Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical and other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers, with high-risk HPV types such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 playing a major role in oncogenesis. The viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 interfere with tumor suppressor proteins p53 and retinoblastoma (pRb), leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, genetic instability, and resistance to apoptosis. While HPV vaccines have significantly reduced infection rates, they do not eliminate pre-existing infections or treat HPV-associated malignancies. This has driven interest in gene therapy as a potential treatment option for HPV-induced cellular damage. Gene therapy approaches, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, have demonstrated efficacy in selectively targeting and disrupting HPV oncogenes, leading to tumor regression. Other gene-editing techniques, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), also show promise in HPV gene disruption. Efficient delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), are being optimized to enhance therapeutic outcomes. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning off-target effects, delivery efficiency, and potential immunogenic responses. This review explores the mechanisms of HPV-induced carcinogenesis, the role of gene therapy in targeting viral oncogenes, and advancements in gene-editing technologies. Future directions include integrating gene therapy with immunotherapy, developing personalized treatment strategies, and improving delivery mechanisms to enhance specificity and safety. While gene therapy holds significant promise for eradicating HPV-driven malignancies, further research is needed to refine these approaches for clinical application.Keywords:Oncology, Cancer biology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genomics

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent cancer globally. Incidence rises with age and has been highest in developed countries, but it is rapidly increasing in many less developed countries and among younger generations in both developed and developing nations. MMP-7 is a key enzyme in the progression of colon cancer, making it a potential therapeutic target.Methods: This study used a computational screening method to determine the efficacy of natural terpenoids as MMP-7 inhibitors. The MMP-7 inhibitor TQI was used as a positive control. A total of 355 natural terpenoid compounds were gathered from literature and public databases. Each compound was obtained in SDF format, converted into 3D structures for molecular docking analyses. PyRx (0.8 version), utilizing the AutoDock Vina docking engine was employed for virtual screening through molecular docking.Results: Three potential candidates, retinol (vitamin A), carnosic acid, and gibberellic acid, were identified as showing strong binding affinities toward MMP-7 compared with the co-crystallized inhibitor TQI. ADMET analysis indicated compound-specific pharmacokinetic and safety profiles: retinol exhibited high predicted oral bioavailability but lower solubility, whereas carnosic acid and gibberellic acid showed more favorable non-toxicity and hERG safety percentiles.Conclusion: These findings highlight the promise of natural terpenoids as novel MMP-7 inhibitors in colon cancer treatment, necessitating further validation and experimental research to determine their efficacy and therapeutic potential.Keywords:Colon cancer, Natural compounds, Terpenoids, Computational analysis

Animal brucellosis is a contagious and zoonotic disease prevalent in many countries particularly in developing nations where unhygienic practices are more common. It is caused by an intracellular bacterium; hence the incubation period is prolonged. Most animals show clinical symptoms in last trimester which leads to economic losses. Trade restrictions are another problem for the endemic regions. In terms of public health, carrier animals are the source of the diseases either through consumption of animal products (milk, meat etc.) and also through direct contact with animals. The clinical diseases can be diagnosed through various methods including culture, serology, ELISAs, PCR, qPCR etc. However, the sub-clinical cases are difficult to diagnose and remains a threat to other animals and humans. So in this article the literature has been thoroughly reviewed regarding inflammatory markers that have potential to be used as diagnostic tools in carrier/sub-clinical cases. Among these TNF-α, Interleukins, IFN-γ have been reported to be most widely used markers. Keywords:Brucellosis, Animal, Markers, TNF-α, Interleukins

Background: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly biocompatible biopolymer valued for its unique nanofibrillar structure, excellent mechanical strength, high water retention, and intrinsic non-toxicity, making it particularly suitable for biomedical applications.Methods: A three-dimensional (3D) composite scaffold composed of BC and fish collagen peptides (FCP) was fabricated via a one-step in situ biosynthesis method by incorporating optimized concentrations of FCP (0.1% and 0.5%) into the BC culture medium during bacterial fermentation. The structural integrity and surface morphology of the scaffolds were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The biological functionality of the scaffolds was further evaluated by culturing HT-22 neuronal cells (mouse hippocampal origin) on both pristine BC and BC-FCP scaffolds. Cell adhesion, morphology, and neurite outgrowth were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy after 2 days of incubation.Results: The BC-FCP composite scaffolds demonstrated superior microstructural integrity and biological performance compared to pristine BC. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a denser and more uniform nanofibrous architecture in BC-FCP scaffolds, confirming the successful incorporation and uniform distribution of collagen peptides within the cellulose matrix. HT-22 neuronal cells cultured on these scaffolds showed markedly enhanced adhesion, spreading, and neurite outgrowth, particularly at the higher FCP concentrations (0.5%) demonstrating the neuro-supportive capability of the composite system.Conclusion: The BC-FCP composite scaffolds significantly enhance neuronal adhesion and growth, making them promising candidates for neural tissue engineering and regenerative applications.Keywords:Bacterial cellulose, Fish collagen peptides, 3D scaffolds, Biocompatibility, Neuronal outgrowth

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacillus found ubiquitously in nature and is known to cause life-threatening infections. A prime example of an opportunistic pathogen, P. aeruginosa is responsible for infections in environmental, industrial, and hospital settings. It has been classified as one of the “superbugs” involved in nosocomial infections and is a member of the ESKAPE pathogen group. Its virulent nature makes it a potent causative organism in both device-associated infections (such as catheter-associated bloodstream and urinary tract infections) and non-device-related infections (such as cystic fibrosis, otitis media, keratitis, and ventilator-associated pneumonia). Despite the use of various antimicrobial agents against P. aeruginosa, complications from hospital-acquired infections persist. Multiple studies have demonstrated, P. aeruginosa readily forms biofilms during prolonged infections, making treatment more challenging. This can be attributed to the fact that antibiotics are less effective against microbial biofilms. P. aeruginosa possesses several virulence factors, including lipopolysaccharides, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), and toxin secretion systems such as the type III secretion system (T3SS), which evade host immunity and compete with other bacteria. The synergistic effect of these factors, along with biofilm formation, protects the pathogen from host immune defenses and reduces the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. This review provides a conceptual framework for understanding the association between microbial biofilms and host immune responses. Additionally, it emphasizes the critical need to address P. aeruginosa biofilms to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital-acquired infections.Keywords: Biofilm; Immune response; Host interaction; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Device-related biofilm

Ascaris llumbricoides is a soil transmitted helminths (STH) found in many developing countries affecting about 820 million people worldwide. Anthelmintic drugs recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) are used to treat the STH infections due to their low cost and high efficacy against these parasites. Despite the treatment efforts, Ascaris lumbricoides remains an endemic issue sparking concerns about the parasite’s resistance to the anthelmintic drugs. This study aims to review the reports on the presence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of β-tubulin gene of codon 167, codon 198 and codon 200 that is associated with anthelmintic resistance in Ascaris lumbricoides. Only studies published between 2009 to 2020 were included to maintain the relevance of the findings from these publications to fit the criteria set. The reported prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides pre-treatment and post-treatment was collected and compared. The method or protocol done for DNA extraction and gene amplification was considered to the possible difference in results. The presence of SNPs detected in codon 167, codon 198 and codon 200 of β-tubulin gene of Ascaris lumbricoides is recorded in any reported polymorphism or heterozygous resistant gene. Molecular method that was used in studies that showed positive results were also recorded to compare the most suitable method in detecting SNPs of codons that are related to resistance in Ascaris lumbricoides. Seven publications from previous years ranging from 2009 to 2020 were reviewed, discussing the anthelmintic resistance markers found in Ascaris lumbricoides show evidence of the presence of SNPs in codon 167 and codon 200 of the β-tubulin gene. It can be concluded that the presence of these polymorphisms linked to anthelmintic resistance influences the efficacy of anthelmintics towards Ascaris lumbricoides.Keywords: Anthelmintic resistance; Ascaris lumbricoides; β-tubulin gene

Background: The present study explores the inhibitory effect of curcumin on the Enterococcal Surface Protein (ESP) of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), a key pathogen in endodontic and post-endodontic diseases.Methods: The 3D structure of ESP was modeled using SWISS-MODEL, and structural cavities were identified via CB-Dock2. Molecular docking was performed with DockingServer. ADMET properties were predicted using pkCSM, while curcumin’s biological activity and potential macromolecular targets were assessed using PASS Online and SwissTargetPrediction, respectively. Cytotoxicity of curcumin on HEK293 cells was evaluated by MTT assay.Results: Curcumin demonstrated good binding affinity (-11.06 kcal/mol) with ESP, supported by HBPlot analysis and SeamDock validation (-10.5 kcal/mol). Curcumin's deep binding within ESP's cavity suggests its potential to disrupt E. faecalis colonization and biofilm formation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy. ADMET predictions revealed favourable pharmacokinetic properties, including high intestinal absorption (82.19%) and no hepatotoxicity, positioning curcumin as a safe and effective candidate. PASS analysis highlighted curcumin's diverse biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory effects, aligning with its therapeutic potential. SwissTargetPrediction further identified potential protein targets, including transcription factors and kinases, broadening its applicability. Concentration- and time-dependent assays confirmed curcumin's non-toxic nature toward normal HEK293 cells, highlighting its safety profile.Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings collectively demonstrate curcumin's potential as a therapeutic agent for endodontic diseases, leveraging its ability to target E. faecalis virulence while addressing inflammation and oxidative stress. Keywords: Biofilm formation; Curcumin; Enterococcus faecalis; Endodontic diseases; Molecular docking; Post-endodontic diseases

Background: A major social, behavioral, and oral health issue is the prevalence of caries in children's teeth and gums at an early age. Caries arises from a bacterial infection due to several factors, including an unhealthy diet. Natural AMPs serve as a frontline defense against a broad variety of infections, while cytokines are biomarkers for a wide variety of disorders and also serve as essential agents in both immunological and inflammatory reactions. Many researchers have studied and reported the effects of LL-37 and TNF-α in Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children.Methods: Eighty kids between the ages of 4 and 5 took part in the research. 40 children were with caries and considered as the patient group, whereas the other children (40) were without caries of similar age and sex as the control subjects. Clinical caries experience is measured through a dental examination and the dmfs index. From all participants, samples were collected. Salivary LL-37 and TNF-α levels were analyzed by the ELISA.Result: The present investigation demonstrated a substantial rise (P ˂ 0.01) in the values of LL-37 and TNF-α in caries children compared to children without caries.Conclusion: The children with ECC were found to have an elevation in LL-37 and TNF-α. This indicated that decay associated with the elevating LL-37 and TNF-α levels.Keywords: LL-37; TNF-α; Caries, Dental; Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs); Early Childhood Caries

The article examines the impact of probiotics on human health, with a particular emphasis on their interaction with the host's microbiota. Methods. The review begins with an extensive search of literature in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to gather studies on the effects of probiotics on the composition of the microbiome, immune response, and metabolic functions. The authors emphasize that the human microbiota, which consists of various microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, supporting the immune system, and regulating metabolic health. Studies show that probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, contribute to gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria, regulating the immune response, and inhibiting pathogen growth. According to research, probiotics can be an effective adjunct treatment for conditions associated with microbiota imbalance. They may offer benefits for neurological, metabolic, and immune health.Keywords: Human Health; Probiotics; Microbiota; Gut Health; Immune System; Metabolic Health

Background: Hepatotoxicity is liver damage due to exposure to a toxic substance such as medications, alcohol, or certain chemicals. Iron induced hepatotoxicity may occur if the supplement is taken in excess or for an extended period.Methods: This study aimed to synthesize a series of flavone derivatives and estimate their roles as protective agents against iron-induced hepatotoxicity. Confirmation of the structure of the synthesized chalcone and flavone products was obtained through the use of FTIR spectroscopy as well as other physicochemical properties.Results: Excellent yields of chalcone derivatives were obtained through Aldol condensation of 2-hydroxyacetophenone and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde using SOCl2/ETOH as a catalyst. In contrast, oxidative cyclization of the synthesized 2'-chalcone derivative in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with iodine affords the corresponding flavone derivatives.Conclusion: The novel flavone compound exhibited a substantially efficient capability in hepatoprotection against iron overload, and we found that it exhibited antioxidant activity.Keywords: Chalcone derivative, Flavone derivative, Ferrous sulfate, Hepatotoxicity