International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 342-354 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 350 properties by scavenging free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby preventing neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress. In models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, LBPs were found to attenuate neuron apoptosis and promote cell survival via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, a critical pathway involved in cell growth, proliferation, and survival (Yu et al., 2018). Moreover, LBPs’ ability to reduce inflammation plays a crucial role in neuroprotection. Chronic inflammation is often a contributing factor in neurodegenerative diseases. LBPs inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β, which contribute to neuronal degeneration, thereby promoting neuroprotection (Kwok et al., 2019). Research has also shown that LBPs protect hippocampal neurons and improve cognitive function in aging and Alzheimer's disease models by modulating pathways that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (Zhou et al., 2018). These neuroprotective effects suggest that LBPs have the potential to be developed into therapies for neurodegenerative conditions, delaying cognitive decline and supporting brain health. 6.2 Protection against cardiovascular and metabolic disorders LBPs have demonstrated substantial potential in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce insulin resistance, improve glucose metabolism, and regulate lipid profiles, which are key factors in managing diabetes and preventing associated complications. Research has shown that LBPs can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels, lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic models, suggesting their role as an effective therapeutic agent for diabetes management (Huang et al., 2022). Furthermore, LBPs have been studied for their role in preventing diabetic complications, such as nephropathy and retinopathy, through their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. For instance, in diabetic retinopathy models, LBPs were found to inhibit high glucose-induced angiogenesis, a critical factor in the progression of the disease, by regulating the expression of microRNAs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways (Zhu et al., 2021). Additionally, LBPs help prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing cholesterol levels and protecting against lipid peroxidation, which are important factors in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions (Huang et al., 2022). These effects make LBPs a promising complementary therapy for the prevention and management of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. 6.3 Immunotherapy and cancer One of the most promising therapeutic applications of LBPs is in cancer treatment and immunotherapy. LBPs have been shown to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by enhancing the activity of immune cells, particularly T cells. In cancer models, LBPs increase the infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes into tumor tissues, while simultaneously decreasing the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are known to suppress immune responses and aid tumor growth. This dual effect improves the body’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells (Deng et al., 2018). Additionally, LBPs have shown the ability to inhibit the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells, which is a mechanism used by tumors to evade immune detection. By inhibiting PD-L1, LBPs restore the function of T cells and enhance their ability to attack tumor cells, making LBPs a valuable adjunct in immunotherapy (Piao et al., 2020). Furthermore, LBPs have been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. For instance, in combination with chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, LBPs enhanced the anti-tumor effects while reducing the damage to healthy tissues, indicating their potential in improving cancer treatment outcomes (Han et al., 2022). Moreover, LBPs have been shown to reduce liver fibrosis, which is a common precursor to liver cancer. Their ability to inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells and modulate inflammatory pathways, such as the NF-κB signaling pathway, contributes to their anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer properties. These findings highlight the potential of LBPs in both preventing and treating liver cancer, and their use in combination with existing cancer therapies offers promising avenues for improved treatment strategies.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==