Lead is a toxic heavy metal that poses significant health risks, which include neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review examines the effects of lead neurotoxici Show more
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that poses significant health risks, which include neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review examines the effects of lead neurotoxicity on synaptic pathways which are relatively unexplored and their potential role in the development of ASD. Lead exposure occurs through various environmental sources, including contaminated water, soil, paint, and industrial appliances. Once absorbed, lead accumulates in soft tissues and bones, causes prolonged neurological damage, especially in children. ASD is characterised by impaired communication, repetitive behaviours, and cognitive challenges, with increasing evidence linking environmental factors like heavy metal exposure to its onset. Synaptic signalling disruption is a key aspect of ASD and lead interferes with the synaptic pathways by inhibiting calcium influx, leading to cognitive impairments and memory issues. This review is an overview of the previously reported findings that explains the role of lead in reducing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) function, disrupting the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, and impairing Wnt, GABAergic and dopaminergic signalling pathways. These alterations result in cognitive decline, impaired synaptic plasticity and increased ASD symptoms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of lead exposure on neurodevelopment. Show less
Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma is characterised by significant alterations in RNA expression patterns, and a lack of early symptoms and diagnosis results in poor survival rates. Our study aimed to ident Show more
Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma is characterised by significant alterations in RNA expression patterns, and a lack of early symptoms and diagnosis results in poor survival rates. Our study aimed to identify the hub genes involved in LUSC by differential expression analysis and their influence on overall survival rates in patients. Thus, identifying genes with the potential to serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. RNA sequence data for LUSC was obtained from TCGA and analysed using R Studio. Survival analysis was performed on DE genes. PPI network and hub gene analysis was performed on survival-relevant genes. Enrichment analysis was conducted on the PPI network to elucidate the functional roles of hub genes. Our analysis identified 2774 DEGs in LUSC patient datasets. Survival analysis revealed 511 genes with a significant impact on patient survival. Among these, 20 hub genes-FN1, ACTB, HGF, PDGFRB, PTEN, SNAI1, TGFBR1, ESR1, SERPINE1, THBS1, PDGFRA, VWF, BMP2, LEP, VTN, PXN, ABL1, ITGA3 and ANXA5-were found to have lower expression levels associated with better patient survival, whereas high expression of SOX2 correlated with longer survival. Enrichment analysis indicated that these hub genes are involved in critical cellular and cancer-related pathways. Our study has identified six key hub genes that are differentially expressed and exhibit significant influence over LUSC patient survival outcomes. Further, in vitro and in vivo studies must be conducted on the key genes for their utilisation as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in LUSC. Show less