Search Results (7,227)

Depression and obesity are amongst the most serious global health challenges. Each of them is associated with high morbidity, chronicity, and socioeconomic burden. Increasing evidence suggests that these conditions are not merely comorbid but share convergent biological pathways (e.g., hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction). All these components contribute together to the development and persistence of depressive symptoms as well as to an increase in adiposity. Within this framework, adipose tissue has emerged as an essential endocrine organ that has a deep impact on neuroimmune signalling and mood regulation through its secreted molecules, such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, omentin, apelin, chemerin, and visfatin. The current management of depression involves a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes pharmacological treatment and psychotherapeutic support, alongside lifestyle changes. Here we highlight the molecular crosstalk between adipose tissue and the brain, summarising the evidence of adipokines’ dysregulation role in connecting metabolic dysfunction to depressive neurobiology. By integrating metabolic, immunological, and neuroendocrine perspectives, this narrative review underscores the need to reconceptualise depression as an immunometabolic disorder. Understanding adipokine-mediated pathways may reveal new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, fostering interdisciplinary approaches. This would allow for the development of new treatment strategies, which include recombinant adipokines, anti-inflammatory agents, and microbial modulation. These new strategies might provide a significant benefit in selected patients, in addition to conventional antidepressants. Full article

The polyglycerol esters (PGEs) of fatty acids have a wide range of HLB values and applications in diverse industries, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. While the physicochemical properties of oil-soluble PGEs dissolved in oil phases are well studied in the literature, there is no information on their structuring in aqueous phases and emulsifying abilities. We combined rheological and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements and microscopy observations to characterize the dependence of oil-soluble PGE structuring in aqueous phases on the PGE concentration, the temperature of solution homogenization, and the PGE molecular structure. Excellent correlations between the considerable changes in solution viscosity and the temperatures of the two endo- and exothermic peaks in the DSC thermograms are observed. Single-tail PGE molecules, which have a higher number of polyglycerol units, are better organized in networks, and the viscosity of their aqueous solutions is higher compared to that of the respective double-tail PGE molecules. PGEs exhibit good emulsifying ability and the viscosity of the produced emulsions at room temperature can differ by orders of magnitudes depending on the temperature of emulsification. The reported properties of oil-soluble PGEs could be of interest for increasing the range of their applicability in practice. Full article

Nowadays, the development of efficient water treatment processes is increasingly driven by the need to provide solutions for contaminants of emerging concern. Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) based on diamond electrodes can be part of innovative removal concepts. However, expensive substrates, energy-intensive chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of diamond, and market availability complicate matters for diamond electrodes to gain traction in the water treatment sector. In addition, it has to be stated that the mining and complex processing of necessary substrates like Si, Ti, Nb, or Ta need a significant amount of fresh water, which counteracts the need for more sustainability in the field of EAOPs. In this context, a ceramic-based boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode is presented, which addresses this dilemma. The presented concept of the so-called interdigitated double diamond electrode (iDDE) consumes 14–46% less energy in batch-mode experiments to degrade an organic model molecule compared to standard BDD technology in a poorly conductive electrolyte (κ < 350 µS/cm). Laser-induced micro-structuring of the BDD layer reduces the interelectrode spacing (IES) of the iDDE to below 50 µm. The structuring approach at the micrometer scale enables the treatment of electrically low-conductivity electrolytes more energy efficiently, while reducing the need for a supporting electrolyte or a proton exchange membrane. Degradation experiments and Raman measurements reveal different properties of an iDDE compared to standard BDD technology. The iDDE concept highlights the need to understand the significance of non-uniform current density distributions on the general electrochemical activity of BDD electrodes. Full article

This study investigates the adsorption of paracetamol from aqueous solutions using natural clinoptilolite and its modified forms. The raw zeolite (p-CLI) was converted into its protonic (H-CLI) and organo-modified (o-CLI) counterparts through ammonium exchange and calcination, and treatment with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br), respectively. The materials were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and SEM analyses. XRD confirmed that the clinoptilolite crystalline framework was preserved after both modifications, while FT-IR and SEM revealed partial removal of exchangeable cations in H-CLI and the formation of an HDTMA-derived organic layer on the external surface of o-CLI. Adsorption experiments were carried out under batch conditions at initial paracetamol concentrations of 0.5–10 mg/L, and equilibrium paracetamol concentrations were determined using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The raw clinoptilolite exhibited negligible adsorption capacity (<0.10 mg/g) due to its hydrophilic surface and microporous framework, which limit interaction with neutral organic molecules. Conversion to the protonic form slightly enhanced the adsorption performance (~0.15 mg/g), while HDTMA modification resulted in a modest additional increase (~0.25 mg/g), attributed to the formation of hydrophobic and organophilic surface sites. Overall, the results indicate that surface functionalization can improve the affinity of clinoptilolite toward weakly polar pharmaceuticals; however, the adsorption capacities remain limited. The novelty of this work lies in combining voltametric quantification with a direct comparison of proton-exchanged and surfactant-modified clinoptilolite to elucidate how specific structural and surface changes influence paracetamol uptake. Full article

We report the first identification of several large (1.4–2.2 MDa), highly stable protein–peptide complexes in various organs and tissues (body wall, gonads, respiratory trees, gut, and coelomic fluid) of the sea cucumber Paracaudina chilensis. Gel filtration and transmission electron microscopy methods were used to estimate the molecular weights and sizes of the complexes. According to light scattering assay data, these multiprotein complexes undergo significant dissociation only in the presence of 3.0 M MgCl₂ or 8.0 M urea containing 0.1 M EDTA and DTT. Analysis of the complexes using SDS-PAGE and MALDI mass spectrometry showed that all complexes contain numerous proteins (>10 kDa), whose number and composition vary among organs. Additionally, using MALDI mass spectrometry, it was shown that the whole-organism complexes contain 254 distinct peptides (<10 kDa). The peptide content in organ-specific complexes decreases in the following order: respiratory trees (104) > coelomic fluid (76) > body wall (64) > gut (58) > gonads (55). In contrast to individual proteins and peptides, multiprotein complexes have expanded possibilities, since they can interact with various molecules and cells. Thus, they can perform the functions of all peptides and proteins located on their surfaces. We propose that the unique protein and peptide composition of each complex facilitates the specific biological functions of its respective organ. Full article

New cosmeceuticals formulas (direct emulsion, inverse emulsion and hydrogel), that synergistically combine bioglass with retinol, were prepared and characterized in order to attenuate the irritant potential of retinoids and prolong their therapeutic efficacy. The study evaluates the physicochemical, microbiological and stability characteristics of these formulations. Thus, TGA and DSC analyses revealed stronger interactions between water molecules and those of other organic compounds, with much more being observed in the case of emulsions than in the case of hydrogel, materialized by the delay in water evaporation. The stability of the three types of formulations has been evaluated in two ways: by determining the backscattering variation with the height of the container and analyzing the sample for 6 h and by counting the fraction of small droplets. Both methods demonstrated high stability in the three types of formulations. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), a member of a class of intracellular lipid transporters, promotes PCa progression via enhanced lipid metabolism and trafficking of lipid ligands. Previous work from our group has demonstrated that small-molecule FABP5 inhibitors based on the truxillic-acid monoester scaffold reduce PCa growth. Methods: Here, we assessed the effect of third-generation FABP5 inhibitors on the PCa cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, signaling pathway activity, and transcriptomic landscape. Results: We demonstrate that the third-generation FABP5 inhibitor SBFI-1143 significantly inhibits the viability of PCa cells by arresting them at the G0/G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and promoting cell death. Strikingly, SBFI-1143 efficiently inhibited the growth of PCa spheroids compared to its predecessor, SBFI-103. RNA-seq and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated that SBFI-1143 more effectively suppressed pathways involved in cell cycle progression, cell cycle division, and chromosome organization while upregulating genes associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, responses to incorrectly folded proteins, and regulating apoptosis, compared to SBFI-103. Notably, SBFI-1143 treatment downregulated genes associated with the subpopulation of PCa cells characterized by a lineage plasticity-related signature, related to trans-differentiation, recurrence, and poor cancer prognosis. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that SBFI-1143 significantly alters the transcriptomic landscape of prostate cancer and may serve as a potentially effective therapeutic option for this disease. Full article

RNA interference (RNAi) offers programmable, sequence-specific silencing via small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), but clinical translation hinges on overcoming instability, immunogenicity, and inefficient endosomal escape. This review synthesizes advances in non-viral nanocarriers—liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles (EVs)—that stabilize nucleic acids, tune biodistribution, and enable organ- and cell-selective delivery. We highlight design levers that now define the field: ligand-guided targeting, stimuli-responsive release, biomimicry and endogenous carriers, and rational co-delivery with small molecules. Across major disease areas—cancer and cardiovascular, respiratory, and urological disorders—these platforms achieve tissue-selective uptake (e.g., macrophages, endothelium, and myocardium), traverse physiological barriers (including the blood–brain barrier and fibrotic stroma), and remodel hostile microenvironments or immune programs to enhance efficacy while maintaining favorable safety profiles. Early clinical studies reflect this diversity, spanning targeted nanoparticles, local drug depots, exosome and cellular carriers, and inhaled formulations, e.g., and converge on core phase-I endpoints (safety, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and early activity). Looking ahead, priorities include good manufacturing practice scale, consistent manufacture—especially for EVs; more efficient loading and cargo control; improved endosomal escape and biodistribution; and rigorous, long-term safety evaluation with standardized, head-to-head benchmarking. Emerging directions such as in vivo EVs biogenesis, theragnostic integration, and data-driven formulation discovery are poised to accelerate translation. Collectively, nanoparticle-enabled RNAi has matured into a versatile, clinically relevant toolkit for precise gene silencing, positioning the field to deliver next-generation therapies across diverse indications. Full article

Over the past decade, near-infrared-II (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) fluorescence imaging has become a focal point in tumor imaging due to its advantages of low light scattering, weak biological autofluorescence, extraordinary penetration depth, high signal-to-background ratio, and micron-level high resolution. To date, a large number of NIR-II materials have been developed for tumor imaging. Among them, NIR-II organic small-molecule fluorophores have emerged as research hotspots owing to their distinctive advantages, such as superior optical properties, excellent controllability, favorable biocompatibility, and tunable pharmacokinetics. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in lNIR-II fluorescent probes based on organic small-molecule fluorophores for tumor imaging, focusing on their structural features, design principles of NIR-II fluorescent probes, and applications in tumor imaging. Finally, we will discuss the challenges, future prospects, and development directions of organic small-molecule fluorophores for NIR-II fluorescence imaging of tumors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skeletal muscle–derived myokines have emerged as pivotal mediators of the muscle–brain axis, linking peripheral metabolic regulation with central nervous system function. These molecules may influence skeletal muscle maintenance, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, and cognitive performance, and their dysregulation is increasingly associated with metabolic and cognitive impairment. In obesity (OB) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dysregulated myokine profiles characterized by reduced levels of irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cathepsin B (CTSB) have been reported and may contribute to the development of both sarcopenia and cognitive impairment. This review aims to summarize current evidence on myokine alterations in OB and T2DM and to evaluate how exercise- and nutrition-based interventions may modulate the muscle–brain axis to support metabolic and cognitive health. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes experimental, clinical, and translational studies examining (1) alterations in circulating myokines in OB and T2DM, (2) associations between myokines, skeletal muscle function, and neurocognitive outcomes, and (3) the modulatory effects of exercise and specific nutrients on myokine-mediated muscle–brain communication. Results: Available evidence indicates that OB and T2DM are frequently accompanied by reduced circulating levels of beneficial myokines such as irisin, BDNF, and CTSB, which may impair skeletal muscle integrity and contribute to cognitive decline. Restoring favorable myokine signaling through physical activity appears to enhance skeletal muscle maintenance, neuroplasticity, and metabolic homeostasis. Emerging data further suggest that selected nutrients can mimic or potentiate some exercise-induced myokine responses, thereby supporting both muscle and brain function. Collectively, these findings imply that combined exercise and nutrition strategies may exert synergistic or additive effects by reinforcing inter-organ communication along the muscle–brain axis. Conclusions: This review outlines current evidence on myokine alterations observed in OB and T2DM and discusses how exercise- and nutrition-based approaches may modulate the muscle–brain axis to mitigate metabolic dysfunction and preserve cognitive health. Targeting beneficial myokine pathways through tailored lifestyle interventions represents a promising avenue to support both skeletal muscle and neurocognitive function in individuals with metabolic disease. Full article

Collective cell migration (CCM) is a coordinated process involving cell–cell and cell–environment interactions occurring in many physiological systems, including development, wound healing, and metastasis. Using zebrafish keratocytes as a wound healing model provides a unique system to investigate the interplay of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in CCM. MMPs play an important role in CCM as they generate bioactive molecules that regulate proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and cell migration. Secreted as pro-enzymes, MMPs must be activated, frequently by another MMP. As a group, MMPs have been reported to have a pro-migratory role during CCM, yet our data reveal that one MMP, MMP13, is not pro-migratory. Treatment of keratocytes with recombinant MMP13 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in migration, reduced MMP13 activity, and increased MMP9 mRNA expression. Treatment with an MMP13-specific inhibitor resulted in a dose-dependent increase in migration with no change in the rate of cellular proliferation, an increase in total MMP activity, and increased MMP2 mRNA expression. Similarly, inhibition of MMP14 also resulted in a significant, dose-dependent decrease in migration. However, MMP14 inhibition resulted in both an increase in MMP2 mRNA expression and a decrease in MMP9 mRNA expression. The increase in MMP2 and/or MMP9 activity was observed on gel zymography for both treatments. Our data support the hypothesis that MMP13 is anti-migratory while MMP2, MMP9 and MMP14 have a pro-migratory effect on zebrafish keratocytes. Taken together, our results outline a novel inhibitory role for MMP regulation of CCM that has implications for many other processes in multicellular organisms. Full article

This study investigated the potential of a commercially available birch biochar, previously used as a soil amendment, for the adsorption of Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. For the first time, direct potentiometry with a lead ion-selective electrode was used for continuous in situ real-time monitoring of the adsorption process. The biochar demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.21 mg/g (Langmuir model) and a high affinity for Pb²⁺. Kinetic analysis revealed a two-stage process limited by intraparticle diffusion. A significant decrease in pH and power-law dependencies between the adsorption parameters and the liquid/solid ratio confirmed ion exchange as the primary mechanism. Additionally, the biochar’s surface characteristics and accessibility for large molecules were evaluated by methylene blue adsorption, yielding a specific surface area of 4.0–6.6 m²/g. This value, being an order of magnitude lower than the BET surface area, highlighted the microporous nature of the biochar and its limited accessibility for bulky organic cations, providing crucial context for interpreting the lead adsorption mechanisms. The biochar effectively reduced the lead concentration to levels meeting the standards for irrigation water, demonstrating its dual application not only as an amendment but also as an effective and stable sorbent for water purification, while direct potentiometry proved to be a promising method for studying such processes. Full article

The controlled pro-inflammatory immune response is critical for fighting against external and endogenous threats, such as microbes/pathogens, allergens, xenobiotics, various antigens, and dying host cells and their mediators (DNA, RNA, and nuclear proteins) released into the circulation and cytosol (PAMPs, MAMPs, and DAMPs). Several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and their downstream adaptor molecules, expressed by innate and adaptive immune cells, are critical in generating the inflammatory immune response by recognizing PAMPs, MAMPs, and DAMPs. However, their dysregulation may predispose the host to develop inflammation-associated organ damage, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, cancer, and even death due to the absence of the inflammation resolution phase. The cytosolic calcium (Ca²⁺) level regulates the survival, proliferation, and immunological functions of immune cells. Cysteine-rich proteases, specifically calpains, are Ca²⁺-dependent proteases that become activated during inflammatory conditions, playing a critical role in the inflammatory process and associated organ damage. Therefore, this article discusses the expression and function of calpain-1 and calpain-2 (ubiquitous calpains) in various innate (epithelial, endothelial, dendritic, mast, and NK cells, as well as macrophages) and adaptive (T and B cells) immune cells, affecting inflammation and immune regulation. As inflammatory diseases are on the rise due to several factors, such as environment, lifestyle, and an aging population, we must not just investigate but strive for a deeper understanding of the inflammation and immunoregulation under the calpain system (calpain-1 and calpain-2 and their endogenous negative regulator calpastatin) lens, which is ubiquitous and senses cytosolic Ca²⁺ changes to impact immune response. Full article

This bibliometric review analyzed research published between 2020 and 2025 addressing water stress in strawberry plants and evidenced the use of biostimulants as a promising tool in mitigating this stress. Water requirement of strawberry plants varies according to the agroecosystem of cultivation and genotype used to establish the crop. Strawberry plants develop large leaves with a high water content and stomata, which results in high transpiration rates. Under water deficit, the photosynthetic capacity of the plant is reduced and the water content in the leaves is lower. Additionally, molecules such as proline, catalase, and peroxidase are produced, indicating enzymatic oxidative stress. Conversely, the fruit quality is positively influenced when the plant suffers water restrictions (up to 75% of the pot/field capacity). The use of biostimulants represents a potential biotool to mitigate water deficit in strawberry plants, such as the application of organic acids, plant extracts, seaweed, bacteria, and fungi. The use of these products in situations of water deficit or aiming at a reduction in water consumption is still a topic of research gaining attention. Therefore, the application of biostimulants combined with irrigation management with lower water consumption corroborates the search for more productive and sustainable agri-food systems. Full article

Sphingolipids are a large group of molecules, crucial components of all mammalian cells, that are particularly abundant in the central and peripheral nervous system and associated with important human brain functions. Sphingolipids are necessary for membrane organization and driving functions. Ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate and GM1, show bioactive properties. Ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate play a crucial role in the regulation of physio-pathological conditions. Small changes in their levels, in the ratio sphingosine-1-phosphate/ceramide as well as in chain length profiles of sphingolipids contribute to alter signaling pathways in neurons and glia, contributing to various neurological disorders. GM1 is considered a neurotrophic and neuroprotective compound and seems to be necessary for the correct functioning of neuronal membrane receptors, suggesting that a reduction in its level in the brain can be involved in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we give an overview of sphingolipid metabolism, summarizing the role of ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and GM1 in maintaining human health. Full article