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The association of airborne particulate matter exposure with the deteriorating function of the cardiovascular system is fundamentally driven by the impairment of mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk orchestrated by aberrant redox signaling. The loss of delicate balance in retrograde communication from mitochondria to the nucleus often culminates in the methylation of the newly synthesized strand of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) through DNA methyl transferases. In highly metabolic active tissues such as the heart, mtDNA's methylation state alteration impacts mitochondrial bioenergetics. It affects transcriptional regulatory processes involved in biogenesis, fission, and fusion, often accompanied by the integrated stress response. Previous studies have demonstrated a paradoxical role of mtDNA methylation in cardiovascular pathologies linked to air pollution. A pronounced alteration in mtDNA methylation contributes to systemic inflammation, an etiological determinant for several co-morbidities, including vascular endothelial dysfunction and myocardial injury. In the current article, we evaluate the state of evidence and examine the considerable promise of using cell-free circulating methylated mtDNA as a predictive biomarker to reduce the more significant burden of ambient air pollution on cardiovascular diseases.

Recent progress in the field of nanophotonics has opened up novel avenues for developing nanomaterial-based biosensing systems, which can detect various disease-specific biomarkers, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) known to circulate in biological fluids. Herein, we designed and developed a nanophotonic approach for rapid and specific capture of lncRNAs using oligonucleotide-conjugated graphene quantum-dot-nanoconjugates. The method offers accurate identification of the target lncRNAs with high selectivity, despite the presence of other molecules in the given sample. The observations also pointed toward the high feasibility and simplicity of the method in the selective determination of lncRNAs. Overall, the approach has the potential of assessing lncRNA expression as a function of disease initiation and progression.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbonaceous nanodots that are natural crystalline semiconductors and range from 1 to 20 nm. The broad range of applications for GQDs is based on their unique physical and chemical properties. Compared to inorganic quantum dots, GQDs possess numerous advantages, including formidable biocompatibility, low intrinsic toxicity, excellent dispensability, hydrophilicity, and surface grating, thus making them promising materials for nanophotonic applications. Owing to their unique photonic compliant properties, such as superb solubility, robust chemical inertness, large specific surface area, superabundant surface conjugation sites, superior photostability, resistance to photobleaching, and nonblinking, GQDs have emerged as a novel class of probes for the detection of biomolecules and study of their molecular interactions. Here, we present a brief overview of GQDs, their advantages over quantum dots (QDs), various synthesis procedures, and different surface conjugation chemistries for detecting cell-free circulating nucleic acids (CNAs). With the prominent rise of liquid biopsy-based approaches for real-time detection of CNAs, GQDs-based strategies might be a step toward early diagnosis, prognosis, treatment monitoring, and outcome prediction of various non-communicable diseases, including cancers.

Mitochondria play a central role in maintaining cellular and metabolic homeostasis during vital development cycles of foetal growth. Optimal mitochondrial functions are important not only to sustain adequate energy production but also for regulated epigenetic programming. However, these organelles are subtle targets of environmental exposures, and any perturbance in the defined mitochondrial machinery during the developmental stage can lead to the re-programming of the foetal epigenetic landscape. As these modifications can be transferred to subsequent generations, we herein performed a cross-sectional study to have an in-depth understanding of this intricate phenomenon. The study was conducted with two arms: whereas the first group consisted of in utero pro-oxidant exposed individuals and the second group included controls. Our results showed higher levels of oxidative mtDNA damage and associated integrated stress response among the exposed individuals. These disturbances were found to be closely related to the observed discrepancies in mitochondrial biogenesis. The exposed group showed mtDNA hypermethylation and changes in allied mitochondrial functioning. Altered expression of mitomiRs and their respective target genes in the exposed group indicated the possibilities of a disturbed mitochondrial-nuclear cross talk. This was further confirmed by the modified activity of the mitochondrial stress regulators and pro-inflammatory mediators among the exposed group. Importantly, the disturbed DNMT functioning, hypermethylation of nuclear DNA, and higher degree of post-translational histone modifications established the existence of aberrant epigenetic modifications in the exposed individuals. Overall, our results demonstrate the first molecular insights of in utero pro-oxidant exposure associated changes in the mitochondrial-epigenetic axis. Although, our study might not cement an exposure-response relationship for any particular environmental pro-oxidant, but suffice to establish a dogma of mito-epigenetic reprogramming at intrauterine milieu with chronic illness, a hitherto unreported interaction.

A combination of herbal medication and pharma-therapies is usual practice to treat chronic kidney disease especially in Asian region. Because of limited treatment options for chronic kidney disease (CKD), the use of traditional herbal medication to alleviate the urogenital problems is the alternate therapeutic selection. Only few studies are available in supporting the usefulness of medicinal plants for CKD, though people are using it since very long. Many active ingredients of traditional medicinal plants are unidentified which eventually results into undetermined toxicities. Here, we made attempt to summarize the recent outcomes for the use of herbal medicine in treatment of CKD in human and in animal studies. About 51 studies were found to describe the utilization of herbal drugs in treatment of CKD in both human and laboratory animals, 19 studies described the clinical application of about 14 medicinal plants used against CKD in human and 32 studies demonstrated the beneficial use of 19 medicinal plants in animal models and in vitro studies for CKD treatment. To embody the therapeutic use of herbal medications in CKD, molecular studies need to execute to identify active components of medicinal herbs and their mechanism of action. A well-designed clinical trials and rigorous pharmacological studies are warranted for determination of the safety standards required for therapeutic agents of herbal medicines.

The complexity and variety of gut microbiomes within and among individuals have been extensively studied in recent years in connection to human health and diseases. Our growing understanding of the bidirectional communication between metabolic diseases and the gut microbiome has also highlighted the significance of gut microbiome dysbiosis in the genesis and development of obesity-related cancers. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the possible role of the gut microbiota in the crosstalk between obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC). Through the induction of gut microbial dysbiosis, gut epithelial barrier impairment, metabolomic dysregulation, chronic inflammation, or dysregulation in energy harvesting, obesity may promote the development of colorectal tumors. It is well known that strategies for cancer prevention and treatment are most effective when combined with a healthy diet, physical activity, and active lifestyle choices. Recent studies also suggest that an improved understanding of the complex linkages between the gut microbiome and various cancers as well as metabolic diseases can potentially improve cancer treatments and overall outcomes. In this context, we herein review and summarize the clinical and experimental evidence supporting the functional role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC concerning obesity and its metabolic correlates, which may pave the way for the development of novel prognostic tools for CRC prevention. Therapeutic approaches for restoring the microbiome homeostasis in conjunction with cancer treatments are also discussed herein.

Air pollution has emerged as a serious threat to human health due to close association with spectrum of chronic ailments including cardiovascular disorders, respiratory diseases, nervous system dysfunctions, diabetes and cancer. Exposure to air-borne pollutants along with poor eating behaviours and inferior dietary quality irreversibly impacts epigenomic landscape, leading to aberrant transcriptional control of gene expression which is central to patho-physiology of non-communicable diseases. It is assumed that nutriepigenomic interventions such as vitamins can control such adverse effects through their immediate action on mitochondrial epigenomic-axis. Importantly, the exhaustive clinical utility of vitamins-interceded epigenetic synchronization is not well characterized. Therefore, improving the current limitations linked to stability and bioavailability issues in vitamin formulations is highly warranted. The present review not only sums up the available data on the role of vitamins as potential epigenetic modifiers but also discusses the importance of nano-engineered vitamins as potential epidrugs for dietary and pharmacological intervention to mitigate the long-term effects of air pollution toxicity.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as one of the most promising platforms for various biosensing applications. These sensing systems encompass the advantages of specificity, ultra-high sensitivity, stability, low cost, repeatability, and easy-to-use methods. Moreover, their ability to offer a molecular fingerprint and identify the target analyte at low levels make SERS a promising technique for detecting circulating cancer biomarkers with greater sensitivity and reliability. Among the various circulating biomolecules, oncomiRs are emerging as prominent biomarkers for the early screening of breast cancers (BCs). In this review, we provide a comprehensive understanding of different SERS-based biosensors and their application to identify BC-specific oncomiRs. We also discuss different SERS-based sensing strategies, nano-analytical frameworks, and challenges to be addressed for effective clinical translation.

Multiple environmental health issues resulting from pollution and climate change threaten public health in India.The Government of India recognized the need for a permanent environmental health research institute; the Indian Council of Medical Research therefore established the National Institute for Research in Environmental Health in Bhopal in 2010. Scientists at the institute assessed the multiple long-term health effects of exposure to methyl isocyanate, and are now conducting research on a wide array of locally relevant environmental health issues.The Union Carbide India Limited pesticide factory in Bhopal was the site of a methyl isocyanate gas leak in 1984, which affected half a million people. The Indian Council of Medical Research set up a coordinating unit in the immediate aftermath, which was upgraded to the Bhopal Gas Disaster Research Centre in 1986 and then the Centre for Rehabilitation Studies in 1995.Scientists at the institute undertake environmental monitoring and health risk assessment studies among communities located near polluted areas, such as industrial areas. They are also assessing the training needs of practising physicians, with the aim of developing a curated curriculum to meet the deficiencies in environmental health education in the country.Environmental legislation was introduced in the wake of the disaster and a research institute in environmental health was established. Researchers at the institute have recognized the importance of engaging communities in environmental health research, as well as knowledge dissemination to relevant stakeholders.La pollution et le changement climatique comportent de nombreux risques pour la santé environnementale, mettant en péril la santé publique en Inde.Le gouvernement indien a admis qu'un centre de recherche permanent consacré à la santé environnementale était nécessaire. Le Conseil indien de la recherche médicale a donc créé le National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (institut national de recherche en santé environnementale) à Bhopal en 2010. Les scientifiques de l'institut ont évalué les multiples effets qu'entraîne l'exposition à l'isocyanate de méthyle sur la santé à long terme, et étudient maintenant un large éventail de problèmes de santé environnementale observés à l'échelle locale.L'usine de pesticides d'Union Carbide India Limited à Bhopal fut le théâtre en 1984 d'une fuite de gaz toxique, l'isocyanate de méthyle, qui a touché un demi-million de personnes. Immédiatement après, le Conseil indien de la recherche médicale a instauré une unité de coordination, devenue par après le Bhopal Gas Disaster Research Centre (centre de recherche sur la catastrophe chimique de Bhopal) en 1986 puis le Centre for Rehabilitation Studies (centre d'étude pour la réhabilitation) en 1995.Les scientifiques de l'institut assurent une surveillance environnementale et mènent des études d'évaluation des risques sanitaires dans les communautés résidant à proximité de zones polluées, par exemple des sites industriels. Ils déterminent en outre les besoins en formation des médecins praticiens, afin de développer un cursus capable de répondre aux lacunes qui subsistent en matière d'éducation à la santé environnementale dans le pays.La législation environnementale a été adoptée à la suite de la catastrophe et a débouché sur la création d'un institut de recherche en santé environnementale. Les chercheurs de l'institut ont reconnu l'importance d'inclure les communautés dans les recherches sur la santé environnementale, mais aussi de transmettre les connaissances aux acteurs concernés.Los diversos problemas de salud ambiental derivados de la contaminación y el cambio climático amenazan la salud pública en la India.El Gobierno de la India reconoció la necesidad de contar con un instituto permanente de investigación en salud ambiental; en consecuencia, el Consejo de Investigación Médica de la India creó el National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Ambiental) en Bhopal en 2010. Los científicos del instituto valoraron los múltiples efectos sanitarios a largo plazo de la exposición al isocianato de metilo, y ahora están investigando una gran variedad de problemas de salud ambiental de importancia local.La fábrica de plaguicidas Union Carbide India Limited de Bhopal fue el lugar donde se produjo una fuga de gas de isocianato de metilo en 1984, que afectó a medio millón de personas. El Consejo de Investigación Médica de la India creó una unidad de coordinación tras la fuga, que se convirtió en el Bhopal Gas Disaster Research Centre (Centro de Investigación de la Catástrofe por Gas de Bhopal) en 1986 y en el Centre for Rehabilitation Studies (Centro de Estudios para la Rehabilitación) en 1995.Los científicos del instituto realizan estudios de monitoreo ambiental y valoración de riesgos para la salud entre las comunidades ubicadas cerca de las áreas contaminadas, como las zonas industriales. También están valorando las necesidades de formación de los médicos en ejercicio, con el objetivo de elaborar un plan de estudios seleccionado para cubrir las deficiencias de la formación en salud ambiental en el país.La legislación ambiental se estableció como consecuencia de la catástrofe y se creó un instituto de investigación en salud ambiental. Los investigadores del instituto han reconocido la importancia de involucrar a las comunidades en la investigación de la salud ambiental, así como la difusión de conocimientos a las partes interesadas.هناك العديد من مشاكل الصحة البيئية الناتجة عن التلوث وتغير المناخ، والتي تهدد الصحة العامة في الهند.أدركت حكومة الهند الحاجة لوجود معهد دائم لأبحاث الصحة البيئية؛ ولذلك فقد أنشأ المجلس الهندي للأبحاث الطبية المعهد الوطني لأبحاث الصحة البيئية، في بوبال عام 2010. قيّمَ علماء المعهد الآثار الصحية المتعددة طويلة الأجل والناتجة عن التعرض لميثيل الأيزوسيانات، ويقومون الآن بإجراء أبحاث على مجموعة واسعة من القضايا المحلية ذات الصلة بالصحة البيئية.كان مصنع مبيدات الآفات التابع لشركة Union Carbide India Limited في بوبال، موقعًا لتسرب غاز ميثيل الأيزوسيانات في عام 1984، مما أثر على نصف مليون شخص. قام المجلس الهندي للأبحاث الطبية بإعداد وحدة للتنسيق بعد ذلك مباشرة، والتي تم تطويرها لتكون مركز بوبال لأبحاث كوارث الغاز في عام 1986، ثم إلى مركز دراسات إعادة التأهيل في عام 1995.يقوم العلماء في المعهد بإجراء دراسات للرصد البيئي، وتقييم المخاطر الصحية، بين المجتمعات الواقعة بالقرب من المناطق الملوثة مثل المساحات الصناعية. كما يقومون بتقييم الاحتياجات التدريبية للأطباء الممارسين، بهدف تطوير منهج منظم للتغلب على الثغرات في التعليم الصحي البيئي في الدولة.تم إدخال التشريعات البيئية في أعقاب الكارثة وإنشاء معهد لأبحاث الصحة البيئية. لقد أدرك الباحثون في المعهد أهمية إشراك المجتمعات في أبحاث الصحة البيئية، وكذلك نشر المعرفة لأصحاب المصلحة المعنيين.由污染和气候变化导致的多种环境卫生问题威胁着印度的公众健康。.印度政府意识到有必要设立永久性的环境卫生研究机构；因此，印度医学研究理事会于 2010 年在博帕尔设立了国家卫生研究所。研究所的科学人员评估了异氰酸甲酯暴露所带来的多种长期健康影响，目前正在对当地相关的环境卫生问题开展各项研究。.美国联合碳化物公司 (Union Carbide) 公司在印度博帕尔的化工厂于 1984 年发生异氰酸甲酯毒气泄漏事件，影响了 50 万人。印度医学研究理事会在事件发生后立即成立协调小组，该小组于 1986 年被升级为博帕尔毒气灾害研究中心，然后在 1995 年被升级为康复研究中心。.研究所的科学人员对污染区（如工厂）附近的社区开展了环境监测和健康风险评估。他们还评估了执业医生的培训需求，目的是精心制定培训课程来改善该国在环境卫生教育方面的不足。.灾难发生后出台了环境法规，并设立了环境卫生研究机构。机构中的研究人员意识到参与社区环境卫生研究工作以及向利益相关者宣导教育的重要性。.Загрязнение окружающей среды и изменения климата создают многочисленные проблемы в сфере здравоохранения Индии.Правительство Индии осознало потребность в создании постоянного института, занимающегося исследованиями в области экологической медицины; в соответствии с этим Индийский совет по медицинским исследованиям принял решение о создании в 2010 году Национального института исследований в области экологической медицины в Бхопале. Ученые этого института занимаются оценкой многочисленных долгосрочных эффектов воздействия метилизоцианата на здоровье и проводят исследования в широком спектре местнозначимых проблем в сфере экологической медицины.На заводе по производству пестицидов Union Carbide India Limited в Бхопале в 1984 году произошла утечка газообразного метилизоцианата, вследствие чего пострадали около полумиллиона человек. Индийский совет по медицинским исследованиям немедленно после катастрофы создал координационный блок, который со временем был преобразован в Центр исследований газовой катастрофы в Бхопале (1986 г.) и затем в Центр реабилитационных исследований в 1995 г.Ученые института предприняли мониторинг окружающей среды и провели исследования с оценкой рисков среди групп населения, проживающих вблизи промышленных зон. Они также оценили потребность в обучении практикующих врачей с целью разработки рекомендованного учебного плана для ликвидации пробелов в сфере образования по вопросам экологической медицины.Законодательство в области окружающей среды, которое было принято после катастрофы, привело к созданию института исследований в области экологической медицины. Исследователи из данного института признали важность привлечения местного населения к исследованиям в области экологической медицины, а также важность распространения знаний среди соответствующих партнеров.

Supplemental_Material for Mapping the Mitochondrial Regulation of Epigenetic Modifications in Association With Carcinogenic and Noncarcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure by Arpit Bhargava, Roshani Kumari, Surbhi Khare, Ruchita Shandilya, Pushpendra Kumar Gupta, Rajnarayan Tiwari, Akhlaqur Rahman, Koel Chaudhury, Irina Yu Goryacheva and Pradyumna Kumar Mishra in International Journal of Toxicology