-
Brain Structure & Function Jul 2023The mammillary body (MB) is a component of the extended hippocampal system and many studies have shown that its functions are vital for mnemonic processes. Together with... (Review)
Review
The mammillary body (MB) is a component of the extended hippocampal system and many studies have shown that its functions are vital for mnemonic processes. Together with other subcortical structures, such as the anterior thalamic nuclei and tegmental nuclei of Gudden, the MB plays a crucial role in the processing of spatial and working memory, as well as navigation in rats. The aim of this paper is to review the distribution of various substances in the MB of the rat, with a description of their possible physiological roles. The following groups of substances are reviewed: (1) classical neurotransmitters (glutamate and other excitatory transmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine), (2) neuropeptides (enkephalins, substance P, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, orexins, and galanin), and (3) other substances (calcium-binding proteins and calcium sensor proteins). This detailed description of the chemical parcellation may facilitate a better understanding of the MB functions and its complex relations with other structures of the extended hippocampal system.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Mammillary Bodies; Neurochemistry; Anterior Thalamic Nuclei; Amino Acids; Memory, Short-Term
PubMed: 37378855
DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02673-4 -
Journal of Microbiology and... Jun 2019Synthetic biology builds programmed biological systems for a wide range of purposes such as improving human health, remedying the environment, and boosting the... (Review)
Review
Synthetic biology builds programmed biological systems for a wide range of purposes such as improving human health, remedying the environment, and boosting the production of valuable chemical substances. In recent years, the rapid development of synthetic biology has enabled synthetic bacterium-based diagnoses and therapeutics superior to traditional methodologies by engaging bacterial sensing of and response to environmental signals inherent in these complex biological systems. Biosynthetic systems have opened a new avenue of disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we introduce designed synthetic bacterial systems acting as living therapeutics in the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases. We also discuss the safety and robustness of genetically modified synthetic bacteria inside the human body.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Biological Therapy; Biosensing Techniques; Communicable Diseases; Drug Delivery Systems; Genetic Engineering; Humans; Metabolic Diseases; Neoplasms; Synthetic Biology
PubMed: 31216840
DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1904.04016 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022Thixotropy is a fascinating feature present in many gel systems that has garnered a lot of attention in the medical field in recent decades. When shear stress is... (Review)
Review
Thixotropy is a fascinating feature present in many gel systems that has garnered a lot of attention in the medical field in recent decades. When shear stress is applied, the gel transforms into sol and immediately returns to its original state when resting. The thixotropic nature of the hydrogel has inspired scientists to entrap and release enzymes, therapeutics, and other substances inside the human body, where the gel acts as a drug reservoir and can sustainably release therapeutics. Furthermore, thixotropic hydrogels have been widely used in various therapeutic applications, including drug delivery, cornea regeneration and osteogenesis, to name a few. Because of their inherent biocompatibility and structural diversity, peptides are at the forefront of cutting-edge research in this context. This review will discuss the rational design and self-assembly of peptide-based thixotropic hydrogels with some representative examples, followed by their biomedical applications.
PubMed: 36135280
DOI: 10.3390/gels8090569 -
IScience Apr 2022The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its... (Review)
Review
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
PubMed: 35378862
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022The continuous development of magnetic resonance imaging broadens the range of applications to newer areas. Using MRI, we can not only visualize, but also track... (Review)
Review
The continuous development of magnetic resonance imaging broadens the range of applications to newer areas. Using MRI, we can not only visualize, but also track pharmaceutical substances and labeled cells in both in vivo and in vitro tests. H is widely used in the MRI method, which is determined by its high content in the human body. The potential of the MRI method makes it an excellent tool for imaging the morphology of the examined objects, and also enables registration of changes at the level of metabolism. There are several reports in the scientific publications on the use of clinical MRI for in vitro tracking. The use of multinuclear MRI has great potential for scientific research and clinical studies. Tuning MRI scanners to the Larmor frequency of a given nucleus, allows imaging without tissue background. Heavy nuclei are components of both drugs and contrast agents and molecular complexes. The implementation of hyperpolarization techniques allows for better MRI sensitivity. The aim of this review is to present the use of multinuclear MRI for investigations in drug delivery.
Topics: Contrast Media; Drug Discovery; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 36235031
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196493 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2020Flavonoids are metabolites of plants and fungus. Flavonoid research has been paid special attention to in recent times after the observation of their beneficial effects... (Review)
Review
Flavonoids are metabolites of plants and fungus. Flavonoid research has been paid special attention to in recent times after the observation of their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. These favorable effects are exerted by flavonoids mainly due to their antioxidant properties, which result from the ability to decrease the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, thus improving the lipid profiles. The other positive effect exerted on the cardiovascular system is the ability of flavonoids to produce vasodilation and regulate the apoptotic processes in the endothelium. Researchers suggested that these effects, including their anti-inflammatory function, are consequences of flavonoids' potent antioxidant properties, but recent studies have shown multiple signaling pathways linked to them, thus suggesting that there are more mechanisms involved in the beneficial effect of the flavonoids on the human body. This review aims to present the latest data on the classification of these substances, their main mechanisms of action in the human body, and the beneficial effects on the physiological and pathological status of the cardiovascular system.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Cardiovascular Diseases; Flavonoids; Humans
PubMed: 32967119
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184320