Dr. Reza Rahavi’s Post

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is more than just a spice - it is a molecular treasure trove. Two of its most bioactive compounds, Gingerols and Shogaols, exemplify nature's ability to design precise pharmacophores that interface with human biology. Chemistry Gingerols → Phenolic ketones with a hydrocarbon chain, responsible for the pungent, fresh flavor. Shogaols → Dehydration products of gingerols, formed during drying or thermal processing, with enhanced bioactivity. INP Mechanistic Insights Using our Intrinsic Network Pharmacology (INP) model, we mapped their activity across biological layers: Molecular Layer → Potent TRPV1 agonists, modulating pain and inflammation pathways. Cellular Layer → Regulation of NF-KB and Nrf2 signaling, balancing oxidative stress and cytokine cascades. Tissue Layer → Protect gastrointestinal mucosa, enhance intestinal motility, and improve nutrient absorption. Systemic Layer → Cardiometabolic modulation: anti-hyperglycemic, anti-atherogenic, and lipid-lowering effects. Evolutionary Layer → Adaptogenic responses, enhancing host resilience against metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic Potential Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (dysmenorrhea, arthritis, migraine) Anti-cancer activity (colon, gastric, and breast via apoptosis induction) Neuroprotective (mitochondrial protection, reduced amyloid aggregation) Metabolic regulation (anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective)

📝Symphony of regulated cell death: Unveiling therapeutic horizons in sarcopenia. The article discusses sarcopenia, a condition related to aging that leads to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and performance, affecting the independence of older adults and increasing healthcare costs. The study highlights recent findings on how different types of regulated cell death (RCD)—such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis—contribute to the degeneration of skeletal muscles in sarcopenia. These cell death pathways are linked to several issues including the loss of muscle fibers, problems in protein balance, nerve and muscle function deficiencies, mitochondrial problems, and ongoing inflammation. The authors review existing knowledge on these molecular pathways in sarcopenia and propose various therapeutic interventions. These interventions range from drugs (like ferroptosis inhibitors), resistance exercise programs, specialized nutrition (like amino acids and vitamin D), to advanced therapies involving cells and genes. However, the article notes that understanding the interactions among these cell death types and converting this knowledge into clinical treatments is still challenging. Future directions include multi-omics studies, the search for reliable biomarkers, and well-structured clinical trials to create personalized treatment plans for sarcopenia. 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/dEApD4gM #pubmed #research #science

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 ⁣ 𝘈 𝘒𝘦𝘺 𝘓𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦⁣ ⁣ 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐚, the liquid component of blood, plays a crucial role in diagnostics, research, and therapeutics. It contains clotting factors, proteins, electrolytes, and hormones, making it essential for many laboratory investigations.⁣ ⁣ How plasma is prepared from whole blood:⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏: 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝⁣ ⁣ ● Draw blood into a tube containing anticoagulant (e.g., EDTA, citrate, or heparin).⁣ ● Mix gently to prevent clotting.⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐: 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣ ⁣ ● Place the sample in a centrifuge.⁣ Spin at 1,500–2,000 x g for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.⁣ ● The centrifugation separates the components based on density.⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐚⁣ ⁣ ● After centrifugation, three layers appear:⁣ ● Top (Plasma) – straw-colored fluid rich in proteins and clotting factors.⁣ ● Middle (Buffy Coat) – white blood cells & platelets.⁣ ● Bottom (Red Cells) – packed red blood cells.⁣ ● Carefully pipette the plasma layer without disturbing the buffy coat.⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒: 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞⁣ ⁣ ● Use plasma immediately for tests or store at -20°C to -80°C for long-term use.⁣ ⁣ 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫:⁣ ⁣ ✓ Clinical biochemistry & immunology tests⁣ ✓ Therapeutic plasma exchange⁣ ✓ Research on disease biomarker.⁣ ⁣ ♻️ 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘸.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 👉 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 Marvah Q. 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮ore 𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #LaboratorySkills #PlasmaPreparation #ClinicalResearch #Diagnostics #MedicalLaboratoryScience #Microbiology⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Molecule of the Day – Ganoderic Acid (Reishi Triterpenoid) Ganoderic acids, unique lanostane-type triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum, are perfect examples of Intrinsic Network Pharmacology (INP) multi-layer therapeutics. 10-Layer INP Mapping 1. Phytochemistry: Over 150 ganoderic acid analogues — lanostane skeleton, carboxyl & hydroxyl substitutions giving rich bioactivity. 2. Target Prediction: Docking shows affinity to NF-κB, STAT3, PI3K/Akt, Caspase-3, HMG-CoA reductase, and PPARγ. 3. Signaling Pathways: Inflammation → NF-κB/TLR suppression Apoptosis → caspase activation, Bax/Bcl-2 modulation Metabolism → HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, AMPK activation 4. Omics Correlation: Transcriptomics: downregulates pro-inflammatory genes; Proteomics: enhances antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px). 5. Microbiome Interactions: Promotes SCFA-producing bacteria; restores gut redox balance → gut–brain–liver harmony. 6. Metabolomics (MCheM Layer): Metabolites show antioxidant signatures (quenching ROS, lipid peroxides); phase-II conjugates exhibit detox potential. 7. Epigenetics: Histone acetylation balance, miRNA modulation (miR-21, miR-155) → anti-cancer resilience. 8. Systems Biology: Cross-network stabilizer — immune, hepatic, cardio-metabolic, neural integration. 9. Synergy & Polyherbal Models: Works with curcumin, quercetin, and astragalosides for amplified immunotherapy. 10. Clinical & Future Outlook: Anti-cancer adjuvant (hepatic, lung, breast) Cardio-metabolic regulator Neuroprotection in Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Longevity nutraceutical candidate Ganoderic acid is not just a mushroom metabolite — it is a multi-layer network drug validated by INP. A true bridge between ancient “Amrit” and modern cosmonutraceutical science. #GanodericAcid #INP #MoleculeOfTheDay #Reishi #Triterpenoid #Cosmonutraceuticals #LongevityScience #AYUSH #CCRAS #CDRI #CFTRI #ICMR #FSSAI

Protein acetylation, a key reversible PTM regulating diverse cellular functions, is often dysregulated in diseases but difficult to study at specific sites in live cells. To address this, the AceTAG platform enables selective, rapid, and tunable acetylation of target proteins by recruiting endogenous KATs, demonstrating functional effects on proteins like histones, p65, and p53, and offering powerful applications for probing acetylation biology and therapeutic development.

🧫Interplay between Cultured Human Osteoblastic and Skeletal Muscle Cells: Effects of Conditioned Media on Glucose and Fatty Acid Metabolism by Lunde, N.N., et al. (2023). Biomedicines, 11(11), 2908. Full text here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wV8eB 📜 This study explores the metabolic effects of conditioned medium from osteoblasts (OB-CM) on myotubes and vice versa. OB-CM enhances myotube glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression while decreasing fatty acid uptake. Conversely, myotube media alters osteoblastic cells similarly. Proteomics indicate a shift from fatty acid to glucose metabolism in both cell types, highlighting a pattern in muscle-bone communication. #MDPI #OpenAccess #Biomedicines #EnergyMetabolism #Myokines #OsteoblasticCells #Osteokines #PrimaryHumanMyotubes

Ulvan–Saponin Complexes: The Rare Bioactive Duo from Green Algae (Ulva lactuca) When we think of green algae, we often celebrate their role as nutrient-rich superfoods. But hidden within Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce) lies a rare and untapped pharmacological treasure – Ulvan–Saponin Complexes. These sulfated polysaccharide–saponin conjugates are among the most uncommon molecular hybrids in nature, holding immense promise for medicine beyond the oceans. Key Activities: Anticoagulant – mimicking heparin-like functions, modulating clotting cascades. Immunomodulatory – balancing immune responses, reducing chronic inflammation. INP (Intrinsic Network Pharmacology) Insights: Metabolome: Sulfated ulvans coupled with saponins exhibit glycosaminoglycan-like activity, directly modulating coagulation pathways. Microbiome: Function as prebiotics, fostering beneficial gut flora while amplifying mucosal immune signaling. Disease Network: Potential therapeutics for thrombosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even autoimmune dysregulation. Why It Matters: Unlike isolated polysaccharides or saponins, these natural conjugates act as dual-modulators, bridging blood health, gut immunity, and systemic inflammation. Their unique structural chemistry could inspire next-generation anticoagulants with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. The green algae that once nourished ancient coastal communities may now seed the future of biomedical innovation. #UlvaLactuca #UlvanSaponins #IntrinsicNetworkPharmacology #MarineMedicine #AlgalTherapeutics #Thrombosis #IBD #DrugDiscovery

Molecule Duo of the Day: Coriandrinonediol & Oleanderolide – Unlocking Failure & Restoration Nodes in Advanced Metabolism In the quest for disease reversal and system-level restoration, phytomolecules often act not as single agents, but as intelligent pairs that synergistically address metabolic breakdown and cellular reprogramming. Coriandrinonediol – derived from Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) – is a polyphenolic backbone that fine-tunes ROS signaling, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial redox buffering. It targets failure nodes in energy metabolism such as glycolytic drift, hyper-lactate buildup, and protein glycation pathways. Oleanderolide – isolated from Nerium oleander – is a potent cardenolide with dual ability to modulate Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity and suppress aberrant proliferative signals. Within the INP framework, it acts on restoration nodes like ionic homeostasis, apoptosis regulation, and immune checkpoint balance. INP Engine Mapping Failure Nodes addressed: mitochondrial uncoupling, oxidative overload, ER stress, metabolic inflexibility. Restoration Nodes activated: NAD⁺ salvage, ionic transport recalibration, autophagy induction, tumor metabolic reprogramming. The duo together represents metabolic polarity: Coriandrinonediol stabilizes biochemical equilibrium (glucose, ROS, mitochondrial respiration). Oleanderolide drives biological decision-making (cell fate, apoptosis, immune vigilance). Translational Potential: Anti-diabetic metabolic correction Anti-cancer apoptosis induction Cardio-protective ionic stabilization Systems-level metabo-immune harmonization This duo embodies the INP philosophy: addressing disease not by silencing symptoms but by rebalancing networks. #MoleculeOfTheDay #IntrinsicNetworkPharmacology #Phytotherapy #Coriandrinonediol #Oleanderolide #MetabolicReprogramming #SystemsMedicine #DrugDiscovery #AyurvedaXModernScience #NetworkPharmacology #WHO #AYUSH #CCRAS #CDC #NIN #CFTRI #CDRI #FSSAI

🧴 What if the key to non-invasive disease diagnostics has been right on our skin all along? Sebum, the lipid-rich substance secreted by sebaceous glands, is more than just an oily layer. It carries a wealth of metabolic information about our health, environment, and physiology. But unlocking its potential for metabolomics is anything but simple. In this #OpenAccess review, Caroline Gehin, Julia Tokarska, Stephen J Fowler, Perdita Barran, and Drupad Trivedi explore the state of the art: 🔍 "No skin off your back: the sampling and extraction of sebum for metabolomics" 📖 Read here: https://lnkd.in/dsVvJPie ✨ Highlights from the review: 🔹 The history of sebum research: from “long johns” sampling to wearable sensors 🔹 15+ non-invasive collection methods, from cotton swabs to polymeric films 🔹 Why reproducibility, contamination, and variability remain the biggest hurdles 🔹 How sebum is being studied for Parkinson’s, COVID-19, cystic fibrosis, and beyond 🔹 The future of “sebomics” in biomonitoring, biosecurity, and population screening Non-invasive, information-rich, and globally accessible - sebum may be the next frontier for metabolomics. But success will depend on method harmonization, baseline data, and community-driven standards. 🧪 A must-read for scientists and clinicians at the cutting edge of biomarker discovery and translational metabolomics. #Metabolomics #Sebomics #Lipidomics #Diagnostics #OpenAccess #MassSpectrometry

🌟🔦Spotlight on Science: Rapid Diagnostic Platform for Personalized Vitamin B6 Detection in Erythrocytes via PLP Cofactor Mimics 🔦🌟 Vitamin B6, particularly in its active form PLP, is a crucial biomarker for metabolic health. 💡 Deficiencies are linked to neurological, cardiovascular, and developmental disorders. As B6 levels can drop due to food processing or individual risk factors, point-of-care (POC) testing offers a promising and accessible way to monitor vitamin B6 status early.   🔬 Today’s spotlight study aimed at developing an easy and rapid personalized diagnostic platform using PLP cofactor mimics to detect vitamin B6 levels by assessing enzyme occupancy. We supported this study with a customized antibody microarray to detect PLP binding in human erythrocytes with defined vitamin B6 levels. The study’s findings support the potential implementation of microarray-based technologies for vitamin B6 diagnostics, as well as broader micronutrient monitoring. Integrating such tools into POC or home-testing systems may enhance early detection and management of health conditions. 👉 Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/e8d8Kxsg Rapid Diagnostic Platform for Personalized Vitamin B6 Detection in Erythrocytes via PLP Cofactor Mimics. ACS Chem. Biol. 2023, 18, 7, 1653–1660. Michaela Fiedler, Jonas Drechsel, Ronny Schmidt, Peter B. Luppa, Nina C. Bach, Stephan Sieber