scholarly journals New Insights into Antibacterial Compounds: From Synthesis and Discovery to Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 471
Author(s):  
Jorge H. Leitão
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Exciting Field ◽  
Antibacterial Compounds ◽  
Surveillance Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Global Threat

The worldwide emergence of microbial resistance to available antibiotics presents a global threat to public health and health systems. This special issue aimed to gather papers describing novel antibiotics, originating form chemical synthesis, repurposing of existent drugs, or from natural sources like plant extracts, herbs and spices. A total of 13 papers were published, covering a wide range of topic, including antimicrobial resistance surveillance studies; synthesis of novel molecules with antimicrobial activities; modification or repurposing of already existing molecules, plant-derived active extracts, and molecules; the effects of antimicrobial therapy on microbiota; and the investigation of novel formulations for human and veterinary uses. After decades of antibiotics discovery decline, antibiotics discovery is boosting. Recent developments of post genomics approaches and bioinformatics tools will most certainly turn the tide in the discovery and development of antimicrobials in this exciting field.

scholarly journals Long Non-Coding RNAs: the New Horizon of Gene Regulation in Ovarian Cancer

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 948-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfaye Worku ◽  
Dinesh Bhattarai ◽  
Duncan Ayers ◽  
Kai Wang ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarkers ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Gene Therapies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of non-coding transcripts, have recently been emerging with heterogeneous molecular actions, adding a new layer of complexity to gene-regulation networks in tumorigenesis. LncRNAs are considered important factors in several ovarian cancer histotypes, although few have been identified and characterized. Owing to their complexity and the lack of adapted molecular technology, the roles of most lncRNAs remain mysterious. Some lncRNAs have been reported to play functional roles in ovarian cancer and can be used as classifiers for personalized medicine. The intrinsic features of lncRNAs govern their various molecular mechanisms and provide a wide range of platforms to design different therapeutic strategies for treating cancer at a particular stage. Although we are only beginning to understand the functions of lncRNAs and their interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins, the expanding literature indicates that lncRNA-miRNA interactions could be useful biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer. In this review, we discuss the genetic variants of lncRNAs, heterogeneous mechanisms of actions of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis, and drug resistance. We also highlight the recent developments in using lncRNAs as potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Lastly, we discuss potential approaches for linking lncRNAs to future gene therapies, and highlight future directions in the field of ovarian cancer research.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A New Threat for Young Drug Users with Forensic-Toxicological Implications

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Arianna Giorgetti ◽  
Jennifer Pascali ◽  
Paolo Fais ◽  
Guido Pelletti ◽  
Andrea Gabbin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Structural Class ◽  
Synthetic Opioids ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Wide Range

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a severe health risk for drug users. Even though the phenomenon has been growing since the early 2000s, the mechanisms of action of NPS at the receptors and beyond them are still scarcely understood. The aim of the present study was to provide a systematic review of the updated knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, cathinones, and stimulants. The study was conducted on the PubMed database. Study eligibility criteria included relevance to the topic, English language, and time of publication (2010–2020). A combined Mesh and free-text protocols search was performed. Study selection was performed on the title/abstract and, in doubtful cases, on the full texts of papers. Of the 580 records identified through PubMed searching and reference checking, 307 were excluded by title/abstract and 78 additional papers were excluded after full-text reading, leaving a total of 155 included papers. Molecular mechanisms of synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants, psychedelics, and hallucinogens were reviewed and mostly involved both a receptor-mediated and non-receptor mediated cellular modulation with multiple neurotransmitters interactions. The molecular mechanisms underlying the action of NPS are more complex than expected, with a wide range of overlap among activated receptors and neurotransmitter systems. The peculiar action profile of single compounds does not necessarily reflect that of the structural class to which they belong, accounting for possible unexpected toxic reactions.

Non-opioid analgesics

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Sjøgren ◽  
Frank Elsner ◽  
Stein Kaasa
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Opioid Analgesics ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
World Health ◽  
Antipyretic Activity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Non-opioid analgesics encompass the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol (acetaminophen). The NSAIDs include acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin), dipyrone (metamizole), and numerous other drugs in diverse classes. The NSAIDs have potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity, and are among the most widely used drugs worldwide. In palliative medicine, they represent the first step of the World Health Organization’s analgesic ladder used for mild pain and they are an important supplement to opioids and adjuvant drugs at higher steps of the ladder. The disadvantages of non-opioid analgesics include a ceiling effect for pain relief and the risk of side effects. NSAIDs are also associated with an increased risk of adverse gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular effects and hepatotoxicity can result from overdosing with paracetamol. This chapter describes the clinical pharmacology of NSAIDs, their classification, molecular mechanisms of action and adverse effects, as well as some recent developments aimed at designing effective anti-inflammatory agents with improved safety and tolerability profiles.

An Update on Potential Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Actions of Snake Venom L-amino Acid Oxidases (LAAOs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (21) ◽  
pp. 2520-2530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro V. Paloschi ◽  
Adriana S. Pontes ◽  
Andreimar M. Soares ◽  
Juliana P. Zuliani
Keyword(s):  
Snake Venom ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Molecular Studies ◽  
Multifunctional Enzymes ◽  
Antiviral Activities ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Stimulation Of

Background: LAAOs (EC 1.4.3.2) are found in concentrations that vary according to each species of snakes; Viperidae, Crotalidae and Elapidae contain 1-9% of this enzyme in their venoms. Methods: This review focuses on an update on molecular mechanisms, platelet activities, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, induction of apoptosis and inflammatory potential underlying the actions of SVLAAOs. Results: Snake venom LAAOs (SV-LAAOs) have become an interesting subject for pharmacological, structural and molecular studies. Conclusion: Although the mechanisms of action of these enzymes are not well understood they are a subject of a variety of studies, because LAAOs are multifunctional enzymes exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological effects, including the inhibition or induction of platelet aggregation, hemolysis and hemorrhage, in addition to the stimulation of apoptosis, the activation of leukocytes and the formation of edema. Moreover, SV-LAAOs play an important role in bactericidal, cytotoxic, anti-parasitic, anti-tumor, and antiviral activities.

scholarly journals Q fever: the neglected biothreat agent

2011 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. F. Oyston ◽  
C. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Supporting Cell ◽  
Intracellular Pathogen ◽  
Infectious Dose ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Outbreak ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Exciting Time ◽  
Chronic Sequelae

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a disease with a spectrum of presentations from the mild to fatal, including chronic sequelae. Since its discovery in 1935, it has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. A recent outbreak in Europe reminds us that this is still a significant pathogen of concern, very transmissible and with a very low infectious dose. For these reasons it has also featured regularly on various threat lists, as it may be considered by the unscrupulous for use as a bioweapon. As an intracellular pathogen, it has remained an enigmatic organism due to the inability to culture it on laboratory media. As a result, interactions with the host have been difficult to elucidate and we still have a very limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms of virulence. However, two recent developments will open up our understanding of C. burnetii: the first axenic growth medium capable of supporting cell-free growth, and the production of the first isogenic mutant. We are approaching an exciting time for expanding our knowledge of this organism in the next few years.

scholarly journals Natural Xanthones and Skin Inflammatory Diseases: Multitargeting Mechanisms of Action and Potential Application

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Vivien Gunter ◽  
Soek Sin Teh ◽  
Yang Mooi Lim ◽  
Siau Hui Mah
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The pathogenesis of skin inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and skin cancers generally involve the generation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Exposure of the skin to external aggressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and xenobiotics induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which subsequently activates immune responses and causes immunological aberrations. Hence, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents were considered to be potential compounds to treat skin inflammatory diseases. A prime example of such compounds is xanthone (xanthene-9-one), a class of natural compounds that possess a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and chemotherapeutic effects. Many studies reported various mechanisms of action by xanthones for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases. These mechanisms of action commonly involve the modulation of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. Other mechanisms of action include the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, besides immune cell recruitment via modulation of chemokines, activation, and infiltration. Moreover, disease-specific activity contributed by xanthones, such as antibacterial action against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis for acne treatment, and numerous cytotoxic mechanisms involving pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effects for skin cancer treatment have been extensively elucidated. Furthermore, xanthones have been reported to modulate pathways responsible for mediating oxidative stress and inflammation such as PPAR, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor and prostaglandin cascades. These pathways were also implicated in skin inflammatory diseases. Xanthones including the prenylated α-mangostin (2) and γ-mangostin (3), glucosylated mangiferin (4) and the caged xanthone gambogic acid (8) are potential lead compounds to be further developed into pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases. Future studies on the structure-activity relationships, molecular mechanisms, and applications of xanthones for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases are thus highly recommended.

scholarly journals Researching language and cognition in bilinguals

2021 ◽  
pp. 136700692110228
Author(s):  
Bene Bassetti ◽  
Luna Filipović
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Language And Cognition ◽  
Methodological Aspects ◽  
The Relationship

Aims: This article reviews recent research on the relationship between language and thinking in bilinguals. Approach: The paper reviews aspects of previous research, and links it to the articles in this special issue. Conclusions: Research on language and cognition in bilinguals requires both depth (in-depth investigations of one area in order to test approaches and methods) and breadth (investigations of a wide range of research areas). It should cover all levels of language and all aspects of cognition, in line with the latest theoretical and methodological developments in relevant disciplines (e.g. using linguistic and non-linguistic tasks, collecting quantitative and qualitative data). Originality and significance: This introduction discusses important theoretical and methodological aspects of recent developments in the field.

How do histone modifications contribute to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in C. elegans?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Woodhouse ◽  
Alyson Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Histone Methyltransferases ◽  
Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Gene Regulatory

Gene regulatory information can be inherited between generations in a phenomenon termed transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). While examples of TEI in many animals accumulate, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven particularly useful in investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon. In C. elegans and other animals, the modification of histone proteins has emerged as a potential carrier and effector of transgenerational epigenetic information. In this review, we explore the contribution of histone modifications to TEI in C. elegans. We describe the role of repressive histone marks, histone methyltransferases, and associated chromatin factors in heritable gene silencing, and discuss recent developments and unanswered questions in how these factors integrate with other known TEI mechanisms. We also review the transgenerational effects of the manipulation of histone modifications on germline health and longevity.

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