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Aging is generally regarded as an irreversible process, and its intricate relationship with the immune system has garnered significant attention due to its profound implications for the health and well-being of the aging population. As people age, a multitude of alterations occur within the immune system, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. In the realm of innate immunity, aging brings about changes in the number and function of various immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. Additionally, certain immune pathways, like the cGAS-STING, become activated. These alterations can potentially result in telomere damage, the disruption of cytokine signaling, and impaired recognition of pathogens. The adaptive immune system, too, undergoes a myriad of changes as age advances. These include shifts in the number, frequency, subtype, and function of T cells and B cells. Furthermore, the human gut microbiota undergoes dynamic changes as a part of the aging process. Notably, the interplay between immune changes and gut microbiota highlights the gut's role in modulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. The gut microbiota of centenarians exhibits characteristics akin to those found in young individuals, setting it apart from the microbiota observed in typical elderly individuals. This review delves into the current understanding of how aging impacts the immune system and suggests potential strategies for reversing aging through interventions in immune factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging encompasses a wide array of detrimental effects that compromise physiological functions, elevate the risk of chronic diseases, and impair cognitive abilities. However, the precise underlying mechanisms, particularly the involvement of specific molecular regulatory proteins in the aging process, remain insufficiently understood. Emerging evidence indicates that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) serves as a potential regulator within the intricate molecular clock governing aging-related processes. JNK demonstrates the ability to diminish telomerase reverse transcriptase activity, elevate β-galactosidase activity, and induce telomere shortening, thereby contributing to immune system aging. Moreover, the circadian rhythm protein is implicated in JNK-mediated aging. Through this comprehensive review, we meticulously elucidate the intricate regulatory mechanisms orchestrated by JNK signaling in aging processes, offering unprecedented molecular insights with significant implications and highlighting potential therapeutic targets. We also explore the translational impact of targeting JNK signaling for interventions aimed at extending healthspan and promoting longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooper(ii) complexes represent a promising group of compounds with antimicrobial and antifungal properties. In the present work, a series of Cu(ii) complexes containing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tolfenamic acid, mefenamic acid and flufenamic acid as their redox-cycling functionalities, and 1,10-phenanthroline as an intercalating component, has been studied. The antibacterial activities of all three complexes, [Cu(tolf-O,O′)2(phen)] (1), [Cu(mef-O,O′)2(phen)] (2) and [Cu(fluf-O,O′)2(phen)] (3), were tested against the prokaryotic model organisms Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and their antifungal activities were evaluated towards the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae). The antibacterial activity of both strains has been compared with the antibiotic Neomycin. The calculated IC50 values revealed slight differences in the antibacterial activities of the complexes in the order 1 ∼ 3 > 2. The most profound growth inhibition of E. coli was observed, at its highest concentration, for the complex 1, which contains chlorine atoms in the ligand environment. The trend obtained from IC50 values is generally in agreement with the determined MIC values. Similarly, the complex 1 showed the greatest growth inhibition of the yeast S. cerevisiae and the overall antifungal activities of the Cu(ii) complexes were found to follow the order 1 > 3 ≫ 2. However, for complex 2, even at the highest concentration tested (150 μM), a 50% decrease in yeast growth was not achieved. It appears that the most potent antimicrobial and antifungal Cu(ii) complexes are those containing halogenated NSAIDs. The mechanisms by which Cu(ii) complexes cause antibacterial and antifungal activities can be understood on the basis of redox-cycling reactions between cupric and cuprous species which lead to the formation of free radicals. The higher efficacy of the Cu(ii) complexes against bacterial cells may be due to an absence of membrane-protected nuclear DNA, meaning that on entering a cell, they can interact directly with its DNA. Contrastingly, for the complexes to interact with the DNA in yeast cells, they must first penetrate through the nuclear membrane.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinases (PIKK) are two structurally related families of kinases that play vital roles in cell growth and DNA damage repair. Dysfunction of PIKK members and aberrant stimulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway are linked to a plethora of diseases including cancer. In recent decades, numerous inhibitors related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling have made great strides in cancer treatment, like copanlisib and sirolimus. Notably, most of the PIKK inhibitors (such as VX-970 and M3814) related to DNA damage response have also shown good efficacy in clinical trials. However, these drugs still require a suitable combination therapy to overcome drug resistance or improve antitumor activity. Based on the aforementioned facts, we summarised the efficacy of PIKK, PI3K, and AKT inhibitors in the therapy of human malignancies and the resistance mechanisms of targeted therapy, in order to provide deeper insights into cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive, malignant, and therapy-resistant tumor of the brain. Blockade therapy targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand (PD-L1) axis is currently under investigation for the clinical management of the GBM. This study has quantified the plasma levels of PD-L1 as a biomarker for the clinical management of GBM. Methods: A cohort (n = 128) of Pakistani adult glioblastoma patients together with age- and sex-matched healthy controls was used for quantification of pre-surgery levels of plasma PD-L1. PD-L1 protein and mRNA were measured by PD-L1 platinum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compute area under the curve (AUC) for specificity and sensitivity analyses. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to compute overall survival. Results: PD-L1 protein and mRNA were significantly higher in GBM compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Mean PD-L1 concentration for the GBM was found to be 48.98 ± 2.290 pg/ml compared to 27.63 ± 1.281 pg/ml for controls. Gene expression analysis showed statistically significant upregulation (p < 0.0001) of PD-L1 in blood of GBM compared to healthy controls. Plasma PDL1 showed an AUC of 0.840 (p < 0.0001; 95% CI = 0.7716 to 0.9090) where a cutoff value higher than 46 pg/ml demonstrated 100% specificity and 57.81% sensitivity. Higher pre-surgery levels of PD-L1 were found to be associated with overall poor survival [p < 0.0001; HR (log-rank) = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.15]. Age, gender, and ethnic background were not found to be associated with plasma PD-L1 levels. Conclusion: The study concludes that blood-based measurements of PD-L1 in GBM can be a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target besides a rapid and relatively non-invasive screening tool for routine clinical management. Future work extending the analysis to larger cohorts through multi-center collaborations involving pre-treatment and post-treatment groups is required to fully explore the usefulness of circulating PD-L1 for effective clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclam derivatives and their metal complexes have been found to exhibit an anti‐HIV effect and stimulate the activity of stem cells from bone marrow. The strength of their binding to the CXCR4 receptor correlates with anti‐HIV and stem‐cell activities. Knowledge of the conformation and crystal packing of various macrocyclic metal complexes has become important in developing new effective anti‐HIV drugs. The synthesis and preparation of single crystals of a new Cu2+‐doped macrocyclic compound, (3,14‐diethyl‐2,6,13,17‐tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.07,12]docosane)copper(II) bis(perchlorate)–3,14‐diethyl‐2,13‐diaza‐6,17‐diazoniatricyclo[16.4.0.07,12]docosane bis(perchlorate) (0.69/0.31), {[Cu(C22H44N4)](ClO4)2}0.69·(C22H46N42+·2ClO4−)0.31, is reported. Characterization by X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the asymmetric unit contains half of a centrosymmetric molecule. The macrocyclic ligand in the compound adopts the most stable trans‐III conformation. The Cu—N distances of 2.015 (3) and 2.047 (3) Å are normal, but the long axial Cu—O bond of 2.795 (3) Å may be due to a combination of the Jahn–Teller effect and the strong in‐plane ligand field. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonding between secondary N—H groups, the N atoms of the macrocycle and the O atoms of the perchlorate anions. Hirshfeld surface analysis with 2D (two‐dimensional) fingerprint plots indicates that the main contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (58.0%) and H...O/O...H (41.9%) interactions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic field effect is considered on the solid-melt phase transformations. Using thermodynamic method it has been shown that an external magnetic field may observably influence the parameters of the equilibrium solid-melt phase transformations.

This study aimed to synthesize quinolinone derivatives and investigate their cytotoxic activity. The compound 1-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid (2-oxo-1H-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid) was obtained via the cyclocondensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with diethyl malonate in base catalyst to give ethyl coumarin-3-carboxylate, followed by the ammonolysis of ester (ethyl coumarin-3-carboxylate) with ammonia in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. Treatment of 2-oxo-1H-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid with acetic anhydride, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and methyl 5-phenyl-2-cyano-2,4-pentadienoate under different conditions led to the formation of 1 (substituted) aza coumarin-3-carboxylic acids (1-N-(acetyl)-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid, 1-N-(2-Formyl-1-phenyl) vinyl-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acids, 1-N-[2-(Hydroxy) carbonyl-1-(Phenyl) vinyl]-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid and 1-N-(4-Cyano-5-methoxy-5-oxo-1-Phenylpenta-1,3-diene-1-y)-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic 284 acid), respectively. The structures of synthesized 1-(substituted) azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acids were confirmed based on spectroscopic methods (IR and NMR), along with elemental analyses. Interestingly compound 6 demonstrated probable impacts as an anti-cancer drug against the MCF-7 cell line. The mechanism of action was assessed using a flow cytometric assay. The outcomes revealed that compound 6 could arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase and pre-G1 apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to produce new 1-[(aryl)(3-amino-5-oxopyrazolidin-4-ylidene) methyl]-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives and check their anticancer effect against the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line. The 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4) compound was obtained by hydrolyzing ethyl 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylate (2) with thiourea and anhydrous potassium carbonate ethanol, which was then treated with ethyl 3-substituted 2-cyanoacrylates (6) in the presence of triethylamine in diethyl formamide to give 1-[2-(ethoxy)carbonyl-2-cyano-1-arylvinyl]-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic (7a,d). Cyclization of compound 7 with hydrazine hydrate ethanol inferred the association of 1-[(aryl)(3 amino-5-oxopyrazolidin-4-ylidene)methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinol-3-carboxylates (8a,d). Spectroscopic and micro-analytical techniques such as IR, NMR, and elemental analysis were used to validate the structure of the synthesized organic compounds. The anticancer effects of the synthesized compounds 7a–d and 8a–d were tested by using the MTT assay on the MCF-7 cell line. When compared to the reference compound Dox, the compounds 7b,c and 8a–c demonstrated strong anticancer activity against the MCF-7 cell line. The anticancer effects of the synthesized compounds 7a–d and 8a–d were tested against the MCF-7 cell line, using MTT assay. The compounds 7b,c and 8a–c showed significant anticancer activity compared to the reference compound Dox against the MCF-7 cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids display a broad range of structures and are responsible for the major organoleptic characteristics of plant-derived foods and beverages. Recent data showed their activity, and in particular of luteolin-7-O-glucoside (LUT-7G), in reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms in different physiological systems. In this paper, we tried to elucidate how LUT-7G could exert both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in endothelial cells cultured in vitro. Here, we showed that LUT-7G is able to inhibit the STAT3 pathway, to have an antiproliferative action, and an important antioxidant property in HUVEC cells. These properties are exerted by the flavone in endothelial through the transcriptional repression of a number of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors, and by the inhibition of ROS generation. ROS and STAT3 activation has been correlated with the production of oxysterols and other hydroxylated fatty acids, and they have been recognized important as players of atherogenesis and cardiocirculatory system diseases. The analysis of the general production pathway of these hydroxylated species, showed a strong decrease of cholesterol hydroxylated species such as 7-alpha-hydroxicholesterol, 7-beta-hydroxicholesterol by the treatment with LUT-7G. This confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of LUT-7G also in the endothelial district, showing for the first time the molecular pathway that verify previous postulated cardiovascular benefits of this flavone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was identified as the main host cell receptor for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its subsequent infection. In some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it has been reported that the nervous tissues and the eyes were also affected. However, evidence supporting that the retina is a target tissue for SARS-CoV-2 infection is still lacking. This present study aimed to investigate whether ACE2 expression plays a role in human retinal neurons during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal organoids and monolayer cultures derived from dissociated retinal organoids were generated. To validate the potential entry of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the retina, we showed that hiPSC-derived retinal organoids and monolayer cultures endogenously express ACE2 and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) on the mRNA level. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the protein expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in retinal organoids and monolayer cultures. Furthermore, using the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus spike protein with GFP expression system, we found that retinal organoids and monolayer cultures can potentially be infected by the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Collectively, our findings highlighted the potential of iPSC-derived retinal organoids as the models for ACE2 receptor-based SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disorder with unknown etiology. Currently, only symptomatic therapy of AD is available, comprising cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Drugs targeting only one pathological condition have generated only limited efficacy. Thus, combining two or more therapeutic interventions into one molecule is believed to provide higher benefit for the treatment of AD. In the presented study, we designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated 15 novel fluoren-9-amine derivatives. The in silico prediction suggested both the oral availability and permeation through the blood–brain barrier (BBB). An initial assessment of the biological profile included determination of the cholinesterase inhibition and NMDA receptor antagonism at the GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B subunits, along with a low cytotoxicity profile in the CHO-K1 cell line. Interestingly, compounds revealed a selective butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition pattern with antagonistic activity on the NMDARs. Their interaction with butyrylcholinesterase was elucidated by studying enzyme kinetics for compound 3c in tandem with the in silico docking simulation. The docking study showed the interaction of the tricyclic core of new derivatives with Trp82 within the anionic site of the enzyme in a similar way as the template drug tacrine. From the kinetic analysis, it is apparent that 3c is a competitive inhibitor of BChE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study on title compound (I) consisting of isolated tetranuclear clusters, 3 copper (Cu) atoms to find new functional materials as catalysts or single-molecule magnets. Researchers dissolved title compound (I) in methanol then treated the mixture with 2-pyridylmethanol and gained crystals for analysis. Result showed the tetragonal-bipyramidal coordination environment of the Cu2 atom while Cu3 cation has tetragonal-pyramidal geometry coordination.

Aging is generally regarded as an irreversible process, and its intricate relationship with the immune system has garnered significant attention due to its profound implications for the health and well-being of the aging population. As people age, a multitude of alterations occur within the immune system, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. In the realm of innate immunity, aging brings about changes in the number and function of various immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. Additionally, certain immune pathways, like the cGAS-STING, become activated. These alterations can potentially result in telomere damage, the disruption of cytokine signaling, and impaired recognition of pathogens. The adaptive immune system, too, undergoes a myriad of changes as age advances. These include shifts in the number, frequency, subtype, and function of T cells and B cells. Furthermore, the human gut microbiota undergoes dynamic changes as a part of the aging process. Notably, the interplay between immune changes and gut microbiota highlights the gut's role in modulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. The gut microbiota of centenarians exhibits characteristics akin to those found in young individuals, setting it apart from the microbiota observed in typical elderly individuals. This review delves into the current understanding of how aging impacts the immune system and suggests potential strategies for reversing aging through interventions in immune factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Gao, Nepovimova, Adam, Heger, Valko, Wu and Kuca.)

Aging encompasses a wide array of detrimental effects that compromise physiological functions, elevate the risk of chronic diseases, and impair cognitive abilities. However, the precise underlying mechanisms, particularly the involvement of specific molecular regulatory proteins in the aging process, remain insufficiently understood. Emerging evidence indicates that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) serves as a potential regulator within the intricate molecular clock governing aging-related processes. JNK demonstrates the ability to diminish telomerase reverse transcriptase activity, elevate β-galactosidase activity, and induce telomere shortening, thereby contributing to immune system aging. Moreover, the circadian rhythm protein is implicated in JNK-mediated aging. Through this comprehensive review, we meticulously elucidate the intricate regulatory mechanisms orchestrated by JNK signaling in aging processes, offering unprecedented molecular insights with significant implications and highlighting potential therapeutic targets. We also explore the translational impact of targeting JNK signaling for interventions aimed at extending healthspan and promoting longevity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li, You, Nepovimova, Adam, Heger, Jomova, Valko, Wu and Kuca.)

Cyclam derivatives and their metal complexes have been found to exhibit an anti-HIV effect and stimulate the activity of stem cells from bone marrow. The strength of their binding to the CXCR4 receptor correlates with anti-HIV and stem-cell activities. Knowledge of the conformation and crystal packing of various macrocyclic metal complexes has become important in developing new effective anti-HIV drugs. The synthesis and preparation of single crystals of a new Cu 2+ -doped macrocyclic compound, (3,14-diethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.0 7,12 ]docosane)copper(II) bis(perchlorate)-3,14-diethyl-2,13-diaza-6,17-diazoniatricyclo[16.4.0.0 7,12 ]docosane bis(perchlorate) (0.69/0.31), {[Cu(C 22 H 44 N 4 )](ClO 4 ) 2 } 0.69 ·(C 22 H 46 N 4 2+ ·2ClO 4 - ) 0.31 , is reported. Characterization by X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the asymmetric unit contains half of a centrosymmetric molecule. The macrocyclic ligand in the compound adopts the most stable trans-III conformation. The Cu-N distances of 2.015 (3) and 2.047 (3) Å are normal, but the long axial Cu-O bond of 2.795 (3) Å may be due to a combination of the Jahn-Teller effect and the strong in-plane ligand field. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonding between secondary N-H groups, the N atoms of the macrocycle and the O atoms of the perchlorate anions. Hirshfeld surface analysis with 2D (two-dimensional) fingerprint plots indicates that the main contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (58.0%) and H...O/O...H (41.9%) interactions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties are also described.

The title compound, [Cu(4)(C(7)H(4)ClO(2))(4)(C(6)H(6)NO)(4)], consists of isolated tetranuclear clusters, where the Cu(2+) cations are five- and sixfold coordinated by O atoms from the 4-chlorobenzoate anions and by pyridine N and methanolate O atoms from bidentate 2-pyridylmethanolate ligands. While three Cu atoms are six-coordinated by an NO(5) donor set forming distorted octahedra, the fourth Cu atom is five-coordinated by an NO(4) donor set forming a distorted tetragonal-pyramidal coordination around the Cu atom. The nucleus is a deformed cubane-like Cu(4)O(4) structure, with Cu···Cu distances in the range 3.0266 (11)-3.5144 (13) Å.