{"title":"Design, In Silico Targeting, and Characterization of Curcumin-Ibuprofen Prodrug Microspheres for Brain-Specific Delivery in Alzheimer's Therapy.","authors":"Priya Kumari, Arulmozhi Sathyanarayanan, Kunal Pimpalkar, Ajay Kumar, Dileep Kumar, Shakuntala Chopade","doi":"10.2174/0113816128447768260915075822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128447768260915075822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by limited treatment effectiveness, attributed to inadequate Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and low medication absorption. Curcumin and ibuprofen possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties but are limited by pharmacokinetic constraints. This study aimed to synthesize a curcumin-ibuprofen mutual prodrug (CIP), formulate it into chitosan-based microspheres (CIPM), and evaluate its neuroprotective potential for brain-targeted delivery in AD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>CIP was synthesized via ethylenediamine carbodiimide (EDCI) mediated esterification and confirmed through IR, NMR, LC-MS, and DSC. CIPM microspheres were prepared using emulsion crosslinking, characterized by scanning electron microscopy, drug entrapment efficiency (85.5%), zeta potential, particle size analysis, and DSC. In silico tools (SwissADME, ProTox-II) and molecular docking were used to assess ADMET profiles and target binding (AChE, BACE1, β-secretase). Network pharmacology identified overlapping targets between curcumin and AD. In vivo evaluation was conducted in a TMT (Trimethyltin)- induced neurodegeneration rat model through behavioral Morris Water Maze (MWM), Novel Object Recognition (NOR), Social Recognition Test (SRT), and biochemical and histological assessments.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CIP demonstrated strong binding affinity with AD-related targets (-10.0 to -8.5 kcal/mol) and favorable ADMET properties. Network analysis identified 226 overlapping targets and key hub genes. CIPM significantly improved cognitive performance, antioxidant enzyme levels, and neuronal integrity compared to individual drugs and showed comparable efficacy to donepezil.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The present study demonstrates that the curcumin-ibuprofen conjugate, when delivered through chitosan-based microspheres, effectively enhances brain targeting and overcomes pharmacokinetic barriers. The formulation not only improved drug bioavailability but also showed superior neuroprotective and cognitive benefits compared to individual drugs. Molecular docking and network pharmacology further confirmed its multi-target potential, suggesting a synergistic mechanism in modulating key AD pathways. These outcomes highlight CIPM as a promising candidate that warrants further pharmacokinetic and clinical validations for Alzheimer's therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The curcumin-ibuprofen prodrug-loaded microspheres present a promising brain-targeted treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease by improving bioavailability, engaging multiple targets, and providing neuroprotection.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149223465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Decoding Pyroptosis in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Horizons.","authors":"Shuqi Zheng, Chunlei Hua, Wanze Feng, Zengxia Liu, Haibin Wang, Lixin Zhao, Tuya Xilin, Boyang Yu, Minhui Li","doi":"10.2174/0113816128503772261007160416","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128503772261007160416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by the depletion of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite its high mortality rate, the molecular drivers of PF progression remain partially understood. Recent evidence suggests that pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the inflammatory cascade and fibrotic remodeling in the lung.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed bibliometric and visual analysis via CiteSpace 6.2.4 to systematically map the research landscape of pyroptosis in PF using the Web of Science Core Collection (2010-2025). Based on the identified hotspots, a comprehensive review of the molecular activation pathways and cell-specific mechanisms was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bibliometric analysis (Modularity Q=0.5381, Silhouette S=0.8236) revealed a significant shift in research focus from basic pathological descriptions (2010-2015) to detailed pyroptotic mechanisms (2015- 2020), with immune checkpoint inhibitors emerging as the latest frontier since 2020. Mechanistically, we propose an \"Initiation-Amplification-Persistence\" model: AEC pyroptosis initiates epithelial barrier disruption; macrophage pyroptosis amplifies the inflammatory storm and polarizes the immune microenvironment; and fibroblast activation sustains ECM deposition. Furthermore, we summarized potential therapeutic interventions, including small molecule synthetic compounds (Nintedanib, Pirfenidone, MCC950, VX-765, etc.), natural products (Lycorine, Tanshinone IIA, etc.) and biologically active substances (Canakinumab, Anakinra) that exhibit multi-pathway synergistic effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Targeting the pyroptosis signaling axis offers a promising strategy for reversing PF progression. Future research should prioritize the identification of pyroptosis- related biomarkers and the development of lung-targeted delivery systems to facilitate clinical translation and precision intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149223522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dontiboina Harikrishna Reddy, Honnete Samuel Tuyishime, Srikanth Yadava, Srikari Lakshmi P Y, Moni Saswitha Bommadevara, Lakshmi Amrutha Doddavajjulla, Chakravarthi Guntupalli, Ramakrishna Kakarla, Nilima Rajpal Kundnani
{"title":"Diindolylmethane Pretreatment Attenuated Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Failure and its Associated Brain Injury in Rats.","authors":"Dontiboina Harikrishna Reddy, Honnete Samuel Tuyishime, Srikanth Yadava, Srikari Lakshmi P Y, Moni Saswitha Bommadevara, Lakshmi Amrutha Doddavajjulla, Chakravarthi Guntupalli, Ramakrishna Kakarla, Nilima Rajpal Kundnani","doi":"10.2174/0113816128499933261007092826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128499933261007092826","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), characterised by neurological impairments, hyperammonemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Diindolylmethane (DIM), a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, has shown potential hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite beneficial effects, its protective effects have not been investigated against HE. The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects of DIM in a rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)- induced ALF and HE.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>ALF was induced using thioacetamide (TAA; 300 mg/kg, i.p.). DIM at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, p.o., was administered for 7 days prior to TAA injection. Behavioral assessments, including the open field test and Y-maze, were performed to evaluate motor and cognitive functions. Biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH), ammonia levels, oxidative stress markers (MDA, NRF2, SOD, GSH, and catalase), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10), and apoptotic markers (cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3) were analysed. Histopathological examinations of the liver, cortex, and hippocampus were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DIM pretreatment significantly reduced liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH), normalised organ weight ratios, and decreased ammonia levels in blood, liver, and brain. DIM attenuated oxidative stress by reducing MDA levels and enhancing NRF2, SOD, GSH, and catalase activity, suggesting its antioxidant potential. Further, DIM reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels and increased IL-10 levels, indicating its antiinflammatory effects. Furthermore, DIM reduced the apoptotic markers, including cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3, suggesting attenuation of apoptosis. Additionally, DIM improved motor activity and spatial memory and exhibited an anxiolytic effect. DIM mitigated the TAA-induced liver, hippocampal, and cortical tissue abnormalities.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings suggest that DIM exerts protective effects against ALF-induced HE by modulating key pathological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. The reduction in hyperammonemia and restoration of biochemical and behavioral parameters indicate its potential role in preserving liver and brain function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DIM demonstrates significant hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects in TAA-induced ALF and HE. These effects are mediated through multiple mechanisms, suggesting DIM as a potential therapeutic candidate for managing ALF-associated neurological complications. Future studies require investigating the in-depth mechanism of DIM against HE.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149180074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Their Metabolites in Hyperlipidaemia: Molecular Mechanisms, Bioavailability and Clinical Perspectives.","authors":"Shankul Kumar, Arvind Kumar Patel, Vedant Kumar Prajapati, Omsatyam, Shashi Ranjan Singh, Sumitra Nain","doi":"10.2174/0113816128503157261002161713","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128503157261002161713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyperlipidaemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a global health concern. Although conventional lipid-lowering drugs are effective, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects, prompting interest in safer dietary alternatives. Flavonoids, such as quercetin, naringenin, and catechins, have gained attention for their hypolipidemic and cardioprotective properties. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of quercetin, catechins, naringenin, and their bioactive metabolites in the management of hyperlipidaemia. The literature was identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2015 and March 2026 using combinations of the keywords flavonoids, quercetin, catechins, naringenin, metabolites, hyperlipidaemia, dyslipidaemia, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular disease, and gut microbiota. Original research articles, clinical studies, experimental investigations, and high-quality review articles published in English were considered, while duplicate, non-English, and unrelated reports were excluded from the study. Evidence indicates that flavonoids and their metabolites modulate multiple pathways involved in lipid homeostasis, including the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, activation of AMPK and PPARα, suppression of SREBP-1c, enhancement of LDL receptor expression, regulation of gut microbiota, and attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite encouraging preclinical and clinical findings, limited bioavailability, extensive metabolism, inter-individual variability, and insufficient long-term clinical evidence remain important challenges. Overall, flavonoids and their metabolites represent promising adjunctive dietary strategies for improving lipid metabolism and reducing cardiovascular risk. However, welldesigned randomized clinical trials and advanced delivery systems are needed to establish their therapeutic efficacy and clinical applicability.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatma Mutlu Kukul Güven, Asli Bahar Ucar, Ozlem Inci, Mehmet Unaldi, Burak Akin, Busra Erdem, Ozgur Karcioglu
{"title":"Rational Use of Analgesic Agents in Elderly Patients: Implications of the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START Algorithms.","authors":"Fatma Mutlu Kukul Güven, Asli Bahar Ucar, Ozlem Inci, Mehmet Unaldi, Burak Akin, Busra Erdem, Ozgur Karcioglu","doi":"10.2174/0113816128513962260928173852","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128513962260928173852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>Pain affects approximately 30% of community-dwelling older adults and more than half of nursing-home residents but remains undertreated because age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes render standard analgesic dosing hazardous. This review synthesises the evidence on rational analgesic prescribing in older adults, comparing the American Geriatrics Society 2023 Beers Criteria with STOPP/START version 3.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this structured narrative review, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched (January 2000-May 2026), combining analgesic-class terms with the Beers Criteria, STOPP/START, potentially inappropriate medications, deprescribing and older age. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised trials, large observational studies and guidelines in English were eligible; studies confined to patients younger than 65 years were excluded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analgesics are principal drivers of inappropriate prescribing: STOPP/START version 3 identified at least one potentially inappropriate medication in 73% of geriatric outpatients versus 56% under version 2, NSAIDs and aspirin being the most prevalent new criteria. The Beers Criteria designate meperidine, non-selective oral NSAIDs, anticholinergic tricyclic antidepressants, and opioid-benzodiazepine or opioidgabapentinoid combinations as highest risk; meperidine is most strongly associated with unplanned hospitalisation (OR 2.37).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The instruments are complementary, not interchangeable: the Beers Criteria offer broader drug-disease coverage but are aligned with the United States formulary, whereas STOPP/START is bidirectional and more prescriptive on dose and renal thresholds. Neither has been shown to reduce falls, hospitalisation or mortality in adequately powered trials.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Stepwise multimodal analgesia beginning with paracetamol and topical agents, initiated at low doses and titrated slowly, with comprehensive geriatric assessment and regular medication review, remains the evidence-based standard of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149180113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Graves' Disease: Current Advances and Future Perspectives.","authors":"Alessandro Antonelli, Poupak Fallahi","doi":"10.2174/0113816128537581261007065942","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128537581261007065942","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Graves' Disease (GD) is the leading cause of autoimmune hyperthyroidism and is still considered a challenging clinical condition. Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and thyroidectomy have long been used as main treatments. These approaches are generally effective in restoring euthyroidism and controlling thyroid function, even if they cannot target the underlying autoimmune mechanisms implicated in the disease. As a result, relapses after medical therapy remain frequent, whereas definitive treatments often lead to permanent hypothyroidism and the need for a lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. New results in the study of immunological mechanisms underlying GD have led to the development of targeted therapies. Targeted strategies are based on key components of disease pathogenesis, such as the thyrotropin receptor, B lymphocytes, co-stimulatory immune pathways, the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, and neonatal Fc receptors. A pivotal step in the development of targeted mechanism-based therapies for GD has been reached with the approval of teprotumumab. Several targeted therapies have been evaluated, such as K1-70, iscalimab, rituximab, tocilizumab, batoclimab, and the antigen-specific immunotherapy ATX-GD-59. This review highlights the limitations of currently available treatment options by examining the most promising emerging therapies and the future horizons for precision medicine in GD. Advances in the therapeutic landscape offer disease-modifying strategies that could complement and potentially replace current treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149180105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation Reveal the Mechanisms of Shuangbai Tablet Against Albuminuria.","authors":"Xiaoqin Ma, Chenxia Hao, Huiting Jiang, Weixia Zhang, Qin Xia, Wanhua Yang, Jingjing Huang","doi":"10.2174/0113816128504944260930051855","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128504944260930051855","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Shuangbai Tablet (SBT), a traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing albuminuria. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms underlying its antialbuminuric effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The phytochemicals of SBT were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Subsequently, we crossvalidated the identified phytochemicals and predicted the potential targets of SBT for albuminuria by network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Albuminuric male Wistar rats were induced by a single tailvein injection of Adriamycin (ADR, 5 mg/kg) and orally administered SBT for 8 weeks. Then, 24-hour Urine Protein (24 h-UTP) and serum albumin were assessed, along with changes in renal function, systemic lipid metabolism, and serum COX-2 levels. Renal histopathology was evaluated by H&E staining, while the renal expressions of VEGFR-1, VEGFA, HIF-1α, NF-κB p65, ACTN-4, and podocin were assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine core active phytochemicals of SBT targeting HIF-1α and VEGFA were identified for albuminuria treatment. Molecular docking predicted favorable binding affinities between these phytochemicals and both HIF-1α and VEGFA. In ADR-treated rats, SBT significantly reduced proteinuria (24 h-UTP: 245.1 (95% CI, 174.9 to 315.3) mg/24 h in the middle-dose SBT group vs. 585.2 (95% CI, 460.0 to 710.4) mg/24 h in the ADR group; p < 0.0001), reversed hypoalbuminemia (ALB: 24.44 (95% CI, 17.62 to 31.25) g/L vs. 9.70 (95% CI, 4.94 to 14.46) g/L; p < 0.05), ameliorated renal dysfunction and lipid metabolic disturbances, and suppressed serum COX-2 levels. Histopathological analysis showed ameliorated renal injury. SBT stabilized the decreased expressions of renal VEGFR-1, VEGFA, HIF-1α, ACTN-4, and podocin, while suppressing NF-κB p65expression.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Further functional characterization studies are warranted to validate the pharmacological effects of SBT on albuminuria.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SBT can alleviate albuminuria, inflammation, and renal injury, associated with the stabilization of HIF-1α and VEGFA expressions.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dietary Acrylamide-Glycidamide Exposure and Metabolic Toxicity: Emerging Evidence in Type 2 Diabetes.","authors":"Diptimayee Jena, Arup Dey, Aminul Islam, Manish Kumar Gautam, Sandip Mondal, Kirtimaya Mishra","doi":"10.2174/0113816128485741260930182421","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128485741260930182421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acrylamide is present in a variety of cooked and processed foods, but its precise role in the biological mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains incompletely understood. This review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between dietary acrylamide exposure, T2D-related metabolic dysfunction, and the molecular mechanisms responsible for its adverse effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative literature review was conducted by searching PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, Google Scholar®, and MEDLINE® for English-language publications published between 2002 and 2025. The search strategy used the following Boolean search string: (\"acrylamide\" OR \"glycidamide\") AND (\"diabetes\" OR \"type 2 diabetes\" OR \"insulin resistance\" OR \"β-cell dysfunction\") AND (\"oxidative stress\" OR \"glucose metabolism\"). More than 100 relevant publications were identified and included in this review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Current evidence suggests that dietary acrylamide exposure contributes to metabolic dysfunction through multiple interconnected mechanisms, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, glycation, insulin resistance, and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate that acrylamide may impair glucose metabolism and insulin signalling, thereby contributing to the development and progression of T2D. However, the consistency of epidemiological evidence remains limited by methodological differences and potential confounding factors.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The available evidence highlights the potential role of dietary acrylamide as a modifiable environmental risk factor for T2D. Strategies aimed at reducing dietary acrylamide exposure through improved food processing, cooking practices, and nutritional interventions may help mitigate metabolic risk. Nevertheless, further well-designed prospective studies and mechanistic investigations are needed to clarify the causal relationship and strengthen the current evidence base.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dietary acrylamide exposure may adversely affect glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic β-cell function, thereby contributing to the development and progression of T2D. Although current evidence supports a potential association, further high-quality clinical and epidemiological studies are required to establish causality and inform evidence-based preventive strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149164333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Medicinal Plants in the Management of Anxiety Disorders: Clinical Evidence, Mechanisms, and Safety Considerations.","authors":"Neha Tamta, Deepti Negi, Shivani Sharma, RamGopal Singh, Siddhant, Aman Chaudhary, Shivendra Kumar, Jeetendra Kumar Gupta","doi":"10.2174/0113816128493042260929104240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128493042260929104240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions worldwide and represent a major public health burden. Although conventional pharmacological treatments are effective, their long-term use is often limited by adverse effects, including sedation, dependence, and cognitive impairment, prompting growing interest in medicinal plants as alternative or adjunct therapies. This review summarizes current evidence on selected medicinal plants, including Bacopa monnieri, Crocus sativus, Withania somnifera, and Piper methysticum, with emphasis on their pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic efficacy, and safety profiles in anxiety management. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these plants exert anxiolytic effects through modulation of neurotransmitter systems, particularly γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), serotonin, and dopamine pathways, as well as regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to neuroprotection and improved stress resilience. Clinical findings indicate that certain herbal preparations may offer benefits comparable to conventional therapies for mild to moderate anxiety, often with fewer adverse effects. However, variability in study design, lack of standardized formulations, and insufficient long-term safety data remain significant limitations. Therefore, well-designed randomized controlled trials and mechanistic investigations are required to establish efficacy, safety, and standardization. Overall, medicinal plants show promising potential as complementary or alternative therapeutic options for anxiety disorders, provided their use is supported by rigorous scientific validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149164617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lipid-based Nanocarriers for Atorvastatin Delivery: Current Developments and Clinical Translation Prospects.","authors":"Krish Chaudhari, Siva Naga Koteswara Rao Gudhanti","doi":"10.2174/0113816128507698260927151554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113816128507698260927151554","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atorvastatin is a well-established first-line medication for treating dyslipidemia, but has significant drawbacks of low aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and limited oral bioavailability. Over recent years, lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as a viable platform to improve atorvastatin's pharmacokinetic profile by enhancing solubility, facilitating absorption via the lymphatic system, and providing a controlled drug release profile. This review provides a comprehensive overview of four primary lipid-based delivery systems: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), and their specific application to atorvastatin. Each type of delivery system is reviewed in detail, including composition, drug loading and release mechanisms, encapsulation efficiency, physical characteristics (particle size, surface charge), and in vivo performance. Comparative evaluations indicate that NLCs and SNEDDS achieve the highest bioavailability enhancements (up to five-fold) via improved solubilization and lymphatic transport, whereas SLNs provide superior stability and controlled release, and liposomes offer versatile encapsulation yet limited shelf stability. Additionally, this review integrates current competitive patent opportunities, formulation optimization strategies, and translational research findings from both preclinical and clinical studies. Collectively, these findings show that thoughtful lipid-carrier design can significantly improve atorvastatin's pharmacokinetic profile and ultimately enable the development of large-scale, patient-focused oral lipid formulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":10845,"journal":{"name":"Current pharmaceutical design","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149164721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}