Potential Mechanisms Research Articles

Tl2XY (X, Y = S, Se) monolayers with low lattice thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance by full-band approach with four scattering mechanisms

Abstract The low lattice thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance of the Janus Tl2SSe monolayer in the temperature region of 300–700 K are identified based on the thermoelectric properties of the Tl2S2, Tl2SSe, and Tl2Se2 monolayers. The transport coefficients for carrier concentrations and temperatures are obtained by solving the linearized Boltzmann transport equation in a full-band electronic structure. Four scattering mechanisms of acoustic deformation potential, optical deformation potential, polar optical phonon, and ionized impurity scatterings are considered. The ionized impurity scattering is recognized as the most important. The lattice thermal conductivity of the Janus Tl2SSe monolayer is substantially smaller than those of the Tl2S2, Tl2Se2 monolayers with higher symmetry. Moreover, we find that the Janus structures of the Tl2SSe monolayer increase the dielectronic constants and enhance the polar optical phonon scattering, then reduce the power factor to some extent. Therefore, the lattice thermal conductivity actually couples with the transport coefficient and cannot be individually regulated as is usually assumed. However, the ZT value of the Tl2SSe monolayer can still reach 1.77 at 700 K even if the intrinsic concentration and the bipolar effect are included. Therefore, the Tl2SSe monolayer is expected to be a promising candidate for thermoelectric materials.

Unveiling the Biological Activities, Pharmacological Potential, and Health Benefits of Sorbifolin: A Comprehensive Review.

Bioactive phytochemicals act as important factors with preventive and therapeutic potential in the pathogenesis of several disorders, often related to oxidative stress. Many dietary plant secondary metabolites could lower these conditions. Sorbifolin is one of these metabolites. This work is the first review of sorbifolin, a flavone detected in various plant matrices as a major compound. The present study discussed the natural sources, extraction, purification, quantification, and assessment of the biological activities of sorbifolin. Several databases including Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, and Science-Direct were consulted for relevant English articles related to sorbifolin, the phytochemical profiles of several medicinal plants containing this compound, and its biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic. The positive in vitro and in silico outcomes reported in the literature should be followed by additional in vivo and clinical investigations to further research the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic activities, toxicological effects, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic potential of sorbifolin.

Pan-cancer landscape of DCTPP1 and preliminary exploration of DCTPP1 in renal clear cell carcinoma.

dCTP pyrophosphatase 1 (DCTPP1) is widely expressed in tumors and the immune system and plays a critical role in human cancer progression. However, multi-omics characterization of DCTPP1 and its role in prognosis and immune microenvironment of tumor patients has not been explored. We collected data from 33 cancers and comprehensively analyzed the aberrant expression, prognostic role, pathway enrichment, immune microenvironment, and association with drug sensitivity of DCTPP1 in cancers, as well as the prediction of patients' immunotherapeutic response to ICIs and targeted small molecule drugs. Finally, we experimentally confirmed the role of DCTPP1 in renal clear cell carcinoma. We discovered that DCTPP1 has a differentiable expression and a diagnostic biomarker significance in cancer. Additionally, we discovered that DCTPP1 is important for the tumor microenvironment and pan-cancer. TMB and MSI are frequent immunological checkpoints that are significantly correlated with DCTPP1 expression. Patients who express high levels of DCTPP1 have greater rates of survival and therapeutic response following immunotherapy. Ultimately, it was discovered that renal clear cell carcinoma cells' invasion and proliferation were suppressed by DCTPP1 knockdown. Our findings demonstrate the significant potential of DCTPP1 as a biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapeutic response, which may pave the way for more investigation into the mechanism of tumor infiltration and DCTPP1's potential for cancer therapy.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Eugenol: An Update

Medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds that possess pharmacological properties for preventing and treating inflammation-related diseases. Essential oils is a chemical class that contains many bioactive compounds, such as eugenol, which is capable of inhibiting or modulating the inflammatory response. This natural product emerges as a compound that promotes various biological activities, including antioxidant activity, which makes it useful in the food industry. Recently, its pharmacological applications have also been highlighted. So, this review aims to update and discuss the most recent findings on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of eugenol, along with its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating inflammation and oxidative imbalance conditions.

Innovative Glucagon-Based Therapies for Obesity

Abstract Obesity poses a significant global health challenge, with an alarming rise in prevalence rates. Traditional interventions, including lifestyle modifications, often fall short of achieving sustainable weight loss, ultimately leading to surgical interventions, which carry a significant burden and side effects. This necessitates the exploration of effective and relatively tolerable pharmacological alternatives. Among emerging therapeutic avenues, glucagon-based treatments have garnered attention for their potential to modulate metabolic pathways and regulate appetite. This paper discusses current research on the physiological mechanisms underlying obesity and the role of glucagon in energy homeostasis. Glucagon, traditionally recognized for its glycemic control functions, has emerged as a promising target for obesity management due to its multifaceted effects on metabolism, appetite regulation, and energy expenditure. This review focuses on the pharmacological landscape, encompassing single and dual agonist therapies targeting glucagon receptors (GcgRs), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors (GIPRs), amylin, triiodothyronine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and peptide tyrosine tyrosine. Moreover, novel triple-agonist therapies that simultaneously target GLP-1R, GIPR, and GcgR show promise in augmenting further metabolic benefits. This review paper tries to summarize key findings from preclinical and clinical studies, elucidating the mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and therapeutic potential of glucagon-based therapies in combating obesity and its comorbidities. Additionally, it explores ongoing research endeavors, including phase III trials, aimed at further validating the efficacy and safety of these innovative treatment modalities.

Insight into the molecular mechanism of anti-breast cancer therapeutic potential of substituted salicylidene-based compounds using cell-based assays and molecular docking studies.

Targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways is an effective cancer prevention and therapy approach. The mechanism of action of synthesized salicylidene-based compounds was investigated in regulating key molecular targets of breast cancer development. Compounds (1), (4), (5), and (7) were found to be more cytotoxic to MCF-7 and 4T1 cells compared to non-cancerous Chang liver cells, while these compounds were cytotoxic to MDA-MB-231 cells, but with poor selectivity. The colony formation assay indicated that bioactive compounds induced significant damage to breast cancer cells, as observed by a reduction in the number of colonies compared to control cells. By inducing a concentration and time-dependent increase of luminescence and fluorescence of phosphatidylserine, and activating the expression of caspases-3, -7, -8, -9 in breast cancer cells, (1) and (7) have shown to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis. The downregulation of NF-kB-p65 and an upregulation of TP53 expression after exposure to bioactive compounds, demonstrated the suppression of two key targets of breast cancer development. Molecular docking studies revealed that selected protein targets strongly interact with bioactive compounds, and the estimated inhibition constants (Ki) of JAK2, STAT3, COX-2, HPV31 E6, EGFR1, TP53, and PARP1 were significantly decreased compared to acetylsalicylic acid. This could be a clear indication that these protein targets are implicated with antiproliferative efficacy, thereby warranting the potential of (1) and (7) to be used as anti-breast cancer drug candidates.

FT-4202, a selective pyruvate kinase R activator for sickle cell disease.

Anemia in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) increases 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), decreasing hemoglobin-oxygen (Hb-O2) affinity to improve oxygen offloading and promote hemoglobin polymerization (sickling) of red blood cells (RBCs). We report the discovery of FT-4202, an investigational, selective pyruvate kinase type-R (PKR) activator with a multimodal mechanism of action and potential to increase ATP and decrease 2,3-DPG, resulting in increased Hb-O2 affinity, decreased Hb polymerization, and improved RBC health. FT-4202 was identified via structure-enabled lead optimization medicinal chemistry using X-ray crystallography, molecular modeling, and thermal shift assays. FT-4202, an allosteric PKR activator, stabilizes the tetrameric enzyme and increases PKR activity in human and mouse RBCs in vitro. Seven-day oral administration of FT-4202 in Berkeley SCD mice reduced 2,3-DPG, increased Hb-O2 affinity, and reduced RBC sickling versus control. There were no adverse in vitro safety findings. FT-4202 offers a therapeutic opportunity to modify the course of SCD.

Astragaloside IV Protects Against IL-1β-Induced Chondrocyte Damage via Activating Autophagy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the articular cartilage. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) constitutes the primary active component of the Chinese herbal medicine Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici). AS-IV demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic attributes, exhibiting therapeutic potential across various inflammatory and apoptosis-related disorders. Nevertheless, its pharmaceutical effects in OA are yet to be fully defined. This study aimed to investigate the protective impact of AS-IV on rat chondrocytes treated with IL-1β and ascertain whether autophagy plays a role in this effect. Chondrocytes were isolated and cultivated from the knee joints of neonatal SD mice. The study included the blank control group, the model group, and the AS-IV concentration gradient group (50, 100, 200 μmol/L) to intervene with chondrocytes. The MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability at varying culture periods, enabling the determination of suitable concentration and duration. Subsequently, chondrocytes were treated with the optimal AS-IV concentration and divided into three groups: the model group replicated IL-1β-induced inflammatory chondrocyte injury, the AS-IV group received a co-culture of AS-IV and IL-1β, and a blank control group was established. Changes in cell morphology and structure were observed using ghost pen cyclic peptide staining. ELISA was used to measure TNF-α and GAG levels in cell supernatants. RT-qPCR assessed p62 and LC3 mRNA expression, while Western Blot evaluated p62 and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein expression. AS-IV promoted chondrocyte proliferation and concurrently inhibited cell apoptosis. An optimal AS-IV dose of 200 μmol/L and a suitable reaction time of 48 h were identified. Ghost pen cyclic peptide staining indicated that the model group's cytoskeleton exhibited fusiform changes with reduced immunofluorescence intensity, as opposed to the blank control group. The AS-IV group displayed more polygonal cytoskeletal morphology with increased immunofluorescence intensity. AS-IV reduced TNF-α levels and elevated GAG levels in the culture supernatant. Additionally, AS-IV lowered p62 mRNA and protein expression while increasing LC3 mRNA expression in cultured chondrocytes. Our findings suggest that AS-IV mitigates inflammatory chondrocyte injury, safeguarding chondrocytes through a potential autophagy suppression mechanism. These results imply that AS-IV could offer preventive advantages for OA.

Decoupling Between Brain Activity and Cerebrospinal Fluid Movement in Neurological Disorders.

Recent research has identified a link between the global mean signal of resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) and macro-scale cerebrospinal fluid movement, indicating the potential link between this resting-state dynamic and brain waste clearance. Consistent with this notion, the strength of this coupling has been associated with multiple neurodegenerative disease pathologies, especially the build-up of toxic proteins. This article aimed to review the latest advancements in this research area, emphasizing studies on spontaneous global brain activity that is tightly linked to the global mean resting-state fMRI signal, and aimed to discuss potential mechanisms through which this activity and associated physiological modulations might affect brain waste clearance. The available evidence supports the presence of a highly organized global brain activity that is linked to arousal and memory systems. This global brain dynamic, along with its associated physiological modulations, has the potential to influence brain waste clearance through multiple pathways through multiple pathways. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Protective Role of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate During Radiation-Induced Testicular Injury

The impact of ionizing radiation on the male reproductive system is gaining increasing attention, particularly when it comes to testicular damage, which may result in decreased sperm quality and hormonal imbalances. Finding effective protective measures to mitigate testicular damage caused by radiation has become a focal point in the biomedical field. S1P, an essential biological signaling molecule, has garnered significant interest due to its multiple roles in regulating cellular functions and its protective effects against radiation-induced testicular injury. S1P not only effectively reduces the generation of ROS induced by radiation but also alleviates oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, S1P inhibits radiation-induced cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. Additionally, S1P alleviates radiation-induced inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, thereby further protecting testicular tissue. In summary, S1P effectively reduces radiation-induced testicular damage through multiple mechanisms, offering a promising therapeutic approach to safeguard male reproductive health. Future research should explore the specific mechanisms of action and clinical application potential of S1P, aiming to contribute significantly to the prevention and treatment of radiation damage.

High-Speed Three-Dimensional-Digital Image Correlation and Schlieren Imaging Integrated With Shock Tube Loading for Investigating Dynamic Response of Human Tympanic Membrane Exposed to Blasts.

Investigating the dynamic response of human tympanic membranes (TMs) exposed to blasts requires full-field-of-view and three-dimensional (3D) methodologies. Our paper introduces a system that combines high-speed 3D digital image correlation (HS 3D-DIC) and Schlieren imaging (HS-SI) with a custom-designed shock tube for generating blast waves. This integrated system allows us to measure TM surface motions under intense transient loading, capturing full-field-of-view shape deformations exceeding 100 μm with a temporal resolution of 10 μs. System characterization encompasses (i) measuring the shock tube's output levels and repeatability, (ii) assessment of the spatial and temporal resolutions of the imaging techniques, and (iii) identification of overall system limitations. Optimizing these factors is crucial for improving the reliability of our system to ensure the accurate measurement of deformations. To assess our shock tube's reliability in generating repeated blast waves, we instrumented it with high-pressure (HP) and high-frequency (HF) pressure sensors along the blast wave pathway to record overpressure waveforms and compared them with Schlieren imaging visualized blast waves. We validate our HS 3D-DIC measured deformations by comparing them with deformations measured using single-point laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), establishing a comprehensive assessment of the TM's dynamic response and potential fracture mechanics under blast. Finally, we test our approach with 3D-printed TM-like samples and a real cadaveric human TM. This methodology lays the groundwork for further investigations of blast-related auditory damage and the invention of more effective protective and medical solutions.

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of hexasubstituted Coumarin-based Schiff base derivative of cyclophosphazene

This study focuses on synthesis and characterization of hexa-substituted coumarin based Schiff base derivative of cyclotriphosphazene (Compound 3). The antibacterial activity of Compound 3 was evaluated against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bacterial strains using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and percentage-killing method. Compound 3 exhibited a lower MIC of 300 μg/mL against S. aureus than 500 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, indicating greater efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria. Percentage-killing data confirmed Compound 3 significant bactericidal activity against S. aureus across concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 μg/mL, comparable to ampicillin. In contrast, its efficacy against Gram-negative strains was lower, suggesting a more selective spectrum of activity. These findings suggest that Compound 3 shows promise as a potential antibacterial agent with preferential activity against Gram-positive bacteria, warranting further investigation into its mechanism of action and therapeutic potential.

Hsa_ circ_0006867 regulates ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury via the miR-499a-3p/ADAM10 axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to participate in the development of various diseases. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanism underlying the role of circRNAs in atherosclerosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 100 μg/mL oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to simulate atherosclerosis. We observed that hsa_circ_0006867 (circ_0006867), a circRNA markedly increased in ox-LDL-treated endothelial cells, acted as a molecular sponge of miR-499a-3p and regulated its expression. This interaction led to changes in the downstream target gene ADAM10, thus affecting cell apoptosis and migration. Thus, our study suggests that circ_0006867 regulates ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury via the circ_0006867/miR-499a-3p/ADAM10 axis, indicating its potential as an exploitable therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Microbial Therapeutics in Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Bacterial Role in Cancer Treatment.

Conventional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have significantly advanced cancer treatment. However, these modalities often face limitations such as systemic toxicity, lack of specificity, and the emergence of resistance. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have rekindled interest in using bacteria as a novel therapeutic approach in oncology. This comprehensive review explores the potential of microbial therapeutics, particularly bacterial therapies, in the treatment of cancer. Bacterial therapies offer several unique advantages, such as the ability to selectively target and colonize hypoxic and necrotic regions of tumors, areas typically resistant to conventional treatments. The review delves into the mechanisms through which bacteria exert antitumor effects, including direct tumor cell lysis, modulation of the immune response, and delivery of therapeutic agents like cytotoxins and enzymes. Various bacterial species, such as Salmonella, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Listeria, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrating diverse mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Moreover, the review discusses the challenges associated with bacterial therapies, such as safety concerns, immune evasion, and the need for precise targeting, and how recent advances in genetic engineering are being used to overcome these hurdles. Current clinical trials and combination strategies with conventional therapies are also highlighted to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing developments in this field. In conclusion, while bacterial therapeutics present a novel and promising avenue in cancer treatment, further research and clinical validation is required to fully realize their potential. This review aims to inspire further exploration into microbial oncology, paving the way for innovative and more effective cancer therapies.

Exploring the Potential Molecular Mechanism of the Shugan Jieyu Capsule in the Treatment of Depression through Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Shugan Jieyu Capsule (SJC) is a pure Chinese medicine compound prepared with Hypericum perforatum and Acanthopanacis senticosi. SJC has been approved for the clinical treatment of depression, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) were applied in the present study to explore the potential mechanism of SJC in the treatment of depression. TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and HERB databases were used, and related literature was reviewed to screen the effective active ingredients of Hypericum perforatum and Acanthopanacis senticosi. TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, HERB, and STITCH databases were used to predict the potential targets of effective active ingredients. GeneCards database, DisGeNET database, and GEO data set were used to obtain depression targets and clarify the intersection targets of SJC and depression. STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to build a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of intersection targets and screen the core targets. The enrichment analysis on the intersection targets was conducted. Then the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to verify the core targets. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of core active ingredients were predicted by SwissADME and pkCSM. Molecular docking was performed to verify the docking activity of the core active ingredients and core targets, and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the docking complex. We obtained 15 active ingredients and 308 potential drug targets with quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and hyperforin as the core active ingredients. We obtained 3598 targets of depression and 193 intersection targets of SJC and depression. A total of 9 core targets (AKT1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, VEGFA, JUN, CASP3, MAPK3, PTGS2) were screened with Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. A total of 442 GO entries and 165 KEGG pathways (p <0.01) were obtained from the enrichment analysis of the intersection targets, mainly enriched in IL-17, TNF, and MAPK signaling pathways. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the 4 core active ingredients indicated that they could play a role in SJC antidepressants with fewer side effects. Molecular docking showed that the 4 core active components could effectively bind to the 8 core targets (AKT1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, VEGFA, JUN, CASP3, MAPK3, PTGS2), which were related to depression by the ROC curve. MDS showed that the docking complex was stable. SJC may treat depression by using active ingredients such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and hyperforin to regulate targets such as PTGS2 and CASP3 and signaling pathways such as IL-17, TNF, and MAPK, and participate in immune inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, neurogenesis, etc.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosome-derived miR-335-5p Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury by Regulating the m6A Level of ITGβ4 Gene.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious complication that may accompany severe pneumonia in children. Derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosome (HucMSC-Exo) can contribute to the regeneration of damaged lung tissue. This study aims to investigate the impact of HucMSC-Exo on ALI and its potential mechanisms. Firstly, RT-qPCR was performed to assess the expression of miR-335-5p. Subsequently, Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between METTL14 and miR-335-5p, as well as the correlation between METTL14 and ITGβ4, while RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to determine the m6A modification level of ITGβ4. Additionally, molecular biology techniques were employed to evaluate the expression of glycolysis-related factors. Definitively, an LPS-induced ALI model was established to investigate the effect of miR-335-5p on mice lung tissue. miR-335-5p was found to be highly expressed in HucMSC-Exo. Transfection with miR-335-5p mimics resulted in increased glucose uptake. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between METTL14 and miR-335-5p, as well as between METTL14 and ITGβ4. The m6A level of ITGβ4 was elevated in ALI. Overexpression of METTL14 was found to reduce the expression of ITGβ4 and glucose levels, while overexpression of ITGβ4 reversed the effects of METTL14 overexpression. In vivo, results demonstrated that miR-335-5p could improve the extent of lung tissue lesions and reduce glycolytic levels. This study revealed the mechanism by which miR-335-5p derived from HucMSC-Exo could alleviate LPS-induced ALI by regulating the m6A modification of ITGβ4, providing a new direction for the treatment of ALI.

Tectorigenin Inhibits Glycolysis-induced Cell Growth and Proliferation by Modulating LncRNA CCAT2/miR-145 Pathway in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) places a heavy burden on global health. Tectorigenin (Tec) is a type of flavonoid-based compound obtained from the Chinese medical herb Leopard Lily Rhizome. It was found to exhibit remarkable anti-tumor properties in previous studies. However, the effect and molecular mechanisms of Tec in colorectal cancer have not been reported. The objective of this study was to explore the action of Tec in proliferation and glycolysis in CRC and the potential mechanism with regard to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CCAT2/micro RNA-145(miR-145) pathway in vitro and in vivo . The anti-tumor effect of Tec in CRC was examined in cell and animal studies, applying Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay as well as xenograft model experiments. Assay kits were utilized to detect glucose consumption and lactate production in the supernatant of cells and animal serum. The expression of the glycolysis-related proteins was assessed by Western Blotting, and levels of lncRNA CCAT2 and miR-145 in CRC tissue specimens and cells were assessed by realtime quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Tec significantly suppressed cell glycolysis and proliferative rate in CRC cells. It could decrease lncRNA CCAT2 in CRC cells but increase the expression of miR-145. LncRNA CCAT2 overexpression or inhibition of miR-145 could abolish the inhibitive effects of Tec on the proliferation and glycolysis of CRC cells. The miR-145 mimic rescued the increased cell viability and glycolysis levels caused by lncRNA CCAT2 overexpression. Tec significantly inhibited the growth and glycolysis of CRC xenograft tumor. The expression of lncRNA CCAT2 decreased while the expression of miR-145 increased after Tec treatment in vivo. Tec can inhibit the proliferation and glycolysis of CRC cells through the lncRNA CCAT2/miR-145 axis. Altogether, the potential targets discovered in this research are of great significance for CRC treatment and new drug development.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Terpenoids for Depression and Anxiety.

This review focus on the terpenoids as potential therapeutic agents for depression and anxiety disorders, which naturally found in a variety of plants and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Among the terpenoids discussed in this review are α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, α-phellandrene, limonene, β-linalool, 1, 8-cineole, β-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, p-cymene, and eugenol. All of these compounds have been studied extensively regarding their pharmacological properties, such as neuroprotective effect, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, regulation of neurotransmitters and antioxidant effect. Preclinical evidence are reviewed to highlight their diverse mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential to support antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, challenges and future directions are also discussed to emphasize therapeutic utility of terpenoids for mental health disorders. Overall, this review provides a promising role of terpenoids as novel therapeutic agents for depression and anxiety, with potential implications for the development of more effective and well-tolerated treatments in the field of psychopharmacology.

Unraveling the mechanism of the anticancer potential of emodin using 2D and spheroid models of A549 cells

Unraveling the mechanism of the anticancer potential of emodin using 2D and spheroid models of A549 cells

Lithium’s renaissance: From psychiatric staple to multifaceted medical marvel

Abstract: Lithium, long established as a cornerstone in the treatment of bipolar disorder, has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic agent across a broad spectrum of medical fields. This narrative review examines the expanding role of lithium in contemporary medicine, highlighting its transition from a psychiatric staple to a versatile therapeutic tool. The objective of the study was to synthesize and critically evaluate recent literature on lithium’s applications beyond psychiatry, focusing on its mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and challenges in various medical domains. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years. Keywords included “lithium” combined with terms such as “neuroprotection,” “cancer,” “stem cells,” “viral infections,” and “aging.” Case studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included to provide a broad perspective on lithium’s emerging roles. Recent studies have revealed lithium’s potential in several key areas: neuroprotection in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer therapy enhancement, stem cell mobilization for regenerative medicine, antiviral properties, cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, circadian rhythm regulation, and potential effects on longevity and healthy aging. Lithium’s renaissance in medical research reveals its potential as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. While challenges remain, including its narrow therapeutic index and side effect profile, ongoing research into novel delivery methods and personalized medicine approaches may optimize its use. The expanding applications of lithium underscore the need for continued investigation to fully harness its therapeutic potential across various medical disciplines.