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Cancer remains a formidable global healthcare challenge, driving relentless research efforts. Among the diverse compounds explored for their potential in combating cancer, α,β‐unsaturated compounds have exhibited intriguing biological activities, including anticancer properties. In this study, we embarked on synthesizing novel α,β‐unsaturated compounds anchored by a phenylacrylonitrile base using the Knoevenagel reaction. Our investigation delved into the cytotoxicity of these compounds, where two standouts, 3 f and 3 g, demonstrated remarkable antiproliferative efficacy comparable to the established chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, when tested against various cancer cell lines. Additionally, the influence of these compounds was evident as DNA fragmentation became apparent after a mere 24‐hour exposure. Molecular docking analysis unveiled a compelling interaction between our synthesized compounds and the P38‐α receptor, a pivotal player in the Mitogen‐Activated Protein (MAP) kinase 14 pathway. This revelation suggests the potential of our compounds to target this receptor, opening new avenues for further exploration. Our research not only underscores the promising anticancer potential of these α,β‐unsaturated compounds but also identifies a specific molecular target, P38‐α, paving the way for future investigations in cancer therapeutics. In an ever‐evolving quest to combat cancer, this study contributes valuable insights that may hold the key to innovative treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to identify animal preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials that looked at the effects of R. damascena in any form on different mental diseases. Up to September 2021, the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane trials, as well as SID and MagIran, were searched. This study included 10 animal studies. Except for one research, the rest of the studies confirmed the positive effects of the plant in treatment of mental disorders. A total of 38 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Individuals who have encountered various sorts of mental problems, such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, and depressive disorder, were studied. R. damascena essential oil (EO), essence, extract, and dried plant were used in aromatherapy and oral administration. A decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, induction of neurotransmitters, induction of nerve growth factors by neurogenesis and synaptogenesis mechanisms, a decrease in prolactin and an increase in noradrenaline, estradiol, and progesterone secretion are some of the mechanisms of action. In general, R. damascena is an effective herb for the treatment of mental disorders. However, further research timing and duration of intervention are needed to extrapolate the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of new effective treatment methodologies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is undeniable for the medical society. Viral protein U (Vpu), one of the disparaged accessory proteins of HIV, is responsible for the dissemination of viral particles, and HIV mutants lacking Vpu protein have remarkably reduced pathogenicity. Here, we explored the marine natural products to find the leading structures which can potentially inhibit the activity of Vpu in silico. To fulfill this goal, we set up a virtual screening based on molecular docking to evaluate the binding capacity of different marine products to Vpu. For validation, we used molecular dynamics simulation and monitored the root mean square deviation value and binding interactions. The results were intriguing when we realized that the hit compounds (phlorotannins) had previously been identified as reverse transcriptase and HIV protease inhibitors. This research inaugurates a new road to combat HIV by multifaceted mode of action of these marine natural products without putting the normal cells in jeopardy (with their safe toxicological profile). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Cytokine storm is an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response resulting from the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that occurs at phase 3 of viral infection. Such emergence led to the development of many clinical trials to discover efficient drugs and therapeutic protocols to fight with this single-stranded RNA virus. Corticosteroids suppress inflammation of the lungs during the cytokine storm, weaken immune responses, and inhibit the elimination of pathogen. For this reason, in COVID-19 corticosteroid therapy, systemic inhibition of inflammation is observed with a wide range of side effects. The present review discusses the effectiveness of the corticosteroid application in COVID-19 infection and the related side effects of these agents. In summary, a number of corticosteroids, including and especially methylprednisolone and dexamethasone, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, particularly for COVID-19 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation., (Copyright © 2021 Langarizadeh et al.)