Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Detection of Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Clinical Strains of Enterococcus faecalis.
Shakhatreh MAK, Rabaiah HH, Khabour OF … +2 more , Jacob JH, Alzoubi KH
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Sep · PMID 41029013 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Enterococci are common commensals in the gastrointestinal tract and are opportunistic organisms that can cause urinary tract infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, and pelvic infections. The study aimed to i...
INTRODUCTION: Enterococci are common commensals in the gastrointestinal tract and are opportunistic organisms that can cause urinary tract infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, and pelvic infections. The study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and the presence and expression of virulence factors in clinical isolates of E. faecalis from Jordan. METHODS: Clinical isolates (n=89) of E. faecalis isolated from patients in Jordan were collected. Antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and the presence/expression of virulence genes asa1, gelE, esp, cylA, and efaA were examined. RESULTS: High resistance of E. faecalis was detected for ampicillin (98.9%), followed by quinupristin-dalfopristin (96.6%), tetracycline (83.1%), erythromycin (78.6%), and rifampin (68.5%). Most isolates (93.3%) were found to be biofilm producers. The prevalence of virulence genes was efaA (77.5%), asa1 (77.5%), gelE (69.7%), esp (50.6%), and cylA (30%). About 25.8% of the isolates were found to be gelatinase producers. In addition, hemolysin production was observed in 37.1% of the isolates. DISCUSSION: The esp gene was associated with tetracycline resistance. The asa1 gene was associated with susceptibility to vancomycin. CylA was associated with resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin, as well as susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. The presence of gelE was associated with susceptibility to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, levofloxacin, and erythromycin. The cylA gene was associated with esp and asa1 genes, while the efaA was found to be associated with gelE and asa1 genes (P<0.05). Finally, biofilm formation was not associated with antimicrobial resistance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The antibiotic resistance profiles and associated genes of E. faecalis isolates from Jordanian patients were reported. The efaA, asa1, and gelE virulence genes were highly prevalent among the isolates. The present findings can be used in the management of E. faecalis infection in Jordan.
PhytoCAT: A Comprehensive Data Repository of PhytoChemicals for Affordable Breast Cancer Therapeutics.
Fatima F, Ansari AH, Seth S … +5 more , Parveen S, Dawer Y, Singh M, Chaudhary K, Ramachandran S
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Sep · PMID 41029012 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is a global health challenge with a high mortality rate of 30% of total cases in a year. Breast cancer presents in 4 main types, namely, TNBC, HER2+, luminal A, and Luminal B. Current treatmen...
INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is a global health challenge with a high mortality rate of 30% of total cases in a year. Breast cancer presents in 4 main types, namely, TNBC, HER2+, luminal A, and Luminal B. Current treatments, though not without side effects, incur substantial cost, and are rendered ineffective by rising drug resistance. Phytochemicals are being investigated for their beneficial effects on breast cancer. Systematically collecting, organizing, and analyzing this data from available literature could benefit the development of more potent chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic approaches with reduced side effects. METHODS: To overcome the challenges posed by diverse naming practices, we adopted a sentiment (subjective) based text-mining approach to systematically extract and analyze data on antibreast cancer phytochemicals from biomedical literature. This method is based on anchor and associated terms to capture authors' sentiments regarding the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Subsequently, comprehensive and objective information was extracted and curated for each phytochemical, including target genes, pathways, study type, IC50 values, PMIDs, plant sources, and geographical availability. RESULTS: PhytoCAT (PhytoChemical Affordable Therapeutics for Breast Cancer) is a comprehensive database of phytochemicals, plant extracts, and essential oils, enriched with links to phytogeographic data and chemical structures. PhytoCAT includes data on 28 essential oils, 470 plant extracts, and 1,649 phytochemical compounds. These compounds were classified into several chemical groups, including alkaloids (167), coumarins (43), flavonoids (290), lignans (47), quinones (43), saponins (27), sesquiterpenoid lactones (40), terpenoids (282), triterpenoid saponins (28), and xanthones (22) groups. Additionally, 505 phytochemicals belong to other subclasses such as esters, glucosides, phenanthrenes, and phenylpropanoids. Further, information on their mechanisms of action is also provided. DISCUSSION: Phytochemicals have gained significant attention in recent years because of their potential health benefits, particularly in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are examples of phytochemicals that have shown promise in preclinical studies. PhytoCAT offers a centralized and searchable database enriched with biological, chemical, and pharmacological details. Its structured presentation allows researchers to identify promising compounds and study patterns in chemical class-specific activity. CONCLUSION: PhytoCAT provides an evidence-based platform for researchers and clinicians to explore the potential of phytochemicals in breast cancer management. Although PhytoCAT has an advanced search engine, it lacks analytical tools, which we envisage integrating in the future.
Essential Oils from and Exhibit Promising Therapeutic Effect against Alzheimer's Disease in a Rat Model.
Hamad GM, Abdelmotilib NM, Abd Ellatif SA … +9 more , Elshafie HS, Abdel Razik ES, El-Sheikh MH, Kabeil SSA, Abou-Alella SA, Abd Elaziz AI, Saad MA, Alkenani NA, Camele I
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 · PMID 40990275 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease poses a major challenge as a widespread and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affecting the elderly population worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the potential prot...
BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease poses a major challenge as a widespread and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affecting the elderly population worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the potential protective and therapeutic effects of virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil on Alzheimer's dementia in male rats while also analyzing serum biomarker gene expression profiles in both Alzheimer's and control groups. METHODS: Rats were fed basal diets supplemented with 5% virgin olive oil or tiger nut essential oil, along with high-fat meals containing trans fats, butter (25%), margarine (25%), and hydrogenated shorten oils (25%) to evaluate lipid profiles and serum biomarkers. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of acetylcholinesterase, P53, BCL2, Mouse ICAM-1, PSEN, and BACE genes in the Alzheimer's disease group compared to controls. Real-time PCR analysis also identified inflammatory biomarkers and Alzheimer's disease-associated risk factors in high-fat diet-treated, virgin olive oil-treated, and control samples. RESULTS: The study found significant correlations between serum biomarker levels, lipid profiles, and dietary treatments. The activities of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase differed notably between virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil treatments. High-fat dietary treatments resulted in substantial increases in serum lipid profiles due to trans-fat intake compared to the control group. Overall, both virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil demonstrated cognitive enhancement and potential therapeutic effects against Alzheimer's disease symptoms induced by trans-fat feeding, including inhibition of acetylcholines-terase activity, reduction of amyloid-beta accumulation, and mitigation of inflammation. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that serum biomarker gene expression profiles could serve as valuable indicators for differentiating between Alzheimer's disease, virgin olive oil, and dietary treatments. Both virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil demonstrated protective effects, enhancing cognitive function and offering therapeutic potential against AD symptoms. These effects were achieved through the reduction of inflammation, the inhibition of AChE activity, and the reduction of amyloid-beta accumulation.
Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance: From Mechanisms to Public Health Implications.
Adhikary K, Ganguly K, Chakrabarty S … +8 more , Sarkar R, Nag R, Srivastava S, Barman S, Banerjee P, Karak P, Ashique S, Hussain MS
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40947740 · Publisher ↗
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, inadequate infection control practices, and the evolution of microbes. It compromises the effective treatme...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, inadequate infection control practices, and the evolution of microbes. It compromises the effective treatment of infections, posing severe implications for morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Pathogens such as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- producing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exemplify the growing threat of drug-resistant organisms. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying AMR, including enzymatic drug inactivation, efflux pump overexpression, target site modification, and biofilm formation. Additionally, it examines the clinical and economic implications of AMR and assesses emerging strategies for mitigation. Innovative solutions, such as bacteriophage therapy, CRISPR-based genome editing, and the One Health approach, offer promising avenues to address resistance across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Coordinated global efforts in surveillance, stewardship, and research are essential to curbing the spread and impact of AMR.
The Role of Pioglitazone as a Ferroptosis Inhibitor in Mitigating Radiation-Induced Damage in Testicular Tissue of Mice.
Shabanian N, Shourmij M, Nashtahosseini Z … +5 more , Ali SA, Alameedee GAA, Amiri FT, Zefrei FJ, Farzipour S
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40910285 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Radiation targets cancer but risks causing infertility by damaging sensitive testes, especially spermatogonia. This study investigates IR-induced testicular damage and assesses PGZ's potential protective ro...
INTRODUCTION: Radiation targets cancer but risks causing infertility by damaging sensitive testes, especially spermatogonia. This study investigates IR-induced testicular damage and assesses PGZ's potential protective role as a ferroptosis inhibitor. MATERIAL & METHODS: In this study, Seventy-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into eight groups: a control, PGZ (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg), IR (8 Gy), and IR+ PGZ (in three doses). PGZ was administered for 10 consecutive days, and mice were exposed to IR on the 11th day of the study. 24 h after RT, the mice's testis tissue was subjected to a series of evaluations to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters, with histopathological analyses conducted one week after IR. RESULTS: Biochemical analyses revealed that exposure to IR significantly increased ferroptosis markers, while concurrently decreasing intracellular antioxidants GSH. Histological examinations confirmed damage to spermatogenic cells, leading to detachment from the basement membrane and reduced sperm counts. Pre-treatment with PGZ at 30 mg/kg effectively reduced the levels of oxidative stress markers and improved antioxidant levels, demonstrating its potential protective effects against ferroptosis. DISCUSSION: The results suggest PGZ can protect against radiation-induced testicular damage by inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting spermatogenesis recovery. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PGZ may act as a protective agent against radiationinduced testicular damage and support the recovery of spermatogenesis following IR exposure. Further research is warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms of PGZ's protective effects.
Research Progress on the Effects of Anthocyanins on Cognitive Function and Their Underlying Mechanisms.
Dong WH, Wang T, Wang ZP … +3 more , Wen X, Huang QQ, Xiong ZE
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40910238 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This review aims to systematically investigate the existing research on the effects of anthocyanins on cognitive functions and their underlying mechanisms involved. It provides detailed insights into their...
INTRODUCTION: This review aims to systematically investigate the existing research on the effects of anthocyanins on cognitive functions and their underlying mechanisms involved. It provides detailed insights into their development and potential applications. METHOD: An extensive review and analysis of various animal experiments and human studies were performed using databases, such as Web of Science, Sci-Hub, EI, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. The keywords, titles, or abstracts searched included, but were not limited to, 'Anthocyanin', 'Cognition', 'Anti-inflammatory', 'Antioxidation', 'Autophagy', and 'Insulin resistance'. The search was conducted covering the period from January 2017 to November 2025. Our aim was to summarize the evidence concerning the impact of anthocyanins on cognitive functions and to explore their underlying mechanisms. We analyzed these mechanisms in terms of antioxidant activity, reduction of neuroinflammation, regulation of autophagy-related pathways, and central insulin sensitivity. RESULT: A substantial body of research has indicated that anthocyanins exert beneficial effects on cognitive function. In models exhibiting cognitive impairment, supplementation with anthocyanins has been shown to significantly improve cognitive capabilities. The underlying mechanisms of action are primarily attributed to the following factors: the strong antioxidant properties of anthocyanins, which effectively neutralize free radicals in the brain, thereby diminishing oxidative stress and protecting neuronal integrity and functionality; the inhibition of neuroinflammatory responses, which alleviates the detrimental impact of inflammatory agents on neural tissues and contributes to the maintenance of the brain's homeostatic environment; and the regulation of autophagy- related pathways and central insulin sensitivity, which collectively reduce damage to proteins linked to cognitive function and enhance learning and memory processes. DISCUSSION: As the global population ages rapidly and the prevalence of cognitive decline-related diseases, like Alzheimer's, increases, there is a pressing need to create medications that can improve cognitive abilities. Researchers are paying close attention to anthocyanins, natural substances found in plants such as blueberries and purple grapes, due to their significant potential to influence cognitive functions. Nonetheless, further clinical trials are necessary to validate the appropriate dosage and bioavailability of anthocyanins, and certain limitations must be acknowledged. CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was found that anthocyanins can improve cognitive impairment in both humans and animals. Their mechanisms of action primarily involve antiinflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, modulation of autophagy, and the reduction of central insulin resistance. This research lays the groundwork for future studies on the role of anthocyanins in cognitive function.
Integrating IoMT and Federated Learning for Advanced Healthcare Monitoring in Healthcare 5.0.
Almogadwy B, Alqarafi A
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40798954 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has made it possible to create advanced health monitoring systems. It allows the system to detect problems early, thereby mitigating long-term effects. This development...
INTRODUCTION: The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has made it possible to create advanced health monitoring systems. It allows the system to detect problems early, thereby mitigating long-term effects. This development will likely enhance the quality of healthcare professionals by reducing their workload and healthcare costs. The IoT in medical technology offers a wide range of information technology capabilities, including intelligent and collaborative healthcare solutions. Aggregating health data in a single repository raises security, copyright, and compliance issues when building a complex machine-learning model. METHOD: Federated learning overcomes the above challenges by dispersing a global learning model through a central aggregate server. It retains mastery of patient data in a local participant who ensures data privacy and integrity. This research aims to develop an advanced healthcare monitoring system utilizing federated learning techniques. The system is designed to enable healthcare providers to effectively track patient health through medical sensors and respond promptly when necessary. RESULTS: The federated learning-based XGBoost model achieved a predictive accuracy of 97.2% in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the system demonstrated improved privacy preservation, significantly reducing sensitive data exposure with minimal computational overhead, confirming its practical effectiveness in clinical scenarios. DISCUSSION: By leveraging federated learning, the proposed approach seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of health monitoring in clinical settings. To achieve accurate classification and early detection of Parkinson's disease, the study employs two key machine learning algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). These methods were selected for their statistical robustness and suitability for the task at hand. CONCLUSION: The combination of federated learning, SVM, and XGBoost enhances healthcare monitoring and ensures patient data privacy and integrity.
Critical Processes for Stability Enhancement of Phyto-ingredients: A Comprehensive Review.
Yapar EA, Özdemir MN, Sirirak T
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40798953 · Publisher ↗
Plants contain valuable phytochemicals with biological activity. However, factors such as instability, poor solubility, and bioavailability limit their use in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. In this c...
Plants contain valuable phytochemicals with biological activity. However, factors such as instability, poor solubility, and bioavailability limit their use in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. In this context, a wide variety of strategies have been developed with the objective of improving the stability of herbal sources and bioactive compounds under processing, storage, or gastrointestinal digestion conditions. Moreover, these strategies seek to enhance solubility, mask undesirable flavors, and facilitate targeted delivery to specific tissues, thereby enabling the bioactive compounds to exert their biological activity and contribute to improved human health. It is of great importance to conduct studies on the stability of herbal medicines to identify the various factors, physical, chemical, and environmental, which may affect their stability. Also, such studies are essential for determining the shelf life of the products and always ensuring their quality during storage and use. This review presents the strategies and latest advances utilized to improve the stability of pure plant bioactive compounds, extracts, and essential oils to overcome the previously mentioned challenges. The information presented will assist in the production of safe, stable, and effective substances and products. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the various applications of these compounds is provided, along with an analysis of emerging trends.
Application of Mathematical Model in Basic Research and Product Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Zhang N, Chen X, Li S … +4 more , Wang Y, Shan C, Song J, Zhang Y
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40798952 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has experienced the transition from qualitative research to quantitative study. The application of mathematical modeling for data processing and analysis o...
INTRODUCTION: The research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has experienced the transition from qualitative research to quantitative study. The application of mathematical modeling for data processing and analysis offers a more efficient and precise approach compared to conventional methods, enabling the timely acquisition of key efficacy indicators for preliminary evaluation. Therefore, the concept of mathematical modeling has been proposed to form a systematic theoretical system of TCM and diseases. METHODS: The article reviews the application of mathematical models in the research of traditional Chinese medicine in terms of compounding, extraction, optimization, quality evaluation, production, new drug development, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical symptom analysis. Relevant Chinese and English literature was obtained from PubMed, Cochrane Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Data, CNKI and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). RESULTS: We have found that integrating the concept of mathematical modeling with TCM theory has shortened the cycle of extracting active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and the development of new drugs, while also accelerating the realization of maximum clinical efficacy. DISCUSSION: However, the comprehensiveness and precision of existing databases remain areas for improvement. In the future, further integration of multi-disciplinary technologies will be essential to advance the convergence of traditional medicine and modern science. CONCLUSION: This review explores the application of mathematical models in the study of traditional Chinese medicine. It is evident that mathematical modeling has played a pivotal role in promoting fundamental research and the modernization of TCM.
Taxifolin: Approaches to Increase Water Solubility and Bioavailability.
Plotnikov MB, Anishchenko AM
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40798951 · Publisher ↗
Taxifolin (TAX) (5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavanol, dihydroquercetin) belongs to the flavonoid family. TAX elicits a wide range of pharmacological effects, and for this reason, it is of high commercial interest as a flavono...
Taxifolin (TAX) (5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavanol, dihydroquercetin) belongs to the flavonoid family. TAX elicits a wide range of pharmacological effects, and for this reason, it is of high commercial interest as a flavonoid. The widespread use of TAX in medical practice is limited by the physicochemical properties of the compound and, in part, the related features of its pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of technological methods that can be utilized to enhance the solubility of TAX, potentially increasing its bioavailability. The review describes various technological approaches: micronization, crystal engineering, self-microemulsifying systems, liposomes and their modifications, microemulsifying systems, phospholipid nanoparticles, inclusion complexes (clathrate generation), and chemical modification. Most of the approaches described in the review for improving the solubility and bioavailability of TAX have proven to be successful. Nanotechnologies are the most efficient means for improving the solubility and bioavailability of TAX. Developing new TAX substances with improved solubility and bioavailability holds promise as a basis for the development of innovative drugs.
Exploring Hub Gene-Mediated Signaling and miRNA Interactions in Wilms Tumor Development and Drug Sensitivity.
Yang H, Zhang Y, Yao X … +2 more , Yang Z, Lin F
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40776642 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Wilms tumor (WT) is a common pediatric kidney cancer with unclear molecular mechanisms driving its progression. Despite advancements in treatment, prognosis remains suboptimal for high-risk cases, highlight...
INTRODUCTION: Wilms tumor (WT) is a common pediatric kidney cancer with unclear molecular mechanisms driving its progression. Despite advancements in treatment, prognosis remains suboptimal for high-risk cases, highlighting the urgent need for novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and targeted therapies. In this study, we investigated the molecular underpinnings of WT by identifying key hub genes and evaluating their diagnostic and prognostic potential. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, and common genes were analyzed using protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to find hub genes. Functional assays, including cell proliferation, colony formation, and wound healing, were performed to validate the hub genes. Prognostic value, miRNA interactions, and pan-cancer expression analysis were also conducted, along with drug sensitivity evaluation. RESULTS: Analysis of gene expression data from publicly available GEO datasets revealed that SLC12A3, ADH6, GSTM3, and CLCNKB hub genes were significantly dysregulated in WT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that these hub genes showed strong diagnostic potential, with high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing WT from normal tissues. Additionally, the expression levels of these genes were closely associated with the overall survival of WT patients, indicating their prognostic significance. Furthermore, analysis of potential miRNA interactions revealed that specific miRNAs could regulate these hub genes, contributing to the pathogenesis of WT. Functional studies of SLC12A3 and ADH6 overexpression showed reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, and migratory capacity, suggesting their involvement in inhibiting tumor progression. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the critical roles of SLC12A3, ADH6, GSTM3, and CLCNKB in WT and their potential as both diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in WT management.
The Effects of Rukangyin on the Biological Behavior and Hippo Signaling Pathway in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.
Qiu S, Han Q, Zhao X … +2 more , Li W, Li X
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40776641 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine the impact of Rukangyin (RKY) and its components, LSQR and QTSS, on various cellular processes and signaling mechanisms in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. M...
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine the impact of Rukangyin (RKY) and its components, LSQR and QTSS, on various cellular processes and signaling mechanisms in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. METHODS: Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to five groups according to the administered drugs, including the RKY group, LSQR group, QTSS group, fluorouracil group, and blank control group (n=5 in each group). The serum samples from each group were then used as a medicated medium for the culture of the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. Cell viability tests, apoptosis detection tests, and migration and invasion tests were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of treated serum. YAP, TAZ, MST1, and LATS1 protein expression and phosphorylation were examined using conventional western blotting methods. RESULTS: RKY and its QTSS and LSQR components significantly inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. RKY also significantly blocked cell motility with a comparable effect to that of fluorouracil. All serum groups suppressed YAP and TAZ expressions while increasing p-YAP, p-TAZ, MST1, and LATS1 levels, with RKY showing superior efficacy. DISCUSSION: In TNBC cells, RKY appears to enhance the tumor-suppressing signals of the Hippo signaling pathway via MST1, LATS1 activation, while restricting its pro-oncogenic action via YAP and TAZ blockade. However, in vivo and animal model experiments are required to confirm these findings. CONCLUSION: RKY-medicated serum effectively inhibits growth, induces apoptosis, and reduces motility in the MDA-MB-231 cell line of breast cancer. This therapeutic potential of RKY on TNBC cells draws attention to the need for more investigations.
Genetic Evidence for Causal Effects of Lipid-lowering Drug Targets on Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study.
Li Y, Liao W, Guo Y … +4 more , Xiao L, Qiu Z, Xie J, Zhang J
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 · PMID 40765098 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting lacrimal and salivary glands. While previous studies suggest potential associations between dyslipidemia and autoimmune diseases,...
INTRODUCTION: Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting lacrimal and salivary glands. While previous studies suggest potential associations between dyslipidemia and autoimmune diseases, the causal relationship between lipid-lowering medications and pSS remains unclear. METHODS: This study employed drug-targeted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the impact of lipid-lowering drugs on pSS risk, focusing on genetic targets including HMGCR, PCSK9, NPC1L1, APOB, CETP, and LDLR. Data were sourced from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium and UK Biobank. Significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms linked to LDL cholesterol were utilized as instrumental variables. Causal effects were estimated using Inverse Variance Weighted, Weighted Median, MR Egger, Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode methods. Robustness was ensured through heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The inhibition of HMGCR and CETP genes was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of developing pSS (HMGCR: OR = 3.602, 95% CI (1.051, 12.344), p = 0.041; CETP: OR = 12.251, 95% CI (2.599, 57.743), p = 0.002). DISCUSSION: HMGCR and CETP may affect pSS risk via non-lipid pathways, suggesting distinct mechanisms among different lipid-lowering drug targets. CONCLUSION: This study provides compelling evidence suggesting that lipid-lowering drugs may contribute to the risk of pSS, thus offering new insights for clinical intervention strategies.
A Comprehensive Mini-Review on the Understanding of Electrotherapy for Pain Management: An Introduction to ABMMA-BMT.
Mallari P, Taulier T, Kamal MA
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40765097 · Publisher ↗
ABMMA-BMT is a modality that combines innovative complementary and alternative medicine techniques with low-voltage electrical energy, applying it to acupuncture points and meridians to bridge traditional Chinese medicin...
ABMMA-BMT is a modality that combines innovative complementary and alternative medicine techniques with low-voltage electrical energy, applying it to acupuncture points and meridians to bridge traditional Chinese medicine with modern bioelectric science. This involves the application of microcurrents (10-1000 μA) at acupoints to assess and correct for disrupted energy flow, as determined by electrical resistance measurements. Treatment involves the delivery of weak direct currents, which remove blockages in meridian channels, thereby promoting local blood circulation and tissue repair. Recent research suggests that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and microcurrent stimulation can influence neural signaling, gene expression, and redox balance, thereby benefiting conditions such as chronic pain, soft tissue injury, and functional dysregulation of the immune and endocrine systems. These results suggest that integrating bioelectric principles with traditional acupuncture concepts will support the hypothesis that ABMMA-BMT has the potential to regulate cellular processes and accelerate healing while avoiding invasive procedures. The mechanisms are still not well understood, but preliminary clinical data and experimental studies are good indicators of its therapeutic effect. Future research is needed to standardize treatment parameters and to clinically verify the efficacy of this modality, so that it can be incorporated as a conventional component of healthcare practice.
Proteolytic Profiles of Aspergillus Caespitosus, A. Jensenii and A. Neotritici, and A Novel Peptidase with Plasmin-Like Activity for Biomedicine and Pharmacology.
Klyagin S, Maklakova I, Tomic N … +3 more , Shestakova A, Pieckova E, Osmolovskiy A
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40765096 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, often complicated by thromboembolic events. Plasmin, a key enzyme in fibrinolysis, is crucial for managing these conditions. Elevated...
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, often complicated by thromboembolic events. Plasmin, a key enzyme in fibrinolysis, is crucial for managing these conditions. Elevated or reduced plasmin levels can indicate thrombotic risks, making it a valuable diagnostic marker. Recent biotechnological advances have developed diagnostic kits to measure plasmin activity, aiding early detection and intervention. Fungal proteases, particularly from micromycetes, are emerging as promising agents in anticoagulant therapy. This study investigates three Aspergillus species - A. caespitosus, A. jensenii and A.neotritici - for their potential to produce novel biomedical components. METHODS: The fungi were cultured, and their proteolytic profiles were analyzed. Key findings include the identification of specific proteases with plasmin-like and protein C-activating activities. These enzymes were purified using isoelectric focusing and characterized through SDSPAGE and zymography. RESULTS: The study confirmed that A. jensenii, and A. neotritici produce proteases with plasminlike activity, with A. neotritici showing a single 35 kDa non-specific protease, and A. jensenii exhibiting two proteases (33 kDa and 100 kDa) in the acidic zone and one (110 kDa) in the neutral zone, the latter exhibiting specific chymotrypsin and plasmin-like activity. DISCUSSION: Among the studied strains, A. neotritici exhibited the fastest secretion of proteases with plasmin-like activity, making it a promising source of enzymes with potential clinical applications. In contrast, A. caespitosus and A. jensenii displayed more complex protease compositions, featuring multiple active enzymes. Notably, one of the A. jensenii proteases showed pronounced specificity toward chymotrypsin and fibrinolytic substrates, indicating its suitability for the development of targeted therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the potential of these fungal proteases for developing novel anticoagulant therapies and diagnostic tools.
Spray Drying: A Promising Technique for Inhalable Vaccine Development.
Vemulapalli S, Rojekar S, Gandhi M … +4 more , Patel B, Virani A, Patel P, Parikh K
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Jul · PMID 40739687 · Publisher ↗
In the pursuit of innovative vaccine delivery methods, this review explores the potential of spray drying for formulating inhalable vaccines. Traditional vaccine approaches face challenges in administration, storage, and...
In the pursuit of innovative vaccine delivery methods, this review explores the potential of spray drying for formulating inhalable vaccines. Traditional vaccine approaches face challenges in administration, storage, and accessibility, especially in resource-limited settings. Inhalable vaccines, utilizing techniques like spray drying, offer a promising solution. By bypassing systemic circulation and directly targeting the respiratory mucosa, inhalable vaccines can induce robust mucosal and systemic immune responses. Spray drying, a versatile technique, is particularly well-suited for formulating inhalable vaccines. It transforms liquid vaccine formulations into finely dispersed powders, enabling efficient delivery to the lungs. This review delves into the unique characteristics of spray-dried particles, their impact on immune system activation, and their role in overcoming traditional vaccine limitations. The exploration emphasizes the potential for spray drying to revolutionize vaccine development, providing a comprehensive overview of its applications and contributions to improving global public health.
Emerging Protein Therapeutics as a Strategy for Cervical Cancer Treatment.
Sharma S, Mishra A, Pandey P … +8 more , Verma M, Bishoyi AK, Jyothi SR, Lakhanpal S, Maharana L, Chauhan AS, Khan MM, Khan F
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 · PMID 40736002 · Publisher ↗
Cervical cancer continues to be a critical public health concern globally, with increasing mortality rates, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where healthcare resources remain limited. With more th...
Cervical cancer continues to be a critical public health concern globally, with increasing mortality rates, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where healthcare resources remain limited. With more than 300,000 fatalities each year, it is the fourth most frequent cancer in women globally. Long-term infection with carcinogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) variants, which cause cancer through viral proteins including E5, E6, and E7, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. These proteins interfere with host cellular functions, which promote the development and spread of cancer. Conventional treatment strategies, including chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies, have achieved varying degrees of success. However, protein-based therapeutics have recently emerged as a promising class of agents in oncology due to their ability to modulate specific molecular targets with high precision and specificity. These biologics interact with cell surface receptors and orchestrate essential signalling cascades, such as the NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Notably, new classes of protein therapeutics, such as toxin-based agents and Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) domain inhibitors, have shown effectiveness in disrupting tumor-promoting pathways. In addition to their direct antitumor activities, protein therapeutics also modify the tumor microenvironment, affecting stromal elements and lymphatic architecture, and ultimately promoting apoptosis. This review critically examines the landscape of protein-based therapeutic approaches for cervical cancer, delineating their mechanisms of action and highlighting their role in targeting inflammatory pathways-such as inflammasomes and cytokine networks-that contribute to tumor progression and immune modulation.
Advances in the Mechanism and Applications of Stimulus-Responsive DNA Hydrogels.
He Y, Huang Z, Pei X … +2 more , Dong Y, Yang X
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Jul · PMID 40734438 · Publisher ↗
DNA hydrogels possess numerous unique and attractive features, including excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as inherent programmability, catalytic functionality, therapeutic potential, and precise m...
DNA hydrogels possess numerous unique and attractive features, including excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as inherent programmability, catalytic functionality, therapeutic potential, and precise molecular recognition and bonding capabilities. Furthermore, intelligent DNA hydrogels exhibit stimuli-responsive behaviors, transitioning between gel and sol states in response to various stimuli, including pH, temperature, enzymes, and others. Through intelligent, rational design and controlled preparation of DNA nanostructures, a broad spectrum of advanced applications has been realized. In this minireview, we focus on recent developments in the construction strategies, molecular structures, and functional mechanisms of DNA hydrogels. Additionally, representative applications of stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels are discussed. Finally, challenges and the future outlook of DNA hydrogels are proposed.
Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Application of β-galactosidase Stabilized on Surface-modified Silica Nanoparticles.
Ansari SA, Damanhory AA, Sija DZ … +1 more , Satar R
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 · PMID 40734437 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Nanoparticles used in enzyme immobilization offer a high surface area- to-volume ratio, high chemical and thermal stability, and resistance to microbial attack. METHODS: The present investigation demonstrat...
INTRODUCTION: Nanoparticles used in enzyme immobilization offer a high surface area- to-volume ratio, high chemical and thermal stability, and resistance to microbial attack. METHODS: The present investigation demonstrates the immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β- galactosidase on silica nanoparticles via covalent binding. A greater yield of enzyme immobilization (89%) was attained on the developed nanobiocatalyst. RESULTS: It was observed that the immobilized and soluble enzymes had optimal pH and temperature values of 50°C and 4.5, respectively. It was monitored that at pH 4.0, soluble β- galactosidase (SβG) exhibited 59% activity. However, the immobilized enzyme showed 92% activity under identical conditions. Similarly, 41% enzyme activity was retained at 70 °C by the free enzyme. Conversely, immobilized β-galactosidase (IβG) retained 70% activity under similar experimental conditions. Additionally, it was observed that at 5% galactose concentration, IβG showed 55% activity under one hour of incubation. However, under comparable experimental conditions, SβG showed 24% activity. DISCUSSION: It was observed that the immobilized enzyme was reusable, maintaining 90% of its activity even after five uses. The soluble enzyme demonstrated 62% and 70% lactose hydrolysis under the same conditions after 8 hours, while IβG demonstrated 74% and 85% lactose hydrolysis at 40°C and 50°C, respectively, in a controlled batch reactor experiment that was run for 10 hours. CONCLUSION: Hence, owing to the greater reusability (90% after 5th repeated use) and excellent conversion of lactose at higher temperatures, the developed nanosupport may be used to produce lactose-free dairy products in continuous reactors on a large scale in biotechnology industries.
Formulation and Assessment of Broccoli Extract-Infused Hydrogel for Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy.
- K, Khan MR, Khan MA … +2 more , Pandey P, Khan F
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2025 Jul · PMID 40696561 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The most prevalent kind of cancer among women is breast cancer. Consequently, the development of novel, potent medications with fewer adverse effects is required to treat it. Breast cancer is frequently tre...
INTRODUCTION: The most prevalent kind of cancer among women is breast cancer. Consequently, the development of novel, potent medications with fewer adverse effects is required to treat it. Breast cancer is frequently treated clinically with chemotherapy and surgery. However, there are still significant challenges to be addressed in the treatment of breast cancer, including inadequate therapeutic results, inevitable side effects, and the surgical excision of breast tissue. The objective of the study is to develop broccoli extract-based Hydrogel to overcome the challenges in breast cancer treatment. METHODS: The developed Hydrogel was characterized by certain techniques to check its stability and drug release abilities. Swelling studies and drug release behavior were checked; the porosity of Hydrogel was checked by SEM EDX Analysis. Furthermore, in vitro studies were done to check the anti-breast cancer activity of the developed Hydrogel. RESULTS: The hydrogel was a highly porous structure with and compressive modulus, which makes it good for biological use in drug delivery. The in vitro studies showed that, developed Hydrogel inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) at different concentrations and time intervals of 24 and 48 Hrs and was compatible with the non-cancerous cell line 3T3-L1. The results indicate the tolerability of Hydrogel at the level of cells. DISCUSSIONS: Numerous investigations have demonstrated the anticancer effects of SFN by influencing the various biological processes that tumor cells engage in. In breast cancer cell lines, SFN functions as an HDAC inhibitor and reduces the expression of ER, EGFR, & HER-2 proteins. SFN also triggers apoptosis and cell cycle halt. Both Hydrogel and SFN inhibit the cells growth in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and agree with the previous studies. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we synthesized a hydrogel using broccoli extract to treat breast cancer with better stability, tolerance, and effectiveness through sustained local drug delivery. It was determined that this new hydrogel was a simple and affordable way to accomplish the continuous gene release feature, which would enhance the therapeutic efficacy in anti-cancer treatment while reducing the likelihood of potentially fatal side effects.
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