Antony Gomes

Bio: Antony Gomes is an academic researcher from University of Calcutta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Apoptosis & Venom. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 86 publications receiving 1571 citations. Previous affiliations of Antony Gomes include Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Herbs and herbal constituents active against snake bite.

Abstract: Snake bite, a major socio-medical problem of south east asian countries is still depending on the usage of antisera as the one and only source of treatment, which has its own limitations. In India, mostly in rural areas, health centres are inadequate and the snake bite victims mostly depend on traditional healers and herbal antidotes, as an alternative treatment. The present review has been focussed on the varied folk and traditional herbs and their antisnake venom compounds, which might be a stepping stone in establishing the future therapy against snake bite treatment and management.

Anticancer potential of animal venoms and toxins

Abstract: Anticancer drug development from natural resources are ventured throughout the world. Animal venoms and toxins a potential bio resource and a therapeutic tool were known to man for centuries through folk and traditional knowledge. The biodiversity of venoms and toxins made it a unique source of leads and structural templates from which new therapeutic agents may be developed. Venoms of several animal species (snake, scorpion, toad, frog etc) and their active components (protein and non protein toxins, peptides, enzymes, etc) have shown therapeutic potential against cancer. In the present review, the anticancer potential of venoms and toxins from snakes, scorpions, toads and frogs has been discussed. Some of these molecules are in the clinical trials and may find their way towards anticancer drug development in the near future. The implications of combination therapy of natural products in cancer have been discussed.

Physiologically important metal nanoparticles and their toxicity

Abstract: Nanotechnology has been setting benchmarks for the last two decades, but the origins of this technology reach back to ancient history. Today, nanoparticles of both metallic and non-metallic origin are under research and development for applications in various fields of biology/therapeutics. Physiologically important metals are of concern because they are compatible with the human system in terms of absorption, assimilation, excretion, and side effects. There are several physiologically inorganic metals that are present in the human body with a wide range of biological activities. Some of these metals are magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum. These metals are synthesized in the form of nanoparticles by different physical and chemical methods. Physiologically important nanoparticles are currently under investigation for their bio-medical applications as well as for therapeutics. Along with the applicative aspects of nanoparticles, another domain that is of great concern is the risk assessment of these nanoparticles to avoid unnecessary hazards. It has been seen that these nanoparticles have been shown to possess toxicity in biological systems. Conventional physical and chemical methods of metal nanoparticle synthesis may be one possible reason for nanoparticle toxicity that can be overcome by synthesis of nanoparticles from biological sources. This review is an attempt to establish metal nanoparticles of physiological importance to be the best candidates for future nanotechnological tools and medicines, owing to the acceptability and safety in the human body. This can only be successful if these particles are synthesized with a better biocompatibility and low or no toxicity.

“Bioinformatics” 특집을 내면서

Abstract: BIOE 402. Medical Technology Assessment. 2 or 3 hours. Bioentrepreneur course. Assessment of medical technology in the context of commercialization. Objectives, competition, market share, funding, pricing, manufacturing, growth, and intellectual property; many issues unique to biomedical products. Course Information: 2 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and consent of the instructor.

Nanoparticle Probes for the Detection of Cancer Biomarkers, Cells, and Tissues by Fluorescence

Abstract: 1.1. Cancer and Early Detection Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, trailing only heart disease in incidence. Despite significant worldwide investment in research, cancer remains responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in developed countries.1 Globally, over 14 million cancer diagnoses were reported in 2012, a figure expected to increase to over 22 million cases per annum in the next two decades.2 Estimated to kill over 1/2 million U.S. citizens, and with over 1.6 million new cases predicted to be diagnosed this year,3 cancer continues to present a major, yet unmet challenge to healthcare both globally and in the United States. Cancer emerges from our own tissues, complicating both detection and treatment methods due to the similarities between the diseased tissue and healthy tissue.4,5 Despite this fact, the mortality rate from cancer is often greatly reduced by early detection of the disease. For example, non-small-cell lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer related deaths worldwide, with patients in the advanced stages of the disease having only 5–15% and <2% 5-year survival rates for stage III and IV patients, respectively.6 In contrast, patients who start therapy in the early stages of the disease (stage I) have markedly improved survival rates, with an 80% overall 5-year survival rate.6 Consequently, early diagnosis is essential to improving cancer patient prognosis. At present, clinical detection of cancer primarily relies on imaging techniques or the morphological analysis of cells that are suspected to be diseased (cytology) or tissues (histopathology). Imaging techniques applied to cancer detection, including X-ray, mammography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopy, and ultrasound, have low sensitivity and are limited in their ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.7,8 While cytology, such as testing for cervical cancer via a Pap smear or occult blood detection, may be used to distinguish between healthy and diseased cells or tissues, it is not effective at detecting cancer at early stages. Similarly, histopathology, which generally relies on taking a biopsy of a suspected tumor, is typically used to probe the malignancy of tissues that are identified through alternative imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI, and may not be used alone to detect cancer in its early stages. As such, the development of assays and methods for early detection of cancer, before the disease becomes symptomatic, presents a major challenge. Recent research within the field of nanotechnology has focused on addressing the limitations of the currently available methods for cancer diagnosis. Certain nanoparticle probes possess several unique properties that are advantageous for use in the detection of cancer at the early stages. In this review, we will discuss the advances in the development of nanoparticle-based methods for the detection of cancer by fluorescence spectroscopy. We will divide this topic into three categories: techniques that are designed for (1) the detection of extracellular cancer biomarkers, (2) the detection of cancer cells, and (3) the detection of cancerous tissues in vivo. We will discuss these strategies within the context of the nanoparticle probe used as well as the recognition moieties applied in each approach. Ultimately, the translation of these methods from the laboratory to the clinic may enable earlier detection of cancer and could extend patient survival through the ability to administer therapeutic treatment in the early stages of the disease. While this review provides a comprehensive overview of the nanoparticle probes that are used to detect cancer in vitro and in vivo through fluorescence, there are several other relevant reviews that may be of interest to our readers, who may refer to the references for more generalized reviews of nanomaterials used for diagnostics and therapy,9–12 or more detailed insight into the specific types of nanoparticle probes (i.e., quantum dots,13 gold nanoparticles,14,15 upconversion nanoparticles,16 polymer dots,17,18 silica nanoparticles,19 polymeric nanoparticles, 20 etc.) for cancer diagnosis.

Venoms as a platform for human drugs: translating toxins into therapeutics

Abstract: Introduction: An extraordinarily diverse range of animals have evolved venoms for predation, defence, or competitor deterrence. The major components of most venoms are peptides and proteins that are often protease-resistant due to their disulfide-rich architectures. Some of these toxins have become valuable as pharmacological tools and/or therapeutics due to their extremely high specificity and potency for particular molecular targets. There are currently six FDA-approved drugs derived from venom peptides or proteins. Areas covered: This article surveys the current pipeline of venom-derived therapeutics and critically examines the potential of peptide and protein drugs derived from venoms. Emerging trends are identified, including an increasing industry focus on disulfide-rich venom peptides and the use of a broader array of molecular targets in order to develop venom-based therapeutics for treating a wider range of clinical conditions. Expert opinion: Key technical advances in combination with a renewed ...