined and analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Apoptosis induction in U87 glioblastoma cells was assessed via the MTT assay following treatment with the compound alone and in combination with daylight PDT at 570 nm.

Results: We identified Artepillin C as the main active component in the compound by HPLC, which significantly induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Combined with daylight PDT, it demonstrated enhanced efficacy, with cell viability reduced from 95.2% at 0.25 µL to 11.3% at 8 µL of the compound extract. The EC₅₀ decreased, indicating greater apoptotic activity compared to the extract alone.

Conclusion: This study provides the first in vitro evidence of synergistic anti-tumor effects of a Taiwanese green propolis-based compound daylight PDT (GPDT), highlighting a promising novel therapeutic approach that warrants further clinical investigation.

Aim: This study explores the therapeutic potential of Abrus precatorius leaves in arthritis treatment using computational methods and LC-MS analysis.

Methods: The plant material was taxonomically authenticated, and phytochemical analysis identified bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids.

Results: Swiss ADME analysis confirmed that multiple compounds complied with Lipinski's Rule of Five, while OSIRIS software indicated minimal toxicity. PASS analysis predicted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Molecular docking simulations of Abrine with key rheumatoid arthritis (RA) targets revealed strong binding affinities, suggesting potential mechanisms for RA treatment.

Conclusion: This research highlights the medicinal potential of Abrus precatorius leaves and emphasizes the importance of computational tools in understanding their pharmacological properties for arthritis management.

Background: Lung cancer has high mortality rates globally, with inflammatory processes playing a pivotal role in NSCLC progression. Peripheral blood inflammation markers offer promise for NSCLC risk assessment and prediction.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study included 50 NSCLC patients and 50 healthy individuals admitted for routine health examinations as controls. Clinical data were collected, and blood routine tests were conducted on the first day of admission. We compared white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), LMR (Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio), PLR (Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), dNLR (derived NLR), and SII (Systemic Immune-inflammation Index). Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate their predictive value.

Results: NLR was significantly higher in NSCLC patients than in healthy controls, and elevated NLR was strongly associated with increased odds of having NSCLC. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts also contributed to the odds of having NSCLC. NLR showed the highest predictive value with an AUC of 0.911, indicating excellent accuracy.increased odds of having NSCLC.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that peripheral blood inflammation markers, particularly the NLR, may have potential utility in risk assessment and prediction for NSCLC. These markers warrant further investigation to explore their potential role in early diagnosis and monitoring of NSCLC.

Lichen Planus is an inflammatory skin disease that has been reported to be associated with inflammatory diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease or with medication use such as sulfasalazine. We report a case of lichen planus in a 62-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis receiving sulfasalazine. Within three years of treatment, the patient developed an erythematous rash on her forehead and wrists, which gradually worsened and spread to her arms, forearms, neck, and upper back. Lichen planus was suspected and later confirmed through histopathological examination. Consequently, sulfasalazine was discontinued, leading to partial resolution of the skin lesions. Our case highlights the importance of a thorough patient interview, as the timeline of skin lesions in relation to medication use and disease activity.