Permeability Data of Organosulfur Garlic Compounds Estimated by Immobilized Artificial Membrane Chromatography: Correlation Across Several Biological Barriers

Recent developments in the application of immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatography to drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

Immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatography is widely used in many aspects of drug discovery. It employs stationary phases, which contain phospholipids combining simulation of biological membranes with rapid measurements.

AREAS COVERED

Advances in IAM stationary phases, chromatographic conditions and the underlying retention mechanism are discussed. The potential of IAM chromatography to model permeability and drug-membrane interactions as well as its use to estimate pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity endpoints including ecotoxicity, is outlined. Efforts to construct models for prediction IAM retention factors are presented.

EXPERT OPINION

IAM chromatography, as a border case between partitioning and binding, has broadened its application from permeability studies to encompass processes involving tissue binding. Most IAM-based permeability models are hybrid models incorporating additional molecular descriptors, while for the estimation of pharmacokinetic properties and binding to off targets, IAM retention is combined with other biomimetic properties. However, for its integration into routine drug discovery protocols, reliable IAM prediction models implemented in relevant software should be developed, to enable its use in virtual screening and the design of new molecules. Conversely, preparation of new IAM columns with different phospholipids or mixed monomers offers enhanced flexibility and the potential to tailor the conditions according to the target property.

A review on the effect of garlic on diabetes, BDNF, and VEGF as a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Garlic is one of the favorite herbs in traditional medicine that has been reported to have many medicinal features. The aim of the current study is to review the latest documents on the effect of garlic on diabetes, VEGF, and BDNF and, finally, to review the existing studies on the effect of garlic on diabetic retinopathy.

MAIN TEXT

The therapeutic effect of garlic on diabetes has been investigated in various studies. Diabetes, especially in advanced stages, is associated with complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which is caused by the alteration in the expression of molecular factors involved in angiogenesis, neurodegeneration, and inflammation in the retina. There are different in-vitro and in-vivo reports on the effect of garlic on each of these processes. Considering the present concept, we extracted the most related English articles from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus English databases from 1980 to 2022. All in-vitro and animal studies, clinical trials, research studies, and review articles in this area were assessed and classified.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

According to previous studies, garlic has been confirmed to have beneficial antidiabetic, antiangiogenesis, and neuroprotective effects. Along with the available clinical evidence, it seems that garlic can be suggested as a complementary treatment option alongside common treatments for patients with diabetic retinopathy. However, more detailed clinical studies are needed in this field.

Therapeutic Potential of Allicin and Aged Garlic Extract in Alzheimer’s Disease

Garlic, Allium sativum, has long been utilized for a number of medicinal purposes around the world, and its medical benefits have been well documented. The health benefits of garlic likely arise from a wide variety of components, possibly working synergistically. Garlic and garlic extracts, especially aged garlic extracts (AGEs), are rich in bioactive compounds, with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. In light of these effects, garlic and its components have been examined in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia without therapy, and a growing health concern in aging societies. With the aim of offering an updated overview, this paper reviews the chemical composition, metabolism and bioavailability of garlic bioactive compounds. In addition, it provides an overview of signaling mechanisms triggered by garlic derivatives, with a focus on allicin and AGE, to improve learning and memory.

Odorant Metabolism in Humans

Odorants are relatively small molecules which are easily taken up and distributed in the human body. Despite their relevance in everyday life, however, only a limited amount of evidence about their metabolism, pathways, and bioactivities in the human body exists. With this Review, we aim to encourage future interdisciplinary research on the function and mechanisms of the biotransformation of odorants, involving different disciplines such as nutrition, medicine, biochemistry, chemistry, and sensory sciences. Starting with a general overview of the different ways of odorant uptake and enzymes involved in the metabolism of odorants, a more precise description of biotransformation processes and their function in the oral cavity, the nose, the lower respiratory tract (LRT), and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is given together with an overview of the different routes of odorant excretion. Finally, perspectives for future research are discussed.