Validating methods for testing natural molecules on molecular pathways of interest in silico and in vitro.

Differentially expressed genes can serve as drug targets and are used to predict drug response and disease progression. In silico drug analysis based on the expression of these genetic biomarkers allows the detection of putative therapeutic agents, which could be used to reverse a pathological gene expression signature. Indeed, a set of bioinformatics tools can increase the accuracy of drug discovery, helping in biomarker identification.

A pilot study on the preventative potential of alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol against SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Background And Aim Of The Work: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current pandemics. This virus attacks the cells by binding to the transmembrane angiotensin I converting enzyme 2. In this study, we experimented a food supplement containing alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol for the improvement of the defenses against the SARS-CoV-2.

Natural compounds as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 endocytosis: A promising approach against COVID-19.

Background And Aim: The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 affected more than six million people and caused thousands of deaths. The lack of effective drugs or vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 further worsened the situation. This review is focused on the identification of molecules that may inhibit viral entry into host cells by endocytosis.

Bacteriophages in food supplements obtained from natural sources.

Human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by bacteria that constitute the interstinal microbiota. Changes in the microbiota may lead to several chronic disorders. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target bacteria.

Bacteriophages presence in nature and their role in the natural selection of bacterial populations.

Phages are the obligate parasite of bacteria and have complex interactions with their hosts. Phages can live in, modify, and shape bacterial communities by bringing about changes in their abundance, diversity, physiology, and virulence. In addition, phages mediate lateral gene transfer, modify host metabolism and reallocate bacterially-derived biochemical compounds through cell lysis, thus playing an important role in ecosystem.

Comparison between American and European legislation in the therapeutical and alimentary bacteriophage usage.

Bacteriophages, though discovered a century ago, still lag behind in the race of antimicrobials due to scarce information about their biology, pharmacology, safety and suitability as therapeutic agents. Although they possess several capabilities of practical utility in medicine, they are still unable to satisfy the regulatory standards set by the regulatory authorities in both United States (US) and European Union (EU). Bacteriophages and their products (lysins) are considered as drugs, therefore they should follow the same route of the chemical drugs in order to achieve regulatory approvals for commercial production and application.