Integrated Health Research Journal

Plant lectins: The next frontier in precision glycan-targeted medicine

2025-12-12T17:00:14+00:00

Precision medicine is revolutionizing healthcare by shifting away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatments. This new approach focuses on developing therapies tailored to each individual. It takes into account a person’s unique genetic makeup, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.

Unconventional oil sources: emerging nutraceuticals for integrated health

2025-12-09T12:20:26+00:00

Recent scientific research emphasizes the growing importance of functional foods as both nourishment and medicine, leading to the exploration of unconventional oils from plant sources like black seed, hibiscus, black cumin, and insect sources such as melon bug and cochineal. These oils are rich in bioactive compounds—including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), antioxidants, phytosterols, and polyphenols—that contribute to anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Their unique nutritional profiles support the prevention and management of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome imbalances, while also promoting mental health and longevity. Additionally, they show promise in dermatological applications, offering therapeutic benefits for skin and hair conditions. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation, these oils represent a sustainable and innovative approach to holistic health and food product development. However, further research is needed to enhance their stability, bioavailability, and dosage accuracy to ensure clinical efficacy. As nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements, unconventional oils offer exciting potential for future applications in personalized nutrition and disease prevention strategies.

The role of protein carbonylation in various diseases: A review

2025-12-09T12:47:12+00:00

Protein carbonylation is a post-translational modification that involves the addition of a carbonyl group (-C=O) to a protein, resulting in the formation of a carbonylated protein. This modification can occur through various mechanisms, including oxidative stress, enzymatic reactions, and non-enzymatic reactions. Protein carbonylation can have significant consequences, including loss of protein function, protein aggregation, and cellular stress and damage.Recent studies have highlighted the importance of protein carbonylation in understanding the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Protein carbonylation has been implicated in the development of cancer, where it can contribute to the promotion of cell growth and survival. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, consequences, and detection methods for protein carbonylation. We discuss the various mechanisms by which protein carbonylation can occur, including the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other oxidants. We also review the role protein carbonylation, including the loss of protein function, protein aggregation, and cellular stress and damage in several diseases. Therapeutic interventions and protein carbonylation are also considered. Furthermore, we discuss the various methods that have been developed to detect and quantify protein carbonylation, including the use of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and mass spectrometry. Finally, we highlight the advantages and limitations of the different methods used in the measurement of protein carbonylation.Understanding the mechanisms, role in disease, and detection methods for protein carbonylation is essential for the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat diseases associated with protein carbonylation.

Misuse of dexamethasone for cosmetic purposes boosts hyperthyroidism and hepatotoxicity in albino rats

2025-12-09T13:26:32+00:00

Background: The use of dexamethasone (Dex) for cosmetic purposes, particularly for skin lighting, is widespread and is associated with a high incidence of skin cancer in several populations. This study aimed to investigate the misuse of Dex for skin whitening, particularly its influence on thyroid, liver, and kidney function in female albino rats.

Materials and methods: In the in vivo comparative experiments I and II, 36 female albino rats, each weighing 140– 162 g, were used. Thyroid function, liver enzyme activity, and renal function were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver and kidney sections were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).

Results: The groups administered high and low doses of Dex exhibited significant increases in thyroid hormone levels, liver enzyme activities, creatinine, and urea levels compared to the control group. In contrast, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Kidney sections displayed ghost glomeruli, partially necrotic tubular cells, and chronic inflammation at both doses. Liver sections showed binucleated cells, infiltration, and focal necrotic cells relative to the control.

Conclusion: The misuse of Dex for cosmetic purposes influences hyperthyroidism, hepatotoxicity, and renal impairment, with dose- and duration-dependent effects.