Future Pharmacology

Background/Objectives: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by the occurrence of a seizure. It affects around 50 million individuals worldwide, and despite the large quantity of anti-seizure medications available, 30% of epileptic patients still suffer from seizures. Therefore, it is necessary to find new therapeutic options. Interestingly, polydatin has shown promising effects on epilepsy treatment due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of polydatin (200, 300, and 400 µM) on a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model in wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Methods: Seizure-like behavior, cell death, reactive species (RS) production, and lipid peroxidation were analyzed. Results: Pre-treatment with polydatin at 200 and 300 µM did not have a significant impact on seizure occurrence and the behavior of animals exposed to PTZ. Diazepam decreased seizure occurrence and increased the latency to achieve each seizure stage. Exposure to PTZ increased the swimming activity, and this effect was suppressed by diazepam but not by polydatin. PTZ exposure increased the RS production, which was significantly attenuated by polydatin at 400 µM and DMSO. Cell death and lipid peroxidation were not changed when compared to the experimental groups. Conclusions: Only the experimental positive control (diazepam) showed anti-seizure effects. Therefore, we failed to observe any anti-seizure effects of polydatin using a zebrafish experimental model. However, we cannot rule out its effects in other experimental models and different treatment protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: Limitations of conventional treatments for esophageal cancer, which include poor solubility, drug resistance, and undesirable side effects, make it imperative to explore new therapeutic approaches to slow the progression of this disease. This study aims to assess the potential of terpene compounds as anti-cancer agents for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: This work was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure rigorous methodology. Results: A systematic analysis of 34 compounds revealed various mechanisms of action, such as induction of oxidative stress and modulation of apoptotic pathways. The results also show that several compounds, including (1Z,3R,4S,5E,7Z)-1-bromo-3,4,8-trichloro-7-(dichloromethyl)-3-methylocta-1,5,7-triene, dehydrocostus lactone, (3R,4S)-3,4,6,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octene-1-ene, acetyl-macrocalin B, jesridonin, longikaurin A, sphaerococcenol A, DS2, rabdocoestin B, ingenol C, ingenol-3,20-dibenzonate, JDA-202, xerophilusin B, betulinic acid, euphol, and (20S) ginsenoside Rh2, with IC₅₀s below 10 µM, show promising efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, sometimes surpassing certain conventional treatments. Conclusions: However, despite these encouraging prospects, limitations remain, notably a lack of in vivo data and clearly defined mechanisms of action for certain compounds. These challenges require further research to validate their safety and efficacy, facilitating their development as viable therapeutic options for ESCC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Yawning, a common physiological behavior, has emerged as a potential biomarker for drug responsiveness and side effects. This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on drug-induced yawning (DIY), focusing on its neurobiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Methods: A scoping review (INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202540048) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies published in the past decade. The review adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and Cochrane Handbook guidelines, ensuring systematic selection. Selected articles led to the analysis of 10 relevant studies encompassing 473 participants. Studies were evaluated for relevance to DIY, neurobiology, and clinical applications, with thematic analysis used to synthesize findings. Results: Four key themes emerged. (1) Yawning patterns: DIY involves frequent episodes (up to 80 yawns/day), varying by drug type and dosage. (2) Neurobiological mechanisms: Yawning is mediated by serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin pathways, particularly via 5-HT2C and μ-opioid receptors. (3) Drug responsiveness: DIY is linked to SSRIs, opioids, and dopamine agonists. SSRIs induce yawning, while opioids suppress it, reflecting distinct neurochemical effects. (4) Clinical implications: Yawning may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for drug efficacy and side effects, particularly in opioid withdrawal and SSRI monitoring. Conclusions: DIY holds promise as a biomarker for drug safety and effectiveness, but research is limited by small sample sizes, methodological variability, and the absence of standardized yawning metrics. Future studies should establish consistent measures, account for interindividual variability, and evaluate DIY’s long-term clinical utility across diverse populations. Full article

Background: Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with dysbiotic biofilm, leading to the destruction of bone and periodontal ligament. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the gold-standard treatment for PD, but some patients may not respond adequately, necessitating adjunctive therapies. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of diacetylcurcumin (DAC), a modified curcumin, against multispecies subgingival biofilm associated with periodontitis. Methods: The biofilm, containing 40 bacterial species, was cultured for seven days in the Calgary apparatus. Treatments with DAC (200 μg/mL), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), and a vehicle (control) were applied twice daily for 1 min, starting on the third day. On the seventh day, biofilms were analyzed for metabolic activity (MA) and bacterial counts via DNA-DNA hybridization. DAC toxicity was tested on Galleria mellonella larvae. Results: DAC reduced biofilm metabolic activity by 51%, while CHX achieved 88% reduction compared to the vehicle (p < 0.05). DAC also significantly decreased counts of key periodontal pathogens, including P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, P. intermedia, and A. actinomycetemcomitans (p < 0.05). At the tested concentration, DAC showed no toxicity in larvae. Conclusions: These findings suggest that DAC effectively reduces biofilm activity and periodontal pathogen counts, presenting a promising adjunctive therapy for PD. Full article

Purpose: Pharmaceutical parenteral drug products (PDPs) and orally inhaled nasal drug products (OINDPs) are critical medications for patient care, for which the route of administration is intravenous or oral/nasal inhalation, and the drug products directly infuse into the bloodstream or lungs, but they are categorized as high-risk for leachables. Method: These external foreign chemical substances (leachables) may adversely affect and alter patient safety. Results: These primary container closure systems and manufacturing process equipment mainly comprise rubber elastomers, polypropylene, resin, ink, adhesives, glass, or plastic material. To establish the ID of detected compounds and their quantity in the finished parenteral drug formulation and then to assess the formulation for toxicological safety, broad-scope non-specific analytical screening methods are required that are capable of screening out and quantifying the predicted/unpredicted leachable compounds at the levels that pose anticipated toxicological concerns for human patients. Before the selection of the final primary packaging system for the parenteral drug product, their extractable screening profile/knowledge is required to minimize leachable compounds in the finished drug product formulation and to develop and manufacture a safe product for human patients. The adverse effect or toxicity of leachables proportionally increases with an increase in the dose of the drug product or the duration of therapy because the volume of the drug product administered to a patient in a larger quantity is directly proportional to the concentration of the detected leachable. Conclusion: This document outlines the detailed process/scientific approach for conducting an organic leachable screening profile for parenteral drug products with respect to the chemical nature of leachables, i.e., polarity, propensity, volatility, and techniques. Full article

Introduction: Decursin is a pyranocoumarin natural phytochemical found in the Angelica gigas Nakai herb, which shows various therapeutic properties and beneficial effects against various diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to find the anticancer potential of decursin and its molecular mechanisms involved with different anticancer effects. Methodology: All of the relevant data concerning this compound and cancer were collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Scifinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Results: This study found that decursin shows anticancer properties through various mechanisms, such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, autophagy, inhibition of angiogenesis, cytotoxicity, and the inhibition of invasion and migration against a number of cancers, including breast, bladder, lung, colon, skin, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and bone cancers. This study also discovered that decursin has the ability to affect several signaling pathways in the molecular anticancer mechanisms, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Findings also revealed that decursin expresses poor oral bioavailability. Conclusions: Based on the data analysis from this literature-based study, decursin has properties to be considered as a potential candidate in the treatment of cancer. However, more clinical research is suggested to establish proper efficacy, safety, and human dosage. Full article

Background: Cnidoscolus quercifolius, popularly known as “favela”, is used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, such as infections and inflammations. However, its therapeutic potentials remain underexplored in scientific research. The present study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effect, toxicity, and antioxidant activity of methanolic (EMCq) and ethyl acetate (EAECq) extracts of C. quercifolius bark, as well as determine their chemical composition by HPLC/DAD and their levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Methods: Anxiolytic effect and acute toxicity tests were conducted using the zebrafish model, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH^• and ABTS⁺ methods. The chemical composition was obtained by HPLC/DAD, and phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified with the Folin–Ciocalteu reagents and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. Results: Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, pinocembrin, and apigenin were identified and quantified. The results indicated that both extracts exhibited low antioxidant activity, possibly due to their low levels of phenols (0.187 and 0.293 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (0.84 and 0.64 mg QE/g). However, the extracts did not show acute toxicity (>400 mg/kg) and reduced the locomotor activity of zebrafish at all the doses tested (40 to 400 mg/kg), while increasing the time the animals remained in the light zone, indicating an anxiolytic effect. Conclusions: These findings suggest for the first time that C. quercifolius has anxiolytic properties, warranting further investigation into specific bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. Future studies may explore molecular analysis techniques to identify the responsible compounds, as well as investigate safety and clinical efficacy in mammalian models. Full article

Pain is a widespread global issue and one of the most common disabling conditions in daily life. A wide range of medications are available to reduce or eliminate pain, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being among those most commonly used. Additionally, new analgesic approaches, such as antioxidants (Ascorbic Acid), have been explored for their potential to relieve acute pain after surgery, cancer-related pain, and chronic pain not related to cancer with fewer adverse effects. Furthermore, the use of pharmacological combinations is an alternative treatment strategy to obtain a higher efficacy using lower drug concentrations, at which side effects are minimal. Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological synergism of ketorolac and ascorbic acid in an inflammatory pain model. Methods: The individual and combined effects of ketorolac and ascorbic acid were evaluated in a formalin-induced pain model in mice. Four experimental groups were established: control (vehicle), ketorolac (KET), ascorbic acid (AA), and combination (KET/AA). Results: The combination of ketorolac and ascorbic acid produced a greater antinociceptive effect compared to the vehicle and individual treatments in the formalin model. Notably, even the lowest dose of the combination (KET 6.26/AA 3.21 µg/paw) exhibited a stronger effect than the maximum doses of each individual treatment KET (100 µg/paw) and AA (100 µg/paw). The effective concentration that produced 30% of antinociception (EC₃₀) for the tested treatments were determined, and an isobologram analysis confirmed the presence of a synergistic interaction in these combinations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the combination of ketorolac and ascorbic acid produces a synergistic antinociceptive effect in the formalin-induced pain model. The enhanced efficacy of the combination indicates a potential therapeutic advantage in pain management by reducing the required dosage of each compound while maintaining or improving analgesic effects. Full article

The aim of this review is to evaluate the therapeutic possibilities of trifluralin and other 2,6-dinitroaniline herbicides by assessing different aspects of trifluralin’s toxicology (including its mitochondrial toxicity), pharmacokinetics, and environmental fate. The particular features of TFL have triggered a wide range of policies about its properties. Is has been banned in some countries and, at the same time, has been proposed as a drug for the cure of parasitic disease by some scientific research articles. The use of this pre-emergence herbicide to control broadleaf weeds and annual grasses is assumed to rely only on its microtubule depolarization or cytoskeleton disassembly abilities (on-target effect), a fact that justifies its inhibition of a wide range of microorganisms (mostly protozoans), sharing a relatively high degree of conservation in tubulin protein sequences with weeds and grasses. Recent studies have confirmed that TFL also affects mitochondrial function (off-target effect), a hypothesis previously suggested in earlier works. Here, we account for the main issues in TFL toxicology, other potential uses of the herbicide outside crops, and its feasibility for use as an antiprotozoal drug. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microcolins A–M are cytotoxic marine lipopeptides produced by the cyanobacterium Moorena producens, also known as Lyngbya majuscula. Recent studies have shown that two compounds in the series, microcolins B and H, can form covalent complexes with phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins α and β (PITPα/β) upon the reaction of their α,β-unsaturated ketone group with the thiol group of a key cysteine residue of PITP. These observations prompted us to compare the binding of all microcolins and a few related derivatives (VT01454 and (deoxy)majusculamide D) to PITP to delineate structure–binding relationships. Methods: A molecular docking analysis led to the identification of microcolin E as the potentially best PITPα binder in the series, followed by microcolins B and H and analog VT01454. The computational data agree well with the published experimental results. Results: The binding of microcolin H into a large cavity of PITPα positions its reactive electrophilic α,β-unsaturated ketone close to the thiol of Cys95, enabling the facile formation of a covalent C-S linkage. A similar bonding can occur with the Cys94 of PITPβ. Molecular models of microcolins bound to PITP were compared to identify structural elements chiefly implicated in the recognition process. Conclusions: This computational study provides guidance in the design of microcolin derivatives targeting PITPα/β considered targets for cancer and inflammatory pathologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Flavones, a class of plant-based flavonoids, have demonstrated conflicting anti-melanogenic activities in mouse and human melanocytes. Sinensetin (SNT), a polymethoxyflavone, has shown pro-melanogenic activity in B16F10 mouse melanoma (MM) cells, while eupatilin (EU) and jaceosidin (JAC), two flavones that are structural analogs of SNT, have not been evaluated for their effects on melanogenesis yet. Methods: Herein, the effects of SNT, EU, and JAC on melanogenesis in MNT-1 cells (human melanoma) and HEMn-DP cells (primary human melanocytes) have been examined. The mushroom tyrosinase (TYR) activity was tested in cell-free conditions, followed by examination of the cytotoxicity of the compounds via the Alamar Blue (AB) assay. Cellular melanin production and TYR activity were estimated in MNT-1 cells. The compounds were further examined in primary human melanocytes for melanin production, TYR activity, and protein levels. Results: Our findings show that SNT was a potent inhibitor of TYR activity in a cell-free assay, while EU and JAC had no effect. However, both SNT and EU were shown to exhibit anti-melanogenic activity (that was reversible) in human cells, while JAC was ineffective and cytotoxic. Conclusions: SNT and EU are potential novel candidates for hyperpigmentation treatment without cytotoxicity. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the signaling mechanisms that govern their anti-melanogenesis action. Future research is necessary to assess the anti-melanogenic effectiveness of SNT/EU using 3D skin tissue equivalents and to select the optimal candidate. Full article

Exosomes can transport regulatory biomolecules and are mediators of cellular signaling among metabolic tissues through endocrine mechanisms. Understanding the pathways and processes underlying exosome-mediated inter-tissue communication is critical for elucidating the molecular pathophysiology of metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disorders. Consequently, these mechanisms represent novel and promising targets for pharmacological regulation. We examined the current knowledge regarding exosome physiology, the mechanisms of interaction with target tissues, and its role in metabolic tissue communication. We also analyzed the secretory profiles of exosomes in metabolic tissues, emphasizing their regulatory roles in adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and the small intestine, while discussing their association with metabolic diseases. In this sense, we propose the exosomal pentad as a novel framework highlighting exosome-mediated inter-organ communication, where exosomes may regulate a metabolic axis involving these tissues. This model aligns with the ominous octet in type 2 diabetes but emphasizes exosomes as key regulators of metabolic homeostasis and potential therapeutic targets. The role of exosomes for the treatment of metabolic diseases emerges as a critical area of pharmacologic exploration. For instance, therapeutic strategies that prevent target tissue binding or expression of cargo molecules such as miRNAs could be designed, using antagomiRs or nanoparticles. Additionally, integrins like αvβ5 on the exosomal membrane can be blocked with monoclonal antibodies or engineered for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules. Exosomes, critical mediators of inter-organ communication and metabolic regulation, hold potential to design precise molecular-level therapies while minimizing systemic side effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cu(II) complexes with polypyridine ligands have shown carcinogenic activity already described in the literature and appear as a possible alternative to cisplatin, which has several side effects. In view of this, four Cu(II) complexes with the formulas [Cu(L1)(H₂O)₂](PF₆)₂ (A1) and [Cu(L2)(H₂O)₂](PF₆)₂ (A2), [Cu(L1)(bipy)](PF₆)₂ (B1) and [Cu(L2)(bipy)](PF₆)₂ (B2) were synthesized, where L1 = dipyrido[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline, L2 = 6,7-dicyanodipyrido[2,2-d:2,3-f]quinoxaline, and bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine. Methods: The proposed structures supported characterization techniques (molar conductivity, elemental analyses, absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region, and UV–vis). The interaction of the complexes with DNA was evaluated through an ethidium bromide displacement assay, complemented by theoretical studies using molecular docking. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity of the complexes was tested against DU 145 (prostate tumor), MCF-7 (breast tumor), and PNT-2 (non-tumor prostate) cell lines, with all complexes showing promising results. Results: Among them, complex B1 exhibited the highest number of DNA contacts in molecular docking studies, a binding constant of 3.7 × 10⁶ in the ethidium bromide displacement assay. It was the most selective complex (IS = 5.43) for the DU 145 (prostate tumor) cell line, demonstrating greater selectivity than cisplatin. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the potential of the Cu(II) complexes obtained, which could be an alternative to platinum complexes in the future Full article

Background/Objectives: Zika fever is a disease caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). Symptomatic cases may be associated with neurological disorders in adults, as well as congenital Zika syndrome and other birth defects during pregnancy. In 2016, Zika fever was considered a public health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the need to develop new therapies against the disease. Currently, there is no antiviral or vaccine available to treat or prevent severe cases. Due to the lack of available therapeutics and few promising hit molecules, we computationally screened the well-described ZIKV protease (NS3^pro) as a drug target to revisit the small-molecule database Brazilian Compound Library (BraCoLi) and select potential inhibitors. Methods: We employed a consensus docking screening of a library of 1176 compounds using GOLD and DockThor. We selected 28 hits based on predicted binding affinity, and only the remnants of three compounds were available in the library at the time of this study for experimental validation. The hits were evaluated for their cytotoxic (CC₅₀) and effective concentrations (EC₅₀) for their potential antiviral activity in Vero cells. Results: The three hit compounds presented modest CC₅₀ values of 89.15 ± 3.72, >100, and 29.67 ± 1.01 μM, with the latter, a carbohydrate derivative, having an EC₅₀ value of >12.5 μM (~40% inhibition) against ZIKV PE243. Additionally, the essentially non-toxic compound, an arylfuran derivative, also inhibited the ZIKV NS3^pro with an IC₅₀ value of 17 μM but presented evidence of acting through a promiscuous mechanism for enzyme inhibition. Conclusion: This study highlights the relevance of revisiting existing small-molecule assets to identify novel therapeutic starting points against ZIKV, aiming for potential lead candidates in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: The development of bioproducts that can accelerate wound healing is a key focus in biomedicine, especially when these products are derived from sustainable by-products. This study investigates the wound-healing potential of an extract obtained from Agave angustifolia Haw bagasse (BagEE) using microwave extraction.Methods: HPLC-MS analysis was performed to identify the main compounds present in BagEE, revealing quercetin, isorhamnetin, diosgenin, hecogenin, manogenin, β-sitosterol glucoside, and β-sitosterol as tentative constituents. A murine excision wound model was employed to assess the efficacy of BagEE. The experimental group received a topical application of 8 mg of BagEE, while the control group was treated with water only. Wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition were evaluated to determine the effects of BagEE on skin healing. Results: The BagEE-treated group exhibited significantly accelerated wound healing, achieving a 99.4% closure rate by day 13 compared to the control group’s 92.8% closure rate on day 22. Additionally, wounds treated with BagEE displayed complete re-epithelialization and a well-organized skin structure. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BagEE promotes effective wound healing and shows promise as a topical agent for skin regeneration. Further studies are necessary to investigate its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, characterized by high recurrence rates and poor patient outcomes. Treatment failure is driven by multiple factors, including complex tumor heterogeneity, the presence of cancer stem cells, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and many others. GBM’s heterogeneity underlines its ability to resist therapies and adapt to the TME. The TME, which is highly immunosuppressive and shaped by hypoxia, impairs anti-tumor immunity and limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) remains a major obstacle to delivering sufficient drug concentrations to the tumor by restricting the penetration of therapeutic agents. Another problem is the lack of reliable biomarkers to perform better patient stratification or even guide personalized treatments, resulting in generalized therapeutic approaches that do not adequately address GBM complexities. This review highlights the multifactorial nature of GBM treatment failure and highlights the need for a paradigm shift and innovative, personalized strategies. A deeper understanding of tumor biology and advances in translational research will be crucial to developing effective therapies and improving patient outcomes in this devastating disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Umckalin, a coumarin derivative abundantly present in the root extract of Pelargonium sidoides, is a key bioactive compound known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, and immunomodulatory properties. Its therapeutic potential has been extensively studied, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of umckalin as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory diseases and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages as an experimental model, we investigated the inhibitory effects of umckalin on inflammatory mediators and cytokine production. We measured levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and assessed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways, including JNK, p38 MAPK, and ERK, was analyzed. Results: The results demonstrated that umckalin significantly reduced the levels of NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Umckalin also suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2, leading to decreased NO and PGE₂ production. Furthermore, umckalin effectively regulated inflammatory responses by reducing the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways, including JNK, p38 MAPK, and ERK. Conclusions: These findings indicate that umckalin inhibits the production of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NO, while regulating MAPK signaling pathways, thereby suppressing the expression of iNOS and COX-2. This study highlights the potent anti-inflammatory effects of umckalin and suggests its potential as a promising candidate for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article

Algae have great therapeutic value and have attracted a great deal of attention due to the abundance of bioactive compounds they contain, which may be the key to fighting diseases of various origins, such as skin cancer, breast cancer, or osteosarcoma. In this regard, global trends indicate that cancer is likely to become the leading cause of death and the main obstacle to increased life expectancy in the 21st century, which is related to multiple factors, including the various effects of climate change, which will continue to cause afflictions to human health. Then, excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes damage to DNA, proteins, enzymes, and various cellular structures and leads to the development of cancer, premature aging of the skin (wrinkles, dryness, dilation of blood vessels, and loss of collagen and elastin), or alterations of the immune system. In addition, multidrug resistance (MDR) is characterized by the overexpression of efflux pumps, such as P-glycoprotein or P-gp, that expel chemotherapeutic drugs out of the cancer cell being the main obstacle to their efficacy. Some molecules inhibit efflux pumps when co-administered with antineoplastic agents, such as glycolipids. Mycosporin-like amino acids and glycolipids isolated from Sargassum have shown an important role as potential anticancer agents. The results show that glycolipids and mycosporin-like amino acids present in brown algae of the genus Sargassum exhibit cytotoxic effects on different types of cancer, such as breast cancer, leukemia, and osteosarcoma, which is a key criterion to be considered as a natural anti-cancer strategy; but, more in-depth in vitro studies are needed to represent them at the in vivo level, as well as their validation in preclinical assays. Full article

Breast cancer is the leading cause of tumor-related death in women around much of the world and a major health burden for modern medicine. This review highlights the prospect of (Nd³⁺) complexes and nanoparticles as promising novel anticancer agents in particular targeting breast cancer cell lines. This study emphasizes the therapeutic and diagnostic potentials of Nd³⁺-based metal complexes, especially in reversing drug resistance or enhancing targeted therapy. A comprehensive overview of diagnostic modalities underscores the imperative for the prompt identification and intervention of breast cancer. Nd³⁺ complexes demonstrate potential as anticancer therapeutics due to their significant cytotoxicity evidenced by their IC₅₀ values. The research outcomes indicated that it could theoretically inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cell lines. Future research should focus on synthesizing novel Nd³⁺ complexes with enhanced bioavailability, solubility, and reduced toxicity to further advance their application. Full article