Search Results (1,137)

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally, linked to severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. In the Brazilian Amazon, socioeconomic vulnerability and the absence of screening policies exacerbate risks, particularly among female sex workers (FSWs). Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-C. trachomatis IgG antibodies among FSWs in five municipalities of Pará State, Brazilian Amazon, and identify epidemiological factors associated with infection. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study (2005–2007) included 348 FSWs recruited via convenience sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected through questionnaires, and blood samples were analyzed by ELISA for anti-C. trachomatis IgG. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact tests, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using SPSS 21.0. Results: Overall seroprevalence was 93.9% (327/348; 95% CI: 83.1–90%). Significant associations included a household income of 1–3 minimum wages (98.4%; p = 0.0002), sexual partners from the same region (98.8%; p = 0.0421), and age >42 years (96.3%). Most reported inconsistent condom use (43.7%), multiple monthly partners (54.6%), and illicit drug use (53.4%). Discussion: The extremely high seroprevalence reflects chronic C. trachomatis exposure, driven by socioeconomic deprivation and limited healthcare access. Comparisons with global data underscore the urgent need for screening policies, absent in Brazil for FSWs, and highlight the vulnerability of this population. Conclusions: The findings reveal an alarming burden of C. trachomatis exposure among Amazonian FSWs. Integrated strategies, including routine screening, sexual health education, and inclusion of FSWs in priority health programs, are critical to reduce transmission and associated complications. Full article

Background: Senescence, a state of permanent cell cycle arrest, is a complex cellular phenomenon closely affiliated with age-related diseases and pathological fibrosis. Cellular senescence is now recognized as a significant contributor to organ fibrosis, largely driven by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, such as in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and myocardial fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure, cystic fibrosis, and fibrosis in pancreatic tumors, to name a few. MASH is a progressive inflammatory and fibrotic liver condition that has reached pandemic proportions, now considered the largest non-viral contributor to the need for liver transplantation. Methods: We previously studied Oxy210, an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory, orally bioavailable, oxysterol-based drug candidate for MASH, using APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a humanized hyperlipidemic mouse model that closely recapitulates the hallmarks of human MASH. In this model, treatment of mice with Oxy210 for 16 weeks caused significant amelioration of the disease, evidenced by reduced hepatic inflammation, lipid deposition, and fibrosis, atherosclerosis and adipose tissue inflammation. Results: Here we demonstrate increased hepatic expression of senescence-associated genes and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), correlated with the expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatorygenes in these mice during the development of MASH that are significantly inhibited by Oxy210. Using the HepG2 human hepatocyte cell line, we demonstrate the induced expression of senescent-associated genes and SASP by TGF-β and inhibition by Oxy210. Conclusions: These findings further support the potential therapeutic effects of Oxy210 mediated in part through inhibition of senescence-driven hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in MASH and perhaps in other senescence-associated fibrotic diseases. Full article

Background: Mental health issues among medical students have gained increasing attention globally, with studies indicating a high prevalence of psychological disorders within this population. The use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications has become a common response to these mental health challenges. However, it is crucial to understand the extent of their usage and associated effects on students’ mental health and academic performance. This cross-sectional study explored the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs and their impact on the mental health of medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 561 medical students from 34 universities was conducted between March and July 2024. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, mental health, and medication usage-related information. Results: Most of the participants were female (71.5%) and aged 21–25 years (62.7%). Approximately 23.8% of them used antidepressants, 5.6% reported using anti-anxiety medications, and 14.0% used both types of medication. Among the medication users, 71.7% were using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and 28.3% were using other medications. Adverse drug reactions were reported by 58.8% of the participants, and 39.6% changed drugs with inadequate efficacy. Notably, 49.0% of the respondents who have ever used medications discontinued their medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Despite these challenges, 62.0% of the participants felt that their medications had a positive impact on their academic performance, 73.4% believed that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, and 76.2% expressed a willingness to continue taking their medication. In particular, 77.6% agreed that treatment with these drugs could prevent mental breakdowns. Sleep duration, physical activity, and family history of psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with medication use, with p values of 0.002, 0.014, and 0.042, respectively. Conclusions: These results shed light on the need to understand the prescribing practices of antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs among medical students while promoting the appropriate use of these medications among the students. There is a need to incorporate mental health interventions into counseling services and awareness programs to support students. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore long-term trends. Full article

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease with a relatively high incidence in the pediatric population. Anti-seizure medication (ASM) may cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which may occur repeatedly. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the recurrence of ADRs caused by ASMs over a period of 122 months in hospitalized Mexican pediatric epilepsy patients. The patients were under monotherapy or polytherapy treatment, with valproic acid (VPA), phenytoin (PHT), and levetiracetam (LEV), among others. A total of 313 patients met the inclusion criteria: 211 experienced ADRs, whereas 102 did not. Patient sex, age, seizure type, nutritional status and related drugs were considered explanatory variables. Methods: Four statistical models were used to analyze recurrent events that were defined as “one or more ADRs occurred on a single day”, considering both the classification of ADR seriousness and the ASM causing the ADR. Results: A total of 499 recurrence events were identified. The recurrence risk was significantly greater among younger patients for both nonsevere and severe ADRs and among those with focal seizures for nonsevere ADRs. Interestingly, malnutrition was negatively associated with the risk of nonsevere ADRs, and obesity was positively associated with the risk of severe ADRs. Finally, LEV was associated with a significantly greater risk of causing nonsevere ADRs than VPA. However, LEV significantly reduced the risk of severe ADRs compared with VPA, and PHT increased the risk in comparison with VPA. In conclusion, this study offers a robust clinical tool to predict risk factors for the presence and recurrence of ASM-ADRs in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Full article

Background: Inflammasomes regulate the activation of caspases resulting in inflammation; inflammasome activation is dysregulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and plays a role in the pathogenesis of this condition. Glibenclamide, an anti-inflammatory drug, could be an interesting way to down-modulate neuroinflammation. Methods: In this pilot study we verified with ex vivo experiments whether a glibenclamide-loaded nanovector (GNV) could reduce the NLRP3-inflammasome cascade in cells of AD patients. Monocytes isolated from healthy controls (HC) and AD patients were cultured in medium, alone or stimulated with LPS + nigericin in presence/absence of GNV. ASC-speck positive cells and inflammasome-related genes, proteins, and miRNAs expressions were measured. The polymorphisms of ApoE (Apolipoprotein E), specifically rs7412 and rs429358, as well as those of NLRP3, namely rs35829419, rs10733113, and rs4925663, were also investigated. Results: Results showed that ASC-speck+ cells and Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 production was significantly reduced (p < 0.005 in all cases) by GNV in LPS + nigericin-stimulated cells of both AD and HC. Notably, the NLRP3 rs10733113 AG genotype was associated with excessive inflammasome-related gene and protein expression. GNV significantly down-regulates inflammasome activation in primary monocytes, at least at protein levels, and its efficacy seems to partially depend on the presence of the NLRP3 rs10733113 genotype. Conclusions: All together, these results showed that GNV is able to dampen inflammation and NLRP-3 inflammasome activation in an ex vivo monocyte model, suggesting a possible role for GNV in controlling AD-associated neuroinflammation. Full article

Objectives: Sialic acid (SA), a naturally occurring compound abundantly found in birds’ nests, holds immense promise for skincare applications owing to its remarkable biological properties. However, its low bioavailability, poor stability, and limited skin permeability have constrained its widespread application. Methods: To overcome these challenges, SA was encapsulated within nanoliposomes (NLPs) by the high-pressure homogenization technique to develop an advanced and efficient transdermal drug delivery system. The skincare capabilities of this novel system were comprehensively evaluated across multiple experimental platforms, including in vitro cell assays, 3D skin models, in vivo zebrafish studies, and clinical human trials. Results: The SA-loaded NLPs (SA-NLPs) substantially improved the transdermal penetration and retention of SA, facilitating enhanced cellular uptake and cell proliferation. Compared to free SA, SA-NLPs demonstrated a 246.98% increase in skin retention and 1.8-fold greater cellular uptake in HDF cells. Moreover, SA-NLPs protected cells from oxidative stress-induced damage, stimulated collagen synthesis, and effectively suppressed the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, tyrosinase activity, and melanin production. Additionally, zebrafish-based assays provided in vivo evidence of the skincare efficacy of SA-NLPs. Notably, clinical evaluations demonstrated that a 56-day application of the SA-NLPs-containing cream resulted in a 4.20% increase in L*, 7.87% decrease in b*, 8.45% decrease in TEWL, and 4.01% reduction in wrinkle length, indicating its superior brightening, barrier-repair, and anti-aging effects. Conclusions: This multi-level, systematic investigation strongly suggests that SA-NLPs represent a highly promising transdermal delivery strategy, capable of significantly enhancing the anti-aging, barrier-repair, and skin-brightening properties of SA, thus opening new avenues for its application in the fields of dermatology and cosmeceuticals. Full article

Nanoparticles (NPs) synthesised through biogenic routes have emerged as a sustainable and innovative platform for biomedical applications such as antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, drug delivery, wound healing, and imaging diagnostics. Among these, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and therapeutic potential. This review examines the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs, focusing on microbial, plant-based, and biomolecule-assisted approaches. It highlights how reaction conditions, such as pH, temperature, and media composition, influence nanoparticle size, shape, and functionality. Particular emphasis is placed on microbial synthesis for its eco-friendly and scalable nature. The mechanisms of AgNP formation and their structural impact on biomedical performance are discussed. Key applications are examined including antimicrobial therapies, cancer treatment, drug delivery, and theranostics. Finally, the review addresses current challenges, such as reproducibility, scalability, morphological control, and biosafety, and outlines future directions for engineering AgNPs with tailored properties, paving the way for sustainable and effective next-generation biomedical solutions. Full article

Type I collagen is a major protein in animals, and its hydrolyzed products, collagen peptides, have wide-ranging applications. This article reviews collagen peptides’ preparation methods, biological activities, and application progress in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. By employing various extraction and hydrolysis methods, collagen peptides with different molecular weights can be obtained, and their biological activities are closely related to their molecular weight and amino acid sequence. Studies have revealed that collagen peptides possess a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, hematopoietic promotion, osteogenic differentiation promotion, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects. In the food industry, their antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties have opened new avenues for the development of healthy foods; in the cosmetics field, the moisturizing, anti-aging, and repair functions of collagen peptides are favored by consumers; in the medical field, collagen peptides are used in wound dressings, drug carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Looking to the future, the development of green and efficient preparation technologies for collagen peptides and in-depth research into the relationship between their structure and function will be important research directions. The multifunctional properties of collagen peptides provide a broad prospect for their further application in the health industry. Full article

The anti-inflammatory effect of trypsin in animals and humans is the basis for the development of new veterinary and medical drugs and alternatives to antibiotics. The current experiment analyzed the effect of pig pancreatic tissue lyophilizate and crystalline trypsin on the hemodynamic and morpho-biochemical parameters of rabbit blood. The experiments were carried out on 20 rabbits of the Soviet chinchilla breed of 6–8 months of age. Animals were intramuscularly injected with sterile solution of 0.9% NaCl in 0.5 mL (group 1, n = 5), sterile solution of crystalline trypsin in 0.9% NaCl at a concentration of 0.25 mg/kg body weight (group 2, n = 5), sterile solution of crystalline trypsin in 0, 9% NaCl at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (group 3, n = 5), or sterile suspension of pig pancreas lyophilizate at a concentration of 1 mg/kg body weight (group 4, n = 5). Animals were injected once daily for five consecutive days. Significant changes in arterial blood pressure, serum enzymes activity, and the count of various blood cellular components were induced by the administration of different trypsin preparations. All data obtained indicate the presence of a biologically active substance in the lyophilizate, the effect of which requires further animal studies to create a prototype for the development of new drugs for human and animal use. Full article

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, arises from chronic hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. Current therapies such as laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, and steroids target advanced stages but fail to prevent early neuronal and microvascular damage. Emerging evidence highlights oxidative stress as a key driver of DR pathogenesis, disrupting the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), promoting neurodegeneration and angiogenesis. Advances in imaging, particularly optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), enable earlier detection of neurodegeneration and microvascular changes, underscoring DR as a neurovascular disorder. Polyphenols, such as resveratrol, curcumin, and pterostilbene, exhibit multitarget antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, showing promise in preclinical and limited clinical studies. However, their low bioavailability limits therapeutic efficacy. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems enhance drug stability, tissue targeting, and sustained release, offering potential for early intervention. Future strategies should integrate antioxidant therapies and precision diagnostics to prevent early irreversible retinal damage in diabetic patients. Full article

Marine peptides, derived from a great number of aquatic organisms, exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities that hold a significant therapeutic potential. This article reviews the multifaceted roles of marine peptides, focusing on their antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, cytotoxic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, chemotactic, opsonizing, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, skin-protective, and wound-healing properties. By elucidating mechanisms of their action and highlighting key research findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of possible therapeutic applications of marine peptides, underscoring their importance in developing novel drugs as well as in cosmetology, food industry, aquatic and agriculture biotechnology. Further investigations are essential to harness their therapeutic potential and should focus on detailed mechanism studies, large-scale production, and clinical evaluations with a view to confirm their efficacy and safety and translate these findings into practical applications. It is also important to investigate the potential synergistic effects of marine peptide combinations with existing medicines to enhance their efficacy. Challenges include the sustainable sourcing of marine peptides, and therefore an environmental impact of harvesting marine organisms must be considered as well. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is very widespread in countries with a Western-style diet, representing one of the major causes of morbidity. Genetic factors, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and ageing are risk factors for CVD outcomes. From a pathogenic point of view, the condition of low-grade inflammation of the arteries leads to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis development. Nowadays, a broad range of drugs is available to treat CVD, but many of them are associated with side effects. Therefore, alternative therapeutic remedies need to be discovered in combination with conventional drugs. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, e.g., the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to lower the incidence of CVD. Plant-derived polyphenols are ingested in food, and these compounds can exert beneficial effects on human health, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: In the present review, the cellular and molecular bases of the beneficial effects of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of CVD will be pointed out. Methods: This review has been conducted on the basis of a literature review spanning mainly the last two decades. Results: We found that an increased dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a parallel decrease in chronic disease incidence, including CVD. Conclusion: Despite a plethora of preclinical studies, more clinical trials are needed for a more appropriate treatment of CVD with polyphenols. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the initial anatomical and functional outcomes of switching to aflibercept 8 mg in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods: Patients with nAMD previously treated with anti-VEGF drugs were switched to aflibercept 8 mg. Patients with any exudative changes (subretinal fluid [SRF], intraretinal fluid [IRF] or serous pigment epithelial detachment [sPED]) at the time of the first aflibercept 8 mg injection and whose dosing interval before and after switching did not differ by more than ±7 days were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and the presence of SRF, IRF, and sPED were evaluated before and after switching to aflibercept 8 mg. Results: A total of 102 eyes from 98 patients were included in the analysis. The drugs used prior to switching were faricimab in five eyes, brolucizumab in six eyes, and aflibercept 2 mg in 91 eyes, with a mean interval of 63.7 ± 20.0 days from the last pre-switch injection and 64.9 ± 20.1 days to the first post-switch visit. The CFT was significantly reduced from 272 ± 85 µm to 246 ± 79 µm (p < 0.0001). The BCVA remained unchanged at 0.27 ± 0.35 logMAR. During switching, SRF, IRF, and sPED were observed in 70, 24, and 38 eyes, respectively. At the post-switch visit, complete resolution of exudative changes was observed in 44% of eyes with SRF, 55% with IRF, and 29% with sPED. No ocular or systemic adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: As an initial response to switching to aflibercept 8 mg in a real-world setting, SRF and IRF completely resolved in approximately half of the patients, and sPED resolved in about 30% of cases. Full article

Fullerenes and fullerenols exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapy. Unlike conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, these compounds have multitargeted effects, including their ability to inhibit amyloid fibril formation. However, few studies have explored their efficacy in high-validity AD models. Female APPswe/PS1E9 (APP/PS1) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were orally administered with fullerene C₆₀ (0.1 mg/kg/day) or fullerenol C₆₀(OH)₂₄ (0.15 mg/kg/day) for 10 months starting at 2 months of age. Behavioral assessments were performed at 12 months of age. Amyloid plaque density and size were analyzed in the brain regions using Congo red staining. The expression of genes related to inflammation and plasticity was examined, and an in vitro assay was used to test the toxicity of fullerenol and its effect on amyloid β peptide 42 (Aβ42)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Fullerenol reduced the maximum plaque size in the cortex and hippocampus, decreased the small plaque density in the hippocampus and thalamus, and prevented an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive cell density in the mutants. Both treatments improved cognitive and emotional behaviors and reduced Il1β and increased Sirt1 expression. In vitro, fullerenol was non-toxic across a range of concentrations and reduced Aβ42-induced ROS production in brain endothelial cells and astrocytes. Long-term administration of fullerene or fullerenol improved behavioral and molecular markers of AD in APP/PS1 mice, with fullerenol showing additional benefits in reducing amyloid burden. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, mainly in the pelvic cavity. It primarily affects women of reproductive age and is associated with significant morbidity, particularly chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its high prevalence, diagnosis is often delayed, contributing to prolonged suffering and increased healthcare burden. This review examines the management of endometriosis in Primary Care, focusing on clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options. A comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Uptodate, including evidence-based clinical guidelines and literature up to January 2025. Women diagnosed with endometriosis in Primary Care are typically of reproductive age, with symptoms including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Risk factors include early menarche, low birth weight, short menstrual cycles, and family history. Transvaginal ultrasound is the recommended first-line imaging tool. Treatment includes analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and hormonal therapies such as combined oral contraceptives or progestins. Non-pharmacological interventions, including dietary modifications and psychological support, are also relevant. Early identification in Primary Care is key to improving out-comes. Enhancing awareness among healthcare providers and promoting multidisciplinary management are essential to optimize care and reduce diagnostic delays. Full article