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Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 7885

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sara Spinelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: human physiology; cell physiology; membrane transport systems; bioactive compound; oxidative stress; human health
Dr. Alessia Remigante

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: human physiology; cell physiology; membrane transport systems; bioactive compound; oxidative stress; human health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Rossana Morabito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: human physiology; cell physiology; membrane transport systems; bioactive compound; oxidative stress; human health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue, entitled “Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases”, welcomes high-quality research articles, as well as review articles, focusing on targets and molecular mechanisms underlying several common pathological conditions related to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory processes and their possible modulation through natural bioactive compounds. Recently, these molecules have attracted considerable attention due to their potential employment as low-toxicity therapies that can prevent, reduce, or restore chronic disease-induced damage.

The extraordinary activity of functional bioactives is displayed via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycant properties, which collectively provide a potential new strategy in the management of several pathological conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, and rheumatic and neurodegenerative diseases, among others). Understanding the molecular and functional mechanisms and/or pathways through which these substances may support human health remains an open question worth exploring. In this perspective, studies using animal, as well as cell-based models, are welcome.

Dr. Sara Spinelli
Dr. Alessia Remigante
Prof. Dr. Rossana Morabito
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • natural bioactive compound
  • human health
  • chronic diseases
  • molecular target
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • cancer
  • diabetes

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 8775 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Bioactivity of Fermented Aralia cordata Extract for Glucose and Immune Modulation
by Heejong Shin, Hwapyung Kim, Gwangpyung Kim, Yikyoung Kim and Boyong Kim
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(4), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47040294 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Excessive glucose absorption is a major contributing factor of metabolic disorders that necessitates effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the potential of fermented Aralia cordata extract (FACE) in regulating glucose transport and immune responses under high-glucose stress conditions. Caco-2 intestinal cells and L [...] Read more.
Excessive glucose absorption is a major contributing factor of metabolic disorders that necessitates effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the potential of fermented Aralia cordata extract (FACE) in regulating glucose transport and immune responses under high-glucose stress conditions. Caco-2 intestinal cells and L cells were treated with FACE to determine effects on key glucose-regulating proteins and cytokines. FACE treatment inhibited the expression of glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 while promoting GLP-1 secretion. This effect was associated with HDAC and somatostatin suppression, along with AMPK-γ upregulation. Notably, FACE inhibited DPP-4 expression, further enhancing GLP-1 stability and function. Immunomodulatory effects also occurred, specifically FACE promotion of T lymphocyte differentiation, with a stronger influence on Th2 cell development. Additionally, FACE increased the secretion of essential molecules for immune balance and inflammation control, including antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and defensin, along with cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. These findings suggest that FACE exerts dual effects of improving glucose regulation and modulating immune responses, highlighting its potential as a novel bioactive material for managing metabolic disorders and enhancing intestinal immunity. Further research is warranted to explore its clinical applicability in therapeutic formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases)
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13 pages, 2936 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Apostichopus japonicus Extract in Porphyromonas gingivalis-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
by Min-jeong Kim and Hyun-jin Kim
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(12), 13405-13417; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46120799 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1060
Abstract
Apostichopus japonicus has been used both as a food and in traditional medicine. However, its anti-inflammatory effects in periodontal diseases have not been studied. We examined the anti-inflammatory properties of Apostichopus japonicus extract in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis. The [...] Read more.
Apostichopus japonicus has been used both as a food and in traditional medicine. However, its anti-inflammatory effects in periodontal diseases have not been studied. We examined the anti-inflammatory properties of Apostichopus japonicus extract in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis. The cytotoxicity of Apostichopus japonicus extract was evaluated using the MTS assay. Its effect on NO production was then measured using the NO assay. The mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blotting was performed to investigate the expression of regulatory proteins involved in the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Apostichopus japonicus extract significantly inhibited NO production without cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. Following Porphyromonas gingivalis stimulation, treatment with the extract decreased iNOS mRNA expression and protein levels, which are responsible for NO production. The extract also suppressed the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, Apostichopus japonicus extract inhibited NF-κB activation by regulating signaling molecules such as IKK and IκBα, while also preventing the phosphorylation of MAPK, including ERK, p38, and JNK, showing anti-inflammatory potential. Therefore, it may be a promising natural candidate for the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies for periodontitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases)
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Review

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20 pages, 1561 KiB  
Review
Hepatoprotective and Fat-Accumulation-Reductive Effects of Curcumin on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
by Jasmine Harumi Sabini and Kris Herawan Timotius
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030159 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 878
Abstract
Fat accumulation is the hallmark of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Given the intimidating nature of its treatment, curcumin (CUR) emerges as a potential therapeutic agent due to its proven effectiveness in managing MASLD. This review aimed to evaluate previous reports on [...] Read more.
Fat accumulation is the hallmark of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Given the intimidating nature of its treatment, curcumin (CUR) emerges as a potential therapeutic agent due to its proven effectiveness in managing MASLD. This review aimed to evaluate previous reports on the hepatoprotective and fat-accumulation-reductive effects of CUR administration in preventing or treating MASLD. CUR administration can modulate serum liver enzymes and lipid profiles. The fat accumulation of MASLD is the primary cause of oxidative stress and inflammation. By reducing fat accumulation, CUR may attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress in MASLD. In addition, CUR has been proven to restore the dysfunctional cellular energy metabolism capacity and attenuate fibrogenesis (antifibrotic agent). Their hepatoprotective effects are associated with fat accumulation in MASLD. Lipid metabolism (lipogenesis, lipolysis, and lipophagy) is correlated with their hepatoprotective effects. CUR has prophylactic and therapeutic effects, particularly in early-stage MASLD, primarily when it is used as a fat reducer. It can be considered an excellent natural therapeutic drug for MASLD because it protects the liver and attenuates fat accumulation, especially in the early stage of MASLD development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases)
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29 pages, 3076 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Molecules and Advanced Microorganism Management Technologies
by Adil Farooq Wali, Sirajunisa Talath, Sathvik B. Sridhar, Javedh Shareef, Manjunatha Goud, Imran Rashid Rangraze, Nowar Nizar Alaani and Omnia Ibrahim Mohamed
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(11), 13223-13251; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46110789 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1743
Abstract
The advent of new strains of resistant microbes and the concomitant growth in multidrug resistance have made antimicrobial resistance an urgent public health concern. New antimicrobials are desperately needed to boost the success rates of treating infectious diseases and save lives. There are [...] Read more.
The advent of new strains of resistant microbes and the concomitant growth in multidrug resistance have made antimicrobial resistance an urgent public health concern. New antimicrobials are desperately needed to boost the success rates of treating infectious diseases and save lives. There are many intriguing biomolecules with antibacterial action, which are mostly unexplored in microorganisms. This review article describes the importance of natural compounds against microorganisms using advanced techniques to protect individuals from diseases. We have conducted an extensive literature review using databases such as SCOPUS, SCI, PUBMED, ScienceDirect, and Medline to gather relevant information. Our review covers various microorganism sources for antimicrobials, antifungal drugs, micro-culturing techniques, and microbial-based microsystems’ applications. Every kind of higher trophic life depends on microorganisms for sustenance. The unseen majority is essential to understanding how humans and other living forms can survive anthropogenic climate change. The article discusses antimicrobial substances and the latest techniques and strategies for developing effective treatments. Novel model systems and cutting-edge biomolecular and computational methodologies could help researchers enhance antimicrobial resistance by completely capitalizing on lead antimicrobials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases)
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15 pages, 1802 KiB  
Review
The Role of Licorice Chalcones as Molecular Genes and Signaling Pathways Modulator—A Review of Experimental Implications for Nicotine-Induced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
by Naser A. Alsharairi
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 5894-5908; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060352 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2126
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) represents the leading cause of global cancer deaths, with cigarette smoking being considered a major risk factor. Nicotine is a major hazardous compound in cigarette smoke (CS), which stimulates LC progression and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specifically through activation [...] Read more.
Lung cancer (LC) represents the leading cause of global cancer deaths, with cigarette smoking being considered a major risk factor. Nicotine is a major hazardous compound in cigarette smoke (CS), which stimulates LC progression and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specifically through activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR)-mediated cell-signaling pathways and molecular genes involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Chalcones (CHs) and their derivatives are intermediate plant metabolites involved in flavonol biosynthesis. Isoliquiritigenin (ILTG), licochalcone A–E (LicoA–E), and echinatin (ECH) are the most common natural CHs isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza (also known as licorice). In vitro and/or vivo experiments have shown that licorice CHs treatment exhibits a range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Despite advances in NSCLC treatment, the mechanisms of licorice CHs in nicotine-induced NSCLC treatment remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review experimental studies through the PubMed/Medline database that reveal the effects of licorice CHs and their potential mechanisms in nicotine-induced NSCLC treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases)
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Other

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11 pages, 3256 KiB  
Brief Report
Periplosides Extract from Cortex periplocae Improve Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
by Que Wang, Xiaoyu Xiong, Li Chen, Fenghua Zhu, Xiaoqian Yang, Weimin Zhao, Shijun He, Jianping Zuo and Zemin Lin
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(12), 14095-14105; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46120843 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 909
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized primarily by the synovial infiltration of inflammatory cells. Macrophage infiltration in the joint synovium is one of the early hallmarks of RA disease activity. Cortex periplocae, which has been widely employed in traditional [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized primarily by the synovial infiltration of inflammatory cells. Macrophage infiltration in the joint synovium is one of the early hallmarks of RA disease activity. Cortex periplocae, which has been widely employed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to alleviate RA, harbors a bioactive compound known as Periploca sepium periplosides (PePs). In this study, collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) was established in mice through the administration of collagen antibodies and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by treatment with PePs. The therapeutic effects of PePs were evaluated by measuring paw thickness, clinical arthritis scores, and histological changes in joint tissues. Flow cytometry and qRT-PCR were used to assess macrophage polarization in vivo and in vitro. The findings indicate that PePs effectively attenuated CAIA by suppressing the polarization of RAW264.7 cells towards the M1 phenotype while promoting their polarization towards the M2 phenotype. These results provide valuable insights into the scientific significance of PePs as a potential therapeutic agent for RA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Human Diseases)
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