High-throughput screening (HTS) is one of the newest techniques used in drug design and may be applied in biological and chemical sciences. This method, due to utilization of robots, detectors and software that regulate the whole process, enables a series of analyses of chemical compounds to be conducted in a short time and the affinity of biological structures which is often related to toxicity to be defined. Since 2008 we have implemented the automation of this technique and as a consequence, the possibility to examine 100,000 compounds per day. The HTS method is more frequently utilized in conjunction with analytical techniques such as NMR or coupled methods e.g., LC-MS/MS. Series of studies enable the establishment of the rate of affinity for targets or the level of toxicity. Moreover, researches are conducted concerning conjugation of nanoparticles with drugs and the determination of the toxicity of such structures. For these purposes there are frequently used cell lines. Due to the miniaturization of all systems, it is possible to examine the compound’s toxicity having only 1–3 mg of this compound. Determination of cytotoxicity in this way leads to a significant decrease in the expenditure and to a reduction in the length of the study.

Copper is one of the most interesting elements for various biomedical applications. Copper compounds show vast array of biological actions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, biocidal and other. It also offers a selection of radioisotopes, suitable for nuclear imaging and radiotherapy. Quick progress in nanotechnology opened new possibilities for design of copper based drugs and medical materials. To date, copper has not found many uses in medicine, but number of ongoing research, as well as preclinical and clinical studies, will most likely lead to many novel applications of copper in the near future.

Aspartame is a sweetener introduced to replace the commonly used sucrose. It was discovered by James M. Schlatter in 1965. Being 180–200 times sweeter than sucrose, its intake was expected to reduce obesity rates in developing countries and help those struggling with diabetes. It is mainly used as a sweetener for soft drinks, confectionery, and medicines. Despite its widespread use, its safety remains controversial. This narrative review investigates the existing literature on the use of aspartame and its possible effects on the human body to refine current knowledge. Taking to account that aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, it seems appropriate to continue research on safety. Studies mentioned in this article have produced very interesting results overall, the current review highlights the social problem of providing visible and detailed information about the presence of aspartame in products. The studies involving the impact of aspartame on obesity, diabetes mellitus, children and fetus, autism, neurodegeneration, phenylketonuria, allergies and skin problems, its cancer properties and its genotoxicity were analyzed. Further research should be conducted to ensure clear information about the impact of aspartame on health.

Radiolabeled peptides are a relatively new, very specific radiotracer group, which is still expanding. This group is very diverse in terms of peptide size. It contains very small structures containing several amino acids and whole antibodies. Moreover, radiolabeled peptides are diverse in terms of the binding aim and therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The majority of this class of radiotracers is utilized in oncology, where the same structure can be used in therapy and diagnostic imaging by varying the radionuclide. In this study, we collected new reports of radiolabeled peptide applications in diagnosis and therapy in oncology and other fields of medicine. Radiolabeled peptides are also increasingly being used in rheumatology, cardiac imaging, or neurology. The studies collected in this review concern new therapeutic and diagnostic procedures in humans and new structures tested on animals. We also performed an analysis of clinical trials, which concerns application of radiolabeled peptides and antibodies that were reported in the clinicaltrials.gov database between 2008 and 2018.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) leading to mental deterioration and devastation, and eventually a fatal outcome. AD affects mostly the elderly. AD is frequently accompanied by hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus, and these are significant risk factors of AD. Other conditions triggered by the progression of AD include psychosis, sleep disorders, epilepsy, and depression. One important comorbidity is Down’s syndrome, which directly contributes to the severity and rapid progression of AD. The development of new therapeutic strategies for AD includes the repurposing of drugs currently used for the treatment of comorbidities. A better understanding of the influence of comorbidities on the pathogenesis of AD, and the medications used in its treatment, might allow better control of disease progression, and more effective pharmacotherapy.Graphic abstract