Current medicinal chemistry
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microRNAs (miRNAs) are 21-22 nucleotide non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play fundamental roles in biological processes. These small molecules bind to target mRNAs, leading to translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with several human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory diseases and gynecological pathology. ⋯ Recently, miRNAs have been detected in serum and plasma, and circulating miRNA expression profiles have now been associated with a range of different tumor types. Their accessibility in peripheral blood and stability given the fact that miRNAs circulate confined within exosomes, make researchers foster hope in their role as emerging biomarkers of cancer and other disorders. The development of therapies that might block the expression or mimic the functions of miRNAs could represent new therapeutic strategies for any of the aforementioned gynecological disorders.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
The role of oxidative stress in anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody treatment in Crohn's disease.
Administration of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies [anti-TNF]-alpha represents a therapeutic approach aimed to diminish the effects of tumor necrosis factor [TNF]- alpha in Crohn's disease [CD]. Blockade of its action should be related to various changes including those in immune and inflammatory response. There is a growing body of experimental data to suggest that the chronically inflamed intestine may be subjected to considerable oxidative stress. ⋯ The levels of DIE slightly decreased in M 1 and significantly in M 5, together with the slight increase of the FOACP and SEACP in M 1 and significant increase in M 5. We conclude, that oxidative stress may be important in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of tissue injury in CD patients. The decreasing levels of DIE together with the increase of the FOCP and SEACP after infliximab treatment together with changes of markers of inflammatory activity, can participate in the improvement of clinical status of patients with CD.
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Microglial activation plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases by producing an array of proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, has been well recognized for its anti-inflammatory effect. This study sought to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Rg1 and its underlying mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine BV-2 microglial cells. ⋯ This investigation demonstrates that Rg1 significantly attenuates overactivation of microglial cells by repressing expression levels of neurotoxic proinflammatory mediators and cytokines via activation of PLC-γ1 signaling pathway.