Advances in Cathepsin S Inhibition: Challenges and Breakthroughs in Drug Development.

Cathepsin S (CatS) is a proteolytic enzyme and a member of the cysteine protease family of proteolytic enzymes. Cathepsins S, K, and L are particularly similar in terms of their amino acid sequences and interactions with substrates, and this has made it difficult to develop inhibitors with specificity for either CatS, CatK, or CatL. The involvement of CatS in various disease pathophysiologies (autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Different diagnostic criteria are used for GDM, and it is not clear how these affect the reported prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This protocol is for a systematic review to describe and compare the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM using the different diagnostic criteria applied in various countries/regions of the world.

In-silico and in-vitro screening of Asiatic acid and Asiaticoside A against Cathepsin S enzyme.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the endothelium of the blood vessel. Series of events are involved in the pathophysiology of this disease which includes the breaking down of the connective tissue elastin and collagen responsible for the tensile strength of the arterial wall by proteolytic enzyme. One of these enzymes called Cathepsin S (CatS) is upregulated in the progression of the disease and its inhibition has been proposed to be a promising pharmacological target to improve the prognosis of the disease condition.

Bioprospecting of Species: Chemical Profile, Phytochemical Properties, and Antifungal Efficacy against .

Variation in plant species and extraction solvents play a crucial role in the recovery of their bioactive compounds and antifungal efficacy. Thus, in this study, a comparative investigation was carried out using extraction solvents: 70% acetone and 95% ethanol to obtain crude aqueous extracts from and . Crude aqueous extracts were screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to gain insight into their chemical composition.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 genetic screening using the vervet (Chlorocebus aethiops) model.

Background: The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene has come to prominence due to its reported function in the clearance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) was utilized to study the genetics of PCSK9 gene.

Method: Sixteen vervet monkeys were selected to screen for possible PCSK9 polymorphisms and to determine gene expression.

Influence of PEGylation on PLGA nanoparticle properties, hydrophobic drug release and interactions with human serum albumin.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of PEG content on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NP physicochemical properties, hydrophobic drug release (rifampicin as a model drug) and human serum protein binding.

Methods: Rifampicin loaded and unloaded nanoparticles with PEG content of 0-17% (w/w) were prepared by an emulsification-evaporation technique. Nanoparticles were characterized for size, zeta potential and morphology.

The contributions of muscarinic receptors and changes in plasma aldosterone levels to the anti-hypertensive effect of Tulbaghia violacea.

Background: Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (Alliaceae) is used to treat various ailments, including hypertension (HTN) in South Africa. This study aims to evaluate the contributions of muscarinic receptors and changes in plasma aldosterone levels to its anti-hypertensive effect.

Effect of Tulbaghia violacea on the blood pressure and heart rate in male spontaneously hypertensive Wistar rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (Alliaceae) is a small bulbous herb which belongs to the family Alliaceae, most commonly associated with onions and garlic. In South Africa, this herb has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments, including fever, colds, asthma, paralysis, hypertension and stomach problems.