Search Results (4,272)

Despite the significant advancements in treatment and prevention, the fight against cancer is ongoing worldwide. This study evaluated the pharmacological properties and anticancer activity of Afzelia quanzensis bark, traditionally used by the indigenous communities of KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa to treat cancer and related illnesses. Phytochemical screening, high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were carried out using established protocols. The antioxidant activity was assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and nitric oxide radicals. The anticancer activity was evaluated using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and phlobatannins. The HPLC-DAD analysis detected seven distinctive peaks in the aqueous extract and three distinctive peaks in the methanolic extract. The FTIR spectra of the aqueous extract displayed characteristic peaks corresponding to O-H, C=O, C=C, and =C–H functional groups. Among the tested extracts, the methanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, followed by the ethanolic extract, in both DPPH and nitric oxide. The methanol extract showed a higher cell proliferation inhibition against the DU-145 cancer cell line with the percentage of inhibition of 37.8%, followed by the aqueous extract with 36.3%. In contrast, limited activity was observed against PC-3, SK-UT-1, and AGS cell lines. The results demonstrated notable dose-dependent antioxidant and antiproliferative activities supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Afzelia quanzensis bark in cancer management. These findings warrant further investigation into its bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) begins with hepatic lipid accumulation and triggers insulin resistance. Hibiscus leaf extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities, and is rich in (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG). Despite ECG’s well-known pharmacological activities and its total antioxidant capacity being stronger than that of other catechins, its regulatory effects on MASLD have not been fully described previously. Therefore, this study attempted to evaluate the anti-MASLD potential of ECG isolated from Hibiscus leaves on abnormal lipid and glucose metabolism in hepatocytes. First, oleic acid (OA) was used as an experimental model to induce lipid dysmetabolism in human primary hepatocytes. Treatment with ECG can significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the OA-induced cellular lipid accumulation. Nile red staining revealed, compared to the OA group, the inhibition percentages of 29, 61, and 82% at the tested doses of ECG, respectively. The beneficial effects of ECG were associated with the downregulation of SREBPs/HMGCR and upregulation of PPARα/CPT1 through targeting AMPK. Also, ECG at 0.4 µM produced a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in oxidative stress by 83%, and a marked (p < 0.05) increase in glycogen synthesis by 145% on the OA-exposed hepatocytes with insulin signaling blockade. Mechanistic assays indicated lipid and glucose metabolic homeostasis of ECG might be mediated via regulation of lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and insulin resistance, as confirmed by an AMPK inhibitor. These results suggest ECG is a dual modulator of lipid and carbohydrate dysmetabolism in hepatocytes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis remains a leading cause of morbidity in postmenopausal women, yet many high-risk individuals remain undiagnosed or untreated. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, treatment patterns, and skeletal fragility indicators in a large cohort of postmenopausal women undergoing DXA screening. Methods: We analyzed data from 1669 postmenopausal women aged 40–89 years who underwent DXA evaluation. BMD status was categorized as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis. Treatment status was classified based on active antiosteoporotic therapy, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, hormonal therapy (historical use), or no treatment. Logistic regression models were used to explore independent predictors of osteoporosis and treatment uptake. Results: A total of 45.0% of women had osteoporosis and 43.5% had osteopenia. Despite this, 58.5% of the population, over half of women with osteoporosis, were not receiving any active pharmacologic treatment. Bisphosphonates were the most prescribed therapy (17.9%), followed by calcium/vitamin D supplements (20.6%). A prior history of fragility fractures and radiological bone lesions were significantly associated with lower BMD (p < 0.05). Historical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use was not associated with current BMD (p = 0.699), but women with HRT use reported significantly fewer fractures (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, later menopause age and low BMD status predicted higher odds of receiving active treatment. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a substantial care gap in osteoporosis management, with treatment primarily initiated reactively in more severe cases. Improved screening and earlier intervention strategies are urgently needed to prevent fractures and reduce the long-term burden of osteoporosis. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) constitute intricate mixtures of volatile phytochemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their multifaceted biological effects. Notably, the presence of bioactive constituents capable of inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) underpins their potential utility in skin-related applications, particularly through the modulation of melanin biosynthesis and protection of skin-relevant cells from oxidative damage—a primary contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger) and Humulus lupulus L. (hop) are medicinal plants widely recognized for their diverse pharmacological properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first report on the synergistic interactions between essential oils derived from these species (referred to as EOZ and EOH) offering novel insights into their combined bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate essential oils extracted from ginger rhizomes and hop strobiles with respect to the following: (1) chemical composition, determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (2) tyrosinase inhibitory activity; (3) capacity to inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation; (4) ABTS^•+ radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, the study utilizes both the combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) as quantitative parameters to evaluate the nature of interactions and the dose-sparing efficacy of essential oil (EO) combinations. GC–MS analysis identified EOZ as a zingiberene-rich chemotype, containing abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-zingiberene, β-bisabolene, and α-curcumene, while EOH exhibited a caryophyllene diol/cubenol-type profile, dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene-9,10-diol and 1-epi-cubenol. In vitro tests demonstrated that both oils, individually and in combination, showed notable anti-tyrosinase, radical scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. These results support their multifunctional bioactivity profiles with possible relevance to skin care formulations, warranting further investigation. Full article

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder that frequently affects bulbar function, including feeding and swallowing. Although disease-modifying therapies have improved motor outcomes, little is known about the persistence of oromotor difficulties, particularly with regard to solid food intake. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate mastication and swallowing performance in children with SMA undergoing treatment, and to investigate the association between tongue strength and feeding efficiency. Methods: Twenty-two children with SMA types 1–3 were assessed using the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids in Children (TOMASS-C) and the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Key TOMASS-C outcomes included the number of bites, chewing cycles, swallows, and total eating time. Tongue strength was measured in kilopascals. Results: Most participants showed deviations from age-specific normative values in at least one TOMASS-C parameter. Tongue strength was significantly lower than reference values in 86% of participants and correlated negatively with all TOMASS-C outcomes (p < 0.001). Children with weaker tongue pressure required more swallows, more chewing cycles, and longer eating times. Conclusions: Despite pharmacological treatment, children with SMA experience persistent difficulties in eating solid foods. Tongue strength may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for bulbar dysfunction and support dietary decision-making and therapeutic planning. Full article

Nanotechnology offers innovative methodologies for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer by utilizing specialized nanoparticles. The utilization of nanoparticles offers distinct advantages, specifically that these entities enhance the bioavailability of therapeutic agents and facilitate the targeted delivery of pharmacological agents to neoplastic cells. A diverse array of nanoparticles, including but not limited to liposomes, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles, function as proficient carriers for drug delivery. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the auspicious potential of these applications, challenges pertaining to toxicity, biocompatibility, and the necessity for comprehensive clinical evaluations pose considerable barriers to the widespread implementation of these technologies. The incorporation of nanotechnology into clinical practice holds the promise of significantly transforming the management of ovarian cancer, offering novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies that enhance patient outcomes and prognoses. In summary, the deployment of nanotechnology in the context of ovarian cancer epitomizes a revolutionary paradigm in medical science, amalgamating sophisticated materials and methodologies to enhance both diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. Continued research and development endeavors are essential to fully realize the extensive potential of these innovative solutions and address the existing challenges associated with their application in clinical settings. Full article

Wild Ganoderma lucidum from Nepal’s high-altitude regions was studied to identify key bioactive compounds and assess the influence of solvent type—water, ethanol, methanol, and acetone—on extraction efficiency and biological activity. Extracts were evaluated for antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, and phytochemical composition via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Solvent type significantly affected both yield and bioactivity. Acetone yielded the highest crude extract (5.01%), while ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic (376.5 ± 9.3 mg PG/g) and flavonoid content (30.3 ± 0.5 mg QE/g). Methanol extract was richest in lycopene (0.07 ± 0.00 mg/g) and β-carotene (0.45 ± 0.02 mg/g). Ethanol extract demonstrated consistently strong DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, along with high reducing power. All extracts showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, with ethanol and water extracts showing the greatest inhibition (>65% at 1000 µg/mL). GC-MS profiling identified solvent-specific bioactive compounds including sterols, terpenoids, polyphenols, and fatty acids. Notably, pharmacologically relevant compounds such as hinokione, ferruginol, ergosterol, and geranylgeraniol were detected. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum, underscore the importance of solvent selection, and suggest that high-altitude ecological conditions may influence its bioactive metabolite profile. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) often involves autonomic dysfunction, most notably impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), which disrupts cardiovascular homeostasis and contributes to orthostatic hypotension (OH). Pharmacological and invasive treatments, including deep brain stimulation, have yielded inconsistent benefits and carry procedural risks, highlighting the need for safer, more accessible alternatives. In this systematic review, we evaluated non-invasive interventions—spanning somatosensory stimulation, exercise modalities, thermal therapies, and positional strategies—aimed at improving cardiovascular autonomic function in PD. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eight original studies (n = 8) including 205 participants met the inclusion criteria for analyzing cardiac sympathovagal balance. Results: Five studies demonstrated significant post-intervention increases in BRS. Most reported favorable shifts in heart rate variability (HRV) and favorable changes in the low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio. Across modalities, systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by an average of 5%, and some interventions produced benefits that persisted up to 24 h. Conclusion: Although sample sizes were small and protocols heterogeneous, the collective findings support the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance BRS and overall cardiovascular regulation in PD. Future research should focus on standardized, higher-intensity or combined protocols with longer follow-up periods to establish durable, clinically meaningful improvements in autonomic function and quality of life for people living with PD. Full article

Plant-derived vesicles offer several advantages, including high yield, low cost, ethical compatibility, safety, and potential health benefits. These advantages enable them to overcome technological limitations associated with vesicles of mammalian origin. Ginseng, a prominent example of a natural botanical plant, is known for its abundant bioactive components. Recent studies confirmed that ginseng-derived vesicles offer significant advantages in the treatment of human diseases. Therefore, this study reviews the extraction and purification processes of ginseng-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (GDVLNs), their therapeutic potential, and the active ingredients in GDVLNs that may exert pharmacological activities. Furthermore, this study evaluates the research and applications of nanosized ginseng extracts, with a primary focus on ginsenosides. Full article

Alopecia, a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting over half of the global population, is strongly associated with psychological distress. Extracts from Periplaneta americana (L. PA), a medicinal insect resource, exhibit pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation improvement) that align with core therapeutic targets for alopecia. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of PA extracts in promoting hair regeneration. A strategy combining network pharmacology prediction and in vivo experiments was adopted. The efficacy of a Periplaneta americana extract was validated by evaluating hair regrowth status and skin pathological staining in C57BL/6J mice. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, RT-qPCR, and 16s rRNA techniques were integrated to dissect the underlying mechanisms of its hair-growth-promoting effects. PA-011 significantly promoted hair regeneration in depilated mice via multiple mechanisms: enhanced skin superoxide dismutase activity and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression; modulated FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and restored skin microbiota homeostasis; and accelerated transition of hair follicles from the telogen to anagen phase. PA-011 exerts hair-promoting effects through synergistic modulation of FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling and the skin microbiome. As a novel therapeutic candidate, it warrants further systematic investigation for clinical translation. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with pathophysiological mechanisms often involving platelet activation and chronic inflammation. While antiplatelet agents targeting adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-mediated pathways are well established in CVD management, less is known about drug interactions with the platelet-activating factor (PAF) pathway, a key mediator of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of several commonly used cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory drug classes—including clopidogrel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, and analgesics—on platelet function via both the ADP and PAF pathways. Using human platelet-rich plasma (hPRP) from healthy donors, we assessed platelet aggregation in response to these two agonists in the absence and presence of graded concentrations of each of these drugs or of their usually prescribed combinations. The study identified differential drug effects on platelet aggregation, with some agents showing pathway-specific activity. Clopidogrel and NSAIDs demonstrated expected antiplatelet effects, while some (not all) antihypertensives exhibited additional anti-inflammatory potential. These findings highlight the relevance of evaluating pharmacological activity beyond traditional targets, particularly in relation to PAF-mediated inflammation and thrombosis. This dual-pathway analysis may contribute to a broader understanding of drug mechanisms and inform the development of more comprehensive therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, hypertension, and inflammation-driven diseases. Full article

Ischemic stroke is a serious disease that frequently occurs in the elderly and is characterized by a complex pathophysiology and a limited number of effective therapeutic agents. Salvianolic acid A (SAL-A) is a natural product derived from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which possesses diverse pharmacological activities. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanisms of SAL-A in inhibiting ferroptosis to improve ischemic stroke. Brain injury, oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of SAL-A on ischemic stroke in photochemical induction of stroke (PTS) in mice. Lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant protein levels, tissue iron content, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitochondrial morphology changes were detected to explore its mechanism. SAL-A significantly attenuated brain injury, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 4 (ACSL4) levels. In addition, SAL-A also amplified the antioxidative properties of glutathione (GSH) when under glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and the reduction in ferrous ion levels. In vitro, brain microvascular endothelial cells (b.End.3) exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used to investigate whether the anti-stroke mechanism of SAL-A is related to Nrf2. Following OGD/R, ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) prevents SAL-A from inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in b.End.3 cells. In conclusion, SAL-A inhibits ferroptosis to ameliorate ischemic brain injury, and this effect is mediated through Nrf2. Full article

Combined trabeculectomy–phacoemulsification is known to provoke more inflammation and yield a poorer long-term efficacy than trabeculectomy alone. This study evaluates whether a similar trend exists for Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation when performed with or without concurrent phacoemulsification. We retrospectively analyzed 51 eyes from patients who underwent either Ahmed-Alone (n = 25) or PhacoAhmed (n = 26) surgery over a 5-year period. The primary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP), the use of IOP-lowering medications, and the need for further surgical intervention. Absolute success was defined as IOP reduction > 20% and IOP < 21 mmHg without medication; relative success allowed for continued pharmacologic therapy. Both groups showed a significant IOP reduction, with similar final mean IOP values (Ahmed-Alone: 14.02 ± 4.76 mmHg; PhacoAhmed: 13.89 ± 4.17 mmHg; p = 0.99) and comparable reductions in medication use (p = 0.52). Reinterventions occurred less frequently and later in the PhacoAhmed group (12% vs. 27.3%; median time: 27.1 vs. 12 months). Absolute success was not achieved in any PhacoAhmed case but occurred in 9.3% of Ahmed-Alone cases; relative success rates were similar (83.3% vs. 81.4%; p = 0.291). These findings suggest that combining phacoemulsification with Ahmed valve implantation does not significantly alter efficacy or safety profiles. Additional prospective studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes. Full article

Background/Objective: Pharmacological interventions often exert systemic effects beyond their primary targets, underscoring the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their metabolic impact. Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that alleviates pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis. While its pharmacological effects are well known, the broader metabolic impact and potential mechanisms underlying improved clinical outcomes remain underexplored. Untargeted metabolomics, which profiles the metabolome without prior selection, is an emerging tool in clinical pharmacology for elucidating drug-induced metabolic changes. In this study, untargeted metabolomics was applied to investigate metabolic changes following a single oral dose of etodolac in healthy male volunteers. By analyzing serial blood samples over time, we identified endogenous metabolites whose concentrations were positively or inversely associated with the drug’s plasma levels. This approach provides a window into both therapeutic pathways and potential off-target effects, offering a promising strategy for early-stage drug evaluation and multi-target discovery using minimal human exposure. Methods: Thirty healthy participants received a 400 mg dose of Etodolac. Plasma samples were collected at five time points: pre-dose, before Cmax, at Cmax, after Cmax, and 36 h post-dose (n = 150). Samples underwent LC/MS-based untargeted metabolomics profiling and pharmacokinetic analysis. A total of 997 metabolites were significantly dysregulated between the pre-dose and Cmax time points, with 875 upregulated and 122 downregulated. Among these, 80 human endogenous metabolites were identified as being influenced by Etodolac. Results: A total of 17 metabolites exhibited time-dependent changes closely aligned with Etodolac’s pharmacokinetic profile, while 27 displayed inverse trends. Conclusions: Etodolac influences various metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. These selective metabolic alterations complement its COX-2 inhibition and may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. This study provides new insights into Etodolac’s metabolic impact under healthy conditions and may inform future therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation. Full article

Background: Pain is a problem faced by critically ill surgical patients and has a major impact on their outcomes. Pain assessment is therefore essential for effective pain management, with a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Clinical supervision, supported by models such as SafeCare, can improve professional development, safety and the quality of care in intensive care units. Objectives: This study aimed to: (1) assess current pain assessment practices in a polyvalent Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the Porto district; (2) identify nurses’ training needs regarding the Clinical Supervision-Sensitive Indicator—Pain; and (3) evaluate the impact of clinical supervision sessions on pain assessment practices. Methods: A quantitative, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study with a pre- and post-intervention design was conducted. Based on the SafeCare model, it included a situational diagnosis, 6 clinical supervision sessions (February 2023), and outcome evaluation via nursing record audits (November 2022 and May 2023) in 31 total critical ill patients. Pain was assessed using standardised tools, in line with institutional protocols. Data was analysed using Software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v25.0. Results: Pain was highly prevalent in the first 24 h, decreasing during hospitalisation. Generalised acute abdominal pain predominated, with mild to moderate intensity, and was exacerbated by wound care and mobilisation/positioning. Pain management combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. There was an improvement in all the parameters of the pain indicator post-intervention. Conclusions: Despite routine assessments, gaps remained in reassessing pain post-analgesia and during invasive procedures. Targeted clinical supervision and ongoing training proved effective in improving compliance with protocols and supporting safer, more consistent pain management. Full article