Famotidine (FAM) is a potent blocker of histamine H2 receptors that is widely used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers. Very low oral bioavailability (40%–50%) has been reported due to its gastric degradation and poor solubility, which limits its clinical applicability. FAM-loaded nanosponges (NSs) were formulated using the emulsion solvent evaporation method to increase their therapeutic efficacy and characterized for percentage yield, entrapment, particle size distribution, and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 204.88 nm with entrapment efficiency of 66.59% and sustained drug release of 76.75% ± 0.68% for up to 12 hours. In vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that mean Cmax and AUC0–12 in the group administered with NS3 was 1.78 and 1.70 folds higher than the group administered with pure drug, which showed improved oral bioavailability of FAM when loaded into NSs. Moreover, in animals administered with optimized FAM-loaded NSs, the ulcer index was found to be 5.77% ± 0.69% in comparison to 19.23% ± 0.82% in the group administered with FAM solution and 28.72% ± 0.97% in the ulcer control group. Results of the study suggested that NSs are a promising tool for enhancing the oral bioavailability of FAM in the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pressing global health issue defined by impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction. Emerging research underscores the involvement of the gut microbiome in the development and progression of T2DM. A comprehensive online search was conducted across PUBMED, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify all original research articles published in India and internationally over the past 5 years on the topic of gut dysbiosis and diabetes. A mini review was carried out based on their findings. Composed of trillions of microorganisms, the gut microbiota influences host metabolism, immunity, and inflammatory responses. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in microbial composition—particularly, an altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio—has been linked to metabolic disorders, including T2DM. Studies show that individuals with T2DM exhibit decreased levels of beneficial, fibre-degrading bacteria and increased opportunistic pathogens and mucus-degrading microbes. Antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, acarbose, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors have been shown to modulate the gut microbiome, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between microbiota and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, pharmacomicrobiomics—a field examining microbiota-drug interactions—highlights how individual microbial profiles may predict drug response and side effects. Specific bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis, can even degrade GLP-1, reducing the efficacy of GLP-1-based treatments. Incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into treatment regimens has shown potential in restoring microbial balance, increasing short-chain fatty acid production, and enhancing glucose metabolism. These interventions may support gut barrier integrity, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity. This review seeks to examine the intricate connection between gut microbiome and T2DM, insights into the disease mechanisms, and opens avenues for personalized and more effective therapeutic strategies. Targeting the microbiome may revolutionize diabetes management by enabling microbiota-informed treatment approaches to mitigate disease burden.

Hemosiderosis refers to the deposition of surplus iron in body tissues without evidence of structural damage. This condition predominantly afflicts patients with thalassemia who receive recurrent blood transfusions. Iron overload (IO) provokes the elevation of nontransferrin-bound iron (NTBI) and the generation of reactive oxygen species, ultimately culminating in cardiomyopathy. Deferiprone (DFP), a conventional iron-chelating agent, exhibits a range of side effects, including agranulocytosis. Phaleria macrocarpa, commonly known as Mahkota Dewa, contains mangiferin, a polyphenolic xanthone glucoside with iron-chelating properties. The combination of P. macrocarpa fruit extract and DFP is anticipated to reduce side effects and avert the onset of cardiomyopathy. This study employed 36 male Sprague Dawley rats subjected to both P. macrocarpa fruit extract and DFP, while simultaneously inducing IO during the course of treatment. The measured parameters encompassed cardiac iron levels, myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and the activation of senescence genes p21 and SUR2A. The combined administration of P. macrocarpa extract and a half-dose of deferiprone (DPM2) substantially lowered cardiac iron levels, myocardial MDA content, and plasma BNP levels. Notably, the expression of senescence genes p21 and SUR2A, regarded as pivotal indicators of cardiomyopathy, was universally suppressed across all treatment groups.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents a profoundly enigmatic neurodegenerative ailment marked by the inexorable degradation of dopaminergic neurons. Recent scientific inquiry has brought to the forefront the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as a central participant within the intricate terrain of PD etiology. The present review endeavors to provide an exhaustive examination of the intricate interrelationship between RAS and PD, elucidating the mechanisms that underlie the harmful progression of this condition. Oxidative stress assumes a central position in PD pathogenesis, and the brain’s RAS, with a focus on Angiotensin II (Ang II), emerges as a catalyst for this phenomenon. Ang II, through AT1 receptors, triggers the production of reactive oxygen species via NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes, posing a significant threat to dopaminergic neurons. Moreover, Ang II exerts influence on neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and neurotrophic factors, amplifying neuronal vulnerability. Clinical and pre-clinical evidence underscores the potential of RAS modulators, including ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), in mitigating neurodegeneration in PD. These findings offer a promising avenue for novel treatments targeting RAS to protect dopaminergic neurons and alleviate PD symptoms. Natural compounds, specifically flavonoids, have attracted considerable scientific interest as prospective angiotensin-converting enzyme ACEIs. In the future, a deeper understanding of flavonoid metabolism and neuronal access will be instrumental in optimizing their therapeutic potential. Investigating the precise mechanisms by which flavonoids interact with the blood-brain barrier and neuronal tissues may yield innovative treatment strategies for PD.

In the pursuit of potent antioxidant sources for potential health benefits, significant attention has been directed toward polyphenols. This research is especially relevant in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC), a widespread and deadly malignancy. The exploration of preventive strategies has led to a growing interest in grapes and their derivatives, such as juices and wines, which offer various consumption options based on grape type. This investigation encompasses a comprehensive analysis of multiple grape components: skin, pulp, seed, pomace, wine, juice, and extracts. These assessments serve as a critical reference for exploring functional ingredients from grapes and their potential as chemopreventive agents against colon cancer. This scientific literature review aims to provide an in-depth overview of advancements from 2012 to 2023. A systematic review reveals varying polyphenol concentrations in different grape components and their correlation with antioxidant capacities. In addition, the chemical profiles of these matrices are analyzed concerning their antioxidant properties, antiproliferative effects, and cytotoxicity, validated through in vitro and in vivo models simulating CRC scenarios. This research seeks to demonstrate grapes’ potential, in their diverse forms, as promising functional food options.

Drug utilization is inevitably accompanied by a high potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs), ranging from mild to life-threatening events. Studies on the pattern of ADRs reported by healthcare professionals are still limited in Indonesia. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate spontaneous ADRs reported to the monitoring unit at a national cancer hospital in Indonesia. These reactions were assessed for causality using the Naranjo Probability Scale (NPS), while severity assessment was carried out using the NCI CTCAE V.5.0 (National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0) scale. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive analysis, and a total of 553 ADRs in 280 patients reported from January 2021 to December 2022 were assessed. The results showed that the most common reactions were nausea (11.6%), vomiting (9.9%), and constipation (7.2%). In addition, morphine, docetaxel, and cisplatin were identified as the most common substances causing ADRs. Causality assessment showed that 62.4% of ADRs were “probable” and 27.8% were “definite.” Severity assessment results showed that most reactions (48.8%) were classified as grade 2 (moderate), while 29.5% were grade 1 (mild). Based on these results, the incidence of ADRs among patients was a significant concern, which required active monitoring for prompt identification and treatment.

Citrus species essential oils (EOs) are significant sources of bioactive compounds and demonstrate diverse therapeutic effects. However, limited documentation exists regarding the phytochemicals associated with their biological activities. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity, plant inhibitory properties, and brine shrimp cytotoxic effects of EOs derived from three Citrus species: C. sinensis, C. limon, and C. hystrix. Utilizing chemometric analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fingerprints, the volatile components contributing to antioxidant activity were elucidated. The peels of the Citrus samples were hydro-distillated to obtain EOs, and subsequently subjected to antioxidant, plant inhibitory, and brine shrimp cytotoxic assays. The results indicated that C. limon EO exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while C. hystrix and C. sinensis EOs demonstrated pronounced inhibitory effects against Artemia salina and Lactuca sativa, respectively. GC-MS analysis facilitated the identification of key compounds in each EO. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis effectively categorized Citrus EOs based on their antioxidant properties, highlighting the proximity of C. limon and C. sinensis. Among the identified compounds, D-limonene, α-terpineol, caryophyllene, (+)-3-carene, β-pinene, (-)-spathulenol, trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, and trans-verbenol were the most discriminating compounds affected the antioxidant activity of C.limon and C. sinensis EOs.

The Thermus thermophilus (Tth) DNA polymerase enzyme, originating from the thermophilic bacterium T. thermophilus, exhibits bifunctionally as both a DNA polymerase and a reverse transcriptase. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the T. thermophilus DNA polymerase enzyme frequently results in the formation of inclusion bodies. This occurrence is attributed to the rapid rate of protein expression in E. coli which surpasses the availability of chaperone proteins and reduced cytoplasmic conditions. The formation of inclusion bodies can reduce the recovery of soluble protein. A combination of GroEL/ES and trigger factor chaperone co-expression was used to overcome this deficiency. Thermus thermophilus gene DNA Pol/pG-Tf3 was transformed into the host E. coli BL21(DE3) and expressed with and without chaperone co-expression. Utilizing co-expression of the chaperone combination GroEL/ ES and trigger factor can reduce the formation of inclusion bodies or decrease the insoluble fraction in the expression of the T. thermophilus DNA polymerase enzyme, resulting in a co-expression total protein content of 3.9258 mg/ml.

Effective diabetes prevention and control are needed to address Asia’s growing diabetes epidemic. This meta-analysis assessed how sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) affected cardiorenal outcomes in Asians. A comprehensive review of literature from PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and citation searching up to December 2023 identified 13 randomized controlled trials comparing SGLT2Is and placebo, involving 14,922 Asians with type 2 diabetes and a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, heart failure (HF), or chronic kidney disease. The RoB 2 tool assessed bias, while RevMan 5.3 synthesized quantitative data. There was no significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events for Asians (HR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.66–1.01) or in the Asia region (HR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.76–1.01). However, a notable benefit was observed for the composite of cardiovascular death/worsening HF in Asians (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.52–0.80) and the Asia region (HR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.58–0.75). Additionally, SGLT2Is demonstrated favourable renal outcomes for Asians (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.51–0.80) and the Asia region (HR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.56–0.74). Safety assessments revealed 2.88 times increased risk of Genital Mycotic Infections. GRADE analysis showed moderate to high certainty for all primary outcomes. In conclusion, SGLT2Is improve Asian renal outcomes. Real-world studies in Asia are recommended to assess the practical cardiorenal efficacy of SGLT2Is in routine healthcare settings.

The occurrence of germline mutations within the BRCA1/2 genes has been linked to an elevated vulnerability toward the onset of breast cancer (BC). At present, ongoing clinical trials are being undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors as a therapeutic intervention for BC, with particular emphasis on their application in the management of BC patients harboring BRCA1/2 gene mutations. The objective of this research was to investigate the presence of different expression genes in BC with BRCA1/2 mutations compared to the wild type and to evaluate the impact of PARP inhibitor therapy on the DEGs. This study utilized two distinct datasets sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The initial datasets utilized in this study were GSE25835 and GSE40115. These datasets were employed to conduct a comparative analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BC cases with BRCA1/2 mutations and those with wild-type status. Whereas in the GSE55399 dataset, the DEGs were compared between PARP inhibitor treatment and no PARP inhibitor treatment. The interactions among DEGs were assessed utilizing the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins tool and subsequently displayed through the use of Cytoscape software. The molecular complex detection technique was employed for the identification of gene clusters within the interaction network. The DEGs that were discovered were further analyzed for gene ontology (GO) enrichment using Enrichr and CLueGO. Furthermore, the biological pathways linked to these DEGs were examined using REACTOME. We got significant DEGs by using parameter p-value of 0.05; log2FC > 1 and log2FC < −1. The GO analysis conducted on the DEGs revealed their significant involvement in crucial biological processes and molecular pathways. For datasets GSE25835 and GSE40115, it showed the effect on BRCA1/2 mutations was upregulating cell cycle response and downregulating mRNA splicing. For dataset GSE55399, the impact of PARP inhibitor treatments was upregulating the interferon signaling and downregulating the cytokine signaling. Our study identified hub genes of cell cycle response (CDK1 and BIRC5) that are strongly linked to BRCA1/2 mutation and hub genes of interferon signaling interferon-induced transmembrane 1 (IFITM1) and cytokine signaling (IL11) that are strongly linked to PARP inhibitor treatments in BRCA1/2 mutant carriers. We identified hub genes of cell cycle response (CDK1 and BIRC5) that are strongly linked to BRCA1/2 mutation. PARP inhibitor treatments in BRCA1/2 mutant carriers are strongly related to the upregulation of IFITM1 (interferon signaling) and the downregulation of IL11 (cytokine signaling). Therefore, PARP inhibitors may improve the treatment by activation/modulation the immune system and attenuating the inflammatory response. However, the dataset used to analyze the DEGs of PARP inhibitor treatments in BRCA1/2 mutant carriers still used BC cell lines, forthcoming research may be able to use clinical patients as the subjects. Moreover, functional studies are further needed to validate this finding.