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Search Results (517)

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Keywords = NIH-3T3

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19 pages, 2445 KB  
Article
Arylidenehydrazinyl 4-Methylthiazole-5-carboxylates: Synthesis, Antileishmanial Activity, and Targeting of Trypanothione Synthetase
by Brunno da S. Souza, Hasnain Mehmood, Estela M. Nolasco, Muhammad Haroon, Tashfeen Akhtar, Nathalia da Silva Brito, Adilson Beatriz, Nikhil Sodhi, Vijay P. Singh, Amilcar Machulek, Gleison A. Casagrande, Dênis Pires de Lima, Sumbal Saba, Thalita B. Riul and Jamal Rafique
Molecules 2026, 31(13), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31132278 - 29 Jun 2026
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Leishmaniases are a group of neglected tropical diseases that have been overlooked, and new treatments are needed. This is because the parasites that cause it, from the Leishmania genus, have become drug-resistant, and current medications can be toxic. In this regard, arylidenehydrazinyl [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Leishmaniases are a group of neglected tropical diseases that have been overlooked, and new treatments are needed. This is because the parasites that cause it, from the Leishmania genus, have become drug-resistant, and current medications can be toxic. In this regard, arylidenehydrazinyl thiazoles emerge as a potential scaffold for creating new, effective drug candidates to combat this disease. Methods: Here, we report the synthesis of a series of arylidenehydrazinyl thiazole carboxylates (3am, 13 examples, 66–78%) using a simple cost-effective strategy via cyclization of aryl-substituted thiosemicarbazones and ethyl-2-chloro-3-oxobutanoate in an equimolar mixture. These compounds were investigated for their promising bioactive properties. Results: All compounds were fully characterized using spectroscopic techniques (1H-, 13C-NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and HRMS) to confirm their purity and identity. These arylidenehydrazinyl thiazole carboxylates have been tested for their cytotoxicity against promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (IFLA/BR/1967/PH8) and the NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell lines and their potential interaction with Leishmania trypanothione synthetase was explored through in silico molecular docking studies. Conclusions: The compounds showed little or no cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, compounds 3a, 3d and 3m showed low cytotoxicity to promastigote forms, but compounds 3b, 3c, 3h and 3m showed activity against amastigotes (IC50 = 15.92 µM for 3m) at the tested concentrations. In silico molecular docking studies have been deployed to investigate the structural dynamics and the stability of the complex. These findings suggested that the newly developed compounds represent promising preliminary hits for further optimization toward the treatment of diseases associated with Leishmania parasites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Antiparasitic Molecules for Neglected Tropical Diseases)
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16 pages, 2011 KB  
Review
Olverembatinib: A New Treatment for Adult Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
by Xavier Thomas
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18121990 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The prognosis of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved with the addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to conventional chemotherapy. However, there are limited therapeutic options for patients resistant or intolerant to current TKIs. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The prognosis of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved with the addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to conventional chemotherapy. However, there are limited therapeutic options for patients resistant or intolerant to current TKIs. Methods: A comprehensive search was made on PubMed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov for published studies and ClinicalTrials.gov for registered trials, regarding the first results of and promising strategies with olverembatinib, a novel third-generation TKI, for the treatment of Ph+ ALL. Results: First trials involving olverembatinib showed significant anti-leukemic clinical activity both in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients with Ph+ ALL, especially those harboring the T315I mutation. Furthermore, olverembatinib demonstrated a favorable tolerability compared with the other TKIs. Conclusions: This augurs a new era in the standard of care for many patients with unmet clinical needs. However, further studies are warranted to assess olverembatinib’s real value and its cost-effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment)
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16 pages, 842 KB  
Article
Synthesis of α-Santonin Derivatives Linked to N-, S-, and O-Heterocycles via 1,2,3-Triazole-Linker: Investigation of Antimicrobial Effects
by Mária Fanni Boncz, Kitti Tari, András Szekeres, Adriána Kovács, István Zupkó, Tam Minh Le and Zsolt Szakonyi
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060611 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi are a growing problem worldwide; therefore, the discovery of new active ingredients is an important challenge for which the functionalization of natural terpenes with biologically active heterocycles can provide a basis. To reach this goal, a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi are a growing problem worldwide; therefore, the discovery of new active ingredients is an important challenge for which the functionalization of natural terpenes with biologically active heterocycles can provide a basis. To reach this goal, a series of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole conjugates was designed and synthesized starting from commercially available α-santonin. Methods: The key azido derivative intermediate was prepared according to literature procedures via Michael addition between dehydrosantonin and the TMSN3/AcOH/Et3N system at its highly reactive α-methylene-γ-lactone motif. Subsequently, the obtained azide was applied to regioselective Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction with a wide range of terminal alkynes bearing N-, S- and O-heterocycles. These include pyridine, pyrimidine, purine, quinoline, indol, or coumarin to afford the sesquiterpene–heterocycle chimaeras. All triazole conjugates were screened for in vitro antiproliferative activity by MTT assay against HeLa, MDA-MB231, SiHa, MCF-7 and A2780 human cancer cell lines compared with fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3) to check their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects on two Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) pathogenic bacteria, two Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) pathogenic bacteria, and two yeasts (C. krusei and C. albicans). Results: The results indicated that most of the examined compounds expressed weak activity against human cell lines, while some of them showed moderate activity against S. aureus (up to 99% inhibition at 100 µg/mL conc.), C. krusei (up to 51% inhibition at 10 µg/mL conc.) and C. albicans (up to 52% inhibition at 10 µg/mL conc.). Conclusions: Further structural modification of the best, selective antibacterial and antifungal compounds may open the possibility to the development of effective natural sesquiterpene-based selective antimicrobial agents. Full article
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23 pages, 20588 KB  
Article
Combined Effect: Development and Physical/Biological Assessment of PVA/Chitosan Hydrogels Containing rhTGF-β1-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles
by Aysun Çelik-Soysal, Sevinç Şahbaz, Ali Demir Sezer and Timuçin Uğurlu
Gels 2026, 12(6), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060510 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Wound healing remains a persistent health problem with no definitive solution. It is crucial to characterize the complex wound healing process and the various growth factors, cytokines, and polypeptides involved. Transforming growth factor beta1 (rhTGF-β1) stimulates different cell types, providing multifunctionality in the [...] Read more.
Wound healing remains a persistent health problem with no definitive solution. It is crucial to characterize the complex wound healing process and the various growth factors, cytokines, and polypeptides involved. Transforming growth factor beta1 (rhTGF-β1) stimulates different cell types, providing multifunctionality in the wound healing process. Since proteins are sensitive to proteases, drug delivery systems are needed. Developed polymeric carrier systems are as important as the active substance. The carrier systems used in our study aim to contribute to wound healing in addition to the rhTGF-β1. We hypothesized that PLGA nanoparticles embedded in PVA/Chitosan (PVA/Chi) hydrogels could enhance the therapeutic effect of rhTGF-β1. PVA/Chitosan hydrogels were prepared by the freezing/thawing method. Several characterization studies (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), texture analysis, and cell culture) were performed to investigate the potential of the prepared formulations to enhance the therapeutic effect of rhTGF-β1. Hydrogel formulations reduced the inhibitory effect of rhTGF-β1 on keratinocytes. The H5 hydrogel exhibited a proliferative effect on fibroblast cells, which play a crucial role in wound healing, resulting in a 78.8% increase compared to the control. As the PVA content in the hydrogel formulations increased, bioadhesion and viscosity also increased. Although TGF-β1 inhibited keratinocytes, it induced migration of both NIH-3T3 and HACAT cell lines. The formulations developed exhibit the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of rhTGF-β1 in wound healing. A small amount of the protein can have the same therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects because the developed polymeric carrier systems contribute to the therapeutic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Processing and Engineering)
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19 pages, 619 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential and Safety Profile of Six Salvia Species Native to Türkiye
by Nagehan Saltan, Fatmanur Tunç, Merve Baysal, Gamze Göger and Serkan Levent
Plants 2026, 15(11), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111718 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 906
Abstract
The genus Salvia L. represents one of the most pharmacologically significant groups within the Lamiaceae family. This study investigates the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of six Salvia species native to Türkiye (S. dorystaechas B.T.Drew, S. sclarea L., S. glutinosa L., S. [...] Read more.
The genus Salvia L. represents one of the most pharmacologically significant groups within the Lamiaceae family. This study investigates the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of six Salvia species native to Türkiye (S. dorystaechas B.T.Drew, S. sclarea L., S. glutinosa L., S. tomentosa Mill., S. argentea L., and S. aethiopis L.) to scientifically validate their extensive use in Turkish traditional medicine. Phytochemical characterization was performed using Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), while biological potential was evaluated through antioxidant (DPPH), antimicrobial (MIC), and cytotoxicity (MTT on NIH/3T3 cells) assays. Among the taxa, S. dorystaechas exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 0.090 mg/mL (infusion) and 0.072 mg/mL (ethanolic), which strongly correlated with high total phenolic contents (111.50 and 125.55 mg GAE/g, respectively). This species may also serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Antimicrobial screenings against pathogenic bacteria and Candida spp. demonstrated modest inhibitory effects, with MIC values ranging from 625 to >5000 µg/mL. Safety profiling indicated that the ethanolic extract of S. tomentosa showed the lowest cytotoxicity (IC50 562.37 ± 49.50 µg/mL) among the tested samples, which nonetheless indicates a relatively narrow therapeutic window. LC-HRMS profiling revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic diterpenes, such as carnosol and rosmanol, providing a chemical rationale for the observed moderate activities. Consequently, rather than direct systemic pharmacological agents, these findings suggest that the studied Salvia species could serve as preliminary botanical sources for the isolation of specific secondary metabolites or for restricted topical applications. Full article
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20 pages, 11021 KB  
Article
Boron-Doped Carbon Dots for Organelle Labeling and Mitochondrial Bioimaging
by Aasia Bibi, Daniela De Benedictis, Giuseppe Capitanio, Alessandra Gabriele, Alessandro Buccolieri, Mariapompea Cutroneo, Lorenzo Torrisi, Daniela E. Manno, Antonio Serra, Domenico De Rasmo and Anna Signorile
Methods Protoc. 2026, 9(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps9030086 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Background: Carbon dots (CDs) are promising fluorescent nanomaterials with great application potential in bioimaging and organelle-targeted diagnostics. This study compares nitrogen-doped (N-CDs) and boron–nitrogen co-doped CDs (BN-CDs) in normal NIH3T3 fibroblasts and KRAS-transformed cells. Methods: CDs were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. Their [...] Read more.
Background: Carbon dots (CDs) are promising fluorescent nanomaterials with great application potential in bioimaging and organelle-targeted diagnostics. This study compares nitrogen-doped (N-CDs) and boron–nitrogen co-doped CDs (BN-CDs) in normal NIH3T3 fibroblasts and KRAS-transformed cells. Methods: CDs were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. Their fluorescence, cytocompatibility, and intracellular localization were evaluated using confocal microscopy, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, and organelle colocalization. Cellular metabolism was assessed by Seahorse analysis. Oxidative stress and cAMP levels were pharmacologically modulated. Results: BN-CDs exhibited stronger intracellular fluorescence than N-CDs, indicating enhanced uptake and imaging performance, with no cytotoxicity up to 100 µg/mL. They localized to multiple organelles, particularly mitochondria. However, fluorescence was significantly reduced in KRAS-transformed cells despite similar mitochondrial mass. BN-CDs did not affect mitochondrial respiration or glycolytic activity. Induced oxidative stress or elevated cAMP in normal cells reduced BN-CD fluorescence. Conclusions: Boron doping improves N-CD imaging properties without affecting cell viability or metabolism. Reduced fluorescence in KRAS cells is associated with altered intracellular conditions, suggesting that BN-CDs could be used to discriminate between normal and cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Cellular Biology)
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10 pages, 881 KB  
Communication
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Skincare Bioactivity of β-1,3;1,6-Glucans-Rich Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides
by Cheng-Fu Huang, Jia-Feng Chang, Hui-Shan Yang, Chih-Ping Hsu and Chih-Cheng Lin
Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101740 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum mycelium, the developed β-1,3;1,6-glucan rich polysaccharides have the potential to be used during the industrial production of health food products due to their inhibition of metabolic syndrome, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities and other health benefits. Ganoderma active polysaccharides (GAP) [...] Read more.
Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum mycelium, the developed β-1,3;1,6-glucan rich polysaccharides have the potential to be used during the industrial production of health food products due to their inhibition of metabolic syndrome, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities and other health benefits. Ganoderma active polysaccharides (GAP) have also been found to promote skin health, particularly due to their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The present study investigates the skin-protective properties of polysaccharides purified from Ganoderma mycelium cultivated using stress-tolerance technology and a fully plant-based medium. The effects of the GAP are investigated in both in vitro and human studies. The results of the study indicate that the developed GAP effectively inhibit 32.4% of tyrosinase activity and 30.6% of melanin production in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, in scratch assays using NIH 3T3 cells, these GAP also promote cell migration and wound healing. In human studies, GAP demonstrated no potential for skin irritation while effectively reducing skin wrinkles, enhancing skin brightness, diminishing erythema, and increasing epidermal hydration. In hot-flux patch-induced erythema experiments, these GAP were found to be capable of alleviating erythema severity by up to 48%. The present study demonstrates that GAP, which can be produced industrially using innovative technologies and is rich in highly water-soluble β-1,3;1,6-glucan with a triple-helix structure, holds potential for application in the skincare industry. Full article
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22 pages, 13201 KB  
Article
Targeting Host Metabolic and Epigenetic Rewiring Blocks Lytic Gammaherpesvirus Production
by Morgan C. Jones, Tina M. Le, Connor J. Mahoney, Sara K. Hartman, Robynne D. Dona, Yennifer A. Gaspar, Sennah J. Hong, Benjamin R. Sheirbon, Thelma M. Escobar and Tracie Delgado
Viruses 2026, 18(5), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18050574 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 1313
Abstract
Gammaherpesviruses are oncogenic viruses that reprogram host cell metabolism to support viral production. Among these, murine herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) serves as a model system for studying lytic gammaherpesvirus infection and associated host cell changes. To characterize host transcriptional alterations induced throughout lytic gammaherpesvirus [...] Read more.
Gammaherpesviruses are oncogenic viruses that reprogram host cell metabolism to support viral production. Among these, murine herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) serves as a model system for studying lytic gammaherpesvirus infection and associated host cell changes. To characterize host transcriptional alterations induced throughout lytic gammaherpesvirus infection and identify novel host pathways that may be therapeutically targeted, we performed temporal bulk RNA-sequencing of mock- and MHV-68-infected NIH 3T3 cells at various timepoints throughout the lytic cycle. Our analysis revealed widespread and progressive host gene expression changes, including robust innate immune pathways and extensive remodeling of metabolic gene expression. We further identified a strong activation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) genes, accompanied by increased abundance in PPP metabolic intermediates. Pharmacological inhibition of the PPP with 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) reduced infectious virus production. Moreover, at the intersection of metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming, we identified infection-associated gene expression changes in chromatin-modulating enzymes, including Tet2, and their metabolite co-factors, such as α-KG. Pharmacological inhibition of Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) enzymatic activity led to a marked decrease in infectious MHV-68 production. Collectively, these findings define a novel metabolic–epigenetic crosstalk that supports productive gammaherpesvirus replication and identifies host pathways that can be targeted to treat lytic gammaherpesvirus infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs, 2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 6619 KB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-dione Derivatives Inspired by Fiscalin B
by Márcia S. Martins, Madalena M. M. Pinto, Isabel F. Almeida, Maria T. Cruz and Emília Sousa
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050775 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammatory skin diseases are frequently associated with pruritus, in which the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and its ligand substance P (SP) play a central role. The development of compounds combining anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammatory skin diseases are frequently associated with pruritus, in which the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and its ligand substance P (SP) play a central role. The development of compounds combining anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study aims to identify fiscalin B derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents with high affinity to NK1R using an integrated in silico and in vitro approach. Methods: A library of fiscalin B derivatives was screened through molecular docking against NK1R to identify high-affinity ligands. Selected compounds were further evaluated using in silico ADMET and toxicity predictions. In vitro assays were conducted in HaCaT keratinocytes, RAW264.7 macrophages, and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts to assess cytotoxicity, nitric oxide production, inflammatory proteins expression, and cell migration. Results: Docking studies identified several derivatives with predicted binding affinities comparable to or exceeding those of aprepitant, a well-established NK1R antagonist. Several compounds, particularly 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production to 41–51% without relevant cytotoxicity. This effect was associated with reduced iNOS protein levels, suggesting modulation of inflammatory pathways rather than direct nitric oxide scavenging. Most compounds showed positive safety profiles, although in silico analysis indicated limited biodegradability and potential aquatic toxicity. Conclusions: The fiscalin B derivatives, 2, 3, and 4, demonstrate potential as anti-inflammatory agents, in vitro, and as NK1R high affinity ligands, in silico. These findings support their potential as lead compounds for topical therapies for inflammatory skin disorders associated with pruritus, although further optimization and validation are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
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51 pages, 4517 KB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Oncology: A Comprehensive Cross-Cancer Translational Readiness Analysis Across 18 Malignancies
by Sai Kiran Kuchana, Uday Kumar Repalle, Nikhilesh V. Alahari, Manpreet Kondamuri, Sai Kiran Manduva, Raghu Vamsi Vanguru, Sri Anjali Gorle and Suresh K. Alahari
Cancers 2026, 18(10), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18101543 - 10 May 2026
Viewed by 1047
Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping oncology at every stage of the cancer care pathway, from population-level screening through molecular diagnosis, treatment planning, and post-treatment surveillance. Despite an exponential growth in AI oncology publications exceeding 5000 peer-reviewed studies annually, a critical and persistent [...] Read more.
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping oncology at every stage of the cancer care pathway, from population-level screening through molecular diagnosis, treatment planning, and post-treatment surveillance. Despite an exponential growth in AI oncology publications exceeding 5000 peer-reviewed studies annually, a critical and persistent gap separates demonstrated algorithmic performance from genuine patient benefit. Most published evidence derives from retrospective, single-institution studies conducted in curated dataset environments that systematically differ from real-world clinical deployment conditions. This comprehensive review examines the translational maturity of AI applications across 18 major malignancies, providing an evidence-stratified, cross-cancer assessment of where AI has fulfilled, approaches, or remains far from fulfilling its transformative potential in oncological care. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, IEEE Xplore, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by regulatory grey literature including FDA 510(k) decision summaries, CE Technical Files, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Search terms combined cancer site-specific terminology with AI methodology terms and translational outcome descriptors. Studies were only included if they applied an AI or machine learning methodology to a defined clinical oncological task, reported a clearly specified performance evaluation, and involved human subjects or human-derived clinical data. Evidence quality was assessed using QUADAS-2, PROBAST, and Cochrane RoB 2. A five-tier translational readiness framework, grounded in the NIH T0–T4 translational spectrum and CONSORT-AI/SPIRIT-AI guidelines, was applied a priori to enable cross-cancer comparison. A rigorous distinction was maintained between diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility, defined as demonstrated impact on clinical decision-making or patient-centered outcomes. Results: Across all 18 malignancies, AI development varied profoundly by cancer type. Breast cancer and prostate cancer (Tier 1) represent the most mature AI ecosystems, with multiple FDA-cleared tools for mammographic screening and digital pathology achieving prospective multi-institutional validation; however, randomized evidence demonstrating reduced cancer-specific mortality remains absent. Lung, hepatocellular, and melanoma AI (Tier 2) have achieved regulatory milestones but face documented performance disparities across demographic subgroups, including DermaSensor’s 20.7% specificity in primary care settings and HCC model failures in non-viral disease etiologies. Colorectal, glioma, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers (Tier 3) exhibit technical maturity without clinical clarity: colorectal CADe systems increase adenoma detection but meta-analyses of 18,232 patients across 21 RCTs fail to demonstrate improvement in advanced neoplasia detection or cancer incidence reduction. A full study-level presentation of pooled estimates, confidence intervals, and heterogeneity statistics for each cited randomized evidence base across all cancer types would extend beyond the intended scope and format of this cross-cancer narrative review. Gastric, esophageal, cervical, bladder, head and neck, and endometrial cancers (Tier 4) demonstrate promising single-institutional or geographically restricted results without multi-institutional external validation, particularly notable for cervical cancer AI’s transformative potential in low- and middle-income countries constrained by absent regulatory frameworks. Hematologic malignancies, sarcoma, and pediatric solid tumors (Tier 5) face structural barriers, workflow incompatibility in hematopathology, extreme rarity in sarcoma (>70 subtypes, <15,000 US cases annually), and irreducible ethical constraints in pediatric data governance, that cannot be resolved through algorithmic refinement alone. Conclusions: Oncological AI has not yet fulfilled its clinical promise. Across all five translational tiers, a single finding is consistent: diagnostic accuracy is not a surrogate for patient benefit. AI tools with high sensitivity and specificity have repeatedly failed to demonstrate equivalent reductions in cancer-specific mortality, overdiagnosis, or procedural harm under real-world outcome scrutiny. Simultaneously, documented performance disparities across races, ethnicity, disease etiology, and geographic setting reveal that current AI systems risk amplifying the very health inequities they are positioned to resolve. Bridging this translational gap requires three coordinated systemic shifts: regulatory frameworks mandating post-market outcome surveillance as a condition of clinical clearance; prospective trial designs measuring patient-centered endpoints rather than diagnostic concordance alone; and sustained infrastructure investment in federated data governance, demographically inclusive training datasets, and LMIC-accessible regulatory pathways. AI holds genuine potential to reduce cancer mortality on a global scale—but only if held to the evidentiary and equity standards that the stakes of oncological care demand. Full article
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20 pages, 4972 KB  
Article
Cudratricusxanthone A Exhibits Antitumor Activities Against NSCLC Harboring EGFR L792H and G796R Triple Mutations via Regulating EGFR-ERK/AKT/STAT3 Signaling
by Yinghao Wang, Jiamin Xian, Zhuoyi Wang, Jingmeng Wang, Ruohan Zhang, Jun Sheng, Jing Wang and Peiyuan Sun
Molecules 2026, 31(9), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31091504 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Background: Acquired resistance to the third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib, often mediated by EGFR triple mutations, poses a major clinical challenge in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Among these, some rare mutations, such as L858R/T790M/L792H and L858R/T790M/G796R, create steric hindrance that [...] Read more.
Background: Acquired resistance to the third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib, often mediated by EGFR triple mutations, poses a major clinical challenge in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Among these, some rare mutations, such as L858R/T790M/L792H and L858R/T790M/G796R, create steric hindrance that directly interferes with osimertinib binding, yet effective targeted therapeutic strategies for these specific mutations remain lacking. Cudratricusxanthone A (CTXA), a natural xanthone derivative isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bur., has demonstrated various pharmacological activities, but its effects against EGFR triple-mutant NSCLC have not been systematically investigated. Methods: Stable Ba/F3 and NIH/3T3 cell lines expressing EGFR L858R/T790M/L792H or L858R/T790M/G796R triple mutations were generated via electroporation. The antiproliferative effects of CTXA were evaluated by MTT/MTS assays, colony formation, and wound healing assays. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression of EGFR signaling pathway components (p-EGFR, p-ERK, p-AKT, p-STAT3) and cell cycle regulators (Cyclin D1, CDK4) were examined by Western blotting. Molecular docking and 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the stability and binding modes of CTXA to the mutant EGFR kinase domains. Results: The successfully established triple-mutant cell lines exhibited high EGFR expression, IL-3-independent growth, and significant resistance to osimertinib. CTXA inhibited the proliferation of all triple-mutant cell lines in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with 48 h IC50 values ranging from 0.362 to 2.488 μM. Mechanistically, CTXA suppressed EGFR autophosphorylation and downregulated downstream p-ERK, p-AKT, and p-STAT3. CTXA induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest by downregulating Cyclin D1 and CDK4, significantly promoted apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration. Molecular docking revealed that while osimertinib binding was blocked by steric hindrance from His-792 or Arg-796, CTXA adapted to the mutated ATP-binding pockets through multiple hydrogen bonds and extensive hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stable binding of CTXA to both mutant EGFR proteins over the 200 ns simulations. Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that the natural compound CTXA possesses antitumor efficacy against EGFR L858R/T790M/L792H and L858R/T790M/G796R mutants by regulating EGFR-ERK/AKT/STAT3 signaling. Our findings position CTXA as a promising lead compound for tackling this challenging form of acquired resistance and highlight the value of natural products in multi-target antitumor drug discovery. Full article
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23 pages, 1965 KB  
Article
Phytochemistry and Wound-Healing, Enzyme-Inhibitory, and Antifungal Activities of the Wild Forage Legume Lotus rectus L.
by Manuel González-Vázquez, Ana Quílez Guerrero, Mónica Zuzarte, Lígia Salgueiro, Jorge Alves-Silva and Rocío De la Puerta
Plants 2026, 15(9), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091367 - 29 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 520
Abstract
Lotus rectus L. is an underexplored forage legume with reported traditional uses in skin-related conditions. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract (LRAE) and to explore its bioactivity in vitro. Phytochemical characterization was carried out using spectrophotometric [...] Read more.
Lotus rectus L. is an underexplored forage legume with reported traditional uses in skin-related conditions. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract (LRAE) and to explore its bioactivity in vitro. Phytochemical characterization was carried out using spectrophotometric assays and UHPLC-HRMS/MS. Cytocompatibility was assessed by the resazurin assay in HaCaT keratinocytes and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, while wound-healing potential was evaluated using a scratch assay. Enzyme inhibitory activities (xanthine oxidase, collagenase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase) were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using chemical assays (DPPH and ABTS), biologically relevant reactive oxygen species, and metal chelation assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated against clinically relevant yeasts and dermatophytes using standardized macrodilution methods. LRAE showed a relatively high content of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, particularly flavonol glycosides. The extract was cytocompatible at all tested concentrations and showed an increased closure of the scratched area in vitro. It exhibited antioxidant activity and inhibited xanthine oxidase, while more moderate effects were observed for collagenase and tyrosinase, and minimal activity was detected against hyaluronidase. Antifungal activity was limited, with modest effects observed only against selected dermatophytes at high concentrations. Overall, these findings provide preliminary in vitro evidence of bioactivity associated with the traditional use of this species, supporting further investigation to better characterize the biological relevance of this understudied species. Full article
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24 pages, 2807 KB  
Article
Synthesis, Spectroscopy Characterization and Biological Evaluation of La(III), Eu(III) and Gd(III) Complexes with Ampicillin: In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Activities and Theoretical Frameworks
by Diego Boldo, Vasilii Khripun, Kristiane Fanti Del Pino, Juliana Jorge, Luana da Silva Oliveira, Danielle Bogo, Ana Camila Micheletti, Adriana Pereira Duarte, Hernane da Silva Barud, Ariadna Lafourcade Prada, Teofilo Fernando Mazon Cardoso, Gustavo Rocha de Castro, Jesus Rafael Rodríguez Amado and Marco Antonio Utrera Martines
Molecules 2026, 31(9), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31091465 - 28 Apr 2026
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Abstract
This study reports the synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations and in vitro antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiproliferative evaluation of La(III), Eu(III), and Gd(III) metal complexes with ampicillin. The compounds were characterized by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), [...] Read more.
This study reports the synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations and in vitro antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiproliferative evaluation of La(III), Eu(III), and Gd(III) metal complexes with ampicillin. The compounds were characterized by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), indicating a 2:1 metal-to-ligand ratio with ampicillin, and likely, a coordination through carbonyl, carboxylic and β-lactam groups, with the general formula [Ln2(L)(Cl)5(H2O)x] (Ln = La(III), Eu (III), Gd (III), and x = 2 for La(III), 5 for Eu(III) and Gd(III), L-ampicillin anion). Antimicrobial studies showed activity against ampicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 15.6 µg·mL−1) but no activity against Escherichia coli. In cytotoxicity studies, all complexes inhibited B16-F10 (murine melanoma) proliferation, with GI50 values around 140 µg·mL−1. Against U251 (glioma) cell line, only [Eu2(L)(Cl)5(H2O)5] exhibited cytotoxicity activity, GI50 = 104 µg·mL−1, and notably, [Eu2(L)(Cl)5(H2O)5] was active against MCF7 (breast carcinoma) with a GI50 = 8.1 µg·mL−1. However, all complexes exhibited high cytotoxicity in NIH-3T3 cells (GI50 = 0.030–2.90 µg·mL−1), indicating limited selectivity between normal and cancer cells. Nevertheless, except for the La complex, most compounds were less cytotoxic than doxorubicin, highlighting the need for further optimization to improve selectivity. Full article
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17 pages, 7069 KB  
Article
Optical and Thermal Control of Pore Architecture in Collagen Hydrogels for Vascular-like Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
by Mareni Arishima, Shigehisa Aoki, Sayaka Masaike and Takayuki Narita
Micro 2026, 6(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro6020028 - 22 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Vascularization remains a central challenge in thick tissue engineering. Building on our prior demonstration that carbonate buffer concentration governs multi-channel collagen gel (MCCG) architecture and perfusion culture performance, this study aimed to establish non-contact, orthogonal control of pore size and density in riboflavin-sensitized [...] Read more.
Vascularization remains a central challenge in thick tissue engineering. Building on our prior demonstration that carbonate buffer concentration governs multi-channel collagen gel (MCCG) architecture and perfusion culture performance, this study aimed to establish non-contact, orthogonal control of pore size and density in riboflavin-sensitized Type I collagen hydrogels via UV irradiation intensity and preparation temperature. UV intensity was modulated by varying the source-to-sample distance (25–52 mm); preparation temperature was set at 5, 25, or 40 °C; gelation kinetics were quantified using a vial-tilt assay. Pore area fraction ranged from 0.9% to 8.6% and Young’s modulus from 16 to 49 kPa depending on UV dose. Higher preparation temperatures accelerated gelation and produced smaller, more densely distributed pores, consistent with kinetically arrested phase separation. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cultured on intermediate- and low-intensity UV scaffolds achieved >80% confluency by Day 7, with three-dimensional tissue-like organization and directionally aligned cellular bundles within large pores; cell metabolic activity, assessed by CCK-8 assay, remained consistently high throughout the culture period. These results demonstrate that UV irradiation intensity and preparation temperature are independently tunable, non-contact parameters for reproducible fabrication of collagen scaffolds with tunable vascular-like pore networks, complementing and extending the chemical (buffer concentration) design space of MCCG-based perfusion culture systems. Full article
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15 pages, 5393 KB  
Article
Selective Modulation of NIH3T3 Fibroblast Proliferation by Static Magnetic Fields: A Time-Resolved Quantitative Analysis
by Ísis P. A. Perez, Douglas G. Freitas, Juliana Soares, Marcos F. DosSantos, Nathan B. Viana and Bruno Pontes
Biophysica 2026, 6(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/biophysica6020032 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 459
Abstract
The effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on fibroblast proliferation and migration remain debated, largely due to variability in field intensity, orientation, and exposure duration, as well as the predominant use of endpoint-based assays that may not fully capture the temporal dynamics of [...] Read more.
The effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on fibroblast proliferation and migration remain debated, largely due to variability in field intensity, orientation, and exposure duration, as well as the predominant use of endpoint-based assays that may not fully capture the temporal dynamics of cellular responses. Thus, it remains unclear whether reported SMF effects reflect changes in proliferation, migration, or both. Here, we examined how SMFs with different field configurations affect NIH3T3 fibroblast behavior. Three setups were tested: a field generated by two neodymium magnets arranged in a face-to-face configuration on opposite sides of the culture dish (SMF1) and single-magnet setups with either the north (SMF2 and SMF2a) or south poles (SMF3 and SMF3a) facing the cells. SMF1 was associated with a 41% increase in proliferation relative to control, while single-cell migration velocities, directional persistence, and collective wound closure showed no detectable changes. In contrast, SMF2 and SMF3, as well as their low-field variants SMF2a and SMF3a, did not produce significant effects. Our results suggest that a specific SMF configuration is associated with increased fibroblast proliferation without detectable changes in migration parameters under the tested conditions. This integrative approach helps contextualize prior divergent findings by suggesting that SMF effects may be configuration-dependent, thereby contributing to a more rational application of magnetic stimulation in cellular and tissue engineering contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Effects of Magnetic Fields)
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