Psoriasis, a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder affecting a significant percentage of the global population, poses challenges in its management, necessitating the exploration of novel cost-effective and widely accessible therapeutic options. This study investigates the potential of ursolic acid (UA), a triterpenoid known for its anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic properties, in addressing psoriasis-related inflammation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. The research involved in vitro models employing skin and immune cells to assess the effects of UA on psoriasis-associated inflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe main protease (M) of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in the virus's replication cycle, facilitating the maturation of polyproteins into functional units. Due to its conservation across taxa, M is a promising target for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Targeting M with small molecule inhibitors, such as nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir (Paxlovid™), which the FDA has approved for post-exposure treatment and prophylaxis, can effectively interrupt the replication process of the virus.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChronic periodontitis (CP), an inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues driven by a dysbiotic subgingival bacterial biofilm, is also associated with several systemic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). , one of the bacterial species implicated in CP as a keystone pathogen produces peptidyl arginine deiminase (PPAD) that citrullinates C-terminal arginine residues in proteins and peptides. Autoimmunity to citrullinated epitopes is crucial in RA, hence PPAD activity is considered a possible mechanistic link between CP and RA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFis a chronic disorder that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches. It affects nearly 2-5% of the worldwide population and has a negative effect on patient quality of life. A variety of therapeutic approaches, e.
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