Current Protein and Peptide Science - Online First

This study aimed to investigate the role of glycosyltransferase-related genes (GRGs) in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) through bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation, exploring their potential as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers.

We utilized datasets from TCGA-STAD and GSE26901 to establish training and validation cohorts. Prognostic gene signatures were constructed using differentially expressed genes and LASSO regression. Pathway associations were explored via Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and correlations with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint genes were analyzed using CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, and TIDE. Drug sensitivity was assessed using OncoPredict, and GRG expression was confirmed via qRT-PCR.

We identified 20 GRGs as prognostic indicators in STAD, with 14 showing abnormal expression. A six-gene signature (B3GAT3, FUT2, GALNT15, GLT8D1, MGAT4C, and ST8SIA6) was constructed, demonstrating AUC values of 0.662, 0.702, and 0.711 in TCGA-STAD for predicting overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The risk score was significantly associated with reduced survival and identified as an independent prognostic marker. The GRG profile was found to be correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, and drug responsiveness.

The study highlights the significance of GRGs in STAD prognosis and potential therapeutic applications. The GRG signature shows promise as a predictive biomarker, with implications for personalized medicine. Limitations include modest AUC values and the need for larger, diverse cohorts for validation. Future work should integrate multi-omics data and explore the roles of GRGs in immune modulation and drug sensitivity.

The GRG profile serves as a prognostic biomarker for STAD, offering new insights into therapeutic approaches and potential applications in other gastrointestinal cancers.

An endocrine condition known as Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) makes females of reproductive age more susceptible to insulin resistance, excessive levels of male hormones, and delayed ovulation. It is the main reason that stimulates infertility in females during their reproductive years. Thus, the objective of the present research is to determine whether oleo-gum resins derived from Boswellia serrata and Commiphora myrrh could be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS using a female animal model (Wistar rats) that were administered 1 mg/ kg of letrozole for induction of the disease.

A combination therapy of Boswellia serrata and Commiphora myrrh was used to study its effect on rat models administered letrozole (1 mg/kg), employed to induce PCOS. OECD Guidelines 407 and 423 were followed for toxicity studies.

It was revealed that the polyherbal mixture is nontoxic and safe to use, according to the results. Furthermore, studies have investigated the potential of a combination of oleo-gum resins in the treatment of letrozole-induced PCOS using animal models. According to the information gathered, it was found that the prepared herbal mixture significantly affected the letrozole-induced PCOS rat models. Additionally, it seems to have potential benefits for PCOS-related hormonal and reproductive disorders.

The polyherbal mixture was considered safe for consumption at a dose concentration of under 2000 mg/ kg and can be used for an extended period. Additionally, the polyherbal mixture improved the outcome of the therapy of PCOS in rat models administered with letrozole (1 mg/ kg) employed to induce PCOS.

Edible insects are gaining popularity as a sustainable source of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. Insects are nutritious, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Modern processing methods, including roasting, drying, fermentation, and hydrolysis, improve the taste, safety, and digestibility of foods derived from insects. This comprehensive review integrates nutritional, bioactive, and technical aspects to explain edible insects as a future food.

This study examines edible insects as a healthy, sustainable alternative to plant-based diets. It examines their nutritional profile, health advantages, and widespread diet acceptability potential and limitations.

This review paper covered the nutritional composition of edible insects, including minerals, fibre, fats, and amino acids. It also evaluated the health benefits of edible insects and chronic disease prevention. Finally, it explored consumer safety and acceptance of edible insects.

Insects provide proteins, amino acids, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and calcium. They promote health and reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer risk. Edible insects benefit musclebuilders and older adults since they are excellent sources of protein and amino acids. Their safety, nutritional efficacy, and defined regulatory frameworks were also reported to improve consumer trust and industry development.

Edible insects provide high-quality, sustainable protein. This review highlights their high levels of protein, essential amino acids, and bioactive peptides for metabolic health and disease management. Polyphenols, chitin, and antimicrobial peptides are antioxidants, antihypertensives, and immunomodulators. Enzymatic hydrolysis and microencapsulation enhance nutritional bioavailability, safety, and flavor. Edible insects use less area and release fewer pollutants than animals, making them better for the environment. Legal, technological, and awareness initiatives can promote entomophagy worldwide.

Consuming insects provides nourishment and leads to good health. They better meet nutritional needs than animal and plant-based diets and supplement protein consumption. Large-scale deployment requires safety and nutritional studies, transparent regulations, and customer acceptance.

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are cell-surface immunological receptors predominantly expressed on immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. They play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory processes in various diseases and serve as immunological checkpoints in cancer. Despite several immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting Siglecs having entered clinical trials, the number of Siglec-targeted immunotherapies remains limited.

This review aims to investigate the contributions of Siglecs in human diseases and explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting the Siglec-sialic acid immunological axis.

The authors systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for publications mainly from 2015-2025, using search terms related to Siglecs, tumors, autoimmune diseases, and specific Siglec subtypes (CD169, Siglec2). Studies were included if they examined Siglecs biology, immunomodulation, or immunotherapeutic potential. Studies not directly relevant to Siglecs function/therapeutics and non-peer-reviewed materials (conference abstracts, editorials) were excluded. Screening was done via titles and abstracts with data referenced from research article results, and eligible articles underwent full-text review for final inclusion.

The analysis reveals that Siglecs exhibit dual functions, acting as both activators and inhibitors of immune responses. They are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. Several Siglec-targeted immunotherapies are currently in clinical trials, demonstrating their potential in disease management. For instance, Siglec15 and Siglec10 have been identified as potential immune checkpoints in cancer, while Siglec2 and Siglec10 play roles in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Siglecs are key immunomodulators that mediate cell-cell and pathogen interactions, playing pivotal roles in human diseases. Further research into their mechanisms and clinical applications is essential to fully harness their therapeutic potential. Targeting Siglecs offers promising avenues for developing novel immunotherapies, particularly in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by modulating immune responses, inflammatory processes, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes. It has emerged as a key therapeutic target for HCC.

This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine literature published between 2000 and 2024, aiming to explore the critical roles of TGF-β in HCC and provide a theoretical foundation for future research.

This study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to analyze publications from January 1, 2000, to October 16, 2024. Visualization tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and SCImago Graphica were utilized to assess publication trends, countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references, identifying hotspots, trends, and the evolution of TGF-β research in the context of HCC.

The analysis encompassed 3,026 publications originating from 79 different countries. China was identified as the leading country in publication volume, with Fudan University being the most prolific institution. The journal Hepatology stood out as the leading publication in terms of both the volume of articles and citation influence. Keyword analysis revealed that recent research (2020–2024) has focused on metabolic regulation, the tumor immune microenvironment, and targeted therapies related to the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC.

This study highlights the publication landscape, research trends, and hotspots of TGF-β-related HCC research from 2000 to 2024, providing valuable insights and a theoretical basis for future studies in this critical field.