Integrative Biomedical Research

Integrative Biomedical Research (Journal of Angiotherapy) | Online ISSN  3068-6326
685
Citations
1.3m
Views
730
Articles
Your new experience awaits. Try the new design now and help us make it even better
Switch to the new experience
REVIEWS   (Open Access)

Integrative Perspectives on Complex Biological Systems: Linking Liver Fibrosis, Cancer Biology, Microbial Ecology, and Agricultural Symbiosis

Abstract 1.Introduction 2. Materials and Methods 3. Results 4. Discussion 5. Limitations 6. Conclusion References

Anwar Ullah 1*

+ Author Affiliations

Integrative Biomedical Research 10 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/biomedical.9110621

Submitted: 02 January 2026 Revised: 20 February 2026  Accepted: 27 February 2026  Published: 01 March 2026 


Abstract

Biological systems operate through complex networks that integrate molecular signaling, microbial interactions, ecological dynamics, and host physiology. Understanding these interconnected processes is essential for advancing biomedical research, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem management. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from diverse biological domains, including liver fibrosis, cancer biology, microbial ecology, and plant–microbe symbiosis, to explore common mechanisms underlying complex biological interactions. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, relevant studies were identified through searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were screened based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on experimental, clinical, and ecological evidence describing biological system interactions. The synthesized evidence reveals that molecular pathways, microbial metabolism, and ecological relationships collectively shape biological outcomes across multiple systems. In biomedical contexts, liver fibrosis progression is closely associated with chronic inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, and immune-mediated signaling, while emerging therapeutic strategies such as targeted metabolic modulation and regenerative medicine show promising potential. Similarly, cancer biology highlights the importance of epigenetic regulation and metabolic pathways, particularly the dual regulatory roles of sirtuins in tumor progression. In agricultural ecosystems, beneficial microorganisms—including plant growth-promoting bacteria and endophytic Bacillus species—demonstrate significant potential for pathogen suppression, plant growth promotion, and ecological resilience. Microbial metabolites, enzymatic activities, and volatile compounds play central roles in shaping microbial competition and plant health. Overall, the findings emphasize that biological processes are deeply interconnected across molecular, microbial, and ecological scales. Integrating insights from biomedical science and environmental microbiology provides a broader understanding of biological complexity and supports the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, sustainable agricultural practices, and ecosystem-based management approaches.

Keywords: Complex biological systems; Liver fibrosis; Microbial ecology; Plant–microbe interactions; Systematic review

References

Abbas, A., & Gupta, S. (2008). The role of histone deacetylases in prostate cancer. Epigenetics, 3(6), 300–309. https://doi.org/10.4161/epi.3.6.7273

Almajid, A. N., & Sugumar, K. (2024). Physiology, Bile. In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL, USA.

Armenia, J., Wankowicz, S. A. M., et al. (2018). The long tail of oncogenic drivers in prostate cancer. Nat. Genet., 50(5), 645–651. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-018-0078-z

Carafa, V., Altucci, L., & Nebbioso, A. (2019). Dual tumor suppressor and tumor promoter action of sirtuins in determining malignant phenotype. Front. Pharmacol., 10, 38. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00038

Cheffi, M., Bouket, A. C., Alenezi, F. N., Luptakova, L., Belka, M., Vallat, A., Rateb, M. E., Tounsi, S., Triki, M. A., & Belbahri, L. (2019). Olea europaea L. root endophyte Bacillus velezensis OEE1 counteracts oomycete and fungal harmful pathogens and harbours a large repertoire of secreted and volatile metabolites and beneficial functional genes. Microorganisms, 7(9), 314. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7090314

Cheffi, M., Bouket, A. C., et al. (2019). Olea europaea L. root endophyte Bacillus velezensis OEE1 counteracts oomycete and fungal harmful pathogens. Microorganisms, 7(9), 314. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7090314

Costa, L. E. D. O., et al. (2012). Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria isolated from the leaves of the common bean. Braz. J. Microbiol., 43(4), 1562–1575. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1517-83822012000400041

Dunlap, C. A., et al. (2016). Bacillus velezensis is not a later heterotypic synonym of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol., 66(3), 1212–1217. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.000858

Fan, B., Blom, J., Klenk, H.-P., & Borriss, R. (2017). Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, and Bacillus siamensis form an “operational group B. amyloliquefaciens”. Front. Microbiol., 8, 1807. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00022

Gao, L., et al. (2017). Plipastatin and surfactin coproduction by Bacillus subtilis pB2-L. Antonie Leeuwenhoek, 110(8), 1007–1018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10482-017-0874-y

Ghelardini, C., et al. (2001). Local anaesthetic activity of β-caryophyllene. Farmaco, 56(5–7), 387–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014-827X(01)01092-8

Hallmann, J., et al. (1997). Bacterial endophytes in agricultural crops. Can. J. Microbiol., 43(10), 895–914. https://doi.org/10.1139/m97-131

Harrison, S. A., et al. (2024). A Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Resmetirom in NASH with Liver Fibrosis. N. Engl. J. Med., 390(6), 497–509. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2309000

Kim, K., et al. (2015). Cyclo(Phe-Pro) produced by Vibrio vulnificus inhibits host innate immune responses. Infect. Immun., 83(3), 1150–1161. https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.02878-14

Lazaridis, K. N., & LaRusso, N. F. (2015). The cholangiopathies. Mayo Clin. Proc., 90(6), 791–800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.017

Li, M. H., et al. (2009). Automated genome mining for natural products. BMC Bioinform., 10, 185. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2105-10-185

Lindell, A. E., Zimmermann-Kogadeeva, M., & Patil, K. R. (2022). Multimodal interactions of drugs, natural compounds and pollutants with the gut microbiota. Nat. Rev. Microbiol., 20(7), 431–443. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00681-5

Lindor, K. D., Bowlus, C. L., et al. (2019). Primary biliary cholangitis: 2018 Practice guidance. Hepatology, 69(1), 394–419. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.30145

Lombard, D. B., Schwer, B., et al. (2008). SIRT6 in DNA repair, metabolism and ageing. J. Intern. Med., 263(2), 128–141. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2007.01902.x

Mefteh, B. F., et al. (2019). Response surface methodology optimization of an acidic protease produced by Penicillium bilaiae isolate TDPEF30. Microorganisms, 7(3), 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7030074

Olanrewaju, O. S., Glick, B. R., & Babalola, O. O. (2017). Mechanisms of action of plant growth promoting bacteria. World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 33(11), 197. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-017-2364-9

Olgasi, C., Cucci, A., & Follenzi, A. (2020). iPSC-derived liver organoids: A journey from drug screening to regenerative medicine. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 21(17), 6215. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176215

Pan, J., Hu, C., & Yu, J.-H. (2018). Lipid biosynthesis as an antifungal target. J. Fungi, 4(2), 50. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof4020050

Parola, M., & Pinzani, M. (2019). Liver fibrosis: Pathophysiology, pathogenetic targets and clinical issues. Mol. Aspects Med., 65, 37–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2018.09.002

Patel, A. M., Liu, Y. S., et al. (2021). The role of B cells in adult and paediatric liver injury. Front. Immunol., 12, 729143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.729143

Rodriguez, R. J., et al. (2008). Stress tolerance in plants via habitat-adapted symbiosis. ISME J., 2(4), 404–416. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2007.106

Roehlen, N., Crouchet, E., & Baumert, T. F. (2020). Liver fibrosis: Mechanistic concepts and therapeutic perspectives. Cells, 9(4), 875. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9040875

Sánchez-López, Á. M., et al. (2016). Volatile compounds emitted by phytopathogenic microorganisms promote plant growth. Plant Cell Environ., 39(12), 2592–2608. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12759

Sarcognato, S., Sacchi, D., et al. (2021). Autoimmune biliary diseases: Primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Pathologica, 113(3), 170–184. https://doi.org/10.32074/1591-951X-245

Slama, H. B., et al. (2019). Screening for Fusarium antagonistic bacteria from contrasting niches. Front. Microbiol., 9, 3236. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.03236

Tahir, H. A. S., et al. (2017). Effect of volatile compounds produced by Ralstonia solanacearum. BMC Plant Biol., 17(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-017-1083-6

Trotter, J. F. (2017). Liver transplantation around the world. Curr. Opin. Organ. Transplant., 22(2), 123–127. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOT.0000000000000392

Wang, D., Shi, X., Liu, D., Yang, Y., & Shang, Z. (2020). Genetic divergence of two Sitobion avenae biotypes on barley and wheat in China. Insects, 11(2), 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11020117


Article metrics
View details
0
Downloads
0
Citations
15
Views

View Dimensions


View Plumx


View Altmetric



0
Save
0
Citation
15
View
0
Share