Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is easily accessible in peripheral blood and can be used as biomarkers for cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. The applications of cfDNA in various areas of cancer management are attracting attention. In this review article, we discuss the potential relevance of using cfDNA analysis in clinical oncology, particularly in cancer screening, early diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, monitoring disease progression; and determining disease prognosis.

Introduction: Berberine (BBR) is a plant-derived benzylisoquinoline alkaloid and has been demonstrated to be a potential treatment for various chronic diseases. The poor water solubility and P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated drug efflux are the main challenges for its further application in a clinical setting. Materials and methods: In this study, a Brij-S20 (BS20)-modified nanocrystal formulation (BBR-BS20-NCs) has been developed and investigated with the purpose of improving the intestinal absorption of BBR. The physicochemical properties of the developed BBR-BS20-NCs were characterized and the enhancement of the BBR-BS20-NCs on BBR absorption were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results: The results indicated that BS20 could significantly enhance the intracellular uptake of BBR in MDCK-MDR1 cells via a short-term and reversible modulation on the Pgp function, accompanied by a marked increase in Pgp mRNA expression but without significant influence on the Pgp protein expression. Moreover, the morphology of the prepared BBR-BS20-NCs was observed to be prism-like, with a smooth surface and an average diameter of 148.0 ± 3.2 nm. Compared to raw BBR and physical mixture, BBR-BS20-NCs facilitated the dissolution rate and extent of release of BBR in aqueous solution, and further increased the absorption of BBR in MDCK-MDR1 monolayer by overcoming the Pgp-mediated secretory transport (P_app[BL-AP] values of 2.85 ± 0.04 × 10^-6 cm/s, 2.21 ± 0.14 × 10^-6 cm/s, and 2.00 ± 0.07 × 10^-6 cm/s for pure BBR, physical mixture, and BBR-BS20-NCs, respectively). Significant improvements in the maximum concentration observed (C_max) and area under drug concentration-time curve (AUC_0–t) of BBR-BS20-NCs were obtained in pharmacokinetic studies compared to pure BBR, and the relative bioavailability of BBR-BS20-NCs to pure BBR was 404.1%. Conclusion: The developed BBR-BS20-NCs combine the advantages of nanocrystal formulation and functional excipient. The novel pharmaceutical design provides a new strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of those drugs with both poor water solubility and Pgp-mediated efflux.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, represents a significant clinical challenge due to its complex pathogenesis and the limitations of existing therapeutic strategies. Current psoriasis diagnoses are primarily clinician-dependent, with instrumental diagnostics serving as adjuncts. Ongoing research is progressively deciphering its molecular underpinnings; the future of psoriasis diagnostics may involve genetic and immunological profiling to pinpoint biomarkers, enabling more accurate and timely interventions. The administration of psoriasis medications, whether oral, injectable, or topical, is associated with a range of side effects and compliance issues. Topical medications, despite their advantages in patient compliance and reduced systemic side effects, are hindered by the altered skin barrier in psoriasis, which impedes effective drug penetration and retention. In recent years, the development of novel transdermal drug delivery systems represents a promising frontier in psoriasis management. Nanotechnology-, microneedle- and dressing-based systems have demonstrated the potential for improved skin penetration, enhanced bioavailability, or extended retention time. Here, we will focus on the latest insights into the etiology, diagnostic methodologies, and therapeutic approaches for psoriasis, with a particular emphasis on the evolution and challenges of novel transdermal drug delivery systems.