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Recently, many efforts have been undertaken to advance the development of sustainable biofuel production by transesterifying various oil feedstocks with methanol. In an attempt to contribute in this vein, the current research highlights the synthesis of a novel SnS 2 /Zeolite (SFAZ) composite photocatalyst for sustainable biodiesel production from soyabean oil through photocatalytic transesterification reaction under visible light irradiation. The reaction parameters influencing the biodiesel yield were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and almost complete conversion (99.78 %) of soyabean oil into methyl esters was accomplished at a photocatalyst loading of 3 wt%, methanol-to-oil ratio of 14:1 within 60 min of visible light irradiation at 338 K. The photocatalytic transesterification reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the activation energy needed to initiate the transesterification reaction was 28.29 kJ/mol, much lower than other catalysts. The excitation of electrons and the production of holes were required to initiate the transesterification reaction suggested by the scavenger tests, and the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. The prepared SFAZ composite showed excellent stability and reusability of 80.46 ± 1.13 % in the fifth run. Thus, the current research provides useful insights into sustainable biodiesel production through photocatalytic transesterification reactions under visible light. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harm that toxic organic pollutants pose to the ecosystem is causing alarm worldwide. Therefore, using a proper photocatalyst to eliminate these toxins from the aquatic system is crucial. Indium sulfide (In 2 S 3), a highly effective visible-light accumulator, has been significantly studied in the context of photodegradation due to its impressive benefits, including its higher photo-absorption coefficient, photoelectric sensitivity, exceptional carrier mobility, modest bandgap, excellent stability, and minimal toxicity compared to other metal sulfides. Numerous In 2 S 3 -based nanostructures, including nanoparticles, two-dimensional atomic sheets, nanotubes, and nanosheet heterocomplexes, have been designed to fully exploit these features and go beyond the current short boards, such as low quantum efficiency. Meanwhile, engineering defects, impurity doping, and hybridization (with inorganic or biomolecules) have been used to modify the characteristics of In 2 S 3. It is encouraging to see how photocatalytic devices based on In 2 S 3 have significantly impacted the field of environmental remediation. As a result, this paper gives a general summary of the crystal and morphological characteristics of pure In 2 S 3 and a number of its remarkable features and different kinds of heterojunctions. Additionally, a comprehensive summary of the pure In 2 S 3 and its derivatives with several fabrication pathways is provided. Conventional type II, all-solid-state, and direct Z-scheme photocatalytic systems, which are based on In 2 S 3 heterojunctions, benefited from the increased separation of charges, extensive radiation absorption and modified CB and VB edge potentials for maximal contaminants elimination are discussed. Thus, developing In 2 S 3 -based photocatalytic systems is essential and is also addressed in depth, particularly regarding environmental decontamination, such as removing dyes, pharmaceuticals, organic compounds, and heavy metals. Finally, we present a review and some energizing insights on the challenges ranging from material modification at the atomic (or macroscale) level to the cutting-edge photocatalytic applications of this research ecosystem. [Display omitted] • In 2 S 3 has been widely used for photocatalytic applications. • Structural characteristics and synthesis procedures of In 2 S 3 and its composites are discussed. • Modifications to enhance the photocatalytic property of In 2 S 3 have been summarized. • Recent progress for In 2 S 3 and its composites in environmental remediation are discussed. • Future challenges and prospects of In 2 S 3 -based nanomaterials are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its critical role in the shift to sustainable energy systems, hydrogen, ' hailed as the future energy carrier ,' has attracted more attention. This review article provides a complete overview of recent advances in photocatalytic hydrogen production, particularly emphasizing In 2 S 3 and In 2 S 3 -based photocatalysts. The article begins with a historical review and explains the critical motivations behind efficient hydrogen generation in the rising demand for clean energy before delving into the fundamental principles of semiconductor photocatalysis. The study emphasizes In 2 S 3 's importance in harvesting solar energy for hydrogen synthesis and its potential as a photocatalyst due to its outstanding features and compatibility with the solar spectrum. The review paper also sheds light on the various synthesis methods for fabricating of In 2 S 3 and its composites. The article then focuses on photocatalytic hydrogen production using In 2 S 3 and In 2 S 3 -based photocatalysts, reviewing recent improvements and innovations that have contributed to increased catalytic activity. The paper also summarizes the intrinsic characterization techniques used to determine the structural and optical properties of In 2 S 3 photocatalysts, which include X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These approaches provide significant insights into understanding and enhancing the photocatalytic process. Furthermore, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis assesses the internal and external variables impacting In 2 S 3 and In 2 S 3 -based photocatalytic hydrogen production. This research provides more detailed information about this technology's current situation and future hurdles. Finally, the study offers a peek into the future of photocatalytic hydrogen production with In 2 S 3 and its composites, offering light on developing trends and areas for further research. This study is helpful for academics, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in sustainable hydrogen generation systems since it thoroughly examines current developments and prospects. [Display omitted] ● The need for hydrogen as a green fuel has been highlighted. ● The fundamentals of a semiconductor and how In 2 S 3 fits in the role of H 2 production have been discussed. ● The reaction mechanism of photocatalytic H 2 evolution has been summarized. ● The recent advances by In 2 S 3 -based photocatalysts in H 2 production have been analyzed. ● SWOT analysis has been conducted, and future prospects have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZnIn 2 S 4 was doped onto cobalt(II) acetylacetonate to form ZIS-Co nanocomposite. • The fabricated catalyst was highly efficient in IMD degradation of 97.43 ± 1.84 %. • The nanocomposite exhibited excellent COD and TOC removal of 91.46 ± 1.13 % and 85.87 %. • The catalyst was able to degrade other emerging pollutants comfortably. • IMD degradation mechanism and degradation pathway have been proposed. Herein, the synthesis and application of an entirely novel ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co(acac) 2 (ZIS-Co-2) nanocomposite for degradation of hazardous pesticide imidacloprid (IMD) under visible-light irradiation has been investigated. The ZIS-Co-2 nanocomposite demonstrated an outstanding 97.43 ± 1.84 % removal effectiveness against IMD within 60 min of 23 W LED. This improved catalytic performance was attributable to synergistic effects from ZnIn 2 S 4 doping, which significantly delayed charge recombination and boosted visible-light absorption, promoting efficient photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, the degradation of IMD was thoroughly verified using chemical oxygen demand (COD), and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal and breakdown mechanism was elucidated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Notably, the ZIS-Co-2 nanocomposite revealed outstanding recyclability, preserving catalytic activity for up to six cycles and the ability to degrade other emerging contaminants. Furthermore, neither Co(acac) 2 nor the combination of ZnIn 2 S 4 with metal complexes has been previously produced or explored for visible light-active photocatalytic applications, highlighting the originality of our study. Overall, the ZIS-Co-2 nanocomposite is a promising and sustainable solution for efficiently removing IMD and other environmental pollutants, with significant practical implications in wastewater treatment and environmental restoration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research highlights the fabrication of a novel SnS 2 /CO 3 2−@Ni–Co LDH (SnS 2 /NCL) by precipitating Ni–Co LDH over hydrothermally synthesized SnS 2 nanoparticles for the enhanced degradation of thiamethoxam (THM) insecticide through the advanced oxidation process. The effect of several reaction parameters was optimized, and a maximum degradation of 98.1 ± 1.2 % with a rate constant of 0.0541 min−1 of 10 ppm THM was reached at a catalyst loading of 0.16 gL-1 using 0.3 mM of H 2 O 2 within 70 min of visible light irradiation. The effect of metal cations, inorganic anions, dissolved organic matter, organic compounds and water samples on the photodegradation performance of SnS 2 /NCL nanocomposite was also examined to evaluate the prepared photocatalyst's suitability for use in actual wastewater conditions. The metal cations blocked the active sites of the photocatalyst and reduced the degradation efficiency except for Fe2+ ions, since it is a Fenton reagent and increased the production of hydroxyl radicals. Inorganic anions are the scavengers of hydroxyl radicals and hinder photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, lake water containing varying degrees of co-existing ions shows the lowest degradation efficiency among other water samples. The SnS 2 /NCL nanocomposite could be reused for five cycles while maintaining a photocatalytic efficiency of 83.6 ± 0.3 % in the fifth run. The prepared SnS 2 /NCL nanocomposite also showed excellent photodegradation of several other emerging organic pollutants with an efficiency of over 80 % under optimum conditions. Incorporating Ni–Co LDH with SnS 2 helped to delocalize photoinduced charges, leading to increased photocatalytic activity and a slower electron-hole recombination rate. The present research highlights the photocatalytic activity of SnS 2 /NCL photocatalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants from wastewater. [Display omitted] • A novel S-scheme SnS 2 /CO 3 2−@Ni–Co LDH photocatalyst was fabricated. • Formation of S-scheme heterojunction delayed charge recombination. • Enhanced degradation of thiamethoxam insecticide under visible light. • About 98 % photodegradation of THM solution was achieved within 70 min. • Effects of inorganic ions and water matrices were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Butein inhibits arecoline-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in oral cancer cells. • Butein induces PGC1α for the generation of new mitochondria in oral cancer cells. • Butein activates mitochondrial fission through MTP18 in oral cancer cells. • Butein promotes mitophagy to remove unhealthy mitochondrial population in oral cancer cells. • Butein regulates the SIRT1 signaling to maintain the mitochondrial pool in oral cancer cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations, enzyme defects, generation of ROS, and altered oxidative homeostasis is known to induce oral carcinogenesis during exposure to arecoline. Butein, a natural small molecule from Butea monosperma , possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. However, the role of butein in the mitochondrial quality control mechanism has not been illuminated clearly. This study aimed to explore the role of butein in preserving mitochondrial quality control during arecoline-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in oral cancer to curtail the early onset of carcinogenesis. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The relative protein expressions were determined by western blotting. Immunofluorescence and confocal imaging were used to analyze the relative fluorescence and co-localization of proteins. Respective siRNAs were used to examine the knockdown-based studies. Butein, in the presence of arecoline, significantly caused a decrease in mitochondrial hyperpolarization and ROS levels in oral cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found an increase in COXIV, TOM20, and PGC1α expression during butein treatment, and inhibition of PGC1α blunted mitochondrial biogenesis and decreased the mitochondrial pool. Moreover, the fission protein MTP18, and its molecular partners DRP1 and MFF were dose-dependently increased during butein treatment to maintain mitochondria mass. In addition, we also found increased expression of various mitophagy proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 during butein treatment, suggesting the clearance of damaged mitochondria to maintain a healthy mitochondrial pool. Interestingly, butein increased the activity of SIRT1 to enhance the functional mitochondrial pool, and inhibition of SIRT1 found to reduce the mitochondrial levels, as evident from the decrease in the expression of PGC1α and MTP18 in oral cancer cells. Our study proved that SIRT1 maintains a functional mitochondrial pool through PGC1α and MTP18 for biogenesis and fission of mitochondria during arecoline exposure and could decrease the risk of mitochondria dysfunctionality associated with the onset of oral carcinogenesis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review article navigates the complex landscape of environmental phenol pollution, extensively analyzing its occurrence, toxicity, and advanced treatment options. The authors begin by describing the many sources of phenol, which range from industrial effluents to home wastewater, to provide a complete knowledge of its pervasive presence in environmental matrices. The paper emphasizes the environmental and human health ramifications of phenol, establishing the framework for a sophisticated understanding of the enormity of the situation. The review focuses on phenol removal, with the authors categorizing approaches into conventional, biological, and advanced removal technologies. The time-tested and dependable traditional procedures are contrasted with the dynamic landscape of biologically mediated treatments, providing readers with insights into the emerging paradigm of phenol elimination. The review's distinguishing characteristic is its in-depth examination of advanced removal technologies, which include nanofiltration, photoreduction, AOP-assisted degradation, adsorption, and synergetic approaches. A thorough comparison study, supplemented by a realistic cost evaluation, gives a complete picture of each method's efficacy and economic viability. Beyond a retrospective examination, the study identifies potential options and problems in phenol elimination. This forward-thinking viewpoint presents the study as a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers navigating the path to sustainable environmental policies. This review article stands out as a light of knowledge in a literary landscape filled with works of different depths, providing a thorough roadmap for successful phenol mitigation techniques and contributing to the collaborative struggle for a cleaner and more sustainable environmental future. [Display omitted] • Source, transportation, and toxicity of phenolic compounds have been analyzed. • Conventional and biological phenol removal methods have been summarized. • Advanced removal techniques such as photocatalysis and adsorption have been discussed. • Cost analysis of the removal techniques has been carried out. • Future outlooks and challenges have been debated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metal oxide photocatalysts showed a biodiesel yield of over 95 %. • The mechanism of photocatalytic biodiesel production is reported. • Factors affecting photocatalytic biodiesel production are discussed. • Opportunities and challenges of present photocatalytic technology have been outlined. The increased demand for fossil fuels, environmental pollution, and global warming calls for an alternative renewable energy source to power the world. Biodiesel has emerged as a potential candidate in place of petroleum-based diesel as a green and sustainable energy source. Biodiesel is the result of the (trans)esterification of oils or fats with single-chain alcohol. With the increasing demand for biodiesel, several new strategies have been proposed to synthesize biodiesel efficiently in less time. Several heterogeneous catalysts have been developed to enhance the rate of (trans)esterification reaction, but they still have drawbacks, such as harsh reaction conditions and high energy consumption. Photocatalytic biodiesel production is an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, new strategy for synthesizing biodiesel using semiconductor photocatalysts under light irradiation. Various metal oxide-based photocatalysts have been utilized for photocatalytic biodiesel production with efficiencies of over 95 %. However, metal oxides have a higher bandgap, which requires high-energy light to generate electron-hole pairs. Scientists are still working on the development of new photocatalysts for biodiesel production under visible light, and the field of photocatalytic biodiesel production is still in its initial stage. The present review article highlights the efficiency of various photocatalysts investigated for biodiesel production. The effect of various parameters affecting photocatalytic biodiesel production has been discussed. Based on the studies, strategies to enhance the photocatalytic biodiesel yield, limitations of the present photocatalysts and the scope of future research have also been proposed. The mechanism of photocatalytic biodiesel production has also been discussed to help readers design novel photocatalysts with enhanced properties for biodiesel synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aqueous fraction of ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BM-AF) was found to have potent anticancer potential against oral cancer cells. • BM-AF induced PARKIN dependent mitophagy in oral cancer cells. • BM-AF inhibited arecoline-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both in-vitro and in-vivo oral cancer model. • BM-AF mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition was mitophagy dependent. Bacopa monnieri (BM) is traditionally used in human diseases for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, its anticancer potential has been poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the detailed anticancer mechanism of BM against oral cancer and to identify the bioactive BM fraction for possible cancer therapeutics. We performed bioactivity-guided fractionation and identified that the aqueous fraction of the ethanolic extract of BM (BM-AF) had a potent anticancer potential in both in vitro and in vivo oral cancer models. BM-AF inhibited cell viability, colony formation, cell migration and induced apoptotic cell death in Cal33 and FaDu cells. BM-AF at low doses promoted mitophagy and BM-AF mediated mitophagy was PARKIN dependent. In addition, BM-AF inhibited arecoline induced reactive oxygen species production in Cal33 cells. Moreover, BM-AF supressed arecoline-induced NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation through mitophagy in Cal33 cells. The in vivo antitumor effect of BM-AF was further validated in C57BL/6J mice through a 4-nitroquinolin-1-oxide and arecoline-induced oral cancer model. The tumor incidence was significantly reduced in the BM-AF treated group. Further, data obtained from western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of apoptotic markers and decreased expression of inflammasome markers in the tongue tissue obtained from BM-AF treated mice in comparison with the non-treated tumor bearing mice. In conclusion, BM-AF exhibited potent anticancer activity through apoptosis induction and mitophagy-dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both in vitro and in vivo oral cancer models. Moreover, we have investigated apoptosis and mitophagy-inducing compounds from this plant extract having anticancer activity against oral cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, novel Ag/HAp/In 2 S 3 composite quantum dots (QDs) were engineered to activate persulfate (PS) under visible light irradiation to photodegrade tinidazole (TNZ). An alkaline treatment was employed to extract hydroxyapatite (HAp) from fish scales, and a bioreduction method was used to dope HAp with Ag nanoparticles. Finally, In 2 S 3 was grown over Ag/HAp via a facile solvothermal method. The formulated catalyst showed excellent catalytic photoactivity toward the photodegradation of TNZ and other emerging toxins with high efficiency through green and clean technology. The reaction conditions, determination of reactive species, the mechanisms, the effect of competing species, COD, and TOC removal were investigated and discussed. During 30 min of visible light irradiation, 0.24 g/L of Ag/HAp/In 2 S 3 composite QDs degraded 96.32 ± 1.76% of 20 mg/L of TNZ at a rate constant of 0.1021 min−1 and showed a mineralization efficiency of 79.33%. The degradation intermediates were identified through HR-LCMS, and the effect of the Ag/HAp/In 2 S 3 /Vis@PS system on other pollutants and real water conditions was analyzed. Moreover, Cr(VI) photoreduction to Cr(III) was also enhanced with an efficiency of 83.63 ± 1.69% and a rate constant of 0.02648 min−1. The silver metal acted as an electron accumulator and enhanced the degradation and reduction process by increasing the electron-hole recombination time. This work elucidated the role of the metal sulfide catalyst in the activation of PS for the elimination of emerging pollutants for a cleaner environment in visible light exposure. The novel Ag/HAp/In 2 S 3 composite QDs could prove to be a potential material for environmental remediation against various contaminants in the near future. [Display omitted] • Persulfate activation through Ag/HAp/In 2 S 3 QDs led to 96.32 ± 1.76% photodegradation of TNZ. • 83.63 ± 1.69% of toxic Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) through fabricated QDs under visible light irradiation. • The presence of TNZ accelerated the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). • Silver metal worked as an electron accumulator, speeding up the removal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant expression of various genes is associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Stonin 2, an endocytic protein, has a prominent role in clathrin-associated endocytosis. Its position in oral cancer is still unknown. Here, we report that STON2 expression increases with an increase in the grade of the oral cancer tissue. Further, STON2 overexpressed cells possess a higher rate of proliferation and migraton in oral cancer cells. STON2 helps maintain lysosomal functions by preserving the lysosomal membrane integrity. It activates the Akt-mTOR axis and retains the mTOR on the membrane of the lysosomes. Further, we have identified an inhibitor of STON2, i.e., Trifluoperazine dihydrochloride (TFP), which targets the lysosomal axis by disrupting the Akt-mTOR pathway and causes lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Intererstingly, TFP shows a decrease in cell vaibility on the oral cancer cells and it was observed that cell viability is restored in TFP-treated STON2 overexpressed cells. Moreover, the lysosomal activity and the Akt-mTOR expression are restored in STON2 overexpressed cells co-treated with TFP, establishing TFP targets STON2 to showcase its anti-cancer effects in oral cancer. In conclusion, STON2 might serve as a potential biomarker in oral cancer, and its inhibition could functions as a novel anti-cancer mechanims against oral cancer. [Display omitted] • STON2 expression is increased in human oral cancer tissues and involves in cell proliferation. • STON2 maintains lysosomal function and retains mTOR on the lysosomal membrane. • TFP disrupt lysosomal activity via Akt-mTOR pathway by targeting STON2. • STON2 rescues TFP induced cell death and lysosomal damage in oral cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A half-Heusler (HH) type high entropy alloy (HEA) Ti 2 NiCoSnSb has been synthesized by a fast powder metallurgy route for the first time. Mechanical alloying (MA) by wet milling produced a powder with a minor fraction of the HH phase. The dry milling route resulted in the desired single-phase HH material. Consolidation of the nanocrystalline mechanically alloyed (MA) powder by spark plasma sintering (SPS) resulted in a majority HH phase. Interestingly, the nanocrystalline alloy exhibited simultaneous enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity, with a maximum ZT of 0.13 at 973 K observed for the dry milled alloy. The band structure obtained by density functional theory (DFT) was in good agreement with the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) absorption spectroscopy results. The DFT calculations and microstructural analysis suggest that phase separation strongly influenced the thermoelectric properties. The band structure calculations provided a good rationale for the phase evolution and thermoelectric properties. [Display omitted] • High entropy half-Heusler alloy was synthesized by mechanical alloying. • Milling was done under Toluene (wet MA) and under Argon (dry MA). • The dry MA alloy exhibited higher figure of merit than reported arc melted alloys. • The electronic band structure was obtained by first principles calculations. • It was found to be in good agreement with UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis , mechanism and preparation of CNS nanocomposites of g-C 3 N 4 were discussed • Degradtion of dyes using g-C 3 N 4 and its doped form were investigated • Doped g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites are used for effective removal of dyes from water • Non-metal doped g-C 3 N 4 has higher rate of photodegradation than metal doped g-C 3 N 4 • CNS doped semiconductors are superior photocatalyst for degradation of dyes The world is concerned about the hazardous effect of dyes that pose a threat to the ecosystem. It is therefore essential to remove these dyes from the aquatic system by using suitable methods. Among all the methods available, photodegradation using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is suitable and efficient for the removal of dyes from water and wastewater. The pure g-C 3 N 4 has low photocatalytic activity because it has a low surface area, which results in insufficient sunlight adsorption. Doping of graphitic carbon nitride was carried out to increase the photodegradation efficiency by enhancing light absorption, providing charge separation and transportation, and increasing the charge carrier lifetime. Various metals and non-metal doped g-C 3 N 4 were found to be the most effective and privileged photocatalysts for the degradation of industrial effluents in recent times. This review highlights the heterojunction-based g-C 3 N 4 and its enhanced photodegradation of the dyes. It also puts light on making the doped CNS (Carbon Nitride Sheets) nanocomposites through various techniques and on the dyes that are photodegraded using various catalysts. The photodegradation of dyes is mainly carried out under visible light radiation, as it is highly cost-effective. This heterojunction-based g-C 3 N 4 shows promising results for the photocatalytic elimination of pollutants from the aqueous phase. In this review, the working principle and mechanism of the g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts are also discussed. Prospects and challenges faced are also discussed in this article. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is responsible for the sensation of various pathogenic and non-pathogenic damage signals and has a vital role in neuroinflammation and neural diseases. Various stimuli, such as microbial infection, misfolded protein aggregates, and aberrant deposition of proteins can induce NLRP3 inflammasome in neural cells. Once triggered, the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to the activation of caspase-1, which in turn activates inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and interleukin -18, and induces pyroptotic cell death. Mitochondria are critically involved in diverse cellular processes and are involved in regulating cellular redox status, calcium levels, inflammasome activation, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid, and other mitochondria-associated proteins and lipids play vital roles in the instigation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, the processes of mitochondrial dynamics, such as fission and fusion, are essential in the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and their imbalance also promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In this connection, mitophagy-mediated maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis restricts NLRP3 inflammasome hyperactivation and its consequences in various neurological disorders. Hence, mitophagy can be exploited as a potential strategy to target damaged mitochondria induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its lethal consequences. Therefore, the identification of novel mitophagy modulators has promising therapeutic potential for NLRP3 inflammasome-associated neuronal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial quality control is crucial for sustaining cellular maintenance. Mitochondrial Ca2+ plays an important role in the maintenance of mitochondrial quality control through regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis for preserving cellular homeostasis. The regulation of this dynamic interlink between these mitochondrial networks and mitochondrial Ca2+ appears indispensable for the adaptation of cells under external stimuli. Moreover, dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ divulges impaired mitochondrial control that results in several pathological conditions such as cancer. Hence this review untangles the interplay between mitochondrial Ca2+ and quality control that govern mitochondrial health and mitochondrial coordinates in the development of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are distinct subpopulations of cancer cells with stem cell-like abilities and are more resilient to chemotherapy, causing tumor relapse. Mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy, removes damaged unwanted mitochondria from cells through a lysosome-based degradation pathway to maintain cellular homeostasis. CSCs use mitophagy as a chief survival response mechanism for their growth, propagation, and tumorigenic ability. Mitochondrial biogenesis is a crucial cellular event replacing damaged mitochondria through the coordinated regulation of several transcription factors to achieve the bioenergetic demands of the cell. Because of the high mitochondrial content in CSCs, mitochondrial biogenesis is an interesting target to address the resistance mechanisms of anti-CSC therapy. However, to what extent both mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis are vital in promoting stemness, metabolic reprogramming, and drug resistance in CSCs has yet to be established. Therefore, in this review, we focus on understanding the interesting aspects of mitochondrial rewiring that involve mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in CSCs. We also discuss their coordinated regulation in the elimination of CSCs, with respect to stemness and differentiation of the CSC phenotype, and the different aspects of tumorigenesis such as cancer initiation, progression, resistance, and tumor relapse. Finally, we address several other unanswered questions relating to targeted anti-CSC cancer therapy, which improves patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is a potent neurotoxic agent that is responsible for impaired neuronal development and is associated with aging. Here, it was demonstrated that extracts of Bacopa monnieri (BM), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, diminished the B[a]P-induced apoptosis and senescence in human astrocytes. BM was demonstrated to protect the immortalized primary fetal astrocytes (IMPHFA) from B[a]P-induced apoptosis and senescence by reducing the damaged mitochondria that produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, it was shown that B[a]P-triggered G2 arrest could be altered by BM, thus indicating that BM could reverse the cell cycle arrest and mediate a normal cell cycle in IMPHFA cells. In addition, the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans was assessed, which confirmed these effects in the presence of BM, compared to the B[a]P-treated group. Furthermore, the anti-senescence and anti-apoptotic activities of BM were observed to be mediated through the protective effect of mitophagy, and inhibition of mitophagy could not protect the astrocytes from mitochondrial ROS-induced apoptosis and senescence in BM-treated cells. Moreover, it was revealed that BM induced Parkin-dependent mitophagy to exert its cytoprotective activity in IMPHFA cells. In conclusion, the anti-senescence and anti-apoptotic effects of BM in astrocytes could combat pollution and aging-related neurological disorders. Image 1 • Bacopa monnieri protects astrocytes from Benzo[a]pyrene-induced apoptosis. • Bacopa monnieri delays Benzo[a]pyrene-induced senescence by altering G2 arrest. • Bacopa monnieri increases lifespan in C. elegans impeding Benzo[a]pyrene toxicity. • Parkin-dependent mitophagy with Bacopa monnieri shows anti-aging effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]