-
1.
Transformation of microplastics by oxidative water and wastewater treatment processes: A critical review.
Jeong, Y, Gong, G, Lee, HJ, Seong, J, Hong, SW, Lee, C
Journal of hazardous materials. 2023;(Pt B):130313
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that accumulate in various environments, where they pose threats to both the ecosystem and public health. Since MPs have been detected in drinking water resources and wastewater effluents, more efficient treatment is needed at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). This review discusses the potential of biological, photochemical, Fenton (-like) systems, ozonation, and other oxidation processes in the treatment of MPs in terms of their indicators of oxidation such as mass loss and surface oxidation. The oxidation processes were further analyzed in terms of limitations and environmental implications. Most previous studies examining MPs degradation using conventional treatments-such as UV disinfection, ozonation, and chlorination-employed significantly higher doses than the common doses applied in DWTPs and WWTPs. Owing to such dose gaps, the oxidative transformation of MPs observed in many previous studies are not likely to occur under practical conditions. Some novel oxidation processes showed promising MPs treatment efficiencies, while many of them have not yet been applied on a larger scale due to high costs and the lack of extensive basic research. Health and environmental impacts related to the discharge of oxidized MPs in effluents should be considered carefully in different aspects: the role as vectors of external pollutants, release of organic compounds (including organic byproducts from oxidation) and fragmentation into smaller particles as MPs circulate in the ecosystem as well as the possibility of bioaccumulation. Future research should also focus on ways to incorporate developed oxidation processes in DWTPs and WWTPs to mitigate MPs contamination.
-
2.
A Triterpenoid Lupeol as an Antioxidant and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Agent: Impacts on Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's Disease.
Park, JS, Rehman, IU, Choe, K, Ahmad, R, Lee, HJ, Kim, MO
Nutrients. 2023;(13)
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease illustrated by neuronal dysfunctions, leading to memory weaknesses and personality changes mostly in the aged population worldwide. The exact cause of AD is unclear, but numerous studies have addressed the involvement of oxidative stress (OS), induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), to be one of the leading causes in developing AD. OS dysregulates the cellular homeostasis, causing abnormal protein and lipid metabolism. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in modulating the antioxidant system and decreases the neuronal ROS level, thus playing an important therapeutic role in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in AD. Hence, medicinal herbs and their extracts have received global attention as a commercial source of antioxidants Lupeol. Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid and has many biological functions. It is available in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. It has shown effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and higher blood-brain barrier permeability. Also, the binding and inhibitory potentials of Lupeol have been investigated and proved to be effective against certain receptor proteins and enzymes in AD studies by computational molecular docking approaches. Therefore, AD-related research has gained interest in investigating the therapeutic effects of Lupeol. However, despite its beneficial effects in AD, there is still a lack of research in Lupeol. Hence, we compiled in this analysis all preclinical research that looked at Lupeol as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for AD.
-
3.
Carbon Dots for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases: An Appraisal of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.
Sharma, A, Choi, HK, Lee, HJ
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2023;:3076119
Abstract
In recent decades, several studies demonstrating various applications of carbon dots (C-dots), including metal sensing, bioimaging, pH sensing, and antimicrobial activities, have been published. Recent developments have shifted this trend toward biomedical applications that target various biomarkers relevant to chronic diseases. However, relevant developments and research results regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of C-dots against inflammation-associated diseases have not been systematically reviewed. Hence, this review discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of C-dots in in vivo and in vitro models of LPS-induced inflammation, gout, cartilage tissue engineering, drug-induced inflammation, spinal cord injury, wound healing, liver diseases, stomach cancer, gastric ulcers, acute kidney and lung injury, psoriasis, fever or hypothermia, and bone tissue regeneration. The compiled studies demonstrate the promising potential of C-dots as anti-inflammatory agents for the development of new drugs.
-
4.
Pharmacological Properties of Shionone: Potential Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemical against Different Diseases.
Jaiswal, V, Lee, HJ
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(1)
Abstract
Shionone is a triterpenoid that is the primary constituent of an important ancient Chinese medicine named Radix Asteris. It has emerged as an attractive candidate against different important diseases, including interstitial cystitis, colitis, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and urinary tract infections, and was found to have a protective effect on multiple organs, including the colon, kidneys, lungs, brain, and bladder. The anti-inflammation activity of shionone may be considered an important property that imparts the positive health outcomes of shionone. Important molecular targets and markers such as TNF-α, STAT3, NLRP3, and NF-κB were also found to be targeted by shionone and were verified in different diseases. This suggests the possible potential of shionone against other diseases associated with these targets. Pharmacokinetic studies also support the therapeutic potential of shionone and provide the initial track that may be pursued for its development. Yet, the compilation of the pharmacological activities of shionone and its important genes and pathway targets are absent in the existing literature, which would direct its development as a therapeutic and/or supplement. Hence, the present review provides a compilation of information concerning pharmacological activities, highlights the existing holes, and proposes a specific direction for the expansion of shionone as a therapeutic against different diseases and conditions.
-
5.
Revival of Ferroelectric Memories Based on Emerging Fluorite-Structured Ferroelectrics.
Park, JY, Choe, DH, Lee, DH, Yu, GT, Yang, K, Kim, SH, Park, GH, Nam, SG, Lee, HJ, Jo, S, et al
Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). 2023;(43):e2204904
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the research on ferroelectric memories has been limited due to their dimensional scalability and incompatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The discovery of ferroelectricity in fluorite-structured oxides revived interest in the research on ferroelectric memories, by inducing nanoscale nonvolatility in state-of-the-art gate insulators by minute doping and thermal treatment. The potential of this approach has been demonstrated by the fabrication of sub-30 nm electronic devices. Nonetheless, to realize practical applications, various technical limitations, such as insufficient reliability including endurance, retention, and imprint, as well as large device-to-device-variation, require urgent solutions. Furthermore, such limitations should be considered based on targeting devices as well as applications. Various types of ferroelectric memories including ferroelectric random-access-memory, ferroelectric field-effect-transistor, and ferroelectric tunnel junction should be considered for classical nonvolatile memories as well as emerging neuromorphic computing and processing-in-memory. Therefore, from the viewpoint of materials science, this review covers the recent research focusing on ferroelectric memories from the history of conventional approaches to future prospects.
-
6.
Recent Clinical Advances on Long Non-Coding RNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
Singh, DD, Lee, HJ, Yadav, DK
Cells. 2023;(4)
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a more aggressive type of breast cancer due to its heterogeneity and complex molecular mechanisms. TNBC has a high risk for metastasis, and it is difficult to manage clinical conditions of the patients. Various investigations are being conducted to overcome these challenges using RNA, DNA, and proteins for early diagnosis and treatment. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as a novel target to treat the multistep process of TNBC. LncRNAs regulate epigenetic expression levels, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and tumour invasiveness and metastasis. Thus, lncRNA-based early diagnosis and treatment options could be helpful, especially for patients with severe TNBC. lncRNAs are expressed in a highly specific manner in cells and tissues and are involved in TNBC progression and development. lncRNAs could be used as sensitive and specific targets for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients with TNBC. Therefore, the exploration of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is of extreme importance. Here, we discuss the molecular advances on lncRNA regulation of TNBC and lncRNA-based early diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance.
-
7.
Pharmacological Activities of Mogrol: Potential Phytochemical against Different Diseases.
Jaiswal, V, Lee, HJ
Life (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(2)
Abstract
Recently, mogrol has emerged as an important therapeutic candidate with multiple potential pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antidiabetes, and exerting a protective effect on different organs such as the lungs, bone, brain, and colon. Pharmacokinetic studies also highlighted the potential of mogrol as a therapeutic. Studies were also conducted to design and synthesize the analogs of mogrol to achieve better activities against different diseases. The literature also highlighted the possible molecular mechanism behind pharmacological activities, which suggested the role of several important targets, including AMPK, TNF-α, and NF-κB. These important mogrol targets were verified in different studies, indicating the possible role of mogrol in other associated diseases. Still, the compilation of pharmacological properties, possible molecular mechanisms, and important targets of the mogrol is missing in the literature. The current study not only provides the compilation of information regarding pharmacological activities but also highlights the current gaps and suggests the precise direction for the development of mogrol as a therapeutic against different diseases.
-
8.
Impact of probiotics on cognition and constipation in the elderly: A meta-analysis.
Recharla, N, Choi, J, Puligundla, P, Park, SJ, Lee, HJ
Heliyon. 2023;(7):e18306
Abstract
Cognitive decline and constipation are common complications in the elderly. Probiotics are potential therapeutic agents to ameliorate cognitive impairment through gut-brain axis. Several clinical studies have investigated the beneficial effects of probiotics on cognitive impairment and constipation in elderly. However, a quantitative meta-analysis is required to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on cognitive function and constipation. Thirteen clinical studies were included in this meta-analysis. We examined the risk of bias assessment and heterogeneity of eight studies for cognition and five studies for constipation, followed by group and subgroup meta-analyses using a random-effects model to evaluate the potential of probiotic supplements on cognition function and constipation in aged people. The results of the pooled meta-analysis revealed that probiotic supplementation did not improve the cognitive rating scale assessment for all studies (estimate = 0.13; 95%CI [-0.18, 0.43]; p = 0.41; I2 = 83.51%). However, subgroup analysis of single strain supplementation showed improved cognitive function in elderly people (estimate = 0.35; 95%CI [0.02, 0.69]; p = 0.039; I2 = 19.19%) compared to multiple strains. Probiotics also enhanced defecation frequency in constipated patients (estimate = 0.27; 95%CI [0.05, 0.5]; p = 0.019; I2 = 67.37%). Furthermore, probiotic supplementation resulted in higher fecal Lactobacillus counts than placebo (estimate = 0.37; 95%CI [0.05, 0.69]; p = 0.026; I2 = 21.3%). Subgroup analysis indicated that a probiotic intervention period of ≥4 weeks was more effective (estimate = 0.35; 95%CI [0.01, 0.68]; p = 0.044; I2 = 0%) in reducing constipation symptoms than a short intervention duration. Based on these results, probiotic supplementation could be a potential intervention to reduce constipation symptoms in the elderly population. The heterogeneity between studies is high, and limited trials are available to evaluate the cognitive function of aged individuals using probiotics. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the effect of probiotics on cognition.
-
9.
Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in diabetes: Amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction-induced senescence.
Lee, HJ, Chae, CW, Han, HJ
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2023;:115759
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation offers significant potential for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. However, hyperglycemic conditions can induce senescence and dysfunction in both transplanted and resident MSCs, thereby limiting their therapeutic potential. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key contributors to this process in MSCs exposed to hyperglycemia. As such, strategies aimed at mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSC transplantation in DM. In this review, we provide an updated overview of how mitochondrial dysfunction mediates MSC senescence. We present experimental evidence for the molecular mechanisms behind high glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in MSCs, which include impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial calcium regulation, the mitochondrial antioxidant system, mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics, mitophagy, and intercellular mitochondrial transfer. Furthermore, we propose potential pharmacological candidates that could improve the efficacy of MSC transplantation by enhancing mitochondrial function in patients with DM and related complications.
-
10.
Vitamin A, D, E, and K as Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/9 Regulators That Affect Expression and Enzymatic Activity.
Vo, HVT, Nguyen, YT, Kim, N, Lee, HJ
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;(23)
Abstract
Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K) assume a pivotal role in maintaining human homeostasis by virtue of their enzymatic functions. The daily inclusion of these vitamins is imperative to the upkeep of various physiological processes including vision, bone health, immunity, and protection against oxidative stress. Current research highlights fat-soluble vitamins as potential therapeutics for human diseases, especially cancer. Fat-soluble vitamins exert their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways, including regulation of matrix metalloproteinases' (MMPs) expression and enzymatic activity. As MMPs have been reported to be involved in the pathology of various diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, regulating the expression and/or activity of MMPs could be considered as a potent therapeutic strategy. Here, we summarize the properties of fat-soluble vitamins and their potential as promising candidates capable of effectively modulating MMPs through multiple pathways to treat human diseases.