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The present work outlines the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using black pepper fruit extract (piperine) as bioreductive and capping agent, followed by their conjugation with piperine and characterization thereof. Several approaches for elucidation of the properites of both non-conjugated and piperine-conjugated AgNPs were implemented. The formation of silver nanoparticles was monitored at 420 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance band of the obtained AgNPs. SEM and AFM analyses demonstrated the spherical shape of the NPs, while the DLS analysis revealed the negative charge of the NPs with mean diameter of 116.6 ± 8.9 nm and 142.1 ± 10.7 nm for AgNPs and piperine-conjugated AgNPs, respectively. Characteristic Raman bands at 237 cm−1 for AgNPs and at 249 cm−1 for piperine-AgNPs, indicate Ag+ reduction to nanoscaled Ag, in addition to emergence of new bands as a result of the formation of bonds with oxygen atoms from the extracted organic molecules. The bands in the Amide I region characteristic for β-sheets in the structure, followed by bands from the α-helices were also assigned. The work represents the first conjugation of the AgNPs with bioactive piperine, that further might be evaluated as promising new delivery system in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry.

Background: Fish is consumed as food worldwide and is considered as a rich source of essential nutrients required for a healthy life. Supplementation with fish oil has been adopted as a solution to prevent or cure many pathophysiological states and diseases by both the professionals and the civil population. The beneficial effects are, however, being questioned, as some controversial results were obtained in clinical and population studies. Methods: Critical evaluation of studies regarding known effects of fish oil, both in favour of its consumption and related controversies. Results: From the literature review, contradictory allegations about the positive action of the fish oil on human health emerged, so that a clear line about its beneficial effect cannot be withdrawn. Conclusion: Scientific results on the application of fish oil should be taken with caution as there is still no standardised approach in testing its effects and there are significantly different baselines in respect to nutritional and other lifestyle habits of different populations.

The Caucasus is an area situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and occupied by Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. It is home to the Caucasus Mountains, including the Greater Caucasus mountain range, which has historically been considered a natural barrier between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Eurasia is the largest continental landmass on Earth, comprising all of Europe and Asia. Special kind of pear spreads in one region of western Georgia (Adjara) called Khechechuri was the main research topic. Pear is a dietary source of bioactive components such as polyphenols and triterpenic acid. A total of five species of Khechechuri collected from various regions in Adjara were identified, including Adjaristskali, Merisi, Dandalo, Shuakhevi, and Khulo. Each pear fruit was examined and compared by five parts, skin, edible pulp, the whole pear (skin + pulp), Juice and the pomace. All parts were analysed for phenolic compounds, flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activities. The total amounts of phenols, catechines, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were defined with the help of spectral methods and the antioxidant activity was established. The highest amount of total phenolic was found in the skin of Khulo and Adjaristskali which were around (4650, 4500) mg, respectively in 1 kg of the skin. pomace showed significant amount of the total phenolic in all species of khechechuri. It is worth to mention that Khechechuri parts in all different species studied contain flavonoids except the juice of the fruit species.

Background: Many of the activities associated with pepper fruits have been attributed to piperine, the most active compound present in these spices. Objective: This paper aims to provide an overview of the known properties of piperine, i.e. piperine’s chemistry, its physiological activity, documented interactions as a bioenhancer and reported data concerning its toxicity, antioxidant properties and anticancer activity. Discussion: It is known that piperine possesses several properties. In its interaction with other drugs, it can act as a bioavailability enhancer; this effect is also manifested in combination with other nutraceuticals, e.g. with curcumin, i.e. piperine can modify curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Piperine displays significant immunomodulating, antioxidant, chemopreventive and anticancer activity; these effects have been shown to be dose-dependent and tissue-specific. However, the main limitation associated with piperine seems to be its low bioavailability, a disadvantage that innovative formulations are overcoming. Conclusion: It is predicted that an increasing number of studies will focus on piperine, especially those directed towards unraveling its properties at molecular level. The current knowledge about the action of piperine will form a foundation for ways to improve piperine’s bioavailability e.g. exploitation of different carrier systems. The therapeutical applications of this compound will be clarified, and piperine will be recognized as an important nutraceutical.

Background: The immense development in the field of anticancer research has led to an increase in the research of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential. It has been known that many bioactive natural compounds have low solubility (and low bioavailability) as their main drawback when it comes to the formulation and drug delivery to specific sites.Objective:As many attempts have been made to overcome this issue, this review gives a summary of the current accomplishments regarding the development of new Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) represented by nanoparticles (NPs) and exosomes.Methods:We analyzed the published data concerning selected compounds that present the most prominent plant secondary metabolites with anticancer potential, specifically flavone (quercetin), isoflavone (genistein and curcumin) and stilbene (resveratrol) groups that have been formulated as NPs and exosomes. In addition, we summarized the patent literature published from 2015-2018 that address these formulations.Results:Although the exact mechanism of action for the selected natural compounds still remains unclear, the anticancer effect is evident and the main research efforts are directed to finding the most suitable delivery systems. Recent patents in this field serve as evidence that these newly designed natural compound delivery systems could be powerful new anticancer agents in the very near future if the noted difficulties are overcome.Conclusion:The focus of recent research is not only to clarify the exact mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects, but also to answer the issue of suitable delivery systems that can transport sufficient doses of bioactive compounds to the desired target.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic multifactorial pathology and a current and essential challenge for public health, with a negative impact on the geriatric patient’s quality of life. The pathophysiology is not fully known; therefore, no specific treatment has been found to date. The increase in the number of newly diagnosed cases of KOA is worrying, and it is essential to reduce the risk factors and detect those with a protective role in this context. The destructive effects of free radicals consist of the acceleration of chondrosenescence and apoptosis. Among other risk factors, the influence of redox imbalance on the homeostasis of the osteoarticular system is highlighted. The evolution of KOA can be correlated with oxidative stress markers or antioxidant status. These factors reveal the importance of maintaining a redox balance for the joints and the whole body’s health, emphasizing the importance of an individualized therapeutic approach based on antioxidant effects. This paper aims to present an updated picture of the implications of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in KOA from pathophysiological and biochemical perspectives, focusing on antioxidant systems that could establish the premises for appropriate treatment to restore the redox balance and improve the condition of patients with KOA.

Introduction New 188Re and 99mTc peptide conjugates with substance- P (SP) were prepared and biologically evaluated. The radiopharmaceuticals have been labelled with the [M≡N]2+ (M=99mTc, 188Re) core using a combination of π-donor tridentate and π-acceptor monodentate ancillary ligands. Methods The new radiopharmaceuticals have been prepared through a two-step reaction by simultaneous addition of the tridentate and monodentate ligands to a vial containing a preformed [M≡N]2+ core. The tridentate ligand was formed by linking two cysteine residues to the terminal arginine of the undecapeptide SP, whereas the monodentate ligand was a tertiary phosphine. The preparation of the corresponding Re-188 derivative required developing a more complex chemical procedure to obtain the [Re≡N]2+ core in satisfactory yields. Characterization of the resulting products was obtained by chromatographic methods. Biological evaluation was performed for both Tc-99m and Re-188 derivatives by in-vitro studies on isolated cells expressing NK1-receptors. In-vivo imaging in mice was carried out using a small-animal YAP(S)PET tomograph. Conclusion New Tc-99m and Re-188 peptide radiopharmaceuticals with SP have been prepared in high-yield and with high-specific activity. Both Tc-99m and Re-188 peptide radioconjugates exhibit high affinity for NK1 receptors, thus giving further evidence to the empirical rule that structurally related Tc-99m and Re-188 radiopharmaceuticals exhibit identical biological properties.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the molecular structure of the recombinant monoclonal antibody and anti-CD20-conjugates which are intended to be used as anti-cancer therapeutic agents. We characterized the secondary structure of a therapeutic immunoconjugates, formulated with different bifunctional chelating agents and labeled with non-radioactive lutetium and yttrium. The secondary structure content of all three immunoconjugates was assessed to be similar to that of unlabeled antibody. In addition, no significant changes upon lyophilizing procedures were observed. The results demonstrate that amide bands could be taken as analytical peak which enables quick and reliable way for screening of protein pharmaceuticals during development of lyophilized formulations.