Targeting cancer stem cell OXPHOS with tailored ruthenium complexes as a new anti-cancer strategy.

Background: Previous studies by our group have shown that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the main pathway by which pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) meet their energetic requirements; therefore, OXPHOS represents an Achille's heel of these highly tumorigenic cells. Unfortunately, therapies that target OXPHOS in CSCs are lacking.

Methods: The safety and anti-CSC activity of a ruthenium complex featuring bipyridine and terpyridine ligands and one coordination labile position (Ru1) were evaluated across primary pancreatic cancer cultures and in vivo, using 8 patient-derived xenografts (PDXs).

Oleocanthal, an Antioxidant Phenolic Compound in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Its Potential in Inflammation and Cancer.

Background: The Mediterranean diet is linked to various health benefits, especially the consumption of olive oil as a key component. Multiple studies highlight its advantages, particularly due to its fatty acid composition and additional components like phenolic compounds. A significant antioxidant compound, oleocanthal, known for its antioxidant properties, has gained attention in the pharmaceutical industry for its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.

Metabolomic signature and molecular profile of normal and degenerated human intervertebral disc cells.

Background Context: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an incurable, specific treatment-orphan disease with an increasing burden worldwide. Although great efforts have been made to develop new regenerative therapies, their clinical success is limited.

Purpose: Characterize the metabolomic and gene expression changes underpinning human disc degeneration.

Monomeric CRP regulates inflammatory responses in human intervertebral disc cells.

CRP is an acute-phase protein that is used as a biomarker to follow severity and progression in infectious and inflammatory diseases. Its pathophysiological mechanisms of action are still poorly defined. CRP in its pentameric form exhibits weak anti-inflammatory activity.

Progranulin in Musculoskeletal Inflammatory and Degenerative Disorders, Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Intervertebral Disc Disease: A Systematic Review.

Progranulin (PGRN) is a glycoprotein formed by 593 amino acids encoded by the GRN gene. It has an important role in immunity and inflammatory response, as well as in tissue recovery. Its role in musculoskeletal inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and intervertebral disc degeneration disease (IVDD), is, nowadays, an important target to investigate.

Adipokines as targets in musculoskeletal immune and inflammatory diseases.

Adipokines are the principal mediators in adipose signaling. Nevertheless, besides their role in energy storage, these molecules can be produced by other cells, such as immune cells or chondrocytes. Given their pleiotropic effects, research over the past few years has also focused on musculoskeletal diseases, showing that these adipokines might have relevant roles in worsening the disease or improving the treatment response.

Leptin in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Player or Bystander?

White adipose tissue (WAT) is a specialized tissue whose main function is lipid synthesis and triglyceride storage. It is now considered as an active organ secreting a plethora of hormones and cytokines namely adipokines. Discovered in 1994, leptin has emerged as a key molecule with pleiotropic functions.

Analgesic and antiinflammatory effects of Nigella orientalis L. seeds fixed oil: Pharmacological potentials and molecular mechanisms.

Nigella species have been widely used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory and analgesic potentials of Nigella orientalis L. seeds fixed oil (NOO).

An Update on the Role of Leptin in the Immuno-Metabolism of Cartilage.

Since its discovery in 1994, leptin has been considered as an adipokine with pleiotropic effects. In this review, we summarize the actual information about the impact of this hormone on cartilage metabolism and pathology. Leptin signalling depends on the interaction with leptin receptor LEPR, being the long isoform of the receptor (LEPRb) the one with more efficient intracellular signalling.

Evaluation of Virola oleifera activity in musculoskeletal pathologies: Inhibition of human multiple myeloma cells proliferation and combination therapy with dexamethasone or bortezomib.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Virola oleifera (Schott) A.C. Smith, Myristicaceae, has been widely used in traditional medicine in Brazil to treat rheumatic pain, joint tumours, skin diseases, halitosis, bronchial asthma, haemorrhoids, and intestinal worms.

Pharmacological Extracts and Molecules from Species: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activity.

is the largest genus of Myristicaceae in America, comprising about 60 species of medium-sized trees geographically spread from Mexico to southern Brazil. The plant species of this genus have been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of several ailments, such as rheumatic pain, bronchial asthma, tumors in the joints, intestinal worms, halitosis, ulcers, and multiple infections, due to their pharmacological activity. This review presents an updated and comprehensive summary of species, particularly their ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activity, to support the safe medicinal use of plant extracts and provide guidance for future research.

Integrative multi-omics analysis identifies a prognostic miRNA signature and a targetable miR-21-3p/TSC2/mTOR axis in metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma.

: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that present variable outcomes. To date, no effective therapies or reliable prognostic markers are available for patients who develop metastatic PPGL (mPPGL). Our aim was to discover robust prognostic markers validated through models, and define specific therapeutic options according to tumor genomic features.

Hsa-miR-139-5p is a prognostic thyroid cancer marker involved in HNRNPF-mediated alternative splicing.

It is critical to identify biomarkers and functional networks associated with aggressive thyroid cancer to anticipate disease progression and facilitate personalized patient management. We performed miRNome sequencing of 46 thyroid tumors enriched with advanced disease patients with a median follow-up of 96 months. MiRNome profiles correlated with tumor-specific histopathological and molecular features, such as stromal cell infiltration and tumor driver mutation.