Sensitive fluorescent detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using an enzymatic-based method.

Rapid, quantitative, and sensitive detection of viral oligonucleotides can help to diagnose the infection before symptoms occur, monitor disease progression, and identify viral subtypes. A one-pot, simple, rapid hairpin-mediated nicking enzymatic signal amplification (HNESA) method was previously developed for nucleic acids detection. In the present work, this method was applied for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by designing an assistant probe (AP) that contains the complementary sequence for the target, the sequence of hybridization with the loop region of the molecular beacon (MB), and the recognition site of the nicking endonuclease Nt.

Downregulated Regucalcin Expression Induces a Cancer-like Phenotype in Non-Neoplastic Prostate Cells and Augments the Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer Cells: Interplay with the G Protein-Coupled Oestrogen Receptor?

Background/objectives: Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium-binding protein and an oestrogen target gene, which has been shown to play essential roles beyond calcium homeostasis. Decreased RGN expression was identified in several cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). However, it is unknown if the loss of RGN is a cause or a consequence of malignancy.

Effect of Diosgenin in Suppressing Viability and Promoting Apoptosis of Human Prostate Cancer Cells: An Interplay with the G Protein-Coupled Oestrogen Receptor?

Diosgenin is a phytosteroid sapogenin with reported antitumoral activity. Despite the evidence indicating a lower incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) associated with a higher consumption of phytosteroids and the beneficial role of these compounds, only a few studies have investigated the effects of diosgenin in PCa, and its mechanisms of action remain to be disclosed. The present study investigated the effect of diosgenin in modulating PCa cell fate and glycolytic metabolism and explored its potential interplay with G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER).

The Pros and Cons of Estrogens in Prostate Cancer: An Update with a Focus on Phytoestrogens.

The role of estrogens in prostate cancer (PCa) is shrouded in mystery, with its actions going from angelic to devilish. The findings by Huggins and Hodges establishing PCa as a hormone-sensitive cancer have provided the basis for using estrogens in therapy. However, despite the clinical efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and the panoply of experimental evidence describing its anticarcinogenic effects, estrogens were abolished from PCa treatment because of the adverse secondary effects.

The Role of Ayahuasca in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Survival, Proliferation and Oxidative Stress.

The psychedelic beverage ayahuasca is originally obtained by () (BC) and () (PV). However, sometimes these plant species are replaced by others that mimic the original effects, such as () (MH) and () (PH). Its worldwide consumption and the number of studies on its potential therapeutic effects has increased.