RESUMO
Objectives: In this study, the adjuvant activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of propolis was examined on the inactivated herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Materials and Methods: BALB/C mice were administered with inactivated (HSV-1; the KOS strain) plus alcoholic and aqueous extracts, followed by assessment of the cellular and humoral immune responses. Results: Alcoholic and aqueous extracts, as an adjuvant, revealed a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses versus the HSV-1 group. In addition, HSV-1 plus alcoholic extract showed a remarkable increase in IFN-γ cytokine and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. On the other hand, both alcoholic and aqueous extracts in the HSV-1 vaccine suppressed the IL-4 cytokine response as compared with the HSV-1 vaccine. In addition, HSV-1 plus alcoholic extract showed a significant increment in IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b isotypes as compared with the HSV-1 vaccine. Conclusion: Propolis extracts seem to modulate the immune response against inactivated HSV-1 model and can be used as a suitable vaccine adjuvant or a component of a complex adjuvant against infectious diseases.
RESUMO
Gastric cancer poses a significant health challenge, and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative. RNA interference (RNAi) has employed as an important therapeutic strategy for diseases by selectively targeting key pathways involved in diseases pathogenesis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), a potent RNAi tool, possesses the capability to silence genes and downregulate their expression. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the potential applications of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA), supplemented by an in-depth analysis of nanoscale delivery systems, in the context of gastric cancer treatment. The potential of siRNA to markedly diminish the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells through the modulation of critical molecular pathways, including PI3K, Akt, and EMT, is highlighted. Besides, siRNA demonstrates its efficacy in inducing chemosensitivity in gastric tumor cells, thus impeding tumor progression. However, the translational potential of unmodified siRNA faces challenges, particularly in vivo and during clinical trials. To address this, we underscore the pivotal role of nanostructures in facilitating the delivery of siRNA to gastric cancer cells, effectively suppressing their progression and enhancing gene silencing efficiency. These siRNA-loaded nanoparticles exhibit robust internalization into gastric cancer cells, showcasing their potential to significantly reduce tumor progression. The translation of these findings into clinical trials holds promise for advancing the treatment of gastric cancer patients.
