A Review on the Antimicrobial Activity of Schiff Bases: Data Collection and Recent Studies

Schiff bases (SBs) have extensive applications in different fields such as analytical, inor‐ ganic and organic chemistry. They are used as dyes, catalysts, polymer stabilizers, luminescence chemosensors, catalyzers in the fixation of CO2 biolubricant additives and have been suggested for solar energy applications as well. Further, a wide range of pharmacological and biological applica‐ tions, such as antimalarial, antiproliferative, analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antipyretic, an‐ tibacterial and antifungal uses, emphasize the need for SB synthesis. Several SBs conjugated with chitosan have been studied in order to enhance the antibacterial activity of chitosan. Moreover, the use of the nanoparticles of SBs may improve their antimicrobial effects. Herein, we provide an ana‐ lytical overview of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of SBs and chitosan‐based SBs as well as SBs‐functionalized nanoparticles. The most relevant and recent literature was reviewed for this purpose

NUTRACEUTICAL FUNCTIONS OF GREEN TEA

Today, the diffusion of neoplastic diseases is a widespread phenomenon. Thus, it is always necessary to identify new molecules able to fight them. In this paper, we will deal with the interesting antineoplastic properties of green tea. We will describe the different and plausible anticancer mechanisms of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol found in green tea, and in particular the biochemical and computational discovery of a new target for the treatment of this disease will be discussed. The bio-active substances present in tea are essentially represented by methylxanthines, as well as by the antioxidant phenolic fraction (flavonoids). Among the other active substances contained in lower concentrations there are vitamins (B, C and K), amino acids (L-theanine) and minerals (aluminium and manganese). Tea extracts, particularly EGCG, could represent the starting point for the potential emergence of new drugs for the treatment of neoplastic diseases. Other activities of tea, as the involvement in neurodegenerative diseases prevention, as well as the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects, will be also briefly described

NUTRACEUTICAL FUNCTIONS OF GREEN TEA

Today, the diffusion of neoplastic diseases is a widespread phenomenon. Thus, it is always necessary to identify new molecules able to fight them. In this paper, we will deal with the interesting antineoplastic properties of green tea. We will describe the different and plausible anticancer mechanisms of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol found in green tea, and in particular the biochemical and computational discovery of a new target for the treatment of this disease will be discussed. The bio-active substances present in tea are essentially represented by methylxanthines, as well as by the antioxidant phenolic fraction (flavonoids). Among the other active substances contained in lower concentrations there are vitamins (B, C and K), amino acids (L-theanine) and minerals (aluminium and manganese). Tea extracts, particularly EGCG, could represent the starting point for the potential emergence of new drugs for the treatment of neoplastic diseases. Other activities of tea, as the involvement in neurodegenerative diseases prevention, as well as the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects, will be also briefly described

Target Therapy in Cancer Treatment: mPGES-1 and PARP

Target therapy is an approach focusing on specific protein or signaling pathways. This therapy is directly aimed to a molecular target such as a receptor, growth factor or enzyme in cancer cells. These targets are used by the tumor cells themselves to obtain uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to traditional therapies and to increase the number of blood vessels in the tissue of origin (neoangiogenesis). A purpose of target therapy may be to counteract the growth and proliferation of cancer cells through the use of drugs or monoclonal antibodies capable of inhibiting the receptor for the epidermal growth factor (EGFR), that is crucial in the process of neo-angiogenesis, protein kinases (PKs), as regulators of cell growth signals and human epidermal growth factor type 2 (HER2), which is essential in stimulating growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Among anticancer drugs, Bevacizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technique, is used for the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer, as it inhibits EGFR and the vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF). Abemaciclib, a protein kinase inhibitor drug, is also used for the treatment of the same cancer. In 20-30% of primary breast tumors, the excessive expression of HER2 is observed; thus, HER2 inhibitors may represent another plausible therapy. A potent HER2 inhibitor is the recombinant humanized igG1 monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab, which was first tested in 1992 and is currently used for the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, despite the numerous advances in finding new therapies, patients treated with these drugs often suffer from severe undesirable side effects. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic targets may be desirable. In this paper we analyse particularly two targets studied quite recently: the microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase type 1 (mPGES-1) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins

No effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common hepatic disorder worldwide, reaching prevalence up to 90 % in obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and representing an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, the coexistence of T2D and NAFLD leads to higher incidence of diabetes’ complications and additive detrimental liver outcomes. The existence of a close association between NAFLD and hypovitaminosis D, along with the anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties of vitamin D, have been largely described, but vitamin D effects on hepatic fat content have never been tested in a randomized controlled trial. We assessed the efficacy and safety of 24-week oral high-dose vitamin D supplementation in T2D patients with NAFLD. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out at the Diabetes Centre of Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, to assess oral treatment with cholecalciferol (2000 IU/day) or placebo in T2D patients with NAFLD. The primary endpoint was reduction of hepatic fat fraction (HFF) measured by magnetic resonance; as hepatic outcomes, we also investigated changes in serum transaminases, CK18-M30, N-terminal Procollagen III Propeptide (P3NP) levels, and Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Secondary endpoints were improvement in metabolic (fasting glycaemia, HbA1c, lipids, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, ADIPO-IR, body fat distribution) and cardiovascular (ankle-brachial index, intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation) parameters from baseline to end of treatment. Results: Sixty-five patients were randomized, 26 (cholecalciferol) and 29 (placebo) subjects completed the study. 25(OH) vitamin D significantly increased in the active treated group (48.15 ± 23.7 to 89.80 ± 23.6 nmol/L, P < 0.001); however, no group differences were found in HFF, transaminases, CK18-M30, P3NP levels or FLI after 24 weeks. Vitamin D neither changed the metabolic profile nor the cardiovascular parameters. Conclusions: Oral high-dose vitamin D supplementation over 24 weeks did not improve hepatic steatosis or metabolic/cardiovascular parameters in T2D patients with NAFLD. Studies with a longer intervention period are warranted for exploring the effect of long time exposure to vitamin D