Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 31, Issue 42, 2025

Ingestion of button batteries (BB) represents a substantial health hazard, causing more common and severe complications than most other ingested objects. While the primary mechanism of injury is alkaline caustic injury (mediated by hydroxide ions produced through electrolysis at the site of the button battery), additional pathophysiological processes include pressure-induced necrosis, accumulation of hydroxide compounds at the battery’s negative pole, direct caustic tissue injury, and potential heavy metal toxicity. Full-thickness burns, esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal and aortoesophageal fistulas are encountered shortly after exposure. Vocal cord paralysis due to BB ingestion appears to be an early sign to predict the severity of the condition. Besides expedient removal, mitigation strategies are the key to the management. Pre-BB removal using honey or sucralfate and post-removal sterile acetic acid irrigation in the operation room can alleviate complication rates. This review is intended to cover and summarize all aspects of these incidents to provide information to clinicians and healthcare personnel.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition marked by an increased proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine. This leads to a range of GI symptoms and nutritional issues. This article examines the preventive and therapeutic roles of nutrition, prebiotics, probiotics, and prokinetics in managing SIBO. Finding the prevalence of SIBO in the general population is challenging due to challenges in diagnosis and different diagnostic methods. Nevertheless, SIBO has been linked to several clinical conditions, such as obesity, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatic cirrhosis. The connection between SIBO and obesity remains controversial and unclear, with contraindicating evidence regarding its prevalence and association with body mass index (BMI). Anatomical changes from surgeries may also contribute to the development of SIBO, and disruptions in the migrating motor complex (MMC) can facilitate intestinal permeability. SIBO can lead to significant malabsorption of nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and iron, resulting in deficiencies and malnourishment. Additionally, increased levels of immunoglobulins observed point toward a possible immune response to bacterial overgrowth. Hence, understanding the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and nutritional impacts of SIBO is crucial for effective prevention and management. This article underscores the potential benefits of nutrition, including prebiotics and probiotics, in modulating gut microbiota and managing SIBO. Furthermore, prokinetics that enhance gastrointestinal motility may offer possible therapeutic advantages in the future. Continued research is necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms and refine treatment strategies for SIBO.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of a diverse range of agents, and its dysregulation can contribute to tumorigenesis, including tumor angiogenesis across various cancer types. This dysregulation may activate procarcinogenic xenobiotics and endogenous molecules while also inactivating anti-cancer drugs, resulting in drug resistance. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the potential and relevance of CYP inhibitors in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies have documented the role of CYP enzymes in the metabolic rearrangements of various cancers through the mechanisms underlying metabolic rearrangements in CRC, including those related to glucose, fatty acids, cholesterol, and amino acids. Recent studies have focused on the targeting of metabolic mechanisms in CRC through the use of established CYP inhibitors, yielding varying degrees of success. Among these agents are clotrimazole (inhibitor of CYP24A1, 3A4, 2A6, and 2C8), KD-35 (CYP24A1 inhibitor), liarozole (CYP26A1 inhibitor), letrozole (CYP19A1 inhibitor), lopinavir/ritonavir and quercetin (CYP3A4 inhibitors), α-naphthoflavone and furanfylline (CYP1A1 inhibitors), as well as phenylpyrrole (a CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 inhibitor). Clinical studies investigating CYPs in cancer treatment have been reported in various cancers, including prostate, breast, pancreatic, hematological, lung, and salivary gland cancers, for purposes ranging from dose reduction and cost savings to enhance the efficacy of combined anti-cancer agents (CYP3A4, CYP3A4/5 and CYP1A2 inhibitors), and in addition, functioning as anti-cancer agents themselves (CYP17 inhibitors). Thus, these metabolizing enzymes reveal a complex interaction with cancer therapeutics, opening the door to novel strategies that go beyond conventional treatment paradigms. Harnessing CYP modulators could transform the treatment of CRC, offering more targeted and flexible options.

Phytosomes are innovative lipid-viable complexes that combine phospholipids with standardized plant extracts or phytoconstituents to enhance absorption and bioavailability. This research underscores the historical importance of medicinal plants in traditional healing, especially in developing countries, highlighting the global impact of this study. The study explores the complex processes behind phytosome technology, detailing their structure, formation, and biological attributes. Phytosomes offer significant benefits, such as improved bioavailability and absorption rates, which can enhance therapeutic effectiveness. The research also touches on cutting-edge methods for phytosome formulation and evaluation, indicating ongoing advancements in this field. This comprehensive overview serves as a crucial resource, integrating insights into phytosomes and their potential to improve the delivery and efficacy of herbal remedies. Phytosomes represent a modern frontier in herbal medicine, bridging traditional practices with contemporary scientific innovation. By encapsulating plant-derived compounds within phospholipid bilayers, researchers are paving the way for more effective natural therapies. The focus on bioavailability addresses a critical challenge in herbal medicine, where the body's ability to absorb active compounds often limits therapeutic outcomes. The historical context adds depth, emphasizing the enduring relevance of plants in global health practices. Additionally, mentioning novel formulation techniques and evaluation methods suggests a dynamic field rich with possibilities. Phytosomes have the potential to revolutionize herbal medicine, offering a glimpse into a promising approach that could enhance the effectiveness of natural remedies.