Current Medicinal Chemistry - Online First

The molecular mechanisms and causes of primary sclerosis cholangitis (PSC) post-liver transplantation are still unclear. PSC is a progressive cholestatic hepatobiliary disease that happens in about 25% of patients post-liver transplantation and requires re-transplantation. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase or Nox) is a family of transmembrane proteins whose main function is produci Read More

In most advanced cancers, standard medical treatments are generally employed. With the emergence of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), more optimal therapeutic methods have become available for treating tumors. ADC is composed of a monoclonal antibody that targets a specific antigen and a cytotoxic payload, which conjugates via the synthetic linkers. Therefore, ADC combines the accurate targeting of monoclonal anti Read More

The melanoma incidence has been increasing over the past three decades, with a disproportionately high fraction of in situ tumors. The diagnosis of melanoma at its earliest stages can be challenging. The detectability of tumor melanocytes in the dermis is of key importance for distinguishing in situ from invasive melanomas. In this review, a total of 475 melanomas diagnosed as in situ tumors by hematoxylin and eosin staining Read More

Introduction This work provides preclinical in vitro studies of an innovative antimicrobial agent named pyridosept, belonging to the quaternary bis-ammonium salts and synthesized on the base of pyridoxine. Since the wide spread of pathogens with tolerance to both antibiotics and antiseptics challenges the development of new antimicrobials providing high efficiency against fungi and microorganisms with multiple resistance. Read More

Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common critical syndrome in the late development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment has become an essential branch in this field. Objective This study aimed to use bibliometric methods to examine the research trajectory of TCM treatment of MI from 2007 to 2024 from a multidimensional perspective and analyse its characteristics, Read More

Aims We aimed to develop Ferroptosis-Related Gene (FRG) signatures to predict overall survival (OS) along with disease-free survival (DFS) in individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC). Background Prediction of CRC prognosis is challenging. Ferroptosis constitutes a newly reported kind of cell death, and its association with CRC prognosis remains unexplored. Objective This research endeavored to establish a prognostic risk sig Read More

Recently, increasing attention has been directed toward nutraceuticals, natural substances extracted from plants, fruits, or cereals. These compounds are well-known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties, with the latter being the primary focus of this review. The use of nutraceuticals, both as standalone treatments and in combination with standard chemotherapy, has been exte Read More

Cyclin-dependent kinases that are responsible for cell cycle control, have been studied for over 30 years as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer and inflammation. In the past twenty years, their activities in various viral infections have been investigated in the search of novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of viral infections. The interest in evaluating the antiviral activity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhib Read More

Introduction G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-classical high-level structures that are formed by DNA/RNA sequences and have been a promising target for developing antitumor drugs. However, it is still a challenge to find a ligand that binds to a particular G4 with selectivity. Telomeric multimeric G4s are more accessible for screening for specific ligands due to their higher-order structure compared with telomeric mono Read More

Introduction/Objectives Escherichia coli strains are known to cause various gastrointestinal disorders, with Shiga toxin 2, a potent cytotoxin, being a key virulence factor contributing to disease severity. Targeting Shiga toxin 2 presents a promising approach for therapeutic intervention in controlling E. coli O157 infections. This study aims to explore natural and synthetic inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents against Shig Read More

Background Calix[n]arenes have attracted great attention due to their biocompatibility and superior stability. When the necessary functional groups are attached to these compounds, they may have the potential to target tumor tissues. Benzimidazoles are among the anticancer drugs discovered in recent years. Aim The aim of this study was to design and synthesise a series of calix[4]arenes-benzimidazoles. For comparison purpo Read More

Lipids play a variety of roles in living systems. They are a source of extremely high energy and a part of almost all signaling and biological processes. Despite the liver being the hub of lipid metabolism, lipid metabolism occurs across the human body. Any perturbation in the lipid metabolism or lipid storage systems can lead to diseases or disorders that can hamper the normal functioning of the human body. Lipids Read More

With the escalation of viral infections in recent decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic, viral infectious diseases have increasingly become a global concern, attracting significant attention. Among many viral epidemics, the dengue virus, an RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family, has been reported by the WHO as one of the most prevalent mosquito-borne diseases, infecting roughly 400 million people yearly and spreading Read More

Introduction Arjunolic acid, a well-known natural product with various medicinal properties, was isolated from the heartwood of Terminalia arjuna. Various amides of arjunolic acid were synthesized using different aryl and cyclic amines, characterized, and evaluated for their anti-cancer activities at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Method All the derivatives were active against all the cell lines of NCI compared to the parent mol Read More

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a common occurrence among athletes and individuals engaged in physical fitness activities. Muscle strains result from excessive or repetitive muscle tension, leading to tissue damage, inflammation, and pain. These strains can range from mild discomfort to severe damage, resulting in pain, inflammation, and reduced functionality. Effective management of muscle damage is cr Read More

Introduction Copine-3 (CPNE3) is a conservative calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein belonging to the copines protein family. CPNE3 has been implicated in the development and progression of several diseases, including cancer. Method Herein, we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which CPNE3 regulates the migration of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in vitro. Western blotting and immunohi Read More

Introduction Melanoma is one of the most dangerous and common types of cancer in humans. In order to minimize the toxicity and side effects of melanoma treatment, it is important to identify drug candidates that have strong anti-cancer activity and fewer side effects. Lobaric acid is a small molecule that has been found to have significant anti-cancer effects on various types of cancer cells. Methods The study aimed to invest Read More

Background This study investigates the potential effects of elemene injection on pancreatic cancer using network pharmacology and experimental validation. Methods GEO database were used to acquire genes which are differentially expressed between pancreatic cancer tissue and normal tissue. The vigorous energetic ingredients were identified in research and the object genes were obtained from BATMAN-TCM. The key t Read More

Background Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a cluster of conditions that significantly increase the risk of infertility in women. Granulosa cells are crucial for ovarian folliculogenesis and fertility. Understanding molecular alterations in these cells can provide insights into MS-associated infertility. Objective This study aimed to investigate Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) and Proteins (DEPs) in granulosa cells from female patie Read More

Targeted therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) appears to have great potential with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The advances in LNP-based techniques, such as liposomes, exosomes, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nano-cubosomes, and plant-derived LNPs (PDLNPs), are explored in detail in this thorough review. Every platform provides distinct advantages: liposomes enable precise drug release and impro Read More

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a crucial role in inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are commonly utilized to alleviate pain and address inflammation by blocking the production of PGE2 and cyclooxygenase (COX). However, selective inhibition of COX can easily lead to a series of risks for cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is imperative to discover safer and more efficient targets for reducing inflammation. Read More

Cancer is one of the most devastating illnesses in the world, impacting millions of individuals every year. Despite various therapies, the final effect is unsatisfactory. Chemotherapy currently dominates as the primary option of treatment. However, its severe adverse effects, limited efficacy, and resistance to drugs undermine its potential. Growing evidence suggests that ginsenoside Rg3, a natural compound obtained from the gi Read More

Introduction The effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatment methods is vital in cancer treatment. In this context, various targeted drug delivery systems are being developed to minimize or eliminate existing deficiencies and harms. This study aimed to model the interaction of MEN-based drug-targeting systems with cancer cells and determine the properties of interacting MENs. Methods Magnetoelectric Nanostructures (M Read More

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a crucial role in the regulation of cancer progression and have emerged as key targets for antitumor therapy. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACis) effectively suppress tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and cause cell cycle arrest, demonstrating broad-spectrum antitumor activity. This article primarily focuses on enhancing the selectivity of HDACis through structural modification u Read More

Gastrointestinal tumors, including colorectal and liver cancer, are among the most prevalent and lethal solid tumors. These malignancies are characterized by worsening prognoses and increasing incidence rates. Traditional therapeutic approaches often prove ineffective. Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing and sophisticated RNA modification detection technologies have uncovered numerous RN Read More

Background Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a condition characterized by excessive uric acid production and/or inadequate uric acid excretion due to abnormal purine metabolism in the human body. Uric acid deposits resulting from HUA can lead to complications such as renal damage. Currently, drugs used to treat HUA lack specificity and often come with specific toxic side effects. Objective This study aimed to investigate the ren Read More

The medical and cosmetic industries have developed in recent years, and there has been a growing demand for new materials. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and chitosan (CS) have been known and used for many years. Unfortunately, despite their numerous advantages and possible applications, such materials may possess certain disadvantages and limitations that constitute a problem in medical or cosmetic applica Read More

Aims The aim of this study is the evaluation of an Azomethine derivative, BCS2, for its antioxidant and anti-tumor activities against mammary carcinoma through the Nrf2-Keap1-HO-1 pathway. Background The global prevalence of breast cancer is rising at an alarming rate. The facilitation of abnormal cell proliferation in mammary carcinoma occurs due to the disruption of signaling pathways that balance pro- and antioxida Read More

Obesity is a global public health problem that can lead to many health complications or comorbidities. Medication alone or in combination with lifestyle changes or surgery is the main way to combat obesity and its complications. Most anti-obesity drugs are limited by their bioavailability, target-specific, and potentially toxic effects, so there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. Based on the new revelation of the p Read More

Glioblastoma (GBM) characterized byits rapid progression and challenging prognosis, often featuring mutations in the Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) gene, which is crucial for numerous cellular signaling mechanisms. Emerging research underscores a significant interaction between KRAS and microRNAs (miRNAs) in these cancers, with miRNAs playing key roles as both regulators and mediators within the KRAS signaling fra Read More

Arterial hypertension is a silent and progressive disease with deleterious vascular implications on all target organs, including the heart, the brain, the kidneys, and the eyes. Oxidative stress, defined as the overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) over antioxidants, is capable of deteriorating not only the normal endothelial but also the cellular function with further cardiovascular implications. Xanthine oxidase acti Read More

Introduction Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with severe gastrointestinal irritation upon prolonged use, largely due to their carboxylic (-COOH) functional group. Aim To address this issue, we aimed to synthesize diclofenac conjugates with glucosamine and chitosan, converting the -COOH group into an amide (-CONH-) via a mechanochemical, environmentally friendly method. Method In this study, dic Read More

Apigenin (APG) is being investigated for its potential in treating different forms of cancer. It can regulate many cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, invasion, metastasis, and autophagy, via controlling multiple cellular signaling pathways. In addition, this chemical demonstrates a significant preference for cancer cells over healthy cells. This is a crucial factor when compared to other treat Read More

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common renal condition associated with various factors, including pre-renal, post-renal, and renal causes, with ischemia-reperfusion being a frequent contributor leading to tubular injury. Early identification of AKI is crucial but remains challenging. Methods This study explored the molecular signature of AKI using gene microarray data from the GEO dataset, focusing on identifying f Read More

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are responsible for the highest number of deaths and disabilities globally. Although numerous therapeutic options exist for treating CVDs, most traditional strategies have proven ineffective in halting or significantly slowing disease progression, often leading to unfavorable side effects. Using nanocarriers represents an innovative strategy for treating CVD, enabling the personalized delivery of m Read More

The influenza virus, a well-known pathogen that causes respiratory illness, remains an important global health threat because of the significant morbidity and mortality rates of people infected with the virus annually. The influenza virus undergoes frequent antigenic variation, and with the increasing frequency of resistant influenza strains against existing antiviral drugs, there is an urgent need for the development of new a Read More

Aims To build an innovative telomere-associated scoring model to predict prognosis and treatment responsiveness in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Background AML is a highly heterogeneous malignant hematologic disorder with a poor prognosis. While telomere maintenance is frequently observed in tumors, investigations into telomere-related genes (TRGs) in AML remain limited. Objectives This study aimed to identify pro Read More

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor characterized by rapid growth, invasive behavior, and resistance to conventional therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite these interventions, patient survival remains poor due to the tumor’s ability to recur and adapt to treatments. The function of GBM-derived exosomes (GBM-exosomes) as essential mediators in tumor growth has dra Read More

Mangosteens, a prominent component of Garcinia mangostana, have been extensively studied for their biological activities and structural modifications. Chemical methods, including cyclization reactions under acidic conditions, have yielded many derivatives, which often exhibit enhanced pharmacological properties compared to itself. Enzymatic biotransformation, such as glycosylation and oxidation mediated by Read More

SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 has been a serious public health problem, resulting in millions of lives lost over the previous three years. Although the direct infection caused by virus invasion is important for the pathobiology of COVID-19, the hyperinflammatory response and tissue injury are major contributors in critically ill patients. As a host sensor, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) recognizes multiple pathogen-associated molecula Read More

Introduction Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most common type of breast cancer (BC). In order to develop effective treatments for TNBC, it is vital to identify potential therapeutic targets. Angiogenesis stimulates tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC, and miR-155 plays a crucial role in this process. The exosome is a nano-sized vesicle that carries many cargoes, including miRNAs. The present study investigated th Read More

Structure-based drug discovery methods, such as molecular docking and virtual screening, have become invaluable tools in developing novel drugs. At the core of these methods are Scoring Functions (SFs), which predict the binding affinity between ligands and protein targets. This study aims to review and contextualize the challenges and best practices in training novel scoring functions to improve their accuracy and generalizab Read More

Plants have historically been a primary source of medicines due to their diverse molecular and structural composition. Plant metabolism, comprising primary and secondary processes, produces primary metabolites crucial for growth and secondary metabolites, or natural products (NPs), with specific biological functions. These small molecules are instrumental in pharmacology for their ability to penetrate biological Read More

This review, focused on hybrid drugs, is the third in a series of reviews, where the first two reviews dealt with a) dimeric drugs, b) mutual prodrugs – codrugs. The compounds designated as hybrids are comprised of two (and sometimes three) biologically active entities, linked by metabolically stable bridges. In some cases, one of the two components of the hybrids serves as a carrier for the second component, and most frequ Read More

In the current review, we aim to elucidate the advancements concerning the roles and fundamental mechanisms of intermittent fasting (IF)> and fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)> in cancers. As a dietary intervention,> IF and FMD> potentially impede tumor growth by modulating multiple signaling pathways, such as AKT, Nrf2, and AMPK pathways.> Moreover, IF and FMD have been reported to be associated with the tumo Read More

Introduction The disability and mortality related to Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease, are increasing globally at a faster rate than other neurological disorders. With no permanent cure for PD, there is an urgent need to develop novel and effective anti-PD drugs. Method Targeting monoamine oxidases (MAO), which catalyze the breakdown of neurotransmitters, is one way to treat neurodegenerative disea Read More

Aims We aimed to develop a macrophage signature for predicting clinical outcomes and immunotherapy benefits in cholangiocarcinoma. Background Macrophages are potent immune effector cells that can change phenotype in different environments to exert anti-tumor and anti-tumor functions. The role of macrophages in the prognosis and therapy benefits of cholangiocarcinoma was not fully clarified. Objective Read More

Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a progressive loss of dopaminergic cells and as of now, there is no established definitive treatment available for this condition. Method In this study, the focus was on investigating the impact of SVAK-12, a small molecule that can cross the blood-brain barrier and remain stable without structural changes. The effect of SVAK-12 was investigated in Read More