scholarly journals Emerging Anticancer Potentials of Goniothalamin and Its Molecular Mechanisms

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ali Seyed ◽  
Ibrahim Jantan ◽  
Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Anticancer Properties

The treatment of most cancers is still inadequate, despite tremendous steady progress in drug discovery and effective prevention. Nature is an attractive source of new therapeutics. Several medicinal plants and their biomarkers have been widely used for the treatment of cancer with less known scientific basis of their functioning. Although a wide array of plant derived active metabolites play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, more extensive scientific evaluation of their mechanisms is still required. Styryl-lactones are a group of secondary metabolites ubiquitous in the genusGoniothalamusthat have demonstrated to possess antiproliferative activity against cancer cells. A large body of evidence suggests that this activity is associated with the induction of apoptosis in target cells. In an effort to promote further research on the genusGoniothalamus, this review offers a broad analysis of the current knowledge onGoniothalamin(GTN) or 5, 6, dihydro-6-styryl-2-pyronone (C13H12O2), a natural occurring styryl-lactone. Therefore, it includes (i) the source of GTN and other metabolites; (ii) isolation, purification, and (iii) the molecular mechanisms of actions of GTN, especially the anticancer properties, and summarizes the role of GTN which is crucial for drug design, development, and application in future for well-being of humans.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of Donacia provosti (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Transcriptome by De Novo Assembly to Discover Genes Associated with Underwater Environmental Adaptations

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 281
Author(s):  
Haixia Zhan ◽  
Youssef Dewer ◽  
Cheng Qu ◽  
Shiyong Yang ◽  
Chen Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Orthologous Gene ◽  
Leaf Beetle ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Gene Pairs ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
And Control

Donacia provosti (Fairmaire, 1885) is a major pest of aquatic crops. It has been widely distributed in the world causing extensive damage to lotus and rice plants. Changes in gene regulation may play an important role in adaptive evolution, particularly during adaptation to feeding and living habits. However, little is known about the evolution and molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of D. provosti to its lifestyle and living habits. To address this question, we generated the first larval transcriptome of D. provosti. A total of 20,692 unigenes were annotated from the seven public databases and around 18,536 protein-coding genes have been predicted from the analysis of D. provosti transcriptome. About 5036 orthologous cutlers were identified among four species and 494 unique clusters were identified from D. provosti larvae including the visual perception. Furthermore, to reveal the molecular difference between D. provosti and the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata, a comparison between CDS of the two beetles was conducted and 6627 orthologous gene pairs were identified. Based on the ratio of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions, 93 orthologous gene pairs were found evolving under positive selection. Interestingly, our results also show that there are 4 orthologous gene pairs of the 93 gene pairs were associated with the “mTOR signaling pathway”, which are predicted to be involved in the molecular mechanism of D. provosti adaptation to the underwater environment. This study will provide us with an important scientific basis for building effective prevention and control system of the aquatic leaf beetle Donacia provosti.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Exercise on Brain Function and Neurological Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4052
Author(s):  
Kévin Nay ◽  
William J. Smiles ◽  
Jacqueline Kaiser ◽  
Luke M. McAloon ◽  
Kim Loh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact

As life expectancy has increased, particularly in developed countries, due to medical advances and increased prosperity, age-related neurological diseases and mental health disorders have become more prevalent health issues, reducing the well-being and quality of life of sufferers and their families. In recent decades, due to reduced work-related levels of physical activity, and key research insights, prescribing adequate exercise has become an innovative strategy to prevent or delay the onset of these pathologies and has been demonstrated to have therapeutic benefits when used as a sole or combination treatment. Recent evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain are related to several underlying mechanisms related to muscle–brain, liver–brain and gut–brain crosstalk. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the most relevant current knowledge of the impact of exercise on mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, and to highlight the established and potential underlying mechanisms involved in exercise–brain communication and their benefits for physiology and brain function.

The Anticancer Properties of Silibinin: Its Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Effect in Breast Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 1787-1796
Author(s):  
Agata Binienda ◽  
Sylwia Ziolkowska ◽  
Elzbieta Pluciennik
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Main Component ◽  
Inhibit Cell Proliferation ◽  
Inflammatory Effect

Background: Silibinin (SB), the main component of Silymarin (SM), is a natural substance obtained from the seeds of the milk thistle. SM contains up to 70% of SB as two isoforms: A and B. It has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on hepatocytes and is known to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and curb angiogenesis. SB has demonstrated activity against many cancers, such as skin, liver, lung, bladder, and breast carcinomas. Methods: his review presents current knowledge of the use of SM in breast cancer, this being one of the most common types of cancer in women. It describes selected molecular mechanisms of the action of SM; for example, although SB influences both Estrogen Receptors (ER), α and β, it has opposite effects on the two. Its action on ERα influences the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/ERK signaling pathways, while by up-regulating ERβ, it increases the numbers of apoptotic cells. In addition, ERα is involved in SB-induced autophagy, while ERβ is not. Interestingly, SB also inhibits metastasis by suppressing TGF-β2 expression, thus suppressing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). It also influences migration and invasive potential via the Jak2/STAT3 pathway. Results: SB may be a promising enhancement of BC treatment: when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin, and doxorubicin, the combination exerts a synergistic effect against cancer cells. This may be of value when treating aggressive types of mammary carcinoma. Conclusion: Summarizing, SB inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and restrains metastasis via several mechanisms. It is possible to combine SB with different anticancer drugs, an approach that represents a promising therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from BC.

Phytosterols in Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Preventive and Therapeutic Potentials

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (37) ◽  
pp. 6735-6749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Blanco-Vaca ◽  
Lídia Cedó ◽  
Josep Julve
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Dietary Components ◽  
The Relationship

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Compelling evidence supports the hypothesis that the manipulation of dietary components, including plant compounds termed as phytochemicals, demonstrates certain important health benefits in humans, including those in cancer. In fact, beyond their well-known cardiovascular applications, phytosterols may also possess anticancer properties, as has been demonstrated by several studies. Although the mechanism of action by which phytosterols (and derivatives) may prevent cancer development is still under investigation, data from multiple experimental studies support the hypothesis that they may modulate proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. Phytosterols are generally considered safe for human consumption and may also be added to a broad spectrum of food matrices; further, they could be used in primary and secondary prevention. However, few interventional studies have evaluated the relationship between the efficacy of different types and forms of phytosterols in cancer prevention. In this context, the purpose of this review was to revisit and update the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer action of phytosterols and their potential in cancer prevention or treatment.

The most comprehensive annotation of the Krill transcriptome provides new insights for the study of physiological processes and environmental adaptation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilenia Urso ◽  
Alberto Biscontin ◽  
Davide Corso ◽  
Cristiano Bertolucci ◽  
Chiara Romualdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
The Antarctic

The krill species Euphausia superba plays a critical role in the food chain of the Antarctic ecosystem, as the abundance of its biomass affects trophic levels both below it and above. Major changes in climate conditions observed in the Antarctic Peninsula region in the last decades have the potential to alter the distribution of the krill population and its reproductive dynamics. A deeper understanding of the adaptation capabilities of this species, and of the molecular mechanisms behind them, are urgently needed. The availability of a large body of RNA-seq assays gave us the opportunity to extend the current knowledge of the krill transcriptome, considerably reducing errors and redundancies. The study covered the entire developmental process, from larval stages to adult individuals, information which are of central relevance for ecological studies. We describe KrillDB2 database, which combines the latest annotation of the krill transcriptome with a series of analyses specifically targeting genes and molecular processes relevant to krill physiology. KrillDB2 provides in a single resource the most complete collection of experimental data and bioinformatic annotations: it includes an extended catalog of krill genes; an atlas of their expression profiles over all RNA-seq datasets publicly available; a study of differential expression across multiple conditions such as developmental stages, geographical regions, seasons, and sexes. Finally, it provides information about non-coding RNAs, a class of molecules whose contribute to krill physiology, which have never been reported before.

scholarly journals The Role of Thermal Water in Chronic Skin Diseases Management: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 3047
Author(s):  
Sara Cacciapuoti ◽  
Maria Luciano ◽  
Matteo Megna ◽  
Maria Annunziata ◽  
Maddalena Napolitano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Water ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Inflammatory Skin Diseases ◽  
Chronic Skin ◽  
Chronic Skin Diseases

The benefits of thermal water in different diseases have been known since ancient times. Over the past decades, a re-assessment of the use of mineral water for the treatment of several pathologic conditions has taken place around the world. Today, water therapy is being practiced in many countries that have a variety of mineral springs considerably different in their hydrogeologic origin, temperature, and chemical composition. Thermal water and balneotherapy offer several advantages: this approach needs no chemicals or potentially harmful drugs; there are almost no side effects during and after treatment, and there is a low risk to the patient’s general health and well-being. However, it is difficult to evaluate the efficacy of this therapeutic approach in clinical practice due to the complexity of molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy. Here we review the current knowledge of the chemical, immunological, and microbiological basis for therapeutic effects of thermal water with a specific focus on chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We also describe recent evidence of the major dermatologic diseases that are frequently treated by balneotherapy with a remarkable rate of success. Moreover, we discuss the potential role of balneotherapy either alone or as a complement to conventional medical treatments.

scholarly journals Possible molecular and cellular mechanisms at the basis of atmospheric electromagnetic field bioeffects

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Cifra ◽  
Francesca Apollonio ◽  
Micaela Liberti ◽  
Tomás García-Sánchez ◽  
Lluis M. Mir
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Field ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Em Field ◽  
Voltage Gradients

AbstractMechanisms of how electromagnetic (EM) field acts on biological systems are governed by the same physics regardless of the origin of the EM field (technological, atmospheric...), given that EM parameters are the same. We draw from a large body of literature of bioeffects of a man-made electromagnetic field. In this paper, we performed a focused review on selected possible mechanisms of how atmospheric electromagnetic phenomena can act at the molecular and cellular level. We first briefly review the range of frequencies and field strengths for both electric and magnetic fields in the atmosphere. Then, we focused on a concise description of the current knowledge on weak electric and magnetic field bioeffects with possible molecular mechanisms at the basis of possible EM field bioeffects combined with modeling strategies to estimate reliable outcomes and speculate about the biological effects linked to lightning or pyroelectricity. Indeed, we bring pyroelectricity as a natural source of voltage gradients previously unexplored. While very different from lightning, it can result in similar bioeffects based on similar mechanisms, which can lead to close speculations on the importance of these atmospheric electric fields in the evolution.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

Family-, Media-, and School-Related Risk Factors of Video Game Addiction

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Rehbein ◽  
Dirk Baier
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
School Life ◽  
Video Game Addiction ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Game Addiction

In recent years, a variety of epidemiological studies have provided empirical data on the prevalence of video game addiction (GA) in different age groups. However, few studies investigated the causes of GA and could explain why video game playing as a widespread phenomenon leads to a comparatively small percentage of addicted players. Additionally, the existing longitudinal studies mainly consider psychological trait variables and neglect the possible explanatory value of predictors in socialization regarding media availability, media use, and family and everyday school life. In this paper, the results of a two-wave longitudinal study comprising a sample of students from Grades 4 to 9 (N = 406) are presented. The data show that 15-year-old video game addicts had already exhibited a number of specific risk factors at the age of 10. Students from single-parent families seem to be particularly at risk, as are students with low experienced school well-being and with a weaker social integration in class. The data also indicate that problematic use of video games in childhood increases the risk of GA in adolescence. Male students are especially vulnerable for developing GA. The results of this study are an important contribution to understanding risk factors for GA in adolescents, thereby laying the groundwork for effective prevention measures.

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