Therapeutic Potential of the Ketogenic Diet: A Metabolic Switch with Implications for Neurological Disorders, the Gut-Brain Axis, and Cardiovascular Diseases.

The Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a dietary regimen that is low in carbohydrates, high in fats, and contains adequate protein. It is designed to mimic the metabolic state of fasting. This diet triggers the production of ketone bodies through a process known as ketosis. The primary objective of KD is to induce and sustain ketosis, which has been associated with numerous health benefits. Recent research has uncovered promising therapeutic potential for KD in the treatment of various diseases. This includes evidence of its effectiveness as a dietary strategy for managing intractable epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that is resistant to medication. We are currently assessing the efficacy and safety of KD through laboratory and clinical studies. This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory properties of the KD and its potential benefits for neurological disorders and the gut-brain axis. We also explore the existing literature on the potential effects of KD on cardiac health. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge in these areas. Given the encouraging preliminary evidence of its therapeutic effects and the growing understanding of its mechanisms of action, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further explore the rationale behind the clinical use of KD. These trials will ultimately enhance our understanding of how KD functions and its potential benefits for various health conditions. We hope that our research will contribute to the body of knowledge in this field and provide valuable insights for future studies.

Electrochemical biosensors for early diagnosis of glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and life-threatening neurological malignancy of predominant astrocyte origin. This type of neoplasm can develop in either the brain or the spine and is also known as glioblastoma multiforme. Although current diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) facilitate tumor location, these approaches are unable to assess disease severity. Furthermore, interpretation of imaging studies requires significant expertise which can have substantial inter-observer variability, thus challenging diagnosis and potentially delaying treatment. In contrast, biosensing systems offer a promising alternative to these traditional approaches. These technologies can continuously monitor specific molecules, providing valuable real-time data on treatment response, and could significantly improve patient outcomes. Among various types of biosensors, electrochemical systems are preferred over other types, as they do not require expensive or complex equipment or procedures and can be made with readily available materials and methods. Moreover, electrochemical biosensors can detect very small amounts of analytes with high accuracy and specificity by using various signal amplification strategies and recognition elements. Considering the advantages of electrochemical biosensors compared to other biosensing methods, we aim to highlight the potential application(s) of these sensors for GBM theranostics. The review's innovative insights are expected to antecede the development of novel biosensors and associated diagnostic platforms, ultimately restructuring GBM detection strategies.

Exosomal long non-coding RNAs in glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent primary tumor found in the central nervous system, accounting for 70% of all adult brain tumors. The median overall survival rate is one year post-diagnosis with treatment, and only four months without treatment. Current GBM diagnostic methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surgery, and brain biopsies, have limitations. These include difficulty distinguishing between tumor recurrence and post-surgical necrotic regions, and operative risks associated with obtaining histological samples through direct surgery or biopsies. Consequently, there is a need for rapid, inexpensive, and minimally invasive techniques for early diagnosis and improved subsequent treatment. Research has shown that tumor-derived exosomes containing various long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in immunomodulation, cancer metastasis, cancer development, and drug resistance in GBM. They regulate genes that enhance cancer growth and progression and alter the expression of several key signaling pathways. Due to the specificity and sensitivity of exosomal lncRNAs, they have the potential to be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis, as well as to monitor a patient's response to chemotherapy for GBM. In this review, we discuss the role of exosomal lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of GBM and their potential clinical applications for early diagnosis.

Glutathione reductase system changes in HTLV-1 infected patients.

During chronic HTLV-1 infections oxidative stress occurs and contributes in viral pathogenesis. Glutaredoxin (Grx) system is one of the most effective antioxidant components. The system maintains the cellular redox and scavenges reactive oxygen species through the function of glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme, NADPH and reduced glutathione (GSH). This study was performed to investigate potential changes in GR gene expression and activity as well as GSH level, and their association with the viral load in HTLV-1 infection. Forty HTLV-1 seropositive patients divided into two groups: asymptomatic carriers (N = 20) and HAM/TSP (N = 20) with the same number of age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in this study. GR cellular gene expression and viral load in PBMCs were determined using Real-time PCR Technique. Enzyme activity and GSH level in sera were measured by commercial kits based on manufacturer's provided protocols. GR gene expression and GR enzyme activity, as well as GSH level, were significantly lower in HTLV-1 patients. A negative correlation between viral load and GR gene expression/enzyme activity was observed in HAM/TSP group. Similarly, a negative relationship between viral load and GSH levels was observed in both carrier and HAM/TSP groups. We also found that in profound complicated condition of HTLV-1 infection, HAM/TSP, Grx system components activity was significantly decreased compared to the controls. Such observation was not the case in clinically healthy HTLV-1 carriers. These findings may shed a light on the conditions contributing in pathogenesis of the complications and exacerbation of the disease in the HAM/TSP cases. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-022-00758-y.

Protective effects of a standardized extract of Iris germanica on pancreas and liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hypolipidemic activities of Iris germanica. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Iris germanica rhizomes on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups including a normal control group, diabetic control group, diabetic groups treated for 4 weeks with 100 and 200 mg/kg/day of the Iris germanica extract (IGE). FINDINGS/RESULTS: Induction of diabetes significantly decreased the body weight gain and considerably increased the serum levels of glucose, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Diabetes also diminished the antioxidant capacity of the liver (decrease of thiol groups) and significantly degenerated pancreatic islands. The IGE at both doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of glucose, triglyceride, AST, ALT, and ALP. Moreover, IGE increased the total antioxidant capacity of the liver and ameliorated pancreatic island morphology. The extract had no significant effect on body weight and BUN level. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION: These findings suggest that Iris germanica rhizomes inhibits the progression of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia and has protective effects against diabetes-induced injury of the liver and pancreas. Therefore, this plant has the potential to be used as a natural product for controlling diabetes.

Therapeutic potency of heat-shock protein-70 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer: current status and perspectives.

Heat-shock protein-70 (HSP70) is critical to the folding, stability, and activity of several client proteins including many responsible for cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, drug toxicity, and metastasis. Up-regulation of HSP70 is positively associated with increased tumorigenicity as well as poor survival in colon cancer patients, supporting the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potencies of HSP70 in colorectal cancer. The administration of specific pharmacological inhibitors or gene knock-down for HSP70 suppresses tumor progression and enhances tumor cell chemosensitivity. This review summarizes the different tumorigenic properties of HSP70 and the potential therapeutic potency of HSP70 inhibitors in terms of a novel strategy for colorectal cancer therapy, for a better understanding, and hence better management of this disease.