Alaa A A Aljabali, Almuthanna K Alkaraki, Omar Gammoh, Esam Qnais, Abdelrahim Alqudah, Walhan Alshaer, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Mohamed El-Tanani
{"title":"MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Treatment- Resistant Depression: Unveiling Diagnostic and Treatment Pathways.","authors":"Alaa A A Aljabali, Almuthanna K Alkaraki, Omar Gammoh, Esam Qnais, Abdelrahim Alqudah, Walhan Alshaer, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Mohamed El-Tanani","doi":"10.2174/0127724328381443250825092900","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328381443250825092900","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) is a complex clinical condition characterized by inadequate response to conventional antidepressant treatments. There is growing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in the underlying pathophysiology of TRD and may offer new avenues for diagnostics and therapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A structured literature review of peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. The search strategy included combinations of keywords such as \"treatment- resistant depression,\" \"microRNAs,\" \"biomarkers,\" and \"miRNA-based interventions.\" Articles were selected based on relevance to miRNA expression patterns in TRD, therapeutic modulation, and their clinical potential.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dysregulation of several miRNAs including miR-135a, miR-34a, and miR-155 was consistently observed in patients with TRD. These miRNAs were linked to impaired synaptic plasticity and persistent neuroinflammation. Therapeutic approaches using miRNA mimics or inhibitors showed potential in restoring neurobiological balance and enhancing response to traditional antidepressants. However, delivery system limitations and blood-brain barrier penetration remain significant challenges.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>miRNAs appear to play a dual role in TRD, serving both as biomarkers for diagnosis and as targets for novel therapies. Integrating miRNA profiling into clinical workflows could enhance diagnostic precision and guide individualized treatment strategies. Translational barriers, such as delivery specificity and standardization of detection protocols, must be addressed before the widespread clinical application of this technology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights miRNAs as promising diagnostic and therapeutic tools in TRD. Continued advancements in delivery systems and validation of biomarker panels may pave the way for their clinical implementation in personalized psychiatry.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"171-200"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13625035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145001524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zaid Ra'ed Alnsour, Mouiad Ra'ed Alnsour, Ayham Ra'ed Alnsour, Majd Majed Masadeh, Karem Hasan Alzoubi, Majed Mohammad Masadeh
{"title":"Breaking the Mold: Advances and Hurdles in Antifungal Resistance Management for Dermatophytes.","authors":"Zaid Ra'ed Alnsour, Mouiad Ra'ed Alnsour, Ayham Ra'ed Alnsour, Majd Majed Masadeh, Karem Hasan Alzoubi, Majed Mohammad Masadeh","doi":"10.2174/0127724328328331241217194034","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328328331241217194034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Examining antifungal resistance in dermatophytes is crucial in infectious diseases, dermatology, and clinical microbiology. The increasing occurrence of resistant infections and their influence on the effectiveness of therapy seem overwhelming. This study examines the present condition of antifungal resistance in dermatophytes, highlighting the need for ongoing and up-to-date research. Fungal diseases constantly change, and fungi have developed new resistance mechanisms. Here, we analyze the historical context of research on antifungal resistance, examining the variables that contribute to the development of resistance, such as the growing use of antifungals in clinical and agricultural contexts. We also explore the consequences of resistance to antifungal agents in clinical practice and public health. The review emphasizes the significance of new diagnostic technologies, like next-generation sequencing, in comprehending resistance mechanisms. It also underscores the crucial role of international collaboration in tackling this worldwide health concern. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the need for continuous research to adjust to the evolving epidemiology of dermatophyte infections, create efficient treatment approaches, and guide public health interventions. This will ensure that the management of antifungal resistance is grounded in the most up-to-date scientific knowledge and optimal methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"12-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143123791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sin Hui Ng, Yu Zhao Lee, Ming Ye Hong, Audrey Siew Foong Kow, Annette d'Arqom, Chau Ling Tham, Yu-Cheng Ho, MIng Tatt Lee
{"title":"Neurobiological Mechanisms of Ketamine Use, its Addiction, and Withdrawal: A Mini Review.","authors":"Sin Hui Ng, Yu Zhao Lee, Ming Ye Hong, Audrey Siew Foong Kow, Annette d'Arqom, Chau Ling Tham, Yu-Cheng Ho, MIng Tatt Lee","doi":"10.2174/0127724328362434250224105609","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328362434250224105609","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ketamine, a substance used for anesthesia and known for inducing dissociation, can lead to addiction and the development of severe withdrawal symptoms. Ketamine alters brain networks before affecting somesthetic sensation. Ketamine abuse was especially prevalent in East and Southeast Asia, and its popularity has continued to expand globally in recent decades. Ketamine is gaining popularity in the public and private sectors as a cheaper off-label depression treatment. Unfortunately, ketamine may cause side effects, such as heart and blood vessel instability, respiratory depression, liver injury, hallucinations, etc. The pain-relieving and mental effects of ketamine might induce reliance; thus, it should be used cautiously. This review highlights the neurobiological processes underpinnings of ketamine's addictive potential, withdrawal, and its effects on brain networks like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and mesolimbic pathway, which play vital roles in decision-making, memory, and reward processing. In addition, the involvement of neurotransmitter systems, specifically glutamate and dopamine, in mediating the addictive properties of ketamine and the neuroadaptive changes that occurred during withdrawal are also discussed. It also explains that low-dose ketamine can alter the secretion of stress hormone cortisol and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, possibly attributed to the current repurposing study of ketamine as a fast-acting antidepressant. Understanding these pathways is essential for developing effective ketamine addiction treatments, managing withdrawal symptoms, and possibly reversing brain changes for the betterment of human health and psychological well- being.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143543861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging Pharmacological Therapies in the Management of Hyperlipidemia.","authors":"Nikhil Sharma, Supriya Roy","doi":"10.2174/0127724328440604260225063619","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328440604260225063619","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hyperlipidemia remains a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, with statins and fibrates being the most prescribed treatments. However, these therapies are associated with significant adverse effects. Statin-associated muscle symptoms affect 5-20% of patients, ranging from mild myalgia to severe rhabdomyolysis, and some patients do not achieve optimal lipid control even at high doses. Fibrates, while used as adjuncts to statins, have limited cardiovascular benefits when used as monotherapy and carry risks of myopathy, liver/kidney dysfunction, limiting their clinical utility and signifying the unmet clinical needs. The review aims to provide an update on the clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and mechanistic foundations of emerging lipidlowering therapies as adjuncts for patients who exhibit statin intolerance or an ineffective response to conventional pharmacotherapeutics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature review was conducted using various databases to search relevant preclinical and clinical studies published up to 2025 on novel lipid-lowering drugs, including PCK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, siRNA-based therapies, and phototherapeutics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PCSK9 inhibitors have demonstrated significant efficacy through the enhancement of LDL receptor activity and subsequent cholesterol clearance. Bempedoic acid offers an alternative mechanism via ATP citrate lyase inhibition, accomplishing prominent lipid reduction without musclerelated adverse events. Concurrently, siRNA technologies targeting apolipoprotein C3 (apoC-III) and PCSK9 demonstrate promising efficacy in addressing both hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia with prolonged dosing intervals. Phytotherapeutic agents, including Ruta chalepensis, wheat β -glucan, quercetin, and Liubao tea extract, exert multifaceted effects through antiinflammatory mechanisms, regulation of lipid metabolic pathways, and modulation of gut microbiota composition, representing an integrative approach to dyslipidemia management.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These new treatments provide mechanistically distinct alternatives to statins and fibrates that improve lipid control in patients with intolerance or suboptimal response. Nevertheless, robust long-term outcome trials are required to validate cardiovascular benefits and to guide individualized treatment strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These therapeutic innovations represent a paradigm shift in hyperlipidemia management, providing mechanistically diverse and efficacious alternatives for patients with statin intolerance or suboptimal response to conventional therapies, ultimately enhancing lipid control and cardiovascular outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"303-326"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147618832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hany Akeel Al-Hussaniy, Kadhim Adnan Ali, Samer Tareq Jasim, Ali Al-Samydai
{"title":"Data-Driven Toxicity Prediction: Advances in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Predictive Tools - A Systematic Review.","authors":"Hany Akeel Al-Hussaniy, Kadhim Adnan Ali, Samer Tareq Jasim, Ali Al-Samydai","doi":"10.2174/0127724328441651260211220550","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328441651260211220550","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>High rate of attrition still inhibits drug discovery and development, with toxicity accounting for one of the primary causes of failure in preclinical and clinical development. This review summarizes Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and emerging post-deep learning strategies in drug discovery and environmental safety.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for the years 2015-2025, yielding 1,020 articles. Additional records were obtained from Google Scholar and the reference lists of about 60 articles. The studies were included when they used ML/DL to predict toxicity, provided quantitative measures of performance (e.g., accuracy, AUC, F1-score), or when they described the predictive tools and platforms. Eligibility criteria were: the study was entirely experimental toxicology with no computational modeling of the study, lacked an adequate description of the methodology, or was in a non- English language. The last study count of the paper is 50 articles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DL models like convolutional and graph neural networks are more effective in cases when the size of the datasets is large. Recent methods that address the problem of data scarcity are property augmentation, transfer learning, and semi-supervised learning. A number of web-based applications (e.g., ADMETlab 3.0, admetSAR 3.0, ProTox 3.0) have been published that allow using multi-endpoint prediction with different measures of accuracy and interpretability.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Traditional ML methods, particularly support vector machines and random forests, remain valuable for smaller datasets due to their robustness and interpretability. However, the adoption of deep learning architectures, such as convolutional and graph neural networks, has markedly improved predictive accuracy when applied to large and complex datasets.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Data-driven methods have significantly advanced toxicity prediction, offering faster and more cost-effective tools compared with traditional assays. However, the field still faces challenges related to limited datasets, variable data quality, and a lack of mechanistic interpretability.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"338-347"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitors and Cardiac Function Parameters: A Network Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.","authors":"Kannan Sridharan, Gowri Sivaramakrishnan","doi":"10.2174/0127724328337478250604061355","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328337478250604061355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2is) are recommended for heart failure based on clinical outcomes. However, there is a lack of evidence linking SGLT2is with changes in cardiac function parameters.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to systematically evaluate the literature assessing the impact of SGLT2is on various cardiac parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Randomized clinical trials assessing any of the cardiac function parameters (atrial, valvular, pulmonary artery, and left ventricular) with SGLT2is were included. Mixed treatment comparison pooled estimates (mean differences (MD); 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)) were generated using a random-effects model and validated using trial sequential and bootstrap analyses. Intraclass differences and sub-group analysis in heart failure were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-four studies (2930 participants) were included in the review, of which 31 (2616 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. SGLT2is were associated with a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (MD: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.37%) and reductions in left ventricular mass (MD: -0.21; 95% CI: -0.39, -0.03 g), left ventricular mass index (MD: -0.22; 95% CI: - 0.36, -0.08 g/m2), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (MD: -0.71; 95% CI: -1.29, -0.13 cm), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (MD: -0.56; 95% CI: -1.02, -0.1 ml), left atrial volume index (MD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.04 ml/m²), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (MD: -1.08; 95% CI: - 1.94, -0.21 mmHg). Significant improvements in various cardiac parameters were observed in studies conducted on heart failure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of this study assessing cardiac function parameters support the guidelines recommending SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure, which are primarily based on clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"160-169"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144327033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential of MCC950 as a NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitor in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Fatemeh Rabiei, Hamid Askari, Arshia Vala, Mehrnaz Mardazad, Maryam Ghasemi-Kasman","doi":"10.2174/0127724328444835260407154423","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328444835260407154423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a central driver of neuroinflammation and demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS). MCC950, a selective small-molecule NLRP3 inhibitor, has emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate for MS by suppressing inflammasome formation and downstream cytokine release.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords \"NLRP3 inflammasome,\" \"MCC950,\" \"multiple sclerosis,\" \"experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,\" and \"neuroinflammation.\" Articles published up to 2025, including in vivo and preclinical studies, were evaluated to assess the mechanistic and therapeutic potential of MCC950 in MS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Evidence from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and cuprizone-induced demyelination models demonstrates that MCC950 suppresses NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1 oligomerization, reduces IL-1β/IL-18 release, and inhibits microglial and astrocytic activation. Treatment preserves oligodendrocyte integrity, mitigates axonal loss, and maintains synaptic function. Delivery systems such as PEGylated nanoparticles enhance MCC950's bioavailability.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>MCC950 administration has been represented as a novel therapeutic strategy due to its targeted selectivity and is currently under further discovery in various combination therapies, which show synergistic efficacy with agents such as rapamycin, metformin, and Anakinra, expanding its therapeutic spectrum.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Altogether, MCC950 represents a potent inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activity with dual anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical MS models. Future research should focus on optimizing pharmacokinetics, clarifying off-target interactions, and validating clinical efficacy to translate these findings into patient-centered therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"327-337"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147975950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alaleh Alizadeh, Nafise Niknam, Soroush Morsali, Zeinab Ameri, Mohammad Rahmanian
{"title":"Immunoglobulin Therapy in Patients with Painful Small Fiber Neuropathy: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Alaleh Alizadeh, Nafise Niknam, Soroush Morsali, Zeinab Ameri, Mohammad Rahmanian","doi":"10.2174/0127724328350286250727014322","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328350286250727014322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects pain and autonomic function, and there is increasing evidence that immune pathways are linked to its pathology. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been proposed as a treatment option for patients with painful SFN but has yielded mixed results. This review evaluates the effectiveness of IVIGs in the treatment of painful SFN.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>According to PRISMA guidelines, a thorough literature search was conducted using five major electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science) up to August 17, 2023. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, and quality assessments were performed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The PRISMA guidelines ensured the transparency of the review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This systematic review included seven studies to evaluate the effectiveness of IVIG for the treatment of SFN. The review included 458 patients from various studies conducted between 2005 and 2023, covering various neuropathy subtypes such as idiopathic SFN, sarcoidosis-associated SFN, etc. Both double-blind RCTs reported no significant differences between IVIG and placebo in neuropathy severity or pain reduction. Retrospective cohort studies varied in quality and produced mixed results. Of note, some studies showed significant pain reduction with IVIG, while others did not. The effectiveness of IVIG on neuropathy severity and intraepidermal nerve fiber density was similarly variable, with some studies reporting efficacy and others indicate no significant changes. Overall, IVIG showed potential benefits, but the results were inconsistent across studies.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>IVIG shows potential efficacy in select SFN subtypes, particularly autoimmuneassociated forms (e.g., TS-HDS/FGFR-3 positive), with some retrospective studies reporting pain and functional improvements. However, two high-quality RCTs found no significant benefit over placebo. Marked heterogeneity in study design, IVIG protocols, diagnostic criteria, and outcome measures limits comparability and generalizability. Adverse events, including infusion reactions were common. These findings highlight IVIG's possible role in immunologically mediated SFN but underscore the need for standardized protocols, biomarker-based patient selection, and large, wellcontrolled trials to establish definitive efficacy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Some evidence suggests the potential benefit of IVIG therapy for certain subgroups of patients with SFN. However, the overall effectiveness is still unclear, and further studies are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"242-258"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144817722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saad S Alqahtani, Muhammad H Sultan, Sivakumar S Moni, Renju Ravi, Ali Alshahrani, Santhosh Joseph Menachery
{"title":"Clinical Implications and Patient Outcomes Associated with Antibiotic Resistance in Saudi Arabian Intensive Care Unit Facilities: A Perspective.","authors":"Saad S Alqahtani, Muhammad H Sultan, Sivakumar S Moni, Renju Ravi, Ali Alshahrani, Santhosh Joseph Menachery","doi":"10.2174/0127724328391436250902082555","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328391436250902082555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are particularly susceptible to AMR due to frequent invasive procedures, extended hospital stays, and the selective pressure exerted by broad-spectrum antibiotics. This review aims to shed light on the current landscape of antibiotic resistance within ICUs of Saudi hospitals. It also explores molecular patterns of bacterial resistance and identifies potential strategies to address this issue. Additionally, it discusses the challenges in implementing these strategies within the Saudi healthcare system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a literature search across electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, until September 30th, 2024, to identify relevant studies. Selected studies were analyzed to extract insights into prevailing bacterial resistance trends in Saudi ICUs and the molecular mechanisms responsible.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings provide an overview of the current state of AMR in Saudi ICUs, including the emergence and prevalence of specific molecular patterns of bacterial resistance. Moreover, it presents potential strategies to combat antibiotic resistance, including antimicrobial stewardship programs, infection control measures, and the development of new antibiotics. It also highlights the inherent challenges in implementing these strategies within the unique healthcare landscape of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The increasing emergence and spread of MDR bacteria in Saudi Arabia are attributed to the unoptimized antibiotic use, over-the-counter antibiotics without prescription, a high volume of international travellers, and challenges in adherence to infection control practices. Addressing the challenges and implementing effective prevention strategies are critical to maintaining antibiotic efficacy and combating AMR. Several strategies have been employed by the National AMR Committee, in partnership with WHO, to address antibiotic resistance in intensive care units.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AMR in Saudi ICUs is a pressing concern requiring immediate attention. A multifaceted approach combining surveillance, education, and policy interventions is essential to overcome this issue. Addressing AMR is crucial for global efforts to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics and maintain the effectiveness of critical healthcare interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"228-241"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13625029/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shahrzad Shakouri, Mostafa Mazaheri Tehrani, Arash Koocheki, Reza Farhoosh, Anna Abdolshahi, Nabi Shariatifar
{"title":"Bigels as Novel Drug Delivery Systems: A Systematic Review on Efficiency and Influential Factors.","authors":"Shahrzad Shakouri, Mostafa Mazaheri Tehrani, Arash Koocheki, Reza Farhoosh, Anna Abdolshahi, Nabi Shariatifar","doi":"10.2174/0127724328288796240906040927","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0127724328288796240906040927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bigles are novel formulation merging two phase of hydrogel and organogel revealing dual properties to release active agents based on their lipophilic or hydrophilic nature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science to find eligible studies evaluating the efficiency of bigels in drug release. 20 articles were included in the analysis based on the defined criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicated that several different natural materials were used for bigel making. Span (52.38%) and Sunflower oil (23.80%) were the most solvents used for organogel formation. Also, gelatin, agar, gums, and other types of biopolymer were used as hydroglators. Most research (33.33%) focused on the release of metronidazole from bigel structure. Also, the range of drug release rates was 1.59 - 100% and in 42.85% of studies was >90%. The nature, content, and properties of both organogel and hydrogel and some process variables such as temperature, mixing speed and storage conditions were highlighted as the main influential factors on bigel formation and its bioactivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Bigels are an innovative structure that provides desired physicochemical and rheological properties for industrial applications. Excellent biocompatibility and in vitro / ex vivo results have been documented for developed bigels. In this regard, an optimal preparation method is very important to show superior therapeutic effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":29871,"journal":{"name":"Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"231-242"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142558989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}