Copper is a crucial trace element that plays a role in various pathophysiological processes in the human body. Copper also acts as a transition metal involved in redox reactions, contributing to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under prolonged and increased ROS levels, oxidative stress occurs, which has been implicated in different types of regulated cell death. The recent discovery of cuproptosis, a copper-dependent regulated cell death pathway that is distinct from other known regulated cell death forms, has raised interest to researchers in the field of cancer therapy. Herein, the present work aims to outline the current understanding of cuproptosis, with an emphasis on its anticancer activities through the interplay with copper-induced oxidative stress, thereby providing new ideas for therapeutic approaches targeting modes of cell death in the future.

Bone tissue engineering has seen significant advancements with innovative scaffold fabrication techniques such as 3D printing. This review focuses on enhancing polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold properties through structural modifications, including surface treatments, pore architecture adjustments, and the incorporation of biomaterials like hydroxyapatite (HA). These modifications aim to improve scaffold conformation, cellular behavior, and mechanical performance, with particular emphasis on the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone regeneration. The review also explores the potential of integrating nanomaterials and graphene oxide (GO) to further enhance the mechanical and biological properties of PCL scaffolds. Future directions involve optimizing scaffold structures and compositions for improved bone tissue regeneration outcomes.

There is growing evidence on the involvement of oxidative stress, which is simply described as the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the former, in the development of periodontal disease that is the most common inflammatory disease in the oral cavity. Thus, the potential of antioxidant phytochemicals as adjunctively preventive and therapeutic agents against the initiation and progression of periodontal disease is a topic of great interest. The current review firstly aims to provide updated insights about the immuno-inflammatory pathway regulated by oxidative stress in periodontal pathology. Then, this work further presents the systemic knowledge of antioxidant phytochemicals, particularly the pharmacological activities, which can be utilized in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects regarding such a scope are figured out.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is now well recognized a pivotal endogenous signaling molecule in mammalian lives. The proof-of-concept employing chemical carriers of exogenous CO as prodrugs for CO release, also known as CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), has been appreciated. The major advantage of CO-RMs is that they are able to deliver CO to the target sites in a controlled manner. There is an increasing body of experimental studies suggesting the therapeutic potentials of CO and CO-RMs in different cancer models. This review firstly presents a short but crucial view concerning the characteristics of CO and CO-RMs. Then, the anticancer activities of CO-RMs that target many cancer hallmarks, mainly proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion and metastasis, are discussed. However, their anticancer activities are varying and cell-type specific. The aerobic metabolism of molecular oxygen inevitably generates various oxygen-containing reactive metabolites termed reactive oxygen species (ROS) which play important roles in both physiology and pathophysiology. Although ROS act as a double-edged sword in cancer, both sides of which may potentially have been exploited for therapeutic benefits. The main focus of the present review is thus to identify the possible signaling network by which CO-RMs can exert their anticancer actions, where ROS play the central role. Another important issue concerning the potential effect of CO-RMs on the aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) which is a feature of cancer metabolic reprogramming is given before the conclusion with future prospects on the challenges of developing CO-RMs into clinically pharmaceutical candidates in cancer therapy.

Incense burning is a very popular activity in daily life among many parts all over the world. A growing body of both epidemiological and experimental evidences has reported the negative effects of incense use on human well-being, posing a potential threat at public significance. This work is a comprehensive review that covers the latest findings regarding the adverse impact of incense smoke on our health, providing a panoramic visualization ranging from mechanisms to implications. The toxicities of incense smoke come directly from its harmful constituents and deposition capacity in the body. Besides, reactive oxygen species-driven oxidative stress and associated inflammation seem to be plausible underlying mechanisms, eliciting various unfavorable responses. Although our current knowledge remains many gaps, this issue still has some important implications.

Periodontal defects present a significant challenge in dentistry, necessitating innovative solutions for comprehensive regeneration. Traditional restoration methods have inherent limitations in achieving complete and functional periodontal tissue reconstruction. Tissue engineering, a multidisciplinary approach integrating cells, biomaterials, and bioactive factors, holds tremendous promise in addressing this challenge. Central to tissue engineering strategies are scaffolds, pivotal in supporting cell behavior and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Natural and synthetic materials have been extensively explored, each offering unique advantages in terms of biocompatibility and tunable properties. The integration of growth factors and stem cells further amplifies the regenerative potential, contributing to enhanced tissue healing and functional restoration. Despite significant progress, challenges persist. Achieving the seamless integration of regenerated tissues, establishing proper vascularization, and developing biomimetic scaffolds that faithfully replicate the natural periodontal environment are ongoing research endeavors. Collaborative efforts across diverse scientific disciplines are essential to overcoming these hurdles. This comprehensive review underscores the critical need for continued research and development in tissue engineering strategies for periodontal regeneration. By addressing current challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, we can unlock the full regenerative potential, paving the way for transformative advancements in periodontal care. This research not only enhances our understanding of periodontal tissues but also offers innovative approaches that can revolutionize dental therapies, improving patient outcomes and reshaping the future of periodontal treatments.