BioFactors最新文献

{"title":"Weighing the Benefits of Improving the Iron Status Against the Risk of Overload—A Narrative Review on Oral Iron Supplementation in Premenopausal Women","authors":"Katharina Jans,&nbsp;Patricia Huebbe,&nbsp;Anna P. Kipp,&nbsp;Gerald Rimbach","doi":"10.1002/biof.70115","DOIUrl":"10.1002/biof.70115","url":null,"abstract":"<p>To this day, women of childbearing age remain the largest group at high risk for iron deficiency worldwide. This global health issue impairs quality of life and, if not adequately managed, can lead to serious health consequences. Menstruating women face high iron requirements that are often challenging to meet through diet alone. Consequently, oral iron supplements offer a convenient, low-cost, widely available, and commonly employed strategy to approach iron deficiency. Iron plays a key role in many essential body functions. However, due to its corrosive nature and cytotoxic properties, strict homeostasis is crucial, and oral interventions warrant careful consideration. This narrative review examines the benefits and potential drawbacks of oral iron supplements as a frontline approach to addressing the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in menstruating females from a nutritionist's perspective.</p>","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/biof.70115","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147986541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148085433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148083642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zerumbone Induced ROS-Mediated Autophagic Cell Death in Human Melanoma Cells: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study","authors":"Siang-Jyun Chen,&nbsp;You-Cheng Hseu,&nbsp;Yan-Ming Zhang,&nbsp;Sudhir Pandey,&nbsp;Asif Ali Bhat,&nbsp;Ya-Hsuan Li,&nbsp;Pei-Jane Huang,&nbsp;Hsin-Ling Yang,&nbsp;Jhih-Hsuan Hseu","doi":"10.1002/biof.70110","DOIUrl":"10.1002/biof.70110","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Zerumbone (Zer), a natural sesquiterpene of <i>Zingiber zerumbet</i>, exerts apoptosis in human melanoma cells. We evaluated the anticancer efficacies and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Zer through autophagic cell death in both in vitro melanoma (A375 and/or A2058) cells and in vivo xenografted athymic nude mice. We found that Zer inhibited cell growth and EGFR/BRAF expression in A375 and A2058 cells. Additionally, Zer-induced autophagy was apparent from enhanced LC3-II accumulation, p62 expression, ATG4B reduction, Beclin-1/Bcl-2 ratio, AKT/mTOR suppression, and AVO production in A375 and A2058 cells. Surprisingly, Zer-triggered cell death was prevented by autophagic inhibitors 3-MA and CQ, suggesting the contribution of autophagy as a death mechanism. TEM data displayed that Zer provoked autophagosome generation in A375 and A2058 cells. However, obstruction of autophagy by 3-MA or CQ, and LC3 silencing curbed Zer-incited apoptosis in A375 cells, which suggests autophagy induction enhanced apoptosis in Zer-treated A375 cells. Interestingly, reduction of apoptosis by caspase blocker Z-VAD-FMK enhanced Zer-provoked autophagy in A375 cells, indicating induction of apoptosis inhibited autophagy in Zer-treated A375 cells. Moreover, Zer instigated intracellular ROS generation, whereas antioxidant NAC or Mito-Tempo reversed autophagic or apoptotic cell death in A375 and/or A2058 cells. In vivo results displayed that Zer significantly inhibited tumor development in A375 and A2058-xenografted athymic nude mice. Our findings implied that Zerumbone is a potent antitumor agent that triggered ROS-mediated autophagic cell death in human melanoma cells.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147962009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Circular RNAs in Cancer: Epigenetic Regulation, Dual Functions and Clinical Translation","authors":"Yimao Wu,&nbsp;Zichang Chen,&nbsp;Feiyang Tang,&nbsp;Wenlong Sun,&nbsp;Qian Zhang,&nbsp;Meng-Yao Li","doi":"10.1002/biof.70109","DOIUrl":"10.1002/biof.70109","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs with a closed-loop structure, have emerged as a focal point in cancer research due to their stability, tissue specificity, and high abundance in body fluids. This paper systematically elaborates on the dual roles of circRNAs in cancer. Specifically, they can act as tumor suppressors to inhibit tumor progression or as oncogenes to promote tumorigenesis. Their core mechanisms involve epigenetic regulation, including modulation of DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and functioning as miRNA sponges to affect target gene expression. CircRNAs regulate cancer hallmarks through these mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, and invasion-metastasis. Additionally, due to their unique biological properties, circRNAs show great potential in cancer diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. Intervention strategies targeting the circRNA-epigenetic axis, such as antisense oligonucleotides and CRISPR technology, provide new directions for cancer therapy. This study aims to deeply analyze the complex regulatory networks of circRNAs in tumorigenesis and progression, explore key challenges in their translation from basic research to clinical practice, and offer theoretical basis and practical references for understanding epigenetic dysregulation in cancer and developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147939855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148076518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Angiotensin II Promotes the Phenotypic Transition of c-Kit+ Cardiac Interstitial Cells to Myofibroblasts Through Collagen Receptor Discoidin Domain Receptor 2","authors":"Indraja Devidasan,&nbsp;Sruthi Radhakrishnan,&nbsp;Sarayu Gopal,&nbsp;Geethu S. Nair,&nbsp;Divya Mundackal Sivaraman,&nbsp;Vivek V. Pillai,&nbsp;Neethu Mohan","doi":"10.1002/biof.70108","DOIUrl":"10.1002/biof.70108","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Angiotensin II (Ang II), a potent profibrotic stimulus, exhibits pleiotropic effects on cardiac cells. The fate of c-Kit⁺ cells in an Ang II-elevated injured myocardium remains poorly defined. This study investigated, in vitro, the effect of Ang II on the phenotype of non-hematopoietic non-endothelial c-Kit⁺ cardiac interstitial cells (CICs), expressing OCT4. Our findings demonstrate that Ang II directly drives the phenotypic transition of c-Kit⁺ CICs into α-SMA-expressing myofibroblasts, accompanied by significant upregulation of prominent myofibroblast markers, SM22-α, collagen type IA, and its crosslinking enzyme, lysyl oxidase. Through targeted silencing experiments, we confirmed that Ang II-mediated phenotypic transition occurs via activation of the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, triggered by collagen receptor Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), and involves the transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF). These results indicate that c-Kit⁺ CICs are susceptible to myofibroblast transition in the infarcted myocardium, and may serve as an additional source of myofibroblasts contributing to repair and remodeling alongside resident fibroblasts. Additionally, we observed that overexpression of c-Kit attenuated Ang II-induced α-SMA upregulation by downregulating DDR2-ERK1/2-SRF signaling in c-Kit⁺ CICs, highlighting the pivotal role of c-Kit expression levels in regulating cell fate. Furthermore, overexpression of c-Kit in Ang II-treated cardiac fibroblasts significantly reduced the expression of myofibroblast proteins, α-SMA, SM22-α, periostin, collagen type IA, collagen receptor DDR2, and lysyl oxidase, and resembled c-Kit⁺ CICs in morphology. Collectively, these results suggest that c-Kit expression in myofibroblasts may potentially mitigate the adverse effects of cardiac fibrosis and promote favorable remodeling in the long term.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148069557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of a Commercial Standardized Green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans and Zebrafish Anxiety-Like Behavior","authors":"David G. Valcarce,&nbsp;Sonia Guilera,&nbsp;Ferran Balaguer,&nbsp;Nuria Gonzalez,&nbsp;Miren Maicas,&nbsp;Patricia Martorell,&nbsp;Juan Manuel Martínez Vázquez,&nbsp;Vanesa Robles,&nbsp;Antonio M. Inarejos García","doi":"10.1002/biof.70107","DOIUrl":"10.1002/biof.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Anxiety-related disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, driving interest in novel, plant-based interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and capacity to alleviate anxiety-like behavior of a commercially standardized green rooibos (<i>Aspalathus linearis</i>) powdered extract (GRE) in vivo. The GRE was chemically characterized using liquid and gas chromatography. Antioxidant capacity (survival and ROS levels upon oxidative stress) and anxiety-like behavior reduction (octanol avoidance test) were evaluated in the <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> model, and additionally in adult zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) by a Novel Tank Test after 4 months of GRE ingestion. Analytical results of GRE confirmed the presence of dihydrochalcones (aspalathin, nothofagin) and flavones (orientin, isoorientin, isovitexin) as the major phenolic constituents. In <i>C. elegans</i>, GRE supplementation improved survival under oxidative stress conditions and significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GRE exposure mitigated anxiety-like behavior in nematodes subjected to serotonin-deficiency conditions induced by starvation. GRE-fed fish exhibited a significant increase in time spent in the upper zone of the tank, reduced latency to reach this zone, and fewer individuals displaying bottom-dwelling behavior, while locomotor parameters (speed and distance traveled) remained unaffected, indicating reduced anxiety-like behavior levels. Data support the potential of GRE to reduce anxiety-related behavior in both invertebrate and vertebrate models, possibly mediated by its antioxidant properties and polyphenolic profile. These findings underscore the potential of <i>A. linearis</i> as a functional botanical candidate for future dietary interventions for anxiety support.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8923,"journal":{"name":"BioFactors","volume":"52 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148069339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}