Honey is a natural product of ethnopharmacology widely used worldwide and in the fast-changing world of science and technology. Packed with the rich chemical compositions, this traditional nutrient has been indicated for a variety of new uses. In this paper, different varieties of honey with rich nutritional value and multidimensional use are comprehensively discussed for their antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic effects. In addition, the effects of honey in promoting wound healing, regulating oxidative stress, regulating cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems are discussed comprehensively. The underlying reasons for the numerous benefits of honey are analyzed in detail, such as its unique chemical environment, the special composition of its inclusions, and its nutritional treasure trove of polyphenols, flavonoids, bioenzymes, amino acids, and glucose. More importantly, the article explores in detail the value of honey’s use as an alternative to antibiotics for a wide range of bacteria and fungi, as well as in addressing serious problems such as antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, honey is a widely used natural product with minimal side effects and boasts huge potential in a wide range of applications, especially as a new type of antibiotic with virtually no countermeasures, which deserves further exploration through clinical research.

The key to successful gene therapy is to effectively transfer genes to target cells and control the effective expression of genes to avoid expression in non-target tissues. At present, there are two common methods of gene therapy: non-replicating viruses and viral vectors. The use of non-replicating viruses as vectors often limits the efficiency of gene transfer and is unsatisfactory for clinical application. In contrast, replicative viral vectors can deliver genes from a small number of cells to neighboring cells, significantly improve the efficiency of gene delivery, and stably and persistently express exogenous genes. As a result, the investigation and application of viral vectors are recommended. Herpes simplex virus Type I-derived vectors have gradually become important biological treatments due to their wide host range, integration of long fragments of exogenous DNA, neurotropism, and various animal models.

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are regarded as early risk assessment factors for cardiometabolic comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and weight-related cancer. Specifically, obesity is a result of an imbalance of energy intake and expenditure and is usually determined by BMI. According to the Obesity Medicine Association Clinical Practice Statement, the adolescent obesity rate in the United States has drastically increased in the last 30 years affecting more than 20% adolescents. Addressing the rising rate of obesity has provided extensive research that suggests a strong link between gut microbiota phyla and the alleviation of obesity-related challenges. While a balanced lifestyle is the main recommendation to prevent and treat obesity, curative therapy is the goal. Research suggests that the human gut microbiota can help protect from pathogens, enhance the immune system, support digestion and metabolism, control epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, modify insulin resistance and its secretion, and positively influence brain-gut communication This complex relationship suggests a strong link between gut microbiota and obesity-related effects. Microbiota imbalance is highly recognized as an indicator of a given disease or a poor health status. There are several probiotics that directly support the gut microbiota imbalance on obesity, including Lactobacillus (e.g., Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus plantarum) and Bifidobacterium (e.g., Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium breve B3). In this systematic review, we aim to consolidate existing evidence on the role of gut microbiota in managing obesity-related comorbidities, with a particular focus on the impact of specific probiotics on weight management and metabolic health. The review also provides an overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and obesity-related factors, including energy homeostasis, inflammation, and metabolic regulation.

The scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily comprises a highly conserved group of extracellular soluble and membrane-attached glycoproteins that function as pattern recognition receptors against a diverse range of pathogenic determinants. While considerable attention has been devoted to their roles in microbial recognition, this perspective aims to emphasize the significant, yet previously overlooked, anti-inflammatory properties of circulating SRCR proteins, which may be even more crucial for immune regulation. In addition, we examine SRCR cell surface proteins that, despite exhibiting limited microbial recognition, have demonstrated potential in mitigating inflammation through their soluble forms released during infectious and inflammatory conditions. Collectively, the paper emphasizes the dual roles of these proteins in infection control and the regulation of inflammatory responses, spotlighting their therapeutic potential in managing inflammatory diseases and enhancing host defense mechanisms.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of several cancers, with types 16 and 18 classified as high-risk. This study investigates the L1 capsid protein of HPV16, a crucial target for Food Drug and Administration-approved vaccines, by analyzing its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences to identify phylogenetic relationships, sequence variations, and conserved functional elements. The study utilizes sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information virus database to assess geographical clustering and evolutionary trends. Key regions, including structural loops, nuclear localization signals, and viral attachment sites, were examined for variability. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated distinct clustering patterns, particularly among sequences from Japan and Pakistan, indicating potential regional influences on HPV-16 evolution. Despite observed sequence variability, critical residues essential for viral entry remained conserved, suggesting evolutionary constraints on functionally significant domains. These findings offer insights into HPV-16 diversity in Asia and highlight the importance of continuous genomic surveillance for vaccine development and epidemiological assessments.

Novel antiretroviral drugs are constantly needed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients to confront the continuously emerging resistance to the commonly prescribed combination of anti-HIV synthetic agents and their side effects. Amazonian medicinal plants, Licania macrophylla (LM) (Chrysobalanaceae) and Ouratea hexasperma (OH) (Ochnaceae), were assayed for antiretroviral and immunomodulatory activity, by utilizing an established human leukocyte cell line and the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-gamma were quantified after leukocyte culture was stimulated with ethanolic plant extracts and subsequently challenged with lentivirus infection. Mitotic activity induced by OH extract was significantly more pronounced than that of LM extract. Cytokine modulation was observed in SIV-infected cells under independent treatment with OH and LM extracts. Betulinic acid, niruriflavone, (-)-epigallocatechin, (-)-gallocatechin, and 4’-O-methyl-epigallocatechin were isolated from LM. In summary, the tested extracts hold application potential in the therapy of HIV/AIDS pathology by regulating cellular proliferative activity and cytokine levels, as the isolated compounds from these plants have been reported to exhibit antiviral activity.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) is commonly associated with repeated inhalation of organic dust-containing microbial agents. The identification and mitigation of exposure to these microbes are key steps in managing and preventing CHP. Therefore, to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying fibrosis and identify biomarkers for targeted therapeutics, a systems biology approach integrating large-scale microarray data mining and whole-genome RNA-sequencing data is crucial. In this study, systems biology methodologies were employed to construct genome-wide genetic and epigenetic networks for fibrotic lung cells from CHP patients and healthy controls. Protein-protein interaction networks and gene/microRNA/long non-coding RNA regulatory networks were established using RNA sequencing data, followed by refinement through a system identification framework. By applying principal network projection and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway annotation, core signaling pathways and their downstream cellular dysfunctions were identified, revealing key signaling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)/CXC chemokine receptors family, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) family signaling pathways. In addition, significant biomarkers of pathogenetic mechanisms of CHP, such as AKT1, CCL20, cell division cycle 23, CXCL1, nuclear factor-kappa B, and tumor necrosis factor, were identified as potential drug targets of CHP. Significant biomarkers associated with cell inhibitors, cellular dysfunction, and cellular disorders were identified as drug targets in the core disease-causing signaling pathways. Finally, using a deep neural network-based drug-target interaction model and drug design specification, three molecular drugs, azathioprine, masitinib, and primaquine, were screened and proposed as candidates for a multiple-molecular drug for the treatment of CHP.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has impacted the health of millions globally, with many individuals experiencing persistent symptoms even after testing negative, a condition known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. This study analyzes demographic influences on the severity and duration of PASC symptoms, with an emphasis on physiological and cognitive effects. Using a self-reporting survey method, data were collected from a sample of 110 participants and analyzed using statistical methods such as exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and two-factor analysis of variance. The participants were primarily based in California, and a majority of them were ethnically Asian. The study found that females generally reported higher severity of cognitive and physiological symptoms compared to males, while symptom severity was generally lower among vaccinated individuals. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between depression and cognitive impairments, underscoring the psychological impact of PASC. This study emphasizes the complexity of PASC, demonstrating how demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and vaccination status influence the severity and duration of symptoms, thereby contributing to the growing understanding of PASC. Further research should consider SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific impacts and broader population samples.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, impacting various systems in the human body, including the hematological and reticuloendothelial systems, which can alter blood production. Consequently, severe anemia-associated complications could occur in COVID-19 patients. At present, there is a lack of pooled prevalence data on anemia among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall prevalence of anemia in this population. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, and the Ethiopian Journal of Health Development for articles published before 2024. Additional manual searches were performed to identify relevant studies. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by the authors. The I2 test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among studies, and the overall prevalence was calculated using a random-effect restricted maximum likelihood model. Out of 860 studies obtained, 11 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia was found to be 22.81% (95% CI [confidence interval]: 14.76 -30.85%). Specifically, the prevalence of anemia in Addis Ababa and Amhara was 27.13% (95% CI: 14.59 -39.66%) and 22.50% (95% CI: 11.04 -33.96%), respectively. This study indicates that anemia is a moderate public health problem among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Consequently, it is imperative to implement preventative interventions and management strategies for anemia in this population.

C-C motif chemokine receptor-8 (CCR8) belongs to class A of G protein-coupled receptors. CCR8 interacts with the specific chemokine ligand CCL1/I-309 in humans, which is produced by various cells, including tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells (Treg). CCR8 is highly expressed on Treg and T-helper 2 cells recruited to the inflammation site and is implicated in allergy, asthma, and cancer progression. CCR8+Treg cells have been suggested an important regulator in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it has been proposed for use in the development of sensitive monoclonal antibodies targeting CCR8. This study developed a specific mAb for human CCR8 (hCCR8), which is useful for flow cytometry by employing the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. The established anti-hCCR8 mAb (C₈Mab-21; mouse IgM, kappa) demonstrated reactivity with hCCR8-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/hCCR8) cells, TALL-1 (human adult acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia), CCRF-HSB2 (human T-lymphoblastic leukemia), and natural killer cells expressing endogenous hCCR8, as confirmed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, EC₅₀ values of C8Mab-21 for CHO/hCCR8 and TALL-1 were determined as 6.5 × 10⁻⁸ M and 2.0 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively. C₈Mab-21, established by the CBIS method, provides a useful tool for analyzing the hCCR8-related biological response using flow cytometry.