56 research outputs found
Molecular Interactions of Prodiginines with the BH3 Domain of Anti-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Family Members
Prodigiosin and obatoclax, members of the prodiginines family, are small molecules with anti-cancer properties that are
currently under preclinical and clinical trials. The molecular target(s) of these agents, however, is an open question.
Combining experimental and computational techniques we find that prodigiosin binds to the BH3 domain in some BCL-2
protein families, which play an important role in the apoptotic programmed cell death. In particular, our results indicate
a large affinity of prodigiosin for MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 family. In melanoma cells, we demonstrate
that prodigiosin activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by disrupting MCL-1/BAK complexes. Computer simulations
with the PELE software allow the description of the induced fit process, obtaining a detailed atomic view of the molecular
interactions. These results provide new data to understand the mechanism of action of these molecules, and assist in the
development of more specific inhibitors of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins.Spanish government and the European Union (FIS-PI10/00338) and from the ERC-2009-Adg
25027-PELE European project
Behavioral activation for smoking cessation and mood management following a cardiac event: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
The role of diet in the aetiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as IBD, are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the aetiopathogenesis of IBD is largely unknown, it is widely thought that diet has a crucial role in the development and progression of IBD. Indeed, epidemiological and genetic association studies have identified a number of promising dietary and genetic risk factors for IBD. These preliminary studies have led to major interest in investigating the complex interaction between diet, host genetics, the gut microbiota and immune function in the pathogenesis of IBD. In this Review, we discuss the recent epidemiological, gene–environment interaction, microbiome and animal studies that have explored the relationship between diet and the risk of IBD. In addition, we highlight the limitations of these prior studies, in part by explaining their contradictory findings, and review future directions
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) derived from propolis, a honeybee product, inhibits growth of breast cancer stem cells
Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review
Objectives: To systematically review and discuss the current evidence from placebo-controlled
clinical trials that investigated the use of alternative medicines and herbal remedies in the
management of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-
based systematic review using specific keyword combinations was conducted on the PubMed
and Scopus databases. Randomised controlled trials investigating herbal medicine in at least
one group and using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as an outcome in
patients primarily diagnosed with ED were included for review.
Results: Following the literature search, screening and eligibility analysis, a total of 42 articles
were included. The 42 articles were categorised as single herb extractions (n = 14), combination
herbal formula (n = 5), combination of herbal formula and non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 7),
non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 5), acupuncture and moxibustion (n = 2), diet and nutrition
(n = 3), exercise (n = 5), and topical treatments (n = 1). Based on the results, Korean ginseng,
Pygnogenol and Prelox, Tribulus terrestris, Lepidium meyenii, L-arginine, acupuncture and lifestyle
interventions were the more predominantly investigated treatments interventions for ED.
Conclusions: Panax ginseng, Pygnogenol, Prelox and Tribulus terrestris have promising evidence
as herbal products, alongside L-arginine as a nutritional supplement, for ED based on
IIEF outcomes, and warrant further clinical investigation. The mechanisms of action remain
unclear, but each of these appears to in part increase nitric oxide synthesis. Importantly,
improved diet and exercise should be considered, particularly in patients with obesity or
diabetes mellitus
Cannabinoid-based drugs targeting CB1 and TRPV1, the sympathetic nervous system, and arthritis
Short-term results for the management of distal tibial fractures by minimally invasive locked plating
Nonmydriatic widefield retinal imaging with an automatic white LED confocal imaging system compared with dilated ophthalmoscopy in screening for diabetic retinopathy
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