Emerging lipid-lowering therapies, such as Plozasiran, target apolipoprotein C-III (APOC-III) by inhibiting its hepatic production at the mRNA level, presenting a novel approach to lipid regulation. H Show more
Emerging lipid-lowering therapies, such as Plozasiran, target apolipoprotein C-III (APOC-III) by inhibiting its hepatic production at the mRNA level, presenting a novel approach to lipid regulation. However, the safety and efficacy of plozasiran have yet to be fully established. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL register of trials for studies comparing plozasiran to placebo in patients with dyslipidemic disorders. The primary outcomes were percentage changes from baseline in triglyceride (TG) and APOC-III levels at 24 weeks and the end of the study. Secondary outcomes included changes in other lipid parameters and safety outcomes at 24 weeks and the end of the study. A protocol was registered to PROSPERO under registration number [CRD420251026605]. Four studies encompassing 1,514 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Plozasiran significantly improved TGs, APOC-III, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels at both 24 weeks and study completion. Subgroup analyses based on dose and regimen revealed consistent findings. Quarterly administration of plozasiran at 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg resulted in significant reductions in TGs, APOC-III, non-HDL-C, and HDL-C at both 24 weeks and study completion. For ApoB, all three doses produced significant reductions at 24 weeks; however, only the 25 mg and 50 mg quarterly regimens sustained these reductions through the end of the study. Regarding safety, patients receiving plozasiran experienced a higher incidence of any adverse events, headache, and mild rises in HbA1C levels. Subgroup analysis revealed a dose-dependent pattern for certain safety outcomes. While Plozasiran shows strong potential as a therapeutic option for severe dyslipidemic conditions, further studies are needed to compare its efficacy and safety with currently available treatments and, more importantly, evaluate its impact on clinical outcomes for implementation in clinical practice. Show less
The Environmental Protection Agency has listed eggshell waste as the 15th most significant food industry pollution hazard. Using eggshell waste as a renewable energy source has been a hot topic recent Show more
The Environmental Protection Agency has listed eggshell waste as the 15th most significant food industry pollution hazard. Using eggshell waste as a renewable energy source has been a hot topic recently. Therefore, finding a sustainable solution for the recycling and valorization of eggshell waste by investigating its potential to produce acid phosphatase (ACP) and organic acids by the newly-discovered B. sonorensis was the target of the current investigation. Drawing on both molecular and morphological characterizations, the most potent ACP-producing B. sonorensis strain ACP2, was identified as a local bacterial strain obtained from the effluent of the paper and pulp industries. The use of consecutive statistical experimental approaches of Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) and Orthogonal Central Composite Design (OCCD), followed by pH-uncontrolled cultivation conditions in a 7 L bench-top bioreactor, revealed an innovative medium formulation that substantially improved ACP production, reaching 216 U L This study emphasized robust microbial engineering approaches for the large-scale production of a newly discovered acid phosphatase, accompanied by organic acids production from B. sonorensis. The biovalorization of the eggshell waste and the production of cost-effective ACP and organic acids were integrated into the current study, and this was done through the implementation of a unique and innovative medium formulation design for eggshell waste management, as well as scaling up ACP production on a bench-top scale. Show less