Among carotenoids, ꞵ-carotene has the highest biological activity and is found as an all-trans isomer in many biological systems. Blakeslea trispora is a microorganism that is of interest to industries for the commercial production of ꞵ-carotene. This study investigated the effect of different bacteria on carotenogenesis in B. trispora. The B. trispora bisexual mold was cultured in a production medium, and different bacterial cells were added to it after 24 h. Then, the culture conditions and the culture medium were optimized in the presence of the selected bacteria using the experimental design. The percentage of carotenoids obtained from the mixed culture was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that Kocuria rhizophila had the greatest effect on increasing the production of carotenoids in B. trispora. The highest content of carotenoids obtained during optimization was 770 ± 7.5 mg/L, a 6.8-fold increase compared to the control. HPLC analysis of carotenoids indicated the presence of two main peaks, ꞵ-carotene and γ-carotene, in which the primary carotenoid was ꞵ-carotene followed by γ-carotene with a lower content. Therefore, due to the importance of ꞵ-carotene in industry, the use of biostimulants is one of the appropriate strategies to increase the production of this pigment in industry.
Background/Objectives: The potential influence of lycopene on mental health was indicated in some studies, but it was not summarized within any systematic review so far. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the influence of lycopene on mental health within a systematic review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Methods: The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and it was based on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, while the RCTs published until February 2025 were included. The systematic review was registered within the database of the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD420250650525). The studies were considered where the adult population was studied; intervention was based on oral lycopene intake in any form (lycopene supplement, lycopene-enriched functional food, or regular food product being an important source of lycopene); lycopene intake of a specified dose was applied; any mental health result was studied using a valid psychological measure. After duplicate removal, 642 studies were screened, and finally, six RCTs were included and assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, while various mental health outcomes were allowed (excluding subjects with intellectual disabilities, eating disorders, and neurological disorders). Each stage of screening, inclusion, reporting, and assessment was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: The included studies were conducted in populations of healthy individuals (one study), but mainly in individuals with various diseases: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (two studies), Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) (one study), xerostomia (one study), and infertility (one study). Within the included studies, various lycopene sources were applied, including lycopene supplements, functional foods, and regular food products, as well as various lycopene doses from 1.35 mg to 27.8 mg per day. The included studies assessed quality of life (five studies), depression and anxiety (two studies), stress (two studies), and mood states (one study). In spite of the fact that all six included studies were RCTs, the comparison between the intervention group and placebo group was made in only four studies, and none of them stated the difference between the compared groups. A low risk of bias was concluded for three studies (all of them not confirming the influence of lycopene on mental health), and a high risk of bias was found in three studies (one of them not confirming, and two not conclusive). Conclusions: The evidence gathered within the systematic review of RCTs did not confirm any influence of lycopene on mental health. Further RCTs are needed to verify the influence of lycopene provided within supplements, functional foods, and regular food products on various mental health problems in diverse populations.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Mental Health * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Lycopene * administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Dietary Supplements MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Systematic Review MeSH
Major depressive disorder, particularly its treatment-resistant form (TRD), poses significant treatment challenges. Ketamine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, has shown promise in rapidly alleviating depressive symptoms by influencing neuroplasticity and glutamatergic modulation, which are thought to influence brain activity complexity. In this placebo-controlled study, we examined the effects of subanesthetic doses of intravenous ketamine on EEG signal complexity in 24 MDD patients, 21 of whom had TRD. Treatment response was defined by a ≥ 33 % reduction in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) after ketamine administration. Patients underwent eyes-closed resting state EEG recording pre-, start-, end- and 24 h post-infusion, analyzed for temporospatial and spatiotemporal Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZCT and LZCS). Results indicated that ketamine significantly increased whole-brain LZCT during infusion compared to placebo (sodium chloride 0.9 %) (16.90 % vs. -4.84 %, 95 % CI 4.29 to 39.18, p = 0.017). Elevated LZCT at end-pre was associated with less short-term symptom improvement the following day. Conversely, lower pretreatment occipital LZCT (0.33 vs. 0.46, 95 % CI 0.007 to 0.26, p = 0.040) predicted a favorable response to ketamine, supported by a logistic regression model with an ROC area of 0.75. No significant changes were observed in LZCS, suggesting limited utility as a biomarker. In conclusion, occipital LZCT could serve as an effective predictive biomarker for ketamine's therapeutic effects in MDD, with implications for patients with TRD. This underscores the potential of EEG complexity measures in stratifying treatment and enhancing our understanding of the neural impacts of ketamine in depressive disorders.
- MeSH
- Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists * administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant * drug therapy physiopathology MeSH
- Depressive Disorder, Major * drug therapy physiopathology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Double-Blind Method MeSH
- Electroencephalography * drug effects MeSH
- Ketamine * administration & dosage pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Brain * drug effects physiopathology MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Controlled Clinical Trial MeSH
Text představí ketaminem asistovanou psychoterapii (KAP) jako novou léčebnou modalitu v psychiatrii pro široké diagnostické spektrum. Tato metoda má odlišné charakteristiky i indikace od použití esketaminu či racemického ketaminu v off-label use u deprese. Je unikátní kombinací farmakologického i psychoterapeutického přístupu tím, že aktivně využívá změněný stav vědomí vyvolaný ketaminem k zásadní akceleraci a prohloubení psychoterapeutického procesu. Podkladem této akcelerace je indukce neuroplastického procesu, zvýšená schopnost učení, a tím pádem efektivnější psychoterapie. Metoda částečně navazuje jednak na objev rychlého antidepresivního a anxiolytického účinku ketaminu z přelomu tisíciletí, jednak na metodiku psychedelické psychoterapie 50. a 60. let 20. století. V současné době se rychle rozvíjí především v USA; v ČR implementuje tento model do zdravotní péče Psyon – Psychedelická klinika, ale v poslední době vznikají i další takto specializovaná pracoviště. Text je krátkým přehledem využití ketaminu v psychiatrii a souhrnem dosavadního výzkumu o použití ketaminu v psychoterapii, představí východiska KAP a odliší KAP od jiných přístupů práce s ketaminem.
The text introduces Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as a new therapeutic modality in psychiatry for a broad diagnostic range. This method has distinct characteristics and indications compared to the use of esketamine or racemic ketamine off-label for depression. KAP uniquely combines pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches by actively utilizing the altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine to significantly accelerate and deepen the psychotherapeutic process. The foundation of this acceleration lies in the induction of neuroplastic processes, enhanced learning capacity, and thereby more effective psychotherapy. The method partially builds on the discovery of ketamine's rapid antidepressant and anxiolytic effects from the turn of the millennium, as well as on the methodology of psychedelic psychotherapy from the 1950s and 1960s. Currently, it is rapidly developing, especially in the United States. In the Czech Republic, this model is being implemented into healthcare by Psyon – Psychedelic Clinic, and recently, other specialized centers have also emerged. The text is a brief overview of the use of ketamine in psychiatry and a summary of the current research on the application of ketamine in psychotherapy. It introduces the principles of KAP and distinguishes KAP from other approaches to working with ketamine.
- MeSH
- Depression drug therapy therapy MeSH
- Mental Disorders drug therapy classification therapy MeSH
- Hallucinogens pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Ketamine * pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Combined Modality Therapy methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder drug therapy therapy MeSH
- Feeding and Eating Disorders drug therapy therapy MeSH
- Psychotherapy * methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
Depression affects hundreds of millions globally, and in 2019, esketamine, an S-enantiomer of ketamine, was approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). While effective, esketamine carries risks, including abuse potential and adverse effects even at low doses. As a result, ketamine's metabolite, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R,6R)-HNK), has garnered attention for its potential antidepressant effects without these drawbacks. This selective review evaluates preclinical behavioral evidence for (2R,6R)-HNK's antidepressant properties, focusing on rodent studies that used established depression models. Results showed that (2R,6R)-HNK reduced behavioral despair, anhedonia, anxiety, and social avoidance in both stressed and non-stressed rodents. Antidepressant effects were observed at doses between 5 and 125 mg/kg, with rapid onset (30 min) and long-lasting effects (up to 21 days). However, some studies failed to demonstrate significant antidepressant effects at doses below 40 mg/kg, often in models with pre-induced depression. No significant adverse effects were reported, but data on side effects were limited. In conclusion, (2R,6R)-HNK shows promise as a next-generation antidepressant. However, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term safety and mechanisms, and to determine its advantages over existing treatments like esketamine, particularly for TRD patients.
- MeSH
- Antidepressive Agents * pharmacology therapeutic use adverse effects MeSH
- Behavior, Animal drug effects MeSH
- Depression * drug therapy psychology MeSH
- Ketamine * analogs & derivatives pharmacology therapeutic use adverse effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Disease Models, Animal MeSH
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Virové bradavice jsou celosvětově časté onemocnění způsobené lidským papilomavirem, který má řadu genotypů. Mnoho z těchto virů je komenzálních a u imunokompetentních hostitelů nevyvolávají žádné projevy. Za vhodných podmínek některé způsobují klinické změny na kůži nebo na sliznicích v anogenitální či orofaryngeální oblasti. U dětí se nejčastěji setkáváme s verruca vulgaris, verruca plantaris a verruca plana. Řada těchto projevů samovolně vymizí, problémem jsou perzistentní či úporně recidivující bradavice. Léčbou se snažíme nejen zlikvidovat viditelné změny za minimalizace bolesti a bez jizvení, ale také o prevenci recidivy ať již v místě původní bradavice nebo kdekoli jinde na těle.
Viral warts are a common disease worldwide caused by the human papillomavirus, which has a number of genotypes. Many of these viruses are commensal and do not cause any symptoms in immunocompetent hosts. Under appropriate conditions, however, some cause clinical changes on the skin or mucous membranes in the anogenital or oropharyngeal part. Verruca vulgaris, verruca plantaris and verruca plana are most often encountered in children. Many of these manifestations disappear on their own, the problem is persistent or stubbornly recurring warts. With the treatment, we try not only to eliminate visible changes while minimizing pain and without scarring, but also to prevent recurrence, whether at the site of the original wart or anywhere else on the body.
- MeSH
- Warts * therapy MeSH
- Child * MeSH
- Immunotherapy methods MeSH
- Papillomavirus Infections drug therapy therapy MeSH
- Keratinocytes drug effects MeSH
- Cryotherapy methods MeSH
- Salicylic Acid pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Lasers MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Retinoids pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
Acne vulgaris je chronické, zánětlivé kožní onemocnění postihující mazové žlázy a přiléhající vlasový folikul. Představuje jedno z nejčastějších kožních onemocnění. Významný je výskyt především v ekonomicky vyspělých krajinách. Akné postihuje děti i dospělé, přičemž nejčastější jsou projevy u adolescentů a mladých dospělých. Projevy se nacházejí v tzv. seborhoické lokalizaci a liší se svou závažností. Někdy mohou po zhojení akné vzniknout i komplikace - erytém, pozánětlivé pigmentace a jizvy. V léčbě akné máme k dispozici široké spektrum léčebných metod. Významnou úlohu v lokální i celkové léčbě hrají retinoidy. Ty často vedou k podráždění kůže. S cílem snížit tyto nežádoucí účinky byla vyvinuta nová generace lokálních retinoidů, kam se řadí trifaroten. Akné je důležité léčit, protože se často vyskytuje na viditelných místech a má významný psychosociální dopad pro pacienta.
Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease affecting the sebaceous glands and the adjacent hair follicle. It is one of the most common skin diseases. The occurrence is particularly significant in economically developed countries. Acne affects both children and adults, with the most common manifestations occurring in adolescents and young adults. Manifestations are found in the so-called seborrheic localization and varies in severity. Sometimes complications can arise after acne has healed - erythema, post-inflammatory pigmentation and scars. In the treatment of acne, we have a wide range of treatment methods available. Retinoids play an important role in local and general treatment. These often lead to skin irritation. In order to reduce these side effects, a new generation of topical retinoids was developed, which includes trifarotene. Acne is important to treat because it often occurs in visible places and has a significant psychosocial impact on the patient.
Hlavním cílem tohoto textu je představit nové psychoaktivní látky zahrnující širokou a různorodou skupinu látek, většinou syntetického původu, zejména se stimulačními, sedativními a halucinogenními účinky. Tyto látky byly vyvinuty nebo znovu uvedeny na trh, aby na jedné straně nahradily tradiční návykové látky, jejichž výroba a zejména distribuce často cílí na obcházení legislativy. Na druhé straně se jedná o velký obchodní potenciál pro výrobce a distributory těchto látek. V textu jsou představeny různé podskupiny těchto látek, jako jsou syntetické kanabinoidy a opioidy, a jejich závažná zdravotní rizika, včetně neurotoxických a kardiovaskulárních komplikací. Dále se zaměřuje na specifické skupiny uživatelů, které tyto látky preferují, na jejich důvody pro užívání, včetně snahy vyhnout se detekci drog nebo zlepšit sexuální prožitek. Zvláštní pozornost je věnována i novým psychedelickým látkám a kratomu, včetně jejich farmakologických vlastností a zdravotních rizik. Článek zdůrazňuje složitost fenoménu nových psychoaktivních látek a nutnost zvýšené pozornosti zdravotnických pracovníků při identifikaci a léčbě intoxikací těmito látkami.
The main objective of this text is to introduce new psychoactive substances, which encompass a broad and diverse group of substances, mostly of synthetic origin, with primarily stimulating, sedative, and hallucinogenic effects. These substances were developed or reintroduced to the market to replace traditional addictive substances, and their production often aims to circumvent legislation. The text discusses various subgroups of these substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids and opioids, and their serious health risks, including neurotoxic and cardiovascular complications. It also focuses on specific user groups who prefer these substances and their reasons for use, including attempts to avoid drug detection or enhance sexual experiences. Special attention is also given to new psychedelic substances and kratom, including their pharmacological properties and health risks. The article emphasizes the complexity of the phenomenon of new psychoactive substances and the need for increased attention from healthcare professionals in identifying and treating intoxications with these substances.
- MeSH
- Dimethoxyphenylethylamine administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Cannabinoids pharmacology adverse effects MeSH
- Ketamine administration & dosage pharmacology adverse effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mitragyna chemistry adverse effects MeSH
- Analgesics, Opioid adverse effects MeSH
- Psychotropic Drugs * pharmacology classification adverse effects MeSH
- Wakefulness-Promoting Agents pharmacology adverse effects MeSH
- Drug Users MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Keywords
- esketamin, Spravato,
- MeSH
- Antidepressive Agents administration & dosage therapeutic use MeSH
- Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant * drug therapy complications MeSH
- Ketamine * administration & dosage therapeutic use MeSH
- Drug Therapy, Combination MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Newspaper Article MeSH
- News MeSH
The vertebrate visual cycle hinges on enzymatically converting all-trans-retinol (at-ROL) into 11-cis-retinal (11c-RAL), the chromophore that binds to opsins in photoreceptors, forming light-responsive pigments. When struck by a photon, these pigments activate the phototransduction pathway and initiate the process of vision. The enzymatic isomerization of at-ROL, crucial for restoring the visual pigments and preparing them to receive new light stimuli, relies on various enzymes found in both the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells. To function effectively, retinoids must shuttle between these two cell types. Retinol-binding protein 3 (RBP3), located in the interphotoreceptor matrix, probably plays a pivotal role in this transport mechanism. Comprised of four retinoid-binding modules, RBP3 also binds fatty acids, potentially aiding retinal function by facilitating the loading and unloading of different retinoids at specific cell types thereby directing the cycle. In this study, we present a 3.67 Å cryoEM structure of porcine RBP3, along with molecular docking analysis and corroborative in-solution small-angle X-ray scattering data for titration of RBP3 with relevant ligands, that also give insights on RBP3 conformational adaptability.
- MeSH
- X-Ray Diffraction MeSH
- Cryoelectron Microscopy methods MeSH
- Protein Conformation MeSH
- Scattering, Small Angle * MeSH
- Models, Molecular MeSH
- Eye Proteins MeSH
- Swine MeSH
- Retinol-Binding Proteins * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Molecular Docking Simulation MeSH
- Protein Binding MeSH
- Vitamin A metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
