Bone homeostasis is securely controlled by the dynamic well‐balanced actions among osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes. Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells that degrade bone matrix and involve in the bone remodelling in conjunction with other bone cells, osteoblasts and osteocytes, the completely matured form of osteoblasts. Disruption of this controlling balance among these cells or any disparity in bone remodelling caused by a higher rate of resorption by osteoclasts over construction of bone by osteoblasts results in a reduction of bone matrix including bone mineral density (BMD) and bone marrow cells (BMCs). The dominating effect of osteoclasts results in advanced risk of bone crack and joint destruction in several diseases including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the boosted osteoblastic activity produces osteosclerotic phenotype and weakened its action primes to osteomalacia or rickets. On the other hand, senescent osteocytes predominately progress the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and may contribute to age related bone loss. Here, we discuss an advanced level work on newly identified cellular mechanisms controlling the remodelling of bone and crosstalk among bone cells as these relate to the therapeutic targeting of the skeleton.

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The novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 has kept the whole world in tenterhooks due to its severe life‐threatening infectious disease, COVID‐19. The virus is distinct its cousins, SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV in term of severity of the infection. The obligated killing properties of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is mediated by its unique structure. Efforts for developing vaccines for COVID‐19 are ongoing, but it is unlikely to be available in the immediate future. Due to the absence of precise treatment, the investigators are discovering other effective, protective and healing choices. However, the lower than predictable number of SARS‐CoV‐2 cases in countries with fragile health systems is mystifying. Recently, there has been a buzz about the protective effect of BCG vaccine in COVID‐19 through long‐term boosting of trained immunity. Based on epidemiological correlations, we link up that BCG vaccination adopted by different countries might influence the SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission patterns and/or COVID‐19 associated mortality through the vaccine's capacity to confer heterologous protection. A number of clinical studies are underway to investigate this possibility but ‐even if they prove effective‐many questions will remain. Moreover, responsible stewardship of the BCG vaccine in the context of the COVID‐19 epidemic is directly needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Macro-autophagy (autophagy) is a highly conserved eukaryotic intracellular process of self-digestion caused by lysosomes on demand, which is upregulated as a survival strategy upon exposure to various stressors, such as metabolic insults, cytotoxic drugs, and alcohol abuse. Paradoxically, autophagy dysfunction also contributes to cancer and aging. It is well known that regulating autophagy by targeting specific regulatory molecules in its machinery can modulate multiple disease processes. Therefore, autophagy represents a significant pharmacological target for drug development and therapeutic interventions in various diseases, including cancers. According to the framework of autophagy, the suppression or induction of autophagy can exert therapeutic properties through the promotion of cell death or cell survival, which are the two main events targeted by cancer therapies. Remarkably, natural products have attracted attention in the anticancer drug discovery field, because they are biologically friendly and have potential therapeutic effects. In this review, we summarize the up-to-date knowledge regarding natural products that can modulate autophagy in various cancers. These findings will provide a new position to exploit more natural compounds as potential novel anticancer drugs and will lead to a better understanding of molecular pathways by targeting the various autophagy stages of upcoming cancer therapeutics.

Background: Deregulation of the gut microbiota results in various pathological disorders such as diabetes, inflammation, cancer, dyslipidemia etc. Modulation of intestinal microbiota by probiotics may facilitate the management of a number of clinical conditions of diabetes. Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of feeding low-fat probiotic yogurt containing L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus on fructose-fed hyperglycemic rats. Yogurt containing L. acidophilus or L. bulgaricus (9.5 × 10 9 cfu/rat/day) alone or in combination of both strains was supplied orally for 8 weeks concurrently with 20% fructose solution. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles from blood and histopathological study of liver tissues were analyzed to evaluate anti-diabetic effect. Statistical analysis was done by Graph Pad Prism software. Values at p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Administration of L. acidophilus or L. bulgaricus alone or in combination of both to hyperglycemic rats decreased serum FBG, onset of glucose intolerance, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL-cholesterol, increased HDL-cholesterol levels significantly and preserved antioxidant pool such as activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase etc. Probiotic administration also prevented/repaired the oxidative damage of liver tissues. Conclusion: In conclusion, administration of yogurt containing L. acidophilus or L. bulgaricus that balanced the intestinal microbiota can prevent or lower risks of type-2 diabetes and its related complications.