MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: From epigenetics to potential clinical applications.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two relevant classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in a number of molecular processes through different epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. As a matter of fact, the altered expression of these types of RNAs leads to the development and progression of a varied range of multifactorial human diseases. Several recent reports elucidated that miRNA and lncRNAs have been implicated in pancreatic cancer (PC). For instance, dysregulation of such ncRNAs has been found to be associated with chemoresistance, apoptosis, autophagy, cell differentiation, tumor suppression, tumor growth, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PC. Moreover, several aberrantly expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for accurate PC diagnosis. Additionally, miRNAs and lncRNAs are considered as promising clinical targets for PC. Therefore, in this review, we discuss recent experimental evidence regarding the clinical implications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the pathophysiology of PC, their future potential, as well as the challenges that have arisen in this field of study in order to drive forward the design of ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics for PC.

Analytical and regulatory considerations to mitigate highly hazardous toxins from environmental matrices.

The ubiquitous occurrence, toxicological influence, and bioaccumulation of toxic entities, e.g., pesticides and toxic elements in the environment, biota, and humans, directly or indirectly, are posing severe social, ecological, and human health concerns. Much attention has been given to the rising bioaccumulation of toxins and their adverse impact on various environmental matrices. For example, the inappropriate and exacerbated use of xenobiotics and related hazardous substances have caused the deterioration of the agricultural environment, e.g., fertile soils where plants are grown. Moreover, the harmful toxins have negatively impacted human health through the trophic chains. However, the analytical and regulatory considerations to effectively monitor and mitigate any or many pesticides and toxic elements from environmental matrices are still lacking in the existing literature. For decades, the scientific community has overseen the consequences caused by pollutants, however, the improvement of analytical detection methods and regulatory considerations are not yet fully covered. This review covers the notable literature gap by stressing the development and deployment of robust analytical and regulatory considerations for an efficient abatement of hazardous substances. Following detailed information on occurrence, toxicological influence, and bioaccumulation of pesticides and toxic elements, the most relevant analytical detection tools and regulatory measures are given herein, with suitable examples, to mitigate or reduce the damage caused by these pollutants.