Pharmacological actions are diversely exhibited by cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most promising components extracted from Cannabis sativa. Even so, the range of CBD's applications is considerably curtailed by its poor absorption rate when ingested orally. Therefore, the focus of research is on developing innovative techniques for the optimal delivery of CBD, augmenting its oral bioavailability. To address limitations of CBD, researchers in this context have specifically designed nanocarrier systems. Nanocarriers infused with CBD enhance the therapeutic impact, precision of targeting, and controlled dispersion of CBD, exhibiting minimal toxicity in diverse disease management. Within this review, we analyze diverse molecular targets, targeting mechanisms, and nanocarrier-based delivery approaches in the context of CBD therapy for various health conditions. Researchers can use this strategic information to develop novel nanotechnology interventions, specifically for targeting CBD.
The pathophysiology of glaucoma is speculated to be significantly influenced by both neuroinflammation and decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. To evaluate the neuroprotective capacity of azithromycin, an anti-inflammatory macrolide, and sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, this research examined retinal ganglion cell survival in a glaucoma model. The glaucoma model was generated in 50 wild-type and 30 transgenic toll-like receptor 4 knockout mice using microbead injection into their right anterior chamber. The treatment groups consisted of intraperitoneal azithromycin (0.1 mL, 1 mg/0.1 mL), intravitreal sildenafil (3 L), and intraperitoneal sildenafil (0.1 mL, 0.24 g/3 L). Left eyes were designated as controls. Akt inhibitor The intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, caused by microbead injection, peaked on day 7 in all groups and day 14 in mice treated with azithromycin. A tendency towards elevated inflammatory and apoptosis-related gene expression was seen in the retinas and optic nerves of microbead-injected eyes, predominantly in wild-type mice and to a lesser extent in those lacking TLR4. Within ON and WT retinas, azithromycin demonstrably lowered the BAX/BCL2 ratio, TGF and TNF, and the expression of CD45. Following sildenafil's administration, TNF-mediated pathways were triggered. Despite microbead-induced glaucoma in WT and TLR4KO mice, both azithromycin and sildenafil displayed neuroprotective activity, but through distinct pathways, maintaining intraocular pressure unaltered. The observed decrease in apoptosis in TLR4 knockout mice injected with microbeads underscores the importance of inflammation in the damage associated with glaucoma.
A causal link exists between viral infections and roughly 20% of all human cancers. Although a multitude of viruses possess the capability to instigate an expansive array of tumors in animals, a restricted number of seven have been implicated in human cancers, classified now as oncogenic. In this set of viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) are represented. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), alongside other viruses, is implicated in the presence of highly oncogenic activities. Virally encoded microRNAs (miRNAs), ideally suited as non-immunogenic tools for viruses, could significantly contribute to the development of cancerous processes. MicroRNAs derived from viruses (v-miRNAs), along with microRNAs originating from the host organism (host miRNAs), can jointly affect the expression of both host-encoded genes and those introduced by the virus. This review of current literature starts by detailing how viral infections might cause oncogenic properties within human neoplasms, and it then explores how various viral infections impact the development of diverse forms of malignancies by way of v-miRNA expression. Finally, a discussion ensues concerning new anti-oncoviral agents that could be deployed against these neoplasms.
Tuberculosis is a significantly serious and critical global public health concern. A compounding factor in the incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Recent years have witnessed a rise in more severe forms of drug resistance. Subsequently, discovering and/or synthesizing novel, potent, and less toxic anti-tuberculosis medications is absolutely essential, especially considering the impact and treatment delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) enzyme plays a pivotal role in the production of mycolic acid, a significant component of the cell wall of M. tuberculosis. This key enzyme is essential for the development of drug resistance, positioning it as a crucial target for the discovery of novel antimycobacterial agents. Various chemical structures, including hydrazide hydrazones and thiadiazoles, have been scrutinized for their effect on the inhibition of InhA. We present a review evaluating recently identified hydrazide, hydrazone, and thiadiazole derivatives. Their inhibitory activity against InhA, resulting in antimycobacterial effects, is considered. A brief review of the mechanisms of action for currently marketed anti-tuberculosis drugs is presented, including new approvals and substances undergoing clinical trial evaluations.
To achieve diverse biological applications, the glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate (CS) was physically crosslinked with Fe(III), Gd(III), Zn(II), and Cu(II) ions, resulting in the formation of CS-Fe(III), CS-Gd(III), CS-Zn(II), and CS-Cu(II) polymeric particles. Particles containing CS-metal ions, spanning in size from micrometers to a few hundred nanometers, are injectable materials for use in intravenous administration. CS-metal ion particles, exhibiting perfect blood compatibility and no significant cytotoxicity on L929 fibroblast cells at concentrations of up to 10 mg/mL, qualify as safe biomaterials for biological applications. In addition, the CS-Zn(II) and CS-Cu(II) particles manifest remarkable antibacterial responses, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 25-50 mg/mL observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Moreover, the aqueous chitosan-metal ion particle suspensions' in vitro contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was quantified by the acquisition of T1- and T2-weighted MR images with a 0.5 Tesla MRI scanner and the calculation of water proton relaxivities. These CS-Fe(III), CS-Gd(III), CS-Zn(II), and CS-Cu(II) particles have substantial potential for application as antibacterial additive materials and MRI contrast agents with decreased toxicity.
Treating various diseases, traditional medicine in Mexico and Latin America provides an indispensable alternative. Indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge of plant medicine is a rich cultural legacy, employing diverse plant species to treat conditions including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and mental illnesses, as well as other diseases. The beneficial effects derive from the active components within these plants, primarily antioxidants like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenes, and tannins. Timed Up-and-Go Low-concentration antioxidants delay or impede the oxidation of substrates by means of electron transfer. Antioxidant activity is assessed using a variety of methods, and the review focuses on the most frequently employed. The disease of cancer involves an uncontrolled multiplication of cells, which then spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. Lumps of tissue, termed tumors, can originate from these cells; these tumors may display cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign) characteristics. milk-derived bioactive peptide Surgical, radiation, and chemotherapeutic interventions, while effective in treating this disease, often lead to adverse effects that diminish patients' quality of life. Therefore, exploring novel therapeutic approaches rooted in natural resources, such as plant-based remedies, could offer promising alternatives. To ascertain the scientific basis, this review investigates antioxidant compounds in plants used in traditional Mexican medicine, especially their efficacy in antitumor therapies for prevalent cancers, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.
Methotrexate (MTX), a crucial anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agent, demonstrates remarkable effectiveness. Yet, it initiates a critical pneumonitis, ultimately causing irreversible fibrotic lung damage. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is evaluated in this study for its potential to prevent methotrexate (MTX) pneumonitis, focusing on its modulation of the interaction between the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling cascades.
Male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: a control group receiving the vehicle; a group treated with methotrexate (MTX, 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on day nine; a group receiving both methotrexate (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on day nine and DHM (300 mg/kg, orally) for 14 days; and a group receiving DHM (300 mg/kg, orally) for 14 days.
The histopathological analysis and scoring of lung samples revealed a decline in MTX-induced alveolar epithelial damage and a diminution of inflammatory cell infiltration, both resulting from DHM treatment. Subsequently, DHM demonstrably reduced oxidative stress by diminishing MDA levels and increasing both glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant levels. DHM's action included the suppression of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, achieved by decreasing the levels of NF-κB, IL-1, and TGF-β, coupled with the promotion of Nrf2 expression, a positive regulator of antioxidant genes, and its downstream effector, HO-1.
This study highlighted DHM as a potential therapeutic intervention for MTX-induced pneumonitis, leveraging Nrf2 antioxidant activation while mitigating NF-κB-driven inflammatory responses.
This study found that DHM may be a promising therapeutic target for MTX-induced pneumonitis, acting by activating Nrf2 antioxidant signaling and dampening the inflammatory response mediated by NF-κB.