Anthracycline antibiotics, namely, doxorubicin (DOX) and daunorubicin, are among the most widely used anticancer therapies, yet are notoriously associated with severe myocardial damage due to oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Studies have indicated the strong pharmacological properties of Berberine (Brb) alkaloid, predominantly mediated via mitochondrial functions and nuclear networks. Despite the recent emphasis on Brb in clinical cardioprotective studies, pharmaceutical limitations hamper its clinical use.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHomeostasis of vascular tone is intricately and delicately maintained systemically and locally, by autonomic nerves and hormones in the blood and by intimal vasoactive substances, respectively. The balance can be acutely or chronically interrupted secondary to many alterations, especially under pathological conditions. Excessive matricellular glycoprotein thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) levels in circulation have been found to play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injuries of different organs, by acutely suppressing vasorelaxation and chronically remodeling vascular bed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFElevated thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a prevalent factor, via cognate receptor CD47, in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular conditions, including ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Moreover, TSP1/CD47 interaction has been found to be associated with platelet hyperaggregability and impaired nitric oxide response, exacerbating progression in IRI and PAH. Pathological TSP1 in circulation arises as a target of our novel therapeutic approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCreatine kinase (CK) enzyme overexpression has been suggested to play a role in the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Cyclocreatine (CCR) is a substrate analog of creatine kinase (CK), where its phosphorylated form is a poor phosphate donor in comparison with native bioenergetic molecule, creatine phosphate (Cr-P). The compound CCR has been shown to markedly inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of cancers, both in vitro and in vivo.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF