Chemicals and Drugs Commons^™

In Silico Screening And Molecular Analyses Identify Apigenin From Scutellaria Barbata As A Potent Akt1 Inhibitor In Breast Cancer, Md. Maruf Khan, Md. Arju Hossain, Fatematuz Zohora, Md. Sohel, Md. Faisal Amin, Fatematuz Zuhura Evamoni, M. Nazmul Hoque

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Scutellaria barbata, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, possesses recognized anticancer properties, but its mechanistic role in BC is not fully elucidated. This study employed an integrated in silico approach to identify the key flavonoids, targets, and pathways through which S. barbata exerts its anti-BC effects. A multi-step computational methodology incorporating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations was utilized to profile bioactive compounds from S. barbata. From an initial set of 34 phytocompounds, three flavonoids namely apigenin, 4’-hydroxywogonin, and hispidulin demonstrated favorable drug-likeness, high bioavailability, …

Beyond The Expected Window: A Rare Presentation Of Acei-Associated Angioedema Two Decades Into Therapy, Taiwo Ajani, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Renzo Aller Rojas, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Michelle Lopez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema (ACEI-AE) is a rare but potentially serious adverse effect of a widely used class of antihypertensives. It typically presents as non-pitting, non-pruritic swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or upper airway, often without associated urticaria. Although most cases occur within the first weeks of treatment, delayed presentations, sometimes after years of stable therapy, have been increasingly recognized. The condition is bradykinin-mediated and often does not respond to standard allergy medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Case Presentation: A 56-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, GERD, and seasonal allergies presented to …

Antimicrobial Susceptibility And Targeted Molecular Detection Of Methicillin Resistance Determinants In Staphylococcus Spp. Isolated From Broiler Bco Lesions, Woro Wulandari Kalanjati, Chrystalee Ailani Alvarez, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus spp. associated with poultry production is an emerging concern with implications for animal and public health. This study aimed to characterize antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and detect targeted methicillin resistance determinants in Staphylococcus isolates recovered from broiler chickens affected by bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO). Methods: A total of 200 bacterial isolates were evaluated, of which 167 were confirmed as Staphylococcus spp. Species identification was performed using presumptive phenotypic characterization followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using disk diffusion, while presumptive methicillin-resistant phenotypes were evaluated using oxacillin screening and CHROMagar MRSA. …

Calcium Signaling And Postsynaptic Density Dynamics: The Roles Of Calmodulin In Synaptic Protein Regulation, Keyaa Dilip Shah, Yonghong Zhang

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Calcium signaling in neuronal cells is the principal mechanism underlying learning and synaptic plasticity, whereas the postsynaptic density (PSD) is an important center where calcium-dependent processes are organized and regulated. This review explores the roles of calmodulin (CaM) in facilitating calcium-dependent modulation of the activities of synaptic proteins in the PSD. We focus on the molecular processes through which CaM interacts with calcium signals to regulate the function, localization, and interactions of central synaptic proteins, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. We aim to summarize recent advances in structural, biochemical, and imaging …

Emerging Near-Infrared Targeted Imaging Pharmaceutics For Ovarian Cancer, Angel J. Phillip, Annu Karithara, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Accurate intraoperative identification of ovarian cancer is challenging, as standard techniques such as visual inspection, palpation, and histopathology often fail to detect microscopic disease. Residual tumor contributes to poor cytoreductive outcomes, high recurrence rates, and chemoresistance. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging using tumor-specific biomarkers has emerged as a promising approach to enhance intraoperative visualization and improve tumor margin delineation. Methods: A focused literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify preclinical and clinical studies evaluating NIR image-guided strategies in ovarian cancer. Studies involving tumor-targeted probes against folate receptor alpha, α3-integrin, mesothelin, and CA125 were included, with emphasis on probe design, delivery, …

Most-Favored-Nation Benchmarking Versus Value-Based Contracting: Institutional Fit Of Pharmaceutical Pricing Tools In The United States, Canada, And The United Kingdom, Kola Adegoke, Olajide Alfred Durojaye, Abimbola Adegoke, Adeyinka Adegoke

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Soaring drug prices pose a significant obstacle to affordable and equitable access to medicines in high-income healthcare systems. This study compares two leading reform tool families, Most Favored Nation (MFN)/international reference pricing (IRP) and value-based contracting (VBC), across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with attention to cost containment, value-linked incentive design, equity of access, and implementation feasibility. U.S. policy developments (CMS Innovation Center’s GENEROUS, GLOBE, and GUARD models) extend international benchmark-based design options beyond the 2020 MFN rule.

Methods: Guided by institutional and governance theories, we conducted a structured comparative policy analysis using a four-dimensional trade-off …

Muc13-Associated Molecular Interactome In Pancreatic Cancer, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Rajasekhar Baru, Abigail Gomez, Shafiul Haque, Sheema Khan, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan

School of Medicine Publications

Mucin-13 (MUC13) has emerged as a critical molecular player involved in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, metastasis, and evasion of immune surveillance, including in pancreatic cancer. In this report, we identified MUC13 molecular interactome using an integrated immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (accession no. of protein data JPST004189) approach combined with systems network biology to determine its plausible functional protein–protein interaction network and associated oncogenic mechanisms. This study reveals a total of 54 key MUC13 interactor proteins (including cyclin-dependent kinase 1, catenin delta 1, Caludin-1, ErbB3-binding protein 1, basic transcription factor 3, tight junction protein 1, etc.). Interestingly, the majority of these …

Prognostic Significance And Interplay Of Circulatory Pcsk-9–Apociii–Chemokine Axis In Type 2 Diabetes And Its Complications: A Pilot Study In North Indian Patients, Mohd Waiz, Sahir S. Alvi, Parvej Ahmad, Bodor Bin Sheeha, Paridhi Puri, Irfan Ahmad, Saheem Ahmad, M. Salman Khan

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin/type-9 (PCSK-9) regulates cholesterol homeostasis through lysosomal degradation of LDL-R and also acts as a pleiotropic mediator of inflammation. Emerging evidence links PCSK-9 to diabetes pathogenesis. Given the genetic diversity and distinct lifestyle of the Indian population, investigating role of PCSK-9 in Indian type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is crucial. Notably, its association with ApoCIII and chemokines such as CXCL2 and MCP-1 remains unexplored.

Results: A total of 187 participants were included: Heathy control (HC; n = 50), T2DM (n = 49), T2DM with nephropathy (T2DM-N; n = 43), and T2DM with dyslipidaemia (T2DM-DL; n = …

Interferon-Induced Protein Ifit3 As A Molecular Nexus Of Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer’S Disease And Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Ranjit Kumar Das, Nirakar Sahoo, Deepa Roy, Lauren Nguyen, Hansapani Rodrigo, Asim K. Duttaroy, Jerel Adam Fields, Upal Roy

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) are significant global health concerns characterized by cognitive impairment and shared pathological features, including chronic neuroinflammation, amyloid deposition, and immune dysregulation. However, the precise molecular connections between these disorders remain unclear. Here, we identify IFIT3 as a critical shared mediator of neuroinflammatory responses in both AD and HAND. Using complementary approaches, including neuronal and microglial cell cultures, the APP/PS1 mouse model, and human postmortem brain tissues, we demonstrate consistent IFIT3 upregulation in response to amyloid-beta (Aβ) and HIV-1 exposure, with notably enhanced expression under combined conditions. Treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) …

Identification Of Bioactive Inhibitors In Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Undatus) Targeting Top2a Protein In Human Breast Cancer, Md Iftehimul, Soharth Hasnat, Md Hasibur Rahman, Md Shohel Hossain, Md Arju Hossain, Abdul Barik, Md Faisal Amin, Dipta Dey, Tofazzal Islam, M. Nazmul Hoque

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), a key enzyme involved in DNA replication and repair, represents an important biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in BC. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) as inhibitors of TOP2A using computational biology approaches. A total of 72 phytochemicals were retrieved from the PubChem database and evaluated for binding affinity, toxicity, drug-likeness, and inhibitory potential against TOP2A. Among these, fifteen compounds satisfied Lipinski's rule of five and were predicted to be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Further …

Targeted Therapy In Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Cancer (Hpc): Advantages And Advancements Of Antibody Drug Conjugates, A Type Of Chemo-Biologic Hybrid Drugs, Tushar Deb Nath, Attrayo Mukherjee, Subhash Chauhan, Debasish Bandyopadhyay

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Currently, there are very few efficient treatment options for hepatobiliary pancreatic cancer (HPC), which comprises pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), biliary tract cancer (BTC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HPC tumors are the most lethal malignant tumors in the world. Traditional chemotherapy offers little survival benefit and is associated with notable systemic toxicity, which has made antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) a hopeful treatment option. Strong cytotoxic drugs combine with monoclonal antibodies to attack tumor-associated antigens. This review discusses the benefits and current developments of Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in treating HPC. It also covers their mechanisms of action, ongoing clinical trials, and the …

Computational Repurposing And Experimental Validation Of Ybx1 Inhibitors In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Omar Karkoutly, Veerababu Nagati, Subhash Chauhan, Manish Tripathi

School of Medicine Publications

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide. While early-stage HCC can often be treated with surgical resection, ablation, or liver transplantation, advanced disease typically relies on systemic chemotherapy. Sorafenib is the standard first-line therapy for advanced and unresectable HCC; however, both intrinsic and acquired resistance remain major clinical challenges. The Y-box binding protein-1 (YBX1), a transcription factor implicated in drug resistance across multiple cancers, is highly expressed in HCC and represents a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to identify novel YBX1 inhibitors using a drug repurposing strategy to overcome sorafenib resistance. Methods: A …

Encapsulation Of Cannabidiol In Chitosan-Stabilized Argan Oil Nanoemulsion As A Potential Dermal Drug Delivery System For Psoriasis Treatment, Yousra Mdarhri, Vinicius De-Monte-Vidal, Camila De-Almeida-Perez-Pimenta, Selene Cuello-Rodríguez, Ahmed Touhami, Fakhita Touhami, Mohamed Chabbi, Victoria Díaz-Tomé

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, exhibits therapeutic potential for various conditions, including inflammation, pain, and skin disorders, making it a promising candidate for the topical treatment of psoriasis. However, its poor water solubility and instability limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study focuses on the development and characterization of CBD-loaded nanoemulsions using argan oil as the lipid phase, with and without a chitosan coating, which serves as a stabilizing and functional biopolymer. Methods: Nanoemulsions (NE) and chitosan-stabilized nanoemulsions (CS-NE), both without CBD (serving as controls), and CBD-loaded variants (CBD-NE and CBD-CS-NE) were prepared and characterized for …

Ubiquitination Of Oncogenic Mutant P53 Via Attenuation Of Ribosome Biogenesis Machinery Effectively Inhibits Pancreatic Tumor Growth, Mudassier Ahmad, Sahir Sultan Alvi, Haider Ahsan, Carlos Perez, Vivek Kashyap, Neeraj Chauhan, Dae Joon Kim, Nirakar Sahoo, Tamer Oraby, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chuahan, Bilal Hafeez

School of Medicine Publications

Dysregulated ribosome biogenesis and p53 mutations are known to play oncogenic roles in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. In this study, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of BMH-21, a pharmacologic inhibitor of RNA polymerase I, against pancreatic cancer by uncovering a novel molecular mechanism involving RPA194-mediated ubiquitination of mutant p53 without affecting the ubiquitination of wild-type p53. Our key findings are that (i) BMH-21 selectively induces apoptosis and cell growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer cells with no effect on normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells; (ii) BMH-21 degrades RPA194; (iii) BMH-21 inhibits recruitment of both RPA194 and RPA135 on rDNA …

Editorial: Next-Generation Protacs In Oncology And Beyond: Exploring Therapeutic Targets And Their Degraders, Daiqing Liao, Debasish Bandyopadhyay

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Drugs Identifies Glipizide As A Potent Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitor: A High-Throughput Virtual Screening And Molecular Dynamics Approach For Targeting Hypercholesterolemia, Parvej Ahmad, Eswara N. Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Sahir S. Alvi

School of Medicine Publications

Purpose:

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Several inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-R), the key hepatic cholesterogenic enzyme, are prescribed to treat hypercholesterolemia and ASCVD. Statins, the established HMG-R inhibitors, exhibit promising cholesterol-lowering effects; however, their long-term use has prompted significant concerns, necessitating the search for additional therapeutic candidates with strong HMG-R inhibitory activity. Therefore, this study aims to find potential HMG-R inhibitor/s that may help reduce excess cholesterol levels via targeting HMG-R activity.

Methods: In this study, 1285 FDA-approved small molecules were assessed for their HMG-R inhibitory potential using …

Neuropathic Pain And Related Depression In Mice: The Effect Of A Terpene And A Minor Cannabinoid In Combination, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Mohammad Hussain, Zayd Ayas, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram L. Garcia, Manish Kumar Tripathi, Khalid Benamar

School of Medicine Publications

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe types of chronic pain. Although it is difficult to manage, it often co-occurs with depression. Yet, no medication addresses the neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity. Therefore, developing integrated treatment strategies that address both pain and depression is a major public health priority and an unmet need affecting millions. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of combining a terpene, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), and cannabidiol (CBD) on neuropathic pain and associated depression. We employed a chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain model and a series of behavioral tests to evaluate …

Cannabidiol And Beta-Caryophyllene: Chronic Inflammatory Pain, Mohammed Alnoud, Mohammad Hussain, Jose Rios, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram L. Garcia, Sophia Leslie, Manish Tripathi, Khalid Benamar

School of Medicine Publications

While chronic pain is challenging to manage, it always co-exists with depression. Currently, chronic pain and depression are usually treated separately with distinct approaches, yet effectiveness remains elusive. Consequently, the development of integrated therapeutic strategies for pain while addressing depression is a high public health priority and unmet need that affects millions of people. This study aims to determine if the combination of the two phytocannabinoids Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) and cannabidiol (CBD) is effective for chronic pain while simultaneously showing antidepressant effects. We used a chronic inflammatory pain model (Complete Freund's Adjuvant, CFA) and a battery of pain and depression-like behavior …

Ybx1-Mediated Activation Of Srebp2 Drives Sorafenib Resistance Via Cholesterol Biosynthesis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Shaibir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Manish Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive, largely chemo-resistant cancer with a poor prognosis and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, there is no effective systemic chemotherapy for HCC. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor commonly used as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. However, acquired drug resistance significantly limits its clinical effectiveness. The Y-box binding protein (YBX1) is an oncogenic RNA-binding protein found to be upregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues.

Methods: HCC model SK Hep1, YBX1 overexpression, and knockdown cells were prepared by transient transfection with puromycin selection, and stable cell lines were established through …

Development Of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Formulation For Cancer Therapeutics, Kaitlyn D. Ybanez, Rahul Tiwari, Joel De Los Santos, Tarun Minocha, Bianca Jimenez, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Colloquium

Background: Novel hydrogel-based drug delivery systems integrating 𝛾-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (𝛾-CD-MOFs) have recently been developed to overcome the hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability of certain chemotherapeutic drugs. Thermosensitive Pluronic F-127 hydrogels can deliver 𝛾-CD-MOFs to target sites, promoting sustained and regulated drug release, especially for mucosal adhesion scenarios as warranted in cervical cancer. This study presents the development of a formulation that encapsulates curcumin, a model anticancer agent, into a Pluronic F-127 Hydrogel + 𝛾-CD-MOFs to enhance dispersion and enable sitespecific gelation at physiological temperatures (37°C).

Methods: Curcumin-loaded 𝛾-CD-MOFs were synthesized by dissolving 𝛾-CD (1.0 mmol, 1.30 g) and KOH …

Corticobasal Syndrome With Mixed Pathology In The Absence Of Grn Mutation: A Clinico-Pathological Case Of Ftld-Tdp With Coexisting Alzheimer’S And Lewy Body Pathology, Hugo Zamarron, David Irwin, Jeffery Phillips, Edward Lee, Matthew Tisdall, Corey Mcmillan

Research Colloquium

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by often asymmetric fronto-pariteal and extra-pyramidal features that is traditionally associated with tauopathy, but pathological findings are heterogenous, including other forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and mixed pathologies of aging. We present clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of asymmetry in a unique patient with CBS and underlying FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), co-occurring with other age-related pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive and motor dysfunction including asymmetric parkinsonism, left-sided dystonia and rigidity, apraxia, visuospatial impairment, and a subtle social disorder including apathy and social withdrawal. The …

Total Synthesis Of The Marine Cytotoxic Mansouramycin And Derivatives, Aditya Dantu, Gabriella L. Madrigal, Neel Gondi, David Osazee, Ahmad Amro, Whard Alsabbagh, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Purpose: Isoquinolinequinones are a group of organic compounds which are composed of an isoquinoline fused to a quinone ring. This class of molecules is known to exhibit a wide variety of biological activities, including cytotoxic and antitumor properties. Among the many families of isoquinolinequinones are the Caulibugulones and Mansouramycins, which exhibit anticancer properties and are thus desirable subjects for cancer-related research. They are obtained by isolation from marine bryozoan Caulibugula intermis and marine Streptomyces sp respectively, however these compounds are difficult to extract. Thus, organic synthesis is being explored as a method of obtaining them; this project focuses on the …

Investigating Cucurbitacin D'S Efficacy In Ameliorating Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Hepatic Injury, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Daniel Zubieta, Anyssa Rodriguez, Fathi T. Halaweish, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly linked to various co-morbidity factors, notably smoking, which introduces benzo[a]pyrene—a potent carcinogen known for its role in liver damage. Cucurbitacin, a triterpene with diverse biological activities, exhibits antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, yet its hepatoprotective effects remain inadequately explored. In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective activity of cucurbitacin D, a novel analog, against benzo[a]pyrene-induced liver injury in human HepG2 cells. To evaluate its protective effects, we conducted proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion assays, alongside Western blotting and qPCR analyses. The DCFDA assay was employed to measure intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in liver cells. …

Miconazole Induces Cell Cycle Arrest And Apoptosis In Prostate Cancer Cells Via A P53-Mediated Pathway: A Drug Repurposing Strategy, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Lindsey Shim, Rahul Tiwari, Rajasekhar Baru, Anupam Dhasmana, Ryan Chang, Sung Yun Jung, Vivek K. Kashyap, Neeraj Chauhan, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Colloquium

Aim: Repurposing of FDA-approved antifungal drugs to combat prostate cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men in the United States, second only to non-melanoma skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates about 313,780 new cases and 35,770 deaths from prostate cancer in 2025. Despite various treatments such as radiation therapy (both external beam and internal), chemotherapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, biological therapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound, men are monitored for side effects over many years. Therefore, new drugs and treatment strategies are urgently needed to address this challenge.

Methods: In this study, we …

Bridging Genetics And Pharmacology: Diazoxide Choline Xr (Vykat) In The Treatment Of Hyperphagia In Prader–Willi Syndrome, Elena Dike, Nazia Siddiqui, Astrid-Ines Foamkom, Bharathi Gadad

Research Colloquium

Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss of paternal expression in the 15q11–q13 region, with the SNORD116/SNHG14 cluster most strongly linked to hyperphagia. This hyperphagia is a major cause of morbidity in PWS. Vykat, a recently approved FDA drug to treat hyperphagia in PWS acts by opening KATP channels in pancreatic β-cells, thereby reducing insulin secretion and indirectly improving satiety. This presentation aims to highlight the central hypothalamic dysfunction from genetic imprinting defects and the peripheral action of Vykat. While Vykat represents a significant advance, especially for individuals with severe hyperphagia, it does not address the …

Synthesis Of Various Flavonoids For Effective Anti-Immune Thrombocytopenia Agents, Benjamin Valdivia, Alyssa Aguilar, Victoria Herrera, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a hematological disorder characterized by abnormally low platelet counts, often resulting in increased bleeding risk and impaired immune function. Current therapies may be costly, ineffective, or carry significant side effects, highlighting the need for safer, affordable alternatives. Carica papaya leaf extract has shown promise in increasing platelet counts, with flavonoids such as quercetin suggested as key bioactive constituents. However, unmodified plant compounds often suffer from limited potency or specificity. This research aims to synthesize structurally modified flavonoids derived from C. papaya to enhance their therapeutic activity for ITP. Our central hypothesis is that rational chemical …

Treatment Evolution In Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Case Series Of Sequential Treatment Versus Early Iptacopan Use, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Ronald Shaju, Yolanda Gutierrez, Francisco Arias Reyes, Daniela Hernandez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis, bone marrow failure, and a heightened risk of thrombosis. Prior to targeted therapies, management of PNH was largely supportive, focusing on transfusions, anticoagulation, and bone marrow transplantation. Thromboembolic events were the leading cause of mortality, accounting for approximately 40-67% of deaths prior to the introduction of complement inhibitors such as eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting terminal complement protein C5. In December 2023, iptacopan, an oral factor B inhibitor that targets the alternative complement pathway, was approved for PNH, offering improved patient compliance …

Editorial: Endocrine Imbalances Of Mineral Ions And Vitamins In Chronic Disease Pathogenesis, Mor-Li Hartman, Hosam G. Abdelhady, Mohammed S. Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Phytochemical Analysis And Appraisal Of Antiproliferative Activity Of Magnolia Alejandrae, José E. Caballero-Chávez, Alma D. Paz-Gonzalez, Diana V. Navarrete-Carriola, Fabian E. Olazarán, María Miriam Estevez-Carmona, Benjamin Nogueda-Torres, Fernando Emiliano Jiménez-Mondragón, Melany X. Márquez-Aguilar, Carmen Michelle Pineda-Alcala, Debasish Bandyopadhyay

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Magnolia alejandrae is a tree endemic to Tamaulipas, Mexico, distributed in the forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Objective: Our objective was to analyze the secondary metabolite profile of different parts of M. alejandrae and evaluate their antiproliferative activity in vitro. Methods: Different extracts of leaf, bark, and fruit were obtained using conventional and unconventional extraction methods with solvents of different polarity. The extracts were analyzed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectra (UPLC-MS), and their antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines was determined. Results: The primary yields of the extracts obtained from M. alejandrae ranged from 8.32% to 36.19%. Three …

Molecular Biomarkers Of Glioma, Punsasi Rajakaruna, Stella A. Rios, Hana Elnahas, Ashley Villanueva, David Uribe, Sophia Leslie, Walaa A. Abbas, Larissa Barroso, Stephanie Oyervides, Michael W. Persans, Wendy Innis-Whitehouse, Megan E. Keniry

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

In this review, we discuss how mutations in glioma are associated with prognosis and treatment efficacy. A fascinating characteristic of glioma and all cancers is that while common growth and developmental pathways are altered, the characteristic mutations are distinct depending on the specific type of tumor with concomitant prognoses. Next-generation sequencing, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence are boosting the employment of molecular biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the biological underpinnings of distinct mutations on critical signaling pathways is crucial for developing novel therapies for glioma.