Abstract: Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for health. After being obtained from food and taken up by the liver, selenium performs various physiological functions in the body in the form of selenoproteins, which are best known for their redox activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Selenium stimulates the activation of immune cells and is important for the activation of the immune system. Selenium is also essential for the maintenance of brain function. Selenium supplements can regulate lipid metabolism, cell apoptosis, and autophagy, and have displayed significant alleviating effects in most cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of increased selenium intake on the risk of cancer remains unclear. Elevated serum selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this relationship is complex and nonlinear. Selenium supplementation seems beneficial to some extent; however, existing studies have not fully explained the influence of selenium on various diseases. Further, more intervention trials are needed to verify the beneficial or harmful effects of selenium supplementation in various diseases.

Abstract: In humans, the cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of proteins is encoded by 16 genes presented in seven different classes. GSTs exhibit remarkable structural similarity with some overlapping functionalities. As a primary function, GSTs play a putative role in Phase II metabolism by protecting living cells against a wide variety of toxic molecules by conjugating them with the tripeptide glutathione. This conjugation reaction is extended to forming redox sensitive post-translational modifications on proteins: S-glutathionylation. Apart from these catalytic functions, specific GSTs are involved in the regulation of stress-induced signaling pathways that govern cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recently, studies on the effects of GST genetic polymorphisms on COVID-19 disease development revealed that the individuals with higher numbers of risk-associated genotypes showed higher risk of COVID-19 prevalence and severity. Furthermore, overexpression of GSTs in many tumors is frequently associated with drug resistance phenotypes. These functional properties make these proteins promising targets for therapeutics, and a number of GST inhibitors have progressed in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Abstract: Plants uptake and assimilate nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrate, ammonium ions, and available amino acids from organic sources. Plant nitrate and ammonium transporters are responsible for nitrate and ammonium translocation from the soil into the roots. The unique structure of these transporters determines the specificity of each transporter, and structural analyses reveal the mechanisms by which these transporters function. Following absorption, the nitrogen metabolism pathway incorporates the nitrogen into organic compounds via glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase that convert ammonium ions into glutamine and glutamate. Different isoforms of glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase exist, enabling plants to fine-tune nitrogen metabolism based on environmental cues. Under stressful conditions, nitric oxide has been found to enhance plant survival under drought stress. Furthermore, the interaction between salinity stress and nitrogen availability in plants has been studied, with nitric oxide identified as a potential mediator of responses to salt stress. Conversely, excessive use of nitrate fertilizers can lead to health and environmental issues. Therefore, alternative strategies, such as establishing nitrogen fixation in plants through diazotrophic microbiota, have been explored to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Ultimately, genomics can identify new genes related to nitrogen fixation, which could be harnessed to improve plant productivity.

Abstract: There are four members of the JAK family and seven of the STAT family in mammals. The JAK/STAT molecular pathway could be activated by broad hormones, cytokines, growth factors, and more. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway extensively mediates various biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and immune regulation. JAK/STAT activation is closely related to growth and development, homeostasis, various solid tumors, inflammatory illness, and autoimmune diseases. Recently, with the deepening understanding of the JAK/STAT pathway, the relationship between JAK/STAT and the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases was noticed, including the liver, renal, heart, bone marrow, and lung. JAK inhibitor has been approved for myelofibrosis, and subsequently, JAK/STAT may serve as a promising target for fibrosis in other organs. Therefore, this article reviews the roles and mechanisms of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in fibrotic diseases.

Abstract: Apoptosis is the elimination of functionally non-essential, neoplastic, and infected cells via the mitochondrial pathway or death receptor pathway. The process of apoptosis is highly regulated through membrane channels and apoptogenic proteins. Apoptosis maintains cellular balance within the human body through cell cycle progression. Loss of apoptosis control prolongs cancer cell survival and allows the accumulation of mutations that can promote angiogenesis, promote cell proliferation, disrupt differentiation, and increase invasiveness during tumor progression. The apoptotic pathway has been extensively studied as a potential drug target in cancer treatment. However, the off-target activities of drugs and negative implications have been a matter of concern over the years. Phytochemicals (PCs) have been studied for their efficacy in various cancer cell lines individually and synergistically. The development of nanoparticles (NPs) through green synthesis has added a new dimension to the advancement of plant-based nanomaterials for effective cancer treatment. This review provides a detailed insight into the fundamental molecular pathways of programmed cell death and highlights the role of PCs along with the existing drugs and plant-based NPs in treating cancer by targeting its programmed cell death (PCD) network.

Abstract: Lipid peroxidation (LP) is the most important type of oxidative-radical damage in biological systems, owing to its interplay with ferroptosis and to its role in secondary damage to other biomolecules, such as proteins. The chemistry of LP and its biological consequences are reviewed with focus on the kinetics of the various processes, which helps understand the mechanisms and efficacy of antioxidant strategies. The main types of antioxidants are discussed in terms of structure–activity rationalization, with focus on mechanism and kinetics, as well as on their potential role in modulating ferroptosis. Phenols, pyri(mi)dinols, antioxidants based on heavy chalcogens (Se and Te), diarylamines, ascorbate and others are addressed, along with the latest unconventional antioxidant strategies based on the double-sided role of the superoxide/hydroperoxyl radical system.

Abstract: Hydrogels are being investigated for their application in inducing the regeneration of various tissues, and suitable conditions for each tissue are becoming more apparent. Conditions such as the mechanical properties, degradation period, degradation mechanism, and cell affinity can be tailored by changing the molecular structure, especially in the case of polymers. Furthermore, many high-functional hydrogels with drug delivery systems (DDSs), in which drugs or bioactive substances are contained in controlled hydrogels, have been reported. This review focuses on the molecular design and function of biopolymer-based hydrogels and introduces recent developments in functional hydrogels for clinical applications.

Abstract: Since the mid-1960s, methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii (previously described as Pichia pastoris) has received increasing scientific attention. The interest for the industrial production of proteins for different applications (e.g., feed, food additives, detergent, waste treatment processes, and textile) is a well-consolidated scientific topic, and the importance for this approach is rising in the current era of environmental transition in human societies. This review aims to summarize fundamental and specific information in this scientific field. Additionally, an updated description of the relevant products produced with K. phaffii at industrial levels by a variety of companies—describing how the industry has leveraged its key features, from products for the ingredients of meat-free burgers (e.g., IMPOSSIBLE™ FOODS, USA) to diabetes therapeutics (e.g., Biocon, India)—is provided. Furthermore, active patents and the typical workflow for industrial protein production with this strain are reported.

Abstract: Osteoporosis, one of the serious health diseases, involves bone mass loss, bone density diminishing, and degeneration of bone microstructure, which is accompanied by a tendency toward bone fragility and a predisposition to fracture. More than 200 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis, and the cost of treating osteoporotic fractures is expected to reach at least $25 billion by 2025. The generation and development of osteoporosis are regulated by genetic factors and regulatory factors such as TGF-β, BMP, and FGF through multiple pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway, the Notch signaling pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Among them, the Wnt signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways. It is not only involved in bone development and metabolism but also in the differentiation and proliferation of chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts. Dkk-1 and SOST are Wnt inhibitory proteins that can inhibit the activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and block the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Therefore, they may serve as potential targets for the treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we analyzed the mechanisms of Wnt proteins, β-catenin, and signaling molecules in the process of signal transduction and summarized the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and bone-related cells. We hope to attract attention to the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in osteoporosis and offer new perspectives and approaches to making a diagnosis and giving treatment for osteoporosis.

Abstract: Herbal medicine has a long history of medical efficacy with low toxicity, side effects and good biocompatibility. However, the bioavailability of the extract of raw herbs and bioactive compounds is poor because of their low water solubility. In order to overcome the solubility issues, electrospinning technology can offer a delivery alternative to resolve them. The electrospun fibers have the advantages of high specific surface area, high porosity, excellent mechanical strength and flexible structures. At the same time, various natural and synthetic polymer-bound fibers can mimic extracellular matrix applications in different medical fields. In this paper, the development of electrospinning technology and polymers used for incorporating herbal medicine into electrospun nanofibers are reviewed. Finally, the recent progress of the applications of these herbal medicine nanofibers in biomedical (drug delivery, wound dressing, tissue engineering) and food fields along with their future prospects is discussed.

Abstract: The classic description of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) involves progressive stages of glomerular hyperfiltration, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, and a decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), leading to dialysis. In recent years, this concept has been increasingly challenged as evidence suggests that DKD presents more heterogeneously. Large studies have revealed that eGFR decline may also occur independently from the development of albuminuria. This concept led to the identification of a new DKD phenotype: non-albuminuric DKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, absence of albuminuria), whose pathogenesis is still unknown. However, various hypotheses have been formulated, the most likely of which is the acute kidney injury-to-chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition, with prevalent tubular, rather than glomerular, damage (typically described in albuminuric DKD). Moreover, it is still debated which phenotype is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk, due to contrasting results available in the literature. Finally, much evidence has accumulated on the various classes of drugs with beneficial effects on DKD; however, there is a lack of studies analyzing the different effects of drugs on the various phenotypes of DKD. For this reason, there are still no specific guidelines for therapy in one phenotype rather than the other, generically referring to diabetic patients with CKD.

Abstract: Closely associated with aging and age-related disorders, cellular senescence (CS) is the inability of cells to proliferate due to accumulated unrepaired cellular damage and irreversible cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells are characterized by their senescence-associated secretory phenotype that overproduces inflammatory and catabolic factors that hamper normal tissue homeostasis. Chronic accumulation of senescent cells is thought to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in an aging population. This IDD is one of the largest age-dependent chronic disorders, often associated with neurological dysfunctions such as, low back pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Senescent cells (SnCs) increase in number in the aged, degenerated discs, and have a causative role in driving age-related IDD. This review summarizes current evidence supporting the role of CS on onset and progression of age-related IDD. The discussion includes molecular pathways involved in CS such as p53-p21CIP1, p16INK4a, NF-κB, and MAPK, and the potential therapeutic value of targeting these pathways. We propose several mechanisms of CS in IDD including mechanical stress, oxidative stress, genotoxic stress, nutritional deprivation, and inflammatory stress. There are still large knowledge gaps in disc CS research, an understanding of which will provide opportunities to develop therapeutic interventions to treat age-related IDD.

Abstract: Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, posing a serious health risk. Despite new advances in immune checkpoint and targeted therapies in recent years, the prognosis for lung cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages, remains poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to modulate tumor development at multiple levels, and as such, miRNA mimics and molecules aimed at regulating miRNAs have shown promise in preclinical development. More importantly, miRNA-based therapies can also complement conventional chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to reverse drug resistance and increase the sensitivity of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and miRNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials and have shown favorable development prospects. Therefore, in this paper, we review recent advances in miRNA-based therapies in lung cancer treatment as well as adjuvant therapy and present the current state of clinical lung cancer treatment. We also discuss the challenges facing miRNA-based therapies in the clinical application of lung cancer treatment to provide new ideas for the development of novel lung cancer therapies.

Abstract: Human tissues must be elastic, much like other materials that work under continuous loads without losing functionality. The elasticity of tissues is provided by elastin, a unique protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammals. Its function is to endow soft tissues with low stiffness, high and fully reversible extensibility, and efficient elastic–energy storage. Depending on the mechanical functions, the amount and distribution of elastin-rich elastic fibers vary between and within tissues and organs. The article presents a concise overview of the mechanical properties of elastin and its role in the elasticity of soft tissues. Both the occurrence of elastin and the relationship between its spatial arrangement and mechanical functions in a given tissue or organ are overviewed. As elastin in tissues occurs only in the form of elastic fibers, the current state of knowledge about their mechanical characteristics, as well as certain aspects of degradation of these fibers and their mechanical performance, is presented. The overview also outlines the latest understanding of the molecular basis of unique physical characteristics of elastin and, in particular, the origin of the driving force of elastic recoil after stretching.

Abstract: The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and clearance causes oxidative stress and ROS, which play a central role in regulating cell and tissue physiology and pathology. Contingent upon concentration, ROS influence cancer development in contradictory ways, either stimulating cancer survival and growth or causing cell death. Cells developed evolutionarily conserved programs to sense and adapt redox the fluctuations to regulate ROS as either signaling molecules or toxic insults. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-KEAP1 system is the master regulator of cellular redox and metabolic homeostasis. NRF2 has Janus-like roles in carcinogenesis and cancer development. Short-term NRF2 activation suppresses tissue injury, inflammation, and cancer initiation. However, cancer cells often exhibit constitutive NRF2 activation due to genetic mutations or oncogenic signaling, conferring advantages for cancer cells’ survival and growth. Emerging evidence suggests that NRF2 hyperactivation, as an adaptive cancer phenotype under stressful tumor environments, regulates all hallmarks of cancer. In this review, we summarized the source of ROS, regulation of ROS signaling, and cellular sensors for ROS and oxygen (O2), we reviewed recent progress on the regulation of ROS generation and NRF2 signaling with a focus on the new functions of NRF2 in cancer development that reach beyond what we originally envisioned, including regulation of cancer metabolism, autophagy, macropinocytosis, unfolded protein response, proteostasis, and circadian rhythm, which, together with anti-oxidant and drug detoxification enzymes, contributes to cancer development, metastasis, and anticancer therapy resistance.

Abstract: Red cell diseases encompass a group of inherited or acquired erythrocyte disorders that affect the structure, function, or production of red blood cells (RBCs). These disorders can lead to various clinical manifestations, including anemia, hemolysis, inflammation, and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity. Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense mechanisms, plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of red cell diseases. In this review, we discuss the most relevant oxidant species involved in RBC damage, the enzymatic and low molecular weight antioxidant systems that protect RBCs against oxidative injury, and finally, the role of oxidative stress in different red cell diseases, including sickle cell disease, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and pyruvate kinase deficiency, highlighting the underlying mechanisms leading to pathological RBC phenotypes.

Abstract: Plant cells release tiny membranous vesicles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are rich in lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and pharmacologically active compounds. These plant-derived EVs (PDEVs) are safe and easily extractable and have been shown to have therapeutic effects against inflammation, cancer, bacteria, and aging. They have shown promise in preventing or treating colitis, cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and even COVID-19. PDEVs can also be used as natural carriers for small-molecule drugs and nucleic acids through various administration routes such as oral, transdermal, or injection. The unique advantages of PDEVs make them highly competitive in clinical applications and preventive healthcare products in the future. This review covers the latest methods for isolating and characterizing PDEVs, their applications in disease prevention and treatment, and their potential as a new drug carrier, with special attention to their commercial viability and toxicological profile, as the future of nanomedicine therapeutics. This review champions the formation of a new task force specializing in PDEVs to address a global need for rigor and standardization in PDEV research.

Abstract: Drug delivery, mainly a professional term in pharmaceutics, is a field of interdisciplinary intersection and integration [...]

Abstract: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with potent immune-modulating properties. It has been shown to stimulate innate immunity and induce immune tolerance. Extensive research efforts have shown that vitamin D deficiency may be related to the development of autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D deficiency has been observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has been shown to be inversely related to disease activity. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Vitamin D deficiency has also been observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It has been found to be inversely related to disease activity and renal involvement. In addition, vitamin D receptor polymorphisms have been studied in SLE. Vitamin D levels have been studied in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, and vitamin D deficiency may be related to neuropathy and the development of lymphoma in the context of Sjogren’s syndrome. Vitamin D deficiency has been observed in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Vitamin D deficiency has also been observed in systemic sclerosis. Vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, and it may be administered to prevent autoimmune disease and reduce pain in the context of autoimmune rheumatic disorders.

Abstract: Obesity, defined as the abnormal or excessive expansion of white adipose tissue, has reached pandemic proportions and is recognized as an important health concern since it is a common root for several comorbidities, including malignancies. Indeed, the current knowledge of the white adipose tissue, which shifts its role from an energy storage tissue to an important endocrine and metabolic organ, has opened up new avenues for the discovery of obesity’s effects on tumor biology. In this review, we will report the epidemiological studies concerning the strong impact of obesity in several types of cancer and describe the mechanisms underlying the heterotypic signals between cancer cell lines and adipocytes, with particular emphasis on inflammation, the insulin/IGF-1 axis, and adipokines. Among the adipokines, we will further describe the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data concerning the role of leptin, recognized as one of the most important mediators of obesity-associated cancers. In fact, leptin physiologically regulates energy metabolism, appetite, and reproduction, and several studies have also described the role of leptin in affecting cancer development and progression. Finally, we will summarize the newest pharmacological strategies aimed at mitigating the protumorigenic effects of leptin, underlining their mechanisms of action.

Abstract: Dupilumab was first approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and blocks the signaling of interleukin (IL)-4 and -13. Several other chronic skin conditions share mechanistic overlaps with AD in their pathophysiology, i.e., are linked to type 2 inflammation. Most recently, dupilumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prurigo nodularis (PN). Given its relatively good safety profile, effective off-label use of dupilumab has been reported for a multitude of dermatologic diseases and several clinical trials for dermatologic skin conditions are currently ongoing. We conducted a systematic review of applications of dupilumab in dermatology other than AD and PN by searching the databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library as well as the clinical trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov. We found several reports for effective treatment of bullous autoimmune diseases, eczema, prurigo, alopecia areata, chronic spontaneous urticaria, Netherton syndrome and a variety of other chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

Abstract: Food security has continued to be a topic of interest in our world due to the increasing demand for food. Many technologies have been adopted to enhance food supply and narrow the demand gap. Thus, the attempt to use nanotechnology to improve food security and increase supply has emerged due to the severe shortcomings of conventional technologies, which have made them insufficient to cater to the continuous demand for food products. Hence, nanoparticles have been identified to play a major role in areas involving food production, protection, and shelf-life extensions. Specifically, metal-based nanoparticles have been singled out to play an important role in manufacturing materials with outstanding properties, which can help increase the shelf-life of different food materials. The physicochemical and biological properties of metal-based nanoparticles, such as the large surface area and antimicrobial properties, have made them suitable and adequately useful, not just as a regular packaging material but as a functional material upon incorporation into biopolymer matrices. These, amongst many other reasons, have led to their wide synthesis and applications, even though their methods of preparation and risk evaluation remain a topic of concern. This review, therefore, briefly explores the available synthetic methods, physicochemical properties, roles, and biological properties of metal-based nanoparticles for food packaging. Furthermore, the associated limitations, alongside quality and safety considerations, of these materials were summarily explored. Although this area of research continues to garner attention, this review showed that metal-based nanoparticles possess great potential to be a leading material for food packaging if the problem of migration and toxicity can be effectively modulated.

Abstract: Old age increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, a devastating disorder of the human mind and the leading cause of dementia. Worldwide, 50 million people have the disease, and it is estimated that there will be 150 million by 2050. Today, healthcare for AD patients consumes 1% of the global economy. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, AD begins in the brain by accumulating and aggregating Aβ peptides and forming β-amyloid fibrils (Aβ42). However, in clinical trials, reducing Aβ peptide production and amyloid formation in the brain did not slow cognitive decline or improve daily life in AD patients. Prevention studies in cognitively unimpaired people at high risk or genetically destined to develop AD also have not slowed cognitive decline. These observations argue against the amyloid hypothesis of AD etiology, its development, and disease mechanisms. Here, we look at other avenues in the research of AD, such as the presenilin hypothesis, synaptic glutamate signaling, and the role of astrocytes and the glutamate transporter EAAT2 in the development of AD.

Abstract: Seaweed is in the spotlight as a promising source of nutrition for humans as the search for sustainable food production systems continues. Seaweed has a well-documented rich nutritional profile containing compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and polysaccharides as well as proteins, fatty acids and minerals. Seaweed processing for the extraction of functional ingredients such as alginate, agar, and carrageenan is well-established. Novel pretreatments such as ultrasound assisted extraction or high-pressure processing can be incorporated to more efficiently extract these targeted ingredients. The scope of products that can be created using seaweed are wide ranging: from bread and noodles to yoghurt and milk and even as an ingredient to enhance the nutritional profile and stability of meat products. There are opportunities for food producers in this area to develop novel food products using seaweed. This review paper discusses the unique properties of seaweed as a food, the processes involved in seaweed aquaculture, and the products that can be developed from this marine biomass. Challenges facing the industry such as consumer hesitation around seaweed products, the safety of seaweed, and processing hurdles will also be discussed.

Abstract: Bergenin is a glycosidic derivative of trihydroxybenzoic acid that was discovered in 1880 by Garreau and Machelart from the rhizomes of the medicinal plant Bergenia crassifolia (currently: Saxifraga crassifolia—Saxifragaceae), though was later isolated from several other plant sources. Since its first report, it has aroused interest because it has several pharmacological activities, mainly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition to this, bergenin has shown potential antimalarial, antileishmanial, trypanocidal, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, antiarthritic, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic/antiobesity, antiarrhythmic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities. Thus, this review aimed to describe the sources of isolation of bergenin and its in vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological activities. Bergenin is distributed in many plant species (at least 112 species belonging to 34 families). Both its derivatives (natural and semisynthetic) and extracts with phytochemical proof of its highest concentration are well studied, and none of the studies showed cytotoxicity for healthy cells.

Abstract: Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Although cancer therapy has evolved significantly over the years, numerous challenges persist on the path to effectively combating this multifaceted disease. Natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, or marine organisms have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in the field of cancer research. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound found in various fruits and nuts, has emerged as a potential cancer prevention and treatment agent. This review summarizes the experimental evidence supporting the role of EA in targeting key hallmarks of cancer, including proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis evasion, immune evasion, inflammation, genomic instability, and more. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which EA modulates signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in these cancer hallmarks, based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The multifaceted actions of EA make it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and therapy. Understanding its impact on cancer biology can pave the way for developing novel strategies to combat this complex disease.

Abstract: Polymers, in general, and Poly (Ether-Ether-Ketone) (PEEK) have emerged as potential alternatives to conventional osseous implant biomaterials. Due to its distinct advantages over metallic implants, PEEK has been gaining increasing attention as a prime candidate for orthopaedic and dental implants. However, PEEK has a highly hydrophobic and bioinert surface that attenuates the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts and leads to implant failure. Several improvements have been made to the osseointegration potential of PEEK, which can be classified into three main categories: (1) surface functionalization with bioactive agents by physical or chemical means; (2) incorporation of bioactive materials either as surface coatings or as composites; and (3) construction of three-dimensionally porous structures on its surfaces. The physical treatments, such as plasma treatments of various elements, accelerated neutron beams, or conventional techniques like sandblasting and laser or ultraviolet radiation, change the micro-geometry of the implant surface. The chemical treatments change the surface composition of PEEK and should be titrated at the time of exposure. The implant surface can be incorporated with a bioactive material that should be selected following the desired use, loading condition, and antimicrobial load around the implant. For optimal results, a combination of the methods above is utilized to compensate for the limitations of individual methods. This review summarizes these methods and their combinations for optimizing the surface of PEEK for utilization as an implanted biomaterial.

Abstract: BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) derivatives have attracted attention as probes in applications like imaging and sensing due to their unique properties like (1) strong absorption and emission in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, (2) strong fluorescence and (3) supreme photostability. They have also been employed in areas like photodynamic therapy. Over the last decade, BODIPY-based molecules have even emerged as candidates for cancer treatments. Cancer remains a significant health issue world-wide, necessitating a continuing search for novel therapeutic options. BODIPY is a flexible fluorophore with distinct photophysical characteristics and is a fascinating drug development platform. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent breakthroughs in BODIPY-based small molecules for cancer or disease detection and therapy, including their functional potential.

Abstract: Betulin is a natural triterpene, usually from birch bark, known for its potential wound-healing properties. Despite having a wide range of pharmacological targets, no studies have proposed betulin as a multitarget compound. Betulin has protective effects against cardiovascular and liver diseases, cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It reduces postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, combats tumor cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastatic proteins, and modulates chronic inflammation by blocking the expression of proinflammatory cytokines via modulation of the NFκB and MAPKs pathways. Given its potential to influence diverse biological networks with high target specificity, it can be hypothesized that betulin may eventually become a new lead for drug development because it can modify a variety of pharmacological targets. The summarized research revealed that the diverse beneficial effects of betulin in various diseases can be attributed, at least in part, to its multitarget anti-inflammatory activity. This review focuses on the natural sources, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activity of betulin, and the multi-target effects of betulin on signaling pathways such as MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf2, which are important regulators of the response to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.