Cannabidiol (CBD), a highly promising extract from Cannabis sativa, demonstrates a variety of pharmacological actions. However, the deployment of CBD is significantly constrained by the fact that it does not readily absorb when taken orally. Accordingly, researchers are dedicated to developing novel strategies for the efficient delivery of CBD, increasing its oral bioavailability. Under this particular context, nanocarriers have been constructed by researchers to transcend the limitations related to cannabidiol. CBD-infused nanocarriers contribute to enhanced therapeutic effectiveness, precise targeting, and controlled biodistribution of CBD, with minimal toxicity across various diseases. This review focuses on summarizing and examining the numerous molecular targets, targeting mechanisms, and nanocarrier types related to CBD delivery systems for the management of a variety of health issues. This strategic information will prove instrumental for researchers in the development of innovative nanotechnology approaches for the targeting of CBD.
Glaucoma's pathophysiology is thought to be significantly affected by decreased blood flow to the optic nerve and neuroinflammatory processes. Research into the neuroprotective properties of azithromycin, an anti-inflammatory macrolide, and sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, on retinal ganglion cells was conducted in a glaucoma model. This model was generated in 50 wild-type and 30 transgenic toll-like receptor 4 knockout mice by microbead injection into the right anterior chamber. These treatment groups were examined: 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. Selleckchem LC-2 In all groups, microbead injection caused an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), peaking on day 7; in azithromycin-treated mice, the peak occurred on day 14. The retinas and optic nerves of microbead-injected eyes showed a rising trend in the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic-related genes, significantly in wild-type and to a somewhat lesser degree in TLR4-knockout mice. The administration of azithromycin led to a decrease in the BAX/BCL2 ratio, TGF, TNF, and CD45 levels within the ON and WT retinas. Sildenafil instigated the activation process within TNF-mediated pathways. Azithromycin and sildenafil, while both showing neuroprotective potential in WT and TLR4KO mice with microbead-induced glaucoma, operated via divergent mechanisms, leaving intraocular pressure unchanged. A relatively weak apoptotic response was seen in microbead-injected TLR4 knockout mice, implying an inflammatory mechanism within glaucomatous damage.
Viral infections are responsible for roughly 20% of all instances of human cancer. In spite of a large number of viruses having the ability to induce a wide variety of tumors in animals, only seven of these viruses are currently linked to human malignancies and classified 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), among other viruses, exhibits a strong association with highly oncogenic activities. Virally encoded microRNAs (miRNAs), uniquely useful as non-immunogenic tools for viral propagation, could be critically involved in the initiation and progression of cancerous processes. Influencing the expression of various genes, both host-encoded and those of viral origin, are microRNAs stemming from the virus (v-miRNAs) and those from the host (host miRNAs). This literature review, concerning current studies, first explores the oncogenic actions of viral infections within human neoplasms, then proceeds to discuss the effects of diverse viral infections on the progression of several forms of malignancies through v-miRNA expression. Finally, an analysis is presented of the potential of new anti-oncoviral treatments capable of targeting these neoplasms.
A serious global health problem, tuberculosis demands urgent attention. The incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis suffers from the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Recent observations reveal the presence of more serious forms of drug resistance. Thus, the synthesis and/or discovery of new, potent, and less toxic anti-tuberculosis drugs is extremely important, especially when taking into account the serious consequences and delays in treatment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the synthesis of mycolic acid, a critical component of the M. tuberculosis cell wall, the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) enzyme plays a vital role. It acts as a key enzyme in the development of drug resistance, making it a critical focal point for the identification of new antimycobacterial compounds. A variety of chemical frameworks, encompassing hydrazide hydrazones and thiadiazoles, have been assessed for their inhibitory impact on InhA activity. This review examines the antimycobacterial potential of recently characterized hydrazide, hydrazone, and thiadiazole-containing derivatives by evaluating their impact on InhA. 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.
Glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate (CS) was physically cross-linked with metal ions (Fe(III), Gd(III), Zn(II), and Cu(II)) to produce CS-Fe(III), CS-Gd(III), CS-Zn(II), and CS-Cu(II) polymeric particles for potential use in numerous biological applications. Intravenous administration of CS-metal ion-containing particles, sized from micrometers to a few hundred nanometers, is possible due to their injectable nature. The biocompatibility of CS-metal ion particles is excellent, and they show no significant cytotoxicity on L929 fibroblast cells, making them safe for biological applications at concentrations up to 10 mg/mL. Importantly, the antimicrobial efficacy of CS-Zn(II) and CS-Cu(II) particles is evident in their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 25-50 mg/mL against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Besides that, the in vitro contrast enhancement of aqueous chitosan-metal ion particle suspensions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was determined using a 0.5 Tesla MRI scanner for obtaining T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images and calculating water proton relaxation values. Subsequently, the CS-Fe(III), CS-Gd(III), CS-Zn(II), and CS-Cu(II) particles present significant utility as antibacterial additive materials and MRI contrast enhancement agents, while displaying decreased toxicity.
Latin American traditional medicine, particularly in Mexico, stands as an important alternative to address a range of diseases effectively. 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. Myoglobin immunohistochemistry A substance, present in low concentrations, acts as an antioxidant by hindering or preventing the oxidation of substrates through the exchange of electrons. A diverse array of strategies are employed for measuring antioxidant activity, and the review presents the most commonly utilized approaches. Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells, a process termed metastasis. These cellular components can initiate the formation of tumors; these tumors can be classified as either cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign) masses. Ultrasound bio-effects Typically, the disease is managed through surgical interventions, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. These treatments, however, often bring about side effects that negatively impact the patient's well-being. This necessitates the exploration of alternative therapies, focusing on natural resources, such as botanical sources, in order to mitigate these effects. This review aims to collect and analyze scientific data on antioxidant compounds from plants traditionally used in Mexican medicine, particularly their antitumor properties in the context of the most prevalent global cancers, such as breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.
As an anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agent, methotrexate (MTX) proves highly effective. However, this condition triggers a serious pneumonitis, leading to the irreversible scarring of lung tissue. The study explores how dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid, counteracts methotrexate (MTX) pneumonitis by regulating the cross-talk between Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
To study the effects, male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control group receiving vehicle; MTX group receiving a single dose of methotrexate (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on day 9; combined MTX and DHM group receiving oral DHM (300 mg/kg) for 14 days and a single dose of methotrexate (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on day 9; and DHM group receiving oral DHM (300 mg/kg) daily for 14 days.
The histopathological evaluation of lung tissue, alongside scoring, showcased a decline in MTX-induced alveolar epithelial damage and a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration, attributable to DHM treatment. Additionally, DHM notably reduced oxidative stress markers, such as MDA, while concurrently boosting the levels of GSH and SOD antioxidants. DHM's impact on the lungs included a decrease in pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, brought about by reductions in NF-κB, IL-1, and TGF-β, as well as an increase in the expression of Nrf2, a positive regulator of antioxidant genes, and its downstream mediator, HO-1.
This study demonstrated the potential of DHM in treating MTX-induced pneumonitis, achieving this through the upregulation of Nrf2 antioxidant pathways and the downregulation of NF-κB inflammatory responses.
This study investigated DHM as a therapeutic target against MTX-induced pneumonitis, achieving this through the activation of Nrf2 antioxidant pathways and the suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory processes.