Current Medicines Research Articles

β-Tocotrienol and δ-Tocotrienol as Additional Inhibitors of the Main Protease of Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus: An In Silico Analysis.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a severe and invariably fatal disease affecting both domestic and wild felines with limited effective therapeutic options available. By considering the significant immunomodulatory effects of vitamin E observed in both animal and human models under physiological and pathological conditions, we have provided a full in silico investigation of vitamin E and related compounds and their effect on the crystal structure of feline infectious peritonitis virus 3C-like protease (FIPV-3CLpro). This work revealed the β-tocotrienol and δ-tocotrienol analogs as inhibitor candidates for this protein, suggesting their potential as possible drug compounds against FIP or their supplementary use with current medicines against this disease.

The Australian Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) hospital study: effect of a collaborative medication review on the number of current regular medicines for older hospital inpatients.

Potentially harmful polypharmacy is a growing public health concern. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) framework. We recruited patients at metropolitan hospitals for a randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up. The intervention included a comprehensive medicines history, multidisciplinary meeting and medicines review prior to discharge, with engagement with the participants' general practitioner extending after discharge. The primary outcome was the change in the number of regular medicines used at 12 months from baseline. A cost consequence was performed to estimate costs per participant during the study period. There were 98 participants enrolled in the study. The number of regular medicines was significantly reduced from baseline in both groups (-1.7 ± 4.3, t = 2.38, P = 0.02 in the control group vs -2.7 ± 3.6, t = 4.48, P = 0.0001 in the intervention group), although there was no statistical difference detected between the two groups (1.0 (SE 0.9), t = 1.03, P = 0.31). The intervention was estimated to cost AU$644.17 and was associated with cost savings of AU$552.53 per participant in sustained reduced medicines cost. Health outcomes and healthcare costs were similar in both groups. Medicines were significantly reduced in both groups, with a trend to a larger reduction in medicines at 12 months in the intervention group. The intervention cost was approximately offset by sustained reduced medicines cost, although these results should be regarded cautiously because of the absence of significance in the differences in outcomes between groups.

Pharmaceutical Activities, Services, Medicines, and Products at Community Pharmacies in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia: Findings and Implications for the Future.

Introduction Community pharmacies are highly accessible and provide access to several services to patients and community members. Recently, several developments have been made in Saudi Arabia to enhance the roles and contributions of community pharmacists to the healthcare system, including expanding their scope of practice. This study aims to evaluate the current pharmaceutical activities, medicines, products, and services offered by community pharmacies. Methods This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive study. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first section comprised the demographic characteristics of the participants. The second section explored the types of pharmaceuticals and products sold by community pharmacies, while the third section explored the current professional services and activities offered bypharmacies. This study was conducted among community pharmacists in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Results Overall, 109/115 community pharmacies participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 94.78%. Most participants (97.25%) were men, and 42.20% were 31-40 years old. All pharmacies (100%) dispensed prescriptions and provided over-the-counter medicines, self-care therapeutics, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements. However, only a few pharmacies had controlled and narcotic medicine services (5.50%) and supplied vaccines (3.67%). Almost all pharmacies provided access to herbal products (97.25%), self-diagnostic test/home-test kits (97.25%), first-aid kits (95.41%), and medical equipment and devices and their accessories (89.91%). All pharmacies (100%) sold health-related products, including oral, skin, and hair care products. All pharmacists (100%) provided medication counseling. However, e-prescription services (Wasfaty) were provided in only 55.96% of the pharmacies. Most pharmacists provided health education and promotion (95.41%), management of minor ailments (88.99%), and patient training on the use of medical devices (92.66%). Other pharmaceutical activities included travel health advice (52.29%) and smoking cessation (31.19%). However, patient care services, including vaccination services (0.92%), patient assessment and monitoring services (0.92%), and point-of-care (POC) testing (0.92%), were limited. Additional services included online shopping (66.97%), home delivery of medicines (54.13%), and instant/live chat communication with pharmacies (70.64%). Conclusion Community pharmacies play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's healthcare system. These include providing access to medicines, medical equipment, and various products related to health and wellness. Community pharmacies provide public health services. However, their clinical services are limited. Consequently, a holistic strategy involving all stakeholders is required to further enhance the role of community pharmacists and better utilize their skills and training to provide preventive healthcare services and optimize medication therapy in primary care settings.

Synthesis, molecular docking simulation, and antimicrobial activities of novel bis-heterocycles linked to piperazine and vanillin units as novel hybrid molecules via Hantzsch, Biginelli, and Michael’s reactions

Bacterial infections are a global issue, causing sickness and death, mainly in developing nations. Resistance to current medicines is a significant issue in healthcare. Overcoming the resistance problem will necessitate the development of molecules with novel modes of action that do not cross-react with existing medicines. Synthesis of new bis-heterocycles linked to the piperazine core and vanillin unit is disclosed in this regard. The target compounds were produced via the reaction of 4,4′-((piperazine-1,4-diylbis(2-oxoethane-2,1-diyl))bis(oxy))bis(3-methoxybenzaldehyde) with various reagents using the Hantzsch, Biginelli, and Michael’s reactions. All the generated compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity against a variety of bacterial strains. The antibacterial activity evaluations revealed that compound 32 has the most promising activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.5 ± 0.7 mm) compared to Ofloxacin (17 mm) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) equaled to 625 µg/mL. A molecular docking investigation revealed that compound 32 had the greatest binding affinity for bacterial enoyl reductase (−36.13 ± 0.2 Kcal/mole) when compared to the co-crystallized ligand (−16.8 ± 0 Kcal/mole).

Mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes in multiple sclerosis disease: from paper to practice.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Current medicines are not sufficient to control the inflammation and progressive damage to the CNS that is known in MS. These drawbacks highlight the need for novel treatment options. Cell therapy can now be used to treat complex diseases when conventional therapies are ineffective. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a diverse group of multipotential non-hematopoietic stromal cells which have immunomodulatory, neurogenesis, and remyelinating capacity. Their advantageous effects mainly rely on paracrine, cell-cell communication and differentiation properties which introduced them as excellent candidates for MS therapy. Exosomes, as one of the MSCs secretomes, have unique properties that make them highly promising candidates for innovative approach in regenerative medicine. This review discusses the therapeutic potential of MSCs and their derived exosomes as a novel treatment for MS, highlighting the differences between these two approaches.

Deprescribing in older adults in a French community: a questionnaire study on patients’ beliefs and attitudes

BackgroundGeneral practitioners (GPs) have a central role to play on reduction of polypharmacy and deprescribing. This study aimed to assess beliefs and attitudes towards deprescribing in patients, aged 65 years or older in primary care, and to identify factors associated with deprescribing and their willingness to stop medication.MethodsA questionnaire study was performed between 23 May and 29 July 2022 on patients aged 65 years or older attending a GP’s surgery in a French area. We used the French version of the revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing self-report questionnaire (rPATD), which measures four subscales (“Burden”, “Appropriateness”, “Concerns about stopping” and, “Involvement”), patients’ willingness to stop one of their regular medicines, and patients’ satisfaction with their current medicines.ResultsThe study enrolled 200 patients. Median age was 76 years old (IQR 71–81), 55% were women, and 42.5% took 5 or more medications per day. Although most patients (92.5%) were satisfied with their current medicines, 35% were reluctant to stop medications they had been taking for a long time, and 89.5% were willing to stop medication if asked to by their GP. Patients aged less than 75 years old reported more concerns about stopping. Women and patients with higher educational attainment showed significantly higher involvement in medication management.ConclusionsThe majority of older adults were willing to stop one or more of their regular medicines if asked to do so by their GP. GPs should address deprescribing into their current practice.

Expert opinion on the management of patients with osteoporosis with anabolic drugs in Italy.

Fragility fractures (FF) resulting from osteoporosis pose a significant public health challenge in Italy, with considerable socio-health and economic implications. Despite the availability of safe and effective drugs, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving over 2 million high-risk Italian women without treatment. This paper aims to identify and propose key improvements in the management of osteoporosis, focusing particularly on the critical issues related to the use of anabolic drugs in secondary prevention, according to the current Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) Note 79. The Expert Panel, composed of nine recognized Italian experts in rheumatology, analyzed current practices, prescribing criteria, and the most recent literature. Three main reasons for revising the indications on pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis were identified: inadequate treatment of osteoporosis, new evidence regarding frontline placement of anabolics in high-risk conditions, and emerging sequential or combined strategies. The proposed improvements include the adoption of the Derived Fracture Risk Assessment algorithm for accurate fracture risk assessment, revision of AIFA Note 79 to reflect current evidence, improved prescribing appropriateness, broader access to anabolic agents, and the provision of sequential therapies with antiresorptives for teriparatide. These changes aim to enhance patient outcomes, streamline healthcare processes, and address the high percentage of undertreated individuals. This expert opinion emphasizes the importance of the appropriate use of anabolic drugs to reduce FF and associated costs while ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Service. The proposed recommendations are in line with the latest scientific evidence, providing a comprehensive strategy to optimize the management of osteoporosis in Italy. On behalf of the Study Group on Osteoporosis and Skeletal Metabolic Diseases of the Italian Society of Rheumatology.

Combination of plant metabolites hinders starch digestion and glucose absorption while facilitating insulin sensitivity to diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease resulting from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Type II DM (T2DM) accounts for approximately 90% of all DM cases. Current medicines used in the treatment of DM have some adverse or undesirable effects on patients, necessitating the use of alternative medications. To overcome the low bioavailability of plant metabolites, all entities were first screened through pharmacokinetic, network pharmacology, and molecular docking predictions. Experiments were further conducted on a combination of antidiabetic phytoactive molecules (rosmarinic acid, RA; luteolin, Lut; resveratrol, RS), along with in vitro evaluation (α-amylase inhibition assay) and diabetic mice tests (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT; oral starch tolerance test, OSTT) for maximal responses to validate starch digestion and glucose absorption while facilitating insulin sensitivity. The results revealed that the combination of metabolites achieved all required criteria, including ADMET, drug likeness, and Lipinski rule. To determine the mechanisms underlying diabetic hyperglycemia and T2DM treatments, network pharmacology was used for regulatory network, PPI network, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses. Furthermore, the combined metabolites showed adequate in silico predictions (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase for improving starch digestion; SGLT-2, AMPK, glucokinase, aldose reductase, acetylcholinesterase, and acetylcholine M2 receptor for mediating glucose absorption; GLP-1R, DPP-IV, and PPAR-γ for regulating insulin sensitivity), in vitro α-amylase inhibition, and in vivo efficacy (OSTT versus acarbose; OGTT versus metformin and insulin) as nutraceuticals against T2DM. The results demonstrate that the combination of RA, Lut, and RS could be exploited for multitarget therapy as prospective antihyperglycemic phytopharmaceuticals that hinder starch digestion and glucose absorption while facilitating insulin sensitivity.

Identification of Inhibitors for Flagellar Assembly Protein FliN of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli using Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that poses a significant clinical and epidemiologic challenge. The selection pressure brought by the insufficient use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of multi-drug-resistant E. coli in the past ten years. Computational and bioinformatics methods for screening inhibitors have significantly contributed to discovering novel antibacterial agents. One possible target for novel anti-virulence drugs is motility. Motility inhibitors are generally effective at concentrations lower than those required for the antibacterial properties of traditional antibiotics, and they are likely to exert less selective pressure than current medicines. Motility may be essential for bacteria to survive, find nutrients, and escape unfavorable environments and biofilm formation. The FliN is a protein forming the bulk of the C ring of the flagella and is present in multiple copies (more than 100) in bacteria. Its absence in mammals makes it an attractive drug target for drug discovery. Two-thousand seven hundred seventy-eight natural compounds from the ZINC library were screened against FliN (PDB ID: 4YXB) using PyRx AutoDock Vina, and the top compounds were selected for secondary screening after sorting the results based on their binding energy. Based on interactional analysis, binding energy (- 7.78kcal/mol), and inhibition constant (1.98µM), ZINC000000619481 was the best inhibitor. This compound binds exactly as per the defined active site residues of the receptor protein. Also, molecular dynamics was performed. The eigenvalue of the selected complex was 1.241657e-05. There were no ADME properties outside of the specified range for the identified hit; it fitted exactly to the binding site of the FliN receptor well and was found to be stable in MD simulation studies. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its anti-bacterial activity and use as a potential antimicrobial drug against urinary tract infections caused by E. coli.

Malaria and Malignancies- A review

Introduction: Malaria, a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium sp. is a substantial threat to global health. In recent years, the association of malignancies and malaria has been an interesting field of research. To date, Burkitt's lymphoma has shown a close association with Malaria in the sub-Saharan nations. The latest research targets the current anti-malarial medicines as a promising approach towards novel anti-cancer therapies. The complicated relationship between malaria, genetics, immune response, and cancer might help in exploring various pharmacological approaches that might help in the therapeutic approach to malaria and cancer. Further, in-depth in-vivo and in-vitro studies are needed to establish the link between malaria infection and cancer progression. Aims and Objectives: This review aims to explore the key associations of malaria and various malignancies and the possible anti-cancer effects of anti-malarial drugs. Materials and Methods: A critical review of 53 articles from 1987 to 2023 was conducted. Conclusion: • Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma shows a synergy with malaria, but more studies are needed to explore, for correlating the possible associations of malaria with other malignancies. • Non-hematological malignancies were shown not to have a strong correlation with malaria. • Anti-malarial drugs displaying anti-cancer properties could be a promising adjunct to current routine cancer treatment

Exploring and Synthesis of bio-active natural product coupling reactions

Utilizing natural products in drug discovery research are very comment practice and they lead to more than fifty percent of current medicines in the market. However, there are still needed in new therapeutic entities that can improve the efficiency of drugs against the enzymes. We are hoping this and future study lead to combat unmet needs among healthcare. Having said that, we would like to explore the coupling reactions to make bio-active natural products similar to capsaicin natural product and its chemical synthetic optimization before the its kinetic study. Currently, we are exploring two distinctive coupling reaction conditions to optimize the reaction condition and will present current status of our research project of coupling reaction. Furthermore, we would like to carry on enzymatic profile against resinaase HT enzyme to see how stable amide bond is.

Evaluation of Protective Effect of Gemigliptin and Rizatriptan in Streptozotocin induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats.

ABSTRACT: A typical micro-vascular consequence of diabetes mellitus is diabetic neuropathy. The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy patients is rising in spite of strict glycemic control, blood pressure, and lipid lowering medication. New prevention and treatment methods are required because of the drawbacks and side effects of current medicines. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in the transmission of pain, is being investigated for its potential to process pain and to reduce inflammatory responses. Gemigliptin and rizatriptan are being studied for the treatment of hyperglycemic mortality. In this investigation, STZ (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally once to cause diabetic neuropathy. Tests were conducted on the neuroprotective potential of Gemigliptin (5 mg/kg p,o) alone and in combination with variable dosages of Rizatriptan (0.5, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) administered at intervals of 72 hours and one month. According to the study, a medicine combination of gemigliptin and rizatriptan successfully reduces the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum glucose levels—all of which contribute to diabetes complications. Additionally, the combination reduces nerve damage-related hyperalgesia and significantly increases locomotor activity. Oxidative stress is decreased, which helps prevent additional difficulties, and the combination raises levels of antioxidants like SOD and CAT. Overall, Gemigliptin and Rizatriptan work well together to reduce diabetic neuropathic pain.

A Complete Sojorum on Thermosensitive Hydrogels for Wound Healing: Recent Developments and Ongoing Research

Abstract: The nature of the wound typically dictates the available wound-healing therapies. On the other hand, inadequate care results in persistent wounds, fibrosis, tissue loss of function, and ultimately dismemberment. Suturing, unloading, irrigation, debridement, negative pressure therapies, growth factor supplementation, and grafting are examples of current medicines that all have limitations in terms of meeting the needs of full treatment. Natural or synthetic materials/polymers have been utilized to prepare smart thermosensitive hydrogels to facilitate quick and targeted action on wounds. These are intelligent hydrogel system that shows sol-gel transitions at physiological body temperature. Hydrogel provides a moist environment, scaffold-like structure, and localized delivery of drug/growth factor that speed up wound healing even if it eliminates side effects associated with systemic administration. In this article, we summarized the detailed mechanisms of wound healing, conventional strategies, and ongoing thorough research work in the field of thermosensitive hydrogels utilized for wound healing. Moreover, the clinical needs of this formulation, as evident from the commercially available systems are also described in the prior art.

The pomegranate-derived peptide Pug-4 alleviates nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced inflammation by suppressing NF-kB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

The respiratory pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common cause of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), of which an excessive inflammatory response is a hallmark. With the limited success of current medicines there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutics that are both safe and effective. In this study, we explored the regulatory potential of pomegranate-derived peptides Pug-1, Pug-2, Pug-3, and Pug-4 on NTHi-induced inflammation. Our results clearly showed that to varying degrees the Pug peptides inhibited NTHi-induced production of IL-1β, a pivotal cytokine in COPD, and showed that these effects were not related to cytotoxicity. Pug-4 peptide exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity. This was demonstrated in all studied cell types including murine (RAW264.7) and human (differentiated THP-1) macrophages as well as human lung epithelial cells (A549). Substantial reduction by Pug-4 of TNF-α, NO and PGE2 in NTHi-infected A549 cells was also observed. In addition, Pug-4 strongly inhibited the expression of nuclear-NF-κB p65 protein and the NF-κB target genes (determined by IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression) in NTHi-infected A549 cells. Pug-4 suppressed the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β proteins and inhibited NTHi-mediated cleavage of caspase-1 and mature IL-1β. These results demonstrated that Pug-4 inhibited NTHi-induced inflammation through the NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our findings herein highlight the significant anti-inflammatory activity of Pug-4, a newly identified peptide from pomegranate, against NTHi-induced inflammation. We therefore strongly suggest the potential of the Pug-4 peptide as an anti-inflammatory medicine candidate for treatment of NTHi-mediated inflammation.

Autophagy machinery plays an essential role in traumatic brain injury-induced apoptosis and its related behavioral abnormalities in mice: focus on Boswellia Sacra gum resin.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is described as a structural damage or physiological disturbance of brain function that occurs after trauma and causes disability or death in people of all ages. New treatment targets for TBI are being explored because current medicines are frequently ineffectual and poorly tolerated. There is increasing evidence that following TBI, there are widespread changes in autophagy-related proteins in both experimental and clinical settings. The current study investigated if Boswellia Sacra Gum Resin (BSR) treatment (500mg/kg) could modulate post-TBI neuronal autophagy and protein expression, as well as whether BSR could markedly improve functional recovery in a mouse model of TBI. Taken together our results shows for the first time that BSR limits histological alteration, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, cytokines release and autophagic flux alteration induced by TBI.

Patient Attitudes Toward Deprescribing Among Community-Dwelling Older Mainers.

Background The excess use of medications has become an increasingly prevalent issue in health care. Deprescribing can be an important tool in combating polypharmacy. Objective To assess the attitudes of community-dwelling older persons in Maine toward their medications and the concept of deprescription. An additional aim of this research was to assess the association between the revised Patient Attitudes Toward Deprescribing Questionnaire (rPATDQ) domains by polypharmacy status. Methods Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing the rPATDQ. Authors recruited older Mainers via a longitudinal cohort study through the University of New England Center for Excellence in Aging in Health. Respondents were stratified by polypharmacy status (fewer than five medications, five or more medications). Results Total daily medications ranged from 1 to 30 (average of 8.6). Overall, 83.6% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed to the statement "If my doctor said it was possible, I would be willing to stop one or more of my regular medicines." 70.6% agreed/ strongly agreed to the statement "Overall, I am satisfied with my current medicines." Those with and without polypharmacy experienced low overall medication burden and a high belief in the appropriateness of their medications. There were no statistically significant differences between polypharmacy groups. Conclusion The results of this survey indicate that the factors affecting attitudes toward deprescribing are complex. While many indicated willingness to deprescribe at least one medication, there was a high degree of satisfaction with current medication regimens. This study highlights the need for further qualitative research to identify potential barriers to deprescribing.

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome promotes skin regeneration and rejuvenation: From mechanism to therapeutics.

How to effectively repair cutaneous wounds and promote skin rejuvenation has always been a challenging issue for clinical medicine and medical aesthetics. Current conventional medicines exhibit several drawbacks, including limited therapeutic effects, prolonged treatment periods, and high costs. As a novel cell-free therapy, the umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC) secretome may offer a promising approach for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. The UCMSC secretome is a collection of all proteins secreted by mesenchymal stem cells, including conditioned media, exosomes, and other substances. The UCMSC secretome has numerous abilities to accelerate acute wound healing, including high fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferative activity, pro-angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and anti-oxidative stress. Its impact on the four stages of wound healing is manifested by inducing the haemostasis phase, inhibiting the inflammation phase, promoting the proliferation phase, and regulating the remodelling phase. Furthermore, it is highly effective in the treatment of chronic wounds, alopecia, aging, and skin homeostasis disturbance. This review focuses on the clinical therapies and application prospects of the UCMSC secretome, encompassing its source, culture, separation, identification, storage, and pretreatment. Additionally, a discussion on the dosage, administration route, efficacy, and biosafety in the clinical situation is presented. This review aims to provide scientific support for the mechanistic investigation and clinical utilisation of the UCMSC secretome in wound healing and skin rejuvenation.

Unused Medicine Donation System: A Review

This development aims to contribute treatments (medicines) that are either fresh or stale in nature. The new treatments can be handed to a poor individual who will be able to use them in the future. This programme assists the user in donating any unused medicines to a non-profit organisation. There are three people that make up this body: the administrator, the non-governmental organisation, and the user. A system administrator will log in and manage users, including deleting and barring users who are giving incorrect or expired drugs. In addition, the administration has a consultant, similar to the appointment requested by the NGO. The administration receives a monthly noise of remedies that have been contributed. Authorizations are used to register and login for non-profit organisations. They can promote a request for an appointment, which will be added to a more appropriate and comprehensive list by the administrator. The standard is managed by an NGO, which aids in the preservation of the history of the current medicines. In the event of a safety issue, an NGO can also modify their PIN. Authorizations are used to allow users to register and log in. They can provide remedies by providing remedy details and generating demand; once this has been agreed upon by the administration and the NGO, they will plan a date for the donation to take place. Also available to consumers is a history of their previous remedial transactions

Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease.

The gut microbiota and its homeostasis play a crucial role in human health. However, for some diseases related to the gut microbiota, current traditional medicines can only relieve symptoms, and it is difficult to solve the root causes or even cause side effects like disturbances in the gut microbiota. Increasing clinical studies and evidences have demonstrated that probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can prevent and treat various diseases, but currently they can only be used as dietary supplements rather than medicines, which restricts the application of probiotics in the field of medicine. Here, this review analyzes the importance of gut microbiota in human health and the current problems of traditional medicines, and systematically summarizes the effectiveness and mechanisms of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in maintaining health and treating diseases based on animal models and clinical trials. And based on current research outcomes and development trends in this field, the challenges and prospects of their clinical application in maintaining health, alleviating and treating diseases are analyzed. It is hoped to promote the application of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in disease treatment and open up new frontiers in probiotic research.

The Biology of Mental Disorders: Progress at Last

Abstract Mental disorders are common, complex, highly morbid conditions for which basic underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Despite the utility of many existing treatments, there remains vast unmet need for more effective and safer therapeutics. Most current medicines for mental disorders are based on chemical modifications of serendipitously discovered mid-twentieth-century prototypes, and widely used diagnostic manuals remain phenomenological and conceptually confused. After decades of stasis, research on mental disorders has reached an inflection point. Unbiased large-scale genetics provides information that, if interpreted circumspectly and integrated with neurobiology, provides “finding tools” for causal biological mechanisms that can advance discovery of biomarkers, preventive interventions, and better treatments. However, uncritically applied predictive genomic technologies can produce fatalism and exacerbate stigma. Moreover, polygenic risk scores for cognitive ability and risk of mental illness are already being offered commercially for embryo selection with in vitro fertilization, a worrisome resurgence of eugenics hiding in liberal (noncoercive) guise.