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Drug-resistant infectious diseases pose a substantial challenge and threat to medical regimens. While adaptive laboratory evolution provides foresight for encountering such situations, it has inherent limitations. Novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) have garnered attention for overcoming these hurdles. Multi-stimuli responsive DDSs are particularly effective due to their reduced background leakage and targeted drug delivery to specific host sites for pathogen elimination. Bacterial infections create an acidic state in the microenvironment (pH: 5.0–5.5), which differs from normal physiological conditions (pH: 7.4). Infected areas are characterized by the overexpression of hyaluronidase, gelatinase, phospholipase, and other virulence factors. Consequently, several effective stimuli-responsive DDSs have been developed to target bacterial pathogens. Additionally, biofilms, structured communities of bacteria encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, pose a significant challenge by conferring resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments. Recent advancements in nano-drug delivery systems (nDDSs) show promise in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy by improving drug absorption and targeting within the biofilm matrix. nDDSs can deliver antimicrobials directly to the biofilm, facilitating more effective eradication of these resilient bacterial communities. Herein, this review examines challenges in DDS development, focusing on enhancing antibacterial activity and eradicating biofilms without adverse effects. Furthermore, advances in immune system modulation and photothermal therapy are discussed as future directions for the treatment of bacterial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOne new bithiophene derivative, 5-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-5′-(methoxymethyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (1), along with twelve known compounds, senecioester (2), tiglinsaureester (3), 5-acetoxymethyl-2′-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-2,5′-bithiophene (4), 5-(4-isovaleroyloxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (5), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5′:2′,5′′)-terthienyl tiglate (6), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5′:2′,5′′)-terthienyl agelate (7), 5- hydroxymethyl-2,5′:2′,5′′-terthiophene dimethylacrylate (8), 5-methoxymethyl-2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene (9), α-terthiophene (10), 1,3,8,9-tetrahydroxycoumestan 3-sulfate (11), demethylwedelolactone (12), and wedelolactone (13) were isolated from the methanol extract of aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. All isolated compounds were evaluated for the protective ability on the HepG2 cells. At the concentration of 100 μM, compounds 11-13 showed the highest hepatoprotective effects, with HepG2 cell viability ranging from 38.68% to 48.54%. Bithiophenes showed higher hepatoprotective cell viability than terthiophenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence can promote hyperplastic pathologies, such as cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men. The p21-mediate cellular senescence, facilitated through the tumor suppressor p53-dependent pathway, is considered the primary mechanism for cancer treatment. Aloe-emodin, has been reported to exert anticancer effects in various types of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of aloe-emodin in LNCaP cells via the activation of p21-mediated cellular senescence. Aloe-emodin treatment increased the percentage of cells in the G1 phase while decreasing the percentage in the S phase. This effect was reflected in the expression levels of proteins associated with cell cycle progression, such as p21CIP, retinoblastoma protein, and cyclin-dependent kinase2/4 in LNCaP cells. However, aloe-emodin-treated LNCaP cells did not induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M checkpoint. Moreover, increased senescence-associated-galactosidase activity was observed in a dose-dependent manner following treatment with aloe-emodin. Aloe-emodin also induced DNA damage by modulating the expression of histone H2AX and lamin B1. Furthermore, aloe-emodin inhibited the proliferation of LNCaP cells, contrasting with the exponential growth observed in the nontreated cells. Importantly, this inhibition did not impact the immune system, as evidenced by the increased proliferation of splenocytes isolated from mice. These findings provide preliminary evidence of the anticancer effect of aloe-emodin in LNCaP cells, necessitating further investigations into the underlying mechanisms in vivo and human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Hormone therapies for prostate cancer target androgen receptors and prostate-specific antigen markers. However, treatment options for prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma are limited. NSCLC, on the other hand, is primarily treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors but exhibits resistance. This study explored a novel therapeutic approach by investigating the potential anticancer properties of vitekwangin B, a natural compound derived from Vitex trifolia. Methods: Vitekwangin B was chromatographically isolated from the fruits of V. trifolia. ANO1 protein levels in prostate cancer and NSCLC cells were verified and evaluated again after vitekwangin B treatment. Results: Vitekwangin B did not inhibit anoctamin1 (ANO1) channel function but significantly reduced ANO1 protein levels. These results demonstrate that vitekwangin B effectively inhibited cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer and NSCLC cells. Moreover, it exhibited minimal toxicity to liver cells and did not affect hERG channel activity, making it a promising candidate for further development as an anticancer drug. Conclusion: Vitekwangin B may offer a new direction for cancer therapy by targeting ANO1 protein, potentially improving treatment outcomes in patients with prostate cancer and NSCLC. Further research is needed to explore its full potential and overcome existing drug resistance challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using combined chromatographic methods, two new triterpenoid glycosides, bacopasaponin K (1) and bacopasaponin L (2), along with eight known compounds, bacopaside IV (3), bacopaside VII (4), bacopasaponin E (5), bacoside A3 (6), bacopasaponin F (7), bacopasaponin C (8), bacopaside I (9), and bacopaside II (10) were isolated from the methanol extract of the Bacopa monnieri. Their structures were elucidated by 1D-, 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS and comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature. All these compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Compounds 4, 6, 8, and 10 exhibited potential cytotoxic effects against human lung cancer cells (PC9) and human colon cancer cells (SW620). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart self-healing coatings offer a revolutionary approach to mitigating metal corrosion, a problem with significant economic and environmental impacts. Divided into intrinsic and extrinsic types, these coatings autonomously rectify the damage. Intrinsic variants utilize reversible bonds to achieve ongoing repair, while extrinsic ones incorporate micro/nanocontainers that activate upon environmental triggers to mend micro-cracks, their efficacy dictated by the encapsulated healing agents' volume. This review dissects the rapidly evolving sector of stimuli-responsive self-healing coatings, emphasizing the progress in micro/nano container technology. It discusses the synthesis and encapsulation processes of different micro/nanocontainers and charts the transition from single to multistimulus-responsive systems, which enhances the coatings' sensitivity and functionality. The addition of multifunctional traits such as self-reporting and anti-microbial actions further broadens their industrial applicability. The review provides a succinct overview of the field's current state and future potential, envisioning a paradigm shift in corrosion protection through advanced smart coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Catalpa bignonioides fruit extract on the promotion of muscle growth and muscular capacity in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell proliferation was assessed using a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay kit. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expressions of related factors. The effects of Catalpa bignonioides extract were investigated in mice using the treadmill exhaustion test and whole-limb grip strength assay. Chemical composition analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Catalpa bignonioides extract increased the proliferation of C2C12 mouse myoblasts by activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. It also induced metabolic changes, increasing the number of mitochondria and glucose metabolism by phosphorylating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. In an in vivo study, the extract-treated mice showed improved motor abilities, such as muscular endurance and grip strength. Additionally, HPLC analysis showed that vanillic acid may be the main component of the Catalpa bignonioides extract that enhanced muscle strength. Conclusions: Catalpa bignonioides improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles, suggesting its potential as an effective natural agent for improving muscular strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]