Vol 30, No 1 (2024)

Immunology, Inflammation & Allergy

Foreword

Antonelli A.
Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):i-i
pages i-i views

Role of Amphotericin B in the Treatment of Mucormycosis

Sachdeva A., Targhotra M., Kanwar Chauhan M., Chopra M.

Abstract

Background:Regardless of the most recent inclusion of mold-active agents (isavuconazole and posaconazole) to antifungal agents against mucormycosis, in conjunction with amphotericin B (AMB) items, numerous uncertainties still exist regarding the treatment of this rare infection. The order Mucorales contains a variety of fungi that cause the serious but uncommon fungal illness known as mucormycosis. The moulds are prevalent in nature and typically do not pose significant risks to people. Immunocompromised people are affected by it.

Objective:This article's primary goal is to highlight the integral role that AMB plays in this condition.

Methods:Like sinusitis (including pansinusitis, rhino-orbital, or rhino-cerebral sinusitis) is one of the many signs and symptoms of mucormycosis. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) produces a variety of online information resources for review articles on the topic-based mucormycosis, AMB, diagnosis of mucormycosis and the PubMed® database of citations and abstracts published in life science journals. These resources can be accessed through the NCBI home page at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Results:The article provides a summary of the pharmacological attributes of the various AMB compositions accessible for systemic use.

Conclusion:The article demonstrates the traits of the drug associated with its chemical, pharmacokinetics, stability, and other features, and illustrates their most useful characteristics for clinical application.

Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):1-9
pages 1-9 views

A Mechanistic Review on Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Pharmacologically Active Molecules for Targeting Metabolic Syndrome

Gauttam V.K., Munjal K., Chopra H., Ahmad A., Rana M., Kamal M.

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) therapy with phytochemicals is an emerging field of study with therapeutic potential. Obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profiles are all components of metabolic syndrome, which is a major public health concern across the world. New research highlights the promise of phytochemicals found in foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, as a sustainable and innovative method of treating this illness. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing qualities are just a few of the many positive impacts shown by bioactive substances. Collectively, they alleviate the hallmark symptoms of metabolic syndrome by modulating critical metabolic pathways, boosting insulin sensitivity, decreasing oxidative stress, and calming chronic low-grade inflammation. In addition, phytochemicals provide a multimodal strategy by targeting not only adipose tissue but also the liver, skeletal muscle, and vascular endothelium, all of which have a role in the pathogenesis of MetS. Increasing evidence suggests that these natural chemicals may be useful in controlling metabolic syndrome as a complementary treatment to standard medication or lifestyle changes. This review article emphasizes the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, illuminating their varied modes of action and their ability to alleviate the interconnected causes of metabolic syndrome. Phytochemical-based interventions show promise as a novel and sustainable approach to combating the rising global burden of metabolic syndrome, with the ultimate goal of bettering public health and quality of life.

Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):10-30
pages 10-30 views

Differential Signaling Pathways in Medulloblastoma: Nano-biomedicine Targeting Non-coding Epigenetics to Improve Current and Future Therapeutics

Sokolov D., Sharda N., Banerjee A., Denisenko K., Basalious E., Shukla H., Waddell J., Hamdy N., Banerjee A.

Abstract

Background:Medulloblastomas (MDB) are malignant, aggressive brain tumors that primarily affect children. The survival rate for children under 14 is approximately 72%, while for ages 15 to 39, it is around 78%. A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of signaling mechanisms and noncoding RNA epigenetics play a pivotal role in this disease

Methodology:This study conducted an electronic search of articles on websites like PubMed and Google. The current review also used an in silico databases search and bioinformatics analysis and an extensive comprehensive literature search for original research articles and review articles as well as retrieval of current and future medications in clinical trials.

Results:This study indicates that several signaling pathways, such as sonic hedgehog, WNT/β-catenin, unfolded protein response mediated ER stress, notch, neurotrophins and TGF-β and ERK, MAPK, and ERK play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MDB. Gene and ncRNA/protein are also involved as an axis long ncRNA to sponge micro-RNAs that affect downstream signal proteins expression and translation affection disease pathophysiology, prognosis and present potential target hit for drug repurposing. Current treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; unfortunately, the disease often relapses, and the survival rate is less than 5%. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective treatments to combat recurrence and improve survival rates.

Conclusion:This review describes various MDB disease hallmarks, including the signaling mechanisms involved in pathophysiology, related-causal genes, epigenetics, downstream genes/epigenes, and possibly the causal disease genes/non-protein coding (nc)RNA/protein axis. Additionally, the challenges associated with MDB treatment are discussed, along with how they are being addressed using nano-technology and nano-biomedicine, with a listing of possible treatment options and future potential treatment modalities.

Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):31-47
pages 31-47 views

Nanocomposite Hydrogels-A Promising Approach towards Enhanced Bioavailability and Controlled Drug Delivery

Shahid N., Erum A., Hanif S., Malik N., Tulain U., Syed M.

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as the eminent focus of today’s research to overcome challenges related to conventional drug delivery systems. A wide spectrum of novel delivery systems has been investigated to improve the therapeutic outcomes of drugs. The polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels (NCHs) that have evolved as efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery are of particular interest in this regard. Nanocomposites amalgamate the properties of both nanoparticles (NPs) as well as hydrogels, exhibiting superior functionalities over conventional hydrogels. This multiple functionality is based upon advanced mechanical, electrical, optical as well as magnetic properties. Here is a brief overview of the various types of nanocomposites, such as NCHs based on Carbon-bearing nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and metal and metal-oxide NPs. Accordingly, this article will review numerous ways of preparing these NCHs with particular emphasis on the vast biomedical applications displayed by them in numerous fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bioprinting, biosensing, imaging and gene silencing, cancer therapy, antibacterial therapy, etc. Moreover, various features can be tuned, based on the final application, by controlling the chemical composition of hydrogel network, which may also influence the released conduct. Subsequently, the recent work and future prospects of this newly emerging class of drug delivery system have been enlisted.

Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):48-62
pages 48-62 views

Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: Recent Updates on Clinical Efficacy of Therapies and Bioengineering Approaches for a Personalized Therapy

Zhang X., Beeraka N., Sinelnikov M., Glazachev O., Ternovoy K., Lu P., Isaeva A., Cao Y., Zhang J., Nezhad A.B., Plotnikova M., Chen K.

Abstract

Background:Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a chronic progressive disease characterized by a significant reduction in quality of life and a range of complications.

Aim:To this date, no single treatment method provides pathological correction of the mechanisms associated with tissue reorganization observed in later-stage breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

Methods:To define a personalized approach to the management of patients with iatrogenic lymphedema, we performed a systematic review of literature without a comprehensive meta-analysis to outline existing molecular- genetic patterns, overview current treatment methods and their efficacy, and highlight the specific tissue-associated changes in BCRL conditions and other bio-engineering approaches to develop personalized therapy.

Results:Our results show that several tissue-specific and pathological molecular markers may be found, yet current research does not aim to define them.

Conclusion:As such, currently, a strong foundation for further research into molecular-genetic changes in lymphedema tissue exists, and further research should focus on finding specific targets for personalized treatment through bio-engineering approaches.

Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):63-70
pages 63-70 views

Marein Ameliorates Myocardial Fibrosis by Inhibiting HIF-1α and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway in Isoproterenol-stimulated Mice and TGF-β1-stimulated Cardiac Fibroblasts

Niu G., Zhao Y., Song H., Song Q., Yin X., Zhu Z., Xu J.

Abstract

Background:Myocardial fibrosis significantly contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure.

Objective:We probe into the impact of marein, a key bioactive compound in functional food Coreopsis tinctoria, on isoproterenol-stimulated myocardial fibrotic mice and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).

Methods:Isoproterenol was administered to the experimental mice via subcutaneous injection, and simultaneous administration of marein (25-100 mg/kg) was performed via oral gavage. CFs were stimulated with TGF- β1 to trigger differentiation and collagen synthesis, followed by treatment with marein at concentrations of 5-20 µM.

Results:Treatment with marein in mice and CFs resulted in a significant reduction in the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, and collagen type III. Additionally, marein treatment decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), p-Smad2/3, and Smad2/3. Notably, molecular docking analysis revealed that marein directly targets HIF-1α.

Conclusion:Marein might exert a protective function in isoproterenol-stimulated myocardial fibrotic mice and TGF-β1-stimulated CFs, which might result from the reduction of TGF-β1 induced HIF-1α expression, then inhibiting p-Smad2/3 and Smad2/3 expressions.

Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2024;30(1):71-80
pages 71-80 views