Metagenomic sequencing has revolutionized microbial ecology by enabling culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies, computational tools, and functional annotation pipelines have dramatically improved resolution, accuracy, and scalability. This review explores the evolution of metagenomic platforms (e.g., short-read, long-read, and single-cell sequencing), their applications in diverse ecosystems (human gut, environmental, industrial), and persistent challenges such as data integration and bias correction. We highlight emerging trends, including portable sequencing devices and CRISPR-based enrichment, that promise to democratize metagenomic research further.
The bone is an active tissue subjected to ongoing remodeling process regulated through a fine-tuned equilibrium between formation and resorption and is mainly regulated by osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Recent developments have identified the essential importance of Osteal Macrophages (OsteoMacs), a unique subset of tissue-resident macrophages, in bone homeostasis. In contrast to osteoclasts, the mononuclear F4/80⁺ OsteoMacs are non-resorbing cells that promote osteoblast function, preserve the structure of the bone remodeling canopy, and regulate local immune responses of the skeletal microenvironment. This review was designed to summarize the uncovering, source, phenotypic characteristic as well as functional role of OsteoMacs in bone remodeling, osseointegration, and response to biomaterials. Knowledge of the cross talk between OsteoMacs and biomaterials provides new opportunities to improve bone regeneration via specific immunomodulation. OsteoMacs therefore, serve as a critical interface between the skeletal and immune systems; and have large relevance in implantology and regenerative medicine.
Background Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) have emerged as significant products in nanotechnology, serving as promising candidates for cancer research. Objectives In this study, Artemisia scoparia ( A. scoparia ) extract was utilized to synthesize biogenic ZnNPs and evaluate their inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and K-Ras gene expression in the A549 cell line. Methods Biogenic ZnNPs were synthesized using the leaf extract of A. scoparia . The synthesized ZnNPs were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The cytotoxic effects of the ZnNPs on the A549 cell line were assessed using the MTT assay after 24 h of treatment. K-Ras gene expression relative to β-actin was analyzed using real-time PCR. Results The particle size of the ZnNPs ranged from 62 to 103 nm. Cytotoxicity results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the viability of A549 cells after 24 h treatment with A. scoparia extract and ZnNPs synthesized with the extract. The Half Maximal Inhibitory Concentration value (IC 50 ) for the ZnNPs was calculated as 10.26 µg/mL compared to the control group ( p < 0.005). After 24 h of treatment, K-Ras gene expression decreased by 0.6-fold ( p < 0.001). Conclusions The findings indicate that the synthesized ZnNPs exhibit cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on A549 lung cancer cells.
Propofol is well-known for its inhibitory effects in the central nervous system (CNS) as an intravenous anesthetic. Less is known about propofol’s impact on microglial activity. Studies have suggested a link to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Propofol has been shown to indirectly modulate cannabinoid type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R) receptors on microglia, with CB2R playing a key role in regulating anti-inflammatory immune responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential anti-inflammatory effects of propofol on microglia and to determine whether any observed effects are associated with the ECS. To investigate this, we treated LPS-stimulated SIM-A9 mouse-derived microglial cells with propofol, both in the presence and absence of antagonists for CB2R and CB1R, and assessed the cell viability and the production of the cytokines TNF and IL-6. The results demonstrated that cell viability was stable at propofol concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 µM. Production of TNF and IL-6 was reduced significantly upon propofol treatment. This effect of cytokine production did not change following administration of CB1R and/or CB2R antagonists. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that propofol exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which do not appear to be mediated through ECS activation.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a promising therapeuticagent for a range of conditions, including neurological and inflammatory disorders. Despite its potential, challenges related to bioavailability, metabolization, and stability persist, limiting its clinical use. We analyzed the CBD literature (1963–2025), revealing a significant increase in research activity, with publications peaking at approximately 200 articles in 2020. Our findings highlight strong correlations between journal articles and other publication types, such as clinical phase studies and reviews (Spearman’s rho = 0.78 and 0.97), indicating a cohesive research landscape. We identified geographical disparities in research output, with Western nations (United States 28%, Europe 30%) leading. We explore research on toxicity, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering trends, noting that journal articles constitute approximately 66.41% of all publications, with reviews making up about 20.94%. The review underscores CBD’s broad therapeutic applications, supported by both preclinical and clinical studies while emphasizing the critical need to address drug delivery challenges. We conclude by emphasizing the need for innovative delivery solutions to enhance CBD’s therapeutic potential and overcome existing limitations in medical applications.
