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Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of epigenetics in the etiology of cancer progression is being emphasized for the past two decades to check the impact of chromatin modifiers and remodelers. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, nucleosome positioning, regulation by non-coding RNAs and precisely microRNAs are influential epigenetic marks in the field of progressive cancer sub-types. Furthermore, constant epigenetic changes due to hyper or hypomethylation could efficiently serve as effective biomarkers of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic development. Ongoing research in the field of epigenetics has resulted in the resolutory role of various epigenetic markers and their inhibition using specific inhibitors to arrest their key cellular functions in in-vitro and pre-clinical studies. Although, the mechanism of epigenetics in cancer largely remains unexplored. Nevertheless, various advancements in the field of epigenetics have been made through transcriptome analysis and in-vitro genome targeting technologies to unravel the applicability of epigenetic markers for future cancer therapeutics and management. Therefore, this review emphasizes on recent advances in epigenetic landscapes that could be targeted/explored using novel approaches as personalized treatment modalities for cancer containment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is a growing and serious problem world-wide in women, but more acute in developing countries especially in Indian subcontinent. The main causative agent for the disease is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The history of the cervical cancer goes back to eighteenth century as the HPV infection is reported since 1800s. Presently, the genetic structure of HPV is well defined. Several screening tests including cytology and visual based screening and high risk HPV testing are available. Also available are various clinical and commercial diagnostic tests. However due to the lack of awareness and population-based screening programs, the morbidity and mortality rate is alarmingly high. There are new emerging biomarkers including E6/E7 mRNA, p16ink4a, markers of aberrant S-phase induction, chromosomal abnormalities and miRNAs along with advanced genotyping methods. These markers have clinical significance and are helpful in disease prevention and management. Further, recent advancement in the field of metagenomics has increased the prospects of identifying newer microbes, viruses hitherto reported thus far in the context of HPV infection. Analysis of HPV cases using modern tools including genotyping using more powerful biomarkers is envisaged to enhance the prospects of early diagnosis, better prognosis, more reliable treatment and eventual management of the disease. • High rates of cervical cancer deaths in developing countries reflects inaccessibility of health care services and inequity. • New technologies and opportunities have led to the rapid evolution in cervical cancer prevention programs. • A well personalized intervention strategy to improve the effectiveness of screening and prevention programs is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to develop preventatives against HIV infection through sexual route have identified, among many, algal lectins as the potent molecules for scaffolding HIV entry inhibition. Algal lectin scytovirin (SVN) from Scytonema varium , a cyanobacterium, has anti-HIV effects with the potential for use in sculpting HIV neutralization. We created a recombinant strain of human vaginal L. plantarum for extracellular expression of recombinant (r)SVN. The rSVN protein containing culture supernatant was analyzed for its binding with HIV-1 gp160, and for inhibiting infection with primary R5 and X4 HIV-1 strains in TZM-bl cells. The rSVN protein extant in recombinant L. plantarum culture supernatant binds to HIV-1 gp160 and reduces the HIV-induced cytopathic effect to nearly 56.67% and 86.47% in R5 and X4 HIV-1 infected TZM-bl cells, respectively. The fortified L. plantarum may be explored for its use as a live virucide in vaginal mucosa of high risk women to prevent HIV entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV), because of its ability to extensively manipulate host immunity during active infection, has been suggested to be involved in autoimmunity. However, its influence on T-cells and cytokines in systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) is indistinct. Methods We investigated the in-vitro response of T lymphocytes from SLE and SSc patients to CMV antigen. Functional activity of T lymphocytes was determined by estimating Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. Results We observed that CMV antigen stimulation in-vitro resulted in significant increase in CD4:CD8 T-cell ratio in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE and SSc patients; response dominated by CD4+ than CD8+ memory T-cells. SSc T-cell response was differentiated by aberrant increase in CD4+CD25+ T-cells. CMV antigen caused elevation in IL-4 and IFN-γ production in both patient PBMCs, whereas IL-2 was also raised in SLE PBMCs. The development of large pool of memory T-cells and overproduction of IFN-γ may result in flare-up of autoimmunity in these patients. Conclusion Our study provides an insight into the immunopathological potential of CMV-reactive immune cells to develop new potential strategies for targeted therapeutic intervention. Highlights • Elevation in CD4:CD8 T cell ratio in SLE and SSc patient PBMC on CMV stimulation. • Aberrant increase in percentages of CD4+CD25+ T cells differentiates SSc from SLE. • IFN-γ overproduction and large memory T cell pool may lead to IL-2 release. • Abating naıve T cell pool, particularly of CD4 repertoire, flares up autoimmunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, structural, electronic, optical, thermodynamic and thermoelectric properties of perovskites TlSiF 3 are explored using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory with different exchange-correlation approximations (LDA, PBE-GGA, WC-GGA, PBE-sol GGA, and mBJ-GGA). The computed structure, electronic and charge density plots using PBE-GGA ​+ ​TB-mBJ approximation show that TlSiF 3 is an indirect band gap semiconductor (1.73 ​eV gap along with R– M direction) having ionic and covalent bonding. The optical response is analysed and explained in terms of dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, optical conductivity, reflectivity, and absorption coefficient in the energy range from 0 to 10 ​eV. The thermoelectric transport behaviour of TlSiF 3 is computed as a function of temperature and chemical potential, μ − E F. Further, the thermoelectric transport behavior of TlSiF 3 is computed as a function of temperature and chemical potential μ − E F (eV). It has been observed that highest value of ZT (0.43) is attained at 1000 ​K with a power factor (PF) of 9.3 ​× ​1010WK−2m−1s−1for a fixed chemical potential. Under varying chemical potential at 300K in n-type region, it exhibits ZT value of 0.98, which is required for thermoelectric devices. Furthermore, pressure as well as temperature dependence of the thermodynamic parameters like Debye temperature, heat capacity, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity, have been estimated with the help of GIBBS program based on quasi-harmonic Debye model. The structural properties of TlSiF 3 compound were determined and we assessed the thin-film photovoltaic efficiency of about 28.5%, and noticed as a promising absorbing material for solar cell device. The optimal value of ZT obtained for this compound is 0.44 ​at 1000K indicating the possibility of TlSiF 3 as an excellent material for thermoelectric applications at high temperature. [Display omitted] • The perovskite TlSiF 3 is explored using FP-LAPW method with different exchange correlation functional. • The computed electronic structure using TB-mBJ approximation show that TlSiF 3 is an indirect band gap(1.729) • The optical response advocated maximum absorption inthe visible region. • The estimated power factor reveals that at optimal charge carriers, n-type TlSiF 3 has a higher power factorof 1.60 ​× ​1010W/K2ms. • The thermodynamic properties are computed based on quasi-harmonic Debye model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delineation of the pathogenic interaction between the host skin immune responses and dermatophytes has remained indigent. The obscure enigma in host-dermatophyte immunopathogenic interactions is the T regulatory (Treg) and T-helper (Th) 17 cell role in maintaining immune homeostasis. We attempted to understand the regulation and recognition of lineage-specific response in chronic dermatophytic skin infection patients. The percentages of Th17 (CD4+CD161+IL23R+) and Treg (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) cell subpopulations in the peripheral circulation of thirty chronic dermatophytic skin infection patients and twenty healthy individuals was determined. The serum cytokine levels were estimated for disease correlation. The mean duration of the disease was 10.68 ± 8.72 months, with Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex as the major pathogen. Total serum IgE level of patients was significantly higher compared to healthy controls (305 ± 117 vs 98.53 ± 54.55 IU/ml; p < 0.01). Expression of Th17 and Treg cell markers on CD4+ T cells was significantly elevated in patients than controls (p < 0.05). Comparatively, serum interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were increased, with low IL-10 levels in patients. Our data envisages a complex immune dysfunction in chronic dermatophytosis, arising either as a result of dermatophyte exposure or paradoxical precedence of disease establishment. Designing new treatment strategies and preventing recurrences are challenges for future research. • Th17 and Treg expression was elevated in dermatophytosis patients than controls. • Patient serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ were increased with decreased IL-10 levels. • A complex immune dysfunction was observed in patients of chronic dermatophytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]