Current Drug Therapy - Volume 20, Issue 4, 2025

The human microbiome, comprising a complex community of microorganisms, has emerged as a crucial factor in maintaining health and influencing disease states. Recently, there has been growing interest in harnessing the potential of microbiome-based nanomaterials for enhanced pulmonary drug delivery. This abstract presents an overview of recent advancements and prospects in this field. Microbiome-based nanomaterials offer a targeted and personalized approach to pulmonary delivery, leveraging an understanding of the lung microbiome. These nanomaterials can be engineered to encapsulate drugs or therapeutic agents, modulate the lung microbiome, act as diagnostic tools, regulate immune responses, and facilitate vaccine delivery. While significant progress has been made, challenges, such as formulation stability, safety, efficacy, and regulatory considerations, need to be addressed for successful translation into clinical practice. With continued research and technological advancements, microbiome-based nanomaterials hold great promise in revolutionizing pulmonary healthcare, providing novel strategies for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels bring on an eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy. If untreated, the damage to the blood vessels in the retina can result in blindness. Early symptoms include impaired vision, difficulties distinguishing colours, and dark patches of vision. Since ancient times, people all around the world have utilized herbs to manage diabetes and the various additional problems it might cause. Numerous herbs, including Salvia, Ginseng, Gingko, and Scrophularia ningpoensis, have unique qualities that make them capable of lowering the various pathological incidences of hyperglycemia-related retinal disease. Biomolecules, known as carotenoids, such as lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin, have a significant anti-oxidant capability that aids in visual recovery. In addition to acting as a natural and safe treatment for diabetic retinopathy, herbal remedies in the form of herbs, concentrated extracts, and isolated phytoactives can also operate as a viable alternative to prevent the destruction brought on by laser-based photocoagulation and vitrectomy. The goal of the current study is to analyze the natural herb-based alternatives for diabetic retinopathy that are now available.

The impact and burden of coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) still exists worldwide. Different knowledge, opinions, and techniques determine the various outcomes and potency of preventive and therapeutic strategies. COVID-19 infections, long COVID, and the complexity of treatment variability are challenging issues for therapeutic promotion and cost-effective consideration. To speed up global efforts against COVID-19, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic selections, and drug combination studies should be optimized in different ways. The epidemic condition, vaccination, techniques, and therapeutic options are open to new expeditions. To target infectious and therapeutic variability, biomedical mechanisms and pathways should be understood. Facilitating and enhancing new global machinery and roadmap against viral-induced social damages and potential epidemics should be established for biological and pharmaceutical purposes. Thus, in this study, the ways of medical translation for COVID-19 treatment are discussed.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are one of the classes of nanoparticles that produce magnetic properties by manipulation using a magnetic field. These MNPs are currently used in the theranostics disease modification of surface properties of MNPs, achieved by surface engineering, which provides different applications, such as enhancing thermal and optical properties, biocompatibility, conductivity and also mechanical and chemical properties. Advancement in the technology leads to the development of MNPs. For this instance, surface coating is used at molecular and cellular levels. The uses of coating material are based on organic and inorganic molecules, including polymer, liposomes, micelles, metal oxide, gold-NPs, etc. Using different coatings exhibits multifunction properties, and this helps reduce toxicity, helps in biomedical applications, maintains stability, restricts surface fouling, etc. This review provides an in-depth knowledge of surface-engineered magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) according to recent developments.

Cerebral ischemia stands as a significant global cause of both mortality and morbidity among adults, ranking second in mortality rates. Neuroinflammation, a dynamic and intricate process, emerges rapidly after ischemia onset and persists for several days. This cascade begins with the activation of microglia and astrocytes, alongside immune cell infiltration, triggering the release of cytokines and initiating an inflammatory response within the brain. These events ultimately contribute to secondary brain injury, potentially expanding the area of damage beyond the initial affected region. This sustained inflammatory state contributes to blood-brain barrier disruption and cerebral edema, exacerbating neuronal damage and impeding neuroplasticity, ultimately worsening neurological deficits. However, the response of inflammation during ischemia is twofold, potentially offering benefits by clearing cellular debris and facilitating tissue regeneration. This review aims to dissect the roles of both novel and established pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators in cerebral ischemia, offering critical insights for the development of effective therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic strategies.

Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers that have gained significant attention in the realm of drug delivery and therapeutic applications. They offer several advantages over traditional drug delivery systems, including:

●   Protection of drugs from degradation and clearance

●   Enhanced bioavailability

●   Reduced systemic toxicity

●   Precise, site-specific drug delivery

To elucidate the multifaceted aspects of liposomes, from their fundamental structure and composition to their cutting-edge applications in medicine and biotechnology.

This comprehensive review was conducted through a systematic search of relevant literature on liposomes. The search was limited to English-language articles published in the past 10 years. A total of 150 articles were selected for review based on their relevance and impact.

The review provides a detailed overview of the following aspects of liposomes:

●   Structure and composition

●   Mechanism of action

●   Targeting strategies

●   Preparation methods

●   Biomedical and biotechnological applications

Liposomes are a promising drug delivery platform with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases. Their unique properties, including biocompatibility, versatility, and tunability, render them ideal for encapsulating a wide range of therapeutic agents. The review highlights the significant progress made in liposome research in recent years, paving the way for their translation into clinical practice.

Traditional medicine in many countries, including those where Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierreis grown, uses the plant for a wide variety of purposes, including the treatment of piles, skin problems, and wounds. The objective of the present study was to discuss the medicinal value and chemical composition of flavonoids obtained from P. pinnata. All parts of the plant contain several phytoconstituents responsible for biological activity. These compounds include numerous types of flavonoid derivatives, such as flavones and flavans, as well as terpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. The information required about the plant and advancement in therapeutics was gathered from Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library. Many different types of biological activity, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties, have been observed in plant products from this species in pharmacological research. However, more research into the plant's phytochemical profile and the complicated pharmacological effects is required. This is because our current understanding of the plant's chemical ingredients and the methods by which they exhibit certain biological activities is limited. Thus, information regarding active constituents is required to develop novel therapeutics and additional research on the toxicity of the other chemicals identified from this plant is necessary.

Leishmaniasis represents a pool of debilitating clinical manifestations affecting several individuals globally. The disease remains a serious global health and affects individuals in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is endemic in several areas of South America, East Africa, the Indian sub-continent and the Mediterranean basin. The bite of female Phlebotomine sand establishes the infection of the Leishmania parasite within human flies belonging to the family Psychodidae (subfamily: Phlebotominae) of class Diptera. Several species of Leishmania parasite serve as the infectious trigger associated with varying clinical presentation of the disease. The immune response against the different parasitizing species varies, resulting in a complex response by innate immune cells. The present review summarizes some of the key innate immune effector cells involved during the infection with the Leishmania parasite in a quest to provide a deeper understanding of Leishmania-mediated immunobiology. The review also summarizes an up-to-date understanding of several strategies adopted by the parasite to evade immune response mediated by altering the functioning of some key innate immune effector cells. A better understanding of these immuno-biological events within the infected individual would help formulate immune-therapeutical interventions against the disease.

Mechanistic investigations in both animal models and human subjects have consistently elucidated a causal relationship between obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is the predominant etiology of dementia, marked by progressive cerebral degeneration characterized by the formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. Adipose tissue secretes bioactive signaling molecules known as adipokines. Interactions between adipose tissue and the central nervous system serve as the foundational mechanism contributing to the elevated susceptibility of individuals with obesity to the onset of neurologic disorders, including cognitive and mood-related disturbances. Omentin is a recently discovered adipokine that has gained attention for study because of its pleiotropic effects on several disorders. The specific receptor responsible for binding with Omentin remains unidentified thus far. This investigation elucidates the variability in Omentin levels observed in multiple pathological conditions. Therapeutic methods to raise omentin-1 levels may be helpful for the treatment or prevention of several illnesses. Increases in circulating omentin-1 levels can be achieved with weight loss, an olive oil-rich diet, aerobic exercise, atorvastatin therapy, and the use of diabetes medications. It is also possible to use circulating omentin-1 as a biomarker of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, inflammatory disease, cancer, and neurological diseases via AMP-activated protein kinase/Akt/nuclear factor-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK, JNK, and p38) signaling. This review provides insights into the potential use of omentin-1 as a biomarker for Obesity, Diabetes, and associated metabolic and neurological disorders.

This review focuses on how modern stress management incorporates Ayurvedic concepts, particularly rasayanas and adaptogens. In order to promote complete well-being, Ayurveda’s age-old holistic therapeutic method places an emphasis on mental, physical, and spiritual harmony. An imbalance of the basic bio-elements (doshas) that impacts one’s bodily and mental well-being is referred to as stress. Important components of stress treatment include rasayanas, which are reviving formulations, and adaptogens, which are herbs that boost stress tolerance. Liquorice root, Tulsi, Brahmi, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and rasayanas like Amla and Chyawanprash constitute crucial adaptogens. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (a major regulator of stress response), antioxidant pathways, inflammation, and immune-mediated regulation are critically involved in the pathogenesis of stress, and all are immediately impacted by new mechanistic discoveries that lead to better alleviation of stress culminating in the initiation of a myriad of protective responses such as hepatoprotection, renoprotection, cardioprotection, and neuroprotection. Expert guidance is required to address safety issues, dosing recommendations, and specific considerations during pregnancy and nursing regarding the clinical use of these adaptogens and rasayanas. Integrating Ayurvedic concepts in modern healthcare meets problems such as standardization and quality control. However, Ayurveda’s holistic approach aligns with preventive and personalized healthcare trends. Collaborative efforts between Ayurvedic and conventional practitioners could lead to synergistic benefits. In this purview, research directions include identifying novel adaptogens, exploring mechanisms of action, and studying long-term effects and sustainability. Future studies must adopt evidence-based practices and consider Ayurveda’s individualized therapy approach. Integrating adaptogens and rasayanas in mainstream healthcare offers promising holistic strategies for stress management, aligning with the growing demand for natural and comprehensive wellness solutions.