Asim Kanti Duttaroy

• Basak, Sanjay; Varma, Saikanth; Nag, Subhalakshmi & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2026). Transgenerational exposure to plastics-derived endocrine‐disrupting bisphenol A and its analogs on male infertility: impact of gut dysbiosis and epigenetic regulation. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 17. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1799472. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, Ranjit Kumar; Sahoo, Nirakar; Roy, Deepa; Nguyen, Lauren; Rodrigo, Hansapani & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Interferon-induced protein IFIT3 as a molecular nexus of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Journal of Neuroinflammation. 23(1). doi: 10.1186/s12974-026-03713-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) are significant global health concerns characterized by cognitive impairment and shared pathological features, including chronic neuroinflammation, amyloid deposition, and immune dysregulation. However, the precise molecular connections between these disorders remain unclear. Here, we identify IFIT3 as a critical shared mediator of neuroinflammatory responses in both AD and HAND. Using complementary approaches, including neuronal and microglial cell cultures, the APP/PS1 mouse model, and human postmortem brain tissues, we demonstrate consistent IFIT3 upregulation in response to amyloid-beta (Aβ) and HIV-1 exposure, with notably enhanced expression under combined conditions. Treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) partially mitigated IFIT3 induction. Additionally, siRNA-mediated silencing of IFIT3 significantly reduced key inflammatory mediators, including mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), nuclear factor-κB, and proinflammatory cytokines. Clinically, elevated IFIT3 expression was associated with early HAND and progressively increased across advancing AD Braak stages. Together, these findings identify IFIT3 as a potential molecular bridge between HAND and AD, highlighting its promise as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for inflammation-driven neurodegeneration.

• Sahoo, Alaka; Swain, Shasank Sekhar; Singh, Satya Ranjan; Jena, Atala Bihari; Paidesetty, Sudhir Kumar & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Target-specific therapeutic assessment of repurposed drug candidates for oral lichen planus: a network pharmacology-molecular dynamics simulation guided investigation. BDJ Open. 11(1). doi: 10.1038/s41405-025-00384-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous autoimmune skin disease without a proper pathophysiology and approved therapy. As a result, several repurposed drugs have been used in clinical practice, and it remains unclear which one holds greater potential. Aim The present study employs a network pharmacology to explore the disease biology and further investigate the target-specific binding efficacy of repurposed drugs. Materials and methods Twenty-eight repurposed drug’s (D1-D28) efficacies against twelve targets were investigated using PyRx 0.8-AutoDock 4.2 software. Further, drug stability and reactivity were studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation at 200 ns, Gibbs free energy, frontier molecular orbital theory, and structural activity relationship. Results The above computational investigation suggested betamethasone (D2/BETA) and triamcinolone acetonide (D28/TACA) are two potential drugs, predominantly demonstrating higher binding efficacy against the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Further, MD simulation, free-energy calculation revealed that D28/TACA was comparatively more stable than D2/BETA. Conclusion The network pharmacology explored possible drug targets for drug discovery and showed that D28/TACA is a more effective treatment option among repurposed drugs.

• Jena, Atala Bihari; Dash, Umesh Chandra & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). Halved but Potent: Exploring the Inhibitory Property of Curcumin Derivatives Against Evolving SARS-CoV-2 Strains. The Protein Journal. ISSN 1572-3887. doi: 10.1007/s10930-025-10309-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In the prevailing pandemic, the emergence of several variants has created concerns, as none of the vaccines have 100% effectiveness. As a countermeasure to combat the infection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and to minimize the morbidity, alternative therapeutics have been prioritized, mainly including phytocompounds. In our recent studies, we have considered polyphenols, such as catechin, curcumin, and 8-Hydroxydihydrosanguinarine (8-HDS), for this purpose and found their tendency to bind to the receptor-binding domain of S-protein, thereby inhibiting viral infiltration into the cell. In the current scenario, with the appearance of multiple viral strains, we have furthered our studies on two highly infectious variants of SARS-CoV-2: D614G and B.1.1.7, commonly identified as the UK variant. Our research incorporates various computational methodologies to decipher the potential role of our previously studied phytocompounds and the curcumin derivative, half-curcumin, inhibiting viral attachment and entry for both D614G and the B.1.1.7 lineage. The physicochemical characterization of the spike (S) protein of the UK variant suggests it is less thermostable, which raises questions about its transmissibility in warmer regions of the globe. All the studied phytocompounds have an immense ability to hinder the S protein interaction towards the human cell receptor ACE2 for both the variants. The half-curcumin has also potential drug suitability, which is confirmed through its characterization of ADME (Physicochemical, Water Solubility, Lipophilicity, Drug-likeness, and Pharmacokinetics) properties, and can be considered as a future therapeutic molecule for anti-COVID-19 drug design.

• Nambidi, Sibin; Sennie, Neeharika Sara; Kondaveeti, Suresh Babu; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). A review of short-Chain fatty acids in gut and skin: Possible implications in skin aging. Journal of Functional Foods. ISSN 1756-4646. 133. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107010. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The gut–skin axis is an active and bidirectional communication in which gut microbiota impacts skin health and disease. One of the most common microbial metabolites is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are composed of acetate, propionate, and butyrate generated from the fermentation of dietary fibers. SCFAs are bioactive in nature that are essential in regulating inflammation, immune signalling, oxidative stress, and skin barrier function. In addition, SCFAs stimulate the differentiation of keratinocytes, acetylation of collagen, and have antimicrobial properties, which are important in establishing skin homeostasis and longevity. Currently, new approaches are underway to develop dietary patterns, probiotic strategies, functional food, and delivery systems to induce SCFA generation and function in vivo. Relevant research and review articles were collected using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for the information required for this comprehensive review. Key terms used for literature search included gut-skin axis, SCFA, functional food, epithelial integrity, skin aging, inflammation, etc. In this review, we tried to summarised the role and mechanisms of SCFA in gut-skin aging from the published research evidence and discussed on the role of functional foods in managing aging-related diseases.

• Pallatt, Sneha; Nambidi, Sibin; Adhikary, Subhamay; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). A brief review of Lynch syndrome: understanding the dual cancer risk between endometrial and colorectal cancer. Oncology Reviews. ISSN 1970-5565. 19. doi: 10.3389/or.2025.1549416. Full text in Research Archive
• Nambidi, Sibin; Shruthi, Karunakaran Bhuvaneswari; Kanimozhe, Sujatha Padmanaban; Banerjee, Antara; Kondaveeti, Suresh Babu & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). A review of circular RNAs in colorectal cancer: insights into biomarker discovery and therapeutic targeting. Frontiers in Oncology. 15. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1549046. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with an incidence that has increased significantly over the last 20 years. The World Health Organization (WHO), under its cancer program, identifies CRC as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide with a high mortality rate, especially in patients under the age of 50. Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy, CRC shares a low survival rate and poor prognosis due to late diagnosis. To address these challenges, research into alternative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies has increasingly focused on molecular mechanisms, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a subclass of endogenous ncRNAs characterized by their covalently enclosed loop structure, demonstrate greater stability than linear RNAs, making them potential candidates for clinical applications. The circRNAs possess differential expressions in cancers and function as tumor suppressive or oncogenic activities. This review discusses the recent findings on circRNAs and their potential for biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. As circRNAs can serve as miRNA sponges, increase or decrease mRNA expression, and function to regulate an oncogenic or tumor suppressor pathway, there may be the possibility for an early diagnosis, prognosis, or therapeutic role of circRNAs in CRC. Highlighting the clinical implications of circRNAs, this review discusses their potential to transform current CRC management strategies and address critical gaps in timely diagnosis and effective treatment. It also emphasized the need for further clinical research to validate their utility and translate these findings into practice.

• Saha, Biki; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Rupak; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2025). Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and cancer risk: Insights into a possible link. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 192. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118592. Full text in Research Archive
• Méndez-García, Andrea; García-Mendoza, Marely Abigail; Zárate-Peralta, Carmila Patricia; Flores-Perez, Fernanda Valeria; Carmona-Ramirez, Luis Fernando & Pathak, Surajit [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). Mitochondrial microRNAs (mitomiRs) as emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chronic human diseases. Frontiers in Genetics. 16. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1555563. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles that undertake the majority of the energetic and metabolic processes within the cell. They are also responsible for mediating multiple apoptotic pathways, balancing redox charges, and scavenging reactive oxygen species. MicroRNAs, which are short, non-coding RNAs widely known for regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, regulate many of these processes. The specific microRNAs that directly or indirectly control mitochondrial dynamics are called mitochondrial miRNAs (mitomiRs). The broadest classification of this type of ncRNA encompasses nuclear-encoded miRNAs that interact with cytoplasmatic mRNAs associated with mitochondrial activity. At the same time, a more specific subset comprises nuclear-encoded miRNAs that translocate into the mitochondria to interact with mRNAs inside of this organelle. Finally, the smallest group of mitomiRs includes those codified by mtDNA and can regulate endogenous mitochondrial transcripts or be transported into the cytoplasm to modulate circulating mRNAs. Regardless of the origin or action mechanism, mitomiRs have been recently recognized to have a key role in the progression of a variety of chronic disorders, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma, depression, and even cancer. All of these progressive pathologies have been tightly linked to mitochondrial dysregulation. They are further associated with an aberrant expression of specific miRNAs that regulate cellular metabolism, positioning mitomiRs as reliable biomarkers for diagnosing several chronic diseases. These molecular indicators have also provided insights into how these conditions progress, allowing for the development of different miRNA-based treatment strategies that target dysregulated mitochondrial-related genes, reestablishing their baseline activity and restricting further disease progression.

• Jayachandran, Jayenth; Rithi, A. T.; Mitra, Abhijit; Radhakrishnan, Arunkumar; Banerjee, Antara & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). A review on mesenchymal stem cells and their secretome in hepatocellular carcinogenesis and its related signaling pathways: recent update. Discover Oncology. 16(1). doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-03088-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health challenge, being one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. This review focuses on the intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and it’s secretome in HCC and possible therapeutic responses. MSCs, characterized by their multipotent differentiation and self-renewal capabilities, can influence tumor behavior maybe through its secreted factors, including cytokines, growth factors and extracellular vesicles. This review summarizes the recent findings on role of MSCs in HCC, highlighting its involvement in different cell signaling pathways, including NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch1, Stat3, and TGF-β, which play a significant role in HCC and possibly exhibit both tumor-suppressive and/or tumor-promoting effects depending on the activation or deactivation of signaling pathways. Publications related to the topic between 2016 to 2025 were searched using databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar with keywords viz. HCC, mesenchymal stem cells, secretome, tumor microenvironment, and signaling pathways. Findings from different research studies depict that MSCs and their secretome can exert anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis and enhancing immune responses, they may also promote alternate effects like tumor proliferation and metastasis under certain conditions, related to the activation or deactivation of different signalling pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted roles of MSCs in HCC. The dual role and the complexities of MSCs is context dependent. However, advancements in MSC research showed that the modifications of MSCs and secretome-based therapies and targeting the signaling pathways may have the potential to overcome challenges like drug resistance in HCC treatment.

• Adhikari, Suman; Nath, Priyatosh; Deb, Vishal Kumar; Das, Niranjan; Banerjee, Antara & Pathak, Surajit [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Pharmacological potential of natural chalcones: a recent studies and future perspective. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 16. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1570385. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chalcones isolated from natural sources are the primary metabolites of numerous biologically intriguing and pharmacologically essential drugs. Chalcones’ pharmacological properties are believed to result from a double bond conjugated to carbonyl functionality. This review aims to summarise the research findings, showing naturally occurring chalcones as a preferred scaffold in medicinal chemistry. Natural chalcones have an intense antimicrobial activity that targets many pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Strong antibiotic qualities are exhibited by chalcones, including 4-hydroxyderricin, licochalcone A and C, isobavachalcone, and pinocembrin chalcone. Furthermore, chalcones are promising pharmacological agents for cancer treatment; they inhibit angiogenesis, decrease metastasis, and induce death in tumor cells via diverse mechanisms. Chalcones are also considered promising therapeutic agents for diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics and ability to modify enzyme functioning. This review emphasizes several aspects, such as the biosynthesis of chalcones, preparation of chalcone derivatives, isolation of chalcones, structural features of chalcones, structure-activity relationship study, the role of natural chalcones in managing various diseases and illustrates their action mechanism to control disease progression.

• Varma, Saikanth; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2025). Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics: a mechanistic perspective of health risks associated with metabolic and reproductive functions. Science of the Total Environment. ISSN 0048-9697. 989(10), p. 1–20. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179879. Full text in Research Archive
• Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Bernal-Vázquez, Daniela; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Paul, Sujay (2025). Current status of next-generation vaccines against mpox virus: a scoping review. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 16. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1533533. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: The mpox disease, caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), has become a rising public health issue due to its potential to cause outbreaks. Consistently, this investigation aims to evaluate the current advances in the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches against MPXV, which are crucial for preventing and controlling mpox spread. Methods: This scoping review was performed by analyzing the content of English-language articles published between 2018 and 2024, which reported the development of next-generation vaccines against MPXV and their assessment in animal models. Patents within the scope of this research were also included. Contrarywise, studies based solely on immunoinformatic methods, reviews, book chapters, news, and others were excluded. The literature search was executed in 11 databases, such as Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed. Results: A total of 36 records (32 studies and 4 patents) were included in this review. All 32 articles contain preclinical studies with varied group sizes (4–16) in which the main animal models were BALB/c mice. Less commonly used models included CAST/Ei mice and cynomolgus macaques. Moreover, most vaccines targeted one or more MPXV antigens, such as A29L, A35R, B6R, and M1R, through active immunization (via mRNAs or recombinant antigens) or passive immunization (antibody delivery). Conclusion: Overall, new generation vaccines might represent prospective candidates to combat the mpox health concern. Nonetheless, several of the analyzed studies possess drawbacks, including animal models with limited similarity to humans, small group sizes, and brief follow-up durations. Consequently, additional research is required to ascertain the long-term protection, efficacy, and safety of these immunotherapeutic approaches.

• Sahare, Padmavati; Ruiz-Manriquez, Luis M.; Anguiano, Brenda; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Recent advances in nanomedicine for the diagnosis and therapy of thyroid disorders. 3 Biotech. ISSN 2190-572X. 15, p. 1–20. doi: 10.1007/s13205-025-04234-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Roy, Susmita; Deka, Dikshita; Kondaveeti, Suresh Babu; Ayyadurai, Pavithra; Siripragada, Sravani & Philip, Neha [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). An overview of potential of natural compounds to regulate epigenetic modifications in colorectal cancer: a recent update. Epigenetics. ISSN 1559-2294. 20(1). doi: 10.1080/15592294.2025.2491316. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an alarming global health concern despite advancements in treatment modalities over recent decades. Among the various factors contributing to CRC, this review emphasizes the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in its pathogenesis and progression. This review also describes the potential role of natural compounds in altering the epigenetic landscape, focused mainly on DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. Publications from the previous five years were searched and retrieved using well-known search engines and databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Keywords like CRC/colorectal cancer, CAC/Colitis associated CRC, inflammasomes, epigenetic modulation, genistein, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, anthocyanins, sulforaphane, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate were used in various combinations during the search. These natural compounds predominantly affect pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT to suppress CRC cell proliferation and oxidative stress and enhance anti-inflammation and apoptosis. However, their clinical use is restricted due to their low bioavailability. However, multiple methods exist to overcome challenges like this, including but not limited to structural modifications, nanoparticle encapsulations, bio-enhancers, and novel advanced delivery systems. These methods improve their potential as supportive therapies that target CRC progression epigenetically with fewer side effects. Current research focuses on enhancing epigenetic targeting to control CRC progression while minimizing side effects, emphasizing improved specificity, bioavailability, and efficacy as standalone or synergistic therapies.

• Bhowmik, Prasenjit; Mallick, Rahul & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). Network pharmacology and molecular dynamics simulation reveal antineoplastic potential of Antarctic sponge-derived suberitenones. Frontiers in Chemistry. 13. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2025.1545834. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: More than a thousand new marine natural products have been isolated each year over the past ten years, and compared to synthetic compounds, the success ratio of approved marine drugs to the total number of reported potential marine natural products is extremely high. In a recent in vitro cytotoxicity test, 11 suberitenones–a class of oxidized sesterterpenes–were identified and shown to have low levels of cytotoxicity. This study focuses on the investigation of the anti-neoplastic ability of of these suberitenones through different in silico analysis. Methods: The study uses a variety of computational techniques, including quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR), ADMET, prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) prediction, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Results and discussion: The molecular docking showed that Suberitenone I, Secosuberitenone A, and Suberitenone J exhibited higher binding affinity of - 8.9, -9.4, and -8.8 kcal/mole against CASP3, MAPK3, and EGFR respectively which is further supported by molecular dynamics simulation analysis and can be considered for in vitro and in vivo investigation as potential antineoplastic agents.

• Dash, Umesh Chandra; Nayak, Vinayak; Navani, Hiten Shanker; Samal, Rashmi Rekha; Agrawal, Palak & Singh, Anup Kumar [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2025). Understanding the molecular bridges between the drugs and immune cell. Pharmacology and Therapeutics. ISSN 0163-7258. 267. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2025.108805. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The interactions of drugs with the host's immune cells determine the drug's efficacy and adverse effects in patients. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID), such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressants, affect the immune cells and alter the immune response. Molecularly, drugs can interact with immune cells via cell surface receptors, changing the antigen presentation by modifying the co-stimulatory molecules and interacting with the signaling pathways of T cells, B cells, Natural killer (NK) cells, mast cells, basophils, and macrophages. Immunotoxicity, resulting from drug-induced changes in redox status, generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)/Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), and alterations in antioxidant enzymes within immune cells, leads to immunodeficiency. This, in turn, causes allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The treatment options should include the evaluation of immune status and utilization of the concept of pharmacogenomics to minimize the chances of immunotoxicity. Many strategies in redox, like targeting the redox pathway or using redox-active agents, are available for the modulation of the immune system and developing drugs. Case studies highlight significant drug-immune cell interactions and patient outcomes, underscoring the importance of understanding these complexities. The future direction focuses on the drugs to deliver antiviral therapy, new approaches to immunomodulation, and modern technologies for increasing antidote effects with reduced toxicity. In conclusion, in-depth knowledge of the interaction between drugs and immune cells is critical to protect the patient from the adverse effects of the drug and improve therapeutic outcomes of the treatment process. This review focuses on the multifaceted interactions of drugs and their consequences at the cellular levels of immune cells.

• Mallick, Rahul; Basak, Sanjay; Chowdhury, Premanjali; Bhowmik, Prasenjit; Das, Ranjit K. & Banerjee, Antara [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). Targeting Cytokine-Mediated Inflammation in Brain Disorders: Developing New Treatment Strategies. Pharmaceuticals. 18(1). doi: 10.3390/ph18010104. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cytokine-mediated inflammation is increasingly recognized for playing a vital role in the pathophysiology of a wide range of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental problems. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cause neuroinflammation, alter brain function, and accelerate disease development. Despite progress in understanding these pathways, effective medicines targeting brain inflammation are still limited. Traditional anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs are effective in peripheral inflammatory illnesses. Still, they face substantial hurdles when applied to the central nervous system (CNS), such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and unwanted systemic effects. This review highlights the developing treatment techniques for modifying cytokine-driven neuroinflammation, focusing on advances that selectively target critical cytokines involved in brain pathology. Novel approaches, including cytokine-specific inhibitors, antibody-based therapeutics, gene- and RNA-based interventions, and sophisticated drug delivery systems like nanoparticles, show promise with respect to lowering neuroinflammation with greater specificity and safety. Furthermore, developments in biomarker discoveries and neuroimaging techniques are improving our ability to monitor inflammatory responses, allowing for more accurate and personalized treatment regimens. Preclinical and clinical trial data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these tailored techniques. However, significant challenges remain, such as improving delivery across the BBB and reducing off-target effects. As research advances, the creation of personalized, cytokine-centered therapeutics has the potential to alter the therapy landscape for brain illnesses, giving patients hope for better results and a higher quality of life.

• Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Paul, Sujay; Colín-Jurado, Miriam Guadalupe; Márquez-Gallardo, Luis David; Castañón-Cortés, Luis Germán & Banerjee, Antara [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Exploring the Therapeutic Significance of microRNAs and lncRNAs in Kidney Diseases. Genes. 15(1). doi: 10.3390/genes15010123. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two crucial classes of transcripts that belong to the major group of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These RNA molecules have significant influence over diverse molecular processes due to their crucial role as regulators of gene expression. However, the dysregulated expression of these ncRNAs constitutes a fundamental factor in the etiology and progression of a wide variety of multifaceted human diseases, including kidney diseases. In this context, over the past years, compelling evidence has shown that miRNAs and lncRNAs could be prospective targets for the development of next-generation drugs against kidney diseases as they participate in a number of disease-associated processes, such as podocyte and nephron death, renal fibrosis, inflammation, transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease, renal vascular changes, sepsis, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. Hence, in this current review, we critically analyze the recent findings concerning the therapeutic inferences of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the pathophysiological context of kidney diseases. Additionally, with the aim of driving advances in the formulation of ncRNA-based drugs tailored for the management of kidney diseases, we discuss some of the key challenges and future prospects that should be addressed in forthcoming investigations.

• Bhol, Nitish Kumar; Bhanjadeo, Madhabi Madhusmita; Singh, Anup Kumar; Dash, Umesh Chandra; Ojha, Rakesh Ranjan & Majhi, Sanatan [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). The interplay between cytokines, inflammation, and antioxidants: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potentials of various antioxidants and anti-cytokine compounds. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 178. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117177. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cytokines regulate immune responses essential for maintaining immune homeostasis, as deregulated cytokine signaling can lead to detrimental outcomes, including inflammatory disorders. The antioxidants emerge as promising therapeutic agents because they mitigate oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory pathways. Antioxidants can potentially ameliorate inflammation-related disorders by counteracting excessive cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses. A comprehensive understanding of cytokine-mediated inflammatory pathways and the interplay with antioxidants is paramount for developing natural therapeutic agents targeting inflammation-related disorders and helping to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients. Among these antioxidants, curcumin, vitamin C, vitamin D, propolis, allicin, and cinnamaldehyde have garnered attention for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic benefits. This review highlights the interrelationship between cytokines-mediated disorders in various diseases and therapeutic approaches involving antioxidants.

• Mallick, Sumit; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Dutta, Suman (2024). The PIK3CA gene and its pivotal role in tumor tropism of triple-negative breast cancer. Translational Oncology. ISSN 1944-7124. 50. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102140. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The PIK3CA gene is a linchpin in the intricate molecular network governing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumor tropism, serving as a focal point for understanding this aggressive disease. Anchored within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, PIK3CA mutations exert substantial influence, driving cellular processes that highlight the unique biology of TNBC. This review meticulously highlights the association between PIK3CA mutations and distinct TNBC subtypes, elucidating the gene's multifaceted contributions to tumor tropism. Molecular dissection reveals how PIK3CA mutations dynamically modulate chemokine responses, growth factor signaling, and extracellular matrix interactions, orchestrating the complex migratory behaviour characteristic of TNBC cells. A detailed exploration of PIK3CA-targeted strategies in the therapeutic arena is presented, outlining the current landscape of clinical trials and precision medicine approaches. As the scientific narrative converges, this review underscores the critical role of PIK3CA in shaping the molecular intricacies of TNBC tumor tropism and illuminates pathways toward tailored interventions, promising a paradigm shift in the clinical management of TNBC.

• Castañón-Cortés, Luis Germán; Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Santoyo-Valencia, Grecia; Medina-Feria, Sara; Sahare, Padmavati & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Current advances in the development of microRNA-integrated tissue engineering strategies: a cornerstone of regenerative medicine. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. 12. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1484151. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Regenerative medicine is an innovative scientific field focused on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged tissues and organs to restore their normal functions. A central aspect of this research arena relies on the use of tissue-engineered scaffolds, which serve as structural supports that mimic the extracellular matrix, providing an environment that orchestrates cell growth and tissue formation. Remarkably, the therapeutic efficacy of these scaffolds can be improved by harnessing the properties of other molecules or compounds that have crucial roles in healing and regeneration pathways, such as phytochemicals, enzymes, transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of tiny (20–24 nt), highly conserved ncRNAs that play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Accordingly, miRNAs are involved in a myriad of biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, as well as tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis. On this basis, over the past years, a number of research studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can be integrated into tissue-engineered scaffolds to create advanced therapeutic platforms that precisely modulate cellular behavior and offer a controlled and targeted release of miRNAs to optimize tissue repair and regeneration. Therefore, in this current review, we discuss the most recent advances in the development of miRNA-loaded tissue-engineered scaffolds and provide an overview of the future outlooks that should be aborded in this area of study in order to lay the groundwork for the clinical translation of these tissue engineering approaches.

• Varma, Saikanth; Molangiri, Archana; Mudavath, Sreedhar; Ananthan, Rajendran; Rajanna, Ajumeera & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Exposure to BPA and BPS during pregnancy disrupts the bone mineralization in the offspring. Food and Chemical Toxicology (FCT). ISSN 0278-6915. 189. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114772. Full text in Research Archive
• Mallick, Sumit; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Bose, Bipasha (2024). A Snapshot of Cytokine Dynamics: A Fine Balance Between Health and Disease. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. ISSN 0730-2312. doi: 10.1002/jcb.30680. Full text in Research Archive
• Kaviyarasan, Vaishak; Das, Alakesh; Deka, Dikshita; Saha, Biki; Banerjee, Antara & Sharma, Neeta Raj [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Advancements in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer treatment: a comprehensive review of strategies, challenges, and future prospective. International Journal of Colorectal Disease. ISSN 0179-1958. 40(1). doi: 10.1007/s00384-024-04790-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) continues to present significant challenges, particularly in patients with proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) tumors. This narrative review aims to provide recent developments in immunotherapy for CRC treatment, focusing on its efficacy and challenges. Methods This review discussed the various immunotherapeutic strategies for CRC treatment, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1 and PD-L1, combination therapies involving ICIs with other modalities, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. The role of the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion mechanisms was also explored to understand their impact on the effectiveness of these therapies. Results This review provides a comprehensive update of recent advancements in immunotherapy for CRC, highlighting the potential of various immunotherapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, combination therapies, CAR-T therapy, and vaccination strategies. The results of checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in patients with MSI-H/dMMR tumors, which have significant improvements in survival rates have been observed. Furthermore, this review also addresses the challenges faced in treating pMMR/MSS CRC, which remains resistant to immunotherapy. Conclusion Immunotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of CRC, particularly in patients with MSI-H/dMMR tumors. However, many challenges remain, especially in treating pMMR/MSS CRC. This review discussed the need for further research into combination therapies, biomarker development, CAR-T cell therapy, and a deeper understanding of immune evasion mechanisms for CRC treatment.

• Das, Diptimayee; Jothimani, Ganesan; Banerjee, Antara; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2024). The cardioprotective effects of Fruitflow® against Doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rat cardiomyoblast cells H9c2 (2−1) and high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia and pathological alteration in cardiac tissue of Wistar Albino rats. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 180. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117607. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Natural compounds offer promising targets for cardioprotection, which could lead to enhanced clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the cardioprotective effects of Fruitflow®, a water-soluble tomato extract known for its anti-platelet effects in doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rat cardiomyoblast cell line pathological alteration in heart tissue of high fat-fed Wistar Albino rats. Methods The cardioprotective effect of Fruitflow® was investigated using H9c2 (2−1) cells (rat cardiomyoblast cell line) and high-fat diet-fed Wistar Albino rats. We evaluated morphological changes, cell proliferation, cell migration, antioxidant activity, cell cycle progression, and mitochondrial membrane potential after the Fruitflow® treatment in the Doxorubicin-injured H9c2 (2−1) cell line. We studied lipid profiles, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiac function regulatory enzyme activity in the rat model. Results Fruitflow® dose-dependently stimulated cell proliferation and migration in Doxorubicin-injured H9c2 (2−1) cells, potentially promoting cardiac regeneration and supporting tissue repair. Fruitflow® modulated the cell cycle, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, it significantly improved lipid profiles and enzyme activities and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in high-fat-fed rats. Fruitflow® also modulated the expression of genes involved in cardiac remodeling, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and vascular function. Conclusion Our findings suggest Fruitflow® may have cardioprotective effects, making it a potential treatment option for cardiac ailments. Larger-scale clinical trials were recommended further to determine the efficacy and safety of Fruitflow® as a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac diseases, potentially in combination with other cardioprotective medications.

• Somasundaram, Indumathi; Jain, Samatha M.; Blot-Chabaud, Marcel; Pathak, Surajit; Banerjee, Antara & Rawat, Sonali [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with age-related disorders. Frontiers in Physiology. 15. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1384966. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aging is a complex process that features a functional decline in many organelles. Various factors influence the aging process, such as chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic changes, telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction significantly impacts aging because mitochondria regulate cellular energy, oxidative balance, and calcium levels. Mitochondrial integrity is maintained by mitophagy, which helps maintain cellular homeostasis, prevents ROS production, and protects against mtDNA damage. However, increased calcium uptake and oxidative stress can disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential and permeability, leading to the apoptotic cascade. This disruption causes increased production of free radicals, leading to oxidative modification and accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations, which contribute to cellular dysfunction and aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting from structural and functional changes, is linked to age-related degenerative diseases. This review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, its implications in aging and age-related disorders, and potential anti-aging strategies through targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.

• Basak, Sanjay; Mallick, Rahul; Sree, Boga Navya & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2024). Placental Epigenome Impacts Fetal Development: Effects of Maternal Nutrients and Gut Microbiota. Nutrients. 16(12). doi: 10.3390/nu16121860. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Evidence is emerging on the role of maternal diet, gut microbiota, and other lifestyle factors in establishing lifelong health and disease, which are determined by transgenerationally inherited epigenetic modifications. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms may help identify novel biomarkers for gestation-related exposure, burden, or disease risk. Such biomarkers are essential for developing tools for the early detection of risk factors and exposure levels. It is necessary to establish an exposure threshold due to nutrient deficiencies or other environmental factors that can result in clinically relevant epigenetic alterations that modulate disease risks in the fetus. This narrative review summarizes the latest updates on the roles of maternal nutrients (n-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins) and gut microbiota on the placental epigenome and its impacts on fetal brain development. This review unravels the potential roles of the functional epigenome for targeted intervention to ensure optimal fetal brain development and its performance in later life.

• Mallick, Rahul; Basak, Sanjay; Das, Ranjit Kumar; Banerjee, Antara; Pathakc, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2024). Roles of the gut microbiota in human neurodevelopment and adult brain disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience. ISSN 1662-4548. 18. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1446700. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Growing evidence demonstrates the connection between gut microbiota, neurodevelopment, and adult brain function. Microbial colonization occurs before the maturation of neural systems and its association with brain development. The early microbiome interactions with the gut-brain axis evolved to stimulate cognitive activities. Gut dysbiosis can lead to impaired brain development, growth, and function. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is critically required for brain structure and function, modulates gut microbiota, and impacts brain activity. This review explores how gut microbiota influences early brain development and adult functions, encompassing the modulation of neurotransmitter activity, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier integrity. In addition, it highlights processes of how the gut microbiome affects fetal neurodevelopment and discusses adult brain disorders.

• Molangiri, Archana; Varma, Saikanth; Boga, Navya Sree; Das, Priti; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2024). Gestational exposure to BPA alters the expression of glucose and lipid metabolic mediators in the placenta: Role in programming offspring for obesity. Toxicology. ISSN 0300-483X. 509. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153957. Full text in Research Archive
• Dash, Umesh Chandra; Bhol, Nitish Kumar; Swain, Sandeep Kumar; Samal, Rashmi Rekha; Nayak, Prabhat Kumar & Raina, Vishakha [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2024). Oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders: Mechanisms and implications. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B (APSB). ISSN 2211-3835. doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.10.004. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Neuroprotection is a proactive approach to safeguarding the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, by preventing or limiting damage to nerve cells and other components. It primarily defends the central nervous system against injury from acute and progressive neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the body's natural defense mechanisms and the generation of reactive oxygen species, is crucial in developing neurological disorders. Due to its high metabolic rate and oxygen consumption, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Excessive ROS damages the essential biomolecules, leading to cellular malfunction and neurodegeneration. Several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and ischemic stroke, are associated with oxidative stress. Understanding the impact of oxidative stress in these conditions is crucial for developing new treatment methods. Researchers are exploring using antioxidants and other molecules to mitigate oxidative stress, aiming to prevent or slow down the progression of brain diseases. By understanding the intricate interplay between oxidative stress and neurological disorders, scientists hope to pave the way for innovative therapeutic and preventive approaches, ultimately improving individuals' living standards.

• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2024). Functional Foods in Preventing Human Blood Platelet Hyperactivity-Mediated Diseases—An Updated Review. Nutrients. 16(21). doi: 10.3390/nu16213717. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Backgrounds/Objectives: Abnormal platelet functions are associated with human morbidity and mortality. Platelets have emerged as critical regulators of numerous physiological and pathological processes beyond their established roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. Maintaining physiological platelet function is essential to hemostasis and preventing platelet-associated diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer metastasis, immune disorders, hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell disease, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, myeloproliferative disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Platelets become hyperactive in obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, pollution, and smokers. Platelets, upon activation, can trawl leukocytes and progenitor cells to the vascular sites. Platelets release various proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic factors and shed microparticles in the circulation, thus promoting pathological reactions. These platelet-released factors also maintain sustained activation, further impacting these disease processes. Although the mechanisms are unknown, multiple stimuli induce platelet hyperreactivity but involve the early pathways of platelet activation. The exact mechanisms of how hyperactive platelets contribute to these diseases are still unclear, and antiplatelet strategies are inevitable for preventing these diseases. Reducing platelet function during the early stages could significantly impact these diseases. However, while this is potentially a worthwhile intervention, using antiplatelet drugs to limit platelet function in apparently healthy individuals without cardiovascular disease is not recommended due to the increased risk of internal bleeding, resistance, and other side effects. The challenge for therapeutic intervention in these diseases is identifying factors that preferentially block specific targets involved in platelets’ complex contribution to these diseases while leaving their hemostatic function at least partially intact. Since antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are not recommended as primary preventives, it is essential to use alternative safe platelet inhibitors without side effects. Methods: A systematic search of the PUBMED database from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the selected keywords: “functional foods”, “polyphenols”, “fatty acids”, “herbs”, fruits and vegetables”, “cardioprotective agents”, “plant”, “platelet aggregation”, “platelet activation”, “clinical and non-clinical trial”, “randomized”, and “controlled”. Results: Potent natural antiplatelet factors have been described, including omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals. Antiplatelet bioactive compounds in food that can prevent platelet hyperactivity and thus may prevent several platelet-mediated diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: This narrative review describes the work during 2000–2023 in developing functional foods from natural sources with antiplatelet effects.

• Adhikari, Suman; Nath, Priyatosh; Das, Alakesh; Datta, Abhijit; Baildya, Nabajyoti & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). A review on metal complexes and its anti-cancer activities: Recent updates from in vivo studies. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 171. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116211. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Research into cancer therapeutics has uncovered various potential medications based on metal-containing scaffolds after the discovery and clinical applications of cisplatin as an anti-cancer agent. This has resulted in many metallodrugs that can be put into medical applications. These metallodrugs have a wider variety of functions and mechanisms of action than pure organic molecules. Although platinum-based medicines are very efficient anti-cancer agents, they are often accompanied by significant side effects and toxicity and are limited by resistance. Some of the most studied and developed alternatives to platinum-based anti-cancer medications include metallodrugs based on ruthenium, gold, copper, iridium, and osmium, which showed effectiveness against many cancer cell lines. These metal-based medicines represent an exciting new category of potential cancer treatments and sparked a renewed interest in the search for effective anti-cancer therapies. Despite the widespread development of metal complexes touted as powerful and promising in vitro anti-cancer therapeutics, only a small percentage of these compounds have shown their worth in vivo models. Metallodrugs, which are more effective and less toxic than platinum-based drugs and can treat drug-resistant cancer cells, are the focus of this review. Here, we highlighted some of the most recently developed Pt, Ru, Au, Cu, Ir, and Os complexes that have shown significant in vivo antitumor properties between 2017 and 2023.

• Hridayanka, Kota Sri Naga; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2024). Bioactive Compounds and Their Chondroprotective Effects for Osteoarthritis Amelioration: A Focus on Nanotherapeutic Strategies, Epigenetic Modifications, and Gut Microbiota. Nutrients. 16(21). doi: 10.3390/nu16213587. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis (OA), bioactive compounds like resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, and other polyphenols often target various signalling pathways, including NFκB, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin by executing epigenetic-modifying activities. Epigenetic modulation can target genes of disease pathophysiology via histone modification, promoter DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA expression, some of which are directly involved in OA but have been less explored. OA patients often seek options that can improve the quality of their life in addition to existing treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although bioactive and natural compounds exhibit therapeutic potential against OA, several disadvantages loom, like insolubility and poor bioavailability. Nanoformulated bioactive compounds promise a better way to alleviate OA since they also control systemic events, including metabolic, immunological, and inflammatory responses, by modulating host gut microbiota that can regulate OA pathogenesis. Recent data suggest gut dysbiosis in OA. However, limited evidence is available on the role of bioactive compounds as epigenetic and gut modulators in ameliorating OA. Moreover, it is not known whether the effects of polyphenolic bioactive compounds on gut microbial response are mediated by epigenetic modulatory activities in OA. This narrative review highlights the nanotherapeutic strategies utilizing bioactive compounds, reporting their effects on chondrocyte growth, metabolism, and epigenetic modifications in osteoarthritis amelioration.

• Saha, Biki; T, Rithi A; Adhikary, Subhamay; Banerjee, Antara; Radhakrishnan, Arun Kumar & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Exploring the Relationship Between Diet, Lifestyle and Gut Microbiome in Colorectal Cancer Development: A Recent Update. Nutrition and Cancer. ISSN 0163-5581. 76(9), p. 789–814. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2367266. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in treatment modalities, its prevalence continues to rise, notably among younger populations. Unhealthy dietary habits, sedentary routines, and obesity have been identified as one of the key contributors to the development of colorectal cancer, apart from genetic and epigenetic modifications. Recognizing the profound impact of diet and lifestyle on the intricate gut microbiota ecosystem offers a promising avenue for understanding CRC development and its treatment. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by imbalances favoring harmful microbes over beneficial ones, has emerged as a defining feature of CRC. Changes in diet and lifestyle can profoundly alter the composition of gut microbes and the metabolites they produce, potentially contributing to CRC onset. Focusing on recent evidence, this review discussed various dietary factors, such as high consumption of red and processed meats and low fiber intake, and lifestyle factors, including obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, that influence the gut microbiome composition and elevate CRC risk.

• Ochoa-Sanchez, Adriana; Sahare, Padmavati; Pathak, Surajit; Banerjee, Antara; Estevez, Miriam & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Evaluation of the synergistic effects of curcumin-resveratrol co-loaded biogenic silica on colorectal cancer cells. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 15. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1341773. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, being the third most diagnosed cancer in men and the second most diagnosed cancer in women, with alarming mortality rates. Natural phytochemicals have gained prominence among various therapeutic avenues explored due to their diverse biological properties. Curcumin, extracted from turmeric, and resveratrol, a polyphenol found in several plants, have exhibited remarkable anticancer activities. However, their limited solubility and bioavailability hinder their therapeutic efficacy. To enhance the bioavailability of these compounds, nanomaterials work as effective carriers with biogenic silica (BS) attracting major attention owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and high specific surface area. In this study, we developed Curcumin-resveratrol-loaded BS (Cur-Res-BS) and investigated their effects on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Caco-2). Our results demonstrated significant concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability in HCT-116 cells and revealed a complex interplay of crucial proto-onco or tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, Bax, Wnt-1, and CTNNB1, which are commonly dysregulated in colorectal cancer. Notably, Cur-Res-BS exhibited a synergistic impact on key signaling pathways related to colorectal carcinogenesis. While these findings are promising, further investigations are essential to comprehensively understand the mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic strategy. Moreover, rigorous safety assessments and in vitro studies mimicking the in vivo environment are imperative before advancing to in vivo experiments, ensuring the potential of Cur-Res-BS as an efficient treatment for CRC.

• Das, Alakesh; Deka, Dikshita; Baildya, Nabajyoti; Banerjee, Antara; Bisgin, Atil & Adhikari, Suman [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). BMAP-27 Peptide Reduces Proliferation and Increases Apoptosis in Primary and Metastatic Colon Cancer Cell Lines. International journal of peptide research and therapeutics. ISSN 1573-3149. doi: 10.1007/s10989-023-10572-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Basak, Sanjay; Varma, Saikanth & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). Modulation of fetoplacental growth, development and reproductive function by endocrine disrupters. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 14. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1215353. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Maternal endocrine homeostasis is vital to a successful pregnancy, regulated by several hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, leptin, glucocorticoid, insulin, prostaglandin, and others. Endocrine stress during pregnancy can modulate nutrient availability from mother to fetus, alter fetoplacental growth and reproductive functions. Endocrine disrupters such as bisphenols (BPs) and phthalates are exposed in our daily life's highest volume. Therefore, they are extensively scrutinized for their effects on metabolism, steroidogenesis, insulin signaling, and inflammation involving obesity, diabetes, and the reproductive system. BPs have their structural similarity to 17-β estradiol and their ability to bind as an agonist or antagonist to estrogen receptors to elicit an adverse response to the function of the endocrine and reproductive system. While adults can negate the adverse effects of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), fetuses do not equip themselves with enzymatic machinery to catabolize their conjugates. Therefore, EDC exposure makes the fetoplacental developmental window vulnerable to programming in utero . On the one hand prenatal BPs and phthalates exposure can impair the structure and function of the ovary and uterus, resulting in placental vascular defects, inappropriate placental expression of angiogenic growth factors due to altered hypothalamic response, expression of nutrient transporters, and epigenetic changes associated with maternal endocrine stress. On the other, their exposure during pregnancy can affect the offspring's metabolic, endocrine and reproductive functions by altering fetoplacental programming. This review highlights the latest development in maternal metabolic and endocrine modulations from exposure to estrogenic mimic chemicals on subcellular and transgenerational changes in placental development and its effects on fetal growth, size, and metabolic & reproductive functions.

• Banerjee, Antara; Somasundaram, Indumathi; Das, Diptimayee; Manoj, Samatha Jain; Banu, Husaina & Suresh, Pavane Mitta [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2023). Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Nutrients. 15(11). doi: 10.3390/nu15112631. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Natural herbs and functional foods contain bioactive molecules capable of augmenting the immune system and mediating anti-viral functions. Functional foods, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fibers, have been shown to have positive effects on gut microbiota diversity and immune function. The use of functional foods has been linked to enhanced immunity, regeneration, improved cognitive function, maintenance of gut microbiota, and significant improvement in overall health. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and immune function, and disruptions to its balance have been linked to various health problems. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to affect gut microbiota diversity, and the emergence of variants poses new challenges to combat the virus. SARS-CoV-2 recognizes and infects human cells through ACE2 receptors prevalent in lung and gut epithelial cells. Humans are prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection because their respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are rich in microbial diversity and contain high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. This review article explores the potential use of functional foods in mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on gut microbiota diversity, and the potential use of functional foods as a strategy to combat these effects.

• Varma, Saikanth; Molangiri, Archana; Kona, Suryam Reddy; Ibrahim, Ahamed; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2023). Fetal Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting-Bisphenol A (BPA) Alters Testicular Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Adult Offspring: Relevance to Sperm Maturation and Quality. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. ISSN 1661-6596. 24(4). doi: 10.3390/ijms24043769. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Daily exposure to bisphenols can affect reproductive functions due to their pseudo-estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic effects. Testicular lipids contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for sperm maturity, motility, and spermatogenesis. Whether prenatal exposure to bisphenols alters testicular fatty acid metabolism in adult offspring is unknown. Pregnant Wistar rats were gavaged from gestational day 4 to 21 with BPA and BPS (0.0, 0.4, 4.0, 40.0 μg/kg bw/day). Despite increased body and testis weight, the total testicular cholesterol, triglyceride, and plasma fatty acids were unaffected in the offspring. Lipogenesis was upregulated by increased SCD-1, SCD-2, and expression of lipid storage (ADRP) and trafficking protein (FABP4). The arachidonic acid, 20:4 n-6 (ARA) and docosapentaenoic acid, 22:5 n-6 (DPA) levels were decreased in the BPA-exposed testis, while BPS exposure had no effects. The expression of PPARα, PPARγ proteins, and CATSPER2 mRNA were decreased, which are important for energy dissipation and the motility of the sperm in the testis. The endogenous conversion of linoleic acid,18:2 n-6 (LA), to ARA was impaired by a reduced ARA/LA ratio and decreased FADS1 expression in BPA-exposed testis. Collectively, fetal BPA exposure affected endogenous long-chain fatty acid metabolism and steroidogenesis in the adult testis, which might dysregulate sperm maturation and quality.

• Molangiri, Archana; Varma, Saikanth; Hridayanka, Kota Sri Naga; Srinivas, Myadara; Kona, Suryam Reddy & Ibrahim, Ahamed [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Gestational exposure to bisphenol S induces microvesicular steatosis in male rat offspring by modulating metaflammation. Science of the Total Environment. ISSN 0048-9697. 904. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166775. Full text in Research Archive
• Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Méndez-García, Andrea; Rodríguez, Alma L.; Sahare, Padmavati; Pathak, Surajit & Banerjee, Antara [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Applications of nanotechnologies for miRNA-based cancer therapeutics: current advances and future perspectives. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. 11. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1208547. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (18–25 nt), non-coding, widely conserved RNA molecules responsible for regulating gene expression via sequence-specific post-transcriptional mechanisms. Since the human miRNA transcriptome regulates the expression of a number of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, its dysregulation is associated with the clinical onset of different types of cancer. Despite the fact that numerous therapeutic approaches have been designed in recent years to treat cancer, the complexity of the disease manifested by each patient has prevented the development of a highly effective disease management strategy. However, over the past decade, artificial miRNAs (i.e., anti-miRNAs and miRNA mimics) have shown promising results against various cancer types; nevertheless, their targeted delivery could be challenging. Notably, numerous reports have shown that nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs can greatly contribute to hindering cancer initiation and development processes, representing an innovative disease-modifying strategy against cancer. Hence, in this review, we evaluate recently developed nanotechnology-based miRNA drug delivery systems for cancer therapeutics and discuss the potential challenges and future directions, such as the promising use of plant-made nanoparticles, phytochemical-mediated modulation of miRNAs, and nanozymes.

• Dey, Amit; Vaishak, K.; Deka, Dikshita; Radhakrishnan, Arun Kumar; Paul, Sujay & Shanmugam, Priyadarshini [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Epigenetic perspectives associated with COVID-19 infection and related cytokine storm: an updated review. Infection. ISSN 0300-8126. 51, p. 1603–1618. doi: 10.1007/s15010-023-02017-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has put the world in a medical crisis for the past three years; nearly 6.3 million lives have been diminished due to the virus outbreak. This review aims to update the recent findings on COVID-19 infections from an epigenetic scenario and develop future perspectives of epi-drugs to treat the disease. Methods Original research articles and review studies related to COVID-19 were searched and analyzed from the Google Scholar/PubMed/Medline databases mainly between 2019 and 2022 to brief the recent work. Results Numerous in-depth studies of the mechanisms used by SARS-CoV-2 have been going on to minimize the consequences of the viral outburst. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 receptors and Transmembrane serine protease 2 facilitate viral entry to the host cells. Upon internalization, it uses the host machinery to replicate viral copies and alter the downstream regulation of the normal cells, causing infection-related morbidities and mortalities. In addition, several epigenetic regulations such as DNA methylation, acetylation, histone modifications, microRNA, and other factors (age, sex, etc.) are responsible for the regulations of viral entry, its immune evasion, and cytokine responses also play a major modulatory role in COVID-19 severity, which has been discussed in detail in this review. Conclusion Findings of epigenetic regulation of viral pathogenicity open a new window for epi-drugs as a possible therapeutical approach against COVID-19.

• Barin, Agnese; Das, Ranjit K.; Bastani, Nasser Ezzatkhah; Iversen, Per Ole & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). Extracts of tamarillo, horned melon, and raspberry, but not extract of pear, inhibit human blood platelet aggregation: Investigating the underlying factors for their differential mechanisms. Journal of Functional Foods. ISSN 1756-4646. 110. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105847. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In addition to their roles in thrombosis, hyperactive platelets contribute to atherosclerosis. Since anti-platelet drugs are not recommended for the vulnerable population with hyperactive platelets to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a search is on to find alternative dietary antiplatelets that can be safely used. We here describe that in a dose-dependent manner, sugar-free extracts of tamarillo, horned melon (kiwano), and raspberry inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma, whereas pear extract had no effects. Furthermore, analysis of untargeted metabolites revealed the presence of platelet inhibitory components such as benzoic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid in the sugar-free extracts of tamarillo, raspberry, and kiwano but absent in pear extract. All these three fruit extracts inhibited the platelet production of TxB2 and the release of platelet factor 4. Our work suggests that these fruits inhibit platelet aggregation partly due to anti-platelet compounds such as benzoic, caffeic, and gallic acids.

• Benavides-Aguilar, Javier A.; Torres-Copado, Andrea; Isidoro-Sánchez, José; Pathak, Surajit; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Banerjee, Antara [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). The Regulatory Role of MicroRNAs in Obesity and Obesity-Derived Ailments. Genes. 14(11). doi: 10.3390/genes14112070. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Obesity is a condition that is characterized by the presence of excessive adipose tissue in the body. Obesity has become one of the main health concerns worldwide since it can lead to other chronic ailments, such as type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease, and it could be an aggravating factor in infections. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and can play an important role in controlling crucial biological processes involved in the onset of obesity, such as lipogenesis, adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, or the regulation of cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, chemical compounds present in food or food packaging can alter miRNA expression and regulate the aforementioned biological mechanisms related to diabetes onset and progression. Furthermore, therapies, such as bariatric surgery and aerobic exercise training, can also influence the expression profile of miRNAs in obesity. Therefore, the present review provides insight into the current research on the role of miRNAs in obesity and obesity-derived ailments, intending to develop novel therapies to effectively manage these disorders.

• Das, Diptimayee; Shruthi, Nagainallur Ravichandran; Banerjee, Antara; Jothimani, Ganesan; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2023). Endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperactivity, hypertension, and the metabolic syndrome: molecular insights and combating strategies. Frontiers in Nutrition. 10. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1221438. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifaceted condition that increases the possibility of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. MetS includes obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet hyperactivity. There is a concerning rise in the occurrence and frequency of MetS globally. The rising incidence and severity of MetS need a proactive, multipronged strategy for identifying and treating those affected. For many MetS patients, achieving recommended goals for healthy fat intake, blood pressure control, and blood glucose management may require a combination of medicine therapy, lifestyles, nutraceuticals, and others. However, it is essential to note that lifestyle modification should be the first-line therapy for MetS. In addition, MetS requires pharmacological, nutraceutical, or other interventions. This review aimed to bring together the etiology, molecular mechanisms, and dietary strategies to combat hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet dysfunction in individuals with MetS.

• Adhikary, Subhamay; Esmeeta, Akanksha; Dey, Amit; Banerjee, Antara; Saha, Biki & Gopan, Pournami [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Impacts of gut microbiota alteration on age-related chronic liver diseases. Digestive and Liver Disease. ISSN 1590-8658. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.06.017. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The gut microbiome and its metabolites are involved in developing and progressing liver disease. Various liver illnesses, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C, and hepatocellular carcinoma, are made worse and have worse prognoses with aging. Dysbiosis, which occurs when the symbiosis between the microbiota and the host is disrupted, can significantly negatively impact health. Liver disease is linked to qualitative changes, such as an increase in hazardous bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria, as well as quantitative changes in the overall amount of bacteria (overgrowth). Intestinal gut microbiota and their metabolites may lead to chronic liver disease development through various mechanisms, such as increasing gut permeability, persistent systemic inflammation, production of SCFA, bile acids, and alteration in metabolism. Age-related gut dysbiosis can disrupt the communication between gut microbiota and the host, impacting the host's health and lifespan. With aging, a gradual loss of the ability to maintain homeostasis because of structural alteration and gut dysbiosis leads to the disease progression in end-stage liver disease. Recently chronic liver disease has been identified as a global problem. A large number of patients are receiving liver transplants yearly. Thereby gut microbiome ecology is changing in the patients of the gut due to the changes in pathophysiology during the preoperative stage. The present review summarises the age-associated dysbiosis of gut microbial composition and its contribution to chronic liver disease. This review also provides information about the impact of liver transplant on the gut microbiome and possible disadvantageous effects of alteration in gut microbiota.

• Mallick, Rahul; Basak, Sanjay; Das, Ranjit K.; Banerjee, Antara; Paul, Sujay & Pathak, Surajit [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Fatty Acids and their Proteins in Adipose Tissue Inflammation. Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics. ISSN 1085-9195. doi: 10.1007/s12013-023-01185-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Chronic low-grade adipose tissue inflammation is associated with metabolic disorders. Inflammation results from the intertwined cross-talks of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in the immune response of adipose tissue. In addition, adipose FABP4 levels and lipid droplet proteins are involved in systemic and tissue inflammation. Dysregulated adipocytes help infiltrate immune cells derived from bone marrow responsible for producing cytokines and chemokines. When adipose tissue expands in excess, adipocyte exhibits increased secretion of adipokines and is implicated in metabolic disturbances due to the release of free fatty acids. This review presents an emerging concept in adipose tissue fat metabolism, fatty acid handling and binding proteins, and lipid droplet proteins and their involvement in inflammatory disorders.

• Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Mora-Hernández, Erick Octavio; Rodríguez, Alma L.; Sahare, Padmavati; Bandyopadhyay, Anindya & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Current Advances of Plant-Based Vaccines for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics. 15(2). doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020711. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are characterized by the progressive degeneration and/or loss of neurons belonging to the central nervous system, and represent one of the major global health issues. Therefore, a number of immunotherapeutic approaches targeting the non-functional or toxic proteins that induce neurodegeneration in NDDs have been designed in the last decades. In this context, due to unprecedented advances in genetic engineering techniques and molecular farming technology, pioneering plant-based immunogenic antigen expression systems have been developed aiming to offer reliable alternatives to deal with important NDDs, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Diverse reports have evidenced that plant-made vaccines trigger significant immune responses in model animals, supported by the production of antibodies against the aberrant proteins expressed in the aforementioned NDDs. Moreover, these immunogenic tools have various advantages that make them a viable alternative for preventing and treating NDDs, such as high scalability, no risk of contamination with human pathogens, cold chain free production, and lower production costs. Hence, this article presents an overview of the current progress on plant-manufactured vaccines for NDDs and discusses its future prospects.

• Srinivas, Vilasagaram; Varma, Saikanth; Kona, Suryam Reddy; Ibrahim, Ahamed; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2023). Dietary omega-3 fatty acid deficiency from pre-pregnancy to lactation affects expression of genes involved in hippocampal neurogenesis of the offspring. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. ISSN 0952-3278. 191. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2023.102566. Full text in Research Archive
• Basak, Sanjay; Hridayanka, Kota Sri Naga & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). Bioactives and their roles in bone metabolism of osteoarthritis: evidence and mechanisms on gut-bone axis. Frontiers in Immunology. 14. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323233. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bioactives significantly modify and maintain human health. Available data suggest that Bioactives might play a beneficial role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Although promised, defining their mechanisms and opting to weigh their benefits and limitations is imperative. Detailed mechanisms by which critical Bioactives, including probiotics and prebiotics such as dietary lipids (DHA, EPA, alpha LA), vitamin D, polysaccharides (fructooligosaccharide), polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol, and capsaicin) potentially modulate inflammation and bone metabolism is limited. Certain dietary bioactive significantly impact the gut microbiota, immune system, and pain response via the gut-immune-bone axis. This narrative review highlights a recent update on mechanistic evidence that bioactive is demonstrated demonstrated to reduce osteoarthritis pathophysiology.

• Rehman, Ateequr; Tyree, Susan M.; Fehlbaum, Sophie; DunnGalvin, Gillian; Panagos, Charalampos G. & Guy, Bertrand [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2023). A water-soluble tomato extract rich in secondary plant metabolites lowers trimethylamine-n-oxide and modulates gut microbiota: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in overweight and obese adults. Journal of Nutrition. ISSN 0022-3166. 153(1), p. 96–105. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2022.11.009. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, Alakesh; Pathak, Surajit; Premkumar, Madhavi; Sarpparajan, Chitra Veena; Balaji, Esther Raichel & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). A brief overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its management strategies: a recent update. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. ISSN 0300-8177. doi: 10.1007/s11010-023-04848-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health crisis, inflicting substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. A diverse range of symptoms, including fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue, characterizes COVID-19. A cytokine surge can exacerbate the disease’s severity. This phenomenon involves an increased immune response, marked by the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFNγ, leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Efforts to reduce the cytokine surge and its associated complications have garnered significant attention. Standardized management protocols have incorporated treatment strategies, with corticosteroids, chloroquine, and intravenous immunoglobulin taking the forefront. The recent therapeutic intervention has also assisted in novel strategies like repurposing existing medications and the utilization of in vitro drug screening methods to choose effective molecules against viral infections. Beyond acute management, the significance of comprehensive post-COVID-19 management strategies, like remedial measures including nutritional guidance, multidisciplinary care, and follow-up, has become increasingly evident. As the understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis deepens, it is becoming increasingly evident that a tailored approach to therapy is imperative. This review focuses on effective treatment measures aimed at mitigating COVID-19 severity and highlights the significance of comprehensive COVID-19 management strategies that show promise in the battle against COVID-19.

• Srinivas, Vilasagaram; Molangiri, Archana; Varma, Saikanth; Mallepogu, Aswani; Kona, Suryam Reddy & Ibrahim, Ahamed [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Maternal omega-3 fatty acid deficiency affects fetal thermogenic development and postnatal musculoskeletal growth in mice. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. ISSN 0955-2863. 112. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109218. Full text in Research Archive
• Ledesma-Pacheco, S. Janin; Uriostegui-Pena, Andrea G.; Rodriguez-Jacinto, Estefania; Gomez-Hernandez, Elizabeth; Estrada-Meza, Carolina & Banerjee, Antara [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs in endocrine disorders and their therapeutic potential. Frontiers in Genetics. 14. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1137017. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNA molecules capable of regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level either by translational inhibition or mRNA degradation and have recently been importantly related to the diagnosis and prognosis of the most relevant endocrine disorders. The endocrine system comprises various highly vascularized ductless organs regulating metabolism, growth and development, and sexual function. Endocrine disorders constitute the fifth principal cause of death worldwide, and they are considered a significant public health problem due to their long-term effects and negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. Over the last few years, miRNAs have been discovered to regulate various biological processes associated with endocrine disorders, which could be advantageous in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The present review aims to provide an overview of the most recent and significant information regarding the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs during the development of the most relevant endocrine disorders, including diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, osteoporosis, pituitary tumors, Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal insufficiency and multiple endocrine neoplasia, and their potential implications as disease biomarkers.

• Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Frías-Reid, Natalia; Ramos-Delgado, Ana Gabriela; Osorio-Pérez, Sofía Madeline; Zlotnik-Chávez, Hania Ruth & Pathak, Surajit [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: From epigenetics to potential clinical applications. Translational Oncology. ISSN 1944-7124. 27. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101579. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two relevant classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in a number of molecular processes through different epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. As a matter of fact, the altered expression of these types of RNAs leads to the development and progression of a varied range of multifactorial human diseases. Several recent reports elucidated that miRNA and lncRNAs have been implicated in pancreatic cancer (PC). For instance, dysregulation of such ncRNAs has been found to be associated with chemoresistance, apoptosis, autophagy, cell differentiation, tumor suppression, tumor growth, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PC. Moreover, several aberrantly expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for accurate PC diagnosis. Additionally, miRNAs and lncRNAs are considered as promising clinical targets for PC. Therefore, in this review, we discuss recent experimental evidence regarding the clinical implications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the pathophysiology of PC, their future potential, as well as the challenges that have arisen in this field of study in order to drive forward the design of ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics for PC.

• Mallick, Rahul & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). Epigenetic modification impacting brain functions: Effects of physical activity, micronutrients, caffeine, toxins, and addictive substances. Neurochemistry International. ISSN 0197-0186. 171. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105627. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Changes in gene expression are involved in many brain functions. Epigenetic processes modulate gene expression by histone modification and DNA methylation or RNA-mediated processes, which is important for brain function. Consequently, epigenetic changes are also a part of brain diseases such as mental illness and addiction. Understanding the role of different factors on the brain epigenome may help us understand the function of the brain. This review discussed the effects of caffeine, lipids, addictive substances, physical activity, and pollutants on the epigenetic changes in the brain and their modulatory effects on brain function.

• Patnaik, Damini; Jena, Atala Bihari; Kerry, Rout George & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). In silico profiling of nonsynonymous SNPs of fat mass and obesity-associated gene: possible impacts on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Lipids in Health and Disease. 22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12944-023-01782-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver, or NAFLD, is the most common chronic liver ailment. It is characterized by excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes of individuals who consume little or no alcohol and are unaffected by specific liver damaging factors. It is also associated with extrahepatic manifestations such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. The global burden of NAFLD is increasing at an alarming rate. However, no pharmacologically approved drugs against NAFLD are available owing to their complex pathophysiology. Genome-wide association studies have uncovered SNPs in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) that are robustly associated with obesity and higher BMI. The prevalence of NAFLD increases in parallel with the increasing prevalence of obesity. Since FTO might play a crucial role in NAFLD development, the current study identified five potentially deleterious mutations from 383 ns-SNPs in the human FTO gene using various in silico tools. Methods This study aims to identify potentially deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs (ns-SNPs) employing various in silico tools. Additionally, molecular modeling approaches further studied the structural changes caused by identified SNPs. Moreover, molecular dynamics studies finally investigated the binding potentials of the phytochemicals resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, and capsaicin with different mutant forms of FTO. Results The current investigation has five potentially deleterious mutations from 383 ns-SNPs in the human FTO gene using various in silico tools. The present study identified five nsSNPs of the human gene FTO, Gly103Asp, Arg96Pro, Tyr295Cys, and Arg322Gln, with an apparent connection to the disease condition. Modulation of demethylation activity by phytomolecule scanning explains the hepatoprotective action of molecules. The current investigation also suggested that predicted mutations did not affect the binding ability of three polyphenols: rosamarinic acid, resveratrol, and capsaicin. Conclusion This study showed that the predicted mutations in FTO did not affect the binding of three polyphenols. Thus, these three molecules can significantly aid drug development against FTO and NAFLD.

• Mallick, Rahul; Bhowmik, Prasenjit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). Targeting fatty acid uptake and metabolism in cancer cells: A promising strategy for cancer treatment. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 167. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115591. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Despite scientific development, cancer is still a fatal disease. The development of cancer is thought to be significantly influenced by fatty acids. Several mechanisms that control fatty acid absorption and metabolism are reported to be altered in cancer cells to support their survival. Cancer cells can use de novo synthesis or uptake of extracellular fatty acid if one method is restricted. This factor makes it more difficult to target one pathway while failing to treat the disease properly. Side effects may also arise if several inhibitors simultaneously target many targets. If a viable inhibitor could work on several routes, the number of negative effects might be reduced. Comparative investigations against cell viability have found several potent natural and manmade substances. In this review, we discuss the complex roles that fatty acids play in the development of tumors and the progression of cancer, newly discovered and potentially effective natural and synthetic compounds that block the uptake and metabolism of fatty acids, the adverse side effects that can occur when multiple inhibitors are used to treat cancer, and emerging therapeutic approaches.

• Bhatiya, Meenu; Pathak, Surajit; Jothimani, Ganesan; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Banerjee, Antara (2023). A Comprehensive Study on the Anti-cancer Effects of Quercetin and Its Epigenetic Modifications in Arresting Progression of Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation. Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis. ISSN 0004-069X. 71. doi: 10.1007/s00005-023-00669-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Colon cancer etiology involves a wide spectrum of genetic and epigenetic alterations, finding it challenging to find effective therapeutic strategies. Quercetin exhibits potent anti-proliferative/apoptotic properties. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the anti-cancer and anti-aging effect of quercetin in colon cancer cell lines. The anti-proliferative effect of quercetin was assessed in vitro by CCK-8 in normal and colon cancer cell lines. To check the anti-aging potential of quercetin, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibitory activity assays were performed. The epigenetic and DNA damage assays were performed using the human NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin-6, proteasome 20S, Klotho, Cytochrome-C, and telomerase ELISA kits. Furthermore, the aging-associated miRNA expression profiling was performed on colon cancer cells. The treatment with quercetin inhibited cell proliferation of colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Quercetin arrested colon cancer cell growth by modulating expression of aging proteins including Sirtuin-6 and Klotho and also by inhibiting telomerase activity to restrict the telomere length which is evident from qPCR analysis. Quercetin also exhibited DNA damage protection by reducing proteasome 20S levels. The miRNA expression profiling results displayed differential expression of miRNA in colon cancer cell, and in addition, the highly upregulated miRNA was involved in the regulation of cell cycle, proliferation, and transcription. Our data suggest that quercetin treatment inhibited cell proliferation in colon cancer cells through regulating the anti-aging protein expression and provides better understanding for quercetin’s potential use in colon cancer treatment.

• Das, Diptimayee; Adhikary, Shubhamay; Das, Ranjit Kumar; Banerjee, Antara; Radhakrishnan, Arun Kumar & Paul, Sujay [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Bioactive food components and their inhibitory actions in multiple platelet pathways. Journal of Food Biochemistry. ISSN 0145-8884. 46. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.14476. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In addition to hemostasis and thrombosis, blood platelets are involved in various processes such as inflammation, infection, immunobiology, cancer metastasis, wound repair and angiogenesis. Platelets' hemostatic and non-hemostatic functions are mediated by the expression of various membrane receptors and the release of proteins, ions and other mediators. Therefore, specific activities of platelets responsible for the non-hemostatic disease are to be inhibited while leaving the platelet's hemostatic function unaffected. Platelets' anti-aggregatory property has been used as a primary criterion for antiplatelet drugs/bioactives; however, their non-hemostatic activities are not well known. This review describes the hemostatic and non-hemostatic function of human blood platelets and the modulatory effects of bioactive food components.

• Basak, Sanjay & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2022). Maternal PUFAs, Placental Epigenetics, and Their Relevance to Fetal Growth and Brain Development. Reproductive Sciences. ISSN 1933-7191. doi: 10.1007/s43032-022-00989-w. Full text in Research Archive
• Molangiri, Archana; Varma, Saikanth; M, Satyavani; Kambham, Saikrishna; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2022). Prenatal exposure to bisphenol S and bisphenol A differentially affects male reproductive system in the adult offspring. Food and Chemical Toxicology (FCT). ISSN 0278-6915. 167. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113292. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, Diptimayee; Jena, Atala Bihari; Banerjee, Antara; Radhakrishnan, Arun Kumar; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2022). Can plant-derived anti-HIV compounds be used in COVID-19 cases? Medical Hypotheses. ISSN 0306-9877. 166. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110926. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  People living with HIV are more exposed to the adverse health effects of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic's health and social repercussions may promote drug abuse and inadequate HIV management among this demographic. The coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented disruption worldwide in people's lives and health care. When the COVID-19 epidemic was identified, people with HIV faced significant obstacles and hurdles to achieving optimal care results. The viral spike protein (S-Protein) and the cognate host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are both realistic and appropriate intervention targets. Calanolides A, Holy Basil, Kuwanon-L, and Patentiflorin have anti-HIV effects. Our computational biology study investigated that these compounds all had interaction binding scores related to S protein of coronavirus of −9.0 kcal /mol, −7.1 kcal /mol, −9.1 kcal /mol, and −10.3 kcal/mol/mol, respectively. A combination of plant-derived anti-HIV compounds like protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogs, which are commonly used to treat HIV infection, might be explored in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19.

• Banerjee, Antara; Rowlo, Praveen; Jothimani, Ganesan; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2022). Wnt Signalling Inhibitors Potently Drive Trans-differentiation Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Towards Neuronal Lineage. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering (JMBE). ISSN 1609-0985. 42(5), p. 630–646. doi: 10.1007/s40846-022-00730-7. Full text in Research Archive
• Jena, Atala B.; Dash, Umesh C. & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2022). An in silico investigation on the interactions of curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate with NLRP3 Inflammasome complex. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 156, p. 1–11. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113890. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 are the underlying factors of the inflammatory response and are necessary for the host's reaction and pathogen resistance. The NLRP3 inflammasome involves in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β/IL-18 in response to microbial infection and cellular damage. Curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) suppress the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome; however, the exact mechanisms are not yet well known. In the current study, we investigated the interaction of curcumin and EGCG, the plant-derived compounds, with NLRP3 complex using in silico approach. The molecular docking and protein-protein interaction were used to investigate the apparent binding processes and affinities between components of the NLRP3 complex with curcumin and EGCG. Our data showed that NLRP3 had a higher binding affinity for curcumin and EGCG than other complex proteins, with − 8.2 Kcal/mol and − 9.6 Kcal/mol, respectively. Similarly, ASC had a lower binding affinity for curcumin and EGCG, with − 5.0 Kcal/mol and − 7.4 Kcal/mol, respectively. The higher binding affinity of both compounds for the key NLRP3 protein in their complexes as compared to that of MCC950 (a selective inhibitor of NLRP3 complex) suggests that curcumin and EGCG may impact the complex's function. Protein-protein interaction studies also corroborated the efficacy of these two polyphenols in hindering the formation of NLRP3 complex. The therapeutic effect of curcumin and EGCG may be due to the inhibition of inflammasome activation. The molecular and protein-protein interaction data indicated that the therapeutic effects of these two polyphenols are mediated by preventing the development of the NLRP3 complex. Proposed mechanisms to prevent the development of the NLRP3 complex by antioxidant curcumin and catechin.

• Khanal, Prabhat & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2022). Prospect of potential intrauterine programming impacts associated with COVID-19. Frontiers in Public Health. 10. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.986162. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide public health concern. In addition to immediate impacts on human health and well-being, COVID-19 can result in unfortunate and long-term health consequences for future generations. In particular, pregnant women and developing fetuses in low-income settings could be prone to a higher risk of undernutrition, often due to an inadequate supply of food and nutrition during a pandemic outbreak like COVID-19. Such situations can subsequently lead to an increased risk of undesirable health consequences, such as non-communicable diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, in individuals born to exposed mothers via fetal programming. Moreover, COVID-19 infection or related stress during pregnancy can induce long-term programming outcomes on neuroendocrinological systems in offspring after birth. However, the long-lasting consequences of the transplacental transmission of COVID-19 in offspring are currently unknown. Here we hypothesize that a COVID-19 pandemic triggers intrauterine programming outcomes in offspring due to multiple maternal factors (e.g., nutrition deficiency, stress, infection, inflammation) during pregnancy. Thus, it is crucial to establish an integrated lifetime health information system for individuals born in or around the COVID-19 pandemic to identify those at risk of adverse pre-and postnatal nutritional programming. This approach will assist in designing specific dietary or other nutritional interventions to minimize the potential undesirable outcomes in those nutritionally programmed individuals.

• Esmeeta, Akanksha; Adhikary, Subhamay; Dharshnaa, V.; Swarnamughi, P.; Maqsummiya, Maqsummiya Ummul & Banerjee, Antara [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Plant-derived bioactive compounds in colon cancer treatment: An updated review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 153. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113384. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Colon cancer is the third most predominant cancer caused by genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Plant-based compounds are very well known to regress colon cancer in many ways, like delaying tumor growth, managing chemotherapy and radiation therapy side-effects, and working at the molecular levels. Medicinal plants contain many bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, caffeic acid, catechins, saponins, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol and luteolin glycosides, carnosic acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, emodin, and eugenol and anthricin. These bioactive compounds can reduce tumor cell proliferation via several mechanisms, such as blocking cell cycle checkpoints and promoting apoptosis through activating initiator and executioner caspase. Traditional medicines have been used globally to treat cancers because of their anti-cancer effects, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-mutagenic effects, and anti-angiogenic effects. In addition, these medicines effectively suppress early and intermediate stages of carcinogenesis when administered in their active and pure form. However, traditional medicine is not very popular due to some critical challenges. These include poor solubility and absorption of these compounds, intellectual property-related issues, involvement of drug synergism, absence of drug-likeness, and unsure protocols for their extraction from the plant source. Using bioactive compounds in colon cancer has equal advantages and limitations. This review highlights the benefits and challenges of using bioactive compounds derived from plants for colon cancer. We have also discussed using these compounds to target cancer stem cell self-renewal, its effects on cancer cell metabolism, safety parameters, easy modulation, and their bioavailability.

• Basak, Sanjay; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2022). Dietary Fats and the Gut Microbiota: Their impacts on lipid-induced metabolic syndrome. Journal of Functional Foods. ISSN 1756-4646. 91, p. 1–17. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105026. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The metabolic syndrome (MetS) produces low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperactivity, oxidative stress and ultimately contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Fatty acids such as n-3 and n-6, monounsaturated, conjugated, highly unsaturated, short-chain types, and their metabolism can impact the development of MetS and associated features. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of dietary fats can influence gut microbiota composition that alters an individual's metabolic health. The gut microbiota modulates components of MetS via different mechanisms. The gut microbiota can swing the host metabolic balance in energy homeostasis, gut motility, appetite, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and fat storage in the liver. In addition, an impairment of the gut microbial population by a high-fat diet can lead to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. The review summarizes the impacts of dietary fats on MetS and their interactions with gut microbiota in modulating the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

• Basak, Sanjay; Mallick, Rahul; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2022). Cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins in metabolic diseases and cancers. Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology. ISSN 1876-1631. 132, p. 143–177. doi: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.05.009. Full text in Research Archive
• Jothimani, Ganesan; Pathak, Surajit; Dutta, Suman; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Banerjee, Antara (2022). A Comprehensive Cancer-Associated MicroRNA Expression Profiling and Proteomic Analysis of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. ISSN 1738-2696. 19(5), p. 1013–1031. doi: 10.1007/s13770-022-00450-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background: The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have enormous therapeutic potential owing to their multi-lineage differentiation and self-renewal properties. MSCs express growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and non-coding regulatory RNAs with immunosuppressive, anti-tumor, and migratory properties. MSCs also release several anti-cancer molecules via extracellular vesicles, that act as pro-apoptotic/tumor suppressor factors. This study aimed to identify the stem cell-derived secretome that could exhibit anti-cancer properties through molecular profiling of cargos in MSC-derived exosomes. Methods: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) were isolated from umbilical cord tissues and culture expanded. Subsequently, exosomes were isolated from hUCMSC conditioned medium and characterized by DLS, electron microscopy. Western blot for exosome surface marker protein CD63 expression was performed. The miRNA profiling of hUCMSCs and hUCMSC-derived exosomes was performed, followed by functional enrichment analysis. Results: The tri-lineage differentiation potential, fibroblastic morphology, and strong expression of pluripotency genes indicated that isolated fibroblasts are MSCs. The isolated extracellular vesicles were 133.8 ± 42.49 nm in diameter, monodispersed, and strongly expressed the exosome surface marker protein CD63. The miRNA expression profile and gene ontology (GO) depicted the differential expression patterns of high and less-expressed miRNAs that are crucial to be involved in the regulation of apoptosis. The LCMS/MS data and GO analysis indicate that hUCMSC secretomes are involved in several oncogenic and inflammatory signaling cascades. Conclusion: Primary human MSCs released miRNAs and growth factors via exosomes that are increasingly implicated in intercellular communications, and hUCMSC-exosomal miRNAs have a critical influence in regulating cell death and apoptosis of cancer cells. Graphical abstract

• Ruiz-Manriquez, Luis M.; Carrasco-Morales, Oscar; Z, E. Adrian Sanchez; Osorio-Perez, Sofía Madeline; Estrada-Meza, Carolina & Pathak, Surajit [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2022). MicroRNA-mediated regulation of key signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma: A mechanistic insight. Frontiers in Genetics. 13. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.910733. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Obesity in pregnancy induces metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, altered endocrine factors, placental function, and the maternal gut microbiome. All these factors impact fetal growth and development, including brain development. The lipid metabolic transporters of the maternal-fetal-placental unit are dysregulated in obesity. Consequently, the transport of essential long-chain PUFAs for fetal brain development is disturbed. The mother’s gut microbiota is vital in maintaining postnatal energy homeostasis and maternal-fetal immune competence. Obesity during pregnancy changes the gut microbiota, affecting fetal brain development. Obesity in pregnancy can induce placental and intrauterine inflammation and thus influence the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. Several epidemiological studies observed an association between maternal obesity and adverse neurodevelopment. This review discusses the effects of maternal obesity and gut microbiota on fetal neurodevelopment outcomes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of the impacts of obesity and gut microbiota on fetal brain development are discussed.

• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Basak, Sanjay (2022). Maternal Fatty Acid Metabolism in Pregnancy and Its Consequences in the Feto-Placental Development. Frontiers in Physiology. 12. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.787848. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  During pregnancy, maternal plasma fatty acids are critically required for cell growth and development, cell signaling, and the development of critical structural and functional aspects of the feto-placental unit. In addition, the fatty acids modulate the early stages of placental development by regulating angiogenesis in the first-trimester human placenta. Preferential transport of maternal plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the third trimester is critical for optimal fetal brain development. Maternal status such as obesity, diabetes, and dietary intakes may affect the functional changes in lipid metabolic processes in maternal-fetal lipid transport and metabolism. Fatty acids traverse the placental membranes via several plasma membrane fatty acid transport/binding proteins (FAT, FATP, p-FABPpm, and FFARs) and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). This review discusses the maternal metabolism of fatty acids and their effects on early placentation, placental fatty acid transport and metabolism, and their roles in feto-placental growth and development. The review also highlights how maternal fat metabolism modulates lipid processing, including transportation, esterification, and oxidation of fatty acids.

• Basak, Sanjay; Das, Ranjit K.; Banerjee, Antara; Paul, Sujay; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2022). Maternal Obesity and Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Fetal Brain Development. Nutrients. 14(21). doi: 10.3390/nu14214515. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Obesity in pregnancy induces metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, altered endocrine factors, placental function, and the maternal gut microbiome. All these factors impact fetal growth and development, including brain development. The lipid metabolic transporters of the maternal-fetal-placental unit are dysregulated in obesity. Consequently, the transport of essential long-chain PUFAs for fetal brain development is disturbed. The mother’s gut microbiota is vital in maintaining postnatal energy homeostasis and maternal-fetal immune competence. Obesity during pregnancy changes the gut microbiota, affecting fetal brain development. Obesity in pregnancy can induce placental and intrauterine inflammation and thus influence the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. Several epidemiological studies observed an association between maternal obesity and adverse neurodevelopment. This review discusses the effects of maternal obesity and gut microbiota on fetal neurodevelopment outcomes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of the impacts of obesity and gut microbiota on fetal brain development are discussed.

• Das, Diptimayee; Banerjee, Antara; Jena, Atala Bihari; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2022). Essentiality, relevance, and efficacy of adjuvant/combinational therapy in the management of thyroid dysfunctions. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 146. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112613. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Thyroid dysfunction is the most prevalent endocrine disorder worldwide having an epidemiology of 11% in Indians, 4.6% in the United Kingdom, and 2% in the United States of America among the overall population. The common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. This review briefly elaborates the molecular regulation and mechanism of thyroid hormone, and its associated thyroid disorders. The thyroid hormones regulate critical biochemical functions in brain development and function. Hypothyroidism is mainly associated with dysregulation of cytokines, increased ROS production, and altered signal transduction in major regions of the brain. In addition, it is associated with reduced antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative stress in humans. Though 70% of thyroid disorders are caused by heredity, environmental factors have a significant influence in developing autoimmune thyroid disorders in people who are predisposed to them. This drives us to understand the relationship between environmental factors and thyroid dysregulated disorders. The treatment option for the thyroid disorder includes antithyroid medications, receiving radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery at a critical stage. However, antithyroid drugs are not typically used long-term in thyroid disease due to the high recurrence rate. Adjuvant treatment of antioxidants can produce better outcomes with anti-thyroid drug treatment. Thus, Adjuvant therapy has been proven as an effective strategy for managing thyroid dysfunction, herbal remedies can be used to treat thyroid dysfunction in the future, which in turn can reduce the prevalence of thyroid disorders.

• Bravo-Vázquez, Luis Alberto; Medina-Ríos, Ixchel; Márquez-Gallardo, Luis David; Reyes-Muñoz, Josué; Serrano-Cano, Francisco I. & Pathak, Surajit [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2022). Functional Implications and Clinical Potential of MicroRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Concise Review. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. ISSN 0163-2116. p. 1–16. doi: 10.1007/s10620-022-07516-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, Ranjit Kumar; Datta, Tanushree; Biswas, Dipankar; Duss, R; O'Kennedy, N & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Evaluation of the equivalence of different intakes of Fruitflow in affecting platelet aggregation and thrombin generation capacity in a randomized, double-blinded pilot study in male subjects. BMC Nutrition. 7(1). doi: 10.1186/s40795-021-00485-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The water-soluble tomato extract, Fruitflow® is a dietary antiplatelet which can be used to lower platelet aggregability in primary preventative settings. We carried out a pilot study to investigate the range of intakes linked to efficacy and to make an initial assessment of variability in response to Fruitflow®. Methods Platelet response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) agonist and thrombin generation capacity were monitored at baseline and 24 h after consuming 0, 30, 75, 150 or 300 mg of Fruitflow® in a randomized, double-blinded crossover study in male subjects 30–65 years of age (N = 12). Results were evaluated for equivalence to the standard 150 mg dose. Results Results showed that the changes from baseline aggregation and thrombin generation observed after the 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg supplements were equivalent. Aggregation was reduced from baseline by − 12.9 ± 17.7%, − 12.0 ± 13.9% and − 17.7 ± 15.7% respectively, while thrombin generation capacity fell by − 8.6 ± 4.1%, − 9.2 ± 3.1% and − 11.3 ± 2.3% respectively. Effects observed for 0 mg and 30 mg supplements were non-equivalent to 150 mg and not different from baseline (aggregation changed by 3.0 ± 5.0% and − 0.7 ± 10.2% respectively, while thrombin generation changed by 0.8 ± 3.0% and 0.8 ± 3.1% respectively). Conclusions The data suggest that the efficacious range for Fruitflow® lies between 75 mg and 300 mg, depending on the individual. It may be pertinent to personalize the daily intake of Fruitflow® depending on individual platelet response. Trial registration ISRCTN53447583, 24/02/2021.

• Mallick, Rahul & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Clinical Features, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Management of COVID-19 Patients. In Asea, Alexzander A. A. & Kaur, Punit (Ed.), Coronavirus Therapeutics – Volume II. Clinical Management and Public Health.. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783030851132. p. 1–22. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-85113-2_1. Full text in Research Archive
• O'Kennedy, Niamh & Duttaroy, Asim K. (2021). Platelet hyperactivity in COVID-19: Can the tomato extract fruitflow® be used as an antiplatelet regime? Medical Hypotheses. ISSN 0306-9877. 147, p. 1–4. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110480. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is now considered a global public health threat. The primary focus has been on reducing the viral spread and treating respiratory symptoms; as time goes on, the impact of COVID-19 on neurological and haemostatic systems becomes more evident. The clinical data suggest that platelet hyperactivity plays a role in the pathology of COVID-19 from its onset and that platelets may serve critical functions during COVID‐19 progression. Hyperactivation of blood platelets and the coagulation system are emerging as important drivers of inflammation and may be linked to the severity of the ‘cytokine storm’ induced in severe cases of COVID-19, in which disseminated intravascular coagulation, and platelet hyperactivity are associated with poor prognosis and increased risk of mortality. We propose that targeting platelet hyperactivity in the early stages of COVID-19 infection may reduce the immunothrombotic complications of COVID-19 and subdue the systemic inflammatory response. Lowering baseline platelet activity may be of particular importance for higher-risk groups. As an alternative to antiplatelet drugs, an inappropriate intervention in public health, we propose that the dietary antiplatelet agent Fruitflow®, derived from tomatoes, may be considered a suitable therapy. Fruitflow® contains antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory compounds that target the mechanisms of platelet activation specific to COVID-19 and can be considered a safe and natural antiplatelet regime.

• O’kennedy, Niamh; Duss, Ruedi & Duttaroy, Asim K. (2021). Dietary antiplatelets: A new perspective on the health benefits of the water-soluble tomato concentrate fruitflow®. Nutrients. 13(7). doi: 10.3390/nu13072184. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Our understanding of platelet functionality has undergone a sea change in the last decade. No longer are platelets viewed simply as regulators of haemostasis; they are now acknowledged to be pivotal in coordinating the inflammatory and immune responses. This expanded role for platelets brings new opportunities for controlling a range of health conditions, targeting platelet activation and their interactions with other vascular cells. Antiplatelet drugs may be of wider utility than ever expected but often cause platelet suppression too strong to be used out of clinical settings. Dietary antiplatelets represent a nutritional approach that can be efficacious while safe for general use. In this review, we discuss potential new uses for dietary antiplatelets outside the field of cardiovascular health, with specific reference to the water-soluble tomato extract Fruitflow®. Its uses in different aspects of inflammation and immune function are discussed, highlighting exercise-induced inflammation, mediating the effects of air pollution, and controlling thrombotic aspects of the immune response. Potential future developments in women’s health, erectile dysfunction, and the allergic response indicate how broad the utility of dietary antiplatelets can be.

• Duttaroy, Asim K. (2021). Role of Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites on Atherosclerosis, Hypertension and Human Blood Platelet Function: A Review. Nutrients. 13(1). doi: 10.3390/nu13010144. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Emerging data have demonstrated a strong association between the gut microbiota and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as atherosclerosis, inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance, platelet hyperactivity, and plasma lipid abnormalities. Several studies in humans and animal models have demonstrated an association between gut microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids, and bile acid metabolites (amino acid breakdown products) with CVD. Human blood platelets are a critical contributor to the hemostatic process. Besides, these blood cells play a crucial role in developing atherosclerosis and, finally, contribute to cardiac events. Since the TMAO, and other metabolites of the gut microbiota, are asociated with platelet hyperactivity, lipid disorders, and oxidative stress, the diet-gut microbiota interactions have become an important research area in the cardiovascular field. The gut microbiota and their metabolites may be targeted for the therapeutic benefit of CVD from a clinical perspective. This review’s main aim is to highlight the complex interactions between microbiota, their metabolites, and several CVD risk factors.

• Muralikumar, M; Jain, Samatha Manoj; Ganeshan, H; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti; Pathak, S & Banerjee, A (2021). Current understanding of the mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in cancer and aging. Biotechnology Reports. 31. doi: 10.1016/j.btre.2021.e00658. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being widely researched upon for several years with translational application in regenerative medicine. Many studies acknowledged trophic factors from MSCs, attenuating dreadful ailments. The beneficial properties of MSCs are attributed to their secretion of paracrine factors as extracellular vesicles/ exosomes in the tissue microenvironment. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles involved in genetic material transportation and intercellular communication. Exosomes have been recently reported to play a role in cell-free therapy in treating many diseases like cancer and aging and are reported in regulating tumor cell fate. This review highlights the recent advances and current understanding in assessing mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for possible cell-free therapy. The sources and composition of exosomes, drug delivery effectiveness, immunomodulatory property, therapeutic advances in cancer, and aging targeting exosomes as cargo or its effect to moderate the tissue microenvironment are also discussed. We summarize the regenerative mechanisms induced by MSCs derived exosomes.

• Mallick, Rahul & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Modulation of endothelium function by fatty acids. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. ISSN 0300-8177. 477(1), p. 15–38. doi: 10.1007/s11010-021-04260-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract The endothelium acts as the barrier that prevents circulating lipids such as lipoproteins and fatty acids into the arterial wall; it also regulates normal functioning in the circulatory system by balancing vasodilation and vasoconstriction, modulating the several responses and signals. Plasma lipids can interact with endothelium via different mechanisms and produce different phenotypes. Increased plasma-free fatty acids (FFAs) levels are associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Because of the multi-dimensional roles of plasma FFAs in mediating endothelial dysfunction, increased FFA level is now considered an essential link in the onset of endothelial dysfunction in CVD. FFA-mediated endothelial dysfunction involves several mechanisms, including dysregulated production of nitric oxide and cytokines, metaflammation, oxidative stress, inflammation, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and apoptosis. Therefore, modulation of FFA-mediated pathways involved in endothelial dysfunction may prevent the complications associated with CVD risk. This review presents details as to how endothelium is affected by FFAs involving several metabolic pathways.

• Basak, S; Mallick, R; Banerjee, A; Pathak, S & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Maternal Supply of Both Arachidonic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Is Required for Optimal Neurodevelopment. Nutrients. 13(6). doi: 10.3390/nu13062061. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, both docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) are preferentially deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. Although the structural and functional roles of DHA in brain development are well investigated, similar roles of ARA are not well documented. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural–functional roles and their levels in the gene expression and signaling pathways of the brain have been continuously emanating. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA has been much discussed in recent years for fetal and postnatal brain development and the maternal supply of ARA and DHA. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanistic cross talks are not clearly known yet. This review describes the importance of ARA, in addition to DHA, in supporting the optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

• Basak, Sanjay; Mallick, Rahul; Banerjee, Antara; Pathak, Surajit & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency alters uterine artery remodeling and placental epigenome in the mice. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. ISSN 0955-2863. 96. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108784. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, A; Ganeshan, H; Sriramulu, S; Marotta, F; Kanna, NRR & Banerjee, A [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). A review on interplay between small RNAs and oxidative stress in cancer progression. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. ISSN 0300-8177. 476(11), p. 4117–4131. doi: 10.1007/s11010-021-04228-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Malliack, Rahul & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Can interruption of innate immune recognition-mediated emergency myelopoiesis impede tumor progression? Medical Hypotheses. ISSN 0306-9877. 155(110663.). doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110663. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cancer cells survive and grow despite various advanced anti-cancer therapy. To overcome this antineoplastic resistance, adjuvant therapy is often required to prevent cancer cells' immunoescape capacity. Established tumors build a stressful and hostile microenvironment in order to escape protective innate and adaptive immune responses. Specific conditions and factors within tumors, including hypoxia, nutrient starvation, acidic pH, and increased levels of free radicals, provoke a state of “endoplasmic reticulum stress” in both malignant cells and infiltrating myeloid cells. The stimulated endoplasmic reticulum stress can affect cancer progression via cross-talks with the innate immune system. Recently, the immunosuppressive activities of myeloid cells in the development of antineoplastic resistance are gaining more attention. Based on all these available data, we hypothesize that interruption of innate-immune recognition-mediated emergency myelopoiesis may be beneficial in halting cancer progression.

• Mallick, Rahul; Basak, Sanjay & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Fatty acids and evolving roles of their proteins in neurological, cardiovascular disorders and cancers. Progress in lipid research. ISSN 0163-7827. 83(101116,). doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101116. Full text in Research Archive
• Basak, Sanjay; Srinivas, Vilasagaram; Mallepogu, Aswani & Duttaroy, Asim K. (2020). Curcumin stimulates angiogenesis through VEGF and expression of HLA-G in first-trimester human placental trophoblasts. Cell Biology International. ISSN 1065-6995. 44(5), p. 1237–1251. doi: 10.1002/cbin.11324. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Curcumin has a protective role in placental diseases like preeclampsia and preterm birth. Very little is known about its functional effects on growth, angiogenesis, and epigenetic activities of human first trimester placenta. HTR8/SVneo trophoblasts cells were used as model for human first trimester placenta. Effects of curcumin (≥80%) in these cells were investigated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), radioactive thymidine uptake, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), promoter DNA methylation, qRT‐PCR array, tube formation, wound healing, and immunoblot assays. PC3 (prostate cancer), JEG‐3 (trophoblast), and HMEC‐1 (endothelial) cells were used as control in various experiments. Unlike in PC3 cells, curcumin stimulated growth, proliferation, and viability in HTR8/SVneo cells. Curcumin increased tube formation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and protein expression of proangiogenic factor VEGF receptor‐2 and fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 (FABP4) in these cells. Curcumin‐stimulated tube formation was associated with an increased expression of VEGFR2 and FABP4. The stimulatory effects of curcumin were inhibited by VEGFR2 (SU5416) and FABP4 (BMS309403) inhibitors. Curcumin also significantly increased both mRNA and protein expression of HLA‐G in HTR8/SVneo cells. Curcumin increased mRNA expression of DNMT3A and NOTCH signaling system whereas down‐regulated mRNA expression of HSD11β2. Curcumin enhanced hypomethylation of gene promoters against oxidative stress and DNA damage pathway mediators. Curcumin promotes cell growth, migration, and thus angiogenic potential of these cells. Increased expression of HLA‐G by curcumin, hitherto unknown, is a novel finding since HLA‐G not only favors the immune environment for invasive trophoblasts but also positively modulates angiogenesis.

• Raha, Syamal; Mallick, Rahul; Basak, Sanjay & Duttaroy, Asim K. (2020). Is copper beneficial for COVID-19 patients? Medical Hypotheses. ISSN 0306-9877. 142(109814). doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109814. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for both pathogens and the hosts during viral infection. Cu is involved in the functions of critical immune cells such as T helper cells, B cells, neutrophils natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages. These blood cells are involved in the killing of infectious microbes, in cell-mediated immunity and the production of specific antibodies against the pathogens. Cu-deficient humans show an exceptional susceptibility to infections due to the decreased number and function of these blood cells. Besides, Cu can kill several infectious viruses such as bronchitis virus, poliovirus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1), other enveloped or nonenveloped, single- or double-stranded DNA and RNA viruses. Moreover, Cu has the potent capacity of contact killing of several viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. Since the current outbreak of the COVID-19 continues to develop, and there is no vaccine or drugs are currently available, the critical option is now to make the immune system competent to fight against the SARS‐CoV‐2. Based on available data, we hypothesize that enrichment of plasma copper levels will boost both the innate and adaptive immunity in people. Moreover, owing to its potent antiviral activities, Cu may also act as a preventive and therapeutic regime against COVID-19.

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• Pathak, Surajit; Banerjee, Antara & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). Microbiota and Dietary Mediators in Colon Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Springer. ISBN 9789819602964. doi: 10.1007/978-981-96-0297-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Pathak, Surajit; Banerjee, Antara & Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2025). Small Molecules for Cancer Treatment. Springer Nature. ISBN 9789819603008. doi: 10.1007/978-981-96-0301-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Jena, Atala Bihari (2025). New Developments in Redox Biology. Elsevier. ISBN 9780443438851. doi: 10.1016/C2024-0-04406-2. Full text in Research Archive
• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Mallick, Rahul (2024). Cellular, Molecular, and Environmental Contribution in Cardiac Remodeling: From Lab Bench Work to its Clinical Perspective. Elsevier. ISBN 9780323995702. 330 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2024). Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins and Their Roles in Human Health and Disease From Basic Science to Clinical Application. Elsevier. ISBN 9780323957007. 412 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Special Issue "Maternal DHA Impact on Child Neurodevelopment". MDPI. ISBN 9783036516158. 116 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Evidence-Based Nutrition and Clinical Evidence of Bioactive Foods in Human Health and Disease. Elsevier. ISBN 9780128224052. 472 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2023). Influence of Maternal Diet and Environmental Factors on Fetal Development. Nutrients. 15(19). doi: 10.3390/nu15194094. Full text in Research Archive
• Banerjee, Antara; Rowlo, Praveen; Jothimani, Ganesan; Duttaroy, Asim Kanti & Pathak, Surajit (2022). Correction to: Wnt Signalling Inhibitors Potently Drive Trans-differentiation Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Towards Neuronal Lineage (Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, (2022), 42, 5, (630-646), 10.1007/s40846-022-00730-7). Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering (JMBE). ISSN 1609-0985. doi: 10.1007/s40846-022-00749-w. Full text in Research Archive
• Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (2021). Special Issue “Maternal DHA Impact on Child Neurodevelopment”. In Duttaroy, Asim Kanti (Eds.), Special Issue "Maternal DHA Impact on Child Neurodevelopment". MDPI. ISSN 9783036516158. doi: 10.3390/nu13072209. Full text in Research Archive

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