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14 pages, 724 KB  
Article
Targeting Apoptosis-Resistant Proliferation: Imatinib-Based Combinations Induce Durable Cytostatic Arrest in 3D Endometrial Cancer Spheroids
by Berna Yıldırım, Burcu Biltekin, Mete Hakan Karalök and Ayhan Bilir
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040906 (registering DOI) - 16 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Endometrial cancer frequently develops resistance to apoptosis-based therapies, highlighting the need for alternative strategies that control tumor growth independently of cell death induction. Three-dimensional (3D) tumor models more accurately recapitulate tumor architecture, cellular interactions, and treatment resistance compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Endometrial cancer frequently develops resistance to apoptosis-based therapies, highlighting the need for alternative strategies that control tumor growth independently of cell death induction. Three-dimensional (3D) tumor models more accurately recapitulate tumor architecture, cellular interactions, and treatment resistance compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. This study aimed to investigate whether imatinib-based combination treatments can enforce sustained cytostatic responses in a 3D endometrial cancer model. Methods: Ishikawa spheroids were treated with imatinib alone or in combination with lithium chloride or medroxyprogesterone acetate. Proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry, and apoptosis by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining over 96 h. Results: Imatinib monotherapy produced modest antiproliferative effects, whereas combination treatments resulted in sustained suppression of DNA synthesis, increased G0/G1 accumulation, and reduced S-phase entry. Despite strong growth inhibition, apoptotic fractions remained low across all groups. Conclusions: Imatinib-based combinations suppress 3D endometrial cancer growth predominantly through sustained cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis induction. Targeting apoptosis-resistant proliferation through cytostatic mechanisms may represent a complementary therapeutic strategy for hormone-responsive endometrial cancer and warrants further translational evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biology and Oncology)
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20 pages, 310 KB  
Review
Post-Chemotherapy Antibody-Based Continuation and Maintenance Strategies in HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Translational Narrative Review
by Katarzyna Pogoda, Karolina Lewińska, Paulina Kalman, Anna Bałata and Piotr J. Wysocki
Antibodies 2026, 15(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib15020036 - 16 Apr 2026
Abstract
The treatment paradigm for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer has evolved from continuous chemotherapy-based regimens to a model of finite chemotherapy induction followed by sustained antibody-driven disease control. The CLEOPATRA trial established dual HER2 blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab plus a taxane as the [...] Read more.
The treatment paradigm for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer has evolved from continuous chemotherapy-based regimens to a model of finite chemotherapy induction followed by sustained antibody-driven disease control. The CLEOPATRA trial established dual HER2 blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab plus a taxane as the biological and clinical anchor of this approach, demonstrating that chemotherapy is administered for a defined induction period, after which antibody maintains disease suppression. An increasing body of clinical evidence indicates that antibody-based regimens can be combined with targeted agents, including CDK4/6 inhibitors or HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors, to achieve durable disease control without the need for continuous chemotherapy. In the PATINA trial, the addition of palbociclib to trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and endocrine therapy was associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. At the same time, quality of life was maintained despite higher rates of hematologic toxicity. More recently, HER2-CLIMB-05 demonstrated that the addition of tucatinib to dual HER2 antibody therapy significantly prolonged progression-free survival, supporting a model of sustained, multi-agent HER2 pathway suppression. The monarcHER trial provided biological proof of concept that antibody plus CDK4/6 inhibition can achieve disease control without chemotherapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive disease. Collectively, these advances support a translational framework in which antibody therapy serves as a central component of treatment strategies, with targeted partners selected according to tumor biology and prior therapy. This review summarizes the biological basis, clinical evidence, and future perspectives of antibody-driven maintenance in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibody-Based Therapeutics)
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22 pages, 1012 KB  
Review
Oxidative Stress and Alcohol-Related Hepatitis: A Role for Future Therapies
by Francesca D’Arcangelo, Neil Rajoriya and Patricia F. Lalor
Antioxidants 2026, 15(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15040493 - 16 Apr 2026
Abstract
Alcohol-associated Hepatitis (AH) is a rare acute injury caused by alcohol consumption, which can lead to one of the most severe manifestations of liver disease. It is part of the alcohol-related liver diseases (ArLD) spectrum, which represents a major global health burden, with [...] Read more.
Alcohol-associated Hepatitis (AH) is a rare acute injury caused by alcohol consumption, which can lead to one of the most severe manifestations of liver disease. It is part of the alcohol-related liver diseases (ArLD) spectrum, which represents a major global health burden, with oxidative stress and inflammation serving as central, interconnected pathogenic mechanisms. Chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption induces hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through multiple pathways, including cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) induction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and NADPH oxidase activation. These oxidative insults trigger a cascade of cellular damage encompassing lipid peroxidation, protein adduct formation, DNA damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, ultimately leading to hepatocyte dysfunction and multiple forms of cell death, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. The inflammatory response, orchestrated primarily by Kupffer cells and infiltrating neutrophils through Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and inflammasome activation, not only amplifies hepatic injury but also promotes fibrogenesis through hepatic stellate cell activation. Neutrophils, characterised by elevated lipocalin-2 expression and spontaneous NETosis in AH, exhibit a paradoxical role by driving both tissue damage and repair. Current therapeutic strategies include corticosteroids, which remain the first-line treatment for severe AH, while emerging therapies targeting the gut–liver axis, hepatic regeneration, and specific molecular targets show promise in clinical trials. This review comprehensively examines the molecular crosstalk between oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of AH to highlight current and investigational therapeutic approaches targeting these interconnected pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease, 2nd Edition)
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45 pages, 5582 KB  
Review
Modulation of Gut Microbiota Through Dietary Fibers to Enhance Regulatory T Cell-Based Immunotherapy in GVHD Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
by Melika Asayesh, Ata Nazarzadeh, Sanaz Jamshidi, Shayan Keramat, Ireneusz Ryszkiel and Agata Stanek
Nutrients 2026, 18(8), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18081216 - 12 Apr 2026
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the principal complications seen in the recipients of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and persists as a leading cause of post-transplant morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence highlights the crucial influence of the gut microbiome (GM) on [...] Read more.
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the principal complications seen in the recipients of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and persists as a leading cause of post-transplant morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence highlights the crucial influence of the gut microbiome (GM) on transplant outcomes. Microbial dysbiosis, characterized by reduced bacterial diversity and pathogenic overgrowth, is strongly associated with higher rates of complications and mortality. Patients with lower microbial diversity exhibit poorer overall survival (OS) and an increased incidence of acute GVHD (aGVHD). Conversely, restoration of beneficial commensal communities has been shown to enhance immune homeostasis, mitigate GVHD severity, and decrease infection risk. Emerging therapeutic strategies now focus on modulating the intestinal microbiome through dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). It has been demonstrated that bacterial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from the diet, especially a diet rich in fibers, reduce the occurrence/severity of GVHD by inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs), which release anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulate the host immune system. Hence, the implementation of dietary fibers (DFs) could increase beneficial commensals, Treg induction, and improve outcomes such as GVHD and OS in recipients of allo-HCT. Hereupon, this review addresses how a fiber-rich diet modulates GM composition, reinforces epithelial barrier integrity, and improves the efficacy of Treg-based immunotherapy by stabilizing their regulatory phenotype and increasing their functional persistence, ultimately leading to a reduction in GI complications associated with GVHD. Unlike prior reviews that primarily cover the microbiome–GVHD axis or Treg therapies in isolation, this review emphasizes fermentable dietary fibers as a mechanistically grounded, clinically actionable strategy to support Treg stability and persistence via microbiota-derived metabolites. We integrate mechanistic evidence with emerging clinical feasibility data and ongoing trials of prebiotic supplementation in allogeneic HSCT. Full article
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16 pages, 832 KB  
Article
Clinical Practice Patterns in the Physiotherapy Management of Tension-Type Headache Among Spanish Physiotherapists
by Ana Bravo-Vazquez, Elena De-La-Barrera-Aranda, Ernesto Anarte-Lazo, Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco and Carlos Bernal-Utrera
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(8), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15082896 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache disorder worldwide and represents a major source of disability related to chronic pain. Despite its high prevalence, uncertainty remains regarding optimal conservative management strategies, and limited evidence is available on how physiotherapists [...] Read more.
Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache disorder worldwide and represents a major source of disability related to chronic pain. Despite its high prevalence, uncertainty remains regarding optimal conservative management strategies, and limited evidence is available on how physiotherapists apply existing recommendations in routine clinical practice. Objective: The objective was to explore physiotherapists’ perceptions, clinical experiences, and treatment strategies in the management of tension-type headache, with particular emphasis on commonly used interventions, clinical decision-making, and characteristics of physiotherapy care. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a self-administered online survey developed in accordance with the CHERRIES guidelines. One hundred Spanish physiotherapists with clinical experience in treating patients with TTH participated. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while open-ended responses were examined using inductive thematic analysis following the framework proposed by Braun and Clarke. Results: Manual therapy was the most frequently reported intervention (96%), followed by therapeutic exercise (61%) and invasive techniques, primarily dry needling (48%). The suboccipital and upper cervical regions were consistently identified as primary therapeutic targets, reflecting a predominant craniocervical treatment focus. Most respondents reported individualized treatment plans, typically delivered in weekly sessions lasting 45–60 min, with expected clinical improvement within 4–6 weeks. Pain education strategies were reported infrequently. Considerable variability was observed in the selection and combination of therapeutic techniques. Conclusions: Physiotherapists managing tension-type headache commonly adopt a multimodal approach, largely centered on manual and tissue-focused interventions. Although many reported practices are aligned with current evidence, the substantial heterogeneity observed and the limited integration of biopsychosocial strategies highlight the need for consensus-based guidelines and further research addressing real-world clinical effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Headache: Updates on the Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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27 pages, 1870 KB  
Review
Spirulina and Its Bioactive Compounds as Multi-Target Anticancer Agents: Mechanisms, Immune Modulation, and Translational Potential
by Rym Akrout, Khouloud Ayed, Hela Mrizak, Ludovic Leloup, Orace Mathieu Kenou, Fidèle Fassinou, Dhouha Bacha, Rahma Boughriba, Hanen Attia, Hervé Kovacic, Wassim Y. Almawi and Asma Gati
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14020189 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Marine-derived natural products are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in cancer and other chronic diseases. Despite significant advances, current cancer treatments remain challenged by toxicity, drug resistance, and limited survival benefits. Natural compounds offer promising alternatives due to their multi-target mechanisms and [...] Read more.
Marine-derived natural products are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in cancer and other chronic diseases. Despite significant advances, current cancer treatments remain challenged by toxicity, drug resistance, and limited survival benefits. Natural compounds offer promising alternatives due to their multi-target mechanisms and favorable safety profiles. Among them, Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterium, stands out for its rich composition and diverse biological activities. Its anticancer effects involve apoptosis induction via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, cell cycle arrest at G1/S or G2/M phases, inhibition of angiogenesis through the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis, and suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. These activities are mainly attributed to C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, phenolic compounds, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides. Spirulina also exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects by enhancing natural killer cell activity, promoting M1 macrophage polarization, and regulating Th1 and Th17 cytokine responses, highlighting its potential as both an immunotherapeutic and chemoprotective agent. Moreover, preclinical findings suggest it may reduce chemotherapy-associated side effects. However, translation into clinical therapy remains limited by low bioavailability, lack of standardized extracts, and scarce clinical evidence. This review summarizes current mechanistic and immunological insights and highlights the need for optimized formulations, defined dosing strategies, and well-designed clinical trials to validate Spirulina’s potential in cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Section “Cancer and Cancer-Related Research”)
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15 pages, 634 KB  
Article
A Clozapine-Responsive GPCR-Based Gene Switch for Pharmacological Control of Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells and In Vivo
by Guanyang Chen, Shiting Li and Peng Bai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083381 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 240
Abstract
The safe and precise regulation of therapeutic gene expression remains a major challenge for mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapies. Many existing inducible systems rely on non-mammalian regulatory components or ligands with limited clinical compatibility. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) [...] Read more.
The safe and precise regulation of therapeutic gene expression remains a major challenge for mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapies. Many existing inducible systems rely on non-mammalian regulatory components or ligands with limited clinical compatibility. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) offer a human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-based framework for pharmacological control of intracellular signaling, yet their application as clinically relevant gene-regulation platforms remains underexplored. Here, we report a clozapine-responsive gene switch that couples a designer GPCR to signaling-dependent transcriptional control. By linking clozapine-activated receptors to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- or calcium-responsive synthetic promoters, receptor activation is converted into robust transgene expression across a broad dynamic range, with sensitivity to sub-nanomolar to low-nanomolar clozapine concentrations. In vivo, alginate-encapsulated reporter cells implanted in C57BL/6J mice responded to systemic or local clozapine administration with efficient secretion of a reporter protein, achieving robust induction at low daily doses (0.3 mg/kg) following either oral administration or local delivery. Together, these results establish a human GPCR-based clozapine-responsive gene switch that integrates regulation by a clinically used small molecule with modular transcriptional outputs, providing an additional approach for pharmacologically controllable gene expression in mammalian cells and in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole-Cell System and Synthetic Biology, 2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 2027 KB  
Article
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Outcomes and Watch-and-Wait Feasibility in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Single-Institution Retrospective Cohort Study
by Manuel Ramanović, Franc Anderluh, Ana Jeromen Peressutti, Petar Korošec, Irena Oblak, Ajra Šečerov Ermenc and Vaneja Velenik
Cancers 2026, 18(8), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18081200 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 283
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), integrating systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery or surveillance, has become a standard approach for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, optimal sequencing strategies and long-term outcomes of watch-and-wait (W&W) following sandwich TNT remain insufficiently characterized. We [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), integrating systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery or surveillance, has become a standard approach for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, optimal sequencing strategies and long-term outcomes of watch-and-wait (W&W) following sandwich TNT remain insufficiently characterized. We evaluated oncologic outcomes and treatment response in patients treated with an institutional sandwich TNT protocol. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with LARC treated with sandwich TNT (induction chemotherapy followed by hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost [IMRT-SIB] chemoradiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy) at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana between 2016 and 2023. The primary endpoint was an overall complete response (CR; pathological [pCR] and clinical [cCR]). Secondary endpoints included tumor regression grade (TRG), major pathological response (MPR), R0 resection rate, organ preservation, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Among 205 patients (median age 61 years), overall CR was 29.5% (pCR 19.3% and cCR 10.2%). Major pathological response (TRG 3–4) occurred in 37.6%. R0 resection was achieved in 94.5%. In the W&W cohort (n = 21), local regrowth occurred in 33.3% (95% CI, 14.6–57.0%) over a median follow-up of 4.96 years. Total mesorectal excision (TME)-free survival at 5 years was 73.1% (95% CI, 55.0–97.2%). Estimated 5-year OS was 81.1% (95% CI, 75.5–87.2%) and 5-year DFS was 75.2% (95% CI, 69.0–82.0). In multivariable analysis, non-R0 resection (HR 6.06, 95% CI, 1.99–18.42), MRI circumferential resection margin positivity (HR 3.11, 95% CI, 1.53–6.33), and MRI extramural vascular invasion positivity (HR 1.97, 95% CI, 1.05–3.91) remained independent predictors of DFS. Conclusions: Institutional sandwich TNT yields meaningful tumor response and durable survival in MRI-defined high-risk LARC. Structured W&W offers organ preservation with acceptable oncologic control under intensive surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life)
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11 pages, 551 KB  
Article
Induction Cisplatin, Docetaxel, and 5-Fluorouracil Versus Platinum Doublet in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer
by Ashwin Ganti, Patrick W. McGarrah, Harry Fuentes Bayne, Casey Fazer-Posorske, Binav Baral, Daniel J. Ma, Scott C. Lester, David M. Routman, Michelle A. Neben-Wittich, Jessica M. Wilson, Daniel L. Price, Eric J. Moore, Kendall K. Tasche, Katie M. Van Abel, Linda X. Yin, Nathan R. Foster and Katharine Price
Viruses 2026, 18(4), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18040446 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 263
Abstract
Management of locoregionally advanced human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+) OPSCC) can include induction chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiation. The standard induction regimen of cisplatin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) is associated with high toxicity. Given the chemosensitivity of HPV(+) OPSCC, platinum doublets [...] Read more.
Management of locoregionally advanced human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+) OPSCC) can include induction chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiation. The standard induction regimen of cisplatin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) is associated with high toxicity. Given the chemosensitivity of HPV(+) OPSCC, platinum doublets are frequently used as induction therapy with potentially less toxicity. This retrospective study aimed to compare outcomes between treatment-naive HPV(+) OPSCC patients receiving induction TPF and those receiving an induction platinum doublet. Data collected included tumor characteristics, response after chemoradiation, hospitalization rates, and overall survival (OS). Fifty-five patients (18 TPF and 37 platinum doublet) were included. There was no significant difference in response after completion of definitive chemoradiation (TPF: CR 83.3%, PR 5.6%, progression or metastasis 11.1% vs. platinum doublet: CR 75.7%, PR 16.2%, progression or metastasis 8.1%; p = 0.5241). There were also no differences in hospitalizations for adverse events (38.9% in TPF vs. 40.5% in platinum doublet, p = 0.907) or recurrence (11.1% in TPF vs. 2.7% in platinum doublet, p = 0.198). The 5-year OS was 84.6% in the TPF group and 81.5% in the platinum doublet group (p = 0.581). Induction platinum doublet regimens offer comparable OS, response, and hospitalization rates to TPF in locally advanced HPV(+) OPSCC. Induction with a platinum doublet may be a viable de-escalation strategy for patients who are not candidates for TPF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Immunotherapy for Human Papillomavirus)
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45 pages, 3419 KB  
Review
Solvent-Based Extraction Recovers Phytochemicals from Medicinal Plants Demonstrating Anticancer and Chemopreventive Potential: A Review
by Cecile Ojong, Samuel A. Besong and Alberta N. A. Aryee
Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071202 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with current therapies often limited by toxicity, drug resistance, and reduced efficacy in advanced stages. Medicinal plants represent important sources of bioactive compounds (BACs) with anticancer and chemopreventive potential; however, their successful application [...] Read more.
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with current therapies often limited by toxicity, drug resistance, and reduced efficacy in advanced stages. Medicinal plants represent important sources of bioactive compounds (BACs) with anticancer and chemopreventive potential; however, their successful application is strongly influenced by extraction strategies that determine phytochemical recovery and downstream biological activity. This review evaluates solvent-based extraction techniques used to extract BACs from medicinal plants with reported anticancer properties, synthesizing peer-reviewed articles from PubMed and Google Scholar published between 2020 and 2025. Solvent-based methods, including Soxhlet and maceration, were most widely applied due to their operational simplicity and the preservation of structurally diverse metabolites while percolation, decoction, infusion, and hydro-distillation were sparsely utilized. Extraction strategy and solvent polarity emerged as primary factors shaping phytochemical profiles, with phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids identified as dominant classes. Reported half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from highly potent (0.12 µg/mL) to weak (30,000 µg/mL), reflecting variability driven by extraction parameters and plant matrix complexity. Anticancer mechanisms commonly involved apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species-mediated cytotoxicity, and inhibition of proliferative signaling pathways across breast, cervical, colon, lung, liver, and prostate cancer models. Although solvent-based extraction approaches remain widely used, their context-dependent nature and lack of standardization limit reproducibility. Overall, anticancer and chemotherapeutic efficacy is primarily governed by BAC composition, while extraction methods act as upstream modulators. Future progress requires phytochemical-informed, standardized workflows supported by hybrid extraction systems, AI-assisted optimization, and advanced bioavailability and delivery systems to enable reproducible and clinically relevant translation of plant-derived chemotherapeutics. Full article
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20 pages, 7971 KB  
Article
From Virulence to Therapy: T6SS-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides A7 Combats APEC and MRSA Infections
by Qin Lu, Zhaoran Zhang, Ziyi Zhang, Xiaodan Li, Chenchen Wang, Huanchun Chen, Qingping Luo and Chen Tan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073277 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 187
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a severe threat to the breeding industry and human health. To develop novel antibiotic alternatives, we adopted a “converting virulence into therapy” strategy by [...] Read more.
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a severe threat to the breeding industry and human health. To develop novel antibiotic alternatives, we adopted a “converting virulence into therapy” strategy by leveraging the type VI secretion system (T6SS) of the APEC strain ACN17-20. Guided by the structural analysis of T6SS Protein 00145, we rationally designed a series of amphipathic α-helical polypeptides. Among them, polypeptide A7 emerged as a lead candidate, exhibiting potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with negligible cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that A7 exerts a rapid bactericidal effect through a dual mode of action: physical disruption of bacterial membrane integrity leading to cytoplasmic leakage, and induction of lethal oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, A7 demonstrated excellent efficacy in eradicating pre-formed bacterial biofilms, addressing the challenge of persistent infections in breeding environments. In a mouse sepsis model induced by APEC and MRSA, A7 treatment significantly improved survival rates (60–80%), reduced bacterial loads in vital organs, and attenuated the systemic cytokine storm (TNF-α and IL-1β), thereby alleviating immune-mediated tissue damage. In conclusion, this study identifies polypeptide A7 as a safe therapeutic agent with a dual mechanism of action, providing a promising strategy to combat MDR infections and reduce antibiotic dependence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology)
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13 pages, 2926 KB  
Article
Topical Astaxanthin Attenuates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasiform Dermatitis by Downregulating Psoriasis-Associated Keratin Gene Expression (Krt16, Krt17, Krt6a) and Inhibiting the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
by Waleed Khaled Younis Albahadly, Haider Falih Shamikh Al-Saedi, Jamal Ali Ashoor, Mohammed Ibrahim Rasool, Samer Ali Hasan and Meeqaat H. ALtrufi
Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071191 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated cytokine signaling. Although topical corticosteroids remain the first-line therapy, their long-term use is often limited by adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer non-steroidal therapeutic alternatives. [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated cytokine signaling. Although topical corticosteroids remain the first-line therapy, their long-term use is often limited by adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer non-steroidal therapeutic alternatives. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of a topical astaxanthin (AST) formulation in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model of psoriasiform dermatitis. Following IMQ induction, mice were randomly assigned to vehicle, clobetasol, or AST treatment groups (0.5–1.5%) for 14 days. Disease progression was evaluated through biochemical analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers, including NADPH oxidase (NOX), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as ELISA-based quantification of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23). Histopathological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, while molecular alterations were examined by RT-qPCR analysis of psoriasis-associated keratin genes (Krt16, Krt17, and Krt6a) and evaluation of JAK–STAT signaling activity. AST treatment significantly suppressed the IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis, reduced NOX activity and lipid peroxidation, restored endogenous antioxidant defenses, and inhibited JAK–STAT signaling. These biochemical and molecular effects were accompanied by marked downregulation of keratin gene expression and substantial histological improvement, including normalization of epidermal thickness, reduced parakeratosis, and decreased inflammatory infiltration. Notably, high-dose AST demonstrated therapeutic efficacy comparable to, and in some parameters exceeding, that of clobetasol. Collectively, these findings indicate that topical astaxanthin exerts coordinated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects, supporting its potential as a promising multi-target non-steroidal therapeutic candidate for psoriasis management. Full article
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26 pages, 4250 KB  
Article
Synergistic Potential of Organotin(IV) Carbodithioate Derivatives with Vitamins D and E in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
by Balquees Kanwal, Farzana Shaheen, Syeda Saba Shah, Yasmeen Cheema, Saqib Ali and Rumeza Hanif
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040571 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, with one in eight at risk during their lifetime. Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs, despite of their binding to the DNA of cancer cells, are plagued by toxicity and resistance, necessitating the [...] Read more.
Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, with one in eight at risk during their lifetime. Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs, despite of their binding to the DNA of cancer cells, are plagued by toxicity and resistance, necessitating the need for safer and more effective alternatives, such as organometallic complexes. Both synthetic organometallic complexes and natural compounds have attracted attention in this regard. Organotin(IV) complexes are promising chemotherapeutics due to their structural versatility and bioactivity, while vitamins such as Vitamin D (VD) and Vitamin E (VE) exhibit antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them valuable candidates for combination therapy. Methodology: In this study, six novel organotin(IV) dithiocarbamate complexes [LMe3Sn (Complex 1), LBu3Sn (Complex 2), LPh3Sn (Complex 3), LMe2SnCl (Complex 4), LBu2SnCl (Complex 5), and L2Me2Sn (Complex 6), where L = (E)-4-styrylpiperazine-1-carbodithioate], were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis. Results: Structural studies confirmed penta- and hexacoordination geometries. In silico docking against six BC-related proteins identified Complexes 2 and 4 with both vitamins as promising candidates, exhibiting strong binding affinities, with stable interaction profiles. However, integration of pharmacokinetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory analyses highlighted Complex 4 with both vitamins as the most potent candidate owing to its superior ADME characteristics and balanced biological properties. Subsequent in vitro assays confirmed these findings, as Complex 4 demonstrated strong cytotoxic activity against both MCF-7 (>1.16-fold) and MDA-MB-231 (>1.46-fold) cell lines, surpassing the efficacy of cisplatin. Remarkably, co-administration of VD or VE with Complex 4 further enhanced its anticancer potential, with Chou–Talalay combination index values < 1 (0.66–0.91) indicating a synergistic interaction. Conclusions: Collectively, these results identify Complex 4 as a promising lead compound, and its synergistic activity with natural vitamins may promote cell death, likely through apoptosis induction and modulation of oxidative stress, underscoring its potential as an effective and less toxic therapeutic strategy for breast cancer management. Full article
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10 pages, 759 KB  
Perspective
Risk-Adapted Selective Elective Nodal Irradiation in the Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Era for Rectal Cancer
by Seung-Gu Yeo, Min-Jeong Kim, Kwang Hwan Cho, Jina Yun, Dae Ro Lim and Jung Cheol Kuk
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040680 - 2 Apr 2026
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Abstract
With the introduction of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer treatment, multidisciplinary treatment options have become more diverse than before, and many challenges remain unresolved. A randomized clinical study in intermediate-risk locally advanced rectal cancer showed that neoadjuvant full-dose systemic [...] Read more.
With the introduction of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer treatment, multidisciplinary treatment options have become more diverse than before, and many challenges remain unresolved. A randomized clinical study in intermediate-risk locally advanced rectal cancer showed that neoadjuvant full-dose systemic chemotherapy with response-adapted omission of radiation therapy is non-inferior to concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Given that preoperative systemic chemotherapy provides an additional layer of local disease control, the traditional role and extent of neoadjuvant radiation therapy could be strategically re-evaluated within the TNT framework. In this context, a risk-adapted approach featuring selective reduction in elective nodal irradiation volume, particularly of the lateral pelvic lymph nodes, may offer a promising middle ground for treatment personalization. Drawing parallels from surgical practice—where total mesorectal excision is standard but lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is reserved for selected cases—this perspective advocates for similar selectivity in radiation therapy targeting, focusing on mesorectal and presacral regions while judiciously omitting lateral nodes in appropriately selected patients. This approach could maintain oncologic safety by focusing radiation therapy on limited but essential volumes. With modern intensity-modulated radiation therapy, reducing the target volume translates directly to enhanced organs-at-risk sparing, thereby mitigating radiation-induced toxicity. When combined with induction chemotherapy response assessment to refine patient selection, this approach can offer a biologically informed, personalized treatment paradigm that balances disease control with quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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Systematic Review
Fertility Preservation Strategies in Women with Pelvic Gynecologic Malignancies Undergoing Multimodal Oncologic Treatment: A Systematic Review
by Yasemin Dadas, Gokalp Oner, Enes Karaman, Durmus Ayan, Hande Nur Doganay, Ergul Bayram, Nazli Tunca Sanlier and Busra Kulular
Cancers 2026, 18(7), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18071142 - 2 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oncologic surgery to the pelvis and post-surgery adjuvant therapy are dangerous to the reproductive potential of childbearing-aged women. Clinical practices in fertility preservation (FP) have become an essential aspect of multidisciplinary cancer care; however, uniform practices remain inconsistent among the different [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Oncologic surgery to the pelvis and post-surgery adjuvant therapy are dangerous to the reproductive potential of childbearing-aged women. Clinical practices in fertility preservation (FP) have become an essential aspect of multidisciplinary cancer care; however, uniform practices remain inconsistent among the different varieties of cancer and/or areas. To systematically compare the fertility preservation procedures employed in women who have undergone pelvic oncologic surgery and to measure their reproductive and oncologic stages. This review focuses primarily on gynecologic pelvic malignancies and addresses fertility preservation strategies within the context of multimodal oncologic care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and multidisciplinary decision-making. Methods: A systematic review was performed using PRISMA 2020 to investigate publications from to 2013–2025 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were women of childbearing age with pelvic malignancies who underwent either fertility-sparing or cryopreservation procedures. PICO-based data mining was performed, and AMSTAR 2, NOS, and AGREE II methodological quality evaluation instruments were used. Mixed inductive–deductive thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings of the study. Results: A range of articles, including systematic reviews, cohort studies, and clinical guidelines, were included. Fertility-sparing surgery and cryopreservation were found to be as safe and oncologically effective as traditional therapy, with a five-year survival rate of more than 90. Cryopreservation maintained the functioning of the ovary in over 60 percent of the patients and recorded live delivery rates of up to 40 percent. Thematic analysis revealed five main spheres: oncologic safety, creation of FP approaches, psychosocial benefits, limiting access, and the necessity of standardized procedures. Conclusions: Fertility preservation can securely supplement oncologic treatment courses, favoring tumor traits and individual preferences. Unified reporting, extended follow-up, and equitable access are pertinent in maximizing results and reproductive self-corrective action among female cancer endocrine survivors. Fertility preservation should be considered as an integral component of multidisciplinary oncologic management in women with gynecologic pelvic cancers, extending beyond surgical approaches to include coordinated medical, reproductive, and supportive care. Full article
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