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Molecular Metabolism in Human Health and Disease

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 97

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
Interests: genetic markers; sleep apnea; exosomes; single cell; snRNA-seq; metabolic dysfunction; animal models for sleep apnea
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Molecular metabolism is fundamental to human health, governing how cells generate energy, regulate hormones, and synthesize essential biomolecules. When functioning optimally, these processes support critical systems such as brain activity, immune response, and tissue maintenance. However, disruptions in metabolic pathways are closely linked to the development of major diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Insulin resistance, for example, impairs glucose uptake and leads to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. In cancer, cells reprogram metabolic activity—often relying on aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect)—to support rapid growth and survival.

Recent advances in molecular biology and metabolomics have transformed our ability to investigate these disruptions at a granular level. Researchers can now map how genetic, dietary, and environmental factors interact to alter metabolism, revealing targets for highly specific therapeutic interventions. This growing body of knowledge is shifting the medical model from treating symptoms to correcting metabolic dysfunction at its root. Strategies such as enzyme-modulating drugs, personalized nutrition, and metabolic profiling are emerging as powerful tools in precision medicine.

Understanding molecular metabolism is not only vital for combating disease—it also offers a foundation for promoting long-term health and longevity. As research deepens, metabolism is becoming a central focus in the future of medicine.

Prof. Dr. Abdelnaby Khalyfa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • molecular metabolism
  • metabolic pathways
  • insulin resistance
  • Warburg effect
  • chronic disease
  • metabolomics
  • precision medicine
  • metabolic dysfunction
  • cancer metabolism
  • personalized nutrition
  • enzyme-targeted therapy
  • systems biology
  • cellular energy
  • metabolic health
  • preventative healthcare

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 631 KB  
Article
Assessment of Migration of the Urethral Bulking Agent Zhoabex G® from the Urethral Injection Site to the Distant Organs in a Rabbit Model
by Bhagath Kumar Potu, Diaa Rizk, Muna Aljishi, Ameera Sultan, Wael Amin Nasr El-Din, Stefano Salvatore and Safa Taha
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110286 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based urethral bulking agents are promising for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but migration risks to distant organs remain a concern. This study evaluated the migration and cytotoxicity of Zhoabex G®, an HA-based bulking agent, in a [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based urethral bulking agents are promising for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but migration risks to distant organs remain a concern. This study evaluated the migration and cytotoxicity of Zhoabex G®, an HA-based bulking agent, in a female rabbit model. Twenty-seven female New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into control (no injection), sham (saline), and experimental (Zhoabex G®) groups (n = 9 each). After 5 months, tissues from the kidney, lung, liver, and spleen were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR for hyaluronan synthase (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3) and hyaluronidase (HYAL2) gene expression, and ELISA for HA concentrations. No significant differences in gene expression were observed across groups (p ≥ 0.05, range: 0.166–0.997), with experimental fold change values near sham baselines (e.g., kidney HAS2: 0.987 ± 0.071, p = 0.422). Similarly, HA concentrations showed no group differences (p = 0.577; e.g., kidney: 119.2–121.8 ng/mL), reflecting organ-specific basal levels. These findings indicate that Zhoabex G® remains localized at the urethral injection site, with no evidence of migration or cytotoxicity in distant organs. The biodegradable and non-particulate nature of Zhoabex G® further supports its safety for SUI treatment, warranting further clinical investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Metabolism in Human Health and Disease)
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