Moleküler Biyoloji ve Genetik Bölümü Koleksiyonu

Bu koleksiyon için kalıcı URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12428/3550

Listeleniyor 1 - 20 / 167

Development of Stable Microemulsions Containing Laurel Essential Oil Using Amylopectin and Gum Arabic as Natural Emulsifiers
(Wiley, 2025) Berber, Mehmet Mert; Çelebi Uzkuç, Nesrin Merve; Uzkuç, Hasan; Tarhan Kuzu, Kübra; İşleten Hoşoğlu, Müge; Özmen Togay, Sine; Kırca Toklucu, Aysegül; Karagül Yüceer, Yonca; Kurt, Saliha B.; Şahiner, Nurettin
This study aimed to develop food-grade microemulsions of laurel essential oil (L-EO) (MEs) stabilized with amylopectin (L-AP) and gum arabic (L-GA) and to determine characteristic properties of the MEs at different pH and temperatures during storage. L-EO was extracted using the microwave-assisted hydrodistillation technique. The prepared ME droplets ranged in size range from 328 to 347 nm in L-AP (pH 6.0) and from 327 to 432 nm in L-GA (pH 3.0). The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were 170.60 mg/L gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 0.93 mM Trolox/mL in L-AP, respectively, while total phenolic content was 243.10 mg/L GAE and antioxidant capacity was 1.19 mM Trolox/mL in L-GA. Additionally, the MEs demonstrated relatively potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The main volatile compounds of L-EO were identified as 1,8-cineole (33.4%), sabinene (8.4%), and linalool L (6.6%).
The Impact of Lipoprotein Apheresis on Inflammatory Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(Wiley, 2025) Hatami, Alireza; Eslami, Masoud; Aslani, Saeed; Alizadeh, Shahab; Sukhorukov, Vasily N.; Karav, Sercan; Razi, Bahman
Lipoprotein apheresis is a well-established therapy for patients with dyslipidemia unresponsive to conventional lipid-lowering strategies. However, its impact on systemic inflammation remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of apheresis on circulating inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science was conducted up to June 2025. Studies reporting pre- and post-apheresis values for inflammatory markers were included. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Thirteen publications met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated that apheresis significantly reduced CRP levels (SMD = -0.31; 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.18; p < 0.001), particularly in long-term interventions. No significant changes were observed for IL-6, TNF-alpha, or hs-CRP. In conclusion, apheresis significantly reduces CRP levels, especially with long-term treatment, suggesting a modest anti-inflammatory benefit. However, its effects on other markers remain unclear. Larger and high-quality trials are warranted.
Phytochemicals as Modulators of NETosis: A Comprehensive Review on Their Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
(Wiley, 2025) Askarizadeh, Fatemeh; Karav, Sercan; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Medicinal plants have a longstanding history in the treatment of various diseases, including infectious and inflammatory disorders. These therapeutic effects are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds. Among these, phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols such as curcumin, luteolin, resveratrol, alkaloids, and terpenoids, play a significant role as a secondary metabolites with potent NETosis-modulating properties. Phytochemicals include a wide range of bioactive substances with various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-metastatic, and antioxidant effects. These compounds specifically target NETosis in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, and cancer. In such conditions, unregulated inflammatory responses lead to complications and disease progression. Innate immunity and neutrophils are recognized as the primary constituents of the immune response. NETosis is a process associated with neutrophils in the inflammatory response, which is initiated to eliminate pathogens; however, as it is dysregulated, it results in tissue damage. This process is initiated in order to eliminate external factors and modulate inflammatory pathways. However, excessive activation of NETosis leads to tissue damage and exacerbates inflammation. The phytochemicals discussed herein modulate NETosis through distinct mechanisms, including inhibiting or reducing key mediators such as MPO, NE, and ROS. This study provides the first comprehensive review systematically evaluating the active phytochemicals effect in the treatment of various diseases, with a special focus on their NETosis-modulating effects. We highlight their specific mechanism of action against NETotic pathways and clinical potential as targeted therapies for NET-driven disease.
Mechanistic insights into postbiotics as therapeutic agents in type 2 diabetes management
(Springer, 2025) Ebadpour, Negar; Faraji, Navid; Abavisani, Mohammad; Karav, Sercan; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) alongside its associated morbidity and complications underscores the need for adjunctive therapies beyond glycemic control and lifestyle modification. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota-derived metabolites in the modulation of host energy homeostasis. One of these metabolites, postbiotics-the bioactive substances created during the fermentation of probiotics-have now become a promising therapeutic. Postbiotics, which contain short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), exopolysaccharides (EPS), peptidoglycans, bacteriocins, vitamins, and neurotransmitters, have numerous mechanisms that regulate glucometabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and are able to attenuate systemic inflammation. These compounds are able to regulate insulin receptor signaling and hepatic glucose production by modulating such key metabolic pathways as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Based on the previous preclinical and clinical evidence, postbiotic compounds exhibit mechanistic plausibility as adjunct therapies for T2DM. However, due to heterogeneity in patient microbiomes and a lack of standardized formulations that limit current applicability, further investigations are required. Future investigations should focus on dose-finding, long-term safety, and stratification of responders based on microbial and metabolic phenotypes. This review explores the role of postbiotics in T2DM from a mechanistic point of view, highlights their clinical significance in T2DM management, and discusses the next avenue to improve the therapeutic approaches.
Repurposing ivermectin: a new hope for glioblastoma multiforme?
(Springer Birkhauser, 2025) Mohtashami, Elmira; Bibak, Bahram; Sanati, Mehdi; Afshari, Sadaf; Kahkhaie, Kolsoum Rezaie; Vahedi, Mohammad Mahdi; Jalili-Nik, Mohammad; Karav, Sercan
Ivermectin is the most extensively researched macrocyclic lactone due to its potential anticancer and antiparasitic use. Nonetheless, there are more compounds within this family, including doramectin and abamectin. In the current era of medicinal repurposing, ivermectin has received renewed focus following its initial development for the treatment of parasitic conditions such as scabies, elephantiasis, and river blindness. Recent studies indicate that ivermectin may inhibit the proliferation of specific tumor cells by regulating many signaling pathways implicated in cancer progression. Despite the growing body of research on the topic, critical issues about its anticancer processes remain unresolved. Our study focused on ivermectin, its mechanisms of action, and its potential uses against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Effects of heat treatment, starter culture, plant coagulant, and storage period on in vitro ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activity of goat cheese
(Springer, 2025) Uzkuç, Hasan; Karagül Yüceer, Yonca
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of heat treatment, starter culture addition, coagulant origin, and storage period on antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory (ACE-I) activities of goat cheese. The bioactive potential of the cheeses was tested in the low molecular weight (< 3 kDa) fractions (LP) of in vitro digested samples containing bioactive peptides. The antioxidant activity of the cheeses was tested with ABTS [2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] radical scavenging and CUPRAC (Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) assays. The interaction of heat treatment and starter culture addition affected the bioactive properties of the cheeses just as the storage process, while different coagulants had no effect. The highest ACE-I activities were 76.65–77.94% in heated and starter-added milk cheeses on the 1st day of storage. Starter-free raw milk cheeses had antioxidant activities ranging from 55.89 to 69.02 mM Trolox 100 mg− 1 cheese in the ABTS assay on the 1st and 30th days, and from 13.06 to 17.52 mM Trolox g− 1 cheese in the CUPRAC assay throughout the storage period. Results indicated that raw milk cheeses fermented by natural microbiota may exhibit an antihypertensive effect with over 50% ACE-I activity and reduce oxidative damage, demonstrating potential positive impacts on human health and suggesting their possible use in functional diets.
From the hive to the brain: synergistic potential of honeybee products with alzheimer's drugs
(Springer/Plenum Publishers, 2025) El-Seedi, Hesham R.; Salama, Suzy; Shetaia, Aya A.; Elashal, Mohamed H.; El-Wahed, Aida Abd; Karav, Sercan; Saeed, Aamer
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. The disease spreads over the world and has an impact on human health and welfare. The patients suffer from cognitiv disability in addition to economic and social effects. It is urgently necessary to find effective medication for cognitive decline because it appears to be a central focus of neurological and neurodegenerative illnesses. Cognitive decline is an intriguing pathophysiological state. Such underlying causes of cognitive impairment linked to neurodegeneration include oxidative damage and diminished cholinergic neurotransmission. The approved therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like AD are known to have undesirable side effects and merely offer symptomatic alleviation. Honeybee products have long been recognized for their therapeutic and health-improving properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of bee products and their ingredients are promising agents for AD. The current review aimed to collect and expose the different studies conducted on the neuroprotective potential of honeybee products such as bee venom and propolis or their active components chrysin, ferulic acid, and quercetin in combination with the conventional anti-AD or anti-dementia treatments such as donepezil and rivastigmine. Additionally, the active component chitosan was found to form effective nanoparticles in treating the neurodegenerative diseases in concern. Although the studies collected on this topic were few, they highlighted the potential synergistic effect of honeybee products in treating AD. In conclusion, bee products combined with donepezil and rivastigmine can be considered a potential neuroprotective agent against AD. Further studies are needed to support the preclinical studies and promote the clinical trials.
Exosome/Extracellular Vesicles-Based Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease: Neuroprotective Roles and Future Perspectives
(Springernature, 2025) Ebadpour, Negar; Abavisani, Mohammad; Karav, Sercan; Kesharwani, Prashant; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is marked by memory loss, cognitive decline, and characteristic pathological features including beta-amyloid (A beta) plaques, tau tangles, and neuroinflammation. Despite extensive research, effective therapies remain elusive. Exosome/EVs-based therapeutics have emerged as a promising avenue for AD treatment. Neuron-derived exosomes/extracellular vesicles (EVs) (NDEs) and stem cell-derived exosomes/EVs exhibit neuroprotective effects by promoting A beta degradation, modulating tau pathology, and reducing inflammation. Notably, NDEs carry insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and cellular prion proteins (PrPC), aiding A beta clearance. However, exosomes also present challenges, such as the potential propagation of pathogenic tau and complement-mediated neurotoxicity. Neural and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes further demonstrate therapeutic efficacy by altering amyloid precursor protein processing and activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling to reduce AD pathology. Despite these advancements, clinical translation requires a deeper understanding of exosome/EVs biology, improved isolation techniques, and personalized strategies. Continued research may establish exosomes as a transformative approach in AD therapy.
Mechanisms, Modulation, and Mitigation: Dietary-Gut Microbiome Strategies Against Antibiotic Resistance
(Springer, 2025) Abavisani, Mohammad; Khoshroo, Niloofar; Tafti, Pourya; Foroushan, Sobhan Karbas; Ebadpour, Negar; Karav, Sercan; Kesharwani, Prashant
Antibiotic resistance seriously compromises world health by affecting the effectiveness of therapies and greatly raising morbidity, death, and healthcare expenditures. Particularly in hospital environments, the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant organisms hampers the treatment of bacterial infections and challenges the efficacy of current medicines. Antibiotic resistance has multiple mechanisms: biofilm development, horizontal gene transfer, and genetic alterations. To address this developing issue, studies have focused on alternative strategies, including new antimicrobial medicines, combination treatments, and non-traditional remedies. Additionally, dietary therapies, probiotics (the live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host), and phytochemicals have garnered interest due to their ability to alter the gut microbiota, the complex community of microorganisms living in the digestive tracts, thus potentially limiting the dissemination of resistant bacteria. These approaches, meanwhile, have difficulties, including limits in clinical translation and the adaptation of bacterial populations. This study aims to comprehensively review the current understanding of the connections between the gut microbiome and the development of antibiotic resistance by investigating the probable underlying mechanistic effects and also highlights the possibility of targeting host-microbiome interactions as a new intervention option.
The multifunctional role of bovine colostrum in managing diabetes: clinical insights and potential therapeutic effects
(Springer Int Publ Ag, 2025) Aiello, Gilda; Yalçıntaş, Yalçın Mert; Campaci, Diego; Lombardo, Mauro; Muthanna, Fares M. S.; Conte, Caterina; Karav, Sercan
Diabetes mellitus is a global metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, leading to chronic hyperglycemia and severe complications. Although pharmacological treatments exist, there is a growing interest in complementary therapies to improve glycaemic control and attenuate disease progression. Bovine colostrum, a nutrient-rich secretion produced after parturition, contains bioactive compounds such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), lactoferrin, cytokines and immunoglobulins, which have potential therapeutic effects on diabetes. The aim of the review is to report on the various molecular mechanisms through which bovine colostrum is involved in diabetes management. The review analyzes, through clinical studies and potential therapeutic effects, the influence of colostrum on glucose metabolism, insulin sensibility, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that bovine colostrum supplementation can lower blood glucose levels, improve lipid profiles and enhance immune modulation in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In addition, its role in healing wounds and injuries has been demonstrated in a number of studies that have demonstrated the efficacy of bovine colostrum. Furthermore, its role in wound healing and regulation of the gut microbiota highlights its potential as an adjunctive therapy for diabetes management. Further research is needed to standardise formulations and determine optimal dosages for clinical applications.
Gold and silver nanoparticle decorated biocompatible and antibacterial xanthan gum/poly (HEMA-co-APTMACl) hydrogels for wound healing
(Springernature, 2025) Savranoğlu Kulabaş, Seda; Atlı, İlknur; Atalay, Hazal Nazlıcan; Boyuneğmez Tümer, Tuğba; Özay, Hava; Özay, Özgür
A delayed skin wound healing process increases the risk of infection and necessitates implementing effective treatment strategies. From this perspective, biocompatible and antibacterial hydrogels stand out as innovative biomaterials that support wound healing. In this research, a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (s-IPN) strategy was used to improve the mechanical strength, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of natural polysaccharide-based hydrogels. In this context, natural polymer-based XG/poly (HEMA-co-APTMACl) hydrogels were synthesized by redox polymerization reaction. The stability of metal nanoparticles was ensured by utilizing the rich polyphenol and flavonoid components of C. Orientalis. The synthesized hydrogels were in situ functionalized with biosynthesized silver (55 nm) and gold (56 nm) nanoparticles to enhance their biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Their antibacterial activity was assessed against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. faecalis using the disk diffusion method. Hydrogelfilm@Ag inhibited all tested bacterial strains (7.5–8.8 mm), while Hydrogelfilm@Au exhibited stronger antibacterial activity, particularly against E. faecalis (10.3 mm) and B. cereus (9.7 mm). In contrast, the Hydrogelfilm was only effective against S. aureus (7.7 mm). The hydrogel formulations were tested for cytocompatibility and wound healing potential using HUVECs. All hydrogels composites (Hydrogelfilm@Au, @Ag, and @HF) were non-toxic and exhibited enhanced biocompatibility, promoting significant cell proliferation at all tested concentrations (5–20%). In wound healing assays, Hydrogelfilm@HF achieved complete wound closure within 12 h even at a 5% concentration, demonstrating superior regenerative potential. Overall, hydrogels incorporating green-synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles demonstrated excellent antibacterial and wound-healing properties, highlighting their promise as advanced biomaterials for tissue regeneration applications.
The road less traveled: Unexplored targets in the quest for antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Abavisani, Mohammad; Fazeli, Erfan; Ebadpour, Negar; Karav, Sercan; Kesharwani, Prashant; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen known for its adaptability, has become a critical health concern due to its inherent resistance to multiple antibiotic classes and its rapid acquisition of new resistance mechanisms. The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains has further compounded the global burden of P. aeruginosa infections. Traditional antibiotic discovery efforts, which focus on essential bacterial processes such as cell wall synthesis, protein production, and DNA replication, have been unable to keep pace with the pathogen's evolving resistance strategies. Recent advancements in omics technologies have provided deeper insights into the complex biology of P. aeruginosa, including bacterial communication networks like quorum sensing and interactions between the host and pathogen that are crucial for the pathogen's survival and virulence. These insights pave the way for identifying novel therapeutic targets, such as unexplored metabolic pathways and virulence mechanisms, which could offer more effective strategies for combating resistant P. aeruginosa strains. In this review, we critically assess the limitations of conventional approaches and emphasize the potential of targeting these alternative pathways to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. By exploring innovative strategies that transcend traditional methods, this review underscores the importance of pursuing novel therapeutic avenues that could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics against P. aeruginosa and similar resistant pathogens.
RNA-based antibacterial agents: Mechanisms, functional insights, and challenges in therapeutic development
(Elsevier Science Sa, 2025) Abavisani, Mohammad; Sajjadi, Seyed Mohammad; Ebadpour, Negar; Kesharwani, Prashant; Karav, Sercan; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Antibacterial resistance is a vivified worldwide problem of health care. RNA-based antibacterial agents, on the other hand, present a new method of using mechanisms such as RNA interference (RNAi), riboswitch regulation, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)- CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to the max. CRISPR-Cas systems allow opportunity to cure targeted region of a resistant gene or cut it out completely, which is a highly adaptable method for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. ASOs, along with peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), are substances that stop bacterial gene expression, thus, minimizing the pathogenicity. Nevertheless, their promise is put down because of problems such as delivery efficiency, molecular stability, and off-target effects that come with these. Innovations in chemical changes and delivery technologies have resulted in the development of the stable and targeted delivery of RNA-based agents. This study takes a close look at the mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and challenges of RNA-based antibacterials and stresses their ability to be the most successful tools in combating antibiotic resistance. The combination of these strategies with the existing antibiotics could increase their efficacy, make it possible for us to address resistance and open new ways for antibacterial therapies.
Parkinson's disease and brain insulin signaling: Mechanisms and potential role of GLP-1 mimetics
(Elsevier, 2025) Foroozanmehr, Behina; Hemmati, Mohammad Amin; Yaribeygi, Habib; Karav, Sercan; Jamialahmadi, Tannaz; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The pathophysiology of PD is complex and multifactorial involving genetic factors, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein clearance, and neuroinflammation but recent evidence emphasizes the role of impaired brain insulin signaling. Insulin is a metabolic hormone with extensive effects on metabolic substrates but recent studies have demonstrated that it is also involved in central signaling pathways and induces different brain areas related to food craving, motor activities, cognitive abilities, and emotional feelings. Hence, it has been suggested that induction of brain insulin sensitivity may be a promising treatment for PD. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics are a new-generation class of antidiabetics that normalize glucose homeostasis via several pathways. Recent studies suggest extra-glycemic benefits for GLP-1 mimetics against PD. GLP-1 mimetics can prevent or slow PD progression. Additionally, these agents can improve cognitive functions by improving brain insulin signaling pathways. In this review, we aim to highlight the role of brain insulin signaling in PD pathophysiology and discuss the possible benefits of GLP-1 mimetics in PD management.
Discovery of diverse chimeric peptides in a eukaryotic proteome sets the stage for experimental validation of the mosaic translation hypothesis
(Elsevier, 2025) Çakır, Umut; Gabed, Noujoud; Köroğlu, Yunus Emre; Kaya, Selen; Sinharoy, Senjuti; Benedito, Vagner A.; Brunet, Marie
The high complexity of eukaryotic organisms enabled their evolutionary success, driven by the diversification of their proteomes. Various mechanisms contributed to this process. Alternative splicing had the largest known impact among these mechanisms. Earlier, we hypothesized that along with alternative splicing, a different but conceptually similar mechanism creates novel versions of existing proteins in all eukaryotes. However, this mechanism operates at the level of translation, where amino acid sequence novelty arises through multiple programmed ribosomal frameshifting events occurring within the same transcript. This mechanism, which is termed mosaic translation, is very difficult to demonstrate even with the most up-to-date molecular tools. Thus, it remained unnoticed so far. Using a subset of mass spectrometry proteomic data from various organs of the model plant Medicago truncatula, we took the first step toward experimental validation of this hypothesis. Our original in silico approach resulted in the discovery of two candidates for mosaic proteins (homologs of EF1 alpha and RuBisCo) and 154 candidates for chimeric peptides. Chimeric peptides and polypeptides are produced in the course of one ribosomal frameshifting event and may correspond to parts of mosaic proteins. In addition, our analysis reveals the possibility of translation of chimeric peptides from five ribosomal RNA transcripts, ten long non-coding RNA transcripts, and one transfer RNA transcript. These findings are novel and will form the basis for future experimental validation. We also present multiple lines of indirect evidence supporting the validity of our in silico data.
SGLT-2 inhibitors beyond diabetes: a new frontier in cancer treatment
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2025) Nakhaei, Ali; Delavar, Kiana; Azim, Azin Sadat; Afshari, Sadaf; Mohtashami, Alireza; Jalili-Nik, Mohammad; Jalali, Mahsa; Karav, Sercan
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, a new class of antidiabetic medications including canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ipragliflozin, and empagliflozin, recently came to light as possible anti-cancer therapeutics. The confirmed presence of SGLT-2 in many cancer cell lines further substantiates their potential as therapeutic targets. Because many cancer cells change their metabolism to become more glucose-dependent, blocking glucose absorption with SGLT-2 inhibitors is an intriguing anti-cancer therapy. In addition to their physiological function in renal proximal tubules, SGLT-2 has been identified in specific tumor cells. Clinical trials have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors are safe and well-tolerated in individuals with diabetes and heart failure. Significantly, these medicines demonstrate antiproliferative effects across multiple cancer types, as substantiated by both in vitro and in vivo models, frequently via mechanisms that are independent of SGLT-2 itself. They seem to regulate a diverse array of intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways, encompassing those associated with microRNAs, AMPK, ERK, DNA and RNA metabolism, ATP homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. These data collectively underscore the potential of SGLT-2 inhibitors in clinical oncology and elucidate the processes driving their anti-cancer efficacy.
Enhancing curcumin's efficacy with zinc oxide nanoparticles: A dynamic duo in combatting disease
(Elsevier, 2025) Nejabat, Mojgan; Hadizadeh, Farzin; Karav, Sercan; Kesharwani, Prashant; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
The combination of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Curcumin (Cur) has garnered significant attention due to its therapeutic potential (e. g., cancer treatment, wound healing, and antioxidant applications). CUR has been highly regarded as a natural compound with pharmacological properties such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects; however, its clinical applications are limited due to its low solubility and bioavailability. In this review, the potentials of CUR and ZnO NPs in the case of biomedical applications were taken into consideration. There have been many attempts to integrate ZnO NPs and CUR for enhancing the mentioned drawbacks of CUR. The effectiveness of ZnO-Cur (CUR/ZnO NPs) nanocomposites, particularly in cancer therapies has been very promising. These nanocomposites exhibit selective toxicity towards cancer cells, with their pH-sensitive release mechanism proving advantageous in targeting the acidic tumor microenvironment. In addition to these effects, CUR/ZnO NPs have antioxidant activity, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and promote wound healing. The use of ZnO and ZnO-Cur composites led to notable improvements across various applications such as osteoblast viability increased by approximately 60%, Cur release improved by 150%, and osteosarcoma inhibition enhanced by 300%. In agricultural use, ZnO NPs increased silybin content and plant yield while sperm cryopreservation studies showed improved post-thaw quality with ZnO-Cur by measurable margins, significantly. The role of ZnO in boosting Cur bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and targeted delivery potential have been confirmed in several studies. However, there are many unsolved challenges such as scalability, cytotoxicity data, and toxicity at higher concentrations that need to be addressed.
Targeting mitophagy in the heart: Exploring the therapeutic potential of MicroRNAs
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2025) Javadifar, Amin; Tahani, Masoud; Khayat, Sorousha; Nasab, Shiva Rakhshani; Karav, Sercan; Kesharwani, Prashant; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy, plays an indispensable role in preserving mitochondrial integrity by eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria, thereby sustaining cellular homeostasis. This process is particularly critical in cardiomyocytes, which rely heavily on high-quality mitochondria to meet their substantial energy demands. Impaired mitophagy has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs)-small non-coding RNA molecules-in modulating mitophagy by targeting key genes such as PINK1, Parkin, and FUNDC1, which are integral to mitochondrial quality control. This review comprehensively examines the dual capacity of miRNAs to either enhance or suppress mitophagy and evaluates the implications of these regulatory actions for cardiovascular health. For instance, miRNAs such as miR-24-3p and miR-125a-5p modulate mitophagy pathways, influencing cardiac function in distinct ways. Additionally, miRNAs like miR-34a and miR-330-3p may exert broader effects on mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiac tissue. This paper further explores the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs to restore mitophagy equilibrium and mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, offering novel avenues for cardiovascular disease management. By synthesizing recent findings, this review underscores the promise of miRNA-based interventions and identifies critical directions for future research.
Bee products in the fight against Helicobacter pylori and molecular interactions
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) El-Seedi, Hesham R.; Refaey, Mohamed S.; Abd El-Wahed, Aida A.; Albadawy, Aida; Karav, Sercan; El-Seedi, Shaden H.; Cheng, Guiguang
Gastric or duodenal ulcers can lead to upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common infections in the world and can cause both gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. The treatment aims to eradicate H. pylori and treatment with antibiotics has made it possible to cure gastric ulcers. The most common complication of untreated peptic ulcer disease is bleeding (hematemesis, melena, and anemia), while perforation occurs in a smaller proportion of patients. In some individuals, the infection causes mucosal changes with increasing age that lead to atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. It is believed that atrophy and especially intestinal metaplasia are a prerequisite for the most common form of gastric cancer, adenocarcinoma. There is presently a demand for an alternate treatment devoid of the current strategies drawbacks including recurrence, resistance and antibiotic abuse. The current workhighlights the possibility of bee product-based treatments for preventing and eliminating H. pylori infestation. Sci-finder, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus were used for literature screening. Terms and keywords, i.e. “helicobacter pylori”, “epidemiology”, “chemotherapy”, “honey”, “propolis”, “bee venom”, “bioactive compounds”, and “mechanism of action” were used in the search. Bee products are important alternatives that have been utilized for treating many ailments due to their diverse biochemical and biological characteristics. Various mechanisms, such as direct antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing capacities, are proposed to explain the potential effect of bee products against H. pylori. The bee product's metabolites have a role in the adherence of H. pylori to stomach epithelial cells. The disruption of bacterial cell membranes and the inhibition of virulence factors are the two mechanisms behind the bee product's promising therapeutic applications against H. pylori.
Neuroprotective and cognitive benefits of Semaglutide: Insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms
(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Yaghmayee, Shayan; Moazzeni, Atefeh Sadat; Jamialahmadi, Tannaz; Karav, Sercan; Yaribeygi, Habib; Kesharwani, Prashant; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Neuronal injury is a common complication in patients with diabetes. These injuries include a wide range of neurobehavioral complications that significantly reduce the neuronal network efficiency and quality of life in affected individuals. Currently, diabetes-induced neuronal complications are a major global health challenge, and many studies have been performed to prevent or slow their progression. Semaglutide is a novel form of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist agents that has recently been approved for diabetic patients to normalize glucose metabolism. However, some evidence indicates that it has extra-glycemic effects in some tissues as well as in the central nervous system. This evidence suggests that semaglutide can suppress some pathophysiological pathways involved in diabetes-induced neuronal complications and thus improve neuronal network efficiency. However, there is limited evidence to support all the pathways involved in mediating these benefits. In the current review, we aim to present the latest clinical and experimental findings on the possible benefits of semaglutide on major neuronal complications and to determine the possible molecular mechanisms involved.

Güncel Gönderiler