The anti-aging effects of alpha-lipoic acid (αLA), a natural antioxidant synthesized in human tissues, have attracted a growing interest in recent years. αLA is a short- -chain sulfur-containing fatty acid occurring in the mitochondria of all kinds of eukaryotic cells. Both the oxidized disulfide of αLA and its reduced form (dihydrolipoic acid, DHLA) exhibit prominent antioxidant function. The amount of αLA inside the human body gradually decreases with age resulting in various health disorders. Its lack can be compensated by supplying from external sources such as dietary supplements or medicinal dosage forms. The primary objectives of this study were the analysis of updated information on the latest two-decade research regarding the use of αLA from an anti-aging perspective. The information was collected from PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov. Numerous in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies revealed that αLA shows a protective role in biological systems by direct or indirect reactive oxygen/nitrogen species quenching. αLA demonstrated beneficial properties in the prevention and treatment of many age-related disorders such as neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, different cancers, nephropathy, infertility, and skin senescence. Its preventive effects in case of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are of particular interest. Further mechanistic and clinical studies are highly recommended to evaluate the wide spectrum of αLA therapeutic potential that could optimize its dietary intake for prevention and alleviation disorders related to aging.

The demand for dependable near-infrared (NIR) probes, capable of sustained fluorescence within living systems and facile conjugation with biomolecules like antibodies and proteins, has been significantly on the rise, attributed to the substantial rise in the use of NIR imaging techniques and devices, with extensive integration into clinical diagnostics. Antibody conjugates are vital for targeted and selective bioimaging, enabling precise visualization of specific biomolecules within complex biological systems. Their multiplexing capability allows simultaneous detection of multiple targets, while their dynamic imaging capability enables real-time monitoring of cellular processes. Clinically, antibody conjugates have significant applications in disease prognosis, diagnosis, and monitoring. In this work, we report the synthesis of a new symmetrical NIR squaraine dye (SQ-58) with multiple carboxy anchoring groups for ease of coupling with antibodies. The dye showed decreased absorption and fluorescence intensity in phosphate buffer (PB) due to enhanced dye-aggregate formation. However, in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in PB, SQ-58 showed an enhanced fluorescence signal along concentrations of BSA. SQ-58 showed no cytotoxicity when tested in white laboratory mice while providing strong fluorescence when injected in vivo. Conjugation of SQ-58 through the carboxylic groups to the isotypic mouse IgG antibodies (IgG-SQ-58) resulted in uniform distribution of the targeted molecule in the whole cardiovascular system. The NIR signal of IgG-SQ-58 was stable for at least 7 days allowing the possibility of long-term imaging. Conjugation of SQ-58 to antibodies raised against NK-Ly lymphoma tumor cells allowed efficient discrimination of tumor cells grown in the abdomen of laboratory mice. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time a biocompatible NIR dye, SQ-58, that can be easily conjugatable to biomolecules, and its antibody conjugates for a wide range of bioimaging applications.

Abstract:

Purpose. Analysis of the theoretical-methodical and practical principles of ensuring the socio-ethical values of the functioning of Ukrainian companies and the development of potential scenarios for the development of events in the conditions of the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Methodology. The research methodology includes the following methods:

- dialectical and hermeneutic method – to identify changes and connections in the socially oriented approach of companies and their consequences;- scenario modeling – to determine the consequences of decisions made by company management regarding changes in social and ethical values in the short- and long-term;

- system analysis – to analyze the interrelationships of changes in the socio-ethical values of business and their consequences for the company’s management and other interested parties;

- PESTLE analysis – to stratify international documents in the field of CSR and socio-ethical and other factors affecting the functioning of companies;

- grouping – to classify companies according to the observance of social and ethical principles of work within the framework of CSR.

Findings. It is noted that in terms of sustainable development, company management should pay attention to the issues of CSR, including social and ethical values. In the international legal field, documents have been developed under the auspices of the UN regarding CSR, some of which have been ratified in Ukraine. This group of documents is optional for use by company management, but affects access to international capital markets, rating and reporting transparency. Companies in the energy sector and metal rolling implement the principles, standards and norms of social and ethical business into their practice, ensuring a positive reputation and image, supporting social infrastructure and welfare of employees and the general population, etc.

Originality. The conducted analysis made it possible for the first time to stratify international documents on CSR and factors related to social and ethical values of companies using PESTLE analysis. Potential scenarios for the development of companies in the short- and long-term are developed and described in terms of the implementation of social and ethical incentives within the framework of CSR business.

Practical value. The given stratification of international documents for socio-ethical business conduct can be useful for the scientific community and in educational institutions. The developed scenarios of the functioning of companies in the conditions of the implementation of social and ethical incentives within the framework of CSR business will be useful to company managers, specialists and scientists investigating CSR issues.