Browsing by Author "Sharmin, Sabrina"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 31

A brief review on cell penetrating peptides for cancer treatment
(BRAC University, 2024-09) Mahiwyat, Nazifa; Sharmin, Sabrina
Efficient transportation of imaging reagents and medications to tumors is vital for the detection and treatment of cancer. Peptides have several advantages, including biocompatibility, simplicity of synthesis, reduced size, ability to avoid off-target negative effects, and the ability to achieve favorable effects with lower doses. Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) possess the unique ability to traverse cell membranes and facilitate the transport of therapeutic drugs across the plasma membrane. Although there has been notable advancement in the design and use of CPP, further research is necessary to better their targeted delivery to tumors, while minimizing adverse effects and improving treatment effectiveness. CPPs have also been utilized in many pre-clinical and clinical trials for the treatment of cancer disease. Developing next-generation CPPs with higher cell penetration, stability, and selectivity can boost the drug delivery approach by creative design or chemical alterations. Recent CPP-based targeted cell penetration advancements provide emerging optimization strategies.
A comprehensive review on the use of nanoparticles in alzheimer’s disease: a promising therapeutic approach
(BRAC University, 2024-12) Jahan, Sadia; Sharmin, Sabrina
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Currently, there is no definitive cure for this condition. Traditional treatment approaches face challenges, such as limited drug bioavailability and the difficulty of drugs crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising solution, offering a targeted and efficient drug delivery system. These nanoscale carriers can enhance the bioavailability of therapeutic agents and enable controlled release of active substances while bypassing the BBB. This paper reviews the therapeutic applications of nanoparticles in AD, emphasizing their potential to deliver antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and amyloid-targeting drugs directly to affected brain regions. It discusses various types of nanoparticle-based formulations, including liposomes, polymeric NPs, and metallic NPs, highlighting their multifunctional roles in diagnostic imaging and the early detection of AD biomarkers. Furthermore, the paper addresses concerns regarding potential cytotoxicity, long-term biocompatibility, and regulatory challenges. This comprehensive review underscores the transformative potential of nanoparticles in managing AD, paving the way for innovative and personalized medical interventions.
A review article on cell-penetrating peptides as nanocarriers for intracellular drug delivery
(BRAC University, 2025-08) Islam, MD. Rashedul; Sharmin, Sabrina
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as a highly promising class of nanocarriers capable of overcoming cellular barriers to deliver therapeutic molecules intracellularly. CPPs, characterized by their cationic, amphipathic, or hydrophobic nature, facilitate efficient translocation across lipid bilayers, transporting diverse cargoes such as nucleic acids, proteins, and nanoparticles directly into cells. This review systematically explores the classification, structural characteristics, and uptake mechanisms of CPPs, emphasizing their conjugation with nanocarriers to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Significant applications of CPP-based systems across various biomedical fields, including cancer therapy, neurological disorders, and genetic diseases, are discussed. Despite their substantial potential, CPPs face critical challenges such as non-specific cellular uptake, endosomal entrapment, proteolytic instability, and potential cytotoxicity. Recent advancements addressing these issues through targeted design, stimuli-responsive constructs, and computational modeling demonstrate promising progress towards clinical translation. The review concludes with future perspectives on leveraging CPPs in RNA therapeutics, CRISPR gene editing, theranostics, and precision medicine.
A review of Cell-penetrating peptide mediated drug delivery to the brain
(BRAC University, 2023-02) Tisha, Zarin Tasnim; Sharmin, Sabrina
The central nervous system (CNS) is prone to different CNS disorders such as stroke, tumor, different neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s diseases etc. There are several treatment strategies available such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemotherapeutic drugs etc. But the physiological barrier of CNS, the blood- brain barrier (BBB) poses as a main hindrance in these treatments. In this regard, cell- penetrating peptides (CPPs) mediated approach can be a promising treatment strategy to deliver the drug to brain crossing the BBB. CPPs are small peptides containing positive charge, can cross the cellular membrane and translocate different cargos containing protein, peptides, nucleic acids. They also have proven their ability to cross the BBB and deliver the cargos for efficient neural drug administration. They have less side effects and cytotoxcity. In this review, the main objective is to explore the potentiality of CPPs in delivering the drug to CNS for CNS disorders.
A review on metformin for the treatment of type II Diabetes Mellitus
(BRAC University, 2024-03) Yasin, Muhammad Tasnim; Sharmin, Sabrina
Metformin, a well-known medication for type 2 diabetes, has demonstrated promise in postponing or averting the disease's beginning in high-risk patients. The first line of treatment for type 2 diabetic mellitus is biguanides like metformin. They function well both on their own and in combination with other medications that decrease blood sugar. For T2DM control, aggressive treatment is required to fulfill targets for cardiovascular risk factors and blood sugar levels. In this context, in addition to its antihyperglycemic properties, metformin—an established and widely used first-line medication—stands out for its capacity to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction, hemostasis and oxidative stress, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and fat redistribution. Its mode of action involves decreasing insulin resistance, raising insulin sensitivity, and lowering the quantity of glucose the liver produces. The medication is useful in lowering blood glucose levels without raising the risk of hypoglycemia, according to a large body of research. It is generally highly received, reasonably priced, and has little side effects. Despite metformin's therapy is widely used and effective, there are still significant drawbacks and difficulties with it, including gastrointestinal side effects, individual differences in response, and issues with using it in particular patient populations. With significant advantages in glycemic control and other areas, one of the cornerstones of type 2 diabetes treatment remains to be metformin. It's vital position in the arsenal against Type 2 Diabetes and associated problems is reaffirmed by ongoing research efforts that uncover its varied therapeutic potential and enhance its clinical efficacy. Diabetes, metformin, glucose, insulin, biguanides, hypoglycemia.
A review on regulation of autophagy by microRNA in human breast cancer
(BRAC University, 2023-04) Ritu, Fariha Akhter; Sharmin, Sabrina
A conserved catabolic process called autophagy involves the recycling of cytosolic organelles or components via a lysosome-dependent pathway. A number of disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer, are linked to abnormalities in autophagy. According to the current theory, autophagy appears to act as a tumor suppressor during the early stages of the development of cancer, but as the disease progresses, autophagy may promote and/or assist the growth and spread of the tumor as well as make it more resistant to treatment. Autophagy is therefore regarded as a stagedependent dual player in cancer. Endogenous non-coding short RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs) control posttranscriptional gene expression in a negative manner.Additionally, mounting evidence from the literature suggests that dysregulation of miRNA expression affects how cancer forms, invades, metastasizes, and responds to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. As a result, research on autophagy-regulating miRNA in cancer will aid in the creation of new disease indicators and therapeutic approaches as well as a better understanding of malignancies given the significance of autophagy for cancer biology. Several of these cancer-related miRNAs may be studied since they have a role in controlling autophagy. We will concentrate on autophagy, miRNA, risk factors, cancer diagnosis, and cancer treatment in this review.
A review: cell penetrating peptides-an advanced drug delivery system & therapeutic approach for the treatment of Cancer
(BRAC University, 2024-10) Tasnim, Jarin; Sharmin, Sabrina
In recent years, medical science has acheived a lot of success in the field of treatment.Treating cancer sucessfully is one of them.But though having unimaginable success and advancement in the medical field the rate of death due to cancer is increasing day by day with a growing population. According to the World Health Organization there were about estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022. So it is very clear that conventional chemotherapy or cancer treatment requires more advanced aproaches in order to control this growing death rate due to cancer.Application of Cell Penetrating Petides is one of those approaches. One extremely promising method for intracellular medication delivery is the use of cell-penetrating peptides. Cancer therapy is a pertinent clinical use of cell-penetrating peptides. Both oligonucleotide-based treatments and traditional small-molecule medications might be more effectively treated by increasing their absorption in tumor cells using peptide-based delivery.The cancer applications of cell penetrating peptides as delivery systems are the main focus of this review; including various aspects of drug loading, cargoes, and delivery are covered along with techniques for targeted delivery,transducible agents coupled to cell-penetrating peptides, and activatable cell-penetrating peptide.Clinical limitations with strategies to overcome those and comparison with conventional treatment are also two important aspects of this review.
Antibiotic Use in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh Revealing the Extent Through a Point Prevalence Survey
(Elsevier, 2024-09-15) Sumon, Shariful Amin; Sarker, Supta; Chowdhury, A.B.M. Alauddin; Hassan, Syed Abul; Abdullah, Md.; Shahjahan, Md.; Sharmin, Sabrina; Harun, Md. Golam Dostogir
"Background Prevalent use of antibiotics in hospitals results in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), rising mortality, and substantial financial burden. This study assessed the current pattern of antibiotic use among inpatients in tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods Between August and November 2022, we conducted a point prevalence survey in 4 tertiary hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The World Health Organization-directed point prevalence survey methodology and tools were followed for the data collection. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were performed using Stata version 15. Results Of 1,063 hospitalized patients, antibiotics were prescribed to 73.5% (781/1063, 95% confidence interval: 70.8-76.1) of patients. A total of 1,164 antibiotics were prescribed, and 49.1% of patients consumed multiple antibiotics. Only 31.4% of patients were prescribed antibiotics based on microbiology results. The reasons for antibiotic prescribing were mentioned only in 19.3% of patients. Infants (adjusted odds ratio: 8.52, P-value: <.001) and neonates (adjusted odds ratio: 4.32, P-value: <.001) were more likely to consume antibiotics compared to adults. Cephalosporins accounted for the majority (54.0%) of antibiotics used in hospitals. None of the hospitals had any antibiotic use guidelines. Conclusions Consumption of Watch group antibiotics empirically among all age groups demonstrates irrational antibiotic usage in Bangladeshi hospitals. Implementation of a tailored stewardship program, antibiotic use guidelines, and prescriber-patient awareness could improve the rational use of antibiotics."
Application of cryo-EM method to study Covid-19 proteins
(BRAC University, 2022-10) Akter, Farhana; Sharmin, Sabrina
Researchers from all around the globe are working quickly to utilize cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to explain how the corona virus disease (COVID-19) infects human cells, in tandem to the global community's efforts to stop the spread of the illness and cure individuals who have been diagnosed. Through the use of cryo-EM, these researchers were able to determine the spike protein's structural characteristics as well as that of the virus' cellular receptor. Cryo-EM, which studies the structure of physiologically significant molecules like proteins and pathogens at almost atomic resolution to easily grasp 3D structure and activity, has emerged in recent years as a popular and successful approach for biological research. The creation of vaccinations and the advancement of COVID-19 therapies will be facilitated and accelerated by these discoveries. Public access to the research team's cryo-EM structures is now possible. About seven years ago, cryo- EM began to be used more widely as improvements in electron detectors, software, productivity, and other critical elements made it possible for scientists to resolve crucial biological material at better resolution. A lot of work has been achieved in understanding the structure and dynamics of the corona virus in far less than two months. In the past, it may have taken years to advance to this level. This article will be reviewing the applications of the Cryogenic electron microscopy for studying and understanding the characteristics of protein spikes of the SARS-CoV-2, which can originate COVID-19 in the human body.
Breast cancer therapy through Liposomal drug delivery system
(BRAC University, 2022-11) Ome, Nusrat Jahan; Sharmin, Sabrina
Liposomes have been particularly effective among the several nanoparticle-based delivery systems, with various formulations making it into clinical applications. They are widely recognized and efficient gene and/or medication delivery systems that are often utilized in the treatment of cancer, especially breast cancer. We talk about liposome design in this review along with the targeting and triggering features. We also provide an overview of current developments in liposome-based breast cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and gene therapy, since 2014. Finally, we have identified certain issues with developing liposomal technology for future clinical translation.
Comparison of conventional doxorubicin with liposome encapsulated doxorubicin as a treatment of breast cancer-a review
(BRAC University, 2023-07) Akter, Honufa; Sharmin, Sabrina
Breast cancer continues to be one of the most common reasons for hospitalization and mortality each year. As time goes on, novel anticancer drug formulations are being released on the market, raising the concern of medical professionals due to their superiority, toxicology, and cost-effectiveness compared to the traditional formulation of the same drugs. Doxorubicin is an effective cancer drug that comes in three forms: pegylated liposomal, nonpegylated liposomal, and conventional non-liposomal. Although it is more expensive, liposomal doxorubicin has been shown to have a more favorable toxicological profile than conventional. The cost-effectiveness of liposomal doxorubicin has not been thoroughly investigated due to the small number of research that have been conducted. Apart from that this article highlights the use of traditional doxorubicin has been somewhat restricted due to the adverse effects it can produce, whereas liposomal formulation has favorable safety profile. In the overall treatment of breast cancer, the formation of a liposomal form of doxorubicin, which is less harmful to the heart, better tolerated, and just as effective, expands the therapeutic alternatives available.
Effects of Losartan on diabetic neuropathy
(BRAC University, 2025-07) Sultana, Fahima; Sharmin, Sabrina
Diabetic neuropathy is a prevalent and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus, greatly impacting patients' quality of life and raising the risk of morbidity. Losartan, a blocker of angiotensin II receptors (ARB), is commonly prescribed for treating hypertension and diabetic nephropathy, but new studies indicate it might also have a positive impact on diabetic neuropathy management. This analysis thoroughly assesses and integrates existing scientific studies on the impact of Losartan on diabetic neuropathy, highlighting its possible mechanisms, effectiveness, and safety profile. Current research suggests that Losartan might alleviate neuropathic symptoms by influencing blood pressure regulation, enhancing microvascular circulation, and blocking oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Nonetheless, results from clinical and preclinical studies are not completely uniform, and additional high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to elucidate Losartan’s function in treating and preventing diabetic neuropathy. This review emphasizes existing evidence deficiencies and proposes avenues for future investigation.
Exploring nanoparticle therapies in breast cancer treatment
(BRAC University, 2025-08) Maisha, Nuzhat Tabassum; Sharmin, Sabrina
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in women, which may occur at any age. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery are being replaced by nanoparticle-based therapies. As nanoparticle therapies are next-generation treatments, they have fewer side effects than other treatments. Nanoparticles can carry medicines directly to the cancer cells, which helps to reduce damage to the normal tissues and makes the treatment more specific. Different types of nanoparticles are: gold particles, metallic and metal-oxide nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, nanobubbles, and polymer-based particles, which can carry drugs and respond to changes in tumor characteristics like pH, enzyme, light sensitivity, and others. These particles work in different ways, for example, stopping cancer cell growth, blocking cancer cell signaling, and helping the immune system against cancer cells. However, there are challenges with nanoparticle use in breast cancer treatment, but the future of this can be very promising with focused research work, as the therapy has higher effectiveness in Oncogenic cells.
Exploring nanotechnology applications in Breast cancer
(BRAC University, 2025) Tonima, Jannatul Ferdaus; Khan, Md. Fardin; Sharmin, Sabrina
This thesis shows and gives us an idea about the knowledge of disease biology with developments in nanoscale advances to investigate the many uses of nanotechnology in breast cancer. The study opens with a review of the pathophysiology of breast cancer, highlighting the molecular and genetic abnormalities that drive tumor development and progression. It also categorizes the main forms and clinical phases of breast cancer, providing the biological and medical background required to assess new Nano-technological treatments. Building on this framework, the thesis investigates how nanotechnology is transforming the identification, diagnosis, and management of breast cancer. It also assesses the broader advantages of nanotechnology, such as enhanced selectivity and treatment efficacy, alongside its disadvantages, including potential toxicity and production complexities. Key challenges and limitations that range from biocompatibility concerns to regulatory hurdles are critically discussed.
Exploring the role of Esketamine nasal spray in treatment-resistant depression
(BRAC University, 2025-09) Anika, Hasbun Nahar; Sharmin, Sabrina
Esketamine nasal spray is now a revolutionary drug in treating patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), exhibiting a rapid and strong response to depressive symptoms. In contrast to traditional antidepressants, which mainly affect the monoaminergic pathway, esketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and causes fast adjustment of glutamatergic neurotransmission. The main aim of the current review was to discover the evidence that can potentially prove the utility of esketamine in patients with a diagnosis of TRD and the information concerning its potential side effects in the short-term and in the long-term. This review also provides a summary of the available evidence on the pharmacology, clinical effectiveness, safety profile, and therapeutic usefulness of intranasal esketamine in TRD. The results point to esketamine nasal spray as an effective, but closely monitored, approach to the treatment of resistant depression.
Genetic innovations for breast cancer treatment : a review of gene therapy strategies and future implications
(BRAC University, 2023-08) Hasan, Sakib; Sharmin, Sabrina
Breast cancer is the widespread form of cancer & the second most frequent reason for female mortality on a global scale. It is resulted from various ecological and genetic elements. As a result, new therapeutic methods are needed to effectively treat these types of cancer. The conventional techniques for treating this type of cancer have limitations, so various researches have been conducted in the past decade to discover fresh strategies to address these challenges. Investigations into the molecular foundations of this illness have resulted in the advancement of genetic treatment as an effective choice for addressing and managing breast cancer. Before genetic material can be used to fix, add, or control a gene, it needs to be initially inserted into the desired cells using a carrier. The focus is on selectively attacking cancer cells without causing harm to normal cells, which is necessary for this approach. Clinical trials have additionally demonstrated that this method is comparatively safer than conventional medication. This research will investigate various aspects of breast cancer, techniques for gene treatment, the difficulties they present, and the latest discoveries in this field.
Gold nanoparticles use in cancer treatment
(BRAC University, 2024-12) Tabassum, Anika; Sharmin, Sabrina
Cancer is a serious illness that necessitates a more effective, non-invasive treatment, linked to the least possible adverse effects. Now a days various nanoparticles are constantly use for various cancer diagnosis. Some studies show many potential applications in treatment of cancer disease by using gold nanoparticles. This Coagulated gold has been extensively researched in the direction of its possible use in medicine for many decades. Nevertheless, the composite and assessment of different gold nanoparticles have recently garnered significant attention from experts. Contemporary research validates the many benefits of nanogold compared to other nanomaterials, mostly attributed to well optimized procedures for manufacturing gold nanoparticles of various area, which possess distinct functionalities. By modifying the superficial of nanogold crump with abundant targeting as well as functional chemicals, the potential biological applications of these particles are greatly expanded, especially in the field of various cancer treatment. The biocompatibility and controlled biodistribution patterns of functionalized gold nanoparticles make them very suitable for the foundation of novel therapeutics.
Knowledge and Attitudes Associated with Menopause among Women Aged 45 to 60 Years
(Menopause, 2020-06-27) Harun, Md Golam Dostogir; Salema, Umme; Chowdhury, Aluddin; Haque, Md Imdadul; Abdullah Heel Kafi, Mohammad; Shahajahan, Md; Sharmin, Sabrina
Objective: To assess knowledge and attitudes associated with the menopause transition among women in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women (age range 45-60 y), 160 participants were selected from both urban and rural settings using a systematic sampling procedure. We used face-to-face interview techniques employing a semistructured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were done to assess the associated factors. Results: Around one-fourth (23%) of the participants did not have a basic understanding about symptoms of menopause. Knowledge about menopause increased proportionately with higher education levels (primary education, risk ratio [RR] = 3.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66-22.92; secondary education, RR = 6.10, 95% CI = 1.26-29.41; higher education, RR = 6.74, 95% CI = 1.33-34) and was more common among urban than rural women (P = 0.001). In addition, women who were service holders had greater knowledge about menopause compared with women who worked in the home (RR = 8.67, 95% CI = 1.94-38.58). Most of the women (96%) suffered from different kinds of depression during the menopause transition. Key barriers to gaining knowledge about menopause included access to information (63%), social stigma (57%), and shame (52%). Conclusions: Menopause is a neglected issue in Bangladesh. Accurate and appropriate information regarding premenopause and menopause can help women cope with this life transition. Social and familial support may also play a role in minimizing isolation and depression. Public health messaging to increase awareness and knowledge about menopause should be undertaken to overcome the stigma and shame associated with menopause in Bangladesh. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A556.
Nanobubble drug delivery system
(BRAC University, 2023-05) Chowdhury, Yeasin; Sharmin, Sabrina
Ultrasound guided drug delivery has become the focus of increasing the possibilities of improving therapeutic treatments. This technique has been used in various combinations along with micron size water filled gas structure and also gas filled water structure. This type of chemical compound helps to amplify the biophysical activity that gains ability to interact with the targeted site like tumorous cell regions. As the technique requires the physio-chemical properties, it has maximum possibilities to deliver the drug compounds at targeted site. These nanobubble properties have potential applications to apply for and have potential outcomes.
Nanoparticle based targeted drug delivery in ovarian cancer therapy using chemotherapeutic drugs
(BRAC University, 2025-12) Mahmud, M. Abdullah Al; Suchi, Kh. Anika Tahia; Akhter, Samiah; Sharmin, Sabrina
Ovarian cancer is one of the most fatal gynecologic malignancies owing to delayed diagnosis, systemic toxicity as well as drug resistance associated with conventional chemotherapy. This study investigates the potential of nanoparticle based targeted drug delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents namely cisplatin, doxorubicin and paclitaxel. A literature predicted review was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar to explore the recent advances in nanoparticle formulations and applications in ovarian carcinoma treatment. Findings reveal that nanoparticles improve drug solubility, stability as well as bioavailability while lowering toxicity and reducing multidrug resistance through targeted drug delivery. Liposomes, polymeric particles and metallic nanoparticles show enhanced drug accumulation at tumor sites via improved permeability and retention effects. In general nanoparticle mediated drug delivery systems exhibit significant promise in increasing treatment effectiveness as well as patient compliance while minimizing adverse drug effects in ovarian cancer therapy.