Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is a perennial flowering plant of the Asteraceae family that has spread globally and is well-known for its traditional uses. The aim of this work is to provide a detailed review of scientific literature on the genus Taraxacum from the last two decades, with particular emphasis on the biological and pharmacological characteristics of dandelions. The traditional use of Taraxacum species and their potential use in medicine are assessed. In addition, individual papers describing principal pathways and molecules modulated by Taraxacum in antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities are presented. This review of phytochemical studies reveals that dandelions contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, phytosterols, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpene, and coumarins, whose biological activities are actively explored in various areas of human health, some constituents having synergistic activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The study provides a screening of Taraxacum sp. chemical composition, an assessment of the main pharmacological properties, and a description of relevant studies supporting the use of dandelion for its particularly valuable and diversified therapeutic potential in different diseases.

The lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) of hemocytes in wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as a biomarker of cellular stress for chemical pollution was tested by neutral red retention time (NRRT) assays. To assess the environmental contamination in the study area, seawater quality and pollutant bioaccumulation throughout the soft tissue of mussels were investigated. The samples were collected in July 2022 at four sites on the Romanian Black Sea coast considered to be differently affected by contamination. To support the suitability of LMS as a biomarker of contaminant-induced stress, the contaminant body burdens of the mussels were compared with the NRRT values. The results showed a significantly reduced NRRT in all investigated locations, particularly in port areas (mean retention time between 11 and 14 min). The elevated bioaccumulation of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low NRRTs were observed at the most contaminated sites (i.e., ports). The low lysosomal stability reflected stress and damage in the hemocytes of mussels and could be related to the body burdens of contaminants. LMS is an effective indicator of health status in mussels and could be considered a sensitive biomarker of cellular stress induced by contaminant exposure.

Galectins are a family of proteins that belong to one of the most widespread classes of lectins found in all organisms. They are found intracellularly in various structures or secreted into the extracellular space, where they are involved in mediating cellular biological processes such as growth, function, interaction and response. They are known for their ability to bind to carbohydrates, specifically those containing beta-galactose. This narrative review outlines the human galectins, emphasizing Galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding protein with numerous pleiotropic regulatory activities; it mediates various biological processes. Galectin-3 is an extensively studied member due to its broad implications in health and disease and we highlight the need for deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of Galectin-3 as well as the context-dependent mechanisms through which Galectin-3 influences diverse physiological and pathological processes. Literature syntheses and scientific research, as well as clinical and experimental studies, were investigated regarding the biological and pathophysiological actions and implications of Galectin-3 in diseases. The study presents the structure, characteristics, roles, activities, and proinflammatory actions (as a mediator) and anti-inflammatory actions (as a modulator) of Galectin-3, as well as the main groups of diseases in which it is involved or associated with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, organ fibrosis, and metabolic diseases. The results emphasized the potential of Galectin-3 as an important molecule and highlighted the necessity for further research to improve its approach. This narrative review provides new insights into identifying its functions and the future development and rational design of Galectin-3-directed research strategies.

Anghel Cireasa L, et al. J Vet Sci. 2025 Jul;26:e50. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.24272

In recent years, numerous scientific research papers have focused on the analysis of immunological, biochemical, ultrastructural, molecular and genetic factors that govern the clinical aspects of basal cell carcinomas. This retrospective study was carried out in the Clinical Department of Dermatovenerology at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Apostol Andrei”, Constanta. The research included a total of 140 patients treated in the clinic, with a diagnosis of basal cell epithelioma. We analyzed several biochemical and hematological markers including creatinine, male HDL cholesterol, female HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, urea, serum glucose. More than half of patients with BCC present data of possible hepatic impairment and high atherogenic risk.