Cost-effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating metastatic urothelial cancer
Conclusion: Our real-world data suggests that first line use of ICI combined with chemotherapy demonstrates better cost-effectiveness and similar survival outcomes for mUC patients, when compared with subsequent ICI therapy after chemotherapy. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 26, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Phytocompounds targeting epigenetic modulations: an assessment in cancer
For centuries, plants have been serving as sources of potential therapeutic agents. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the effects of plant-derived compounds on epigenetic processes, a novel and captivating Frontier in the field of epigenetics research. Epigenetic changes encompass modifications to DNA, histones, and microRNAs that can influence gene expression. Aberrant epigenetic changes can perturb key cellular processes, including cell cycle control, intercellular communication, DNA repair, inflammation, stress response, and apoptosis. Such disruptions can contribute to cancer developme...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 26, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Pharmacological enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission alleviates neuroinflammation and improves functional outcomes in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer ’s disease
In conclusion, chronic treatment with α-GPC exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity and sustained the key function of hippocampal synapses, crucial for the maintenance of a regular cognitive status. In light of our results, we suggest that α-GPC could be exploited as a promising therapeutic approach in early phases of AD. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 26, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Estimating preferences and willingness to pay for pharmacogenetic testing in populations who are medically underserved: a discrete choice experiment
Conclusion: This first-of-its-kind study provides important insights into the willingness to pay for PGx testing and PGx test preferences of a large medically underserved population. Applying these findings can potentially lead to improvements in the successful implementation of PGx testing in this population. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 26, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
The effect of oral butyrate on colonic short-chain fatty acid transporters and receptors depends on microbial status
Butyrate, a metabolite produced by gut bacteria, has demonstrated beneficial effects in the colon and has been used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the mechanism by which butyrate operates remains incompletely understood. Given that oral butyrate can exert either a direct impact on the gut mucosa or an indirect influence through its interaction with the gut microbiome, this study aimed to investigate three key aspects: (1) whether oral intake of butyrate modulates the expression of genes encoding short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) transporters (Slc16a1, Slc16a3, Slc16a4, Slc5a8, Abcg2) and receptors (Hcar2, Ffar2...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 26, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Design and synthesis of novel dihydropyridine- and benzylideneimine-based tyrosinase inhibitors
Tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitors are very significant as they inhibit enzyme tyrosinase activity, and its inhibition is vital for skin care, anticancer medication, and antibrowning of fruits and vegetables. This work presents a novel and economical route for the preparation of new synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors using amlodipine (4). The novel conjugates 6 (a–o) were designed, synthesized, and characterized by spectroscopic analyses, including Fourier transform infrared and low- and high-resolution mass spectroscopy. The purified compound 4 was refluxed with various aldehydes and ketones 5 (a–o) for 5–8 h in methanol at ...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 26, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Mechanisms of Bushenyiqi decoction in the treatment of asthma: an investigation based on network pharmacology with experimental validation
Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of network pharmacology and biological experiments has demonstrated that key constituents of BYD, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin, exhibit targeted effects on IL-6, EGFR, and HIF1A in combating asthma-related inflammation through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The findings of this investigation provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of TCM’s “bushenyiqi” therapy in asthma management, as corroborated by contemporary medical technology. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Kinetic modeling of the plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of ADAMTS13 fragment and its Fc-fusion counterpart in mice
This study applied kinetic modeling to gain insights into the cellular processing contributing to the observed pharmacokinetic (PK) differences between the novel recombinant ADAMTS13 fragment (MDTCS) and its Fc-fusion protein (MDTCS-Fc).Methods: For MDTCS and MDTCS-Fc, their plasma PK profiles were obtained at two dose levels following intravenous administration of the respective proteins to mice. The plasma PK profiles of MDTCS were fitted to a kinetic model with three unknown protein-dependent parameters representing the fraction recycled (FR) and the rate constants for endocytosis (kup, for the uptake into the endosomes...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Paucatalinone A from Paulownia Catalpifolia Gong Tong Elicits mitochondrial-mediated cancer cell death to combat osteosarcoma
This study underscores the potential of Paucatalinone A in initiating apoptosis in cancer cells and highlights the therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived agents in treating osteosarcoma, offering a viable approach for managing other intractable cancers. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Comprehensive effect of Naoxintong capsule combined with Western medicine on coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis
Conclusion:A combination of NXT and WM can improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. However, further studies are needed to confirm the reliability and safety of this combined treatment approach.Systematic Review Registration:PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=369174, Identifier CRD42022369174. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Impact of bariatric surgery on cytochrome P 450 enzyme activity
This study investigates the impact of bariatric surgery on which CYP enzymes are affected and their effects medications. Authors of this study did an extensive literature review and research in databases including PubMed and EMBASE. The evidence was gathered for medication efficacy influenced by enzyme fluctuations to advocate for further studies for patients that undergo bariatric surgery. The search was limited to English-language results and is deemed up to date as of September 2023. There are numerous studies that indicated alterations of the CYP enzyme activity, which affects the pharmacokinetics of medications used t...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Endurance exercise has a negative impact on the onset of SOD1-G93A ALS in female mice and affects the entire skeletal muscle-motor neuron axis
Conclusion:Intense endurance exercise, acting on skeletal muscles, worsens the pathological hallmarks of ALS, such as denervation and neuroinflammation, brings the onset forward, and accelerates the progression of the disease. Our findings show the potentiality of skeletal muscle as a target for both prognostic and therapeutic strategies; the preservation of skeletal muscle health by specific intervention could counteract the dying-back process and protect motor neurons from death. The physiological characteristics and accessibility of skeletal muscle further enhance its appeal as a therapeutic target. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Effects of total glucosides of paeony on serum inflammatory cytokines in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Conclusion: In summary, based on the existing studies, this study found that compared with the control group of the RA animal model, TGP can reduce the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increase the levels of serum anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating and improving the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and thus alleviating the disease. Given the low quality of the included studies and the lack of sufficient evidence, more high-quality studies are still needed to validate the results of this study. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Ocular pharmacological and biochemical profiles of 6-thioguanine: a drug repurposing study
Conclusion:6TG evidenced a marked anti-angiogenic activity in HUVECs exposed to high glucose and in mice with DR. This seems to be mediated by MC1R and MC5R retinal receptors. (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology)
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 25, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Large conductance voltage-and calcium-activated K+ (BK) channel in health and disease
Large Conductance Voltage- and Calcium-activated K+ (BK) channels are transmembrane pore-forming proteins that regulate cell excitability and are also expressed in non-excitable cells. They play a role in regulating vascular tone, neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and muscle contraction. Dysfunction of the BK channel can lead to arterial hypertension, hearing disorders, epilepsy, and ataxia. Here, we provide an overview of BK channel functioning and the implications of its abnormal functioning in various diseases. Understanding the function of BK channels is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms involved ...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - March 22, 2024 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
