This review attempts to provide integrated information at the levels of oxidative signaling mechanisms by which ethanol withdrawal (EW) provokes brain injuries and 17β-estradiol (E2) protects against it. Unmanaged sudden withdrawal from the excessive consumption of alcohol (ethanol) adversely alters neuronal integrity in vulnerable brain regions such as the cerebellum, hippocampus, or cortex.

This review summarizes the characteristics, evidences and development of CSCs, as well as implications and challenges for cancer treatment. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are universally recognized as the most effective anti-cancer therapies. Recent studies have showed that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of tumor cells, can generate bulk populations of nontumorigenic cancer cell progeny through the self-renewal and differentiation processes.

The article describes a study that tested and confirmed the hypothesis that TRPA1 expressed in the primary sensory afferents may modulate the function of second order NTS neurons. The expression of TRPA1 was detected in presynaptic locations, but not the somata of caudal NTS neurons that did not express TRPA1 mRNA or proteins. Moreover, caudal NTS neurons did not show somatodendritic responsiveness to TRPA1 agonists, while TRPA1 immunostaining was detected only in the afferent fibers.

Paper examines the effects of transplanted neural stem cells (NSCs) on subpopulations of T lymphocytes and their corresponding cytokines when used to treat brain injury, using rats as a case study.

This article aims to understand some of the causes of aging and the underlying mechanisms that may lead to interventions that could reverse certain aging processes and slow development of aging-related diseases. People are living longer than ever. Consequently, they have a greater chance for developing a functional impairment or aging-related disease, such as a neurodegenerative disease, later in life.

Study investigated the role of the neuroprotective kynurenic acid (KYNA) in RGC death against retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

This article gives an overview of the discovery of small-molecule bioprecursor prodrugs carrying the para-quinol scaffold on the steroidal A-ring that are preferentially metabolized in the CNS to the corresponding estrogens. Selected examples are shown to illustrate that, independently of the route of administrations and duration of treatments, these agents produce high concentration of estrogens only in the CNS without peripheral hormonal liability. 10β,17β-Dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one (DHED) has been the best-studied representative of this novel type of prodrugs for brain and retina health. Specific applications in preclinical animal models of centrally-regulated and estrogen-responsive human diseases, including neurodegeneration, menopausal symptoms, cognitive decline and depression, are discussed to demonstrate the translational potential of their prodrug approach for CNS-selective and gender-independent estrogen therapy with inherent therapeutic safety.

This article is a commentary exploring the disciplines of Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine's philosophical methods to fight COVID-19 to understand their philosophical theories that could achieve the maximum benefits for treatment of COVID-19 and other diseases.

Using thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) as a model, paper explores whether synergistic combination of lipoamino acid(s) and a linker cleaved by prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) can be used as a promoiety for prodrug design for the preferential brain delivery of the peptide.

A series of editorials highlighting in brief reports recently published articles describing crucial findings in the field of medical chemistry.

Study analyzes target engagements through the identification of functional protein networks impacted after delivery of 17β-estradiol in eye drops to facilitate the development of broad-spectrum retina neuroprotectants that can be delivered through topical dosage forms.

The article is part of a series of Editorials published biannually that highlights a number of recently published articles that describe crucial findings. This article highlights 25 different articles that range from asthma treatment to new oral β-lactamase inhibitor (BLI).

Study examines the interaction between a key pathogenic HIV-1 viral protein, Nef, and ubiquitin (Ub)-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A).

The article is part of a series of Editorials published biannually that highlights a number of recently published articles that describe crucial findings.