Pharmacological Studies Research Articles

Insilico, network pharmacology and neural network studies on Sida acuta Burm f.- based phytochemicals targeting NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase

The biochemical activities of phytochemicals obtained from S. acuta Burm f. have been described in several forms by various scientists globally. This work has revealed the antimalarial activities of S. acuta Burm f. using various methods such as density functional theory method, induced fit docking technique, quantitative structure activities relationship (QSAR) via neural network approach and pharmacokinetics studies using ADMETLab software. Compound F10 showed a stronger ability to interact in terms of HOMO energy and energy gap while Compound F12 exhibited a high tendency to accept electrons from nearby compounds. Furthermore, compound F13 demonstrated greater potential to inhibit NADH-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase. We observed that the derivatives in F10, F12 and F13 enhanced the reactivity and inhibiting activities of the parent compound. The prediction of binding affinity for compounds F1 to F16 using neural network was found to be accurate and dependable. Also, ADMET study was executed and reported appropriately. Our research could pave the way for the creation of a library of effective phytochemicals from S. acuta Burm f -based drugs with potential anti-malaria activity.

Network pharmacology study on the mechanism of berberine in Alzheimer’s disease model

Research indicated that berberine (BBR) plays a protective role in modulating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to explore the target genes of BBR associated with AD therapy using a network pharmacology study. Through network pharmacology analysis, two main potential target genes, β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), of BBR for AD therapy were screened out. Further experiments demonstrated that BV2 and C8-D1A treated with BBR were decreased in the mRNA and protein expression of APP and presenilin 1 while PPARG was increased with a reduction in the NF-κB pathway. A similar result was shown in vivo. Through a network pharmacology study, this study supported that BBR played a protective role in the AD mice model via blocking APP processing and amyloid plaque formation. It also promotes PPARG expression to blockage of NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammatory response and neuroinflammation.

The multifunctionality of the brainstem breathing control circuit.

Subconscious breathing is generated by a network of brainstem nodes with varying purposes, like pacing breathing or patterning a certain breath phase. Decades of anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology studies have identified and characterized the system's fundamental properties that produce robust breathing, and we now have well-conceived computational models of breathing that are based on the detailed descriptions of neuronal connectivity, biophysical properties, and functions in breathing. In total, we have a considerable understanding of the brainstem breathing control circuit. But, in the last five years, the utilization of molecular and genetic approaches to study the neural subtypes within each node has led to a new era of breathing control circuit research that explains how breathing is integrated withmore complex behaviors like speaking and running and how breathing is connected with other physiological systems and our state-of-mind. This review will describe the basic role of the key components of the brainstem breathing control circuit and then will highlight the new transformative discoveries that broaden our understanding of these breathing control brain areas. These new studies serve to illustrate the creativity and exciting future of breathing control research.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology-based predictive study and potential targets analysis of Icariin for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology-based predictive study and potential targets analysis of Icariin for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Comparative study of essential oil extraction from lime peel (Citrus amblycarpa Hassk. Ochse): Impact on chemical composition and bioactivities of anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, and antimicrobial properties

Essential oil is a natural substance widely utilized in the cosmetics industry. However, there has been no study on the cosmetic bioactivity of essential oil from the peel of Citrus amblycarpa Hassk. Ochse (CAEO). This study aimed to investigate the potential of CAEO, obtained through NaCl hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD), as an anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, and antibacterial agent, along with analyzing its chemical constituents. GC-MS analysis identified β-pinene (28.3%) and limonene (27.1%) as the main compounds in CAEO (HD), while limonene (13.75%) and citronellal (7.49%) predominated in CAEO (MAHD). The CAEO obtained from HD with 25% NaCl as the solvent exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) anti-tyrosinase (IC50 = 235.94 ± 1.34 μg/mL) and anti-elastase (IC50 = 41.59 ± 0.47 μg/mL) activities compared to the CAEO from the MAHD method. This result was consistent with the in silico pharmacological study, which revealed that limonene, the major component of CAEO, showed good binding affinity to the active sites of elastase and tyrosinase. The CAEO obtained from both methods exhibited strong and selective antibacterial activity in a disc diffusion assay against two bacteria associated with skin acne: Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 11827 (CAEO HD = 24.08 ± 5.85 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (CAEO MAHD = 20.5 ± 0.27 mm). These results pave the way for further studies on the bioassay-guided isolation of CAEO to enhance its effectiveness as a cosmetic agent. Moreover, this study provides the first report indicating the potential of CAEO for development as a cosmetic agent.

Intratumor heterogeneity in KRAS signaling shapes treatment resistance.

KRAS mutations are linked to some of the deadliest forms of cancer. Pharmacological studies suggest that co-targeting KRAS with feedback/bypass pathways could lead to enhanced anti-tumor activity. The underlying premise is that cancers display a deep-rooted hypersensitivity to KRAS inactivation. Here, we investigate the role of intratumor heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, focusing on oncogenic KRAS addiction and treatment resistance. Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data reveals that most tumors display a mixture of cells with vastly different degrees of KRAS dependency. We identify distinct cell populations that vary in their gene expression patterns pertaining to the predicted level of KRAS signaling activity, cell growth, and differentiation commitment within each tumor. Selective targeting of mutant KRAS suppresses the growth of tumor cells with high RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity while sparing pre-existing subsets with low RAS signaling activity, necessitating alternative treatments. Combination immunotherapy leads to durable tumor regression in preclinical models.

Behavioral Economic Modeling of Incentivized and Hypothetical Valuation: Implications for Pharmacological Study

Behavioral Economic Modeling of Incentivized and Hypothetical Valuation: Implications for Pharmacological Study

Glucuronidation of orally administered drugs and the value of nanocarriers in strategies for its overcome.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) plays a pivotal role in the absorption of orally administered drugs, with the small intestine serving as the primary site due to its extensive surface area and specialized cell types, including enterocytes and M cells. After oral administration, drugs are generally transported via the portal vein to the liver, where they undergo first-pass metabolism. This process involves various enzymatic reactions, including glucuronidation, facilitated by uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), a major phase 2 reaction in mammalian metabolism. UGTs conjugate glucuronic acid to a wide array of endogenous and exogenous substrates, enhancing their solubility and excretion, but significantly affecting the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs. UGT enzymes are ubiquitously distributed across tissues, prominently in the liver, but also in the GIT, kidneys, brain, and other organs where they play crucial roles in xenobiotic metabolism. Species-specific differences in UGT expression and activity impact the selection of animal models for pharmacological studies. Various experimental models - ranging from computational simulations (in silico) to laboratory experiments (in vitro) and animal studies (in vivo) - are employed throughout drug discovery and development to evaluate drug metabolism, including UGT activity. Effective strategies to counter pre-systemic metabolism are critical for improving drug bioavailability. This review explores several approaches including prodrugs, co-administration of specific molecules or use of inhibiting excipients in formulations. Strategies incorporating these excipients in nanoformulations demonstrate notable increases in drug absorption and bioavailability. This review highlights the importance of targeted delivery systems and excipient selection in overcoming metabolic barriers, aiming to optimize drug efficacy and patient outcomes.

Prescription Data Mining and Network Pharmacology Study of 1152 Patients with Rectal Prolapse using Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In recent years, the incidence of rectal prolapse has increased significantly due to the sedentary lifestyle and irregular eating habits of modern life. However, there is a lack of clinical studies on the treatment of rectal prolapse with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a large sample size. Therefore, this study investigated the characteristics of rectal prolapse treatment formulas and then studied the network pharmacology of their core therapeutic drugs, which can help to provide a reference for the treatment and postoperative care of rectal prolapse patients. This study aimed to explore the prescription characteristics and the mechanism of action of core drugs in the treatment of rectal prolapse in Chinese medicine through data mining and bioinformatics techniques. We collected the diagnosis and treatment information of patients with rectal prolapse from January 2014 to September 2021 in the electronic case database of Nanjing Hospital of TCM, mined the patient information and prescription features using R, screened the active ingredients of the core pairs of drugs and disease drug intersection targets using TCMSP and GnenCard databases, and constructed a Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using STRING and Cytoscape, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the intersecting targets were performed using Metascape and R. We found that prolapse is easy to occur in people over 50 years old, preferably in autumn and winter. Commonly used therapeutic Chinese medicines include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Radix angelicae sinensis, Radix astragali, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Pericarpium citri reticulatae, which are mostly deficiency tonic medicines, warm in nature, and belong to spleen meridian. The core therapeutic medicinal pair was "Bupleuri radix-Cimicifugae rhizoma". There were 190 common targets of Bupleuri radix and Cimicifugae rhizoma, and 71 intersection targets of the drug pair and prolapse. The main components of the core drugs for the treatment of prolapse may be quercetin, kaempferol, Stigmasterol, etc, and the core targets may be CASP3, AKT1, HIF1A, etc. The total number of GO entries for the intersection targets of "Bupleuri radix-Cimicifugae rhizoma" and diseases was 3495, among which the molecular functions accounted for the largest proportion, mainly Pathways in cancer, IL-18 signaling pathway, etc. KEGG enriched pathway analysis yielded 168 results, and the major pathways were pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, IL-17 signaling pathway, etc. Conclusion: This study adopted real-world research methodology and used data mining and bioinformatics technology to mine the medication law of rectal prolapse and its core drug action mechanism from the clinical information of Chinese medicine.

Dehydrometabolites of siphonaxanthin, a carotenoid from green algae, suppress TLR1/2-induced inflammatory response more strongly than siphonaxanthin.

Siphonaxanthin is a carotenoid found in green algae that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities. We previously reported that ingested siphonaxanthin accumulates in various organs of mice; however, its metabolic conversion remains largely unknown. In this study, we isolated three siphonaxanthin dehydrometabolites and determined their chemical structures. Two of these metabolites were obtained using the post-mitochondrial supernatant prepared from mouse liver, while the third was obtained using the post-mitochondrial supernatant prepared from rat liver. The human liver S9 fraction also generated two metabolites: one was identical to one of the rat metabolites, and the other was identical to one of the mouse metabolites. 1H-NMR revealed that all three metabolites had one or two additional α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups (compared with siphonaxanthin). We also evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities and found that these three metabolites suppressed Toll-like receptor 1/2-mediated interferon regulatory factor (IRF) activation more potently than siphonaxanthin. Pharmacological inhibition studies revealed that activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is crucial for the inhibition of IRF activation by these metabolites. The Nrf2-mediated decrease in the mRNA expression of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) was determined to be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying this suppression. Thus, the hepatic metabolic conversion of siphonaxanthin generates an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group, which boosts its IRF-inhibitory effect by activating Nrf2.

Valeriana Officinalis: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as Valerian, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. This comprehensive study aims to explore the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, health benefits, recommended dosages, and potential side effects of the Valerian plant. Through a detailed examination of both historical and contemporary research, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the therapeutic potential and applications of Valerian. The pharmacological efficacy of Valerian is primarily attributed to its rich chemical composition. Key constituents include volatile oils, valepotriates, and sesquiterpenes, with valerenic acid identified as a major active compound. These components are believed to work synergistically to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, thereby exerting sedative and anxiolytic effects on the central nervous system. Contemporary pharmacological studies have confirmed Valerian’s ability to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

KaRhab: an international online registry for cardiac rhabdomyomas

BackgroundCardiac rhabdomyoma (RHM) is considered one of the most frequent benign heart tumors in children. However, encounters with cardiac RHM in clinical practice remain rare. Clinical information is primarily available in the form of single case reports or smaller studies with a shortage of large-scale reviews encompassing a substantial number of cases.ResultsIn order to congregate existing and future information on cardiac RHM we established a web-based cardiac RHM online registry using an online survey tool. In addition we integrated previously published data from individual case reports and case series. The evaluation of this paper is intended to provide a brief overview of the cohort that we have been able to include so far. Our findings mainly confirm the previous knowledge on cardiac RHM. At the same time, our cohort shows a clear heterogeneity in the treatment methods with regard to rhabdomyomas requiring therapy and revealed a bias between literature data and our registry data with regard to symptoms and need for therapy.ConclusionIn the view of the heterogeneity of treatment methods, a systematic overview of cardiac RHM is all the more important, especially as specific drug treatment options now exist. The registry should not just provide a comprehensive and informative overview of causes, time course, symptoms and therapeutic options of cardiac RHM but also facilitate information sharing among clinicians and researchers and serve as a basis for future clinical and pharmacological studies.

Study Protocol for 'PsilOCD: A Pharmacological Challenge Study Evaluating the Effects of the 5-HT2A Agonist Psilocybin on the Neurocognitive and Clinical Correlates of Compulsivity'.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition marked by persistent distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviours. Despite its prevalence, the mechanisms behind OCD remain elusive, and current treatments are limited. This protocol outlines an investigative study for individuals with OCD, exploring the potential of psilocybin to improve key components of cognition implicated in the disorder. The PsilOCD study strives to assess the effects of low-moderate psilocybin treatment (10 mg) alongside non-interventional therapy on several facets of OCD. The main focus points of PsilOCD are cognitive flexibility, measured with cognitive tests, and neuroplasticity, assessed through electroencephalography (EEG). 20 blinded participants with OCD will complete two dosing sessions, separated by four weeks, where they will receive 1 mg of psilocybin on the first and 10 mg on the second. The first dose serves as an active placebo, and the latter is a low-moderate dose that induces relatively mild-moderate emotional and perceptual effects.Participants will be supported by trained psychedelic therapists, who will sit with them during each dosing session and provide virtual preparation and integration sessions over the 12-week study period. Therapeutic support will be the same for both the 1 mg and 10 mg sessions. PsilOCD's primary outcomes include scores in the intradimensional-extradimensional (ID-ED) shift task, which is an established measure of cognitive flexibility, and neuroplasticity as quantified by a visual long-term potentiation (vLTP) task. This task is delivered as part of an EEG paradigm and measures acute quantified changes in neuroplasticity in the brain's visual system. The ID-ED task will be conducted twice, two days after each dosing session, and the EEG recordings will also be taken twice, immediately after each session. Secondary outcome assessments will include OCD and affective symptom severity, as well as an array of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), in the form of questionnaires designed to assess well-being, dissociable and well-established mood-related (affective) measures, and participants' subjective experience of the psilocybin experience. This study's results are expected to offer critical insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy in treating OCD, and whether these correlate with changes in the cognitive features of the condition. As a secondary aim, it will ascertain whether a low, tolerable dose is a feasible and efficacious clinical treatment, and will provide crucial data to guide the design of a potential follow-up randomised control trial (RCT).

Indole 3 carbinol attenuated memory impairment, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in bilateral common carotid artery occlusion induced brain damage in rats.

Global cerebral ischemia (GCI) is associated with a multifaceted etiology, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, ultimately leading to cognitive and memory impairments. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective, cognitive, and memory-enhancing effects of indole 3-carbinol (I3C), a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables. Additionally, network pharmacology analyses were conducted to identify potential molecular targets of I3C in GCI. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery was performed to induce GCI. I3C was administered orally for 14days, and cognitive and memory functions were assessed using the Y-maze and Morris water maze paradigms. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (MDA, Nrf2, SOD, and CAT), inflammatory markers (NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-10), and AChE enzyme activity were evaluated. The results demonstrated that I3C treatment significantly inhibited AChE activity, improved spontaneous alternation (%) in the Y-maze test, increased the number of entries and time spent in the platform zone, and reduced escape latency in the Morris water maze test, indicating enhanced cognitive and memory functions. I3C treatment also increased brain levels of Nrf2, SOD, and CAT while reducing MDA levels. Furthermore, it decreased pro-inflammatory markers such as NF-κB and TNF-α and elevated the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10, suggesting neuroprotection through the mitigation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Histopathological analysis revealed improved integrity of CA1 neurons in BCCAO rats treated with I3C. Network pharmacology studies identified TP53, AKT1, TNF, STAT3, BCL2, SRC, ESR1, CCND1, CASP8, and CASP3 as the top ten molecular targets for I3C in the context of GCI. Our in vivo data, supported by network pharmacology studies, suggest that I3C's neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects are driven by its ability to alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Overall, this study suggests that I3C is a promising neuroprotective and memory-enhancing agent for global cerebral ischemia.

Unlocking the potential of Calculus bovis: A breakthrough in liver cancer treatment via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation.

Liver cancer remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Despite advancements in medical treatments, the prognosis for liver cancer patients remains poor, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Calculus bovis (CB), has shown promise in addressing this need due to its multi-target therapeutic mechanisms. CB refers to natural or synthetic gallstones, traditionally sourced from cattle, and used in TCM for their anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and therapeutic properties. In modern practice, synthetic CB is often utilized to ensure consistent supply and safety. This article aims to discuss the findings of Huang et al, who investigated the anti-liver cancer properties of CB, focusing on its ability to inhibit M2 tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization via modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Huang et al employed a comprehensive approach integrating chemical analysis, animal model testing, and advanced bioinformatics. They identified active components of CB using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, evaluated its anti-neoplastic effects in a nude mouse model, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms through network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and molecular docking studies. The study demonstrated that CB significantly inhibited liver tumor growth in vivo, as evidenced by reduced tumor size and weight in treated mice. Histological analyses confirmed signs of tumor regression. CB was found to modulate the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting the polarization of M2 phenotype-TAMs, as shown by reduced expression of M2 markers and downregulation of mRNA levels of C-C motif chemokine 22, arginase-1, transforming growth factor-beta 2, and interleukin-10. The study further revealed that CB's antineoplastic activity involved the downregulation of Wnt5B and β-catenin and upregulation of Axin2, thus inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CB in liver cancer treatment through its modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and suppression of M2 phenotype-TAM polarization. This study underscores the value of integrating TCM with modern therapeutic strategies to develop novel effective treatments for liver cancer.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Musa acuminata Peel with Antioxidant and α-Amylase Inhibitory Effects

Peels of Musa acuminata were used as healing medicine in Nepal, especially against gastrointestinal ailments and diabetic patients. However, the scientific evidence towards its use is still lacking. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry, offering evidence-based insights into the medicinal efficacy of Musa acuminata. The antioxidant activity of ripe peel extract was estimated spectrophotometrically using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH: 60 µM). Similarly, α-amylase inhibitory activity was analyzed using a modified starch iodine protocol. The percentage yield of the hydroethanolic extract of Musa acuminata ripe peel was found to be 16 %(w/w). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, and reducing sugars in the extract, highlighting its diverse chemical composition. The DPPH scavenging activity percentage of ripe peel extract revealed good antioxidant activity with 54.58 土 3.27 %, but showed 5.989土 1.96 % of α-amylase inhibition activity at 0.5 μg/ml concentration of extract, which was very low when compared with voglibose with 97.660 土 98 % at same concentration. The findings suggest that Musa acuminata peels may possess antioxidant and mild amounts of α-amylase inhibition properties. Further exploration of its in-vivo pharmacological studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential.

Fingerprint Profile Analysis of Eupolyphaga steleophaga Polypeptide Based on UHPLC-MS and Its Application

Background and Objectives: As a medicinal and food homologous substance, Eupolyphaga steleophaga is renowned for its potential health benefits, including anti-tumor effects, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory properties. Eupolyphaga steleophaga polypeptides have demonstrated significant biological activity, including the regulation of coagulation and lipid metabolism. However, the peptide composition of Eupolyphaga steleophaga requires further clarification to facilitate quality control improvements and a deeper investigation into its pharmacological effects. Therefore, this study aimed to simulate the digestive absorption process of Eupolyphaga steleophaga following oral administration and identify its enzymatic components to enhance quality control. Methods: The digestive absorption process was simulated using artificial gastric fluid and pepsin. A fingerprinting method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)(Acquire UPLC-Synapt G2-Si HDMS, Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA) was developed to identify 63 enzymatic components. The enzymolysis polypeptide fingerprint detection method was used to analyze 10 batches of Eupolyphaga steleophaga sourced from Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory. Chromatographic collection was performed using an ACQUITY UPLC BHE C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out using a mixture of 0.1% formic acid with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid with water, with an average flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, a column temperature of 40 °C, and an injection volume of 2 μL. The mass spectrometry (MS) conditions were set as follows: the ion source was operated in positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode, with a capillary voltage of 2.8 kV and a sampling cone voltage of 40 V. The ion-source temperature was maintained at 110 °C, while the desolvation temperature was set to 400 °C. The cone gas flow rate was 50 L/h, and the desolvation gas flow rate was 800 L/h. The range for the collection of mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) was between 50 and 1200. Results: The UHPLC-MS method demonstrated high accuracy, repeatability, and stability, successfully identifying 63 enzymatic components of Eupolyphaga steleophaga. Furthermore, polypeptide markers for 63 selected components were identified in all 10 batches of Eupolyphaga steleophaga medicinal materials. This approach was validated by including numerical values such as retention times and peak areas, confirming its reliability for quality control enhancement. Conclusions: This novel UHPLC-MS approach serves as a powerful tool for advancing quality control strategies in veterinary medicine, particularly for animal-derived medicines. It lays a solid foundation for subsequent pharmacological studies of Eupolyphaga steleophaga polypeptides, offering a more reliable means to explore their biological activities and therapeutic potential.

From Diversity to Standardization: Unveiling Key Parameters in Chick Ileum Bioassays for Enhanced Pharmacology Education and Research

Background As traditional laboratory animal use faces ethical and logistical constraints, the chick ileum has been experimented with as an alternate tissue for bioassays, which is crucial for drug discovery and pharmacology education. However, the absence of uniform bioassay protocols for chick ileum presents a significant challenge, impacting the accuracy and reliability of results in pharmacological studies. Purpose The objective of this review was to compile existing data on chick ileum bioassays from published sources, aiming to enhance future experiments and contribute to the establishment of standardized methods for conducting these bioassays. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review, utilizing keywords like “Chick ileum,” “Bioassay,” “Acetylcholine,” and “Histamine” across databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The study selection adhered to specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on chick ileum research. Data extraction and subsequent analysis were performed to retrieve data for the experiment. Results Eleven articles were selected after applying strict inclusion criteria. Studies ranged from 1967 to 2019, with diverse physiological salt solutions and varied responses to essential chemicals like acetylcholine and histamine. Assay methods varied, but three-point assays were common. Commonly employed tissue lengths and temperatures were identified, and additional factors like organ bath volume and aeration were crucial for consistent results. Conclusion The review highlights the feasibility and ethical advantages of using chick ileum for bioassays. Despite challenges like variable tissue responses and methodological diversity, the review suggests these can be navigated with careful optimization, making chick ileum a valuable model for pharmacological research and education.

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Study of Six Medicinal Food Homologous Plants Against Colorectal Cancer

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Study of Six Medicinal Food Homologous Plants Against Colorectal Cancer

Impact of a Palladium(II)-tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine Complex on Normal Cells: Toxicity and Membrane Interaction

Palladium(II) complexes with tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (PdTCEP) show promise for biomedical applications due to their distinct chemical characteristics. This study explored the toxicity of PdTCEP towards normal human cells and examined its interactions with model cell membranes. Two cell types were used to evaluate cytotoxicity: human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and red blood cells (RBCs). In HMEC-1 cells, PdTCEP reduced survival to about 80% at 15 µM, with the most significant drop—down to 40%—occurring at 40 µM. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased in a manner dependent on both dose and time, especially after 72 h of incubation. Despite these effects, PdTCEP caused only minor hemolysis in RBCs, with hemolysis levels staying below 10% even at higher concentrations. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements showed that PdTCEP minimally affects the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer, with slight changes observed at concentrations above 40 µM. Generalized polarization (GP) analysis indicated a slight decrease in lipid polar head packing with increasing PdTCEP concentration. Complementary FTIR analysis supported these findings by providing detailed insights into PdTCEP-membrane interactions. This research underscores PdTCEP’s selective cytotoxicity and structural effects on membranes, suggesting its promise for more in-depth biological and pharmacological studies.