Phytochemical analysis and anticancer effect of Camellia oleifera bud ethanol extract in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells
Camellia oleifera is a medicine food homology plant widely cultivated in the Yangtze River Basin and southern China due to its camellia oil. Camellia oleifera bud and fruit exist simultaneously, and its bud is largely discarded as waste. However, C. oleifera bud has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the chemical components of C. oleifera bud ethanol extract (EE) and first evaluate its anticancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS analysis, seventy components were identified. For anticancer act...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Gut microbes combined with metabolomics reveal the protective effects of Qijia Rougan decoction against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis
Conclusion: These results suggest that QJ ameliorates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, which may be achieved by improving intestinal tight junctions and modulating gut microbiota composition as well as modulating host metabolism. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Osimertinib in the treatment of resected EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis in the United States
Conclusion: In our model, osimertinib was unlikely to be cost-effective compared to placebo for stage IB to IIIA, EGFR-mutated, completely resected NSCLC patients from the perspective of a U.S. payer at a WTP threshold of $150,000 per QALY. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Understanding the action mechanisms of metformin in the gastrointestinal tract
Metformin is the initial medication recommended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to diabetes treatment, the function of metformin also can be anti-aging, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Nevertheless, further exploration is required to fully understand its mode of operation. Historically, the liver has been acknowledged as the main location where metformin reduces glucose levels, however, there is increasing evidence suggesting that the gastrointestinal tract also plays a significant role in its action. In the gastrointestinal tract, metformin effects glucose uptake and absorption, increas...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Optimizing fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for enhanced antifungal activity and compatibility studies
Fungal infections are of major concern all over the globe, and fluconazole is the most prevalently used drug to treat it. The goal of this research work was to formulate a fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for the treatment of fungal infections. A compatibility study between fluconazole and soya lecithin was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transfersomes were formulated by a thin-film hydration technique using soya lecithin and Span 80. A central composite design was adopted to prepare different formulations. Soya lecithin and Span 80 were chosen as independent variables, and the effect of these v...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Unveiling the impact of CDK8 on tumor progression: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
CDK8 is an important member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family associated with transcription and acts as a key “molecular switch” in the Mediator complex. CDK8 regulates gene expression by phosphorylating transcription factors and can control the transcription process through Mediator complex. Previous studies confirmed that CDK8 is an important oncogenic factor, making it a potential tumor biomarker and a promising target for tumor therapy. However, CDK8 has also been confirmed to be a tumor suppressor, indicating that it not only promotes the development of tumors but may also be involved in tumor suppression. The...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Characterization and anti-aging activities of polysaccharide from Rana dybowskii Guenther
In this study, we prepared polysaccharides from the skin of RDG (RDGP) by hot water extraction, alcohol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and gel chromatography. The proteins were removed using the Sevage method in combination with an enzymatic method. The structural features were analyzed using high-performance gel permeation chromatography, β-elimination reaction and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The anti-aging effect of RDGP was investigated by using D-Gal to establish an aging model in mice, and pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed under a microscope.Results: We obtained the crude polys...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

A comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Murrayae Folium et Cacumen
Conclusion: This review demonstrates that the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of MFC support its use in traditional Chinese botanical medicines. MFC contains a wide range of chemical compounds. Flavonoids and coumarins promote strong pharmacological activity and, are low-toxicity natural phytomedicines that are widely used in medicine, food, ornamentation, and cosmetics, making MFC a promising compound for development and use in the treatment of several medical conditions. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Dose reduction of biologics in patients with plaque psoriasis: a review
In conclusion, DR seems promising, but a research gap still exists in randomized, prospective studies testing DR strategies, especially of IL-17/23i, hampering the completion of guidelines on DR. Taking into account the identified barriers and facilitators most likely results in a more successful implementation of biologic DR in practice. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Early life phenobarbital exposure dysregulates the hippocampal transcriptome
Discussion: The widespread change in gene expression after PB, which affected transcripts reflective of multiple cell types, may provide a link between acute drug administration and lasting drug toxicity. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 28, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human dental pulp (DP), adipose tissue (AD), placental amniotic membrane (PM), and umbilical cord (UC) on postmenopausal osteoporosis
Conclusion: These analyses demonstrated that MSCs isolated from different tissues have the capacity to treat osteoporosis when transplanted in vivo. Importantly, DP-MSCs infusion was able to maintain trabecular bone mass more efficiently with corresponding improvements in trabecular bone volume, mineral density, number, and separation. Among the tested MSC types, DP-MSCs were also found to exhibit greater immunoregulatory capabilities, regulating the Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios. These data thus suggest that DP-MSCs may represent an effective tool for the treatment of osteoporosis. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 27, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Case report: Paralytic ileus resulted from nirmatrelvir/ritonavir-tacrolimus drug-drug interaction in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient with COVID-19
We present a case of paralytic ileus resulting from tacrolimus toxicity mediated by the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 37-year-old female SLE patient was prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir without discontinuing tacrolimus. She presented to the emergency room with symptoms of paralytic ileus including persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which were verified to be associated with tacrolimus toxicity. The blood concentration of tacrolimus was measured >30 ng/mL. Urgent medical intervention was initiated, while tacrolimus was withheld. The residual concentra...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 27, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Antifungal effects of echinocandins diminish when exposed to intestinal lumen contents: a finding with potentially significant clinical implications
In this study, caspofungin and micafungin, the two most commonly used echinocandins, were evaluated in various in vitro environments simulating intestinal lumen. The results revealed that while both antifungals are effective in standard medium, their efficacy significantly diminishes in the presence of human small bowel aspirates and bovine bile. The study suggests that bowel contents and specifically bile acids may be a suppressive component, hindering the antifungal effects of echinocandins. This novel exploration sheds light on the poor oral bioavailability of echinocandins. The findings imply that echinocandins alone, ...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 27, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Phloretic acid requires the insulin/IGF-1 pathway and autophagy to enhance stress resistance and extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans
Conclusion: These findings results highlight the promising anti-aging effects of PA and warrant further investigation into its pharmacological mechanism and medicinal development prospects. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 27, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Clinical and pharmacological factors influencing serum clozapine and norclozapine levels
Discussion:The use of CLO at recommended doses does not guarantee achieving therapeutic concentrations of CLO or NCLO. Women and nonsmokers were at the highest risk of having toxic CLO levels. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 27, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research