Exploring the potential of Lindernia ciliata: isolation, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of its anti-diabetic properties.

We isolated two phytoconstituents using bioassay guided isolation for anti-diabetic property from the hydroalcoholic extract of Lindernia ciliata (Colsm.) Pennell (Family: Linderniaceae). We assessed the anti-diabetic potential using various assays, including the glucose absorption assay, glucose uptake in isolated rat abdominal muscle assay, insulin secretion by RIN-5F cells assay, α-amylase inhibition activity, and DPP-4 inhibition assay. The results from our study indicated that the ethanol and water fractions obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract significantly improved glucose uptake, demonstrating promising anti-diabetic properties. Further investigation led to the isolation of two distinct compounds, LCF-1 (IUPAC name: 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one) (LCF-1) and LCF-2 (IUPAC name: 3S,10R,13R,17R)-17-[(2R,5R)-5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol). Consequently, our findings suggest that LCF-1 and LCF-2 are two phytoconstituent derived from the hydroalcoholic extract of L. ciliata, could serve as a potential source of anti-diabetic agents. This highlights its suitability for further development in the creation of herbal pharmaceuticals for diabetes treatment.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Chemoresistance: Regulatory Roles, Molecular Interactions, and Potential Inhibitors.

Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Its treatments usually fail when the tumor has become malignant and metastasized. Metastasis is a key source of cancer recurrence, which often leads to resistance towards chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, most cancer-related deaths are linked to the occurrence of chemoresistance. Although chemoresistance can emerge through a multitude of mechanisms, chemoresistance and metastasis share a similar pathway, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of zinc and calcium-chelated enzymes, are found to be key players in driving cancer migration and metastasis through EMT induction. The aim of this review is to discuss the regulatory roles and associated molecular mechanisms of specific MMPs in regulating chemoresistance, particularly EMT initiation and resistance to apoptosis. A brief presentation on their potential diagnostic and prognostic values was also deciphered. It also aimed to describe existing MMP inhibitors and the potential of utilizing other strategies to inhibit MMPs to reduce chemoresistance, such as upstream inhibition of MMP expressions and MMP-responsive nanomaterials to deliver drugs as well as epigenetic regulations. Hence, manipulation of MMP expression can be a powerful tool to aid in treating patients with chemo-resistant cancers. However, much still needs to be done to bring the solution from bench to bedside.

Trace level monitoring of Cu(II) ion using CuS particles based membrane electrochemical sensor.

Cu(II) monitoring is a matter of great interest to researchers due to its toxicity and adverse environmental effects. Among different methods for detecting Cu(II), ion-selective electrode (ISE) is more advantageous as they are low-cost, easy to fabricate, and highly selective. Here, we report a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible procedure for the fabrication of Cu(II) ion-selective electrodes using CuS particles and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a matrix. CuS particles, obtained by chemical precipitation, were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX). Optimization of the membrane compositions was done to get a well-behaved sensor by varying amounts of CuS, PVC, and acetophenone (AP). A membrane composition of 0.4 g CuS, 0.5 g PVC, and 1.0 mL AP in 5.0 mL tetrahydrofuran (THF) gave a Nernstian slope of 27.31 mV per decade change of Cu(II) ion over a wide range of concentration down to 64 ppb (1 × 10-6 M). The sensor gave a fast response time of 25 s, and it indicated the endpoint in a potentiometric titration of Cu(II) with standard EDTA solution. A pH-independent potential response was obtained in the pH 4.0-6.0.

Alcohol-associated liver disease: A review on its pathophysiology, diagnosis and drug therapy.

One of the global burdens of health care is an alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and liver-related death which is caused due to acute or chronic consumption of alcohol. Chronic consumption of alcohol damage the normal defense mechanism of the liver and likely to disturb the gut barrier system, mucosal immune cells, which leads to decreased nutrient absorption. Therapy of ALD depends upon the spectrum of liver injury that causes fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The foundation of therapy starts with abstinence from alcohol. Corticosteroids are used for the treatment of ALD but due to poor acceptance, continuing mortality, and identification of tumor necrosis factor-alpha as an integral component in pathogenesis, recent studies focus on pentoxifylline and, antitumor necrosis factor antibody to neutralize cytokines in the therapy of severe alcoholic hepatitis. Antioxidants also play a significant role in the treatment but till today there is no universally accepted therapy available for any stage of ALD. The treatment aspects need to restore the gut functions and require nutrient-based treatments to regulate the functions of the gut system and prevent liver injury. The vital action of saturated fatty acids greatly controls the gut barrier. Overall, this review mainly focuses on the mechanism of alcohol-induced metabolic dysfunction, contribution to liver pathogenesis, the effect of pregnancy, and targeted therapy of ALD.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induced 'hypoxia artifacts' on pulse oximetry: how reliable are MRI compatible monitoring devices?

Distinguishing a monitoring artifact requires expertise and adeptness. This can be practically challenging during the course of an anesthetic. We report a case, wherein we experienced episodes of aberrant pulse-oximeter values suggestive of desaturation with normal waveforms, occurring during a particular sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed under general anesthesia, which in fact was an artifact induced by the 3 T MRI during the diffusion tensor imaging sequence.