Cellular And Molecular Biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France)[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Differential effects of high-sucrose and high-fat diets on metabolic syndrome, BBB integrity, and hippocampal Aβ accumulation.
Aguilar-Gamas CF, Martínez-Abundis E, De la Cruz-Hernández E … +1 more , Gómez-Crisóstomo NP
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322577 · Publisher ↗
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a global health problem and a recognized risk factor for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the different effects of specific dietary components on MS-related neurological d...
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a global health problem and a recognized risk factor for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the different effects of specific dietary components on MS-related neurological damage remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of long-term high-calorie diets on metabolic parameters, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and hippocampal β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation. Male Wistar rats were fed a control diet, a high-sucrose diet (HSD, 30% sucrose in drinking water), or a high-fat diet (HFD, 30% lard) for 12 months. The study assessed metabolic syndrome parameters, spatial memory (Morris water maze), BBB permeability (Evans blue staining), tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin), and the levels of Aβ and its transporters (LRP1, RAGE). The results showed that both HSD and HFD induced central obesity, increased BBB permeability, and spatial memory deficits in rats; however, disruption of the blood-brain barrier was not associated with changes in tight junction protein expression. Notably, hippocampal Aβ accumulation increased only in the high-fat diet group (HFD group) after 8-12 months, associated with a significant downregulation of the Aβ clearance receptor LRP1, while no changes were observed in RAGE. In contrast, the high-fat diet group (HSD group) exhibited more extensive metabolic syndrome-related alterations, including hyperglycemia and hypertension. Our results suggest that while both sucrose- and fat-based high-calorie diets impair the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and cognitive function, only high-fat intake promotes hippocampal Aβ accumulation by downregulating LRP1. These results suggest that although both dietary patterns contribute to metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment, high-fat intake may pose a more specific risk to Alzheimer's disease pathology.
CRISPR systems in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
Almakrami M, Ahmed Z, Alali GM … +1 more , Alqurashi A
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322576 · Publisher ↗
Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, underscoring the need for precise diagnostic approaches and effective therapeutic strategies. The invention of the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced...
Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, underscoring the need for precise diagnostic approaches and effective therapeutic strategies. The invention of the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) system has transformed cancer research by enabling accurate and efficient genome editing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR-based applications in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, beginning with an introduction to cancer biology and the CRISPR/Cas9 mechanism of action. The therapeutic potential of CRISPR is discussed with a focus on targeting oncogenes, restoring tumor suppressor gene function, and advancing cancer immunotherapy through approaches such as CAR-T cell engineering. The use of CRISPR-based screening platforms to identify genes associated with drug resistance is also examined, along with current challenges including off-target effects, delivery limitations, and ethical considerations, as well as future directions for clinical translation. In addition, the diagnostic capabilities of CRISPR technologies are highlighted, including the detection of circulating tumor DNA, cancer-associated extracellular vesicles, protein biomarkers, and microRNAs. Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas-based strategies aimed at improving detection sensitivity and specificity are summarized. Overall, this review highlights the expanding role of CRISPR systems in cancer diagnosis and therapy and emphasizes their potential to contribute to the development of more personalized and effective cancer management strategies.
Sex-specific effects of fluoxetine on REM sleep deprivation-induced behavioral impairments and BDNF downregulation in rats.
Ehsan R, Ghorbani Yekta B, Eslami M … +2 more , Gholami M, Vaseghi S
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322575 · Publisher ↗
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a critical phase in which most dreaming occurs, and its deprivation (REM SD) can lead to disturbances in mood, cognition, synaptic plasticity, and neuroplasticity-related genes such as b...
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a critical phase in which most dreaming occurs, and its deprivation (REM SD) can lead to disturbances in mood, cognition, synaptic plasticity, and neuroplasticity-related genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is known to modulate BDNF expression, and sex-dependent variations in its effects have been suggested. This study investigated the effects of REM SD, fluoxetine, and their combination on behavioral and molecular outcomes in male and female rats. Results: Following 24 hours of REM SD, animals exhibited impaired memory, increased immobility, reduced rearing, elevated pain threshold, and decreased locomotor activity, along with reduced BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex. Females were less sensitive to REM SD regarding pain threshold and locomotor activity. Fluoxetine administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the effects of REM SD on immobility and rearing exclusively in females, while also mitigating locomotor deficits induced by REM SD. In both sexes, fluoxetine counteracted REM SD-induced changes in pain threshold, but only in females did it restore BDNF downregulation. In conclusion, the findings suggest sex-specific variations in the consequences of REM SD and in the therapeutic response to fluoxetine. While REM SD broadly impairs cognitive, affective, and molecular parameters, females exhibit partial resilience, particularly in pain threshold and locomotor activity. Moreover, fluoxetine demonstrates sex-dependent protective effects, especially in restoring BDNF expression and behavioral outcomes in females.
Gene polymorphism and serum level of RANKL among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Salajegheh P, Salajegheh A, Yazdi F
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322574 · Publisher ↗
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is a key mediator linking inflammation to osteoclast activation and bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Evidence on circulating RANKL levels and RANKL (TNFSF1...
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is a key mediator linking inflammation to osteoclast activation and bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Evidence on circulating RANKL levels and RANKL (TNFSF11) polymorphisms in RA has been inconsistent. Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched from inception to December 2025 for clinical studies comparing patients with RA and healthy controls and reporting either serum/plasma RANKL concentrations and/or RANKL genotype/allele distributions. Mean differences (MD) were pooled for circulating RANKL, and odds ratios (OR) were pooled for polymorphisms under allelic, dominant, and recessive models. Ten studies (908 RA; 525 controls) were included for serum RANKL. Serum RANKL was higher in RA than controls (pooled MD 8.16, 95% CI 3.90-12.41). For genetic analyses, three SNPs were eligible for pooling. rs9533156 showed a significant association with RA in the allelic (C vs T: OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.97) and dominant models (CC+CT vs TT: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.98). rs2277438 showed a borderline allelic association (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.00-1.45) and model-dependent results for the recessive contrast with heterogeneity. RA is associated with increased circulating RANKL, while genetic associations appear SNP-specific, with the most consistent evidence observed for rs9533156. Larger, multi-ethnic studies with standardized biomarker measurements are needed.
Effect of peniocerol on human meniscal fibrochondrocyte inflammation induced by IL-1β and TNF-α through the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Galicia-Canales BE, Aguilar-Gaytán MDR, Álvarez-Pérez MA … +9 more , Jarquín-Yáñez K, Couder-Garcia BDC, Martínez-Vázquez M, Luna-Angulo AB, Sánchez-Chapul L, Hernández-González O, Saldaña-García MA, Hernández-Velasco D, Landa-Solís C
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322573 · Publisher ↗
It is currently known that meniscal damage has a bidirectional relationship with the onset/development of osteoarthritis (OA), making the development of new therapeutic strategies that comprehensively address both issues...
It is currently known that meniscal damage has a bidirectional relationship with the onset/development of osteoarthritis (OA), making the development of new therapeutic strategies that comprehensively address both issues crucial. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the biological effect of peniocerol (PEN), an emerging phytopharmaceutical, in an in vitro model of inflammation induced by IL-1β and TNF-α in human meniscal fibrochondrocyte cells. Human meniscal fibrochondrocyte cells were isolated, cultured, and treated with different concentrations of PEN to determine those that promote cell proliferation and the IC₅₀ using the MTT assay. The cells were then stimulated with TNF-α (10 ng/mL) or IL-1β (5 ng/mL), with or without PEN (300 and 500 µM). Cell morphology and the expression of ACAN, type I+III collagen, type II collagen, MMP13, and p65 were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Treatment with TNF-α and IL-1β significantly reduced the expression of ACAN and type II collagen, while increasing MMP13 and p65, indicating a degenerative phenotype. Co-treatment with PEN at 300 μM showed partial improvements, while PEN at 500 µM normalized the levels of ACAN, Col2A1, and p65 to values similar to the control, while significantly inhibiting the markers for COL I+III and MMP3. In an in vitro degenerative fibrochondrocyte model, PEN at 500 μM demonstrated its ability to halt extracellular matrix degradation and actively promote its recovery, showing an optimal balance between efficacy and safety as a potential therapeutic strategy for the comprehensive treatment of OA progression.
Integrated density functional theory, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic modeling of mukonal and its derivatives as inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum TFIIH complex (Tfb5 subunit).
Kamal MA, Helmi N, Rahmani M … +4 more , Abdussami G, Mohammad I, Warsi MK, Aldawsari MF
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322572 · Publisher ↗
Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous malaria parasite affecting humans. Compounds such as mukonal, 7-hydroxymukonal, and 7-methoxymukonal have shown potential for the treatment of this disease. Density Functional...
Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous malaria parasite affecting humans. Compounds such as mukonal, 7-hydroxymukonal, and 7-methoxymukonal have shown potential for the treatment of this disease. Density Functional Theory (DFT), molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic analyses are valuable computational approaches for predicting potential drug candidates against P. falciparum. In this study, three compounds mukonal, 7-hydroxymukonal, and 7-methoxymukonal were optimized and evaluated through molecular docking and pharmacokinetic analysis against the target protein PF3D7_1441900 (transcription factor TFIIH complex subunit Tfb5, putative) from P. falciparum isolate 3D7. Frontier molecular orbital and density of states analyses revealed that 7-methoxymukonal has a relatively smaller energy gap compared with the other two compounds. In addition, 7-methoxymukonal exhibited the strongest binding affinity toward the target protein. The ADME results indicated favorable drug-like properties and low toxicity, further supporting the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Overall, our theoretical findings suggest that compound 3, namely 7-methoxymukonal, is the most promising candidate against the selected protein, in agreement with the other computed parameters.
Identification of small-molecule inhibitors targeting HER2 for breast cancer therapy using structure-based virtual screening, ADMET profiling, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Baeissa HM, Hakeem IJ
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322571 · Publisher ↗
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the key drivers of oncogenesis in HER2+ breast cancer. The overexpression resulted in uncontrollable cell division and additional tumor growth. Despite the curren...
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the key drivers of oncogenesis in HER2+ breast cancer. The overexpression resulted in uncontrollable cell division and additional tumor growth. Despite the current clinical therapeutics such as Tucatinib, Lapatinib, and Neratinib, the demand for novel inhibitors still exists. The research aimed to employ a multi-step computational framework for the discovery of highly effective small molecule inhibitors. The crystal structure of HER2 (PDB: 3PPO) was retrieved, and subsequently, virtual screening of small molecules was carried forward with the Mcule library. The screening resulted in filtering 100 compounds, out of which 45 were found to be non-toxic and had good ADME properties. BOILED-egg analysis predicted favorable HIA and BBB permeability properties surpassing the performance of clinically approved HER2 inhibitors. The docking studies singled out 11 compounds that had a high affinity towards the protein. On filtering those, the top two compounds achieved the best binding energies of -9.9 kcal/mol and -9.8 kcal/mol, respectively, outperforming the reference inhibitors. Moving ahead, 100 ns MD simulations confirmed enhanced stability, lower RMSF values, higher compactness, better solvation free energy, and persistent hydrogen bonding throughout the simulation period, showing the comparable results to the inhibitor. In comparison, findings reveal that Compound 1 hits structurally and energetically outperforming the existing therapeutics. Compound 2 showed a little less impact than compound 1, but can be considered as well as surpassing all the parameters successfully. Thereby, making the potential lead candidates for further experimental validation in breast cancer therapy.
NKG2D as a molecular link between epithelial stress and immune activation in Crohn's disease: therapeutic implications.
Blagov AV, Sazonova MD, Ryzhkova AI … +8 more , Popov MA, Mishina AV, Metelkin AA, Orekhov AN, Tarakanov IA, Karagodin VP, Sazonova MA, Yuri V Arkhipenko
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Mar · PMID 42322570 · Publisher ↗
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder driven by dysregulated immune responses, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and progressive tissue damage. Despite advances in biologic therapies, treatment resi...
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder driven by dysregulated immune responses, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and progressive tissue damage. Despite advances in biologic therapies, treatment resistance and loss of response remain common. The activating receptor NKG2D, expressed on natural killer cells and T cell subsets, recognizes stress-induced ligands (MICA, MICB, ULBP) upregulated on intestinal epithelial cells under inflammatory conditions. In CD, sustained ligand expression promotes NKG2D-dependent cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IFN-γ, IL-17), and lymphocyte trafficking into the mucosa, perpetuating a cycle of epithelial injury and chronic inflammation. Preclinical colitis models and clinical trials with anti-NKG2D monoclonal antibodies (e.g., NNC0142-0002) demonstrate reduced disease activity, improved histological outcomes, and induction of remission in moderate-to-severe CD patients. However, challenges remain, including potential impairment of immune surveillance against infections and tumors, patient heterogeneity, and pathway redundancy. Future directions include biomarker-guided patient selection, combination therapies with anti-TNF or anti-integrin agents, and next-generation biologics such as bispecific antibodies. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of NKG2D signaling in mucosal inflammation positions this receptor as a promising, mechanistically anchored therapeutic target in Crohn's disease.
Pulmonary anthracosis in a free-ranging infant rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Bangladesh- A Case Report.
Prank R, Ahasan AL, Hossain S … +1 more , Shil SK
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322568 · Publisher ↗
The study aimed to describe a rare case of pulmonary anthracosis in a free-ranging infant rhesus monkey in Bangladesh. An infant Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) just under 1 year of age, was admitted to a veterinary hosp...
The study aimed to describe a rare case of pulmonary anthracosis in a free-ranging infant rhesus monkey in Bangladesh. An infant Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) just under 1 year of age, was admitted to a veterinary hospital in Bangladesh with clinical signs including loss of appetite, gradual weight loss, weakness, dehydration, depression, breathing difficulty, and mild nasal discharge. The animal died suddenly within 24 hours of admission. A necropsy was performed on the infant monkey, and tissue samples were collected and sent to the Department of Anatomy and Histology at Chittagong University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVASU) for histopathological analysis. Gross examination revealed numerous uniformly distributed black spots in both lungs. The lungs showed significant inflammation, were firm, swollen, and abnormally colored, but no nodules or fibrosis were observed. Microscopic examination revealed black carbon particles, inflammatory cells, edema fluid, and brown hemosiderin-containing macrophages in the pulmonary interstitium. Diffuse alveolar damage with exudate and carbon particles was also observed. The infant monkey died from cardiopulmonary failure due to chronic respiratory distress. The presence of pulmonary carbonization indicates poor air quality in the animal's habitat, which may pose a threat to the health of both wildlife and humans.
Global reports on Glutamicibacter: a mini review.
Ganesapandi V, Kavitha R
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322567 · Publisher ↗
Glutamicibacter has been recently reclassified from the genus Arthrobacter and represents a rare group of actinobacteria with significant biotechnological potential. Based on 16S rRNA signatures and phylogenomic evidence...
Glutamicibacter has been recently reclassified from the genus Arthrobacter and represents a rare group of actinobacteria with significant biotechnological potential. Based on 16S rRNA signatures and phylogenomic evidence, its species have been discovered in diverse habitats including soils, sediments, wetlands, permafrost, saline coasts, and deserts. Ecologically, they act as endophytes, rhizosphere partners, and pioneers in extreme environments, reflecting exceptional resilience. These rare actinobacteria exhibit distinct biochemical profiles and follow a rod-coccus life cycle dependent on growth phase. Genomic surveys reveal compact genomes containing biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that encode novel metabolites. Functionally, Glutamicibacter produces cold-activated and thermoalkaliphilic enzymes, antioxidant exopolysaccharides, uric acid-degrading pathways, and antimicrobial compounds. They have applications in food safety, agriculture, bioremediation, and therapeutics. However, BGCs remain uncharacterized in most species, and mechanisms underlying plant-microbe and insect-microbe interactions are poorly understood. Additionally, the industrial development of their enzymes and metabolites is limited. This review integrates contemporary perspectives on the taxonomy, ecology, morphology, genomics, and metabolism of Glutamicibacter and identifies future prospects through genome mining, metabolomics, and synthetic biology.
Regulation of calpain 1 and calpain 2 activity by dopamine in rat brain regions.
Pestereva N, Traktirov D, Burdinskaya V … +4 more , Kulikova E, Akbarov T, Muruzheva Z, Karpenko M
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322566 · Publisher ↗
Calpains are involved in regulating various brain functions. Limited proteolysis regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and cell signaling. These are only some of the proces...
Calpains are involved in regulating various brain functions. Limited proteolysis regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and cell signaling. These are only some of the processes regulated by calpains. The current study reveals previously unexplored states of calpain activation associated with disorders of the dopaminergic system, including both hyperfunctional and hypofunctional states. In addition, activation of calpain 1 and calpain 2 affects the functioning of the central nervous system differently. Thus, this work aimed to study the effect of dopamine deficiency or excess on the activity of calpain 1 and calpain 2 in various parts of the central nervous system. We used L-dopa administration and DAT-KO rats to model a hyperdopaminergic state, and AMPT and reserpine to model a hypodopaminergic state. Dopamine deficiency causes: increased activity of calpain 1 in the striatum after AMPT administration; decreased activity of calpain 2 in the hippocampus after L-dopa administration. Excess dopamine causes: increased activity of calpains 1 and 2 in the striatum after L-dopa administration; decreased activity of calpains 1 and 2 in the midbrain after reserpine administration. Our data show that DAT knockout is associated with increased dopamine levels and increased activity of calpain 2 in the hippocampus, as well as decreased dopamine levels in the striatum and in the midbrain, accompanied by increased calpain 1 activity in the striatum.
Protective and antioxidant effects of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes hydroethanolic extract on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats.
Ferjani W, Zgaren N, My-Chan Dang P … +4 more , Kouki A, Ben-Attia M, El Benna J, Souli A
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322565 · Publisher ↗
Gastrointestinal disorders, which significantly impact human health, are a major focus of research. Diarrhea is one such disorder, affecting individuals across all age groups. Conventional anti-diarrheal drugs are often...
Gastrointestinal disorders, which significantly impact human health, are a major focus of research. Diarrhea is one such disorder, affecting individuals across all age groups. Conventional anti-diarrheal drugs are often characterized byside effects, so safer alternative treatments are needed. In this context, we investigated the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica, a plant known for its therapeutic properties, by evaluating the impact of its cladode hydroethanolic extraction castor oil-induced diarrhea in rat. The hydroethanolic cladodes extract (HECE) was prepared from fresh cladodes, and its bioactive compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antidiarrheal potential of HECE was evaluated at increasing doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg) using the castor oil-induced diarrhea model, as well as intestinal transit and enteropooling assays in rats. Histological changes in tissues were assessed using a high-performance slide scanner (Zeiss Axioscan7), and biochemical analyses were conducted on gastric and intestinal tissue homogenates. HPLC analysis identified eight phenolic compounds known to have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal disorders. In vivo, HECE administration reduced the number of stools and wet stools, normalized the antioxidant enzymes activities (Superoxide dismutase and Catalase) and levels of mediators such as plasma calcium and free iron. Histological analysis further confirmed mucosal protection, showing preserved villi and reduced epithelial disruption in treated rats. These findings suggest that HECE from Opuntia ficus-indica exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-diarrheal properties in rats, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for diarrhea.
Glutathione S-Transferase Mu1 polymorphisms and environmental factors in cervical cancer susceptibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ouedraogo TC, Bazie BVEJT, Simporé A … +13 more , Ouattara AK, Ouedraogo RA, Traoré L, Yelemkouré TE, Kagembega YD, Sama WA, Savadogo M, Sagna T, Zouré AA, Zohoncon TM, Djigma FW, Karou DS, Simporé J
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322564 · Publisher ↗
Cervical cancer is a multifactorial disease like any other human cancer. Among these factors, genetic polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferase Mu1 (GSTM1) have been incriminated, but the studies results remain controve...
Cervical cancer is a multifactorial disease like any other human cancer. Among these factors, genetic polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferase Mu1 (GSTM1) have been incriminated, but the studies results remain controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to study the influence of GSTM1 polymorphisms on the occurrence of cervical cancer and to explore interactions between genes and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and exposure to tobacco smoke. A meta-analysis was conducted on studies published up to June 12, 2025, from six databases: ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science. Eligible studies included all case-control investigations that assessed the association between GSTM1 polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer. Odds ratios and confidence intervals from the studies were used to estimate the combined effect size. Statistical analyses were conducted using both the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model and Mantel and Haenszel fixed-effect model with a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential sources of variability. A significant association was observed between the GSTM1-null and an increased risk of Cervical Cancer (ORCC=1.47, Pz=0.011) and Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (ORSIL=1.42, Pz=0.035) compared with the GSTM1-present. The included studies showed high heterogeneity. Overall, carriers of the GSTM1-null had a higher likelihood of developing Cervical Cancer compared to carriers of the GSTM1-present. In subgroup analyses, an increased risk associated with the GSTM1-null was found among Asian populations (ORCC=1.54, Pz=0.002) and according to sample type, in blood DNA extracts (ORCC=1.27, Pz=0.052). Furthermore, the GSTM1-null was associated with increased risk in HPV+ women (ORCC=4.88, Pz=0.005) and in women exposed to tobacco smoke (ORCC=1.35, Pz=0.033). According to histological type, GSTM1-null was also associated with the development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ORSCC=1.52, Pz=0.020). in conclusion, GSTM1-nullwere associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in women, especially in HPV+ women and those exposed to tobacco smoke.
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as an inflammatory marker in preeclampsia: a retrospective cohort study from Saudi Arabia.
Ayed A Dera
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322563 · Publisher ↗
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, with systemic inflammation being a key component of its pathogenesis. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been investigated as an inflammatory bio...
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, with systemic inflammation being a key component of its pathogenesis. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been investigated as an inflammatory biomarker for PE; however, its levels are rarely compared directly to both healthy pregnant and non-pregnant controls. This study aimed to evaluate the role of NLR in PE by comparing its levels across these three distinct groups. This retrospective study analyzed medical records from Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital (2022-2023), including 236 PE cases, 260 healthy pregnancies, and 100 non-pregnant controls. Biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed, as well as Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, which evaluated NLR's discriminatory power. Women with PE exhibited significantly elevated NLR compared to both the HP and NP groups (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that NLR could distinguish NP from PE with an AUC of 0.643 (p<0.0001) and NP from HP with an AUC of 0.623 (p=0.0003). An elevated NLR was associated with a 40.7% increased relative risk (RR=1.41, p<0.0001) and nearly threefold higher odds (OR=3.08, p<0.0001) of developing PE. It is concluded that NLR is significantly elevated in PE and demonstrates a significant association with increased risk of the disorder. These findings support its potential utility as an accessible, cost-effective inflammatory biomarker for aiding in the risk stratification of pregnant women. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate its clinical diagnostic value.
The effect of citalopram treatment on memory performance, mood state, catalase, BDNF, and MDA in REM sleep-deprived rats.
Elham Mahdavi, Ghorbani Yekta B, Fereshteh Atabi
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322562 · Publisher ↗
Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep is a critical stage of sleep that plays a pivotal role in memory formation, consolidation, and mood regulation. While REM sleep deprivation (REM SD) has been shown to impair cognitive and a...
Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep is a critical stage of sleep that plays a pivotal role in memory formation, consolidation, and mood regulation. While REM sleep deprivation (REM SD) has been shown to impair cognitive and affective functions, findings across studies remain inconsistent. REM SD may also influence the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key protein involved in memory and mood-related processes. In this study, we investigated the effects of REM SD (6 h/day for 7 days) on behavioral and cognitive performance, BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex, and serum markers of oxidative stress-catalase (CAT, an antioxidant enzyme) and malondialdehyde (MDA, a lipid peroxidation product). Additionally, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of citalopram (20 mg/kg, i.p., for 7 days) on REM SD-induced behavioral deficits. Our results demonstrated that REM SD increased locomotor activity and rearing behavior, impaired passive avoidance memory, and reduced pain threshold. REM SD also downregulated prefrontal BDNF expression but did not alter serum CAT or MDA levels. Citalopram treatment reversed REM SD-induced hyperlocomotion, increased rearing, pain hypersensitivity, and BDNF downregulation; however, it did not significantly improve memory impairment. Depressive-like behavior remained unchanged across groups. These findings suggest that BDNF modulation may underlie both the detrimental effects of REM SD and the therapeutic actions of citalopram, whereas peripheral oxidative stress markers (CAT and MDA) do not appear to play a major role in this paradigm.
The paradox of telomeric chromatin state in the regulation of alternative lengthening of telomeres.
Xiong M, Zheng W, Jia T … +7 more , Hou K, Liu J, Liu R, Liu J, Wang K, Zhou R, Jia S
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 42322561 · Publisher ↗
Telomeres are protected by the shelterin complex and consist of TTAGGG repeats. Their gradual erosion triggers replicative senescence unless counteracted by telomerase or the telomerase-independent Alternative Lengthenin...
Telomeres are protected by the shelterin complex and consist of TTAGGG repeats. Their gradual erosion triggers replicative senescence unless counteracted by telomerase or the telomerase-independent Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway, utilized by 10-15% of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that the decision to activate ALT is intimately linked to the plasticity of telomeric chromatin. This review integrates recent data showing that both constitutive and facultative heterochromatin marks shape ALT activity. We summarize the dynamic regulation of telomeric chromatin and explore the contrasting evidence for two models: the 'open telomeric chromatin model,' where loss of constitutive heterochromatin (e.g., reduced H3K9me3) promotes ALT by increasing chromatin accessibility for homologous recombination (HR) factors, and the 'closed telomeric chromatin model,' where a specific gain of heterochromatic features (e.g., H3K9me3 or H3K27me3) facilitates ALT by creating a specialized phase-separated environment that promotes telomere clustering and break-induced replication (BIR). Resolving this paradox is crucial for understanding ALT initiation and for developing promising synthetic-lethal strategies against ALT-dependent cancers.
Effect of Xamoterol administration into the shell nucleus accumbens of rats on anxiety-like behavior and emotional memory.
Najafi K, Vakiloroaya Y, Ghorbani Yekta B … +2 more , Shahrzad Khakpour, Ghalandari-Shamami M
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41684179 · Publisher ↗
Beta-adrenergic receptors are involved in anxiety disorders and help regulate anxiety-like behaviors. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), an important brain structure for emotional regulation and learning, plays a crucial role...
Beta-adrenergic receptors are involved in anxiety disorders and help regulate anxiety-like behaviors. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), an important brain structure for emotional regulation and learning, plays a crucial role in anxiety. However, limited research has addressed the specific contribution of the NAc - particularly its noradrenergic mechanisms - in anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the effects of administering different doses of Xamoterol, a partial β1-adrenergic agonist, directly into the NAc shell, to understand its impact on anxiety-related processes and the retrieval of emotional memory. Forty adult male Wistar rats were bilaterally implanted with cannulas targeting the NAc shell. The rats received intra-accumbal Xamoterol at doses of 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μg/1 μl (saline). Five minutes after drug administration, anxiety-like behavior was tested using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). Twenty-four hours later, an EPM retention test was conducted to assess emotional memory retrieval. In addition, an open-field test was used to measure spontaneous locomotor activity. One-way ANOVA results showed that intra-accumbal Xamoterol (0.1 and 1 μg) significantly decreased anxiety-like behavior on the EPM. Conversely, head-dipping behavior (a risk assessment measure) was significantly increased at 0.01 and 0.1 μg doses of Xamoterol, which can be interpreted as an anxiolytic effect. Furthermore, higher doses of Xamoterol (0.1 and 1 μg) led to better emotional memory performance compared to the control group. None of the Xamoterol doses produced any significant change in locomotor activity (open-field test). These results suggest that β1-adrenergic receptors in the NAc shell play a role in mediating anxiolytic behavior and enhancing emotional memory retrieval in adult male rats.
A novel peptide cocktail containing B and T cell epitopes confers robust protection against Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in a murine model.
Kamal S, Solyman S, Hanora A
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41684178 · Publisher ↗
Previous Staphylococcus aureus vaccines have been unsuccessful, but it seems that including T cell immunity in the vaccine is essential for its success. This study used Metal ABC transporter substrate-binding protein (MA...
Previous Staphylococcus aureus vaccines have been unsuccessful, but it seems that including T cell immunity in the vaccine is essential for its success. This study used Metal ABC transporter substrate-binding protein (MABC), Nickel ABC transporter (NABC), and Phosphatidylinositol phosphodiesterase (PIc) B and T cell epitopes as a vaccine in a mouse bacteremia model. Mice immunized with PIc and epitope mixture groups showed robust humoral immunity and high survival rates in the bacteremia model. The highest protection level of mice was shown in the peptide mixture group, which was correlated with robust humoral response, the highest level of interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and the lowest levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2). The peptide mixture group also showed the highest count of CD8 cells. These results demonstrate that including B and T cell epitopes improved both the humoral and cellular immunity and resulted in the best outcome in the S. aureus bacteremia model. This finding has important implications for the development of future S. aureus vaccines.
In-silico evaluation of the efficacy of essential oils from Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia herba-alba, and Artemisia annua against SARS-CoV-2.
Bouzerea N, Feknous N, Feknous S … +12 more , Boumendjel M, Sekiou O, Karmi S, Rouabhia MA, Hadef Y, Rebani H, Abdssmad S, Negro C, Luvisi A, De Bellis L, Bouaziz M, Faiza Taibi
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41684177 · Publisher ↗
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in China in December 2019, the pandemic has spread to almost every country in the world, resulting in more than half a billion sick patients and more than seven million victims. The objecti...
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in China in December 2019, the pandemic has spread to almost every country in the world, resulting in more than half a billion sick patients and more than seven million victims. The objective of our present study is to explore some plant resources available in Algeria and to verify their potential use against SARS-CoV-2, involved in COVID-19. The study used plant species belonging to the genus Artemisia and growing naturally in Algeria: Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia absinthium. The essential oils of these two species, analysed by GC-MS, gave a fairly rich chromatographic profile. The comparison of this profile was made with a Malagasy species: Artemisia annua. An in-silico study by molecular docking was conducted on the active molecules of the three species in order to predict their efficacy and possible toxicity. The target proteins of the molecular docking are three proteases: 6LU7, 6WUU, 7JRN and a receptor linked to ACE2: 6M0J. Our study shows that out of 55 molecules tested, 8 present in these 3 plants have a very strong potential to inhibit the proteins studied: Cubebene, Elemene, Mustakone, Azulol, Myrtenyl acetate, β-Selinene, Epi-α-Cadinol, and Germacrene D. We also notice that out of the 8 molecules selected, those extracted from Artemisia absinthium are the ones with the highest scores. This plant may therefore have a very high antiviral potential. Mixtures of the three plants could be complementary in their effectiveness. These findings suggest that the selected compounds warrant further experimental validation in vitro and in vivo.
Folic acid-decorated tamoxifen-loaded covalent organic framework induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via BAX/Caspase-8 upregulation.
Chandran A, S S, A R … +2 more , Vibin M, Plakkal Ayyappan J
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41684176 · Publisher ↗
The side effects and non-specific targeting of healthy organs associated with conventional cancer therapies necessitate the design and fabrication of novel nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems. In this study, we succ...
The side effects and non-specific targeting of healthy organs associated with conventional cancer therapies necessitate the design and fabrication of novel nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems. In this study, we successfully fabricated a novel two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) nanomaterial. This COF was loaded with tamoxifen (TMX) and surface-modified with folic acid (FA) to achieve effective targeting for breast cancer therapy. The resulting construct, TMX@COF-FA, was characterized using PXRD, FTIR, ¹³C NMR, CHNS analysis, BET surface area analysis, TGA, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX analysis. The COF carrier demonstrated a high drug encapsulation efficiency of approximately 82%. Furthermore, it exhibited a pH-responsive drug release profile, with a significantly higher release rate at pH 5.4 compared to pH 7.4, which is ideal for the acidic tumor microenvironment. Cell viability studies revealed that TMX@COF-FA induced about 90% cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, while showing minimal cytotoxicity in L929 fibroblast cells. The mechanism of cell death was investigated using AO/EtBr dual staining, ROS detection assays, flow cytometry (FACS), and qRT-PCR. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the FA-conjugated COF can efficiently deliver TMX to MCF-7 cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis, leading to potent cancer cell destruction. This study underscores the potential of functionalized COFs as promising targeted drug delivery platforms for breast cancer treatment.
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