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Frontiers in Medicine 2024Essential oils from various plants have diverse therapeutic properties and are researched extensively. They have applications in medicine, aromatherapy, microbiology,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Essential oils from various plants have diverse therapeutic properties and are researched extensively. They have applications in medicine, aromatherapy, microbiology, agriculture, livestock, and the food industry, benefiting the population.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the PRISMA verification protocol. The study focused on the anti-inflammatory effects, nutraceutical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of essential oils in lemon, orange, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. We also looked at their presence in the diet, their effect, their mechanism of action on health, and the most important active compounds. The search was conducted in the PubMed database for the last 12 years of publications, including , , and online cell model tests.
RESULTS
Essential oils have been shown to have multiple health benefits, primarily due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism of action of cinnamon oil alters bacterial membranes, modifies lipid profiles, and inhibits cell division, giving a potential benefit in protection against colitis. On the other hand, a significant improvement was observed in the diastolic pressure of patients with metabolic syndrome when supplementing them with cumin essential oil. The antimicrobial properties of coriander essential oil, especially its application in seafood like tilapia, demonstrate efficacy in improving health and resistance to bacterial infections. Cumin essential oil treats inflammation. Parsley essential oil is an antioxidant. Orange peel oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and pro-oxidative. Lemon essential oil affects mouse intestinal microbiota. Thyme essential oil protects the colon against damage and DNA methylation. Carnosic acid in rosemary oil can reduce prostate cancer cell viability by modifying the endoplasmic reticulum function.
CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION
Essential oils have many therapeutic and antiparasitic properties. They are beneficial to human health in many ways. However, to understand their potential benefits, more research is needed regarding essential oils such as coriander, parsley, rosemary, cumin, and thyme. These research gaps are relevant since they restrict understanding of the possible benefits of these crucial oils for health-related contexts.
PubMed: 38435393
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023The efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy (PtCh) for pancreatic cancer (PC) patients with DNA damage repair gene mutations (DDRm) compared to those without DDRm...
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy (PtCh) for pancreatic cancer (PC) patients with DNA damage repair gene mutations (DDRm) compared to those without DDRm remains uncertain.
METHODS
After a thorough database searching in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, a total of 19 studies that met all the inclusion criteria were identified. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for PC patients with DDRm versus those without DDRm after PtCh.
RESULTS
Patients with advanced-stage PC who have DDRm tend to have longer OS compared to patients without DDRm, regardless of their exposure to PtCh (HR=0.63; I = 66%). Further analyses indicated that the effectiveness of PtCh for OS was modified by DDRm (HR=0.48; I = 59%). After the first- line PtCh (1L-PtCh), the PFS of advanced-stage PC with DDRm was also significantly improved (HR=0.41; I = 0%). For patients with resected PC, regardless of their exposure to PtCh, the OS for patients with DDRm was comparable to those without DDRm (HR=0.82; I = 71%). Specifically, for patients with resected PC harboring DDRm who received PtCh (HR=0.85; I = 65%) and for those after non-PtCh (HR=0.87; I = 0%), the presence of DDRm did not show a significant association with longer OS.
CONCLUSION
1L-PtCh treatment is correlated with favorable survival for advanced-stage PC patients with DDRm. For resected-stage PC harboring DDRm, adjuvant PtCh had limited effectiveness. The prognostic value of DDRm needs to be further verified by prospective randomized controlled trials.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022302275.
PubMed: 37954082
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1267577 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Bioactive compounds in berries may scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids... (Review)
Review
Bioactive compounds in berries may scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. Evidence shows that berry consumption has beneficial health effects, though it remains unclear whether berries exert a significant impact on oxidative stress in humans. Thus, we performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to examine the effects of non-acute (more than a single dose and ≥7 days) berry consumption on biomarkers of oxidative stress. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus; results were imported into Covidence for screening and data extraction. The literature search identified 622 studies that were screened, and 131 full-text studies assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 28 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Common biomarkers of oxidative stress (antioxidants, DNA damage, isoprostanes, malondialdehyde, and oxidized LDL) were systematically reviewed, and results were reported narratively. Of the approximate 56 oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated in the 28 RCTs, 32% of the biomarkers were reported to have statistically significant beneficial results and 68% of the biomarkers were reported as having no statistically significant differences. More well-designed and longer-term berry RCTs are needed to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress.
PubMed: 37507981
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071443 -
Biomolecules Nov 2023Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent a recently discovered polymorphonuclear leukocyte-associated ancient defence mechanism, and they have also been... (Review)
Review
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent a recently discovered polymorphonuclear leukocyte-associated ancient defence mechanism, and they have also been identified as part of polytrauma patients' sterile inflammatory response. This systematic review aimed to determine the clinical significance of NETs in polytrauma, focusing on potential prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. The methodology covered all major databases and all study types, but was restricted to polytraumatised humans. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 1967 patients. Ten samples were taken from plasma and four from whole blood. There was no standardisation of methodology of NET detection among plasma studies; however, of all the papers that included a healthy control NET, proxies were increased. Polytrauma patients were consistently reported to have higher concentrations of NET markers in peripheral blood than those in healthy controls, but their diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic utility is equivocal due to the diverse study population and methodology. After 20 years since the discovery of NETs, their natural history and potential clinical utility in polytrauma is undetermined, requiring further standardisation and research.
Topics: Humans; Extracellular Traps; Prognosis; Neutrophils; Multiple Trauma
PubMed: 38002307
DOI: 10.3390/biom13111625 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Radiation therapy (RT) not only can directly kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand break, but also exerts anti-tumor effects through modulating local and... (Review)
Review
Radiation therapy (RT) not only can directly kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand break, but also exerts anti-tumor effects through modulating local and systemic immune responses. The immunomodulatory effects of RT are generally considered as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, RT effectively enhances the immunogenicity of tumor cells, triggers type I interferon response, induces immunogenic cell death to activate immune cell function, increases the release of proinflammatory factors, and reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby positively promoting anti-tumor immune responses. On the other hand, RT stimulates tumor cells to express immunosuppressive cytokines, upregulates the function of inhibitory immune cells, leads to lymphocytopenia and depletion of immune effector cells, and thus negatively suppresses immune responses. Nonetheless, it is notable that RT has promising abscopal effects and may achieve potent synergistic effects, especially when combined with immunotherapy in the daily clinical practice. This systematic review will provide a comprehensive profile of the latest research progress with respect to the immunomodulatory effects of RT, as well as the abscopal effect of radioimmunotherapy combinations, from the perspective of biological basis and clinical practice.
Topics: Radioimmunotherapy; Immunotherapy; Cytokines; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; Immunogenic Cell Death
PubMed: 38449871
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357101 -
Med (New York, N.Y.) Jan 2024Synthetic lethality (SL) denotes a genetic interaction between two genes whose co-inactivation is detrimental to cells. Because more than 25 years have passed since SL...
BACKGROUND
Synthetic lethality (SL) denotes a genetic interaction between two genes whose co-inactivation is detrimental to cells. Because more than 25 years have passed since SL was proposed as a promising way to selectively target cancer vulnerabilities, it is timely to comprehensively assess its impact so far and discuss its future.
METHODS
We systematically analyzed the literature and clinical trial data from the PubMed and Trialtrove databases to portray the preclinical and clinical landscape of SL oncology.
FINDINGS
We identified 235 preclinically validated SL pairs and found 1,207 pertinent clinical trials, and the number keeps increasing over time. About one-third of these SL clinical trials go beyond the typically studied DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, testifying to the recently broadening scope of SL applications in clinical oncology. We find that SL oncology trials have a greater success rate than non-SL-based trials. However, about 75% of the preclinically validated SL interactions have not yet been tested in clinical trials.
CONCLUSIONS
Dissecting the recent efforts harnessing SL to identify predictive biomarkers, novel therapeutic targets, and effective combination therapy, our systematic analysis reinforces the hope that SL may serve as a key driver of precision oncology going forward.
FUNDING
Funded by the Samsung Research Funding & Incubation Center of Samsung Electronics, the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) grant funded by the Republic of Korea government (MSIT), the Kwanjeong Educational Foundation, the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and Center for Cancer Research (CCR).
Topics: Humans; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Precision Medicine; Republic of Korea; Synthetic Lethal Mutations; United States; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38218178
DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.12.009 -
Heliyon Sep 2023Operating room workers are at risk of experiencing adverse effects due to occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). One of the consequences of long-term...
INTRODUCTION
Operating room workers are at risk of experiencing adverse effects due to occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). One of the consequences of long-term WAGs exposure is the probability of developing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. This systematic review investigated the link between WAGs and DNA damage in operating room workers.
METHODS
PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Scopus, and EbscoHost, as well as hand-searching, were used to find literature on the relationship between WAGs and DNA damage. Three independent reviewers independently assessed the study's quality. Meta-analysis was conducted for several DNA damage indicators, such as comet assay (DNA damage score, tail's length, tail's DNA percentage), micronuclei formation, and total chromosomal aberration.
RESULTS
This systematic review included 29 eligible studies (2732 participants). The majority of the studies used a cross-sectional design. From our meta-analysis, which compared the extent of DNA damage in operating room workers to the unexposed group, operating room workers exposed to WAGs had a significantly higher DNA damage indicator, including DNA damage score, comet tail's length, comet tail's DNA percentage, micronuclei formation, and total chromosomal aberration (p < 0.05) than non-exposed group.
CONCLUSION
Waste anesthetic gases have been found to significantly impact DNA damage indicators in operating room personnel, including comet assay, micronuclei development, and chromosomal aberration. To reduce the impact of exposure, hospital and operating room personnel should take preventive measures, such as by adapting scavenger method.
PubMed: 37810053
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19988 -
Biomedicines Jan 2024Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a diverse group of leukemias characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of clonal neoplastic hematopoietic precursor cells with... (Review)
Review
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a diverse group of leukemias characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of clonal neoplastic hematopoietic precursor cells with chromosomal rearrangements and multiple gene mutations and the impairment of normal hematopoiesis. Current efforts to improve AML outcomes have focused on developing targeted therapies that may allow for improved antileukemic effects while reducing toxicity significantly. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is one of the most thoroughly studied molecularly targeted therapies in adults. GO is a monoclonal antibody against CD33 IgG4 linked to the cytotoxic drug calicheamicin DMH. The use of GO as a chemotherapeutic agent is not generalized for all patients who suffer from AML, particularly for those whose health prevents them from using intensive conventional chemotherapy, in which case it can be used on its own, and those who have suffered a first relapse, where its combination with other chemotherapeutic agents is possible. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate GO, focusing on its molecular structure, mode of action, pharmacokinetics, recommended dosage, resistance mechanisms, and associated toxicities to provide valuable information on the potential benefits and risks associated with its clinical use. A systematic review of eight scientific articles from 2018 to 2023 was conducted using PRISMA analysis. The results showed that GO treatment activates proapoptotic pathways and induces double-strand breaks, initiating DNA repair mechanisms. Cells defective in DNA repair pathways are susceptible to GO cytotoxicity. GO has recommended doses for newly diagnosed CD33+ AML in combination or as a single agent. Depending on the treatment regimen and patient status, GO doses vary for induction, consolidation, and continuation cycles. Multidrug resistance (MDR) involving P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is associated with GO resistance. The overexpression of P-gp reduces GO cytotoxicity; inhibitors of P-gp can restore sensitivity. Mitochondrial pathway activation and survival signaling pathways are linked to GO resistance. Other resistance mechanisms include altered pharmacokinetics, reduced binding ability, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. GO has limited extramedullary toxicity compared to other AML treatments and may cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD). The incidence of hepatic HVOD after GO therapy is higher in patients with high tumor burden. Hematological side effects and hepatotoxicity are prominent, with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia observed. In conclusion, GO's reintroduction in 2017 followed a thorough FDA review considering its altered dose, dosing schedule, and target population. The drug's mechanism involves CD33 targeting and calicheamicin-induced DNA damage, leading to apoptosis and resistance mechanisms, including MDR and survival signaling, which impact treatment outcomes. Despite limited extramedullary toxicity, GO is associated with hematological side effects and hepatotoxicity.
PubMed: 38255313
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010208 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023PARPi, in combination with ionizing radiation, has demonstrated the ability to enhance cellular radiosensitivity in different tumors. The rationale is that the exposure...
PARPi, in combination with ionizing radiation, has demonstrated the ability to enhance cellular radiosensitivity in different tumors. The rationale is that the exposure to radiation leads to both physical and biochemical damage to DNA, prompting cells to initiate three primary mechanisms for DNA repair. Two double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB) repair pathways: (1) non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and (2) homologous recombination (HR); and (3) a single-stranded DNA break (SSB) repair pathway (base excision repair, BER). In this scenario, PARPi can serve as radiosensitizers by leveraging the BER pathway. This mechanism heightens the likelihood of replication forks collapsing, consequently leading to the formation of persistent DSBs. Together, the combination of PARPi and radiotherapy is a potent oncological strategy. This combination has proven its efficacy in different tumors. However, in prostate cancer, there are only preclinical studies to support it and, recently, an ongoing clinical trial. The objective of this paper is to perform a review of the current evidence regarding the use of PARPi and radiotherapy (RT) in PCa and to give future insight on this topic.
Topics: Humans; Male; DNA Repair; Medical Oncology; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiation Oncology
PubMed: 37629155
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612978 -
Toxics Aug 2023Exposure to pesticides in Arab countries is a significant public health concern due to extensive agricultural activity and pesticide use. This systematic review aimed to... (Review)
Review
Exposure to pesticides in Arab countries is a significant public health concern due to extensive agricultural activity and pesticide use. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of agricultural pesticide exposure in the region, identify research gaps, and assess methodological limitations. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search yielded five relevant studies conducted in Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Various genotoxicity assays were employed, revealing a higher level of DNA damage in exposed compared to non-exposed individuals. Farmers exposed to pesticides exhibited a significantly higher occurrence of chromosomal translocation (t(14;18)), micronuclei, and chromosomal aberrations. However, only two studies assessed cytotoxicity indirectly. The studies predominantly focused on male participants, with variations in sample size and pesticide types. The lack of detailed exposure data necessitates cautious interpretation. This review underscores the need for further research on the genotoxicity of occupational pesticide exposure in the Middle East. Future studies should adopt robust study designs, collect biological and environmental samples, conduct repeated sampling, analyze seasonal variations, and encompass diverse study sites associated with specific crop groups.
PubMed: 37624167
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080663