Current Drug Metabolism - Volume 19, Issue 6, 2018

Background: The gut-brain axis is considered a neuroendocrine system, which connects the brain and gastrointestinal tract and plays an important role in stress response. The homeostasis of gut-brain axis is important for health conditions and its alterations are associated to neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Method: We selected recent papers analysing the association among alterations in the home Read More

Background: UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are a class of important phase II drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), playing essential roles in the homeostasis of endobiotics as well as the dispositional behavior of exogenous compounds. The expression and enzyme activity of UGTs are regulated by multiple dimensions of mechanisms and can be influenced by diverse factors. Thus, the intensive research of its regulatory Read More

Background: The proteomics approach is the new mantra in disease biomarker research in areas such as major depression (MD). Current protocols for investigating biomarkers in biological fluid often employ both immuno- based and non-immuno-based technologies. Method: The immuno-based method is used normally in measuring well-known disease biomarkers, and commercial kits are often available. Immuno-based methods Read More

Background: Tacrolimus (Tac, or FK506), a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), is the first-line immunosuppressant which consists of the footstone as immunosuppressive regimens in kidney transplantation. However, the drug toxicity and the significant differences of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) among individuals are hidden troubles for clinical application. Recently, emerging evidences of Tac pharmacog Read More

Background: Malignant tumors are the leading cause of death in humans. Due to the tedious efforts and investigations made in the field of marine drug discovery, there is now a scientific bridge between marine and pharmaceutical sciences. However, currently only few marine drugs have been lined towards anticancer direction yet many more to are be established in future as well. Method: This review gives an overview of pres Read More

Background: The popular drink, coffee (Coffea arabica) is under the great attention of late because of its promising pharmacological potential. Caffeine (the major constituent of coffee) is known for its prominent psychoactive impact. This review aims at highlighting the therapeutic potentials of caffeine and other five coffee components viz. caffeic acid, chlorogenic acids, cafestol, ferulic acid and kahweol and their Read More