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Biologics, Volume 2, Issue 1 (March 2022) – 8 articles

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15 pages, 345 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Diabetes Mellitus
by Julia Depta, Paulina Małkowska, Monika Wysokińska, Karolina Todorska, Olga Sierawska, Rafał Hrynkiewicz, Dominika Bębnowska and Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 92-106; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010008 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5256
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported. In diabetes mellitus type I (T1D), cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) and mouse-β- defensin 14 (mBD14) are positively affected. Decreased levels of LL-37 and human neutrophil peptide 1-3 (HNP1-3) have been reported in diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) relative to healthy patients. Moreover, AMPs from amphibians and social wasps have antidiabetic effects. In infections occurring in patients with tuberculosis-diabetes or diabetic foot, granulysin, HNP1, HNP2, HNP3, human beta-defensin 2 (HBD2), and cathelicidins are responsible for pathogen clearance. An interesting alternative is also the use of modified M13 bacteriophages containing encapsulated AMPs genes or phagemids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Peptides for Therapeutic Applications)
11 pages, 693 KiB  
Review
High Altitude Cerebral Edema: Improving Treatment Options
by Rebecca Zelmanovich, Kevin Pierre, Patrick Felisma, Dwayne Cole, Matthew Goldman and Brandon Lucke-Wold
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 81-91; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010007 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6917
Abstract
High altitude illness in its most severe form can lead to high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Current strategies have focused on prevention with graduated ascents, pharmacologic prophylaxis, and descent at first signs of symptoms. Little is understood regarding treatment with steroids and oxygenation [...] Read more.
High altitude illness in its most severe form can lead to high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Current strategies have focused on prevention with graduated ascents, pharmacologic prophylaxis, and descent at first signs of symptoms. Little is understood regarding treatment with steroids and oxygenation being commonly utilized. Pre-clinical studies with turmeric derivatives have offered promise due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but they warrant validation clinically. Ongoing work is focused on better understanding the disease pathophysiology with an emphasis on the glymphatic system and venous outflow obstruction. This review highlights what is known regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, while also introducing novel pathophysiology mechanisms warranting further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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12 pages, 5082 KiB  
Article
Toxicity Studies on Essential Oil from Phoenix dactylifera (L.) Seed in Wistar Rats
by Olumide Oluyele, Muftau Kolawole Oladunmoye and Ayodele Oluwayemisi Ogundare
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 69-80; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010006 - 9 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3888
Abstract
This study evaluated the toxicological effect of oral administration of Phoenix dactylifera seed essential oil (PDEO) in Wistar rats. PDEO was extracted through a steam-distillation technique. Acute toxicity study evaluated administration of a single dose of the oil in a group (n [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the toxicological effect of oral administration of Phoenix dactylifera seed essential oil (PDEO) in Wistar rats. PDEO was extracted through a steam-distillation technique. Acute toxicity study evaluated administration of a single dose of the oil in a group (n = 5) of rats followed by 24 h observation, for sub-acute toxicity evaluation, the animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 3). Group 1 to 4 rats, respectively, received 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg bw of PDEO for fourteen days, while the fifth group served as control. At the termination of the study, blood samples were obtained for biochemical and hematological analyses, while vital organs were histopathologically examined. Results from this study revealed no mortality or abnormal behavioral changes in the animals. A dose-related increase in bodyweight and hematological parameters was observed across the treated groups (p < 0.05). At a dosage of 500 mg/kg bw, PDEO caused slight elevation in biochemical marker levels and mild changes in histological architecture of liver and kidney of the test rats. This study revealed that PDEO exhibited significant hematopoietic attributes with no adverse effect on the experimental rats’ vital organs at concentrations below 500 mg/kg bw. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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11 pages, 439 KiB  
Review
The Promising Role of Mushrooms as a Therapeutic Adjuvant of Conventional Cancer Therapies
by Ana Isabel Plácido, Fátima Roque and Manuel Morgado
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 58-68; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010005 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5807
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been fronted as an alternative due to its potential for holistic treatment. Many CAMs are plant-derived, including algae and mushrooms that have been used widely in many parts of the world, where they are regarded as biological [...] Read more.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been fronted as an alternative due to its potential for holistic treatment. Many CAMs are plant-derived, including algae and mushrooms that have been used widely in many parts of the world, where they are regarded as biological response modifiers. The purpose of this article was to review the role of mushrooms as an adjuvant in conventional therapies, to reveal the therapeutic substances of mushrooms as an adjuvant in conventional therapies, to bring together the available scientific data on the medical effects of mushrooms in oncology, and verify its efficacy and safety. A literature search was conducted in September 2021 on the MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials or clinical trials studies addressing the use of whole mushroom formulations as complementary therapy during conventional cancer treatment.: The findings from the present study suggest that mushrooms may act as a potentiator of host defense mechanisms and decrease adverse events for patients with cancer undergoing conventional therapies. New protocols to conduct clinical trials are needed to elucidate the possible active mechanisms and clinical benefits of these fungi in various types of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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2 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Biologics in 2021
by Biologics Editorial Office
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 56-57; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010004 - 26 Jan 2022
Viewed by 2609
Abstract
Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...] Full article
11 pages, 3573 KiB  
Article
In Silico Analysis of Honeybee Venom Protein Interaction with Wild Type and Mutant (A82V + P375S) Ebola Virus Spike Protein
by Muhammad Muzammal, Muzammil Ahmad Khan, Mohammed Al Mohaini, Abdulkhaliq J. Alsalman, Maitham A. Al Hawaj and Arshad Farid
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 45-55; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010003 - 7 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4444
Abstract
Venom from different organisms was used in ancient times to treat a wide range of diseases, and to combat a variety of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The aim of this in silico research was to investigate the impact of honeybee venom proteins and [...] Read more.
Venom from different organisms was used in ancient times to treat a wide range of diseases, and to combat a variety of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The aim of this in silico research was to investigate the impact of honeybee venom proteins and peptides against Ebola virus. In the current in silico study, different online and offline tools were used. RaptorX (protein 3D modeling) and PatchDock (protein–protein docking) were used as online tools, while Chimera and LigPlot + v2.1 were used for visualizing protein–protein interactions. We screened nine venom proteins and peptides against the normal Ebola virus spike protein and found that melittin, MCD and phospholipase A2 showed a strong interaction. We then screened these peptides and proteins against mutated strains of Ebola virus and found that the enzyme phospholipase A2 showed a strong interaction. According to the findings, phospholipase A2 found in honeybee venom may be an effective source of antiviral therapy against the deadly Ebola virus. Although the antiviral potency of phospholipase A2 has been recorded previously, this is the first in silico analysis of honeybee phospholipase A2 against the Ebola viral spike protein and its more lethal mutant strain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Drugs and Vaccines)
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30 pages, 6019 KiB  
Review
Peptide Multimerization as Leads for Therapeutic Development
by Dean E. Sheard, Wenyi Li, Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson, Frances Separovic and John D. Wade
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 15-44; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010002 - 30 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6222
Abstract
Multimerization of peptide structures has been a logical evolution in their development as potential therapeutic molecules. The multivalent properties of these assemblies have attracted much attention from researchers in the past and the development of more complex branching dendrimeric structures, with a wide [...] Read more.
Multimerization of peptide structures has been a logical evolution in their development as potential therapeutic molecules. The multivalent properties of these assemblies have attracted much attention from researchers in the past and the development of more complex branching dendrimeric structures, with a wide array of biocompatible building blocks is revealing previously unseen properties and activities. These branching multimer and dendrimer structures can induce greater effect on cellular targets than monomeric forms and act as potent antimicrobials, potential vaccine alternatives and promising candidates in biomedical imaging and drug delivery applications. This review aims to outline the chemical synthetic innovations for the development of these highly complex structures and highlight the extensive capabilities of these molecules to rival those of natural biomolecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Protein Therapeutics)
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14 pages, 1154 KiB  
Article
Identification and Effects of Skim Milk-Derived Bioactive Antihypertensive Peptides
by Fatah B. Ahtesh, Lily Stojanovska, Vijay Mishra, Osaana Donkor, Jack Feehan, Marijan Bosevski, Michael Mathai and Vasso Apostolopoulos
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 1-14; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010001 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3950
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are generated during milk fermentation or enzymatic hydrolysis. Lactobacillus (L) helveticus is commonly used to produce some types of fermented milk products. Fermented milk derived bioactive peptides are known to be beneficial in human health. Anti-hypertensive peptides play a [...] Read more.
Bioactive peptides are generated during milk fermentation or enzymatic hydrolysis. Lactobacillus (L) helveticus is commonly used to produce some types of fermented milk products. Fermented milk derived bioactive peptides are known to be beneficial in human health. Anti-hypertensive peptides play a dual role in the regulation of hypertension through the production of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and its inactivation of the vasodilator bradykinin. MALDI MS/MS, nano-LC/MS/MS and RP-HPLC were used to isolate peptides showing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACE-I) from 12% fermented skim milk using a combination of L. helveticus and Flavourzyme®. The fermentation procedure facilitated the identification of 133 anti-hypertensive peptides and 75% short chain amino acids, and the three with the highest ACE-I activity reduced blood pressure in a rat model of hypertension. The freeze- dried extract was supplemented in rodent chow. In this study 14-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed for 10 weeks with the identified peptides added to chow and compared to controls supplemented with skim milk powder. Blood pressure (BP) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 6 to 10 weeks of FS groups (120/65 mmHg) compared with the NFS control groups, where the BP increased significantly (220/150 mmHg) (p < 0.05). The F6 fraction provided bioactive peptides with stronger antihypertensive properties than other fractions. Skim milk fermented by L. helveticus and Flavourzyme® generates several bioactive peptides which have a blood pressure lowering effect in hypertensive disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Protein Therapeutics)
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