Mechanism and recent updates on insulin-related disorders

Insulin,a small protein with 51 amino acids synthesized by pancreatic β-cells,is crucial to sustain glucose homeostasis at biochemical and molecular levels.Numerous metabolic dysfunctions are related to insulin-mediated altered glucose homeostasis.One of the significant pathophysiological conditions linked to the insulin associated disorder is diabetes mellitus(DM)(type 1,type 2,and gestational).Insulin resistance(IR)is one of the major underlying causes of metabolic disorders despite its association with several physiological conditions.Metabolic syndrome(MS)is another pathophysiological condition that is associated with IR,hypertension,and obesity.Further,several other pathophysiological disorders/diseases are associated with the insulin malfunctioning,which include polycystic ovary syndrome,neuronal disorders,and cancer.Insulinomas are an uncommon type of pancreatic β-cell-derived neuroendocrine tumor that makes up 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms.Literature revealed that different biochemical events,molecular signaling pathways,microRNAs,and microbiota act as connecting links between insulin disorder and associated pathophysiology such as DM,insuloma,neurological disorder,MS,and cancer.In this review,we focus on the insulin-related disorders and the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology.

Insight into the liver dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: Molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutic strategies

As of June 2022,more than 530 million people worldwide have become ill with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Although COVID-19 is most commonly associated with respiratory distress(severe acute respiratory syndrome),metaanalysis have indicated that liver dysfunction also occurs in patients with severe symptoms.Current studies revealed distinctive patterning in the receptors on the hepatic cells that helps in viral invasion through the expression of angiotensinconverting enzyme receptors.It has also been reported that in some patients with COVID-19,therapeutic strategies,including repurposed drugs(mitifovir,lopinavir/ritonavir,tocilizumab,etc.)triggered liver injury and cholestatic toxicity.Several proven indicators support cytokine storm-induced hepatic damage.Because there are 1.5 billion patients with chronic liver disease worldwide,it becomes imperative to critically evaluate the molecular mechanisms concerning hepatotropism of COVID-19 and identify new potential therapeutics.This review also designated a comprehensive outlook of comorbidities and the impact of lifestyle and genetics in managing patients with COVID-19.

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological mechanism of visnagin

Visnagin is a furanochromone and one of the most important compound in the Ammi visnaga(L.)Lam(a synonym of Visnaga daucoides Gaertn.)plant,which is used to cure various ailments.Many investigations into the bioactive properties of visnagin have been studied to date.The literature on visnagin demonstrates its biological properties,including anti-inflammatory,anti-diabetic,and beneficial effects in cardiovascular and renal diseases.Moreover,visnagin improves sperm quality parameters,stimulates steroidogenesis,and increases serum gonadotropins and testosterone levels,while decreasing proinflammatory cytokines,oxidative damage,genomic instability,and it modulates apoptosis.Thus,visnagin has emerged as an exciting lead for further research,owing to its potential in various unmet clinical needs.The current review summarized its basic structure,pharmacokinetics,and pharmacological effects,focusing on its mechanisms of action.The review will help to understand the potential of visnagin as an alternative treatment strategy for several diseases and provide insight into research topics that need further exploration for visnagin’s safe clinical use.