Aleksandar Perić, Sandra Vezmar Kovačević, Aleksandra Barać, Aneta Perić, Danilo Vojvodić
{"title":"Immunomodulatory Effects of <i>Pelargonium sidoides</i> Extract (EPs7630) in the Treatment of Acute Rhinosinusitis.","authors":"Aleksandar Perić, Sandra Vezmar Kovačević, Aleksandra Barać, Aneta Perić, Danilo Vojvodić","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10013","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In this short narrative review, we would like to discuss the immunomodulatory effects of South African geranium (<i>Pelargonium sidoides</i>) root extract EPs7630 in treating acute rhinosinusitis. The plant has been used for centuries to treat respiratory tract inflammation, such as sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis. South African geranium is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, diterpenes and proanthocyanidins, but the main constituent is a type of coumarin called 'umckalin' (6-hydroxy-5,5-dimethoxy-coumarin). The substance is standardised as an aqueous-ethanolic extract from the root of this plant under the code name EPs7630.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The article presents the results of <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies of administering this herbal drug in acute viral, post-viral and bacterial rhinosinusitis. The focus is on the immunomodulatory effects of EPs7630 during the therapy of this acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>According to the results of some studies, EPs7630 stimulates monocyte-dependent activity and inhibits neutrophil-dependent chemokine activity. However, given the small number of studies, the level of evidence is low, implying the need for new research.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Particular attention should be paid to the effect of EPs7630 on bradykinin, the mediator that triggers most inflammatory processes in acute rhinosinusitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e25"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12315653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mei Ma, Guangchan Jing, Yue Tian, Ruiying Yin, Mengren Zhang
{"title":"Irisin: Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Cognitive Impairment-Related Diseases.","authors":"Mei Ma, Guangchan Jing, Yue Tian, Ruiying Yin, Mengren Zhang","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10014","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Irisin is a glycosylated polypeptide hormone derived from muscles that plays a crucial role in learning and memory by promoting the growth of hippocampal neurons, thereby influencing cognitive function.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Despite increasing evidence, a comprehensive understanding of the exact role of irisin remains elusive, necessitating further research to unravel the complex mechanisms through which irisin influences cognitive function and to explore therapeutic approaches targeting irisin.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A literature review was performed by searching PubMed for articles published between 2012 and 2024, using the keywords ‘fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5)’, ‘irisin’, ‘cognitive impairment’, ‘Alzheimer’s disease’, ‘Age-related cognitive dysfunction’ and ‘Diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction’, combined with Boolean operators (AND/OR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This review highlighted the potential impact of irisin on cognitive function in the context of ageing, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The anti-cognitive impairment effects of irisin are associated with the regulation of energy metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, amyloid-beta deposition, synaptogenesis and plasticity. The signalling pathways through which irisin improves cognitive impairment are complex and highly regulated processes, involving multiple signalling pathways such as the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway, ERK-STAT3 signalling pathway, cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling pathway and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review delves into the positive effects of irisin on cognitive impairment, examines the signalling pathways related to fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5)/irisin and provides future perspectives for research on the anti-cognitive impairment effects of irisin.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e23"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12315660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"SIGIRR: An Orphan Receptor Mediating Anti-inflammatory Actions.","authors":"Siqi Cheng, Lingyue Cui, Jingyi Chen, Qianwei Xiu, Rujia Si, Xiaoguang Yang, Ying Shi","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10009","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>SIGIRR, also known as the single immunoglobulin interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-related molecule, is a member of the IL-1 receptor superfamily and is believed to play a pivotal role in inflammation and anti-inflammatory regulation within the body. Studies have shown that SIGIRR expression is associated with autoimmunity, inflammatory disorders, graft rejection, viral infection, thrombosis and tumour progression. Due to its unique structure and function, SIGIRR is commonly referred to as an 'orphan receptor', with IL-37 being the only confirmed ligand molecule for SIGIRR to date. The primary mechanism through which SIGIRR exerts its anti-inflammatory regulatory effect involves the negative modulation of the Toll-like receptor-IL-1R (TLR-IL-1R) signalling pathway. TLR-IL-1R signalling plays critical roles in immune responses triggered by microbial invasion and alterations in the tumour immune microenvironment. This article provides an overview of research findings on SIGIRR as an orphan receptor and its regulatory role in maintaining a delicate balance between natural immune activation and uncontrolled inflammatory processes under pathological conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e24"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12315662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Oxidative Stress and Survival of <i>Leishmania</i> spp.: A Relationship of Inverse Proportionality for Disease Outcome.","authors":"Souravi Roy, Mayumi Mandal, Moumita Halder, Pijush K Das, Anindita Ukil","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10010","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Search results: </strong>Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in leishmaniasis by contributing to both host defence and parasite survival mechanisms. In the host, ROS promote parasite clearance through induction of apoptosis, activation of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways (e.g., MAPK, JNK), inflammasome assembly, and M1 macrophage polarisation. Conversely, Leishmania species have evolved multiple strategies to neutralize ROS, including the upregulation of host antioxidant enzymes like HO-1, inhibition of ROS-producing pathways, and expression of parasite-derived antioxidants such as SOD, GPx, and trypanothione reductase. The parasite alsoadapts through gene regulation and metabolic changes to counter oxidative stress. Importantly, ROS have emerged as key targets for antileishmanial therapies, with various drugs and natural compounds shown to induce ROS-mediated parasite death, highlighting their potential in future therapeutic development.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In summary, the survival of Leishmania hinges on its ability to counteract host-induced oxidative stress. Targeting its antioxidant defences and enhancing host ROS production can disrupt this balance, leading to parasite death. Exploring ROS-related signalling offers a promising path for developing effective therapies against leishmaniasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e21"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Liquid Biopsy-Based DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer.","authors":"Ieva Sadzeviciene, Danielius Kaubrys, Sonata Jarmalaite","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10008","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Current breast cancer (BC) diagnostics include detailed pathological and genetic analysis for biological subtype identification; however, throughout the course of the disease, new alterations determining the progression of the disease or resistance to treatment appear. The tests based on liquid biopsy allow minimally invasive real-time monitoring of tumour-specific alteration during the entire disease treatment. Tumour-specific genetic material fragments occur in bodily fluids, and cell-free nucleic acids are a convenient tool for analysing genetic and epigenetic changes in tumours. Evidence for the diagnostic and prognostic value of epigenetic biomarkers is gradually increasing. Although, up to date, there is limited access to <i>in vitro</i> diagnostic (IVD) epigenetic liquid biopsy-based tests for BC management, the data on the clinical potential of such tests and biomarkers are accumulating rapidly.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this review, we focused on research involving cell-free DNA methylation biomarkers in blood serum or plasma samples from BC patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our review systematises data from genome-wide and targeted studies of DNA methylation changes in liquid biopsies from BC patients, aiming to highlight the most critical biomarkers suitable for early BC diagnosis, treatment personalisation and prognosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, cell-free DNA methylation biomarkers show strong potential to enhance breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and personalised treatment through integrated clinical profiling.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e20"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144310719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chemically modified non-coding RNAs in cancer.","authors":"Lulu Yang, Boyang Wang, Zhaohui Gong","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10007","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but regulate diverse biological processes. Dysregulation of ncRNAs is implicated in cancer, where chemical modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and glycosylation critically influence their function. However, these modifications, as precise regulators of ncRNA activity, have been less well-documented and understood in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article systematically analyzes the roles of chemically modified ncRNAs - ribosomal RNA (rRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and others - in cancer biology, synthesizingevidence from published studies on their mechanistic involvement in malignancy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We reveal how specific chemical modifications drive oncogenesis, impact cancer diagnosis, and affect therapeutic responses, while also exploring their prognostic potential. Furthermore, we highlight emerging connections between ncRNA epitranscriptomics and cancer.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review provides novel insights into ncRNA epitranscriptomics as emerging biomarkers and intervention targets for precision oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e19"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12234022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144250632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential: Targeting Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis.","authors":"Siran Yue, Junyu Fan, Duoli Xie, Chunhao Cao, Zhuqian Wang, Jie Huang, Fang Qiu, Xu Yang, Dongyi He, Aiping Lu, Chao Liang","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.11","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to cartilage destruction and bone erosion. Due to the complex pathogenesis of RA and the limitations of current therapies, increasing research attention has been directed towards novel strategies targeting fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which are key cellular components of the hyperplastic pannus. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of FLS in the initiation and progression of RA, driven by their tumour-like transformation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases. The aggressive phenotype of RA-FLS is marked by excessive proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and enhanced migratory and invasive capacities. Consequently, FLS-targeted therapies represent a promising avenue for the development of next-generation RA treatments. The efficacy of such strategies - particularly those aimed at modulating FLS signalling pathways - has been demonstrated in both preclinical and clinical settings, underscoring their therapeutic potential. This review provides an updated overview of the pathogenic mechanisms and functional roles of FLS in RA, with a focus on critical signalling pathways under investigation, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Notch and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4). In addition, we discuss the emerging understanding of FLS-subset-specific contributions to immunometabolism and explore how computational biology is shaping novel targeted therapeutic strategies. A deeper understanding of the molecular and functional heterogeneity of FLS may pave the way for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions in RA.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e18"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12201960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Retinoic Acid-Induced 1 Gene and Neuropsychiatric Diseases: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Tianmi Yang, Dejiang Pang, Chunyu Li, Huifang Shang","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.12","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.12","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Retinoic acid-induced 1 (<i>RAI1</i>) is a dosage-sensitive gene implicated in a range of rare neuropsychiatric diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review provides a comprehensive overview of <i>RAI1's</i> role, integrating both clinical and basic research on Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) and Potocki-Lupski syndrome (PTLS) while also summarising research progress on its involvement in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE, following the PRISMA guidelines, with the protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023474165).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 99 eligible studies on <i>RAI1</i> were included. We presented detailed characterisations of SMS and PTLS patients, emphasising the crucial role of <i>RAI1</i> haploinsufficiency and overexpression in their pathogenesis. Additionally, we summarised research progress on <i>RAI1</i> in SCA, ASD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Integrating findings from animal studies, particularly those examining the regulatory mechanisms of <i>RAI1</i> in critical phenotypes, such as body weight, sleep and epilepsy, underscores the precise regulation of <i>RAI1</i> expression in maintaining various nervous system functions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, this review contributes to the identification of <i>RAI1</i>-related neuropsychiatric diseases, with a particular emphasis on enhancing clinical diagnosis of SMS and PTLS in developing countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":"27 ","pages":"e17"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12133160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144175744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancing CRISPR genome editing into gene therapy clinical trials: progress and future prospects.","authors":"Busra Cetin, Fulya Erendor, Yunus Emre Eksi, Ahter D Sanlioglu, Salih Sanlioglu","doi":"10.1017/erm.2025.10","DOIUrl":"10.1017/erm.2025.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genome editing has recently evolved from a theoretical concept to a powerful and versatile set of tools. The discovery and implementation of CRISPR-Cas9 technology have propelled the field further into a new era. This RNA-guided system allows for specific modification of target genes, offering high accuracy and efficiency. Encouraging results are being announced in clinical trials employed in conditions like sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia (TDT). The path finally led the way to the recent FDA approval of the first gene therapy drug utilising the CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit autologous CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells in SCD patients (Casgevy). Ongoing research explores the potential of CRISPR technology for cancer therapies, HIV treatment and other complex diseases. Despite its remarkable potential, CRISPR technology faces challenges such as off-target effects, suboptimal delivery systems, long-term safety concerns, scalability, ethical dilemmas and potential repercussions of genetic alterations, particularly in the case of germline editing. Here, we examine the transformative role of CRISPR technologies, including base editing and prime editing approaches, in modifying the genetic and epigenetic codes in the human genome and provide a comprehensive focus, particularly on relevant clinical applications, to unlock the full potential and challenges of gene editing.</p>","PeriodicalId":50462,"journal":{"name":"Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e16"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12094669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143755888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}