Diabetes mellitus represents a complicated metabolic condition marked by ongoing hyperglycemia arising from impaired insulin secretion, inadequate insulin action, or a combination of both. Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a significant contributor to the aetiology of diabetes, affecting various metabolic processes critical for glucose homeostasis. This review aims to elucidate the complex link between mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetes, covering the spectrum of diabetes types, the role of mitochondria in insulin resistance, highlighting pathophysiological mechanisms, mitochondrial DNA damage, and altered mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Additionally, it discusses the clinical implications and complications of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes and its complications, diagnostic approaches for assessing mitochondrial function in diabetics, therapeutic strategies, future directions, and research opportunities.
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa where Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the Plasmodium parasites. Resistance to insecticides remains an obstacle in spite of the efforts to control malaria vector. The interaction between Plasmodium parasites and mosquito vectors, with a focus on the immunity of mosquitoes and approaches to combat malaria, is examined in this review. This review explores the potential of genetic approaches including CRISPR‐Cas9, Wolbachia , RNA interference (RNAi), and symbiont‐based strategies for the control of malaria vector. The innate immune system of Anopheles mosquitoes that identify, recognize, and limit Plasmodium infection through pathogen recognition receptors, signaling pathways, and effector mechanisms like antimicrobial peptides and melanization is well developed. However, Plasmodium has developed several evasion mechanisms to establish infection. This led to various genetic modification techniques being designed to reduce vector population and transmission. Gene drive such as CRISPR‐Cas9 can introduce genetic alterations to interfere with the transmission of malaria; Wolbachia interferes with vector competence, RNAi‐mediated gene to target relevant genes involved in reproduction and survival. Self‐limiting strategies such as RIDL and pgSIT genetically modified insect releasement to the environment. mosGILT is an emerging immune regulator which has shown relevance in blocking transmission. This review explores the potential of these genetic approaches in malaria vector control efforts, highlighting their advantages and imitations. Further research should explore mosquito immune genes and pathways in developing innovative and acceptable genetic vector control approaches.
7 June 2024 in International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics
Malaria, which is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by mosquitoes, continues to be a major global health issue. The worldwide health community continues to work toward finding a conclusive answer to the malaria problem, but it is still elusive. Developing a successful malaria vaccine has proven difficult due to the Plasmodium parasite’s complicated life cycle and ability to change and develop resistance to interventions rapidly. Amidst this backdrop, the advent of mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines, exemplified by their resounding success in mitigating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has kindled newfound hope in vaccine development. This review examines the potential of leveraging mRNA technology to induce a robust immune response, thereby potentially revolutionising the landscape of malaria prevention through the development of breakthrough malaria vaccines. The intricate interplay between the efficacy of the mRNA-LNP vaccine against COVID-19 and its prospective utility in addressing malaria is also deliberated upon.