Pharmacomicrobiomics: a new field contributing to optimizing drug therapy in Parkinson's disease

Gut microbiota, which act as a determinant of pharmacokinetics, have long been overlooked. In recent years, a growing body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiota influence drug metabolism and efficacy. Conversely, drugs also exert a substantial influence on the function and composition of the gut microbiota. Pharmacomicrobiomics, an emerging field focusing on the interplay of drugs and gut microbiota, provides a potential foundation for making certain advances in personalized medicine. Understanding the communication between gut microbiota and antiparkinsonian drugs is critical for precise treatment of Parkinson's disease. Here, we provide a historical overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and antiparkinsonian drugs. Moreover, we discuss potential mechanistic insights into the complex associations between gut microbiota and drug metabolism. In addition, we also draw attention to microbiota-based biomarkers for predicting antiparkinsonian drug efficacy and examine current state-of-the-art knowledge of microbiota-based strategies to optimize drug therapy in Parkinson's disease.

Persistent alterations in gray matter in COVID-19 patients experiencing sleep disturbances: a 3-month longitudinal study

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202510000-00030/figure1/v/2024-11-26T163120Z/r/image-tiff Sleep disturbances are among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections. Previous studies have demonstrated abnormal brain structures in patients with sleep disturbances who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, neuroimaging studies on sleep disturbances caused by COVID-19 are scarce, and existing studies have primarily focused on the long-term effects of the virus, with minimal acute phase data. As a result, little is known about the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in the acute phase of COVID-19. To address this issue, we designed a longitudinal study to investigate whether alterations in brain structure occur during the acute phase of infection, and verified the results using 3-month follow-up data. A total of 26 COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances (aged 51.5 ± 13.57 years, 8 women and 18 men), 27 COVID-19 patients without sleep disturbances (aged 47.33 ± 15.98 years, 9 women and 18 men), and 31 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (aged 49.19 ± 17.51 years, 9 women and 22 men) were included in this study. Eleven COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances were included in a longitudinal analysis. We found that COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances exhibited brain structural changes in almost all brain lobes. The cortical thicknesses of the left pars opercularis and left precuneus were significantly negatively correlated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Additionally, we observed changes in the volume of the hippocampus and its subfield regions in COVID-19 patients compared with the healthy controls. The 3-month follow-up data revealed indices of altered cerebral structure (cortical thickness, cortical grey matter volume, and cortical surface area) in the frontal-parietal cortex compared with the baseline in COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances. Our findings indicate that the sleep disturbances patients had altered morphology in the cortical and hippocampal structures during the acute phase of infection and persistent changes in cortical regions at 3 months post-infection. These data improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances caused by COVID-19.

Biodegradable, electroconductive self-healing hydrogel based on polydopamine-coated polyurethane nano-crosslinker for Parkinson's disease therapy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons, causing motor and neurological impairments. Current treatments offer only temporary symptom relief without halting progression. Herein, a fully biodegradable, electroconductive self-healing hydrogel (CPUD gel) is developed, incorporating electroconductive polydopamine-coated polyurethane nanoparticles (PUD) as crosslinker. The core-shell PUD nanoparticles have a highly uniform size of ∼36 nm with a polydopamine shell of ∼4.8 nm thick on polyurethane core, revealed by small angle X-ray scattering, and own a conductivity of ∼0.82 mS/cm. As nano-crosslinker, the PUD can react with chitosan to form the dynamic CPUD hydrogel with shear modulus (∼280 Pa) and conductivity (∼4.34 mS/cm), mimicking brain tissue properties. In vitro, CPUD gel supports neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation (∼565 %) and differentiation, with elevated neuronal marker expression at 14 days, while exhibiting strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, rescuing ∼88 % inflamed NSCs. A therapeutic strategy combining injectable CPUD gel with acupuncture in a PD rat model, aiming to activate the innate regenerative mechanisms of body through mobilized endogenous stem cells, is further established. Using this approach, this hydrogel significantly elevates serum TGF-β1/SDF-1 levels, promotes dopaminergic neuron regeneration (>80 %), modulates neuroinflammation through M1-to M2-microglia transition (∼12.6-fold M2/M1 ratio), and improves motor function (from 8 % to 37 % forelimb contacts) in 14 days. Particularly, the electrophysiological spike rate is recovered from 66 to 19 spikes/s, close to the healthy rate 15 spikes/s. The synergistic immunomodulation and neuroprotection highlight the potential of CPUD gel as an advanced therapeutic tool for PD.

Tracking the gastrointestinal fate and prebiotic effect of ellagic acid-rich fruit byproducts: A comprehensive evaluation

This study demonstrated the potential of ellagic acid-rich fruit byproducts, particularly pomegranate peel, as functional ingredients. During digestion, pomegranate peel exhibited superior antioxidant activity owing to its high phenolic content. Twenty-four phenolic compounds were released, with pomegranate peel maintaining higher bioactivity than chestnut and walnut peels. In vitro colonic fermentation with urolithin A-producing microbiota revealed that pomegranate peel stimulated butyrate synthesis (11.94 mM) and urolithin A production (6.31 μM), highlighting the prebiotic role of ellagic acid. Gut microbiota modulation by pomegranate peel increased Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium (a potential key for ellagic acid conversion) while suppressing Alistipes. Functional analyses confirmed its effect on carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. In contrast, chestnut and walnut peels exhibited lower bioactivity and microbial selectivity. These findings positioned pomegranate peel as a superior ingredient for gut health and microbial metabolism optimization, offering targeted nutritional benefits over conventional byproducts.

Engineering Patatin for enhanced lipase activity and long-chain fatty acid specificity via rational design

Patatin, a multifunctional glycoprotein from potatoes, is a promising lipase for industrial applications due to its emulsifying, antioxidant, and lipid-modifying properties. However, its low expression efficiency and preference for short-chain substrates limit practical utility. Here, we addressed these challenges by heterologously expressing patatin in Pichia pastoris X-33, achieving a yield of 121 mg/L through optimized fermentation. The enzyme showed optimal activity at 35 °C and pH 10.0, with methanol enhancing activity, while Fe2+/Fe3+ inhibited it. Rational design of the D286A mutant significantly improved long-chain substrate specificity (3.2-fold higher activity for pNP-C16) and thermal stability (ΔTm = +5.4 °C). Molecular dynamics revealed that the mutation disrupted an α-helix (residues 280-286), forming a flexible loop to accommodate long-chain substrates via hydrogen bonding and π-alkyl interactions. Structural integrity was confirmed by circular dichroism. This work provides a scalable platform for engineering patatin, with future studies targeting industrial-scale production and applications in functional lipids and biocatalysis.

Intracellular alterations, vacuolization and bypass mechanism by SARS-CoV-2 infection could be the possible basis of respiratory distress and hypoxia

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 causes mild to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pneumonia and lung tissue damage. This leads to sub performance in the pulmonary gaseous exchange by the alveolar cells causing hypoxia associated with clinical severities/mortality. The exact cellular basis of the pulmonary malfunction resulting into death of approximately 7.1 million people needs to be fully studied. Understanding the intracellular alterations in pulmonary cells caused by viral infection could prove to be a significant step in our attempts to revert the respiratory efficiency of the patients through appropriate therapeutic interventions. We have undertaken In-Vitro studies to understand the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in alveoli. We cultured the Alveolar Epithelium (A549 and L-132), Fibroblasts (WI-38), Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (HPAEC-c), and African Green Monkey Kidney Epithelial Cells (Vero-E6) and infected them with SARS-CoV-2. Vacuoles in infected Alveolar Type-2 cells, cytoskeletal deformation, fragmentation of mitochondria in alveolar and arterial endothelial cells, loss of glycoclayx in endothelial cells and a unique bypass exit mechanism of virus were observed as major intracellular changes due to infection. The bypass exit of the daughter virions from lung cells along with loss of glycoclayx due to virus overburdening is reported as mechanism of propagation of infection towards multiple organs. We report that formation of numerous vacuoles in infected Alveolar Type-2 cells and the SARS-CoV-2 virions occupying these vacuoles could hamper the trans cytoplasmic trafficking of surfactant mixed inspired air and its subsequent transfer into venous blood through cell membranes of Alveolar Type -2 Cells and Capillary Wall Cells of pulmonary vein. The possible use of repurposed Nitroglycerine based drug to retrieve required intracellular cytoplasmic viscosity of the Alveolar type 2 cells has also been suggested.

Resveratrol-loaded nanofibrous scaffolds combined with menstrual blood stem cells for bone healing applications

In the field of regenerative medicine, bone tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing bone defects and injuries. A key aspect of this field is the development of biomimetic scaffolds that replicate the intricate architecture of native bone tissue, creating an environment conducive to cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we developed a novel resveratrol-loaded nanofibrous collagen/polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold designed to serve as a delivery system for menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) to enhance bone healing. This innovative approach integrates the osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of resveratrol with the multipotency and immunomodulatory effects of MenSCs, creating a dual-functional system that enhances bone regeneration, angiogenesis, and immune modulation. The scaffolds were extensively characterized in vitro, evaluating their microarchitecture, biological properties, hemocompatibility, radical scavenging potential, and anti-inflammatory activity. They were then implanted into a rat model with calvarial bone defects to assess their regenerative potential. Our findings indicate that the scaffolds exhibited no cytotoxicity toward MG-63 cells and demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. In vivo assessments further revealed that scaffolds loaded with resveratrol and MenSCs promoted bone healing by enhancing collagen deposition and new bone formation. Moreover, gene expression analysis showed upregulation of type I collagen, b-FGF, and VEGFa, while TNF-α expression was downregulated, indicating an improved osteogenic and immunomodulatory response. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of resveratrol-loaded, MenSCs-seeded scaffolds as a cutting-edge, biomimetic strategy for bone regeneration, offering a novel cell- and drug-based platform for advancing bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Heteropsine inhibits dengue virus infection, suppresses cytokine/chemokine gene expressions, and attenuates nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB in liver cell lines

Dengue virus (DENV) infection remains a major global health threat. Its incidence is increasing, with frequent outbreaks affecting millions of people each year. Although vaccines are available, their limited effectiveness and the absence of targeted antiviral therapies highlight the critical need for alternative treatment approaches. In this study, we investigated the antiviral activity of bidebiline A and heteropsine, two dimeric aporphine alkaloids isolated from Trivalvaria costata, against DENV-infected Huh7 liver cells. Our findings reveal that heteropsine inhibits DENV production and infection in Huh7 cells more effectively than bidebiline A. Heteropsine also exerts antiviral activity in endothelial and lung cell lines. Mechanistic studies, including time-of-addition assays and molecular docking, elucidate that heteropsine targets early steps during cellular infection, possibly by binding to domain III of the dengue virus envelope protein (EDIII). Viral binding and internalization assays confirmed that heteropsine disrupts viral entry. Furthermore, heteropsine suppresses DENV-induced immunopathogenesis by downregulating the expression of cytokine/chemokine genes (TNF-α, IL-6, RANTES, and IP-10) and attenuating nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) transcription factor. These findings highlight the importance of heteropsine as a promising antiviral candidate with the potential for further development to address the urgent need for effective dengue therapeutics.

HDCA alleviates Parkinson's disease symptoms by promoting autophagic degradation of α-synuclein in enteric neurons

INTRODUCTION

Bile acids (BAs) are emerging as key modulators of Parkinson's disease (PD) through gut-brain interactions, yet their therapeutic potential remains underutilized. While BA imbalances contribute to PD pathogenesis, the specific subspecies regulating α-synuclein (α-syn) homeostasis and their mechanisms in enteric neurons-critical sites for PD initiation-require systematic investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), a secondary BA with documented neuroprotective properties but unproven efficacy in synucleinopathy, modulates α-syn clearance through enteric neuronal autophagy to mitigate PD progression.

METHODS

A53T transgenic mice underwent behavioral assessments for PD phenotyping. State-of-the-art UPLC/MS-based metabolomics quantified BA profiles. Pharmacological interventions using target-specific inhibitors (Gly-MCA, T0070907, VER-155,008) dissected the FXR-PPARγ-HSPA8 pathway. Multiscale analyses spanning immunofluorescence, western blotting, and LC3B autophagy flux reporter assays elucidated α-syn aggregation and autophagic dynamics in primary enteric neurons.

RESULTS

HDCA decline correlated with PD severity, positioning it as a novel biomarker for gut-brain axis dysfunction in PD. HDCA supplementation not only alleviated motor/non-motor deficits but also conferred dual neuroprotection-reducing colonic α-syn oligomers and preserving nigral dopaminergic neurons. Mechanistic decoding revealed HDCA's unparalleled capacity to activate enteric neuronal autophagy via FXR-PPARγ-HSPA8 signaling, a pathway previously unrecognized in PD therapeutics.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a novel gut-brain axis where HDCA depletion drives PD pathogenesis via FXR-PPARγ-HSPA8-mediated autophagic dysfunction in enteric neurons. PD-associated HDCA deficiency directly impairs α-syn clearance, identifying HDCA as both a gut-derived synucleinopathy biomarker and a therapeutic target.

Phytotoxicity and cytogenotoxic effects of extracts from the medicinal bark of Rhamnus purshiana DC. (Rhamnaceae)

Natural products, although frequently associated with beneficial effects and considered harmless, still require thorough analysis; therefore, their bioactive compounds need to be used with caution. Biological assays using plant models represent an appropriate alternative for evaluating the cytogenotoxicity associated with these products. In this study, the phyto- cytotoxic potential of extracts from the bark of Rhamnus purshiana DC. a species widely used for treatment of constipation was investigated due to its anthraquinone content. To this end, seeds of Lactuca sativa L. were employed in phyto-cytogenotoxic assays under chronic exposure to lyophilized and spray-dried extracts. The results showed that extraction methods directly influence the phytochemical composition and biological effects of the extracts. Both extracts exhibited high anthraquinone content, expressed as cascaroside A, with concentrations ranging from 45.65 to 72.17 μg/ml. The spray-dried extract demonstrated a more potent inhibitory effect on morphological parameters, such as root elongation, while lyophilized extract exhibited higher cytotoxicity. Both extracts induced mitodepressive effects and aneugenic damage. Notably, the lyophilized extract induced a 300% increase in mitotic abnormalities compared to control, with a higher frequency of C-metaphases and stickiness. Although R. purshiana is widely used in traditional medicine, the scarcity of studies on cascaroside A raises concerns regarding socio-environmental safety and continued use of this species in dietary supplements.

Investigating the dual functions of butylated hydroxytoluene, vitamin E and vitamin C as antioxidants and anti-glycation agents in vitro: Implications for skin health

OBJECTIVES

Antioxidants are vital in skincare for neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which impact key cellular structures, such as cell nuclei and elastic fibres and can contribute to skin ageing. Oxidative stress, compounded by processes such as glycation, therefore leads to impaired cellular renewal and reduced skin elasticity. The effectiveness of antioxidants depends on their concentrations, making it essential to investigate their dosage-related benefits to optimize skincare formulations. This raises an important question regarding the reciprocal effects of antioxidants on glycation and whether their protective effects against macromolecular damage are dose-dependent.

METHODS

This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-glycation effects of three concentrations of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitamin E and vitamin C. Using the established quantitative assays and immunofluorescence, total antioxidant capacities, the intracellular ROS production, glycation levels and expression of cellular biomarkers were measured in dermal fibroblasts and three-dimensional skin models cultured with methylglyoxal (MGO).

RESULTS

All three antioxidants showed a significant ability to inhibit the formation of intracellular ROS and glycation products induced by MGO. Notably, there were differences in the concentrations required to defend against glycation-induced damage. Whilst the linear dose responses were observed for ROS and glycation inhibition, the protective effect against cellular damage was moderate. The inverse dose-response relationships, particularly in terms of collagen fibre preservation, suggested that higher total antioxidant capacity could have enhanced protective effects. Vitamin C, in particular, exhibited the most pronounced benefits at lower concentrations, suggesting its potential as a key player in combating glycation damage.

CONCLUSION

The potentially novel aspect of this research lies in the synergistic relationship between the modulation of oxidative stress and glycation. This relationship significantly depends on the concentration of the molecules involved and their antioxidant properties. These findings may lead to more refined approaches in formulating active ingredients tailored to individual needs in personalized skincare.

Rethinking Parkinson's: The role of proteostasis networks and autophagy in disease progression

Protein dyshomeostasis is identified as the hallmark of many age-related NDDs including Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder (NDD) characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins, particularly α-synuclein (α-syn) leading to formation of Lewy bodies and cause degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Disruption of the cell's normal protein balance, which occurs when cells experience stress, plays a key role in causing the formation of harmful protein clumps. Functional proteostasis relies on coordinated mechanisms involving posttranslational modifications (PTMs), molecular chaperones, the unfolded protein response (UPR), the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP). These networks maintain proper synthesis, folding, confirmation and degradation of protein such as α-syn protein in PD. These approaches include enhancing lysosomal function, promoting autophagy and modulating the unfolded protein response. Understanding the complex interactions between these pathways is essential for developing effective treatments. This review synthesizes current knowledge of various genes and molecular mechanisms underlying proteostasis disruption in PD and evaluates emerging therapeutic strategies that target multiple genes and pathways simultaneously. The finding highlights the potential of integrated approaches to restore protein homeostasis and prevent neurodegeneration, offering new directions for PD treatment development.

Organ toxicities associated with diet-induced obesity in rats: Investigation of changes in activities selected enzymes

Obesity stands out as one of the most significant health problems in the modern world. The prevalence of high-calorie diets (HCDs) globally exacerbates this condition. Throughout history, plants and plant-derived food products have been utilized for medicinal purposes, demonstrating their efficacy in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Gundelia tournefortii (GT), a plant of interest, is known to possess beneficial properties. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects of two different doses of GT plant extract on the liver, brain, and heart tissues of obese rats. For this purpose, Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: "CG," "HCDG," "HCDGUN1," and "HCDGUN2" At the conclusion of the study, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) biomarkers, were evaluated in the liver, heart, and brain tissues. The study results revealed a statistically significant increase in ADA and MPO activities in the HCDG group compared to the CG group, alongside a significant decrease in the HCDGUN groups compared to the HCDG group. Regarding AChE and BChE activities, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the HCDG group compared to the CG group, whereas an increase was noted in the HCDGUN groups relative to the HCDG group, with the latter approaching values similar to those of the control group. In conclusion, the intake of GT plant extract exhibited positive effects on the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects induced by HCD in rats with an experimental obesity model, as evidenced by tissue biomarker evaluations.

Glutamatergic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases focusing on Parkinson's disease: Role of glutamate modulators

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the degeneration of dopamenergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Research has predominantly centered on understanding the dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission in PD. Recently, more studies discussed the potential role of other neurotransmitters in PD neuropathology. One of the most important non-dopaminergic neurotransmitters involved in the pathogenesis of PD is glutamate, which is widely involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission in different brain regions, including SNpc. The development and progression of PD neuropathology and levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) are associated with glutamate neurotoxicity. Therefore, this review seeks to explore the possible involvement of glutamatergic signaling in PD development and assess the therapeutic potential of glutamate receptor antagonists in treating the disorder.

Network Meta-Analysis of Stem Cell Therapies for Parkinson's Disease: Exploring the Optimal Strategy Based on Animal Models

Stem cell therapy holds promise for Parkinson's disease (PD). To identify optimal stem cell regimens in PD mouse models and inform translational research, we conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA). Specifically, we systematically searched for studies on stem cell therapy in PD mouse models up to September 2024 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG, and VIP. Based on the data collected, we conducted an NMA using GeMTC-0.14.3 software. The results of traditional meta-analysis of 148 studies demonstrated superior efficacy of most interventions versus controls at biweekly intervals (2-8 weeks post-treatment), with neural stem cells engineered with neurotrophic factors (NSC-NFs) showing the lowest weighted mean difference, indicating optimal therapeutic effect. NMA demonstrated that NF-engineered NSC therapy ranked the highest at biweekly time points (2-8 weeks post-treatment). Doses of 105 cells showed optimal efficacy at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, peaking within this range, whereas doses of 103 cells showed the best efficacy at 8 weeks. Medial forebrain bundle (MFB) administration showed superior efficacy at weeks 2 and 8, while striatum (STR) infusion showed greater therapeutic effects at weeks 4 and 6, with both approaches significantly outperforming nasal and intravenous delivery at all evaluated time points (2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks). Taken together, these results suggest that NSC-NF (dosage of 105) delivered via MFB (at 2 and 8 weeks) or STR (at 4 and 6 weeks) may represent the optimal strategy. It provides important guidance for optimizing preclinical and clinical trial designs and offers valuable insights for clinical translation.

β-Caryophyllene (CB2 agonist) mitigates rotenone-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells via modulation of GSK-3β/NRF2/HO-1 axis

Rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells is an essential hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective efficacy. The involvement of the GSK-3β/NRF2/HO-1 axis in neuroprotection has garnered attention as a possible mechanism for BCP to exhibit multitargeted neuroprotective effects. Hence, this study investigates the effects of BCP against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, focusing on the involvement of the GSK-3β/NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Initially, we performed the in silico molecular docking of BCP with GSK-3β, NRF2, and HO-1 proteins to ensure the degree of binding affinities. The in vitro MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability, followed by the assessment of biomarkers such as LDH leakage, oxidative stress, reactive species, caspase 3 activity, pro-inflammatory markers, and GSK-3β, NRF2, and HO-1 proteins in BCP, as well as specific receptor modulators (chir98023 and quercetin) against the rotenone pre-treated cells. In silico molecular docking studies revealed that BCP exhibits a strong binding affinity for GSK-3β, NRF2, and HO-1 proteins. Also, in vitro studies revealed that BCP (100 µg/ml), as compared to the rotenone-treated group, significantly restored cell viability (72%). Moreover, BCP significantly modulates cell cytotoxicity (LDH leakage), pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory, reactive species, and oxidative stress markers. Molecular docking established robust binding affinities of BCP with GSK-3β, NRF2, and HO-1 proteins. Furthermore, protein estimation by ELISA confirmed the BCP-mediated modulation of these pathways. These findings suggest that BCP protects SH-SY5Y cells from rotenone-induced neurotoxicity, offering a potential therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases like AD.

Neuroprotective potential of carvacrol: restoration of oxidative balance and mitigation of brain injury markers in isoproterenol-induced rats

This research investigated the protective properties of Carvacrol (CVC) against Isoproterenol (ISO)-induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in rats. The findings showed that CVC treatment did not significantly modify baseline oxidative stress levels in healthy rats but successfully alleviated ISO-induced oxidative damage by augmenting antioxidant enzyme activity and diminishing lipid peroxidation, as demonstrated by a reduction in MDA levels. These findings indicate that CVC can reinstate antioxidant capability and reduce oxidative damage. Concerning neuroinflammation, ISO therapy markedly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, IL-1β, c-Fos, BDNF, Nfl, and GFP, signifying a robust inflammatory and damage response. The injection of CVC following ISO exposure markedly decreased the expression of these markers, suggesting that CVC may exert a neuroprotective effect by regulating the inflammatory response and mitigating neuronal and glial damage. CVC demonstrated a notable protective effect on mitochondrial integrity, evidenced by the decreased mRNA expression of mitochondrial damage markers, including NSE, s100B, CALP1, and CALM1 in the CVC-treated groups, showing that CVC mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction. The analysis revealed no significant alterations in the expression levels of Aβ40, pTau181, and tTau across all groups, indicating that these biomarkers were not substantially influenced by CVC treatment under the study's conditions. However, β-amyloid accumulation varied significantly between groups, highlighting the need for further research to explore CVC's potential implications in amyloid-related diseases. These findings endorse CVC's neuroprotective efficacy and therapeutic potential in neurological disorders associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial impairment.

A targeted approach: Gene and RNA editing for neurodegenerative disease treatment

With the global aging trend, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) have emerged as a significant public health concern in the 21st century, imposing substantial economic burdens on families and society. NDs are characterized by cognitive and motor decline, resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Currently, there is no cure for NDs. Gene and RNA editing therapies offer new possibilities for addressing NDs. Gene editing involves modifying mutant genes associated with NDs, while RNA editing can directly modify RNA molecules to regulate the protein translation process, potentially influencing the expression of genes related to NDs. In this review, we examined the historical evolution, mechanisms of action, applications in NDs, advantages and disadvantages, as well as ethical and safety considerations of gene and RNA editing. While gene and RNA editing technologies hold promise for treating NDs, further research and development are needed to address safety, efficacy, and treatment timing issues, ultimately offering improved treatment options for ND patients. Our review provides valuable insights for future gene and RNA editing applications in ND treatment.

Age influences blood cell-based immune deregulation antibody response and unfavorable clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and has a diverse spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe and critical cases that result in the death of the patient. Alongside the viral factors host factors like Age, deregulation of the immune response and presence of comorbidity determine the patient's outcome. Here we sought to assess the impact of age on natural antibody response, CBC-based inflammatory markers, and outcome of COVID-19 patients. We divided the participants into three groups, young (≤ 35 years), middle-aged (40-60 years), and old (≥ 65 years) patients and collected and analyzed sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters. We found that elderly patients showed higher (P < 0.05) levels of inflammation like increased neutrophil percentages, NLR, lymphopenia, and low Hgb levels, compared to middle-aged and young patients. Interestingly these markers were also associated with mortality of COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in ion concentration, lipid profile, and coagulation test between the three age groups. We also found that elderly patients showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased levels of natural antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with the two groups. Lastly, we assessed the effect of dexamethasone treatment, even if statistically not significant (P > 0.05) we observed a positive trend among patients under dexamethasone in the aspect of decreasing inflammatory markers. To conclude we showed that SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by an age-dependent deregulation of inflammatory markers that are associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients.

Neuroprotective, and memory enhancement effects of Salvia aristata and its phenolic constituents: an in vitro, and in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cholinergic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and memory impairment. The Salvia genus has been used since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Salvia aristata hydroalcoholic extract (SAHE) and dichloromethane extract (SADE) on various aspects of memory and AD.

METHODS

Column chromatography was utilized in the phytochemical analysis to isolate and purify bioactive compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined through spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, along with IR, UV, and HRESIMS for the new compound. Cholinesterase inhibitory activity was assessed using a modified Ellman's method. Additionally, the antioxidant activity and metal chelation capacity of SAHE and SADE were evaluated using the DPPH assay and spectroscopic methods, respectively. Moreover, the neuroprotective effects in PC12 cells were investigated using the AlamarBlue assay, and the ability to mitigate scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test.

RESULTS

In this study, we isolated and structurally elucidated an undescribed compound, namely salvinarin (2), as well as four known compounds including linariin (1), pectolinarin (3), scutellarein 4'-O-methyl-7-O-rutinoside (4), and 5-O-coumaroylquinic acid (5) from SAHE for the first time. In vitro analyses revealed that SAHE, SADE, and linariin exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. Notably, SAHE demonstrated potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (IC50 = 322.83 ± 1.11 µg/mL), significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 99.16 ± 1.24 µg/mL), and strong metal chelating capacity toward Cu2+, Zn2+, and Fe2+. Moreover, oral administration of SAHE (400 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated memory impairment induced by scopolamine in a rat model. This improvement was evident in parameters such as traveled distance (p < 0.001), escape latency (p < 0.001), and time spent in the target quadrant (p < 0.01) in the Morris water maze test.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering all findings, including significant neuroprotective, antioxidant, and metal-chelating properties, alongside notable efficacy in enhancing memory in rat models, S. aristata could be a potential candidate for memory improvement.

Dysregulation of serotonergic neurotransmission in Parkinson disease: A key duet

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the general population over 65 years of age. PD is commonly associated with the development of motor and non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms arise decades earlier than motor symptoms due to the degeneration of GABAergic, serotonergic, and other neurons involved in autonomic regulation. However, motor symptoms in PD are developed due to degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of midbrain. The PD neuropathology is related to the progressive loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc of midbrain. Particularly, dysfunction of serotonergic system is implicated in the development of non-motor symptoms such as sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety. In addition, dysfunction of serotonergic neurons which affects the dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc leads to the development of motor symptoms. Moreover, dysfunction of serotonergic neurons is associated with the development of L-dopamine (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia. Consistently, administration of serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist attenuates the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. These findings emphasized the possible role of serotonergic system in PD. However, the underlying mechanisms that mediate the latent effect of 5-HT in PD are not completely elucidated. Therefore, this mini-review aims to discuss the exact role of 5-HT in PD, and how the 5-HT modulators affect PD neuropathology.

Intersecting molecular pathways in Synucleinopathies and Amyloidogenesis: Exploring shared mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Synucleinopathies and amyloidogenic disorders are the two most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions, characterized by progressive loss of neurons and aggregation of proteins in the central nervous system. Emerging evidence suggests that despite their distinct pathological hallmarks: α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease (AD), both disorders share common molecular pathways, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, misfolding/aggregation of proteins and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review explores the molecular intersections between synucleinopathies and amyloidogenesis. Furthermore, this review highlights how these pathways drive neuronal loss and suggest that targeting them could provide broad therapeutic benefits. By elucidating the shared mechanisms between PD and AD, the multi-targeted therapies could address the underlying molecular disruptions common to both disorders, offering new avenues for effective disease-modifying treatments in neurodegenerative diseases.

Advancing Biosensing Frontiers Through Gold Nanoparticle Engineering: Synthesis Strategies and Detection Paradigms

Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) play a pivotal role in nanobiotechnology because of their distinct physicochemical traits, such as optical properties, compatibility with biological systems, and their ability to be easily functionalized. The top-down and bottom-up approaches are for the synthesis of GNPs. There are various chemical, physical, and green synthesis techniques, such as chemical reduction, seed-mediated growth, physical ablation method, pyrolysis, sputtering, etc. are some methods for the synthesis of GNPs. The use of plants, algae, fungi, and other microorganisms has recently arisen as a new approach for the eco-friendly synthesis with precise control over NP size, shape, and surface properties. The functionalization strategies involving biomolecules, polymers, and ligands enhance their stability and target specificity, facilitating their integration into biosensors. The detection of biomolecules, pathogens, and environmental toxins with high sensitivity and accuracy is facilitated by multiple signals such as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), alterations in color, and electrochemical characteristics. Furthermore, their role in point-of-care diagnostics, drug delivery, and imaging underscores their versatility in biomedical applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the synthesis, functionalization, and GNPs-based biosensors. In addition, the review highlights recent advancements, challenges, and future prospects of GNPs in biosensing and nanomedicine, offering an understanding of diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring. The key challenges include stability, reproducibility, and scalability, and the future focuses on green synthesis with enhanced sensitivity and multiplexed biosensing applications.

Appeal of Urolithins from Synthesis to Biological Activities

Urolithins (Uros), a series of natural polyphenols derived from ellagic acid through gut bacteria metabolism, have gathered significant attention due to their diverse bioactivities such as maintaining mitochondrial health and anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the ability to metabolize Uros varies among individuals. This Review provides a comprehensive insight into the synthesis, encapsulation and bioactivities of Uros, focusing on their biotransformation in vivo. We highlight the critical role of gut microbiota in the biotransformation of urolithins, including primary bacterial species such as Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens, Enterocloster bolteae and Enterococcus faecium. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of Uros in alleviating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy is discussed. Finally, several encapsulation strategies for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of Uros are summarized. Future research direction includes identifying key genes involved in Uros biotransformation, elucidating the bioactive mechanisms of Uros, and improving their bioavailability. In conclusion, we synthesized biosynthetic pathways and bioactive properties of Uros for better utilization in health management.

microRNAs as molecular tools for brain health: Neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative disorders

As research on microRNAs (miRNAs) advances, it is becoming increasingly clear that these small molecules play crucial roles in the central nervous system (CNS). They are involved in various essential neuronal functions, with specific miRNAs preferentially expressed in different cell types within the nervous system. Notably, certain miRNAs are found at higher levels in the brain and spinal cord compared to other tissues, suggesting they may have specialized functions in the CNS. miRNAs associated with long-term neurodegenerative changes could serve as valuable tools for early treatment decisions and disease monitoring. The significance of miRNAs such as miR-320, miR-146 and miR-29 in the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders becomes evident, especially considering that many neurological and physical symptoms manifest only after substantial degeneration of specific neurons. Interestingly, serum miRNA levels such as miR-92 and miR-486 may correlate with various MRI parameters in multiple sclerosis. Targeting miRNAs using antisense strategies, such as antisense miR-146 and miR-485, may provide advantages over targeting mRNAs, as a single anti-miRNA can regulate multiple disease-related genes. In the future, anti-miRNA-based therapeutic approaches could be integrated into the clinical management of neurological diseases. Certain miRNAs, including miR-223, miR-106, miR-181, and miR-146, contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases and thus warrant greater attention. This knowledge could pave the way for the identification of new diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic biomarkers, and potentially guiding the development of RNA-based therapeutic strategies. This review highlights recent research on the roles of miRNAs in the nervous system, particularly their protective functions in neurodegenerative disorders.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review of 105 cases on clinical characteristics and outcomes

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has been linked to autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a rare but serious condition causing red blood cell destruction. This systematic review examines the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of AIHA in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus identified 85 studies encompassing 105 patients. Data on demographics, clinical features, and treatment outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

Of 1402 articles, 85 met inclusion criteria. Most patients were male (54.3 %) with a mean age of 50.6 years, predominantly from Asia (83.5 %). Cold agglutinin AIHA was most common (48.2 %). Presenting symptoms included fatigue, dyspnea, and fever. Steroids were the most effective treatment, used in 95 % of recovered cases. Mortality was 14.3 %, with 26.7 % of deaths directly related to AIHA.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 is associated with AIHA, often presenting with non-specific symptoms. Early recognition and prompt steroid therapy are critical for improving outcomes. Further research is needed to guide management.

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mediated mRNA delivery in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and the impairment of cellular functions. Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapy for treating NDD, as it can encode missing or dysfunctional proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines or neuroprotective proteins to halt the progression of these diseases. However, effective mRNA delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a significant challenge due to the limited penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) offer an efficient solution by encapsulating and protecting mRNA, facilitating transfection and intracellular delivery. This review discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington's disease (HD), ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, and Friedreich's ataxia. Additionally, it explores the potential of LNP-mediated mRNA delivery as a therapeutic strategy for these diseases. Various approaches to overcoming BBB-related challenges and enhancing the delivery and efficacy of mRNA-LNPs are discussed, including non-invasive methods with strong potential for clinical translation. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI)-guided mRNA and LNP design, targeted delivery, gene editing, and CAR-T cell therapy, mRNA-LNPs could significantly transform the treatment landscape for NDD, paving the way for future clinical applications.

The Impact of Dietary Interventions on the Pharmacokinetics of Antifungal Drugs: A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Managing food-drug interactions may help to optimize the efficacy and safety of antifungal therapy. This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate how food, beverages, antacids, and mineral supplements influence the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters or pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices of 14 orally administered antifungal drugs.

METHODS

We considered all studies evaluating the effects of food, beverages, antacids, and mineral supplements on PK parameters and PK/PD indices of oral antifungal drugs for inclusion. We excluded in vitro, in silico, animal studies, reviews, and alcohol-related investigations. Searches were conducted in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library from database inception to June 2024. We evaluated the risk of bias using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) tool for before-after studies and the Cochrane tool for parallel and cross-over trials. We performed meta-analyses when two or more studies with comparable designs were available; otherwise, results were summarized qualitatively.

RESULTS

The review included 73 studies from 68 reports. Only studies investigating the effect of dietary interactions on PK parameters were found. Meta-analyses were conducted for seven antifungal drugs, while qualitative synthesis covered the remaining drugs. Open-label, cross-over studies accounted for 58% of trials, aligning with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations. A high risk of bias appeared in 33% of studies, while only 7% showed low risk. Among 11 antifungals with food-effect data, seven (64%) exhibited clinically important interactions. High positive food effects (area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) or peak serum concentration (Cmax) increased by > 45%) were seen for griseofulvin, itraconazole capsules and tablets (except rice-based meals), and posaconazole immediate-release tablets and suspension. A moderate positive impact of high-fat meals (AUC or Cmax increased in the range of 35-45%) occurred for ibrexafungerp and oteseconazole. A high negative food effect was observed on the absorption of voriconazole and itraconazole oral suspension or super bioavailable (SUBA) capsules (AUC or Cmax decreased by > 40%). Antacids strongly reduced itraconazole and ketoconazole absorption, while nutritional supplements improved posaconazole bioavailability. Acidic beverages such as Coca Cola substantially enhanced the absorption of itraconazole, ketoconazole, and posaconazole, whereas orange juice significantly reduced itraconazole bioavailability.

CONCLUSION

Interactions were influenced by such factors as drug physicochemical properties, type of dietary intervention, drug formulation, and patient characteristics. Although the review largely filled the existing gaps in recommendations, we judged the overall quality of evidence as low owing to outdated studies, methodological inconsistencies, and uneven data availability. Further research involving PK/PD indices is needed to link the postprandial changes in the bioavailability of antifungal drugs with their clinical efficacy.

OTHER

The protocol of the systematic review was registered in March 2024 in the Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HAVK9 ).

Impact of hepatic impairment and renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and its metabolites: contribution of hepatic metabolism and renal excretion

Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, is used in patients with liver or kidney disease. However, the effects and mechanisms of hepatic impairment or renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and its metabolites (PNU-142586 and PNU-142300) remain unclear. We used carbon tetrachloride-induced impaired hepatic function and 5/6 nephrectomy-induced renal failure rat models to investigate linezolid and metabolite pharmacokinetics. Isolated primary rat hepatocytes were used to evaluate the impact of hepatic impairment or renal failure on linezolid metabolism. Uptake and efflux transport studies were also conducted. The influence of hepatic impairment or renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and two metabolites did not differ between intragastric gavage and intravenous administration in rats. Linezolid did not accumulate in the brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and small intestinal tissues of the hepatic impairment or renal failure rats. And PNU-142300 did not accumulate in the liver or kidney tissue. Compared to the isolated normal rat hepatocytes, the in vitro hepatic clearance of linezolid in hepatic impairment and renal failure rat hepatocytes decreased by 61.3% and 44.1%, respectively. Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, Na+-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), organic anion transporter (OAT)1, OAT3, multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), or multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR) did not mediate linezolid transport. Hepatic impairment primarily increases linezolid exposure through reduced hepatic metabolism, whereas renal failure increases both linezolid and two metabolites exposure through reduced hepatic metabolism and renal glomerular filtration. These findings guide adjusting the dose of linezolid in patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency.

Metabolic Profiling of a Mediterranean-Inspired (Poly)phenol-Rich Mixture in the Brain: Perfusion Effect and In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Validation

A Mediterranean diet rich in (poly)phenols has been linked to neuroprotection, but its effects likely depend on the ability of phenolic metabolites to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study evaluated the kinetics plasma and brain distribution of phenolic metabolites in Sprague-Dawley rats following oral administration of a polyphenol-rich extract mixture from Mediterranean foods (pomegranate, lemon, orange, grape, and olive). UPLC-ESI-QTOF analyses revealed 39 phenolic-derived metabolites in plasma, of which 20 were in nonperfused (NPB) and 19 in perfused brains (PB), including hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol sulfates, ellagic acid, dihydrocaffeic acid, and derived metabolites. Kinetic data showed substantially higher plasma metabolite concentrations than the brain, with slightly higher levels in NPB. The BBB transport efficiency of phenolic metabolites was validated in vitro using human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), showing improved transport when tested as mixtures. These findings confirm that circulating phenolic metabolites from Mediterranean foods can reach brain tissues, contributing to preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Chenodeoxycholic Acid-Mediated neuroprotection via α-synuclein and BDNF Modulation in MPTP-Induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) remains a major challenge in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and requires innovative therapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in PD using a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model. CDCA, a naturally occurring bile acid, has previously shown promise in various neurological disorders by reducing neuronal degeneration and promoting neuronal health, however its utility in PD has not been studied. We divided mice into a control group, an MPTP-induced PD model and a treatment group injected with CDCA. CDCA reduced motor impairment and ameliorated anxiety-like behavior as assessed through the pole and open field test, demonstrated antidepressant effects in the forced swim and tail suspension test, and results of the Y-maze test showed improved cognitive performance. Furthermore, the effective defense against MPTP-induced dopaminergic degeneration was provided by CDCA by improving the morphological and histological features of neurons in the midbrain, hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum. Analysis via RT-PCR revealed that CDCA significantly mitigated MPP + -induced elevations in α-synuclein levels, indicating its potential to preserve neuronal function by modulating synaptic integrity. Additionally, CDCA effectively reduced the associated toxicity by enhancing the low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusively, given the increasing prevalence of PD and the urgent need for effective neuroprotective strategies, our findings suggest that CDCA exerts neuroprotective effects in an MPTP-induced PD model. These results highlight CDCA as a promising candidate for further investigation in PD therapy and provide a basis for further research into bile acid-based treatments in neurodegenerative diseases.

Urolithin-A supplementation alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and modulating macrophage polarization

Sepsis is a severe and life-threatening condition marked by excessive inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epithelial barrier disruption, often leading to Acute Lung Injury (ALI). Mitophagy, a cellular mechanism that removes damaged mitochondria, plays a vital role in maintaining mitochondrial health during sepsis. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Urolithin-A against ALI and sepsis. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, Urolithin-A significantly reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Nitric Oxide (NO) production, and apoptosis. Additionally, it enhanced mitophagy by upregulating PINK1, Parkin, and LC3-II, which helped preserve mitochondrial function. In vivo, Urolithin-A treatment in mouse models of ALI and sepsis reduced lung injury and inflammation, as shown by improved ALI scores, decreased wet/dry lung weight ratios, and lower levels of inflammatory markers such as iNOS, IL-1β, and MPO. Urolithin-A also improved epithelial barrier integrity and upregulated anti-apoptotic markers, demonstrating its ability to alleviate sepsis-induced lung damage. These findings suggest that Urolithin-A holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent for managing inflammatory lung conditions associated with sepsis.

Mitigation of oxidative stress-induced aging by extracellular polysaccharides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R6-1 from Sayram ketteki

Oxidative stress within the body is associated with aging, playing a crucial role in its progression. Polysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria are well recognized for their antioxidant effects, potentially improving the aging process. This study investigated the characterization and antioxidant activities of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS-1: 59,978 Da, 40.9 % mannose, 4.5 % ribose, 5.8 % glucuronic acid, 44.1 % glucose, 2.9 % galactose; EPS-2: 25,686 Da, 22.9 % mannose, 5.4 % ribose, 5.5 % glucuronic acid, 59.6 % glucose, 5.4 % galactose) produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R6-1. The results showed that EPS could increase the survival rates of Caco-2 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide and mitigate the D-galactose (D-Gal)-induced oxidative stress in mice. Administration of EPS activated the hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in mice. Subsequently, this pathway activated various oxidation-related enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Meanwhile, EPS regulated mouse intestinal microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria secreting anti-inflammatory factors, such as Norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Dubosiella, and restoring the imbalance of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes caused by oxidative stress. This study shows that L. plantarum R6-1's EPS exhibited the ability to concurrently influence both the liver and intestinal microbiota of mice, thereby achieving an anti-oxidative effect through their interconnected interactions.

Antihyperglycemic and Antioxidative Stress Effects of Erythrophleum africanum (Fabaceae) Trunk Bark Powder Fractions on High-Calorie Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a persistent and chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidative stress effects of Erythrophyllum africanum trunk bark powder fractions in diabetes-induced rats. 30 male rats subdivided into 6 groups of five rats each received daily a sweetened hypercaloric diet supplemented with sucrose (4 g/kg bw), except for the normal control, which received a normal diet. Normal and diabetic controls subsequently received distilled water (10 mL/kg bw per os), the positive control received metformin (20 mg/kg bw per os) and the test rats received powder fractions (≤ 50 μm ≤ 50-120 μm) or unsieved powder of E. africanum (300 mg/kg bw per os) for 7 weeks. Dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once a week from the third week, except for the normal control, which received saline. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were assessed during and at the end of treatment. Blood glucose levels of the animals at the 7th week were 0.92 ± 0.03, 1.52 ± 0.08, 0.78 ± 0.04, 0.77 ± 0.03, 1.13 ± 0.03, and 0.40 ± 0.01 g/L in the normal control, diabetic control, metformin-treated animals, ≤ 50 μm fraction, 50-120 μm fraction, and unsieved powder, respectively. Powder fraction ≤ 50 μm significantly improved (p < 0.01) the lipid profile (decrease in triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, an increase in HDL cholesterol levels) by reducing the atherogenic index. E. africanum has antihyperglycemic and antioxidative stress effects and would be less toxic to the liver and kidneys. The fine powder (≤ 50 μm) of E. africanum could be used as a food additive to prevent the occurrence of diabetes in vulnerable patients.

Investigation of Thiazolidine-2,4-Dione Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Synthesis, In Vitro Biological Activities and In Silico Studies

The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme responsible for the inactivation and decrease in acetylcholine in the cholinergic pathway, has been considered an attractive target for small-molecule drug discovery in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. In the present study, a series of TZD derivatives were designed, synthesized, and studied for drug likeness, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET). Additionally, docking studies of the designed compounds were performed on AChE. Additionally, all the TZD derivatives (CHT1-5) showed an acceptable affinity for AChE inhibition, and the results showed convincing binding modes in the active site of AChE. Among them, 5-(4-methoxybenzylidene) thiazolidine-2,4-dione (CHT1) was identified as the most potent AChE inhibitor (IC50 of 165.93 nM) with the highest antioxidant activity. Following the exposure of PC12 cells to Aβ1-42 (100 μM), a marked reduction in cell survival was observed. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with TZD derivatives had a neuroprotective effect and significantly enhanced cell survival in response to Aβ-induced toxicity. Western blotting analysis revealed that CHT1 (5 and 8 μM) downregulated p-Tau and HSP70 expression levels. The results indicate that CHT1 is a promising and effective AchE-I that could be utilized as a powerful candidate against AD.

Neuroprotective effect of Thymus vulgaris on paraquat induced Parkinson's disease

The dramatic surge of neurodegenerative disorders among elderly population underscore the pressing demand for development of optimal and evidence based noninvasive natural treatment strategies. Paraquat exposure in animal models used in scientific studies can cause a variety of clinical signs of Parkinson disease (PD). The health benefits of thyme include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pulmonary, and neurological benefits. Thyme and other herbal treatments are frequently used to treat a variety of conditions, including neurological issues. The primary factor in the etiology of neurodegeneration is oxidative stress. Conventional treatments are indicated to potentially have negative side effects. The primary phytochemicals of Thymus vulgaris (TV), which are responsible for its unique therapeutic property of neuro-protection, include hydrocarbon and phenolic compounds like thymol and carvacrol. The goal of the current investigation was to examine T. vulgaris' potential for neuroprotection while also ensuring its safety. Analyses of the plant's physicochemical and phytochemical composition were performed by liquid chromatographic analysis. Neuro-behavioral and biochemical parameters were evaluated to determine the impact of T. vulgaris in paraquat induced parkinsonian rodents model. The neurobehavioral tests include open field tests for movement and exploration, Y maze test and elevated plus maze test for natural behavior, memory, and anxiety, hole board tests for exploratory behavior, ladder climbing, foot printing, and wire hanging tests for estimating neuromuscular coordination. T. vulgaris treatment significantly improved neurobehavioral parameters dose-dependently, Biochemical analysis revealed that extract treatment mitigated the declined level of antioxidant enzymes. RT-PCR analysis showed that in paraquat treated group mRNA expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, Alpha-Synuclein, TNF-α, and IL-6 was upregulated markedly. However, T. vulgaris treatment dose dependently down-regulated the mRNA expression of these genes. The groundbreaking results of current study revealed that T. vulgaris restored the degenerative alterations, neuro-inflammation, and nerve loss in the brain structure, as evident by histopathological investigation. Particularly remarkable restoration in neuropsychological and biochemical markers emphasize the medicinal potential of T. vulgaris as a revolutionary treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, offering new hope for millions worldwide afflicted by these devastating conditions.

Release of microplastics during dental procedures and denture wear: Impact on dental personnel and patients

Plastic products are widely used in modern dentistry, including dental instruments and resin-based materials. In recent years, microplastics (MPs) that are generated from plastic products have been demonstrated to pose negative impacts on human health. However, the possible exposure of MP during dental procedures has been rarely explored. This study aims to assess the MP exposure faced by both dental personnel and patients via simulating the wear and cleaning procedures of dentures, as well as the grinding of resin-based materials under clinical settings. Additionally, environmental samples of the dental clinic were collected to determine the types and concentrations of MP settlement. The biological toxicity of the particles has also been evaluated. Results showed that denture releases MP particles into artificial saliva during soaking and cleaning processes. During the grinding of resin-based materials, MP could be detected in settlements with decreased concentration as the increase of distance from 25 cm to 100 cm. A substantial accumulation of particles was observed in the clinic within a single day. Grinding-generated MPs exhibited biological toxicity toward oral keratinocyte cells and triggered inflammation in macrophages at concentrations that could be encountered in clinical exposure. This study confirms the presence of MP exposure during dental procedures, providing valuable insights for the development of improved management regulations and pollution control measures in dental practice.

Apigenin alleviates neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of apigenin on inflammatory response in brain tissue in Parkinson's mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parkinson's disease model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Sixty 8-10-weeks-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups control, Parkinson, prophylaxis, and treatment. Control (0.9% NaCl 0.5 ml, 10 days, i.p.), Parkinson (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), prophylaxis (50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days + 25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), and treatment (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days + 50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days). The expressions and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were determined using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis.

RESULTS

Apigenin administration attenuated MPTP-induced histopathological changes in brain tissue. Furthermore, apigenin reversed the changes in expressions and concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that apigenin could be used as a neuroprotective option to attenuate neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease.

F2-sulfated polysaccharides of Laetiporus sulphureus suppress triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) are a unique secondary metabolite isolated from Laetiporus sulphureus. This study examined the detailed molecular mechanisms of action of F2, a medium molecular weight SPS of L. sulphureus, on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and metastasis. Results showed that the sulfate and protein content of F2 were 2.1 % and 15.6 %, respectively. F2 had a molecular weight of 23.8 kDa and did not contain a triple helix conformation. The monosaccharide composition of F2 was mannose, galactose, glucose, and fucose. F2 inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation mainly by blocking the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, which was attributed to the down-regulation of CDK4 and cyclin D1 and the up-regulation of p21 protein expression. F2 suppressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated intracellular signaling events, such as phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and GSK-3β and activation of NF-κB and β-catenin, resulting in the cell cycle arrest. Moreover, F2 significantly reduced the EGFR phosphorylation and expression, and the level of mutant p53 protein. F2 also effectively inhibited breast cancer cell migration and invasion through down-regulating MMP-9 and MMP-2 protein expression. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that F2 exhibited anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities against MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the activation of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways.

Therapeutic potential and limitation of condensed and hydrolyzed tannins in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the accumulation of misfolded proteins such as α-synuclein. This review explores the therapeutic potential of tannins, particularly proanthocyanidins and hydrolyzable tannins from grape seeds, in alleviating Parkinson's disease pathology. Condensed tannins exhibit significant antioxidant properties, can cross the blood-brain barrier, reduce oxidative stress, upregulate antioxidant proteins, and prevent neuronal apoptosis. Hydrolyzable tannins, through their unique chemical structure, further help reduce neuroinflammation and improve mitochondrial function. Both types of tannins can modulate inflammatory responses and enhance mitochondrial integrity, addressing key aspects of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Tannins possess excellent neuroprotective effects, representing a promising therapeutic approach. However, due to their chemical nature and structural characteristics, the bioavailability of tannins in the human body remains low. Current methods to enhance their bioavailability are limited. Further exploration is needed to improve their bioavailability and strengthen their potential clinical applications. Based on this, new Parkinson's disease treatment strategies can be developed, warranting in-depth research and clinical validation.

Baicalin restores dopamine homeostasis in the ADHD model by regulating DAT-VMAT2 transport imbalance through activation of the Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1 pathway

The 'dopamine (DA) deficit' theory is pivotal in understanding the pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the relationship betweeen an imbalance in the dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) the DA deficit remains poorly understood. Using the internationally recognized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) models, we investigated how a high oxidative stress (OS) state in vivo disrupts DAT-VMAT2 transport balance, a key factor influencing DA homeostasis. Our findings revealed abnormal levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in SHRs. Furthermore, the antioxidative stress-related nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway was inhibited, leading to excessive DAT activation and functional antagonism of VMAT2. Notably, Baicalin (BA) ameliorated these imbalances. Treatment with the VMAT2 inhibitor tetrabenazine (TBZ) exacerbated VMAT2 inhibition in SHRs brains, further activating DAT and restricting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. These results confirmed the strong link between the Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1 pathway the DAT-VMAT2 imbalance. Moreover, under high OS conditions, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB P65 (NF-κB P65) was triggered, leading to the upregulation of heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70). We aslo identified a potential negative feedback mechanism between HSC70 and VMAT2. In summary, our study uncovered a novel mechanism in ADHD pathogenesis, demonstrating that the DA deficits resulted from an imbalance between DAT and VMAT2. Remarkably, BA significantly reduced high levels of OS and inflammation by activating the Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1 pathway, thereby restoring DAT-VMAT2 transport balance and enhancing DA homeostasis. This discovery provides a solid foundation for further exploration of ADHD pathogenesis and offers new molecular insights for ADHD treatment.

From Synaptic Plasticity to Neurodegeneration: BDNF as a Transformative Target in Medicine

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has become one of the cornerstones of neuropathology, influencing synaptic plasticity, cognitive resilience, and neuronal survival. Apart from its molecular biology, BDNF is a powerful target for transformative benefit in precision medicine, leading to innovative therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, clinical applicability is obstructed by hurdles in delivery, patient-specific diversity, and pleiotropic signaling. Here, we summarize findings in BDNF research, including its regulatory pathways and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and integrative therapeutic approaches. We describe innovative delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA therapies and CRISPR-dCas9-based epigenetic editing that bypass obstacles such as BBB (blood-brain barrier) and enzymatic degradation. The recent implementation of multiplex panels combining BDNF biodynamic indicators with tau and amyloid-β signaling markers showcases novel levels of specificity for both early detection and potential therapeutic monitoring. Humanized preclinical models like iPSC-derived neurons and organoids point to the key role of BDNF in neurodeveloping and neurodegenerative processes, paralleling advances in bridging preclinical observation and clinical environments. Moreover, novel therapeutic tools delivering TrkB activators or the implementation of AI-based dynamic care platforms enable tailored and scalable treatments. This review also aims to extend a framework used in the understanding of BDNF's relevance to traditional neurodegenerative models by situating more recent work detailing BDNF's actions in ischemic tissues and the gut-brain axis in the context of systemic health. Finally, we outline a roadmap for the incorporation of BDNF-centered therapies into worldwide healthcare, highlighting ethical issues, equity, and interdisciplinary decomposition. The therapeutic potential of BDNF heralds a new era in neuroscience and medicine, revolutionizing brain health and paving the way for the advancement of precision medicine.

Biosensors for Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease: Principles, Applications, and Future Prospects

Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, imposes substantial economic burdens, including both direct and indirect costs. The medical community currently lacks a definitive cure for Parkinson's disease, and early detection is crucial for timely intervention and disease management. As innovative diagnostic tools, biosensors have shown great potential in detecting PD at its early stages. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in biosensors for the early detection of PD, with a particular focus on the detection of two key biomarkers: dopamine (DA) and α-synuclein (α-syn). Furthermore, it illustrates a variety of nanotechnology-based biosensors, including optical, electrochemical, and transistor biosensors, detailing their underlying principles, advantages, limitations, and applications in PD detection. Moreover, the review explores the challenges and prospects of advancing biosensors for early PD diagnosis.

Computational insights into magnetoelectric nanoparticles for neural stimulation

Introduction

This study investigates the potential of magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) as a novel tool for localized electric stimulation of the central nervous system at single-neuron level, addressing the need for precise and minimally invasive neural modulation.

Methods

Using a computational framework based on finite element methods coupled with neuronal dynamics simulations on a realistic model of a hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron, the study evaluates how MENPs' stimulation parameters influence neural activation. Analyses included electric potential distributions, the activating function along the axon, amplification coefficients required for action potential generation, spike propagation, and membrane potential. The study initially focused on highly localized stimulation using a nanometric MENP close to the axon and then demonstrated the feasibility of a more realistic framework involving a micrometric cluster of MENPs. To emulate physiological signal convergence, the summation effects of multiple MENPs strategically positioned across the basal dendritic tree near the axon were explored.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed the critical role of MENPs' configuration, location, and modulating stimuli in shaping neuronal responses, highlighting the feasibility of MENPs as a cutting-edge approach for precise neural stimulation. This work provides a foundation for integrating MENPs into therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Role of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Neurological Disorders: Insight into Therapeutic Approaches and Molecular Mechanisms

In the last few decades, the incidence and progression of neurological disorders have consistently increased, which mainly occur due to environmental pollution, genetic abnormalities, and modern lifestyles. Several case reports suggested that these factors enhanced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis, leading to neurological disease. The pathophysiology of neurological disorders is still not understood, mainly due to the diversity within affected populations. Existing treatment options primarily provide symptomatic relief but frequently come with considerable side effects, including depression, anxiety, and restlessness. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key signalling molecules regulating various cellular functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, electrical excitability, and injury responses. Hence, several investigations claimed a relationship between FGFs and neurological disorders, and their findings indicated that they could be used as therapeutic targets for neurological disorders. The FGFs are reported to activate various signalling pathways, including Ras/MAPK/PI3k/Akt, and downregulate the GSK-3β/NF-κB pathways responsible for anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, researchers are interested in developing novel treatment options for neurological disorders. The emergence of unreported FGFs contributes to our understanding of their involvement in these conditions and encourages further exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches. All the data were obtained from published articles using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using the search terms Fibroblast Growth Factor, PD, HD, AD, ALS, signalling pathways, and neurological disorders.

Evaluating Predictive Value of Plasma Free Hemoglobin (PFH) in ECMO for COVID-19, Non-COVID-19 Pulmonary, and Cardiac Patients

Background and Objectives: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can support patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure, but it poses risks such as hemolysis, leading to complications. Plasma-free hemoglobin (PFH) is a hemolysis biomarker, with elevated levels linked to mortality. This study evaluates PFH and ECMO survival in COVID-19, non-COVID-19 pulmonary, and cardiac patients, focusing on late PFH spikes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 122 ECMO patients treated at our tertiary hospital (January 2020-December 2021). Patients were categorized by indication: post-COVID-19, non-COVID-19 pulmonary, or cardiac. We classified patients as Expired (died during ECMO or ≤30 days post-ECMO) or Survived (>30 days post-ECMO). Data included demographics, ECMO duration, and PFH values at 24 h and during the last 3 and 5 ECMO days. Groups were compared using two-tailed t-tests, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. Results: COVID-19 patients survived after significantly longer ECMO duration than non-COVID-19 pulmonary and cardiac patients. Expired COVID-19 patients had higher PFH values during the last 3 and 5 days of ECMO compared to survivors. Cardiac patients had the highest overall PFH levels regardless of mortality. No significant differences in PFH trends were observed between non-COVID-19 pulmonary and cardiac patients. Conclusions: Late PFH spikes correlated with mortality in COVID-19 patients, suggesting the utility of measuring late PFH spikes in ECMO management. Additionally, COVID-19 pulmonary patients survived when undergoing ECMO significantly longer than both groups, while VA ECMO was more prone to hemolysis. However, technical cannulation differences and frequent use of an Impella pump in cardiac patients may increase blood stress and PFH values.

Cytokine Profile Analysis During Sialodacryoadenitis Virus and Mouse Hepatitis Virus JHM Strain Infection in Primary Mixed Microglia and Astrocyte Culture-Preliminary Research

The Coronaviridae family has again demonstrated the potential for significant neurological complications in humans during the recent pandemic. In patients, these symptoms persist throughout the infection, often lasting for months. The consequences of most of these post-infection symptoms might be linked with abnormal cytokine production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression, resulting in neuron damage. We investigated the effect of infection with the Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) JHM strain and Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV) on a primary microglia and astrocyte culture by analysing ROS production, cytokine and chemokine expression, and cell death during one month post infection. For this purpose, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and a high-throughput Luminex ProcartaPlex immunopanel for 48 cytokines and chemokines were utilised. The replication of MHV-JHM and SDAV in microglia and astrocytes has increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The cytokine expression induced by the two viruses differed, as did their detection after infection. SDAV infection resulted in a much broader cytokine response compared to that of MHV-JHM. Both viruses significantly increased ROS levels and induced apoptosis in a small percentage of the cells, but without necrosis.

Dietary Nucleotides Enhance Neurogenesis, Cognitive Capacity, Muscle Function, and Body Composition in Older Adults: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

this study evaluated the differential effects of two distinct dietary nucleotide supplements, combined with spontaneous physical activity, on neuromuscular, cognitive, and metabolic adaptations in older adults.

METHODS

Sixty-nine physically independent older adults (aged 60-75 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) a yeast nucleotides formulation (YN) standardized in a high content of free nucleotides (>40%) rich in all macro and micro nutrients naturally occurring in yeast cell (amino acids, minerals and B-group vitamin); (2) a neuro-based formulation (NF) consisting of a blend of monophosphate nucleotides 5'; or (3) a placebo. Participants maintained their spontaneous physical activities without structured exercise during a 10-week intervention. Assessments included physical function, cognitive performance, body composition, quality of life, and serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurogenesis.

RESULTS

Both nucleotide-supplemented groups demonstrated significant improvements compared to placebo in physical performance (p ≤ 0.045), cognitive function (Trail Making Test B [TMT-B]: p ≤ 0.012), oxidative stress biomarkers (p ≤ 0.048), inflammatory cytokines (p ≤ 0.023), and quality-of-life parameters (p ≤ 0.047). Body composition remained stable in supplemented groups, whereas placebo increased fat mass (5.04%) and decreased muscle mass (-2.18%).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary nucleotide supplementation enhances the benefits of spontaneous physical activity across all measured variables in older adults, highlighting nucleotides as promising nutritional support for healthy aging. YN exhibited a trend toward greater inflammatory modulation, whereas NF showed a tendency toward enhanced neurotrophic effects and functional improvements, with a statistically significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.014). These findings underscore the potential for tailored nucleotide-based interventions to optimize distinct physiological domains in aging populations.

Epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of bacterial meningitis in hospitalized children in China: a 6-year nationwide retrospective study

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease. Study of bacterial meningitis of children in recent years are limited. It is unclear whether there have been any changes in the epidemiological characteristics of bacterial meningitis during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to describe a large, nationwide study of bacterial meningitis in China. We analyzed data of hospitalized patients with bacterial meningitis from 30 hospitals in China from 2016-2021. A total of 16566 episodes of bacterial meningitis were included, of which 13614 episodes (82.18%) occurred in children age under 5-years old. The admission proportion of bacterial meningitis to total hospitalization decreased from 0.24% to 0.16% after COVID -19 pandemic (under COVID -Zero Strategy) (P < .0001). The risk of at least one complication was 26.45% (4382/16566). The three most common complications were hydrocephalus (2351, 14.19%), subdural effusions or empyema (1438, 8.68%), and seizures (794, 4.79%). Ninety-one (0.55%) patients died in hospital. Risks of complications and mortality (0.55%) were related to age under 5 years old (P < .0001). The median length of stay and inpatient expenditures for children with bacterial meningitis were 16 days and 2,697.38 USD.ConclusionsBacterial meningitis mostly occurred in children aged < 5 y. The percentage of 30 tertiary hospitalized children with bacterial meningitis apparently decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninety-one (0.55%) patients died in the hospital.

Urolithin improves α-synuclein aggregation and DNMT1 expression in rotenone model of Parkinson's disease

α-synuclein aggregation is a key hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). We examined the multi-targeting effects of urolithin (UA, UB, UC, UD, UE, UM5, and UM6) against α-synuclein aggregation using an in-silico and in-vitro approach. For in-silico analysis, several potential targets were selected like 1XQ8 (α-synuclein monomer), 1H1D (catechol-o-methyltransferase), 2BK3 (monoamine oxidase-B), 3IAM (NADH dehydrogenase), 4I5I (Sirtuin-1), and 5WVO [DNA methyltransferase-1], which play key role in α-synuclein aggregation, levodopa degradation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In protein-protein docking analysis, 5HF9 (acetylcholinesterase, AChE) was found to interact with 1XQ8 dimer, forming a more stable complex with two additional H-bonds and one salt bridge, which indicates AChE's role as a nucleator in α-synuclein aggregation. In ligand docking and molecular dynamic studies, urolithin-A (UA) formed a more stable complex with 1XQ8, 4I5I, and 5WVO compared to specific inhibitor 1XQ8-ZPD2 and specific activator 4I5I-resveratrol. While other urolithins (UE, UM5, UC, and UD) displayed a more stable complex with 5HF9, 2BK3, 1H1D, and 3IAM compared to specific inhibitor 5HF9-physostigmine, 2BK3-selegiline, 1H1D-BIA, and specific activator 3IAM-resveratrol complexes, respectively. The blood-brain barrier permeability of UA (QPlogBB: -0.97) was predicted to be more than levodopa (QPlogBB: -1.44) and less than rotenone (QPlogBB: 0.08). DNMT1 inhibitor (5-Aza-dC) and rotenone robustly decreased the DNMT1 and α-synuclein expression in Neuro 2 A cells which was significantly reversed by UA treatment at 31.25 µM concentration. These findings indicate the potential of urolithins, specifically UA, UC, UD, UE, and UM5 against α-synuclein aggregation.