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Bioactive Molecules Targeting Inflammation Processes in Related Diseases—2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 6072

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babes, 8, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: spectroscopy; chromatography; mass spectrometry; plant bioactive compounds; antioxidant activity; oxidative stress and inflammation; cardiovascular diseases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation is the normal protection response of organisms against various factors such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, and infections. The inflammatory response aims to eliminate pathogens and promote tissue repair and recovery through immune and non-immune cell activation. The inflammatory response is either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation has a short duration, from minutes to hours or days, and is characterized by the exudation of plasma proteins and fluid (edema), and leukocyte emigration (mainly neutrophils). Chronic inflammation, also known as long-term inflammation, can last from several months to years or even longer. During chronic inflammation, the mediators released from immune cells (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, lytic enzymes, eicosanoids, oxidants, and others) contribute to the occurrence of pathological processes such as tissue destruction and fibrosis, as well as alteration of normal cellular physiology. These uncontrolled processes considerably increase the risk for various chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic kidney diseases, alcoholic liver disease, aging, and cancer. Currently, the common strategies used in the management of inflammatory processes include dietary and lifestyle changes, in addition to pharmaceutical medication. However, the difficulty in controlling these pathophysiological processes has encouraged researchers all over the world to investigate potential bioactive molecules with anti-inflammatory effects that could have a positive impact on the management of inflammation processes. In this context, plants, fruits, and their extracts are considered valuable resources for new drug discoveries, their pharmacological properties being intensively studied. Despite many efforts, there is still an emergent need to identify natural bioactive molecules that could specifically target low-grade inflammatory processes.

This Special Issue will accept reviews or original research papers focused on the in vivo or in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules of natural origin that could be used as potential therapeutic agents in controlling the inflammatory processes encountered in various chronic diseases. The aim is to decipher the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, improve knowledge in the field, and discover potential drug candidates that could positively impact the evolution of chronic diseases.

Dr. Raluca Maria Pop
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • plant bioactive compounds
  • inflammation
  • chronic diseases
  • in vivo
  • in vitro

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2063 KiB  
Article
The Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antioxidant Effects of Polyphenols from Brassica oleracea var. capitata Extract on Induced Inflammation in Rodents
by Octavia Sabin, Raluca Maria Pop, Ioana Corina Bocșan, Veronica Sanda Chedea, Floricuța Ranga, Adriana Grozav, Antonia-Mihaela Levai and Anca Dana Buzoianu
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3448; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153448 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 895
Abstract
This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE’s bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection–Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development. Full article
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13 pages, 10803 KiB  
Article
Multifaceted Characterization for the Hepatic Clearance of Graphene Oxide and Size-Related Hepatic Toxicity
by Zongyi Su, Wei Chen, Shanshan Liang, Hao Fang, Minglu Zhang, Meng Wang, Lingna Zheng, Bing Wang, Yi Bi and Weiyue Feng
Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061335 - 17 Mar 2024
Viewed by 988
Abstract
Understanding the final fate of nanomaterials (NMs) in the liver is crucial for their safer application. As a representative two-dimensional (2D) soft nanomaterial, graphene oxide (GO) has shown to have high potential for applications in the biomedical field, including in biosensing, drug delivery, [...] Read more.
Understanding the final fate of nanomaterials (NMs) in the liver is crucial for their safer application. As a representative two-dimensional (2D) soft nanomaterial, graphene oxide (GO) has shown to have high potential for applications in the biomedical field, including in biosensing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, therapeutics, etc. GO has been shown to accumulate in the liver after entering the body, and thus, understanding the GO–liver interaction will facilitate the development of safer bio-applications. In this study, the hepatic clearance of two types of PEGylated GOs with different lateral sizes (s-GOs: ~70 nm and l-GOs: ~300 nm) was carefully investigated. We found that GO sheets across the hepatic sinusoidal endothelium, which then may be taken up by the hepatocytes via the Disse space. The hepatocytes may degrade GO into dot-like particles, which may be excreted via the hepatobiliary route. In combination with ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, and synchrotron radiation FTIR techniques, we found that more s-GO sheets in the liver were prone to be cleared via hepatobiliary excretion than l-GO sheets. A Raman imaging analysis of ID/IG ratios further indicated that both s-GO and l-GO generated more defects in the liver. The liver microsomes may contribute to GO biotransformation into O-containing functional groups, which plays an important role in GO degradation and excretion. In particular, more small-sized GO sheets in the liver were more likely to be cleared via hepatobiliary excretion than l-GO sheets, and a greater clearance of s-GO will mitigate their hepatotoxicity. These results provide a better understanding of the hepatic clearance of soft NMs, which is important in the safer-by-design of GO. Full article
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Review

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48 pages, 5802 KiB  
Review
Pharmacological Potential of Kaempferol, a Flavonoid in the Management of Pathogenesis via Modulation of Inflammation and Other Biological Activities
by Faris Alrumaihi, Saleh A. Almatroodi, Hajed Obaid A. Alharbi, Wanian M. Alwanian, Fadiyah A. Alharbi, Ahmad Almatroudi and Arshad Husain Rahmani
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092007 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1584
Abstract
Natural products and their bioactive compounds have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous diseases. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and spices, is recognized for its various beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This molecule has been [...] Read more.
Natural products and their bioactive compounds have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous diseases. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and spices, is recognized for its various beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This molecule has been identified as a potential means of managing different pathogenesis due to its capability to manage various biological activities. Moreover, this compound has a wide range of health-promoting benefits, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic, and has a role in maintaining eye, skin, and respiratory system health. Furthermore, it can also inhibit tumor growth and modulate various cell-signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this compound has been shown to increase efficacy when combined with other natural products or drugs. In addition, kaempferol-based nano-formulations are more effective than kaempferol treatment alone. This review aims to provide detailed information about the sources of this compound, its bioavailability, and its role in various pathogenesis. Although there is promising evidence for its ability to manage diseases, it is crucial to conduct further investigations to know its toxicity, safety aspects, and mechanism of action in health management. Full article
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32 pages, 2211 KiB  
Review
Effects and Mechanisms of Luteolin, a Plant-Based Flavonoid, in the Prevention of Cancers via Modulation of Inflammation and Cell Signaling Molecules
by Saleh A. Almatroodi, Ahmad Almatroudi, Hajed Obaid A. Alharbi, Amjad Ali Khan and Arshad Husain Rahmani
Molecules 2024, 29(5), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29051093 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2180
Abstract
Luteolin, a flavonoid, is mainly found in various vegetables and fruits, including carrots, cabbages, onions, parsley, apples, broccoli, and peppers. Extensive research in vivo and in vitro has been performed to explore its role in disease prevention and treatment. Moreover, this compound possesses [...] Read more.
Luteolin, a flavonoid, is mainly found in various vegetables and fruits, including carrots, cabbages, onions, parsley, apples, broccoli, and peppers. Extensive research in vivo and in vitro has been performed to explore its role in disease prevention and treatment. Moreover, this compound possesses the ability to combat cancer by modulating cell-signaling pathways across various types of cancer. The studies have confirmed that luteolin can inhibit cancer-cell survival and proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, mTOR/PI3K/Akt, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and cell-cycle arrest, and induce apoptosis. Further, scientific evidence describes that this compound plays a vital role in the up/down-regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer therapy. This review aims to outline the anti-cancer mechanisms of this compound and its molecular targets. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the studies on its safety and efficacy and clinical trials. Therefore, it is essential to conduct more research based on safety, efficacy, and clinical trials to explore the beneficial role of this compound in disease management, including cancer. Full article
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