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Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from T. majus , and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of T. majus by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects in vitro and in cellulo , and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of T. majus , isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of T. majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from T. majus , and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of T. majus by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects in vitro and in cellulo , and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of T. majus , isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of T. majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracy French looks at why patients may not take their medications as intended and why this matters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted by the University of Belgrade Faculty of Pharmacy focused on evaluating the pharmacokinetic properties of newly synthesized compounds with dual COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory activity. The research utilized in vitro methods to assess passive gastrointestinal absorption and binding to human serum albumin. The findings suggest that structural modifications to increase lipophilicity could enhance passive gastrointestinal absorption, and the compounds showed reduced interactions with other drugs compared to traditional NSAIDs. This study provides valuable insights into the development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Seville have conducted a study on new stable derivatives of chrysin-8-C-glucoside that modulate the antioxidant Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in human macrophages. The study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of these derivatives, showing a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species production and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. The findings suggest that these phenolic compounds could be used as Nrf2 activators against oxidative-stress-related inflammatory diseases. For more information, the full article is available in Pharmaceuticals, 2024, 17(10):1388. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at George Emil Palade University of Medicine in Romania focused on biomarker profiles and clinicopathological features in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. The research found that HNSCC primarily affects older males, with mutant p53 expression being prevalent in most cases. Elevated Ki67 and EGFR expression were associated with more aggressive tumors, while low COX-2 levels reflected varying prognoses. The study also suggested that low Cx43 expression may be linked to more aggressive tumor behavior. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Jinzhou Medical University in Liaoning, China, explored the effects of emodin on upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma cells exposed to benzidine. The research found that benzidine enhanced the survival and migration of these cancer cells, while emodin inhibited these effects by targeting the PKA/COX2 signaling pathway. This study sheds light on the potential of emodin as a natural therapeutic agent against benzidine-associated urothelial carcinoma. The findings have been published in the International Journal of Oncology and have undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh focused on the synthesis of strained galactopyranose esters as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. The research aimed to develop drugs that selectively target COX-2, which is involved in various pathologies such as inflammation and cancer. The study identified potential compounds that showed enhanced binding affinity to COX-2 over COX-1, potentially reducing ulcerogenic risks associated with traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The research concluded that a novel class of COX-2 inhibitors was produced through the synthesis of these esters. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Beni-Suef University explored the potential protective effects of nano-curcumin (N-CUR) on caffeine-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The study found that administration of caffeine led to elevated levels of certain inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in the rats' brains. However, treatment with N-CUR resulted in a significant improvement in these markers, suggesting that N-CUR may have a mild to moderate ameliorative effect on caffeine-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in the cerebrum. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of N-CUR in this context. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements analyzed the biochemical components present in the leaves of Cissus assamica. The study utilized advanced techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and characterize the compounds in the leaves. The results revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic benefits for treating infections, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and pain. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and conduct comprehensive phytochemical screening. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the potential risks of prenatal immune challenges on human embryonic brain and eye development. The study focuses on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and the role of microglia, a type of immune cell, in this context. The researchers used human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate microglia precursor cells and incorporated them into retinal organoids. They found that the presence of microglia influenced the development of ganglion cells and the inflammatory response in the organoids. Additionally, exposure to the immunostimulant poly(I:C) altered the phenotype of microglia, but this effect was mitigated by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. The study highlights the importance of microglia in prenatal immune challenges and provides insights into the protective effects of ibuprofen during embryonic development. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Federal University in Alfenas, Brazil, explored the pharmacological properties of cannabidiol (CBD), a metabolite found in cannabis. The study found that CBD has various potential therapeutic uses, including neuroprotection, anti-convulsive, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, while the neuroprotective action of CBD has been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties are not fully understood. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and develop novel drug candidates for inflammation and pain. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Federal University in Alfenas, Brazil, explored the pharmacological properties of cannabidiol, a metabolite found in cannabis. The study focused on its neuroprotective, anti-convulsive, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties. While the neuroprotective effects have been extensively studied, the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions are not fully understood. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to fully understand these properties and their potential for drug development. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, explored the use of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors in the treatment of stage III colon cancer. The study found that patients with PIK3CA gain-of-function mutations who were treated with the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib had improved disease-free survival and overall survival compared to patients without these mutations. While the overall results did not show a statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival, the findings suggest that selective usage of COX-2 inhibitors may be beneficial for certain patients with stage III colon cancer. The study was supported by the NIH National Cancer Institute. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, has explored the potential of a novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivative (MIA) and curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The study found that MIA, alone and in combination with curcumin, exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the NF-kB and STAT3 signaling pathways in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV3 cancer cell lines. The research suggests that MIA has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on recent findings from Yulin Normal University regarding novel anti-cancer compounds. Topics include the synthesis and characterization of 10-pterostilbene methylamine hydrochloride derivatives, their evaluation as potential dual inhibitors of COX-2 and Topo I, and the promising anti-cancer efficacy and selective toxicity of compound D20 compared to traditional treatments like Cisplatin.

New research from Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Bihar, India, explores the potential of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract in mitigating chemotherapy-induced oedema, a side effect that can worsen cancer-related issues. The study found that the ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum effectively reduced inflammation-induced paw swelling and modulated key inflammatory markers in rat models. The active compounds responsible for these effects were identified as delphinidin, quercetin, and rhamnetin. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Yangzhou University in Jiangsu, China, explored the effects of selenium on the inflammatory response of primary bovine endometrial stromal cells with high cortisol levels. The study found that selenium, a trace element known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, down-regulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and proinflammatory factors in the cells. Selenium also inhibited the activation of NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways, which are involved in inflammation. The study suggests that selenium's anti-inflammatory action is mediated through NF-kB and MAPK, and is enhanced by cortisol in these cells. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Cairo University in Giza, Egypt, has reported new findings on the synthesis and inhibitory potential of pyridazine derivatives as central nervous system agents. The study found that the majority of the synthesized compounds demonstrated a preference for inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) over cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). Compound 6b showed enhanced potency towards COX-2 and exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory activity to indomethacin and celecoxib, with no ulcerative effects observed. The study suggests that compound 6b could be a promising lead for the development of safe and effective COX-2 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the State University of Bangladesh explored the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the leaves of the Bombax ceiba Linn. plant. Through experimental and computational approaches, the researchers isolated six secondary metabolites and characterized their structures. The study found that the leaf extract of the B. ceiba plant species exhibited antioxidant, hypoglycemic, analgesic, and anti-diarrheal activities. Computational investigations also supported these findings. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and conduct thorough phytochemical profiling. [Extracted from the article]

Bioassay guided study of Cleome viscosa Linn. (Cleomaceae) leaves led to the isolation of a new cembrenoid diterpene (1) and three known compounds (2 – 4) from the hexane extract. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as NMR (1D and 2D), HRMS and IR and identified and afforded compound 1 , malabaric acid (2), stigmast-4-en-3-one (3) and stigmast-4-ene-3,6-dione (4). This is the first report of compounds 1 and 2 from C. viscosa Linn. Isolates were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using in vitro cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX-1 and -2) inhibitory assays. The novel cembrenoid diterpene (1) exhibited IC50 values of 8.4 µM for COX-1 enzyme and 45.2 µM for COX-2 enzyme, respectively. Similarly, malabaric acid (2) exhibited IC50 values of 11.5 µM for COX-1 enzyme and 46.9 µM for COX-2 enzyme, respectively. Their inhibitory activities were in par with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Sterols 3 and 4 gave IC50 values of 62.6 and 67.9 µM, respectively for COX-1 enzyme while indicating weak COX-2 enzyme inhibition. Lipid peroxidation inhibitory (LPO) and MTT assays were used to determine antioxidant activity of these compounds. Compounds 1 – 4 showed LPO inhibition with IC50 values between 82 and 100 µM and moderate antioxidant activity in the MTT assay. Biological activities reported for these compounds are for the first time and it support anecdotal medicinal claims of C. viscosa Linn. leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical investigation of Ulmus minor subsp. minor samaras EtOAc and n -BuOH extracts is reported in this work for the first time, resulting in the isolation and characterization of twenty compounds (1 – 20) including one new flavan-3-ol (1), one new trihydroxy fatty acid (2), and two glycosylated flavonoids (6 – 7) whose NMR data are not available in the literature. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was obtained by 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Prior to further pharmacological investigations, the extracts (100 – 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds 1 – 12 (50 – 5 µM) were tested for their influence on viability of a murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1). Subsequently, extracts and compounds that did not impede viability, were studied for their inhibitory effect on some mediators of inflammation in J774A.1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (LPS). The NO release and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 were then evaluated and both extracts (50 – 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds (20 – 5 µM) significantly inhibited NO release as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in macrophages. These data highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of several isolated compounds from U. minor samaras supporting their possible alimentary use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical investigation of Ulmus minor subsp. minor samaras EtOAc and n -BuOH extracts is reported in this work for the first time, resulting in the isolation and characterization of twenty compounds (1 – 20) including one new flavan-3-ol (1), one new trihydroxy fatty acid (2), and two glycosylated flavonoids (6 – 7) whose NMR data are not available in the literature. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was obtained by 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Prior to further pharmacological investigations, the extracts (100 – 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds 1 – 12 (50 – 5 µM) were tested for their influence on viability of a murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1). Subsequently, extracts and compounds that did not impede viability, were studied for their inhibitory effect on some mediators of inflammation in J774A.1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (LPS). The NO release and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 were then evaluated and both extracts (50 – 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds (20 – 5 µM) significantly inhibited NO release as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in macrophages. These data highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of several isolated compounds from U. minor samaras supporting their possible alimentary use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flueggea suffruticosa is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments, including rheumatism and lumbago. Suffrutines A and suffrutines B are a pair of novel E,E and Z,E isomeric indolizidine alkaloids isolated from the roots of F. suffruticosa. However, their anti-inflammatory activity has not been reported thus far. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of inflammatory mediators and possible mechanisms of suffrutines A and B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Results showed that suffrutines A and B could remarkably inhibit the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 , interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Further evaluation demonstrated that compared with suffrutines A, suffrutines B could more significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of IKK α / β , the degradation of I κ B α , and the nuclear translocation of the p65 and p52 subunits in the canonical and non-canonical nuclear factor- κ B pathways. Therefore, suffrutines B exhibited more potent inhibitory activity on inflammatory mediators than suffrutines A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on research from Anhui Medical University investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of xanthones from Hypericum beanii on macrophage cells. Topics include the inhibition of nitric oxide production, reduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta expression, and the overall anti-inflammatory efficacy of specific xanthone compounds.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Siena in Italy explores the potential health benefits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var Venanzio, a local endangered variety of beans, on cancer cell growth and inflammation. The study found that extracts from these beans demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in intestinal cell models. The researchers emphasize the importance of diet in preventing human inflammatory diseases and highlight the need to protect local biodiversity as a source of bioactive compounds. This information may be valuable for individuals interested in the relationship between diet, biodiversity, and human health. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Dalian Medical University in China explores the potential of lumbrokinase, an enzyme extracted from earthworms, in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study found that lumbrokinase inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed metastasis, and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Additionally, lumbrokinase enhanced the anti-angiogenesis effects of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody, and improved the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutics in NSCLC cells. The researchers concluded that the combination of lumbrokinase with bevacizumab or chemotherapeutics could be a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Veracruzana in Xalapa, Mexico, explores the potential long-term effects of paracetamol (commonly known as acetaminophen) on the developing sexual brain. While paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy, there is a lack of well-controlled clinical studies on its safety for both the mother and fetus. The study suggests that paracetamol may act as a neuroendocrine disruptor, potentially affecting the organization of the brain and sexual partner preference. The researchers caution healthcare professionals about the potential disorganizing effects of paracetamol on the developing sexual brain. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Pakistan has found that arsenic, a toxic substance found in the environment, can negatively impact the heart. However, the researchers discovered that a natural flavone called Pachypodol (PCHP) has potential therapeutic properties that can mitigate the damage caused by arsenic. The study involved rats that were divided into different groups and assessed for various markers of cardiac injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The results showed that PCHP supplementation was able to alleviate the impairments caused by arsenic exposure, suggesting that it could be a promising treatment for arsenic-induced cardiac damage. [Extracted from the article]

A researcher from Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan has published new data on tumor necrosis factors (TNF-a) and their role in gastric inflammation-related disorders. The study examined the effects of Lonicera japonica Thunb. ethanol extract (Lj-EtOH) on gastric inflammation induced by TNF-a in human gastric mucosa epithelial cells. The results showed that Lj-EtOH exhibited significant inhibitory effects on inflammatory proteins and provided protection against TNF-a-induced gastric inflammation. This research suggests that Lj-EtOH may represent a novel treatment for managing gastric inflammation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) in Pakistan aimed to investigate the association between a specific genetic variation and aspirin resistance in patients with heart disease. The study involved 384 patients with ischemic heart disease who had been taking aspirin for at least seven days. The researchers found that 14% of the patients were aspirin resistant, while 86% were aspirin responders. However, the study did not find a significant association between the genetic variation and aspirin resistance in the Pakistani population. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic factors that may influence the effectiveness of aspirin therapy in heart disease patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the Birla Institute of Technology in Jharkhand, India, focused on the development of selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors. These inhibitors are used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation, but many currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have adverse side effects. The researchers synthesized and evaluated four derivatives of 5,6-dimethylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3h)-one, with compound 5 showing the most promising results in terms of inhibition and selectivity towards COX-2. The study concluded that compound 8 could be further optimized to develop novel selective COX-2 inhibitors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Abbes Laghrour University in Algeria have conducted a preliminary investigation into the antioxidant properties of Astragalus arpilobus subsp. hauarensis extract (AAH). The study found that the extract contained high levels of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, which contribute to its antioxidant activity. The extract also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and cytotoxic effects. Molecular docking studies suggested that chrysin, a compound found in the extract, could be a promising COX-2 inhibitor. Further research is needed to understand the therapeutic mechanisms and clinical implications of these natural compounds. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at East China University of Science and Technology explores the use of bacteria for cancer therapy. The researchers developed a system that encapsulates a specific COX-2 inhibitor in liposomes anchored to the surface of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (ECN) to suppress COX-2 up-regulation and enhance the antitumor effect of doxorubicin (DOX). The system also induced local T lymphocyte infiltration to improve immunotherapy efficacy. The results suggest that this system has the potential to enhance the synergistic effect of ECN with chemical drugs to inhibit tumor progression in medical oncology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine in Taiyuan, China, has found that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of Artemisia annua, has anti-inflammatory properties. The study focused on the role of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in liver homeostasis and investigated the effects of DHA on lipid metabolism and liver inflammation. The researchers found that hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout led to increased levels of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and leukotrienes (LT), along with inflammatory cytokine infiltration. However, DHA mitigated these effects by down-regulating the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in the liver. The study concluded that DHA modulated AA metabolism and reduced liver inflammation by inhibiting the activation of COX-2 and 5-LOX. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Qingdao University in Shandong, China, explored the anti-inflammatory effects of Oroxylin A in periodontitis. The researchers found that Oroxylin A decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in rat gingival fibroblasts (RGFs) that were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The study also revealed that Oroxylin A had a good inhibitory effect on periodontitis in rats. These findings suggest that Oroxylin A may be a potential treatment option for periodontal disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Central University Punjab in Bathinda, India discusses the role of inflammation in various disorders such as heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers focus on cyclooxygenases (COXs), enzymes that play a significant role in inflammation. They highlight the potential of fused-thienopyrimidines as a scaffold for developing anti-inflammatory drugs and provide detailed information on their design and synthetic strategies. The goal of this review is to provide valuable knowledge for chemists working in the anti-inflammatory field and aid in the development of novel COX-2 inhibitors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Egyptian Russian University discusses new findings on COX-2 inhibitors, which are drugs used to treat inflammation. The researchers synthesized novel anti-inflammatory compounds using established pharmaceutical agents like fenamates and ibuprofen. These compounds showed potent pharmacological activity and significant anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and in vivo testing. The researchers concluded that these compounds have therapeutic potential and a favorable safety profile, warranting further exploration in pharmaceutical research. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Wuhan University in China have conducted a study on the treatment of severe radiation proctitis, which is a common complication of pelvic tumor malignancies. The study involved four patients who were treated with high-dosage vitamin C in combination with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in symptoms such as diarrhea, hematochezia, tenesmus, and pain, as well as improvements in rectal wall edema. The researchers concluded that this treatment approach is safe and effective. Further information on the study can be obtained from the Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology at Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research findings on breast cancer, focusing on the role of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in cancer progression. The study highlights the importance of understanding the spatial distribution of NO and RNS in deciphering their roles in biological processes. The researchers found that increased expression of NOS2, a gene involved in NO production, is associated with poor survival in breast cancer. Additionally, NOS2 can interact with the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to promote cancer progression. The study suggests that targeting NOS2 and COX-2 could be a potential strategy for developing therapies to prevent or treat aggressive breast cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Instituto Politecnico Nacional explored the anti-inflammatory properties of daidzein (DZ) and equol (EQ), compounds found in soy foods. The researchers investigated the effects of DZ and EQ on LPS-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages and found that they inhibited inflammatory responses by down-regulating the generation of NO and PGE2, as well as inhibiting the canonical inflammasome pathway. The study suggests that DZ and EQ may have potential as anti-inflammatory agents. Further information on this research can be found in the journal article "Daidzein and Equol: Ex Vivo and In Silico Approaches Targeting COX-2, iNOS, and the Canonical Inflammasome Signaling Pathway." [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Uttar Pradesh, India, explores the design of new cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors using an in-silico approach. The study aims to address the need for current medications in various therapeutic domains, including cancer prevention and Alzheimer's disease treatment. The researchers evaluated a series of 70 potential anti-inflammatory compounds and identified 12 highly promising molecules that interact with the COX-2 receptor. The study suggests that these molecules could be potential candidates for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Taipei Medical University have conducted a study on osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disorder characterized by cartilage degradation and chronic inflammation. The study focused on the efficacy of an oligo-fucoidan-based formula (FF) in mitigating OA progression. The formula was found to alleviate joint bearing function and inflammation, improve cartilage integrity, and modulate the p38 signaling pathway. The researchers suggest that further clinical investigations are needed to validate these findings and explore the potential of the formula for human OA patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Cathay General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, explored the role of transforming growth factor b3 (TGFb3) in the generation of thromboxane (TX) in human ovarian follicular granulosa cells (GCs). The researchers found that TGFb3 levels differed significantly in the follicular fluid (FF) of large and small follicles, and were positively associated with oocyte maturation. TGFb3 was found to induce TX generation and secretion, as well as the expression of the enzyme COX-2, through specific signaling pathways. These findings suggest that TGFb3 may play a role in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, People's Republic of China, has found that liquiritin, a compound found in licorice root, may have beneficial effects on acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or heart attack. The study used network pharmacology and experimental validation to investigate the mechanism of liquiritin in preventing and treating AMI. The results showed that liquiritin improved cardiac function, reduced pathological changes, and decreased levels of cardiac enzymes. The study concluded that liquiritin's effect on AMI may be related to inhibiting the COX-2/NLRP3 signaling pathway. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Qassim University in Saudi Arabia discusses the design and evaluation of novel compounds for potential inhibition of three enzymes: Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The compounds were systematically evaluated using target fishing and molecular docking techniques, and their binding affinities were found to be comparable or higher than the co-crystallized ligands. However, further investigation revealed that only five compounds had drug-like characteristics but lacked blood-brain barrier permeation ability. Among these, compound 1H showed superior binding affinity and interactions with vital residues, making it a promising candidate for the development of multi-targeted drugs to address diabetes mellitus-related dementia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Hebei University of Technology in Tianjin, China, has explored the use of a carrier-free metal-phenolic network for enhanced ferroptosis-immunotherapy in cancer treatment. The researchers focused on overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR), which often leads to treatment failure and tumor recurrence. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and promoting ferroptosis, the researchers found that they could suppress the expression of p-glycoprotein and enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment. The nanosystem developed in this study also demonstrated excellent photothermal performance and triggered strong immune responses against tumor metastasis. This research provides a promising strategy for more efficient cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]