Organ-on-chip models: Implications in drug discovery and clinical applications.

Before a lead compound goes through a clinical trial, preclinical studies utilize two-dimensional (2D) in vitro models and animal models to study the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of that lead compound. However, these current preclinical studies may not accurately represent the efficacy and safety of a lead compound in humans, as there has been a high failure rate of drugs that enter clinical trials. All of these failures and the associated costs demonstrate a need for more representative models of human organ systems for screening in the preclinical phase of drug development.

Cell communication by tunneling nanotubes: Implications in disease and therapeutic applications.

Intercellular communication is essential for the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are a recently recognized means of long and short distance communication between a wide variety of cell types. TNTs are transient filamentous membrane protrusions that connect cytoplasm of neighboring or distant cells.

Recent Advances in Understanding the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Diseases and Development of Treatment Modalities.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The underlying pathology for cardiovascular disease is largely atherosclerotic in nature and the steps include fatty streak formation, plaque progression and plaque rupture. While there is optimal drug therapy available for patients with CVD, there are also underlying drug delivery obstacles that must be addressed.

Recent treatment modalities for cardiovascular diseases with a focus on stem cells, aptamers, exosomes and nanomedicine.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the significant impact of CVD on humans, there is a need to develop novel treatment modalities tailored to major classes of cardiac diseases including hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, valvular disease and inflammatory diseases. In this article, we discuss recent advancements regarding development of therapeutic strategies based on stem cells, aptamers, exosomes, drug-eluting and dissolvable stents, immunotherapy and nanomedicine for the treatment of CVD.

Genetic basis of hearing loss in Spanish, Hispanic and Latino populations.

Hearing loss (HL) is the most common neurosensory disorder affecting humans. The screening, prevention and treatment of HL require a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Genetic predisposition is one of the most common factors that leads to HL.

Zika Virus: An Emerging Global Health Threat.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging healthcare threat. The presence of the mosquito species across South and Central America in combination with complementary climates have incited an epidemic of locally transmitted cases of ZIKV infection in Brazil. As one of the most significant current public health concerns in the Americas, ZIKV epidemic has been a cause of alarm due to its known and unknown complications.

Recent advancements in nanoparticle based drug delivery for gastrointestinal disorders.

Introduction: The emergent field of nanoparticles has presented a wealth of opportunities for improving the treatment of human diseases. Recent advances have allowed for promising developments in drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Modified delivery systems allow improved drug delivery over traditional pH, microbe, or receptor dependent models, while antibody association allows for more advanced imaging modalities.