Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Infectious Disorders) - Online First

Multicellular surface-attached populations of bacteria embedded in the extracellular matrix are known as biofilms. Bacteria generally preferred to grow as biofilms. Quorum sensing (QS), detection of density of cell population through gene regulation, has been found to play an important role in the production of biofilms. Biofilm formation can increase the severity of infections that can lead to morbidity or mortality. Bacteria living within biofilms have a higher pattern of adaptive resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is a barrier in the treatment of biofilms-induced acute to chronic infections such as post-surgery infections, surgery-associated wound infections, endocarditis, joint infections, burn-related wound infections occurred, ventilator-associated pneumonia, etc. So it is urgent to discover or find out potent new drugs in fight against infectious diseases such as biofilms-associated infections. Medicinal plants or herbs are a rich source for fighting with biofilms-mediated infections. Phytochemicals have exhibited significant effects in the prevention of biofilms formation against different bacteria that are causing infections. Purified compounds such as berberine, tetrandrine, embelin, xanthorrhizol, bakuchiol, etc., exhibited promising biofilm inhibition actions against different pathogenic bacteria. Plant extracts that contain several phytochemicals are evaluated for its biofilm’s inhibition property, and have shown significant potential in biofilm formation. Antibiofilm agents act by distinct mechanisms such as inhibiting the adherence of biofilms in a surface, preventing the biofilm formations, disrupting the matured biofilms, etc. This study is intended to reiterate about possibilities of plant extracts and purified compounds in the treatment of the prevention of bacterial biofilms-related infections.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant global health threat, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. These infections can lead to severe illness and death, placing a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. Fungi were not previously considered a substantial risk to human health, but this perception changed with the rise of the HIV epidemic. The emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains further complicates the management of these infections, highlighting the urgent need for effective antifungal therapies. Innovative approaches in antifungal drug delivery formulations. This article explores the role of effective antifungal drug delivery formulations in combating the rise of IFIs. These formulations, ranging from lipid-based systems like liposomes and lipid emulsions to polymeric nanoparticles and microparticles, offer several advantages over conventional drug delivery methods. Optimizing these formulations may improve drug efficacy, reduce the risk of drug resistance, and enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, advancements in nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery systems hold promise in overcoming existing limitations and expanding the scope of antifungal therapies.

SARS-CoV-2, also called coronavirus causes SARS-CoV-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome, a highly transmissible disease that has rapidly spread worldwide, straining healthcare systems and leading to a substantial number of fatalities. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 has revealed a gender difference, with males dying at a greater rate and with more severe cases than women. It's worth noting that the male reproductive system might be particularly susceptible to damage during periods of moderate to severe sickness, which has been linked to cases of orchitis and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 virus particles have been found in the tissues of the testes and penile of both living patients who have recovered from the virus and in post-mortem analyses of males who have died from it. For males who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2, sexual transmission is not a big concern, even though moderate to severe infections may have detrimental effects on male reproductive health. This includes the depletion of germ cells and Leydig cells that leads to a decrease in the formation of sperm, potentially decreasing the release of male sex hormones. These adverse effects may result in issues such as infertility and sexual dysfunction, which are of growing concern for couples looking to conceive or those in need of assisted reproduction. Numerous investigations have examined SARS-CoV-2's effects on male reproductive health from a variety of perspectives. The purpose of this review is to give a general summary of how SARS-CoV-2 has affected male reproductive health.

The resistance of biofilms to antimicrobial agents presents numerous challenges. The formation of biofilms leads to enhanced resistance to adverse environmental conditions, as well as to antimicrobial agents. Natural compounds have been of interest as potential therapeutic agents. Emodin, a natural anthraquinone compound, has recently attracted attention for its potential as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. This ability could potentially help combat biofilm-associated infections and enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies. This review was carried out to evaluate the effects of emodin on microbial biofilms, determine its effectiveness in inhibiting and reducing biofilm formation, eradicate biofilms, and examine its antimicrobial effects. Our study shows that the use of emodin as an additional therapeutic agent in combating microbial biofilms holds considerable promise. As researchers continue to investigate how emodin interacts with microbial biofilms, there is excitement about the potential applications of this natural compound in addressing biofilm-related issues. However, it is suggested to pay more attention to evaluating the effects of emodin on microbial biofilms in future studies

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically MicroRNAs or miRNAs, are now understood to be essential regulators in the complex field of gene expression. By selectively binding to certain mRNA targets, these tiny RNA molecules control the expression of genes., leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. The discovery of miRNAs has significantly advanced biomedical research, particularly in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases and exploring innovative therapeutic approaches. Recent progress in miRNA research has provided insights into their biogenesis, functional roles, and potential clinical applications. Despite the absence of established methodologies for clinical implementation, miRNAs show great promise as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for a wide array of diseases. Their distinctive attributes, such as high specificity, sensitivity, and accessibility, position them as ideal candidates for biomarker development and targeted therapy. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of miRNA biology and functionality is crucial to fully harnessing their potential in medicine. Ongoing research efforts aim to unravel the intricate mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene regulation and to develop novel approaches for utilizing miRNAs in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current knowledge on miRNAs, focusing on their biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and potential clinical applications. By synthesizing existing evidence and highlighting key research findings, this review aims to inspire further exploration into the diverse roles of miRNAs in health and disease. Ultimately, this endeavour could result in the development of innovative miRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Tea is obtained from the young leaves and shoots of the evergreen perennial plant Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, the most popular and frequently consumed product using a natural beverage worldwide. Some kinds of tea, including green, black, and oolong, have assorted flavors depending on the manufacturing techniques. Green tea has been studied for many years for its important beneficial effects, such as anticancer, antiobesity, antidiabetes, antiinflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular effects. These effects are primarily associated with tea polyphenols, and regular consumption has been reported to decrease the incidence of some chronic diseases. Current studies support that green tea catechins play an important role in curing and improving the pathology of many diseases. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most highly found polyphenol in the leaves and is of great interest for its protective role in disease prevention. Therefore, this review presents the efficacy and possible mechanisms of EGCG against sexually transmitted viruses. Moreover, EGCG and its derivatives are recognized as safe and bioactive phytochemicals for external and internal use in preventing and treating viral STIs and other concurrent infections. Multidisciplinary studies are essential to discover cheaper, safer, and more effective treatments using EGCG and its derivatives to improve the toxicity and formulations of viral STI medications.

This review explores various biliary tract diseases caused by different organisms, including cholelithiasis, hepatolithiasis, and choledocholithiasis. The biliary tract's primary functions include collecting, storing, concentrating, and delivering bile juice produced by the liver. Neurohormonal systems involving the vagus and splanchnic nerves, alongside cholecystokinin, regulate gallbladder movement during fasting and digestion. Under normal conditions, bile acids play a crucial role, with approximately 95% being reabsorbed by the intestinal epithelium and returned to the liver via the portal vein system. The liver, often hailed as a miracle worker, detoxifies, purifies, and regenerates, performing essential functions in the body. Recent research indicates that the gallbladder, akin to the intestine, harbors a diverse microbiota. Additionally, the biliary mucosa features chemical, mechanical, and immunological barriers that promote immunological tolerance. Hepatotoxicity remains a significant global health concern and a leading cause of mortality. Providing clear and accurate information on liver toxicity is critical, especially in the context of medication safety and public health. By refining these elements, this review can effectively convey the complexity and importance of biliary tract diseases and liver function in health and disease contexts.