Biological Membrane-Penetrating Peptides: Computational Prediction and Applications.

Peptides comprise a versatile class of biomolecules that present a unique chemical space with diverse physicochemical and structural properties. Some classes of peptides are able to naturally cross the biological membranes, such as cell membrane and blood-brain barrier (BBB). Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and blood-brain barrier-penetrating peptides (B3PPs) have been explored by the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries to develop new therapeutic molecules and carrier systems.

Synthesis, Characterization, Applications, and Toxicity of Green Synthesized Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge area with numerous industrial applications. Nanoparticles are structures that have dimensions ranging from 1 - 100 nm, which significantly exhibit different mechanical, optical, electrical, and chemical properties when compared with their larger counterparts. Synthetic routes that use natural sources, such as plant extracts, honey, and microorganisms, are environmentally friendly and low-cost methods that can be used to obtain nanoparticles.

Bioactive Natural Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Spice Plants: New Findings and Potential Applications.

Spice plants have a great influence on world history. For centuries, different civilizations have used them to condiment the foods of kings and nobles and applied them as embalming preservatives, perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines in different regions of the world. In general, these plants have formed the basis of traditional medicine and some of their derived substances have been utilized to treat different human diseases.

Diphenyl diselenide decreases serum levels of total cholesterol and tissue oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

Hypercholesterolaemia and oxidative stress are well-known risk factors in coronary artery diseases. Diphenyl diselenide is a synthetic organoselenium compound that has been shown to have in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated whether diphenyl diselenide could reduce the hypercholesterolaemia and diminish the tissue oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

Enhancement of iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation by acidosis in brain homogenate: comparative effect of diphenyl diselenide and ebselen.

Iron is more soluble at lower pH values; therefore we hypothesized that decreasing the environmental pH would lead to increased iron-mediated lipid peroxidation. Diphenyl diselenide and ebselen are potential candidates as neuroprotective agent, particularly in situations involving overproduction of free radicals and involving cellular pH fall. The aim of the present study was (a) to investigate the relationship between lipid peroxidation and acidosis in brain homogenate and (b) to test the influence of pH on the antioxidant properties of diphenyl diselenide and ebselen.