1560 Epithelial cells require attachment to extra-cellular matrix (ECM) to suppress an apoptotic cell death program termed anoikis. We describe a non-apoptotic cell death program in matrix-detached cells, termed entosis, that is initiated by a previously unrecognized and unusual process involving the invasion of one cell into another, leading to a transient state in which a live cell is contained within a neighboring host cell. These 9cell-in-cell9 structures closely resemble similar cytological features in human cancers. Although a small percentage of live internalized cells can be released, the majority of internalized cells undergo non-apoptotic cell death by lysosomal acidification. Based on these data, we present evidence for a tumor suppressive role of entosis in human breast cancer. Paradoxically, we have also found that entosis can promote the development of aneuploidy, as live internalized cells can disrupt cytokinesis of host cells leading to multinucleation in vitro and in vivo. Thus, entosis may be tumor suppressive in some contexts and paradoxically tumor promoting in others. Models to investigate the role of entosis in human tumors will be presented.

A non-apoptotic cell death process, entosis, that occurs by cell-in-cell invasion.

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 ...

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

Pyrazole containing natural products: Synthetic preview and biological significance

Improving the safety efficacy ratio of existing drugs is a current challenge to be addressed rather than the development of novel drugs which involve much expense and time. The efficacy of drugs is affected by a number of factors such as their low aqueous solubility, unequal absorption along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, risk of degradation in the acidic milieu of the stomach, low permeation of the drugs in the upper GI tract, systematic side effects, etc. This review aims to enlighten readers on the role of pH sensitive hydrogels in drug delivery, their mechanism of action, swelling, and drug release as a function of pH change along the GI tract. The basis for the selection of materials, their structural features, physical and chemical properties, the presence of ionic pendant groups, and the influence of their pKa and pKb values on the ionization, consequent swelling, and targeted drug release are also highlighted.

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/9/4/137/pdf

pH Sensitive Hydrogels in Drug Delivery: Brief History, Properties, Swelling, and Release Mechanism, Material Selection and Applications

Hydrogel scaffolds serve as semi synthetic or synthetic extra cellular matrix to provide an amenable environment for cellular adherence and cellular remodeling in three dimensional structures mimicking that of natural cellular environment. Additionally, hydrogels have the capacity to carry small molecule drugs and/or proteins, growth factors and other necessary components for cell growth and differentiation. In the context of drug delivery, hydrogels can be utilized to localize drugs, increase drugs concentration at the site of action and consequently reduce off-targeted side effects. The current review aims to describe and classify hydrogels and their methods of production. The main highlight is chitosan-based hydrogels as biocompatible and medically relevant hydrogels for drug delivery.

http://www.rps.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrps/article/download/1611/1561

Chitosan based hydrogels: characteristics and pharmaceutical applications.

pH-sensitive chitosan/alginate core-shell nanoparticles for efficient and safe oral insulin delivery.

Strategies for effective oral insulin delivery with modified chitosan nanoparticles: A review

pH sensitive N-succinyl chitosan grafted polyacrylamide hydrogel for oral insulin delivery

Oral insulin delivery by self-assembled chitosan nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo studies in diabetic animal model

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.

Roshnara Mishra

Papers

pH-sensitive chitosan/alginate core-shell nanoparticles for efficient and safe oral insulin delivery.

Strategies for effective oral insulin delivery with modified chitosan nanoparticles: A review

pH sensitive N-succinyl chitosan grafted polyacrylamide hydrogel for oral insulin delivery

Oral insulin delivery by self-assembled chitosan nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo studies in diabetic animal model

Herbs and herbal constituents active against snake bite.