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Wang W, Gopal S, Pocock R, Xiao Z. Glycan Mimetics from Natural Products: New Therapeutic Opportunities for Neurodegenerative Disease. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244604. [PMID: 31888221 PMCID: PMC6943557 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) affect millions of people worldwide. Characterized by the functional loss and death of neurons, NDs lead to symptoms (dementia and seizures) that affect the daily lives of patients. In spite of extensive research into NDs, the number of approved drugs for their treatment remains limited. There is therefore an urgent need to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of NDs. Glycans (carbohydrate chains) are ubiquitous, abundant, and structural complex natural biopolymers. Glycans often covalently attach to proteins and lipids to regulate cellular recognition, adhesion, and signaling. The importance of glycans in both the developing and mature nervous system is well characterized. Moreover, glycan dysregulation has been observed in NDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, glycans are promising but underexploited therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of glycans in NDs. We also discuss a number of natural products that functionally mimic glycans to protect neurons, which therefore represent promising new therapeutic approaches for patients with NDs.
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Bajpai VK, Chandra V, Kim NH, Rai R, Kumar P, Kim K, Aeron A, Kang SC, Maheshwari DK, Na M, Rather IA, Park YH. Ghost probiotics with a combined regimen: a novel therapeutic approach against the Zika virus, an emerging world threat. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2017; 38:438-454. [PMID: 28877637 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2017.1368445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) used to be an obscure flavivirus closely related to dengue virus (DENV). Transmission of this epidemic pathogen occurs mainly via mosquitoes, but it is also capable of placental and sexual transmission. Although the characteristics of these viruses are well defined, infections are unpredictable in terms of disease severity, unusual clinical manifestations, unexpected methods of transmission, long-term persistence, and the development of new strains. Recently, ZIKV has gained huge medical attention following the large-scale epidemics around the world, and reported cases of congenital abnormalities associated with Zika virus infections which have created a public health emergency of international concern. Despite continuous research on ZIKV, no specific treatment or vaccine has been developed, excepting a preventive strategy for congenital ZIKV infection. Probiotics, known as GRAS, are bacteria that confer various health beneficial effects, and have been shown to be effective at curing a number of viral diseases by modulating the immune system. Furthermore, probiotic preparations consisting of dead cells and cellular metabolites, so-called "Ghost probiotics", can also act as biological response modifiers. Here, we review available information on the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical features of ZIKV, and on treatment and prevention strategies. In addition, we emphasize the use of probiotics and plant-based natural remedies and describe their action mechanisms, and the green technologies for microbial conversion, which could contribute to the development of novel therapies that may reduce the pathogenicity of ZIKV. Accordingly, we draw attention to new findings, unanswered questions, unresolved issues, and controversies regarding ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek K Bajpai
- a Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Vishal Chandra
- b Department of Biosciences , Integral University , Lucknow , India.,c Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC) , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Na-Hyung Kim
- d Department of Oriental Pharmacy , Wonkwang University , Iksan-city , Jeonbuk , Korea
| | - Rajni Rai
- e School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- e School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Kangmin Kim
- f Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences , Chonbuk National University , Iksan-si , Jeonbuk , Korea
| | - Abhinav Aeron
- f Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences , Chonbuk National University , Iksan-si , Jeonbuk , Korea
| | - Sun Chul Kang
- g Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering , Daegu University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - D K Maheshwari
- h Department of Botany and Microbiology , Gurukul Kangri University , Haridwar , India
| | - MinKyun Na
- i College of Pharmacy , Chungnam National University , Daejeon , Korea
| | - Irfan A Rather
- a Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Yong-Ha Park
- a Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
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