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Fulltext Cyclophilin A as a target in the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections

A Abdullah A, Abdullah R, A Nazariah Z, N Balakrishnan K, Firdaus J Abdullah F, A Bala J, et al.

Antivir Chem Chemother, 2018;26:2040206618811413.
PMID: 30449131 DOI: 10.1177/2040206618811413

BACKGROUND: Viruses are obligate parasites that depend on the cellular machinery of the host to regenerate and manufacture their proteins. Most antiviral drugs on the market today target viral proteins. However, the more recent strategies involve targeting the host cell proteins or pathways that mediate viral replication. This new approach would be effective for most viruses while minimizing drug resistance and toxicity.
METHODS: Cytomegalovirus replication, latency, and immune response are mediated by the intermediate early protein 2, the main protein that determines the effectiveness of drugs in cytomegalovirus inhibition. This review explains how intermediate early protein 2 can modify the action of cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive, and antiviral drug. It also links all the pathways mediated by cyclosporin A, cytomegalovirus replication, and its encoded proteins.
RESULTS: Intermediate early protein 2 can influence the cellular cyclophilin A pathway, affecting cyclosporin A as a mediator of viral replication or anti-cytomegalovirus drug.
CONCLUSION: Cyclosporin A has a dual function in cytomegalovirus pathogenesis. It has the immunosuppressive effect that establishes virus replication through the inhibition of T-cell function. It also has an anti-cytomegalovirus effect mediated by intermediate early protein 2. Both of these functions involve cyclophilin A pathway.
Risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in herbal medicines and plant food supplements marketed in Malaysia using margin of exposure and RISK21 approaches

Ab Dullah SS, Sabran MR, Hasiah AH, Abdullah R

Genes Environ, 2023 Nov 23;45(1):31.
PMID: 37993956 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-023-00286-1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus fungi which can cause liver cancer in animals and humans. This study aims to perform the risk assessment of AFB1 in herbal medicines and plant food supplements (PFS) in Malaysian market. A total of 31 herbal medicines and PFS were purchased through online platforms and over the counter using a targeted sampling strategy. Of 31 samples analysed using the ELISA method, 25 (80.6%) were contaminated with AFB1 at levels ranged from 0.275 to 13.941 μg/kg. The Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence level of 10 (BMDL10) of 63.46 ng/kg bw/day and the estimated dietary intake of the adult population ranged from 0.006 to 10.456 ng/kg bw/day were used to calculate the Margin of Exposure (MOE). The MOEs for 24 (96%) out of the 25 positive samples were lower than 10,000. The RISK21 matrix revealed that AFB1 exposure levels from herbal medicines and PFS differed greatly over the world. The calculated population risk of acquiring liver cancer from AFB1 exposure ranged from 0 to 0.261 cancers/100,000 populations/year and accounted for an estimated percentage of liver cancer incidence ranged from 0.002 to 4.149%. This study revealed a moderate risk of liver cancer attributable to AFB1 from herbal medicine and PFS among Malaysian populations and emphasised an urgency for risk management actions.
Dose perturbation effects by metal hip prosthesis in gynaecological 192Ir HDR brachytherapy

Ab Shukor NS, Abdullah R, Abdul Aziz MZ, Samson DO, Musarudin M

Appl Radiat Isot, 2023 Jun;196:110751.
PMID: 36871495 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110751

The present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of hip prostheses in 192Ir HDR brachytherapy and determine dose uncertainties introduced by the treatment planning. A gynaecological phantom irradiated using Nucletron 192Ir microSelectron HDR source was modeled using MCNP5 code. Three hip materials considered in this study were water, bone, and metal prosthesis. According to the obtained results, a dose perturbation was observed within the medium with a higher atomic number, which reduced the dose to the nearby region.
Therapeutic uses of epicatechin in diabetes and cancer

Abdulkhaleq LA, Assi MA, Noor MHM, Abdullah R, Saad MZ, Taufiq-Yap YH

Vet World, 2017 Aug;10(8):869-872.
PMID: 28919675 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.869-872

Epicatechin is a natural flavonoid found in green tea. It has been reported to possess an immense antioxidant effect which contributes to its therapeutic effect against a handful of ailments. In this review, we discuss its therapeutic role in the management of two of the most important human diseases; diabetes and cancer. The consumption of epicatechin has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, while is anticancer effect was attributed to its antioxidant properties, antiangiogenic and direct cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Although the exact mechanism of action of epicatechin is still being explored, there is no doubt that it is a promising candidate as an alternative. The significance of this review is to highlight the importance of the usage of natural products (in this case, epicatechin) as an alternative for the treatment of two potentially fatal diseases which is diabetes and cancer. The aim of this review is to educate the scientific community on the role of epicatechin in ameliorating the effects of diabetes and cancers on human while understanding the potential mechanisms of these aforementioned effects.
Fulltext The crucial roles of inflammatory mediators in inflammation: A review

Abdulkhaleq LA, Assi MA, Abdullah R, Zamri-Saad M, Taufiq-Yap YH, Hezmee MNM

Vet World, 2018 May;11(5):627-635.
PMID: 29915501 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.627-635

The inflammatory response is a crucial aspect of the tissues' responses to deleterious inflammogens. This complex response involves leukocytes cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, also known as inflammatory cells. In response to the inflammatory process, these cells release specialized substances which include vasoactive amines and peptides, eicosanoids, proinflammatory cytokines, and acute-phase proteins, which mediate the inflammatory process by preventing further tissue damage and ultimately resulting in healing and restoration of tissue function. This review discusses the role of the inflammatory cells as well as their by-products in the mediation of inflammatory process. A brief insight into the role of natural anti-inflammatory agents is also discussed. The significance of this study is to explore further and understand the potential mechanism of inflammatory processes to take full advantage of vast and advanced anti-inflammatory therapies. This review aimed to reemphasize the importance on the knowledge of inflammatory processes with the addition of newest and current issues pertaining to this phenomenon.
Isolation and phylogenetic analysis of caprine Orf virus in Malaysia

Abdullah AA, Ismail MF, Balakrishnan KN, Bala JA, Hani H, Abba Y, et al.

Virusdisease, 2015 Dec;26(4):255-9.
PMID: 26645035 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-015-0278-4

Orf virus is a DNA virus that causes contiguous ecthyma in goat and sheep. Infection of animals with this virus cause high mortality in young animals resulting in huge economic losses. In this study, we investigated an outbreak of Orf in a goat farm in Malaysia. Samples were collected from infected animals and viral isolation was done using both LT and MDCK cell lines. Molecular detection was done by conventional PCR for specific primers; B2L and F1L genes and phylogenetic analysis was done on the sequence data obtained. Cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed in both cell lines after 3 days of inoculation and were 50 % by the sixth day. PCR showed positive bands for both B2L and F1L genes and phylogenetic analysis showed that the Malaysian strain had close homology to the Chinese and Indian Orf virus isolates. This study gives more insight into the existing Orf viral strains in Malaysia and their relationship with other strains globally.
Fulltext Cytotoxic effects of Mangifera indica L. kernel extract on human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines) and bioactive constituents in the crude extract

Abdullah AS, Mohammed AS, Abdullah R, Mirghani ME, Al-Qubaisi M

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2014;14:199.
PMID: 24962691 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-199

Waterlily Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is thought to be antioxidant-rich, conferred by its functional phytochemicals.
Fulltext Characterization and Feasibility Assessment of Recycled Paper Mill Sludges for Land Application in Relation to the Environment

Abdullah R, Ishak CF, Kadir WR, Bakar RA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2015 Aug;12(8):9314-29.
PMID: 26262636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120809314

The disposal of industrial paper mill sludge waste is a big issue and has a great importance all over the world. A study was conducted to determine the chemical properties of recycled paper mill sludge (RPMS) and assess its possibilities for land application. RPMS samples were collected from six different paper mills in Malaysia and analyzed for physical and chemical properties, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (13)C-NMR spectra and for the presence of dioxins/furans. The RPMS was dewatered, sticky with a strong odour, an average moisture of 65.08%, pH 7.09, cation exchange capacity (CEC) 14.43 cmol (+) kg(-1), N 1.45, P 0.18, K 0.12, Ca 0.82, Mg 0.73, Na 0.76 and Al, 1.38%. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals levels were below the standard Class 2 limits. The dioxin and furan were in below the standard concentration of Class 1. The most prominent peak in the (13)C-NMR spectra of RPMS was centered at 31 ppm, proving the presence of methylene (-CH2) groups in long aliphatic chains, with lipids and proteins. The signal at 89 ppm and highly shielded shoulder at 83 ppm were due to presence of cellulose carbon C-4, and the peak at 63 and 65 ppm was due to the cellulose carbon spectrum. The RPMS therefore contains significant amount of nutrients with safe levels of heavy metals and PAHs for environment and can be used as a fertilizer and soil amendment for land application.
Hemostatic abnormalities in nephrotic syndrome

Abdullah R

Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract., 1988 Jan;18(1):105-13.
PMID: 3282374

Nephrotic syndrome is often associated with a hypercoagulable state and thrombotic complications. Thrombosis may be due to a number of abnormalities in blood, including AT III deficiency, increased concentrations of fibrinogen, factors V and VIII, and platelet hyperaggregability. The therapeutic approach to thrombosis in nephrotic syndrome is the use of anticoagulants as a preventive measure or an attempt at thrombolysis with streptokinase, urokinase, or stanozolol.
Predicting points of departure for risk assessment based on in vitro cytotoxicity data and physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling: The case of kidney toxicity induced by aristolochic acid I

Abdullah R, Alhusainy W, Woutersen J, Rietjens IM, Punt A

Food Chem Toxicol, 2016 Jun;92:104-16.
PMID: 27016491 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.03.017

Aristolochic acids are naturally occurring nephrotoxins. This study aims to investigate whether physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model-based reverse dosimetry could convert in vitro concentration-response curves of aristolochic acid I (AAI) to in vivo dose response-curves for nephrotoxicity in rat, mouse and human. To achieve this extrapolation, PBK models were developed for AAI in these different species. Subsequently, concentration-response curves obtained from in vitro cytotoxicity models were translated to in vivo dose-response curves using PBK model-based reverse dosimetry. From the predicted in vivo dose-response curves, points of departure (PODs) for risk assessment could be derived. The PBK models elucidated species differences in the kinetics of AAI with the overall catalytic efficiency for metabolic conversion of AAI to aristolochic acid Ia (AAIa) being 2-fold higher for rat and 64-fold higher for mouse than human. Results show that the predicted PODs generally fall within the range of PODs derived from the available in vivo studies. This study provides proof of principle for a new method to predict a POD for in vivo nephrotoxicity by integrating in vitro toxicity testing with in silico PBK model-based reverse dosimetry.
Preferences and Experiences of Muslim Patients and Their Families in Muslim-Majority Countries for End-of-Life Care: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis

Abdullah R, Guo P, Harding R

J Pain Symptom Manage, 2020 12;60(6):1223-1238.e4.
PMID: 32659320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.032

BACKGROUND: Care for people with progressive illness should be person centered and account for their cultural values and spiritual beliefs. There are an estimated 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide, largely living in low-income and middle-income countries.
AIMS: This study aimed to identify, appraise, and integrate the evidence for the experiences and preferences of Muslim patients and/or families for end-of-life care in Muslim-majority countries.
DESIGN: Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES: PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Registry of Clinical Trials, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Social Policy & Practice, and Scopus were searched until December 2018. Handsearching was performed, and gray literature was included. Qualitative studies analyzed using thematic analysis and quantitative component provided triangulation.
RESULTS: The initial search yielded n = 5098 articles, of which n = 30 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 5342 participants (4345 patients; 81.3%) were included; 97.6% had advanced cancer. Most (n = 22) studies were quantitative. Three themes and subthemes from qualitative studies were identified using thematic analysis: selflessness (burden to others and caregiver responsibilities), ambivalence (hope and hopelessness), and strong beliefs in Islam (beliefs in death and afterlife and closeness to Allah). Qualitative studies reported triangulation; demonstrating conflicts in diagnosis disclosure and total pain burden experienced by both patients and families.
CONCLUSION: Despite the scarce evidence of relatively low quality, the analysis revealed core themes. To achieve palliative care for all in line with the total pain model, beliefs must be identified and understood in relation to decision-making processes and practices.
Risk assessment of plant food supplements and other herbal products containing aristolochic acids using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach

Abdullah R, Diaz LN, Wesseling S, Rietjens IM

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2017 Feb;34(2):135-144.
PMID: 27892830 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2016.1266098

After the incidences of induction of aristolochic acid nephropathy after consumption of herbal weight loss preparations that accidentally contained aristolochic acids (AAs), several countries defined national restrictions on the presence of AAs in food, including plant food supplements (PFS) and herbal products. This study investigates whether the risks associated with exposure to AAs via PFS and herbal products are at present indeed negligible. Data reported in literature on AA levels in PFS and other herbal products and also obtained from a new series of PFS in the present study were used to calculate the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and corresponding margins of exposure (MOEs). Available literature data revealed that 206 out of 573 samples were found to contain aristolochic acid I (AAI) and/or aristolochic acid II (AAII). The results obtained from recently collected PFS revealed that both AAI and AAII were detected in three out of 18 analysed PFS at levels up to 594.8 and 235.3 µg g(-1), respectively, being in line with the levels reported in literature. The EDIs resulting from intake of these PFS resulted in MOEs that were generally below 10,000, corroborating the priority for risk management. Although these results refer to PFS collected by targeted sampling strategies, the data reveal that AA-containing PFS are still freely available. When considering that the use of these samples may be limited to shorter periods of time, the EDIs might be lower, but MOE values would still be lower than 10,000 for more than 50% of the AA-containing PFS and herbal products. In conclusion, the presence of AAs in PFS and herbal products even several years after instalment of the legal restrictions still raises concern, especially for people who frequently use the respective PFS and herbal products.
Fulltext Defining in vivo dose-response curves for kidney DNA adduct formation of aristolochic acid I in rat, mouse and human by an in vitro and physiologically based kinetic modeling approach

Abdullah R, Wesseling S, Spenkelink B, Louisse J, Punt A, Rietjens IMCM

J Appl Toxicol, 2020 12;40(12):1647-1660.
PMID: 33034907 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4024

Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a well-known genotoxic kidney carcinogen. Metabolic conversion of AAI into the DNA-reactive aristolactam-nitrenium ion is involved in the mode of action of tumor formation. This study aims to predict in vivo AAI-DNA adduct formation in the kidney of rat, mouse and human by translating the in vitro concentration-response curves for AAI-DNA adduct formation to the in vivo situation using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling-based reverse dosimetry. DNA adduct formation in kidney proximal tubular LLC-PK1 cells exposed to AAI was quantified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the in vitro concentration-response curves were converted to predicted in vivo dose-response curves in rat, mouse and human kidney using PBK models. Results obtained revealed a dose-dependent increase in AAI-DNA adduct formation in the rat, mouse and human kidney and the predicted DNA adduct levels were generally within an order of magnitude compared with values reported in the literature. It is concluded that the combined in vitro PBK modeling approach provides a novel way to define in vivo dose-response curves for kidney DNA adduct formation in rat, mouse and human and contributes to the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal testing.
Lateral wedge with medial only cardiac shielding (LEMONADE) technique in left chest wall adjuvant radiotherapy

Abdullah R, Appalanaido GK, Shukor SA, Zin HM, Abd Aziz MZ, Ishak N

Rep Pract Oncol Radiother, 2021;26(6):892-898.
PMID: 34992860 DOI: 10.5603/RPOR.a2021.0105

Background: This dosimetric study compared lateral wedge with medial only cardiac shielding (LEMONADE) technique, for left chest wall (LCW) irradiation against three other commonly used techniques.
Materials and methods: Dosimetric parameters of 22 consecutive LBC patients treated using the P1 (LEMONADE technique) were compared with 3 other virtually reconstructed plans : no cardiac shielding with paired wedges; P2 (paired wedges and medial only Y-direction shielding) and P3 (paired wedges and bilateral Y-direction shielding).
Results: P1 showed better target volume (TV) coverage with the mean 90% isodose coverage of 85.59% ± 5.44 compared to 78.90% ± 8.59 and 74.22% ± 9.50 for P2 and P3, respectively. Compared to no cardiac shielding, for a 4.65% drop in TV coverage the V26Gy of heart dropped from 6.68% to a negligible 0.85% for P1. TV receiving < 30Gy is also significantly lesser for P1 compared to P2 and P3 (5.42% vs 10.64% and 15.8%), whilst there is a small difference of 2.75% between no cardiac shielding and P1.
Conclusion: With the improvement in BC survival rate, cardiac toxicity associated with adjuvant irradiation for LBC is a major concern. P1 (LEMONADE) technique has a good compromise between cardiac sparing and target coverage and should suffice for most LCW irradiations. Furthermore, the LEMONADE technique is a simple, reproducible and involves fast planning for cardiac sparing, which is ideal for under-resourced departments with heavy workload.
Fulltext Risk of acute kidney injury and hyponatremia in long-distance runners

Abdullah R., Wan Md Adnan W.A.H.

JUMMEC, 2018;21(2):4-9.
MyJurnal

Long-distance running has gathered some momentum among health-conscious participants. However, some
studies have revealed association between long-distance running and development of acute kidney injury.
Although the impact usually lasts only for a few days after the event, some participants have been admitted for
severe acute kidney injury, the minority of which require dialysis treatment. The mechanisms underlying the
injury may include dehydration, development of rhabdomyolysis, heat stroke and concomitant use of NSAIDS.
Unfortunately, there is no long-term follow-up study to determine the long-term effect on kidney function.
Acute hyponatremia may develop in a significant proportion of long-distance runners. Majority of them were
asymptomatic but a few fatal cases which were supposedly due to cerebral oedema have been reported.
Excessive intake of hypotonic drinks, excessive sweating and secretion of non-osmotic antidiuretic hormone
have been postulated to be the causes of hyponatremia. This mini review will discuss the pathophysiology of
the development of acute kidney injury and hyponatremia. It will also discuss the prevention and treatment
of both conditions.
Prolonging the interval from ovarian hyperstimulation to laparoscopic ovum pick-up improves oocyte yield, quality, and developmental competence in goats

Abdullah RB, Liow SL, Rahman AN, Chan WK, Wan-Khadijah WE, Ng SC

Theriogenology, 2008 Sep 15;70(5):765-71.
PMID: 18579196 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.052

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the interval between ovarian hyperstimulation and laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) on quality and developmental competence of goat oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Estrus was synchronized with an intravaginal insert containing 0.3g progesterone (CIDR) for 10d, combined with a luteolytic treatment of 125 microg cloprostenol 36 h prior to CIDR removal. Ovaries were hyperstimulated with 70 mg FSH and 500 IU hCG given im 36, 60, or 72 h prior to LOPU (n=15, 16, and 7 does, respectively). For these groups, oocyte retrieval rates (mean+/-S.E.M.) were 24.7+/-2.9, 54.5+/-4.7, and 82.8+/-4.6% (P<0.001), and the proportions of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) with more than five layers of cumulus cells were 29.7+/-8.3, 37.6+/-6.9, and 37.3+/-7.0% (P<0.001). The proportion of IVM oocytes was highest at 72 h (82.1+/-2.8%; P<0.05), with no significant difference between 36 and 60 h (57.3+/-8.9% and 69.0+/-8.4%). Cleavage rates of ICSI embryos were 4.2+/-4.2, 70.9+/-8.4, and 78.9+/-8.2% with LOPU 36, 60, and 72 h post FSH/hCG (P<0.01), with a lower proportion of Grade-A embryos (P<0.05) following LOPU at 36 h compared to 60 and 72 h (29.7+/-8.3%, 37.6+/-6.9%, and 37.3+/-7.0%). In summary, a prolonged interval from FSH/hCG to LOPU improved oocyte retrieval rate and oocyte quality. Therefore, under the present conditions, LOPU 60 or 72 h after FSH/hCG optimized yields of good-quality oocytes for IVM and embryo production in goats.
Fulltext Virucidal activity of Garcinia parvifolia leaf extracts in animal cell culture

Adnan A, Allaudin ZN, Hani H, Loh HS, Khoo TJ, Ting KN, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Jul 10;19(1):169.
PMID: 31291936 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2586-5

BACKGROUND: Garcinia species contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, xanthones, triterpernoids, and benzophenones with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In addition, many of these compounds show interesting biological properties such as anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity. Garcinia parvifolia is used in traditional medicine. Currently, the antiviral activity of G. parvifolia is not known.
METHODS: This study was conducted to determine the effects of ethyl acetate (45 L Ea), ethanol (45 L Et), and hexane (45 L H) leaf extracts of G. parvifolia on the infectivity of pseudorabies virus (PrV) in Vero cells. The antiviral effects of the extracts were determined by cytopathic effect (CPE), inhibition, attachment, and virucidal assays.
RESULTS: The 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) values obtained were 237.5, 555.0, and
Fulltext Expanding Opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Subjects Teaching and Learning: Connecting through Comics

Adnan M, Abdullah JM, Ibharim LFM, Hoe TW, Janan D, Abdullah N, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Jul;26(4):127-133.
PMID: 31496902 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.4.15

This study presents the results of a year-long project focused on analysis and reflection on working with comics by Year One students in Hulu Langat districts. This study presents the use of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) comics to help children understand certain physical phenomena and try to make students interested in mathematics and science subject. Thirteen excellent teachers of science and mathematics from the Hulu Langat district were involved in the analysis of syllabus Year One science and mathematics subjects and the preparation of scripts while the STEM comic illustrator was created by two lecturers from the Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak Malaysia. The study is based on observations of changing perception of phenomena by children as a result of the use of comics. As a result, a STEM comic that contains ten series for Year One science and mathematics subjects has been successfully developed. This comic is expected to attract and enhance the achievement of Year One students in science and mathematics. Implication of this study, STEM comics can be used by teachers as science and mathematics teaching aids. Comics are proven to be a modern pedagogical strategy, which is starting to gain its popularity in teaching about mathematics and science. Comics can be very helpful tools in making science and mathematics concepts interesting, fun learning and comprehensible for a Year One children.
Fulltext Novel Gold Nanoparticles Reduced by Sargassum glaucescens: Preparation, Characterization and Anticancer Activity

Ajdari Z, Rahman H, Shameli K, Abdullah R, Abd Ghani M, Yeap S, et al.

Molecules, 2016 Mar 01;21(3):123.
PMID: 26938520 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21030123

The current study investigated the anticancer properties of gold nanoparticles (SG-stabilized AuNPs) synthesized using water extracts of the brown seaweed Sargassum glaucescens (SG). SG-stabilized AuNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The SG-stabilized AuNPs were stable and small at 3.65 ± 1.69 nm in size. The in vitro anticancer effect of SG-stabilized AuNPs was determined on cervical (HeLa), liver (HepG2), breast (MDA-MB-231) and leukemia (CEM-ss) cell lines using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, caspase activity determination, and MTT assays. After 72 h treatment, SG-stabilized AuNPs was shown to be significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxic to the cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 values of SG-stabilized AuNPs on the HeLa, HepG2, CEM-ss, MDA-MB-231 cell lines were 4.75 ± 1.23, 7.14 ± 1.45, 10.32 ± 1.5, and 11.82 ± 0.9 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, SG-stabilized AuNPs showed no cytotoxic effect towards the normal human mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A). SG-stabilized AuNPs significantly (p < 0.05) arrest HeLa cell cycle at G2/M phase and significantly (p < 0.05) activated caspases-3 and -9 activities. The anticancer effect of SG-stabilized AuNPs is via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The study showed that SG-stabilized AuNPs is a good candidate to be developed into a chemotherapeutic compound for the treatment of cancers especially cervical cancer.
Resource recovery from hydroponic wastewaters using microalgae-based biorefineries: A circular bioeconomy perspective

Ajeng AA, Rosli NSM, Abdullah R, Yaacob JS, Qi NC, Loke SP

J Biotechnol, 2022 Dec 10;360:11-22.
PMID: 36272573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.10.011

As the world's population grows, it is necessary to rethink how countries throughout the world produce food in order to replace the conventional and unsustainable agricultural techniques. Microalgae cultivation using a nutrient-rich solution from hydroponic systems not only presents a novel approach to solving problems pertaining to the impact of the discharges on the natural environment but also provides a plethora of other biotechnological applications particularly in the productions of high value-added products and plants growth stimulants, which can be potentially assimilated into the circular bioeconomy (CBE) in the hydroponic sector. In this review, the potential and practicability of microalgae to be merged into hydroponics CBE are reviewed. Overall, the integration of microalgal biorefineries in hydroponics systems can be realized after considering their Technology Readiness Level and System Readiness Level beforehand. Several suggestions on strains and hydroponics system improvement using existing biotechnological tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and nanobiotechnology in support of the CBE will be covered.

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