Disease: cancer

Detection of Opportunistic Fungi from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens of Patients with Pulmonary Diseases

Researchers examined lung fluid samples from patients with lung diseases to identify fungal infections. They found various types of fungi including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Pneumocystis using microscopy and laboratory tests. Large numbers of fungi were present in many samples, which could interfere with medicine absorption and treatment. The study shows that quick and accurate identification of these fungi is important for treating lung infections properly.

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Therapeutic and Preventive Potential of Plant-Derived Antioxidant Nutraceuticals

This comprehensive review explores how compounds found in plants can protect our bodies from harmful damage caused by oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and various diseases. Plant-based foods rich in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and olive oil contain special molecules that can help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The review highlights that these natural compounds work through multiple beneficial mechanisms beyond just antioxidant activity, making plant-based diets an effective strategy for maintaining health and preventing disease.

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L-gulono-γ-lactone Oxidase, the Key Enzyme for L-Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for human health, protecting against disease and supporting numerous body functions. However, humans cannot make their own vitamin C because we lack a functional GULO enzyme gene. This review examines how different organisms produce vitamin C, where these enzymes work in cells, and recent discoveries showing that a simplified version of the enzyme can still work effectively, which could help improve vitamin C production in engineered plants.

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Towards engineering agaricomycete fungi for terpenoid production

Mushroom-forming fungi, particularly species like shiitake and oyster mushrooms, naturally produce valuable compounds called terpenoids used in medicines, food, and cosmetics. Scientists are learning to genetically engineer these fungi to produce even larger amounts of these beneficial compounds, potentially making them as important to biotechnology as baker’s yeast and mold have been historically. This could create new sustainable sources for medicinal compounds and industrial chemicals.

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mGem: How many fungal secondary metabolites are produced by filamentous fungi? Conservatively, at least 1.4 million

Scientists have discovered about 30,000 fungal compounds with useful properties, from life-saving antibiotics like penicillin to cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, new research suggests that fungi actually produce somewhere between 1.4 million and 4.3 million different chemical compounds, meaning we’ve only discovered about 1-2% of what’s out there. By studying the genomes of fungi, researchers estimate that for every fungal medicine we know about, there could be 50-100 more waiting to be discovered, representing an enormous opportunity for developing new drugs and therapies.

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Influence of Culture Conditions on Bioactive Compounds in Cordyceps militaris: A Comprehensive Review

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine to treat fatigue, boost immunity, and fight disease. This comprehensive review explains how different growing conditions—including the type of food (substrate), light exposure, temperature, and nutrient ratios—affect the production of powerful healing compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides. The review compares growing methods using grains versus insects, showing that insect-based cultivation produces higher concentrations of beneficial compounds. Key recommendations for the future include developing standardized growing protocols and integrating advanced research techniques to scale up production sustainably.

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Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

β-glucans are beneficial compounds found in fungi and some plants that help your body in multiple ways. They boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect against oxidative stress, and may help fight cancer and infections. Recent research shows they could be useful as diagnostic markers for fungal infections and as vaccine boosters, especially for diseases like COVID-19.

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Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications

Scientists created tiny particles called zinc oxide nanoparticles using mushroom extract in an environmentally friendly way. These particles were tested and found to protect the liver from damage, kill harmful bacteria and fungi, and act as powerful antioxidants. This research suggests these mushroom-derived nanoparticles could become useful medicines for treating infections and cancer in the future.

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Harnessing the Nutritional Value, Therapeutic Applications, and Environmental Impact of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are nutritious superfoods packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. They contain special compounds that can fight inflammation, boost immunity, and help prevent serious diseases like cancer and diabetes. Beyond eating them, mushrooms are being used to make medicines, cosmetics, and animal feed, while also helping clean up polluted environments. Regular consumption of mushrooms offers significant health benefits and can be a valuable addition to any healthy diet.

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