Biologics

Background/Objectives: Obesity increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby triggering oxidative stress. Coriander seeds contain polyphenolic compounds that act as natural antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress. Coriander seed ethanolic extract has been proven to decrease malondialdehyde and increase catalase activity in the liver of high-fat-diet-fed rats. Thus, coriander seeds are thought to protect against obesity-induced oxidative liver damage; however, their molecular mechanism has not been revealed. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Forkhead Box O3 (FOXO3) are transcription factors involved in cellular antioxidant regulation (e.g., superoxide dismutase/SOD, glutathione peroxidase/GPx expression, and reduced glutathione/GSH) that are negatively regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1 (Keap1) and 14-3-3 protein to maintain cellular homeostasis. This study aimed to analyze the regulation of antioxidant expression through in silico and in vivo experiments. Methods: The in silico study assessed the potential of coriander seed ethanolic extract to inhibit Keap1 and 14-3-3 using molecular docking. Then, the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of the top three compounds were analyzed. Meanwhile, the in vivo study investigated how the coriander seed ethanolic extract impacted the level of Nrf2, FOXO3, and their downstream effectors (T-SOD, MnSOD, GPx, and GSH). The in vivo study involved five groups of rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet that were fed with 100 mg/kgBW coriander seed ethanolic extract for 12 weeks. Results: The in silico tests revealed that shionoside b had the highest potential to inhibit Keap1 (ΔG = −8.90 kcal/mol; Ki = 298.01 nM) and 14-3-3 protein (ΔG = −6.85 kcal/mol; Ki = 9.46 µM). The in vivo tests showed that the Nrf2, FOXO3, MnSOD, and GPx mRNA expression was significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, T-SOD, MnSOD, GPx, and GSH activity were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Nrf2 was significantly correlated with FOXO3 as well as the T-SOD, MnSOD, and GPx activity, and FOXO3 was significantly correlated with the T-SOD, MnSOD, GPx, and GSH activity. Conclusions: In obese rats, coriander seeds tend to increase Nrf2 and FOXO3 expression, which is positively correlated with their downstream enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activity. This is possibly due to the interaction between the coriander seed phytoconstituents and protein inhibitors (Keap1 and 14-3-3), which contribute to the stability and nuclear mobilization of Nrf2 and FOXO3. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sera from patients before and after organ transplantation were tested at two different temperatures, 21 °C and 37 °C. Currently, organs are transported under normothermic conditions (37 °C). This observational pilot study was conducted to define the effect of the incubation at 37 °C, comparing the results to the usual temperature of 21 °C for serum–bead incubation. Methods: We used the Luminex-based assay for the identification and characterization of HLA-specific antibodies. The assays were performed using single antigen beads for HLA class I and HLA class II. A total of 42 sera were assessed and tested, and 38 were analyzed on the Luminex 200 platform at both temperatures. Results: We noted varying outcomes: both an increase and a decrease in mean fluorescence intensity values. A shift from negative to positive values (n = 6) and vice versa (n = 1) was observed. Several sera (n = 4 for HLA class I and n = 5 for HLA class II) exhibited no alterations. In general, we observed an increase in the mean fluorescence intensity values by incubation at 37 °C. The analysis at the bead level revealed a significant deviation (37 °C vs. 21 °C) for the bead carrying HLA-A80 (p = 0.0006) and two HLA-DQ beads, DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 (p = 0.0438) and DQA1*01:03-DQB1*06:03 (p = 0.0438). Conclusions: Mimicking physiological temperature conditions for the testing of HLA-specific antibodies will lead to the better and more accurate interpretation of the results. This method shows potential for use in the delisting strategy for highly sensitized patients as well, thus allowing a better and more reliable option for the patient awaiting a suitable crossmatch-negative organ. Full article

Background: Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20, commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and rheumatoid arthritis. While generally well-tolerated, serious adverse events, including infusion reactions and infections, are well-documented. Case Summary: We report a rare case of rituximab-induced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a 26-year-old woman with no cardiovascular risk factors. She developed crushing chest pain after her first 1 g rituximab infusion, with recurrent symptoms upon re-exposure. Cardiac catheterization revealed a left circumflex artery occlusion. Additional workup showed c-ANCA positivity, cryoglobulinemia, pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, and findings consistent with GPA. Rituximab was discontinued, and she was transitioned to steroids, cyclophosphamide, and leuprolide, with no further cardiac events. Discussion: This is the first reported case in a young, previously healthy woman. Clinicians should consider rituximab-associated myocardial injury, especially in autoimmune or hypercoagulable states. Take-Home Message: Remain vigilant for cardiac events during rituximab infusions in patients with inflammatory diseases. Full article

Background and Objectives: Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote health when consumed in adequate amounts, ensure the balance of bacterial composition in the digestive system, and suppress harmful pathogenic bacteria, with overall implications for animal and human health, welfare and performance. However, a lot remains unclear about their functional mechanisms. Materials and Methods: In this study, 14 uncharacterized proteins of Lactobacillus acidophilus were analyzed for subcellular localization, structural and safety profiling and interleukin-6-(IL-6)-inducing potential. Results: Aliphatic index scores were generally high, ranging between 138.39 (LBA1705) and 78.39 (LBA1825). The instability index scores were less than 40 for all the query proteins except for LBA0995. All the proteins produced immunogenic IL-6-inducing peptides, except for LBA0037, LBA1825 and LBA1788. Conclusions: The findings provide insight into understanding the functional mechanism of probiotic Lactobacillus, laying a strong foundation for more experimental studies. Full article

Extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds have demonstrated therapeutic potential across a variety of clinical and preclinical applications for tissue repair and regeneration. In parallel, these scaffolds and their components have shown the capacity to modulate the immune response. Unlike synthetic implants, which are often associated with chronic inflammation or fibrotic encapsulation, ECM bioscaffolds interact dynamically with host cells, promoting constructive tissue remodeling. This effect is largely attributed to the preservation of structural and biochemical cues—such as degradation products and matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV). These cues influence immune cell behavior and support the transition from inflammation to resolution and functional tissue regeneration. However, the immunomodulatory properties of ECM bioscaffolds are dependent on the source tissue and, critically, on the methods used for decellularization. Inadequate removal of cellular components or the presence of residual chemicals can shift the host response towards a pro-inflammatory, non-constructive phenotype, ultimately compromising therapeutic outcomes. This review synthesizes current basic concepts on the innate immune response to ECM bioscaffolds, with particular attention to the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases following implantation. We explore how specific ECM features shape these responses and distinguish between pro-remodeling and pro-inflammatory outcomes. Additionally, we examine the impact of manufacturing practices and quality control on the preservation of ECM bioactivity. These insights challenge the conventional classification of ECM bioscaffolds as medical devices and support their recognition as biologically active materials with distinct immunoregulatory potential. A deeper understanding of these properties is critical for optimizing clinical applications and guiding the development of updated regulatory frameworks in regenerative medicine. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterised by cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, and subchondral bone remodelling. Conventional diagnostic modalities, including radiographic imaging and symptom-based assessments, primarily detect disease in its later stages, limiting the potential for timely intervention. Inflammatory biomarkers, particularly Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO), have emerged as biologically relevant indicators of disease activity, with potential applications as companion diagnostics in precision medicine. This review examines the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of IL-6, TNF-α, and MPO in OA, focusing on their mechanistic roles in inflammation and joint degeneration, particularly through the activity of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). The influence of sample type (serum, plasma, synovial fluid) and analytical performance, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is discussed in the context of biomarker detectability. Advanced statistical and computational methodologies, including rank-based analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), discriminant function analysis (DFA), and Cox proportional hazards modelling, are explored for their capacity to validate biomarker associations, adjust for demographic variability, and stratify patient risk. Further, the utility of synthetic data generation, hierarchical clustering, and dimensionality reduction techniques (e.g., t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding) in addressing inter-individual variability and enhancing model generalisability is also examined. Collectively, this synthesis supports the integration of biomarker profiling with advanced analytical modelling to improve early OA detection, enable patient-specific classification, and inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background: The peach allergen Pru p 7, a member of the Gibberellin-Regulated Protein (GRP) family, has emerged as a key marker of severe fruit-induced allergies. It is hypothesized to mediate cross-reactivity between fruit allergens and cypress pollen. Given the increasing prevalence of food allergies and the complex patterns of cross-sensitization, the role of Pru p 7 in clinical allergy diagnostics warrants further investigation. Objective: This study aims to characterize the sensitization profile to Pru p 7 in a cohort of patients with suspected fruit allergy and to assess its relationship with cypress pollen allergy, particularly to Cup s 7, a homologous GRP from Cupressus sempervirens. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients evaluated at the Allergy Unit of the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo. Specific IgE (sIgE) levels to peach extract, Pru p 7, and Cup a 1 (cypress extract) were assessed using the ImmunoCAP^® system (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Statistical associations between sensitizations were evaluated using chi-square tests and Spearman’s correlation. Results: Sensitization to peach extract, Pru p 7, and cypress pollen was detected in 38%, 30%, and 45% of patients, respectively. Significant associations were observed between peach and cypress (χ² = 8.80, p = 0.003), peach and Pru p 7 (χ² = 8.23, p = 0.004), and cypress and Pru p 7 (χ² = 6.55, p = 0.01). Notably, all patients sensitized to Pru p 7 also tested positive for both peach and cypress allergens, supporting the hypothesis of pollen–food cross-reactivity. Conclusions: Pru p 7 is a clinically relevant allergen that may account for severe allergic responses in patients not sensitized to classical peach allergens. Its cross-reactivity with Cupressaceae-derived GRPs, such as Cup s 7, highlights the importance of molecular diagnostics in evaluating food allergies, particularly in regions with significant exposure to cypress pollen. Full article

Background/Objectives: The relative efficacy of 8 mg aflibercept compared to 2 mg in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) has not been fully established. This study aims to compare the visual and anatomical outcomes of aflibercept 8 mg versus 2 mg in patients with nAMD in both treatment-naïve individuals with no history of anti-VEGF treatment and those previously treated with intravitreal injections. Methods: This retrospective study included 13 eyes treated with aflibercept 8 mg and 14 eyes with aflibercept 2 mg in treatment-naïve patients, along with 15 eyes switched to aflibercept 8 mg previously treated with other intravitreal injections and 15 eyes continued on aflibercept 2 mg in patients. Baseline and one-month post-injection changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed. Results: In treatment-naïve patients, the aflibercept 8 mg group showed a significant improvement in BCVA (logMAR 0.19 ± 0.23 to 0.13 ± 0.20, p = 0.0156), while the 2 mg group did not. Both doses reduced CMT significantly, with a greater reduction in the 8 mg group (dCMT 28.60% vs. 24.08%, p = 0.0220). In previously treated patients, no significant changes in BCVA were noted in either group; however, both groups showed significant reductions in CMT. Conclusions: Real-world data demonstrated that aflibercept 8 mg led to substantial improvements in anatomical outcomes one month after injection, irrespective of previous intravitreal injection history. However, significant improvements in visual outcomes were observed exclusively in treatment-naïve patients. Further large-scale, long-term studies are required to determine the proportion of patients who experience improvement and to assess whether these improvements are maintained over time. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fasting-induced elevation of blood ketone body levels suppresses allergic reactions; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated whether elevated ketone body levels affect allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and explored nutritional interventions that effectively increase β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels. Additionally, we examined the role of GPR109A, a receptor for β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), in ketone body-induced allergy suppression through ingestion of a ketogenic substrate. Methods: To evaluate the effects of ketone body precursors, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or 1,3-butanediol (BD) was administered as a single oral dose (2 g/kg body weight) under fed conditions. Blood BHB concentrations were measured at the time of euthanasia. ACD was induced using 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), and its severity was assessed by measuring ear swelling and mast cell (MC) degranulation. To determine whether GPR109A mediates ketone body-induced allergy suppression, mepenzolate bromide (MPN), a GPR109A antagonist, was subcutaneously administered before BD treatment. Results: Both MCT oil and BD significantly increased the blood BHB levels. Elevated BHB concentrations were accompanied by reduced ear swelling and MC degranulation in DNFB-treated mice. The anti-allergic effects of BD were abolished by MPN administration, indicating that these effects were mediated by GPR109A activation. Conclusions: Nutritional supplementation with ketogenic substrates, such as MCT oil and BD, may serve as a dietary intervention for ACD by elevating blood BHB levels. GPR109A activation appears to be involved in ketone body-induced allergy suppression, suggesting a mechanistic link between ketone metabolism and immunomodulation. Full article

Background: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare inflammatory lung disease typically responsive to glucocorticoids, but is prone to relapse and, in some cases, progressive deterioration. A subset of patients develops fibrosing CEP, a distinct phenotype characterized by irreversible parenchymal remodeling and declining lung function, for which no standard treatment exists. Although biologic therapies targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5) are effective in relapsing CEP, their role in fibrosing forms remains unclear. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 43-year-old man with idiopathic CEP initially treated with systemic glucocorticoids, which were discontinued due to severe adverse effects. Despite subsequent therapy with inhaled steroids and azathioprine, the disease relapsed and progressed to a fibrosing phenotype, as confirmed by radiologic and functional assessments. An off-label treatment with subcutaneous mepolizumab, 100 mg, every 4 weeks was started. After eight months of therapy, the patient achieved clinical stability, improved lung function, and the radiologic stabilization of fibrotic changes, without the need for any further treatment with a corticosteroid. Conclusions: This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first documented case of fibrosing CEP treated with an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody, highlighting its potential role as a steroid-sparing agent and immunomodulator even in the fibrotic phase of disease. Further research is warranted to define the place of biologics in the management of CEP with a fibrosing evolution and possible combinations with antifibrotic drugs. Full article

Background and Objectives: The cytokine IL-6, methyltransferase NSD2, pro-protein convertase Furin, and growth factor receptor IGF-1R are essential factors in the proliferation of cancer cells. These proteins are involved in the tumor process by generating several cell-signaling pathways. However, the interactions of these oncogenic biomarkers, Furin, IL-6, and NSD2, and their links with the inhibitor SERPINA-1 remain largely unknown. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation is measured by colorimetric and enzymatic methods. The genetic expressions of SERPINA-1, Furin, IL-6, and NSD2 are measured by qRT-PCR, while the expression of IGF-1R on the cell surface is measured by flow cytometry. Results: The proliferation of cells overexpressing SERPINA-1 (JP7pSer+) is decreased by more than 90% compared to control cells (JP7pSer-). The kinetics of the gene expression ratios of Furin, IL-6, and NSD2 show an increase for 48 h, followed by a decrease after 72 h for the three biomarkers in JP7pSer+ cells compared to JP7pSer- cells. The expression of IGF-1R on the cell surface in both cell lines is low, with JP7pSer- cells expressing 1.33 times more IGF-1R than JP7pSer+ cells. Conclusions: These results suggest gene correlations of SERPINA-1 overexpression with decreased cell proliferation and modulation of gene expression of Furin, IL-6, and NSD2. This study should be complemented by molecular transcriptomic and proteomic experiments to better understand the interaction of SERPINA-1 with IL-6, Furin, and NSD2, and their effect on tumor progression. Full article

Background: Immunological strategies for antibody-guided vaccine design intend to enhance viral neutralization and protection and increase efficacy. Here, we discuss advances in antibody-guided vaccine design and current antibody-guided strategies, including epitope-based, nanoparticle-based, and scaffold-based vaccine approaches. We review the challenges and limitations of vaccines against different pathogens, such as influenza A virus, HIV-1 virus, single-celled malaria parasite, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2. We summarize the available literature guidance, including emerging techniques in immunological vaccine design, to help understand and improve antibody-based immunity. The search strategy we applied is a comprehensive literature review of major databases, with specific search terms related to antibody-mediated vaccine design, viral neutralization, and immune protection. We discuss the how future directions for next-generation vaccine platforms and personalized vaccines based on immunogenetics will help improve vaccine design for increased specificity and potency of antibodies that neutralize pathogens, offering more precise and effective immune responses and, therefore, protection. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association of diabetes mellitus and its medications with overall response (ORR) and mortality or cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer receiving enfortumab vedotin monotherapy. Methods: This multicentre retrospective cohort study was designed according to the guidelines for the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ). Eligible patients were adults (≥18) years treated with enfortumab vedotin monotherapy for metastatic urothelial cancer between June 2024 and January 2025. A total of 125 patients were reported across 11 centres. Results: The cohort included 93 males (74.4%) and 32 females (25.6%), with a mean age of 68.3 years (SD 9.3). The primary tumour site was the bladder in 109 (87.2%) cases and the upper tract (UTUC) in 16 (12.8%) cases. Interestingly, medication with metformin was significantly associated with cancer-specific mortality (37.9% versus 77.8%; p = 0.019), while patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus had a significantly better CSS (Log Rank = 0.004). Upon comparing only patients who already had diabetes mellitus and then received anti-diabetic medication, there was a significant association between patients with diabetes mellitus receiving metformin and a worse 3-month ORR (80.0% versus 55.6%; p = 0.039). Regarding the subpopulation of UTUC, cancer-specific mortality was significantly associated with metformin medication (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Despite recent reports that metformin has protective effects in urothelial cancer, our findings suggest that metformin use may be linked to worse responses and survival outcomes in patients treated with enfortumab vedotin monotherapy. Further research, particularly translational research into the underlying diabetic and pharmacologic pathways, is warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products are important in healthcare due to their accessibility and linkage to a healthy lifestyle. However, their effectiveness is uncertain due to insufficient scientific data. Cancer patients are frequent users of natural products to relieve symptoms or for chemoprevention. Eugenia uniflora leaf essential oil (EO), traditionally used for digestive disorders, emerges as a potential antineoplastic agent. We investigated the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of E. uniflora EO in human normal CCD 841 CoN and tumoral Caco-2 colonic cell lines. Methods: CCD 841 CoN and Caco-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of E. uniflora EO, and the cytotoxicity was determined by MTT and Trypan Blue assays. Cell proliferation kinetics were analyzed at a low EO concentration, and the induction of DNA damage and oxidative stress was assessed by Comet and Cellular ROS assays. Results: Both cell lines exhibited cytotoxicity produced by the EO and decreased cell viability of the exposed cells and their progeny. CCD 841 CoN proliferation was impaired by low EO concentration, while the proliferation kinetics of the Caco-2 cells was modified. EO treatment induced variable DNA damage and oxidative stress depending on the cell line. Conclusions: Our results suggest that E. uniflora EO may prevent the proliferation of normal cells, inducing loss of viability. The EO produced cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in tumoral cells by inducing DNA damage and increased oxidative stress. These effects support the consideration of E. uniflora EO (or its bioactive compounds) as a potential agent for the chemoprevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Keloid treatment remains challenging due to limited effectiveness and patient dissatisfaction. Herbal-based therapy offers promising alternatives that require further investigation. Uncaria gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb., an original plant from Indonesia, possesses an antifibrotic effect. However, its potential as an antifibrotic agent in keloid management remains unclear. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the bioactive compound from gambir and its effects on keloid fibroblast primary culture. Methods: The bioactive compounds of gambir extract and fractions (ethanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions) were identified by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) analysis. The mechanism of gambir bioactive compounds for keloid was predicted using the compound–protein interaction network and enrichment analysis, and validated using molecular docking and dynamic simulation. The experimental study results, including cytotoxic and bioactivity effects, were represented as IC₅₀ and selectivity index (SI) values, and the ex vivo analysis of keloid tissue explants. Results: Uncariagambiriine was identified as the most potent compound with the lowest binding energy and high stability to the core protein targets: AKT1 and TGFB1. The ethanol fraction was determined to have the highest abundance of gambir’s typical bioactive compounds, with the lowest IC₅₀ (128.76 ± 0.24 µg/mL) and the highest SI (6.32) value. Furthermore, the results of the ex vivo analysis indicated the significant inhibition of keloid fibroblast proliferation and migration by the gambir ethanolic fraction. Conclusions: This study underlines the potential of the gambir ethanolic fraction as an antifibrotic agent in keloid, warranting further investigation and development for clinical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research efforts and substantial funding have been dedicated to finding cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Probiotics have been proposed as promising substitutes for antibiotics in human nutrition and livestock production; however, their functional mechanisms remain incompletely understood, limiting their sustainable applications as food supplements, feed additives and for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Methods: In this study, the probiotic potential of two bacterial genomes, Ligilactobacillus saerimneri and Ligilactobacillus salivarius, were explored. Their protein-coding hypothetical proteins were analyzed for their potential to induce interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Results: The IL-5- and IL-13-inducing peptides were identified as immunogens against bacterial and tumor peptides. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the probiotic bacteria’s immune functionality pathways, sustainability and potential as therapeutic feed additives, food supplements and candidates for vaccine development. Full article

Background: Recombinant monoclonal antibodies represent a vital category of biologics, constituting the largest class of molecules used to treat autoimmune disorders, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic conditions. The IgG1 subclass is the most potent among all the immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) antibodies, inducing Fc-related effector functions. N-linked glycan distribution of therapeutic IgG1s affects Fc-related effector functions such as CDC (complement-dependent cytotoxicity) and ADCC (antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity) biological activities and efficacy in vivo. Hence, as a critical quality attribute (CQA), the glycosylation profile of therapeutic IgG1s must be consistently preserved, which is primarily influenced by manufacturing process factors. In the era of biosimilars, it is challenging for biopharmaceutical manufacturers to not only obtain the desired glycan distribution consistently but also to meet the innovator molecule specifications as per the regulatory agencies. Methods: This study investigates the CHO fed-batch process parameters that affect the titer and terminal galactosylation of the TNF-α blocker-IgG1. It was hypothesized that galactose supplementation would enhance the galactosylation of TNF-α blocker-IgG1. Results: It was observed that such in-cultivation process shift does not affect cell culture parameters yet significantly enhances the galactosylation of TNF-α blocker-IgG1. Interestingly, the results indicate that supplementing D-galactose from the exponential phase of the CHO fed-batch process had the greatest effect on Fc galactosylation, increasing the amount of total galactosylated TNF-α blocker-IgG1 from 7.7% to 15.8%. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a relatively easy and viable technique for cell culture engineering that is more appropriate for industrial production than costly in vitro glycoengineering. Full article

Background: Dissolvable Microneedle Patches (DMP) have emerged as a promising approach for improved topical delivery of skincare agents with dermatological values (dermo-cosmetics), effectively addressing the various skin concerns. These patches enable minimally invasive penetration of the skin’s outer layer, facilitating efficient transdermal delivery of actives by overcoming skin barrier for successful outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches (HA-MNP) with agents for the managements of an inflammatory disorder of acne. A particular focus was on helping individuals with moderate inflammatory acne. Methods: A single-center clinical trial was conducted over a period of four weeks on acne patients. Measurable skin properties, including sebum content, redness, and severity of inflammation, were evaluated to gauge the overall usefulness of the MN patches. Results: The application of the patches resulted in a significant decrease in sebum content, with reductions of −4.9% and −36.8% observed after two and four weeks of use, respectively. The redness of localized acne lesions also showed a marked decline, with reductions of −47.2% and −65.5% observed after two and four weeks of use, respectively. Additionally, the severity of inflammatory signs in acne lesions showed significant improvements, with reductions of −68.8% and −83.3% observed for the application periods. The patches utilized in this investigation exhibited highly encouraging results, displaying a notable synergistic effect in the context of combating acne without adverse effects. Conclusions: The patches have the potential to be broadly applied as a modular and adaptable approach for therapeutic delivery of actives for various skin diseases and concerns. Full article

C-terminal-binding proteins (CtBPs) dimerize and function predominantly as transcriptional corepressors by recruiting various chromatin-modifying factors to promoter-bound repressors. Hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delay, and tooth enamel defects syndrome (HADDTS) is a recently discovered neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from a heterozygous missense mutation in CTBP1. It is often associated with the early onset of profound cerebellar atrophy in patients. Allen Institute’s Allen Brain Cell (ABC) atlas of human brain data was used to localize CTBP1 expression in the brain to elucidate the etiology of HADDTS. Based on the ABC atlas, CTBP1 is highly expressed in the upper rhombic lip supercluster, which gives rise to cerebellar cells and provides insights into the cerebellar pathophysiology observed in HADDTS patients. Full article