Decoding the Neuroprotective Potential of Methyl Gallate-Loaded Starch Nanoparticles against Beta Amyloid-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis: An In Vitro Study

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifaceted neuronal disorder and a challenge to medical practitioners, as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) acts as a major obstacle for drug delivery to the brain. Development of a nanomaterial-based drug delivery system (DDS) paved a way to penetrate the BBB. Starch, a ubiquitous natural biopolymer, has received much attention as a DDS due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and eco-friendly nature. The present study focuses on encapsulating methyl gallate (MG) within starch nanoparticles (starch-encapsulated MG (SEMG)) and assesses its neuroprotective potential against β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced toxicity, the key factor for AD pathogenesis in Neuro2A cells. SEMG showed potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antioxidant activity and anti-amyloidogenic activity by attenuating the fibrillation of Aβ and destabilizing the preformed mature fibrils. Furthermore, SEMG also attenuated the cytotoxic effect induced by Aβ in Neuro2A cells (50% inhibitory concentration 18.25 ± 0.025 μg/mL) by mitigating reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated macromolecular damage, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and attenuating apoptosis. Characterization of SEMG revealed amorphous rock-shaped structure with average particle size of 264.6 nm, exhibiting 83% loading efficiency and sustained release of drug, with 73% release within 24 h at physiological pH. Overall, the outcome of the present study signifies starch as a promising nanocarrier for the delivery of drugs for the treatment of AD

The Role of Microbiome, Dietary Supplements, and Probiotics in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the impairment of the cognitive function of a child. Studies suggested that the intestinal microbiota has a critical role in the function and regulation of the central nervous system, neuroimmune system and neuroendocrine system. Any adverse changes in the gut–brain axis may cause serious disease. Food preferences and dietary patterns are considered as key in influencing the factors of ASD development. Several recent reviews narrated the importance of dietary composition on controlling or reducing the ASD symptoms. It has been known that the consumption of probiotics confers several health benefits by positive amendment of gut microbiota. The influence of probiotic intervention in children with ASD has also been reported and it has been considered as an alternative and complementary therapeutic supplement for ASD. The present manuscript discusses the role of microbiota and diet in the development of ASD. It also summarizes the recent updates on the influence of dietary supplements and the beneficial effect of probiotics on ASD symptoms. An in-depth literature survey suggested that the maternal diet and lifestyle are greatly associated with the development of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Mounting evidences have confirmed the alteration in the gut microbial composition in children suffering from ASD. However, the unique profile of microbiome has not yet been fully characterized due to the heterogeneity of patients. The supplementation of probiotics amended the symptoms associated with ASD but the results are inconclusive. The current study recommends further detailed research considering the role of microbiome, diet and probiotics in the development and control of ASD

Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanoplatforms Are Theranostic Agents for the Treatment of Inflammatory Disorders

Complete recovery from infection, sepsis, injury, or trauma requires a vigorous response called inflammation. Inflammatory responses are essential in balancing tissue homeostasis to protect the tissue or resolve harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process. Identifying pathologically important inflammatory stimuli is important for a better understanding of the immune pathways, mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and organ dysfunctions, and inflammatory biomarkers and for developing therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. Nanoparticles are an efficient medical tool for diagnosing, preventing, and treating various diseases due to their interactions with biological molecules. Nanoparticles are unique in diagnosis and therapy in that they do not affect the surroundings or show toxicity. Modern medicine has undergone further development with nanoscale materials providing advanced experimentation, clinical use, and applications. Nanoparticle use in imaging, drug delivery, and treatment is growing rapidly owing to their spectacular accuracy, bioavailability, and cellular permeability. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) play a significant role in nano therapy with several advantages such as easy synthesis, loading, controllability, bioavailability over various surfaces, functionalization, and biocompatibility. MSNs can be used as theranostics in immune-modulatory nano systems to diagnose and treat inflammatory diseases. The application of MSNs in the preparation of drug-delivery systems has been steadily increasing in recent decades. Several preclinical studies suggest that an MSN-mediated drug-delivery system could aid in treating inflammatory diseases. This review explains the role of nanoparticles in medicine, synthesis, and functional properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their therapeutic role against various inflammatory diseases

The Administration of Probiotics against Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review

Hypercholesterolemia is a key factor in the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a significant public health concern with a high death rate. Some of the main factors linked to CVD include genetics and lifestyle. Dyslipidemia has been one of the factors related to the onset of several CVD-related diseases. Several clinicopathological studies have shown a correlation between high cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and CVD development. Probiotics have received a lot of attention for various beneficial effects, especially their ability to reduce blood cholesterol in humans. Probiotics were shown in several investigations to affect hypercholesterolemia by influencing cholesterol biosynthesis. The current review focuses on the human dietary interventions with probiotics and their effects on CVD risk factors and hypercholesterolemia. The outcomes are debatable and consider various parameters such as probiotic strain, dosing frequency, therapeutic response, dietary changes, and so forth. As a result, probiotics have the propensity to become dietary supplements in moderate/severe hypercholesterolemic patients, which significantly reduces the CVD risk

The Role and Significance of Bacillus and Lactobacillus Species in Thai Fermented Foods

Fermented foods (FFs) are prepared through controlled or spontaneous microbial growth, promoting the conversion of complex food components by microbial enzymatic action. FFs are common in the cuisine of Southeast Asian countries. Furthermore, FFs have recently become popular worldwide, due to their proposed and proven beneficial health effects. The microbes present in FFs affect the quality, taste, and flavor of the food. Thailand is famous for its versatile range of foods, especially FFs. Fermented beans, fish, meat, sausages, vegetables, and fruits are commonly consumed in Thailand. Thai fermented foods (TFFs) are a key source of bioactive micro-organisms and molecules, and several studies have detailed the isolation, identification, and characterization of potent microbial strains from TFFs; however, a detailed literature review of Bacillus and Lactobacillus species in TFFs is not available. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the available information on representative TFFs, as well as Bacillus and Lactobacillus species in TFFs and their bioactive properties

The Role and Significance of <i>Bacillus</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> Species in Thai Fermented Foods

Fermented foods (FFs) are prepared through controlled or spontaneous microbial growth, promoting the conversion of complex food components by microbial enzymatic action. FFs are common in the cuisine of Southeast Asian countries. Furthermore, FFs have recently become popular worldwide, due to their proposed and proven beneficial health effects. The microbes present in FFs affect the quality, taste, and flavor of the food. Thailand is famous for its versatile range of foods, especially FFs. Fermented beans, fish, meat, sausages, vegetables, and fruits are commonly consumed in Thailand. Thai fermented foods (TFFs) are a key source of bioactive micro-organisms and molecules, and several studies have detailed the isolation, identification, and characterization of potent microbial strains from TFFs; however, a detailed literature review of Bacillus and Lactobacillus species in TFFs is not available. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the available information on representative TFFs, as well as Bacillus and Lactobacillus species in TFFs and their bioactive properties

The association and LINKGAGE of various retroviruses ANDITS progression towards Neurodegeneration

ABSTRACT Effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases has played an enormous role for the healthy outlook of human being. However at the same time, chronic ailments such as neurodegenerative diseases are on rapid rise, afflicting several hundred million individuals worldwide. The commonly known and studied diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Frontal Temporal Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In this review article we highlight the importance of viruses in the progression of various neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral palsy. The viruses included retroviruses, HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8, members of the retroviruses, endogenous retrotranspsons and enteroviruses family. Viral gene and their interplay with the cellular machinery are also highlighted. The pathways that are perturbed by the viral infections are discussed and strategy is defined to combat such infections. Although there is no direct evidence that neurodegenerative diseases are caused by viruses, aberrant inflammatory reactions triggered by viral infections are critical determinant of neurodegeneration. This is predominantly preferential in individual with genetic mutations or epigenetic divergences that modulate the immune response or susceptibility to viral diseases. More specifically, we amalgamate concept that inflammation resulting from viral infections can initiate and propagate chronic neuronal dysfunction. In summary the therapeutic approaches to target immunological pathways of disease are presented to lower the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders and to create therapeutic opportunities for neuroprotection. Keywords: Neurodegenerative, Viruses, Therapeutic, Pathwa