Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antiviral Agents

Since the early 1990s, nanotechnology has led to new horizons in nanomedicine, which encompasses all spheres of science including chemistry, material science, biology, and biotechnology. Emerging viral infections are creating severe hazards to public health worldwide, recently, COVID-19 has caused mass human casualties with significant economic impacts. Interestingly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited the potential to destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi using various methods. However, developing safe and effective antiviral drugs is challenging, as viruses use host cells for replication. Designing drugs that do not harm host cells while targeting viruses is complicated. In recent years, the impact of AgNPs on viruses has been evaluated. Here, we discuss the potential role of silver nanoparticles as antiviral agents. In this review, we focus on the properties of AgNPs such as their characterization methods, antiviral activity, mechanisms, applications, and toxicity.

Download Full-text

Potential Role of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Therapies to Prevent Severe SARS-Cov-2 Complications

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10020272 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 272

Author(s):

Anna M. Fratta Pasini ◽

Chiara Stranieri ◽

Luciano Cominacini ◽

Chiara Mozzini

Keyword(s):

Potential Role ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Host Cells ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Pyrin Domain ◽

Nrf2 Activation ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Receptor Family

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we review the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. Furthermore, we analyze the potential role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent severe complications. OS has a potential key role in the COVID-19 pathogenesis by triggering the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). While exposure to many pro-oxidants usually induces nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor2 (NRF2) activation and upregulation of antioxidant related elements expression, respiratory viral infections often inhibit NRF2 and/or activate NF-kB pathways, resulting in inflammation and oxidative injury. Hence, the use of radical scavengers like N-acetylcysteine and vitamin C, as well as of steroids and inflammasome inhibitors, has been proposed. The NRF2 pathway has been shown to be suppressed in severe SARS-CoV-2 patients. Pharmacological NRF2 inducers have been reported to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, the inflammatory response, and transmembrane protease serine 2 activation, which for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells through the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor. Thus, NRF2 activation may represent a potential path out of the woods in COVID-19 pandemic.

Download Full-text

Potential role of Curcumin against viral infections with a view on structure and pathogenesis of COVID-19

10.21467/preprints.213 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kajal Singh

Keyword(s):

Treatment Option ◽

Viral Entry ◽

Potential Role ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Host Cells ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Positive Sense ◽

Anti Oxidant ◽

Novel Coronavirus

A novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (nCOVID-19) is an enveloped, positive sense, single stranded RNA viruses of zoonotic origin caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, currently responsible for pandemic health crisis. Due to increasing mortality rate there is an immediate need to develop possible treatments and understand the mechanism through which virus can cause complications in human body. The review intended to provide link between natural product as treatment and COVID-19 disease. Therefore, this review summarizes the structure, pathogenesis as well as understanding the various role of curcumin as a treatment option for COVID-19 which includes: targeting viral entry to host cells, targeting viral replication, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Hence, curcumin can be a potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients and this review also suggest that more clinical research and development is needed in order to prepare a new drug for emerging SARS-CoV-2.

Download Full-text

Speciation and changes in male gene expression in Drosophila

Genome ◽

10.1139/gen-2020-0025 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Bahar Patlar ◽

Alberto Civetta

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Reproductive Isolation ◽

Potential Role ◽

Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽

Drosophila Model ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

The Impact ◽

Plastic Responses ◽

Male Gene

It has long been acknowledged that changes in the regulation of gene expression may account for major organismal differences. However, we still do not fully understand how changes in gene expression evolve and how do such changes influence organisms’ differences. We are even less aware of the impact such changes might have in restricting gene flow between species. Here, we focus on studies of gene expression and speciation in the Drosophila model. We review studies that have identified gene interactions in post-mating reproductive isolation and speciation, particularly those that modulate male gene expression. We also address studies that have experimentally manipulated changes in gene expression to test their effect in post-mating reproductive isolation. We highlight the need for a more in-depth analysis of the role of selection causing disrupted gene expression of such candidate genes in sterile/inviable hybrids. Moreover, we discuss the relevance to incorporate more routinely assays that simultaneously evaluate the potential effects of environmental factors and genetic background in modulating plastic responses in male genes and their potential role in speciation.

Download Full-text

Inhibitory Effect of MicroRNA-376b-Overexpressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) on Malignant Characteristics of Glioma Cells Through Targeting Forkhead Box Protein P2 (FOXP2)

Journal of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering ◽

10.1166/jbt.2022.2999 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 971-977

Author(s):

Ruoyu Zhu ◽

Zhonglin Wang

Keyword(s):

Glioma Cell ◽

Potential Role ◽

Glioma Cells ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Transwell Assay ◽

Cell Behaviors ◽

Forkhead Box ◽

Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

The Impact

This study investigated the impact of microRNA (miR)-376b derived from BMSCs on glioma progression. BMSCs were transfected with miR-376b mimic, miR-376b inhibitor or NC and then cocultured with glioma cells followed by measuring cell behaviors by MTT assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry, FOXP2 and miR-376b expression by Western blot and RT-qPCR. After confirming the inhibitory and mimicking activity of transfection, we found that overexpression of miR-376b in BMSCs decreased glioma cell invasion, migration and proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis within 24 h and 48 h after transfection along with reduced number of cells in S-phase. Mechanically, miR-376b targeted miR-376b and up-regulation of miR-376b caused down-regulation of FOXP2 (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-376b in BMSCs decelerated glioma cell cycle and inhibitedmalignant behaviors of glioma cells by targeting FOXP2 expression. These evidence unveils the potential role of FOXP2 as a biomarker for the treatment of gliomas.

Download Full-text

The potential role of relatives in designing person-centred assistive technologies (innovative practice)

Dementia ◽

10.1177/1471301216688395 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (7-8) ◽

pp. 3161-3164 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rudi Coetzer

Keyword(s):

Collaborative Design ◽

Potential Role ◽

Assistive Technologies ◽

Visual Spatial ◽

Innovative Practice ◽

The Impact

The paper explores the important role of relatives in designing assistive technologies in collaboration with practitioners. A brief case study reports the collaborative design of a 24-hour clock to reduce the impact of visual–spatial impairment on a family member's ability to read time and prevent temporal disorientation.

Download Full-text

The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3198 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Francesco Pecora ◽

Federica Persico ◽

Alberto Argentiero ◽

Cosimo Neglia ◽

Susanna Esposito

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Optimal Function ◽

The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Download Full-text

Potential role of oxidative DNA damage in the impact of PNPLA3 variant (rs 738409 C>G) in hepatocellular carcinoma risk

Hepatology ◽

10.1002/hep.27004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 60 (3) ◽

pp. 1110-1111 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Emeric Limagne ◽

Vanessa Cottet ◽

Alexia Karen Cotte ◽

Samia Hamza ◽

Patrick Hillon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Dna Damage ◽

Oxidative Dna Damage ◽

Potential Role ◽

The Impact ◽

Carcinoma Risk

Download Full-text

Marketing to the “middle of the pyramid” in emerging markets using a social network perspective

International Journal of Emerging Markets ◽

10.1108/ijoem-05-2013-0090 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 400-423 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Tendai Chikweche ◽

Richard Fletcher

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Middle Class ◽

Potential Role ◽

Content Type ◽

Business Executives ◽

Advanced Economies ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Corporate Social ◽

The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to expand knowledge about how middle class consumers in Sub-Saharan African markets behave, focusing on the potential role of social networks and the subsequent interactions that take place between these consumers and firms. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research method approach comprising personal interviews and observations targeted at consumers and business executives was used covering all four countries. Findings – Key findings include identification of middle of the pyramid (MOP) social networks, their impact on consumer behaviour and nature of consumer and firm interactions that take place as a result of the impact of social networks. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was restricted to 80 consumers in each of the four countries. This might limit generalisability. Practical implications – The study provides managers with insights on the potential role of social networks on marketing to the MOP in Africa. Social implications – The study provides managers with insights on the potential opportunities for corporate social responsibility solutions at the MOP. Originality/value – Research into the middle class in markets other than western advanced economies is a relatively new area of study. The majority of studies on the middle class have focused on North America and Europe ignoring the merging middle class in Africa. Hence, this research expands knowledge by providing basis for exploring new insights on the emerging marketing opportunity within the middle class in Africa.

Download Full-text