Volume 08 · Issue 01 · 2025

Recent research has shown that probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus sp., have potential as modulators of the immune system.This review explores the immunotherapeutic potential of Lactobacillus species via adjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed cell death protein-1, programmed death ligand-1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitors, which have revolutionized cancer treatment by enhancing T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. However, patient response remains questionable, prompting further study into the role of the gut microbiota in modulating these therapies. These probiotics influence immune responses through interactions with immune cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells. These interactions promote cytokine production, enhance CD8+ T-cell activity, and improve the gut barrier. Specific Lactobacillus strains can increase ICI efficacy through the production of proinflammatory cytokines and associated side effects. Optimizing Lactobacillus-based therapies and integrating them with existing cancer treatments may lead to improved patient outcomes. Although the formulation of probiotic species in advanced drug delivery systems, such as niosomes and liposomes, may prove to be successful, regulatory guidelines need to be followed to support their nontoxic effects in preclinical trials followed by clinical studies. Although the concomitant administration of probiotics with ICIs remains a promising strategy, the underlying mechanisms need to be explored to support their systemic nontoxic effects.

Stroke causes substantial death and disability worldwide, challenging healthcare systems and impacting patients' lives. Research on stroke biomarkers can aid in the development of targeted therapies, while Zhenbao Pills (ZBP) from traditional Chinese medicine may enhance recovery from neurological disorders. Further investigations into the mechanisms of ZBP are crucial for better stroke management.

This research accessed databases to pinpoint the core components and identify the targets of ZBP and stroke. "Drug-component-target" networks were established, followed by enrichment analysis of identified targets. We also used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causal relationships between feature genes and stroke incidence, for which colocalization was employed for validation. Furthermore, molecular docking and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were used for preliminary confirmation.

This study identified 14 core components and 105 stroke-related targets for ZBP. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that these targets are involved mainly in oxidative stress processes, lipid metabolism, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Correlation with stroke risk was determined through MR analysis, which revealed that the VEGFA and ARG1 genes were negatively correlated with stroke risk and GATM was positively correlated. Additionally, the stable interactions of molecular docking and differential expression of key genes support their potential therapeutic relevance.

Stroke may be mitigated through essential constituents of ZBP (e.g., luteolin, quercetin, and isorhamnetin) that target pivotal genes (e.g., VEGFA, ARG1, and GATM), including characteristic genes, and the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways. These discoveries hold important implications for clinical practice and future research endeavors.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly recognized for their dual roles in both advancing and posing risks to female reproductive health. Owing to their small size and large surface area, NPs can interact with biological systems in ways that may lead to both therapeutic innovations and toxicological concerns. The impact of NPs on the female reproductive system highlights their potential to disrupt hormone signaling pathways and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which are crucial for reproductive health. NPs have shown promise in targeted drug delivery systems, improving therapeutic outcomes for conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and uterine leiomyoma. Advances in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of more sensitive diagnostic tools and innovative treatments, including NP-mediated drug delivery and hyperthermia. However, the accumulation of NPs in reproductive organs raises concerns about their potential toxicity, particularly in terms of oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. This review underscores the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of NPs on female reproductive health and to establish safe exposure limits. Additionally, the potential of NPs in gene therapy and tissue-targeted treatment offers a promising avenue for future clinical applications, with the possibility of revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of reproductive disorders.

Cardiac disorders, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arrhythmias, are marked causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis and effective management of these conditions are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Biomarkers, which are measurable biological indicators, have emerged as essential tools in the diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification of cardiac diseases. Among the well-established biomarkers, cardiac troponins (cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T) exhibit high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of myocardial infarction, and recent advances have improved early diagnosis and risk evaluation. B-type natriuretic peptide and its precursor N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide play critical roles in the diagnosis and management of heart failure; elevated levels of these factors indicate poor prognosis and can guide therapeutic decision-making. Additionally, C-reactive protein levels have been widely used in cardiovascular risk assessment and show high sensitivity. Emerging biomarkers, such as galectin-3, suppression of tumorigenicity 2, and microRNAs, show promise in enhancing the prediction of heart failure, assessment of myocardial stress, and detection of cardiac conditions in early stages. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of these biomarkers, highlighting their clinical applications and limitations, as well as the integration of these biomarkers with imaging techniques. This review also explores the potential for future research aimed at developing personalized treatment strategies based on biomarker profiles. Biomarkers are becoming increasingly vital in optimizing cardiac care and improving patient outcomes through more targeted and individualized approaches.

Gallstone disease (GD) poses a substantial health challenge worldwide, and its complications are often associated with disturbances in the gut microbiota.The essential receptor through which the innate immune system detects bacterial components and controls inflammation, namely, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1), is a major participant in the interaction. This article examines the role of NOD1 in GD, focusing on how gallstone-induced changes in the gut microbiota composition activate NOD1. Such activation initiates signaling pathways that lead to gut dysbiosis, further exacerbating GD. We investigate potential therapeutic targets within the NOD1 signaling pathway and its interactions with other host factors, suggesting methods to restore imbalances in the gut microbiota and improve GD management. The clinical significance of these findings and future research directions are also discussed, highlighting the importance of comprehensive approaches to treat GD by targeting NOD1 activity and the gut microbiota.

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that combines engineering principles to design and construct new biological components, devices, and systems for understanding and reprogramming biological functions. This field aims to create novel biological entities with specific functions or solutions to particular problems through precise manipulation of biomolecules and cells. Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the urinary bladder and primarily affects the urothelial cells lining the bladder wall. Synthetic biology technology, while relatively new for the treatment of bladder cancer, has promising potential for providing innovative solutions for the detection, treatment, and management of bladder cancer. This article reviews the latest research progress in the field of synthetic biology applied to bladder cancer. This research focuses on the application of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-CRISPR-associated protein 9 to precisely modify the genome of bladder cancer cells to inhibit their growth and proliferation. Additionally, it introduces methods for enhancing antitumor immune responses through the modification of immune cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapy. Furthermore, this article explores the potential of the use of genetically engineered bacteria as an emerging treatment option for bladder cancer. Despite challenges such as targeting specificity, safety, and cost, synthetic biology technologies provide new perspectives and strategies for the treatment of bladder cancer. With continuous advancements in technology and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration, the application of synthetic biology in bladder cancer treatment holds great promise, potentially offering patients new treatment options and hope.