Compounds isolated from natural sources have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. Some metabolites of plants and microorganisms possess properties that would make them effective treatments against bacterial infection, inflammation, cancer, and an array of other medical conditions. In addition, natural compounds offer therapeutic approaches with lower toxicity compared to most synthetic analogues. However, it is challenging to identify and isolate potential drug candidates without specific information about structural specificity and limited knowledge of any specific physiological pathways in which they are involved. To solve this problem and find a way to efficiently utilize natural sources for the screening of compounds candidates, technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics techniques, and molecular analysis systems, should be adapted for screening many chemical compounds. Molecular techniques capable of performing analysis of large datasets, such as whole-genome sequencing and cellular protein expression profile, have become essential tools in drug discovery. OMICs, as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are often used in targeted drug discovery, isolation, and characterization. This review summarizes technologies that are effective in natural source drug discovery and aid in a more precisely targeted pharmaceutical approach, including RNA interference or CRISPR technology. We strongly suggest that a multidisciplinary effort utilizing novel molecular tools to identify and isolate active compounds applicable for future drug discovery and production must be enhanced with all the available computational tools.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western societies. Therefore identification of novel biomarkers to be used as diagnostic or therapeutic targets is of significant scientific interest. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is one such protein shown to be involved in endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. Several epidemiological studies have associated high Lp-PLA2 activity with increased risk for CAD even when other CAD risk factors or inflammation markers were included in the multivariate analysis. These findings were strengthened by the results of relevant meta-analyses. However, randomized trials failed to establish Lp-PLA2 as a therapeutic target. Specifically, pharmaceutical inhibition of Lp-PLA2 when compared to the placebo failed to demonstrate significant association with improved prognosis of patients with stable CAD or after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This review focuses on the available data that have investigated the potential role of Lp-PLA2 as a biomarker for CAD.

In the last decade, due to the global increase in diseases, drugs for biomedical applications have increased dramatically. Therefore, there is an urgent need for analytical tools to monitor, treat, investigate, and control drug compounds in diverse matrices. The new and challenging task has been looking for simple, low-cost, rapid, and portable analytical platforms. The development of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) has garnered immense attention in many analytical applications due to the benefit of cellulose structure. It can be functionalized and serves as an ideal channel and scaffold for the transportation and immobilization of various substances. Microfluidic technology has been considered an effective tool in pharmaceutical analysis that facilitates the quantitative measurement of several parameters on cells or other biological systems. The µPADs represent unique advantages over conventional microfluidics, such as the self-pumping capability. They have low material costs, are easy to fabricate, and do not require external power sources. This review gives an overview of the current designs in this decade for µPADs and their respective application in pharmaceutical analysis. These include device designs, choice of paper material, and fabrication techniques with their advantages and drawbacks. In addition, the strategies for improving analytical performance in terms of simplicity, high sensitivity, and selectivity are highlighted, followed by the application of µPADs design for the detection of drug compounds for various purposes. Moreover, we present recent advances involving µPAD technologies in the field of pharmaceutical applications. Finally, we discussed the challenges and potential of µPADs for the transition from laboratory to commercialization.

Atherosclerosis and one of its most serious consequences, coronary artery disease, are important sources of morbidity and mortality globally, necessitating early detection and treatment. Considering their complex pathophysiology, including several harmful processes, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy is very desirable. Extracellular matrix remodeling is a major component of this dangerous cascade, including the cleavage of constituents (collagen, elastin, proteoglycans) and the propagation or exacerbation of the inflammatory response. Several extracellular matrix degradation indicators have been hypothesized to correlate with the existence, severity, and prognosis of coronary artery disease. The potency of matrix metalloproteinases, notably collagenases and gelatinases, has been the most thoroughly investigated in clinical studies. Stromelysins, matrilysins, transmembrane matrix metalloproteinases, collagen and laminin turnover indicators, as well as fibronectin, have also been studied to a lesser level. Among the most well-studied markers, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 have been found increased in patients with cardiovascular risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, its components (obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus), and smoking. Increasing concentrations are detected in acute coronary syndromes compared to stable angina pectoris and healthy control groups. It should also be stressed that those extracellular matrix biomarkers may also be detected in high concentrations in other vascular pathologies such as peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and dissections. Despite the advances gained, future research should focus on their importance and, more crucially, their added utility as biomarkers in identifying persons at risk of developing overt coronary artery disease. At the same time, determining the prognosis of coronary artery disease patients using such biomarkers may be important for their adequate care.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the major neurodegenerative diseases overwhelming the world today. Alzheimer's is the most complicated as well as perplexing disease encountering serious global health issues. Alzheimer's disease is well characterized as a general cause of dementia, which includes issues with memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive behaviours, such as disabled perception as well as trouble talking due to degeneration of neurons. According to the latest report, there are about 44 million individuals who are currently suffering from dementia, which has been prophesied to extensively grow up to 3-fold by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is usually triggered by numerous associated factors, including depleted amount of acetylcholine (ACh), excessive aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), tau hyperphosphorylation with neurofibrillary tangle formation as well as deposition of feeble plaques in a specific portion of the brain (hippocampus and cortex). Besides these superior factors, sometimes AD can be induced or become complex due to several reasons, such as inflammatory mechanisms and oxidative stress. Furthermore, heterocyclic scaffolds comprise assorted implications in the drug design and development process. Heterocycles have also elicited their evolving role as core scaffolds in numerous synthetic derivatives with potent anti-Alzheimer's potential. There are only limited drugs that are present in the market to treat Alzheimer's disease in an efficacious manner. Hence, the identification, design, and development of new anti-Alzheimer's drugs is therefore an emerging need to eradicate complex clinical indications associated with Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to summarize various recent advancements in the medicinal chemistry of heterocycle-based compounds with the following objectives: (1) To represent inclusive literature reports describing the anti-Alzheimer's potential of heterocyclic derivatives; (2) To cast light on recent advancements in the medicinal chemistry of heterocyclic compounds endowed with their therapeutic potential against Alzheimer's disease; (3) To summarize the comprehensive correlation of structure-activity relationship (SAR) with the pharmacological responses, including in silico and mechanistic studies to provide ideas related to design and development of lead molecules.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Inflammation has long been established as a key component in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. The interleukin-1 family consists of 11 members that regulate the inflammatory response through both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties with the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome having a pivotal role in the process of converting interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-18, two key inflammatory mediators, into their mature forms. Interleukin-1 affects various cell types that participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis as it enhances the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial cells augment the permeability of the endothelial cell barrier, attracting monocytes and macrophages into the vessel wall and aids the migration of smooth muscle cells toward atheroma. It also enhances the aggregation of low-density lipoprotein particles in endothelium and smooth muscle cells and exhibits procoagulant activity by inducing synthesis, cell-surface expression and release of tissue factor in endothelial cells, promoting platelet adhesion. The value of interleukin-1 as a diagnostic biomarker is currently limited but interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-18 and interleukin-37 have shown promising data regarding their prognostic value in coronary artery disease. Importantly, target anti-inflammatory treatments have shown promising results regarding atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular events. In this review article we focus on the immense role of interleukin-1 in atherosclerosis progression, inflammation cascade and in the clinical application of target anti-inflammatory treatments.

Determining the amount of medication used is essential for correctly managing treatment systems. The unauthorized use of drugs and the importance of determining the absorbed and required dose of drugs in target organs are essential factors that justify the design of new drug monitoring systems. Electrochemical sensors and biosensors based on nanomaterials have been developed for drug monitoring in the past few years. The use of nanomaterials to optimize the analyte detection process and facilitate electron transfer in electrochemical processes has enhanced intermolecular interactions and increased diagnostic sensitivity. Considering this review, in the first part, the evaluation of cancer drugs is examined, which can be used to determine the exact dose of the drug required in different stages of cancer. Accurate monitoring of cancer drugs can increase patient life expectancy, reduce side effects, and increase economic savings. In the next section, sensors and biosensors designed for antibiotics are examined. Accurate measurement of antibiotics, determining the effectiveness of the dose in controlling infections, and preventing antibiotic resistance are possible with the help of these drug diagnostic platforms. In the next part, the diagnosis of different hormones is considered. Abnormal amounts [low/high] of hormones cause multiple physiological complications and various disabilities. Therefore, accurate determination of hormone levels can effectively treat hormonal changes. In the last section, other drugs, including drugs and analgesics and other drugs for which the use of electrochemical diagnostic platforms can significantly help the drug distribution system and social health system.

Cancer therapy through anticancer drugs and radiotherapy is associated with several side effects as well as tumor resistance to therapy. The genotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may lead to genomic instability and increased risk of second cancers. Furthermore, some responses in the tumor may induce the exhaustion of antitumor immunity and increase the resistance of cancer cells to therapy. Administration of low-toxicity adjuvants to protect normal tissues and improve therapy efficacy is an intriguing strategy. Several studies have focused on natural-derived agents for improving the antitumor efficiency of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and novel anticancer drugs such as immunotherapy and targeted cancer therapy. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring substance with intriguing antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-diabetes, and antitumor properties. Resveratrol has been demonstrated to modulate tumor resistance and mitigate normal tissue toxicity following exposure to various drugs and ionizing radiation. Compelling data suggest that resveratrol may be an appealing adjuvant in combination with various anticancer modalities. Although the natural form of resveratrol has some limitations, such as low absorption in the intestine and low bioavailability, several experiments have demonstrated that using certain carriers, such as nanoparticles, can increase the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in preclinical studies. This review highlights various effects of resveratrol that may be useful for cancer therapy. Consequently, we describe how resveratrol can protect normal tissue from genomic instability. In addition, the various mechanisms by which resveratrol exerts its antitumor effects are addressed. Moreover, the outcomes of combination therapy with resveratrol and other anticancer agents are reviewed.