Current Pharmaceutical Design (Volume 32 - Issue 18)

Exosomes in Osteoarthritis: Emerging Roles in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Potential

2026-02-25

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability, particularly among the elderly. Despite its high global prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of OA are still not fully understood, and current treatments are largely limited to symptomatic relief. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles involved in cell-to-cell communication, have recently gained attention for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential in OA. In particular, exosomes derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) can modulate chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Emerging evidence also highlights the role of exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, in regulating cartilage degradation and subchondral bone remodeling. This review offers a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the role of exosomes in OA, with a unique focus on their dual function as biomarkers and therapeutic tools. We further highlight the promise of exosome-based Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) and propose future directions for integrating exosome technologies into OA treatment strategies. This work emphasizes the translational potential of exosomes as disease-modifying agents and regenerative tools in osteoarthritis.

Unraveling the Complexity of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

2026-02-25

Polycystic ovary syndrome is distinguished by alterations in ovarian morphology, ovulatory failure, and increased androgen levels. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines it as ovulatory dysfunction accompanied by hyperandrogenism. Women with PCOS may have obesity, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, hypertension, insulin resistance, and pregnancy-related complications. PCOS is additionally linked with a greater chance of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Several factors, including LH/FSH ratio, FAI levels, and ovarian USG, should be considered when diagnosing PCOS. The Rotterdam criterion is employed to determine the condition when two of the three features are present and other etiologies are eliminated. Biomarkers have developed as a means of optimizing PCOS diagnosis and treatment results. This review has examined a number of biomarkers associated with PCOS, such as insulin, anti-Mullerian hormone, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, and others. Controlling these disease-related markers may aid in lessening the symptoms of PCOS.

Emerging Biomarkers for Early Detection and Prognosis of Liver Diseases

2026-02-25

Introduction: The purpose of this research is to review and evaluate both traditional and emerging biomarkers used in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of liver diseases. The study aims to highlight how these biomarkers—such as liver enzymes, microRNAs, exosomes, and fibrosis-related proteins—can improve early detection, track disease progression, and support personalized treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

Materials and Methods: This study uses a literature review to analyze both traditional (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, etc.) and emerging biomarkers (microRNAs, exosomes, CRP, IL-6, MMPs, TIMPs) in liver disease. It focuses on their role in diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized treatment planning.

Results: Traditional biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin) are key for liver function assessment. Emerging markers like microRNAs, exosomes, MMPs, and TIMPs improve early detection and disease monitoring. Together, they enhance diagnostic accuracy and support personalized treatment.

Discussion: The combination of traditional and novel biomarkers improves early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment of liver diseases. New biomarkers, such as microRNAs and exosomes, offer higher sensitivity and specificity, enabling non-invasive diagnostics. The findings align with current research trends that promote the use of molecular and extracellular markers. These biomarkers provide deeper insights into liver disease mechanisms, particularly in fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion: Traditional biomarkers are essential for liver assessment, while new ones like microRNAs, exosomes, MMPs, and TIMPs improve early diagnosis and monitoring. They support personalized care but need further validation for routine use.

Effect of Lavender Essential Oil-based Aromatherapy on Anxiety: An Overview of Results of Recent Randomized Controlled Trials

2026-02-25

Essential oils (EOs) are plant-derived bioactive compounds, primarily made up of terpenoids, which possess various biological and pharmacological effects. Lavender essential oil (LEO) is one of the most extensively studied options. LEO contains terpenes, ketones, alcohols, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Aromatherapy, a practice dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese, involved the use of incense, baths, and embalming rituals. Anxiety disorders have gained significant attention in understanding both physical and mental health. Many people are turning to complementary and alternative therapies for the management of anxiety due to the side effects of pharmacological treatments. Several preclinical studies suggest that LEO may alleviate anxiety-like behaviors in experimental models. This review examines the chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and mechanisms of LEO that contribute to its role in managing anxiety in humans. The literature indicates that LEO-based aromatherapy may effectively reduce anxiety in various groups, such as nursing students, patients undergoing surgery, and those involved in clinical procedures. While the exact mechanisms behind LEO’s anxiolytic effects remaining unclear, active compounds in EOs may influence the production and release of neurotransmitters through pathways involving γ-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and serotonin. More extensive preclinical and clinical studies with diverse subject groups are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of LEO’s anxiolytic properties, which could ultimately help in developing optimized treatments for managing anxiety disorders.