Berkeley Pharma Tech Journal of Medicine https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm <p><strong>The Berkeley Pharma Tech Journal of Medicine<sup>TM </sup>is an open access, free-to-publish bi-annual journal that publishes medical research articles of interest to scientists in pursuit of innovation. Our mission is to democratize scientific</strong> <strong>information and make resources more widely available in the scientific community. We would like to formally thank everyone who has contributed to the journal or is considering to publish with us.</strong></p> <p><strong>Online Publication: ISSN 2771-7895</strong></p> en-US nguyen@berkeleypharmatech.com (Vanloan Nguyen) nguyen@berkeleypharmatech.com (Vanloan Nguyen, Founder/Director) Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:21:14 -0700 OJS 3.2.1.4 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Investigating Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease: A Promising Approach https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/53 <p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont', 'Times New Roman_MSFontService', serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, a form of dementia </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">commonly affecting people 40-65.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> Growing more prevalent in society, approximately 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older live with AD. AD is a progressive</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> long-term neurological disorder that worsens cognitive skills, memory, and communication abilities leading to a performative decline in daily tasks. Characterized by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of tau in the central nervous system, th</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">ese account for</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> synapse loss and neuronal death in the brain. Unfortunately, even with its detrimental impacts, clinical trials of therapeutic drugs are still to be tested and not available to the public. Current research o</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">n </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">stem cell transplantation has been shown to alleviate </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">neuropathologies</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> and is explored as a prospective treatment </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">for </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">AD. This literature review assesses the important uses of stem cell therapy for AD patients to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">provide</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> a new clinical approach for future treatment. Further clinical research should be conducted on the long-term outcomes of stem cell therapy for deeper analysis of its therapeutic effects for AD.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW18333804 BCX8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont', 'Times New Roman_MSFontService', serif;" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:183,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></em></p> Jasmine Segal Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/53 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Neurogenetics: Precision Medicine-Based Approaches to Neurological Disorders with an Emphasis on Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease and Schizophrenia https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/60 <p><em>There exist over 600 neurological conditions, each characterized by unique pathologies tailored to individual patients. Over the past two decades, advances in biotechnology have propelled the field of neurogenetics forward. This progress has illuminated therapeutic targets and methodologies tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Current treatment options primarily encompass therapies and conventional medications like cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease and antipsychotics for schizophrenia. However, these treatments often address symptoms or general targets rather than the precise underlying causes. Precision medicine has emerged as a promising approach in both animal and human clinical trials. Examples include the identification of specific genetic variations linked to Alzheimer's risk and progression, as well as the application of multigenic pharmacogenomics-guided therapies for schizophrenia patients. This review paper delves into the role of precision medicine in neurogenetics, focusing on neural stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), genetic profiling, and pharmacogenetics within the contexts of Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. By evaluating current achievements alongside existing challenges, this paper underscores precision medicine as a pivotal strategy for effectively targeting neurological disorders.</em></p> Nethra Srinivasan, Eshaan Mehra, Sriya Dommaraju, Ethan Kakavetsis Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/60 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Exploring the Gut Microbiome - Autism Spectrum Disorder Connection: Implications for Therapeutic Interventions and Future Directions https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/54 <p class="p1"><em>The gut microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal </em><em>tract, is vital for human health and has a symbiotic relationship with the host. Autism </em><em>spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex condition affecting social interaction, speech, and </em><em>behavior, manifests early in life and affects 1 in 36 children globally. Research shows a </em><em>significant link between the gut microbiome and ASD symptoms, with dysbiosis </em><em>observed in individuals with ASD compared to neurotypical populations. Pathogenic </em><em>gut microbiota can produce toxins that increase gut permeability, impair the </em><em>intestinal barrier, and activate the immune system. The vagal nerve, influencing </em><em>central nervous system (CNS) activity, can release peripheral cytokines inducing </em><em>depression-like behaviors. Thus, dietary changes and treatments targeting the gut </em><em>microbiota, such as Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT), offer promising methods for </em><em>treating ASD symptoms. Current research focuses on dietary therapies like gluten-free </em><em>and casein-free diets, ketogenic diets, and probiotics/prebiotics supplementation to </em><em>modify the gut microbiota and enhance ASD treatment outcomes. However, more </em><em>research is needed to fully understand the gut microbiota-ASD connection and </em><em>establish evidence-based interventions. Individualized approaches are crucial for the </em><em>safety and effectiveness of therapeutic strategies for ASD. Exploring the gut </em><em>microbiome's role in ASD offers promising avenues for novel treatments and improved </em><em>understanding of the disorder.</em></p> Mayumi Schaepers-Cheu, Mansi Patel, Gizell Lien, Amaaya Arora Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/54 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Anti-Inflammatory Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/56 <p class="p1"><em>One of the defining factors of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is </em><em>neuroinflammation, which may be targeted to find effective therapies in </em><em>managing ASD symptoms. Some promising treatments include mesenchymal </em><em>STEM cell (MSCs) therapy, cxytocin (OT), sulforaphane (SFN), and resveratrol </em><em>(RSV). MSCs are located in many parts of the body that can reduce secondary </em><em>neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation while promoting neurogenesis and </em><em>angiogenesis. OT is a hormone that moderates social and emotional </em><em>communication, bonding, and social learning, while also having profound antiinflammatory </em><em>effects. SFN is a naturally occurring compound in cruciferous </em><em>vegetables, such as broccoli and sprouts, and activates a transcription factor </em><em>which regulates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes. RSV is found in </em><em>plants, such as grapes and berries, and helps stabilize the central and peripheral </em><em>immune response and oxidative stress markers, subsequently reducing </em><em>neuroinflammation. All of these treatments have shown promising potential, but it is </em><em>abundantly clear that further research is needed in addition to combined therapies. </em><em>Since ASD is a spectrum, not every case can be treated the exact same way. By </em><em>targeting neuroinflammation, we can address the root cause of ASD rather than </em><em>the symptoms.</em></p> Haily Holston, Avani Karvat, Simran Lallian, PingJu Wu Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/56 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Tumor Heterogeneity and Therapeutic Challenges: Exploring Approaches and Future Directions https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/57 <p class="p1"><em>Tumor heterogeneity refers to the phenomenon when tumors possess a medley of cell </em><em>types, and it is one of the central challenges facing cancer treatment as it is associated </em><em>with drug resistance and worse prognosis. Each cell type responds to treatment </em><em>in a unique way, thus tumors with high levels of heterogeneity are not often fully </em><em>treated by typical cancer therapies. There are a variety of novel treatments being </em><em>developed that aim to eliminate the obstacle that heterogeneity poses by utilizing </em><em>more personalized approaches. This review assesses immunotherapy, combination </em><em>therapy, dual- or multi-ex vivo armed T cells, and a nano-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein </em><em>system as treatment strategies. Although further research is required to ensure </em><em>their clinical safety, these treatments show their potential to overcome the challenges </em><em>posed by tumor heterogeneity in cancer development. This paper also discusses </em><em>circulating tumor cells as a way to test therapeutic drugs and determine treatment </em><em>progress.</em></p> Patricia Gonzaga, Ammabel Tukiman, Noelie MacMullan, Jason Park Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/57 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Decoding the Interplay: Exploring Immunotherapy Resistance in the Tumor Microenvironment https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/64 <p class="p1"><em>The tumor microenvironment (TME) surrounds the tumor and includes blood vessels, </em><em>immune cells, fibroblasts, signaling molecules, and the extracellular matrix. This </em><em>review examines the cellular components and pathways within the TME, highlighting </em><em>their potential as targets for immunotherapy. It also covers recent advances from the </em><em>past several years in TME, immunotherapy, and combination therapy. The review </em><em>emphasizes the role of CD8+ T cells in the TME and their relevance to </em><em>immunotherapy. It discusses various T cell-targeted treatments, including PD-1/PDL1, </em><em>CTLA-4, VEGF, Interferon-</em><span class="s1"><em>ɣ</em></span><em>, LAG-3, and ER stress-XBP1. Recognizing the </em><em>complexity and uniqueness of each tumor's immunotherapy network, the review aims </em><em>to understand and compare the TMEs of different cancers and the respective </em><em>immunotherapies. Cancers covered include non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC), </em><em>pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), cervical cancer, chronic lymphocytic </em><em>leukemia, and gastric cancers. The review also addresses future research directions </em><em>and applications of immunotherapies, aspiring to advance TME understanding and </em><em>research.</em></p> Sanchitha Kannabran, Akshaya Ajan, Leanne Lui, Zaden Yet Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://berkeleypharmatechjournalofmedicine.com/index.php/bptjm/article/view/64 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700