Current Drug Targets - Volume 27, Issue 1, 2026

Delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options make ovarian cancer difficult to treat. This paper examines the growing role of Carbon Dots (CDs) in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. Photoluminescence and biocompatibility make CDs ideal for biomedical use. We emphasize their ability to improve fluorescence and molecular imaging in radiology and diagnostics. We also demonstrate the efficacy of carbon dots in targeted drug delivery systems in overcoming drug resistance and improving therapeutic outcomes. Photodynamic and photothermal therapies are used to show that CDs can treat hypoxic ovarian cancer tumours. We also discuss CD safety issues and constraints, emphasising the need for thorough assessments and fine-tuning. Future research focuses on personalised medicine and CD integration with other therapies. This text concludes by discussing CDs' clinical use and the challenges of production and regulatory approval. CDs can improve ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and survival.

Aging is a complex biological process marked by progressive cellular and tissue decline, leading to an increased risk of age-related diseases. Plant-based natural compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, have gained attention for their potential in mitigating aging-related damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cellular repair mechanisms. The review identified that plant-derived bioactive compounds target key pathways involved in aging, including Sirtuins (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB). These compounds address key hallmarks of aging, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation. Evidence suggests their potential in preventing or delaying age-related disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and skin aging. Plant-derived compounds offer a promising alternative to synthetic anti-aging interventions due to their efficacy, safety, and sustainability. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and limited clinical validation must be addressed. Advances in drug delivery systems and comprehensive clinical trials are critical to realizing their full therapeutic potential. Plant-based bioactive compounds represent a significant opportunity for developing safer and more sustainable anti-aging therapies. Continued research is essential to overcome existing limitations and facilitate the integration of these approaches into mainstream healthcare practices.

Cancer is a significant human health concern due to its increasing mortality rate and profound impact on public health and healthcare systems. The cytotoxic, antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, and apoptogenic properties of scorpion venom proteins and peptides have been observed in various cancer cell lines. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential use of proteins derived from scorpion venom in cancer treatment. In this study, the effects of different scorpion venoms on transmembrane channels, the inhibition of angiogenesis, the inhibition of invasion and metastasis, the inhibition of proliferation, and the induction of apoptosis were investigated, as were their clinical applications in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and melanoma cancers. The results showed that various scorpion venoms can suppress cell growth, stimulate apoptosis, reduce tumor size, and enhance the immune response, thereby serving as alternative drugs for treating various types of cancers and their metastasis. This review suggests a positive association between scorpion venom (SV) proteins and the treatment of these cancers. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms, identifying biomarkers to predict response, and exploring potential combination therapies to increase the efficacy of scorpion venom proteins in cancer treatment.