Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is pathologically characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal fibrosis, yet effective therapeutic interventions for this condition remains limited. Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), an active component derived from the edible and medicinal mushroom G. frondosa, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. However, its renoprotective effects against CKD and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been thoroughly elucidated. Structural analysis revealed that GFP contained pyranose rings with both α- and β-glycosidic linkages. In the adenine-induced CKD mouse model, GFP administration significantly alleviated renal dysfunction and pathological damage, as evidenced by improvements in body weights, kidney index, serum biochemical parameters, and histological findings. Furthermore, GFP administration enhanced renal antioxidant capacities while reducing malondialdehyde contents. GFP also suppressed systemic and renal inflammatory responses, as evidenced by decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Importantly, GFP treatment suppressed renal fibrosis by down-regulation of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expressions, as well as modulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Our findings demonstrated that GFP exerted potent renoprotection against adenine-induced CKD in mice, mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities. The anti-fibrotic mechanism was mediated via the suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. These results highlighted the potential of GFP as functional food ingredients or adjunctive therapeutic agents for preventing and treating CKD and its complications. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Arthritis, an acute inflammatory disease affecting single or multiple joints, causes irreversible damage to cartilage and bone, leading to substantial pain and economic burden. Current treatments lack specificity. Curcumin, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, shows promise in arthritis treatment, yet its poor water solubility and low bioavailability hinder clinical use. This study investigates the efficacy of a nanocarrier-based curcumin delivery system for non-infectious arthritis. Four types of nanocarriers-liposomes, biomolecule-based nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and improved nanocarriers-are reviewed for their ability to target curcumin delivery. These nanocarriers improve curcumin's therapeutic effects by enhancing pharmacokinetics, prolonging circulation, and protecting against degradation. Demonstrating potential in various non-infectious arthritis types, including ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and gout, this study underscores the efficacy of nanocarrier-based curcumin delivery systems in reducing inflammation, modulating immune responses, and alleviating disease symptoms. Future research should focus on optimizing nanocarrier design for increased bioavailability and conducting more clinical trials to validate safety and effectiveness in humans.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are recognized for their potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties, making them a promising therapeutic option for combating antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections. This report describes the successful treatment of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in a foal using equine allogeneic cord blood-derived MSCs (CB-MSCs) in combination with antibiotic therapy. An 8-day-old Thoroughbred filly initially presented with septic arthritis of the right tibiotarsal joint, pneumonia, and omphalophlebitis/arteritis. Subsequently, the filly developed septic arthritis of the left elbow joint, epiphysitis, and osteomyelitis of the ulna, which progressed to an aggressive pathological fracture. Chloramphenicol was instituted based on the bacterial culture and susceptibility. Due to limited clinical and cytological improvement following needle lavage, arthroscopic lavage, and intra-articular antibiotic administration, the left elbow joint and fracture site were treated three times with 15 million TLR3-activated CB-MSCs in combination with meropenem (7.25 mg/kg IA). Additionally, the filly received twice systemic treatment with non-activated CB-MSCs (1 million cells/kg IV). The treatment resulted in complete resolution of both septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. At a 12-month follow-up, the filly remained sound, and radiographic re-evaluation showed significant remodeling of the ulna. This case describes the successful use of equine allogeneic cord blood–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSCs), administered locally and systemically in combination with antibiotic therapy, to manage a refractory intra-synovial and osseous septic process in a foal. The use of TLR3-activated CB-MSCs may have supported antimicrobial treatment, highlighting the potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of CB-MSCs.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the chemical profiles of bioactive compounds in extracts from different parts of Clausena excavata (C. excavata), Millettia pachycarpa (M. pachycarpa), and Uvaria grandiflora (U. grandiflora), and to examine their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects on drug-sensitive and -resistant cancer and normal cells.Material and Methods: Ethyl acetate extracts from C. excavata fruits (FCE), M. pachycarpa roots and leaves (RMP and LMP), and U. grandiflora twigs and leaves (TUG and LUG) were analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid content and the chemical profiles of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activities were determined using various methods. Anti-inflammatory properties were investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and cytotoxicity was evaluated in doxorubicin-sensitive and -resistant leukemic cells (K562 and K562/adr), breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MCF-7/adr), and normal cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PBMCs). Results: The extracts contained bioactive compounds, including carbazole alkaloids, xanthones, and coumarins in FCE; isoflavonoids, coumarins, and rotenoids in RMP and LMP; and alkaloids, cyclohexenes, and flavonoids in TUG and LUG. TUG, RMP, and LMP exhibited the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, whereas RMP demonstrated the most potent 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and superoxide radical scavenging activities. LUG showed strong MCA, and LMP showed superior FRAP. FCE exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity, whereas RMP showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MCF-7/adr cells, with minimal toxicity to PBMCs. TUG also proved effective against drug-resistant leukemia cells.Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of these plants for use in dietary supplements and cancer treatments, especially for drug-resistant cancers.

Fucoidan-assisted agglomerated guar gum: physical, tribo-rheological, and anti-inflammatory properties

Background Melatonin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, making it a potential adjunct in periodontal therapy. However, its systemic metabolic effects, particularly on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis, remain unclear. Aim To evaluate the impact of adjunctive melatonin in nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with T2DM and periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through July 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing scaling and root planing (SRP) with adjunctive melatonin versus SRP alone or with placebo were included. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c levels. Data were pooled using a random-effects model in Review Manager 5.4, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Results: Of 79 records screened, 3 randomized controlled trials (214 participants) met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels with adjunctive melatonin compared to control (Mean Difference: - 1.08%; 95% CI: - 1.61 to - 0.55; p < 0.0001), despite substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 91%). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Adjunctive melatonin therapy significantly improves glycemic control in patients with T2DM and periodontitis. These findings highlight melatonin's potential as a safe and biologically plausible host-modulatory agent. Further large-scale trials are needed to determine optimal dosing and long-term metabolic outcomes.

Bone healing and joint repair are complex biological processes impacted by vascular supply, cellular activity, and the local environment of the affected tissues. Nicotine is a widely used substance that can affect multiple processes needed for adequate bone formation and healing after total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the isolated effects of nicotine, independent of tobacco smoke, cigarette combustion products, or vaping aerosols, on bone healing, bone formation, and implant integration relevant to arthroplasty outcomes. A systematic review was conducted from its inception in May 2024. The review included 62 studies that analyzed nicotine's effects on bone healing, health, or growth in humans and animals. Studies were evaluated using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tool. Animal models exposed to nicotine demonstrated delayed bone healing and decreased new bone formation while increasing bone necrosis and chondrocyte density. Nicotine slows osseointegration of titanium implants, reducing implant stability and bone-to-implant contact. Higher doses of nicotine inhibit osteoblast proliferation and increase osteonecrosis. However, at lower doses, nicotine demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties that can partially offset these effects. Nicotine has a dose-dependent effect on bone healing, bone growth, and implant integration, as demonstrated in various animal and in vitro studies. However, the lack of human studies that isolate the effects of nicotine from those of tobacco or cigarette smokeunderscores the urgent need for further research in this area.

Intra-articular drug delivery systems (DDS) are emerging as promising therapies for osteoarthritis (OA), yet their efficacy in spontaneous clinical cases remains largely untested. This uncontrolled, descriptive pilot study was designed to provide a proof of concept for the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical effects of intra-articular administration in sport horses with naturally occurring OA. The study involved a peptide-functionalized nanogel composed of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, delivering endothelin type A (BQ-123) and bradykinin B1 (R-954) receptor antagonists, which have previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties in preclinical models. Eight client-owned sport horses with moderate OA of the metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) or distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) received a single intra-articular injection of 2.4mL nanogel and were followed for 12months. No major adverse events were observed. Two horses developed mild, transient joint swelling that resolved within three days. Seven of eight horses showed improvement in lameness scores by week 12, although complete resolution on hard ground circles was observed in only two horses. All horses were sound on soft ground and returned to competition, with a median time of 128days post-treatment. Six horses remained in active competition at one year without additional intervention. Four horses (50%) met the predefined primary outcome of return to the same level and frequency of competition as before lameness onset. Horses treated for DIPJ OA and those showing radiographic joint space narrowing were overrepresented among treatment failures. Intra-articular administration of a peptide-functionalized nanogel was feasible and well tolerated in sport horses with naturally occurring OA and was associated with partial but prolonged clinical improvement. Although only half of the horses achieved full return to pre-lameness performance, most showed sustained clinical benefit without additional treatment over one year. These findings support further investigation of this drug delivery system in larger, randomized controlled trials to better define its therapeutic efficacy and optimal indications.

Curcumin is a bioactive polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may contribute to blood pressure reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive and histopathological effects of curcumin in hypertensive rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 6 per group). Hypertension was induced over 14 days by administering 2% NaCl in combination with prednisolone (13.5 mg/kg body weight [BW]). Subsequently, the animals received once-daily oral treatment for 7 days as follows: Group A, captopril, 2.25 mg/kg BW; Group B, curcumin, 100 mg/kg BW; Group C, curcumin, 200 mg/kg BW; and Group D, vehicle control, 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the treatment period, and cardiac tissues were collected for histopathological analysis. Both curcumin-treated groups exhibited significant reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressure postintervention, with the greatest effect observed in Group C. A histological study demonstrated reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in the curcumin-treated groups compared with the control group. The antihypertensive effect of curcumin was comparable to that of captopril and was dose-dependent. Curcumin exerts significant antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects in hypertensive rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic regimen, but its practice is challenged by cardiotoxicity risks. Herbacetin (HBT), a bioactive flavonoid compound, has demonstrated anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumor properties. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of HBT against DOX cardiotoxicity along with the underlying mechanisms. In vitro, HBT enhanced cell survival, prevented DNA damage, reduced mitochondrial ROS, and maintained mitochondrial integrity in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes. Using an acute DOX cardiotoxicity rat model, HBT prevented DOX-induced declined cardiac function and reversed cardiac remodeling depicted by increased cell size. RNA sequence analysis of PBS-, DOX-, and DOX + HBT-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes suggested the involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway in cardioprotective effects of HBT. Specifically, the level of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was increased in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes, which declined in the presence of HBT. The decreased level of FOXO3a (downstream factor of ERK1/2) by DOX was further restored by HBT. Lastly, the knockdown of FOXO3a abrogated the cardioprotective benefits of HBT. Our data suggest that HBT mitigates acute DOX cardiotoxicity via regulating the ERK1/2-FOXO3a signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent against DOX cardiotoxicity.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are among the intestinal conditions that make up the category known as inflammatory bowel disease. Globally, UC prevalence and incidence are currently rising. There was substantial evidence that many pathways were involved in the pathophysiology of UC. Of these pathways, interleukin 6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mammalian target of rapamycin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Sphingosine kinase (SPHK)/ Sphingosine-1-phosphate, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO-1). While small-molecule pharmaceuticals and biologics are available to treat patients with UC, approximately one-third of people receiving treatment do not get better. To find an effective remedy for UC patients, new therapy and medication repurposing have therefore been thoroughly researched. Several medications, including rosiglitazone, amlodipine, felodipine, atorvastatin, metformin, pentoxifylline, nitazoxanide, nifuroxazide, carbocisteine, levetiracetam, topiramate, nicodamid, and vildagliptin, have been shown to have positive effects on multiple organs through their anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, data on gut barrier integrity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways showed that these medications had a major favorable impact on these parameters in both cellular and clinical models of UC. Using the findings of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations, the positive effects of these medications on UC are thoroughly outlined and examined in the present research. Having a better knowledge of these protective benefits and the basic mechanisms may make it possible for UC patients to take these medications effectively.

Background: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis serves as a preclinical model for studying gut dysbiosis and inflammation relevant to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its long-term complication of colorectal cancer (CRC). Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract, rich in betalains, polyphenols, and nitrates, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated beetroot extract’s effects on gut microbiota composition and predicted functional pathways in DSS-induced colitis. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control (water), DSS-only, beetroot 250 mg/kg + DSS, and beetroot 500 mg/kg + DSS. Beetroot extract was administered orally for 14 days prior to and during DSS exposure. Gut microbial profiles were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, while microbial diversity, community structure, and predicted metabolic functions were evaluated using Shannon, Chao1, PCoA, PERMANOVA, and PICRUSt2 analyses. Results: DSS administration significantly reduced body weight, microbial diversity, and Bacteroidota abundance, while increasing Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota—a classic colitis-associated dysbiosis signature. Beetroot supplementation restored body weight and microbial balance in a dose-dependent manner, with the 500 mg/kg group showing near-complete normalization of the microbiota. Functional predictions revealed the upregulation of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and amino acid pathways, and suppression of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Identified phytochemicals, including betanin, ferulic acid, and rutin, were associated with antioxidant and prebiotic activities that support microbial restoration. Conclusions: Beetroot extract mitigates DSS-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation by enhancing microbial diversity, restoring SCFA-associated taxa, and promoting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. These findings highlight beetroot as a promising natural dietary intervention for colitis and microbiome-associated intestinal disorders.

Incisional hernia is a common postoperative complication, particularly following abdominal surgeries, and is frequently associated with recurrence and impaired healing due to postoperative infections. In this study, a dual-layered hernia repair biopatch was developed by integrating a 3D-printed polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Ge) scaffold, providing mechanical support, with an electrospun nanofibrous layer composed of PCL/Ge/κ-carrageenan (κ-C) to promote wound healing. To impart antimicrobial functionality, the scaffolds were functionalized with eitherAgrimonia eupatoria(AE) extract or the clinically used antibiotic rifampicin (RIF). Commercial polypropylene (PP) meshes were employed as control groups in bothin vitroandin vivoevaluations. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the developed biopatches exhibited tensile strengths within a clinically relevant range, with values of 5.13 MPa and 2.49 MPa for the 3D-printed RIF-loaded and AE-loaded electrospun-coated scaffolds, respectively. Both AE- and RIF-loaded groups showed pronounced antibacterial activity againstS. aureus, a predominant pathogen associated with surgical site infections. Sustained and controlled release profiles were observed over 160 h, with cumulative release values of approximately 30%-35%.In vivoevaluation using a rat incisional hernia model revealed that AE exhibits strong potential as an alternative to conventional antibiotics, attributable to its phenolic-rich composition and associated anti-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling properties. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the proposed dual-layer biopatch, which integrates mechanical reinforcement with sustained antimicrobial activity, represents a promising and effective strategy for infection-resistant incisional hernia repair.

Characterization of thermostable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory protein from marine Bacillus sp.

Metabolomic insights into anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antinociceptive properties of Ilex paraguariensis: A UPLC-MS/MS analysis of phytochemicals and metabolic pathways.

Background: Hibiscus sabdariffa is a plant used in traditional medicine for intestinal treatments and nowadays for critical diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Multidisciplinary approaches have demonstrated, through Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts, anti-inflammation and anti-cancer beneficial properties from compounds like phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that are ubiquitously distributed in whole plants. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the bioactive compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action that drive the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts Methods: We searched databases for publications in English from all years that reported beneficial anti-inflammation and anti-cancer properties from Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts and their proposed mechanism of action. We used Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for original articles that included different Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts evaluated for their anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer properties, using the following search terms: “H. sabdariffa”, “H. sabdariffa extracts”, “H. sabdariffa and inflammation”, and “H. sabdariffa and cancer”. Some articles from the reference list were used to collect additional information, and we used 73 articles in total. Results: In general, extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa are obtained by different methods that affect the final concentration of the compounds. Several in vivo and in vitro experiments show their antiinflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Conclusion: Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts have the potential bioactivity to modulate inflammation and cancer in several cellular and molecular mechanisms of action involving the downregulation of key signaling pathways such as NFκB, MAPK, BCL-2, p53, among others, and the upregulation of protective pathways such as Nrf2. However, research needs to be further evaluated on the exact compounds that have this effect, in order to know if the extracts work individually or synergistically.

A galactoglucan from calcium chloride-stimulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZGS521: Structural characterization, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by bees, recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous clinical trials have reported inconsistent results regarding its effects on various components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). To address this, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of propolis on components of MetS in adults at risk. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to July 2025. This search aimed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of propolis supplementation on various components of MetS in propolis on components of MetS in adults at risk. Relevant studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis based on keywords related to propolis and MetS. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using a random-effects model. A total of 20 RCTs involving 1091 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that propolis supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: -7.93 mg/dL, 95% CI: -12.37 to -3.50, p < 0.001) and triglyceride (TG) levels (WMD: -12.32 mg/dL, 95% CI: -21.08 to -3.56, p = 0.006) when compared to the control group. However, the analysis revealed that propolis did not have a significant effect on waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or on either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Supplementation with propolis significantly lowered FBS and TG levels in individuals with MetS risk factors. However, there were no significant effects showed on other components of MetS. These findings suggest potential benefits for glycemic and TG control, but more high-quality clinical trials with extended follow-up periods are needed to confirm and further investigate these results.

Dapiglutide, a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist, for obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group, proof-of-concept trial.

Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide alleviates DSS-induced colitis through coordinated regulation of lipid metabolism, the bile acid-cAMP-JNK axis, and intestinal barrier function.