Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 69 in total

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  1. Fulltext 3-Bromo-1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (BHAQ) inhibits growth and migration of the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231
    Abu N, Akhtar MN, Ho WY, Yeap SK, Alitheen NB
    Molecules, 2013 Aug 27;18(9):10367-77.
    PMID: 23985955 DOI: 10.3390/molecules180910367
    Breast cancer is becoming more prominent in women today. As of now, there are no effective treatments in treating metastatic breast cancer. We have tested the cytotoxic and anti-migration effects of BHAQ, a synthesized anthraquinone, on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB231. Anthraquinones are an interesting class of molecules that display a wide spectrum of biological applications, including anticancer properties. Cellular inhibition was tested through a MTT assay, double acridine orange/propidium iodide staining and FACS cell cycle analysis. Inhibition of migration was tested by the wound healing method, and migration through a Boyden chamber. BHAQ was cytotoxic towards both cell lines in a dose dependent and possibly cell-dependent manner. Additionally, BHAQ also inhibited the migration of the highly metastatic MDA-MB231 cell line.
  2. Fulltext The flavokawains: uprising medicinal chalcones
    Abu N, Ho WY, Yeap SK, Akhtar MN, Abdullah MP, Omar AR, et al.
    Cancer Cell Int, 2013 Oct 22;13(1):102.
    PMID: 24148263 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-13-102
    Plant-based compounds have been in the spotlight in search of new and promising drugs. Flavokawain A, B and C are naturally occurring chalcones that have been isolated from several medicinal plants; namely the piper methysticum or commercially known as the kava-kava. Multiple researches have been done to evaluate the bioactivities of these compounds. It has been shown that all three flavokawains may hold promising anti-cancer effects. It has also been revealed that both flavokawain A and B are involved in the induction of cell cycle arrest in several cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, flavokawain B was shown to be more effective in treating in vitro cancer cell lines as compared to flavokawain A and C. Flavokawain B also exerts antinociceptive effects as well as anti-inflammation properties. This mini-review attempts to discuss the biological properties of all the flavokawains that have been reported.
  3. Damnacanthal: a promising compound as a medicinal anthraquinone
    Abu N, Ali NM, Ho WY, Yeap SK, Aziz MY, Alitheen NB
    Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 2014 Jun;14(5):750-5.
    PMID: 24164045
    The Noni fruit, or scientifically known as Morinda citrifolia can be found in various parts of the world, especially in the pacific region. It is a small evergreen bushy-like tree originated from the Rubiaceae family. The plant has been used by polynesians as a medicinal herb for more than 2000 years. A substantial amount of phytochemicals can be found in the roots of this plant. Among all, damnacanthal has been found to be the most interesting, versatile and potent compound. Damnacanthal or chemically known as,3- hydroxy-1-methoxyanthraquinone-2-caboxaldehyde (C16H10O5), appears as pale yellow crystals with a melting point of 210-211 °C. This compound is of particular interest due to its striking pharmacological properties. Damnacanthal was shown to inhibit the oncogene Ras, p56lck tyrosine kinase, NF-KB pathway and induce apoptosis in vitro. This review aims to discuss the biological properties of damnacanthal, specifically on its anti-cancer activity that has been reported.
  4. In vitro characterization and mechanical properties of β-calcium silicate/POC composite as a bone fixation device
    Shirazi FS, Moghaddam E, Mehrali M, Oshkour AA, Metselaar HS, Kadri NA, et al.
    J Biomed Mater Res A, 2014 Nov;102(11):3973-85.
    PMID: 24376053 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35074
    Calcium silicate (CS, CaSiO3 ) is a bioactive, degradable, and biocompatible ceramic and has been considered for its potential in the field of orthopedic surgery. The objective of this study is the fabrication and characterization of the β-CS/poly(1.8-octanediol citrate) (POC) biocomposite, with the goals of controlling its weight loss and improving its biological and mechanical properties. POC is one of the most biocompatible polymers, and it is widely used in biomedical engineering applications. The degradation and bioactivity of the composites were determined by soaking the composites in phosphate-buffered saline and simulated body fluid, respectively. Human osteoblast cells were cultured on the composites to determine their cell proliferation and adhesion. The results illustrated that the flexural and compressive strengths were significantly enhanced by a modification of 40% POC. It was also concluded that the degradation bioactivity and amelioration of cell proliferation increased significantly with an increasing β-CS content.
  5. Fulltext Flavokawain A induces apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 and inhibits the metastatic process in vitro
    Abu N, Akhtar MN, Yeap SK, Lim KL, Ho WY, Zulfadli AJ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(10):e105244.
    PMID: 25286005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105244
    INTRODUCTION: The kava-kava plant (Piper methsyticum) is traditionally known as the pacific elixir by the pacific islanders for its role in a wide range of biological activities. The extract of the roots of this plant contains a variety of interesting molecules including Flavokawain A and this molecule is known to have anti-cancer properties. Breast cancer is still one of the leading diagnosed cancers in women today. The metastatic process is also very pertinent in the progression of tumorigenesis.

    METHODS: MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells were treated with several concentrations of FKA. The apoptotic analysis was done through the MTT assay, BrdU assay, Annexin V analysis, cell cycle analysis, JC-1 mitochondrial dye, AO/PI dual staining, caspase 8/9 fluorometric assay, quantitative real time PCR and western blot. For the metastatic assays, the in vitro scratch assay, trans-well migration/invasion assay, HUVEC tube formation assay, ex vivo rat aortic ring assay, quantitative real time PCR and western blot were employed.

    RESULTS: We have investigated the effects of FKA on the apoptotic and metastatic process in two breast cancer cell lines. FKA induces apoptosis in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 in a dose dependent manner through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, FKA selectively induces a G2/M arrest in the cell cycle machinery of MDA-MB231 and G1 arrest in MCF-7. This suggests that FKA's anti-cancer activity is dependent on the p53 status. Moreover, FKA also halted the migration and invasion process in MDA-MB231. The similar effects can be seen in the inhibition of the angiogenesis process as well.

    CONCLUSIONS: FKA managed to induce apoptosis and inhibit the metastatic process in two breast cancer cell lines, in vitro. Overall, FKA may serve as a promising candidate in the search of a new anti-cancer drug especially in halting the metastatic process but further in vivo evidence is needed.

  6. Fulltext Synthesis of an anthraquinone derivative (DHAQC) and its effect on induction of G2/M arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer MCF-7 cell line
    Yeap S, Akhtar MN, Lim KL, Abu N, Ho WY, Zareen S, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2015;9:983-92.
    PMID: 25733816 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S65468
    Anthraquinones are an important class of naturally occurring biologically active compounds. In this study, anthraquinone derivative 1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone-2- carboxylic acid (DHAQC) (2) was synthesized with 32% yield through the Friedel-Crafts condensation reaction. The mechanisms of cytotoxicity of DHAQC (2) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were further investigated. Results from the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that DHAQC (2) exhibited potential cytotoxicity and selectivity in the MCF-7 cell line, comparable with the naturally occurring anthraquinone damnacanthal. DHAQC (2) showed a slightly higher IC50 (inhibitory concentration with 50% cell viability) value in the MCF-7 cell line compared to damnacanthal, but it is more selective in terms of the ratio of IC50 on MCF-7 cells and normal MCF-10A cells. (selective index for DHAQC (2) was 2.3 and 1.7 for damnacanthal). The flow cytometry cell cycle analysis on the MCF-7 cell line treated with the IC50 dose of DHAQC (2) for 48 hours showed that DHAQC (2) arrested MCF-7 cell line at the G2/M phase in association with an inhibited expression of PLK1 genes. Western blot analysis also indicated that the DHAQC (2) increased BAX, p53, and cytochrome c levels in MCF-7 cells, which subsequently activated apoptosis as observed in annexin V/propidium iodide and cell cycle analyses. These results indicate that DHAQC (2) is a synthetic, cytotoxic, and selective anthraquinone, which is less toxic than the natural product damnacanthal, and which demonstrates potential in the induction of apoptosis in the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line.
  7. Fulltext Chemopreventive and immunomodulatory effects of Murraya koenigii aqueous extract on 4T1 breast cancer cell-challenged mice
    Yeap SK, Abu N, Mohamad NE, Beh BK, Ho WY, Ebrahimi S, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2015;15:306.
    PMID: 26335427 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0832-z
    The progression of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in western countries. Meanwhile, the lower incidence in Asian countries could be attributed to the heavy incorporation of green leaves vegetables or spices in their diets. Murraya koenigii (MK) or often times known as curry leaves are common spice used mostly in tropical countries. Anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects of MK aqueous extract on 4T1 breast cancer cell-challenged mice were evaluated.
  8. In Vivo Anti-Tumor Effects of Flavokawain A in 4T1 Breast Cancer Cell-Challenged Mice
    Abu N, Mohamed NE, Yeap SK, Lim KL, Akhtar MN, Zulfadli AJ, et al.
    Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 2015;15(7):905-15.
    PMID: 26179368
    Flavokawain A is a chalcone that can be found in the kava-kava plant (Piper methsyticum) extract. The kava-kava plant has been reported to possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The state of the immune system, and the inflammatory process play vital roles in the progression of cancer. The immunomodulatary effects and the anti-inflammatory effects of flavokawain A in a breast cancer murine model have not been studied yet. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the basic mechanism as to how flavokawain A regulates and enhance the immune system as well as impeding the inflammatory process in breast cancer-challenged mice. Based on our study, it is interesting to note that flavokawain A increased the T cell population; both Th1 cells and CTLs, aside from the natural killer cells. The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were also elevated in the serum of flavokawain A-treated mice. Apart from that, flavokawain A also decreased the weight and volume of the tumor, and managed to induce apoptosis in them. In terms of inflammation, flavokawain A-treated mice had reduced level of major pro-inflammatory mediators; NO, iNOS, NF-KB, ICAM and COX-2. Overall, flavokawain A has the potential to not only enhance antitumor immunity, but also prevents the inflammatory process in a cancer-prone microenvironment.
  9. Fulltext In vivo antitumor and antimetastatic effects of flavokawain B in 4T1 breast cancer cell-challenged mice
    Abu N, Mohamed NE, Yeap SK, Lim KL, Akhtar MN, Zulfadli AJ, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2015;9:1401-17.
    PMID: 25834398 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S67976
    Flavokawain B (FKB) is a naturally occurring chalcone that can be isolated through the root extracts of the kava-kava plant (Piper methysticum). It can also be synthesized chemically to increase the yield. This compound is a promising candidate as a biological agent, as it is reported to be involved in a wide range of biological activities. Furthermore, FKB was reported to have antitumorigenic effects in several cancer cell lines in vitro. However, the in vivo antitumor effects of FKB have not been reported on yet. Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in the world today. Any potential treatment should not only impede the growth of the tumor, but also modulate the immune system efficiently and inhibit the formation of secondary tumors. As presented in our study, FKB induced apoptosis in 4T1 tumors in vivo, as evidenced by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and hematoxylin and eosin staining of the tumor. FKB also regulated the immune system by increasing both helper and cytolytic T-cell and natural killer cell populations. In addition, FKB also enhanced the levels of interleukin 2 and interferon gamma but suppressed interleukin 1B. Apart from that, FKB was also found to inhibit metastasis, as evaluated by clonogenic assay, bone marrow smearing assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and proteome profiler analysis. All in all, FKB may serve as a promising anticancer agent, especially in treating breast cancer.
  10. Fulltext Efficient Double Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reactions of 2,5-Dibromo-3-hexylthiophene: Anti-Tumor, Haemolytic, Anti-Thrombolytic and Biofilm Inhibition Studies
    Ikram HM, Rasool N, Zubair M, Khan KM, Abbas Chotana G, Akhtar MN, et al.
    Molecules, 2016 Jul 27;21(8).
    PMID: 27472312 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21080977
    The present study describes several novel 2,5-biaryl-3-hexylthiophene derivatives (3a-i) synthesized via a Pd(0)-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction in moderate to good yields. The novel compounds were also analyzed for their anti-thrombolytic, haemolytic, and biofilm inhibition activities. In addition, the anti-tumor activity was also evaluated in vitro for newly-synthesized compounds, where 3-hexyl-2,5-bis(4-(methylthio)phenyl)thiophene exhibited the best anti-tumor activity against 4T1 cells with IC50 value of 16 μM. Moreover, 2,5-bis(4-methylphenyl)-3-hexylthiophene showed the highest activity against MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 26.2 μM. On the other hand, the compound 2,5-bis(4-chloropheny)-3-hexylthiophene exhibited excellent biofilm inhibition activity. Furthermore, the compound 2,5-bis(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-3-hexylthiophene also exhibited better anti-thrombolytic and hemolytic activity results as compared to the other newly-synthesized compounds.
  11. Fulltext Combinatorial Cytotoxic Effects of Damnacanthal and Doxorubicin against Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells in Vitro
    Aziz MY, Abu N, Yeap SK, Ho WY, Omar AR, Ismail NH, et al.
    Molecules, 2016 Sep 14;21(9).
    PMID: 27649120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21091228
    Despite progressive research being done on drug therapy to treat breast cancer, the number of patients succumbing to the disease is still a major issue. Combinatorial treatment using different drugs and herbs to treat cancer patients is of major interest in scientists nowadays. Doxorubicin is one of the most used drugs to treat breast cancer patients. The combination of doxorubicin to other drugs such as tamoxifen has been reported. Nevertheless, the combination of doxorubicin with a natural product-derived agent has not been studied yet. Morinda citrifolia has always been sought out for its remarkable remedies. Damnacanthal, an anthraquinone that can be extracted from the roots of Morinda citrifolia is a promising compound that possesses a variety of biological properties. This study aimed to study the therapeutic effects of damnacanthal in combination with doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. Collectively, the combination of both these molecules enhanced the efficacy of induced cell death in MCF-7 as evidenced by the MTT assay, cell cycle, annexin V and expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins. The effectiveness of doxorubicin as an anti-cancer drug was increased upon addition of damnacanthal. These results could provide a promising approach to treat breast cancer patients.
  12. In vivo tumor targeting and anti-tumor effects of 5-fluororacil loaded, folic acid targeted quantum dot system
    Bwatanglang IB, Mohammad F, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Alitheen NB, Hussein MZ, et al.
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2016 Oct 15;480:146-58.
    PMID: 27428851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2016.07.011
    In this study, we modulated the anti-cancer efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) using a carrier system with enhanced targeting efficacy towards folate receptors (FRs) expressing malignant tissues. The 5-FU drug was loaded onto Mn-ZnS quantum dots (QDs) encapsulated with chitosan (CS) biopolymer and conjugated with folic acid (FA) based on a simple wet chemical method. The formation of 5-FU drug loaded composite was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, the in vivo biodistribution and tumor targeting specificity of the 5-FU@FACS-Mn:ZnS in the tumor-bearing mice was conducted based on the Zn(2+) tissue bioaccumulation using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. In addition to the characterization, the in vitro release profile of 5-FU from the conjugates investigated under diffusion controlled method demonstrated a controlled release behaviour as compared against the release behaviour of free 5-FU drug. The as-synthesized 5-FU@FACS-Mn:ZnS nanoparticle (NP) systemically induced higher level of apoptosis in breast cancer cells in vitro as compared to cells treated with free 5-FU drug following both cell cycle and annexin assays, respectively. Also, the in vivo toxicity assessment of the 5-FU@FACS-Mn:ZnS NPs as compared to the control did not cause any significant increase in the activities of the liver and kidney function biomarkers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. However, based on the FA-FRs chemistry, the 5-FU@FACS-Mn:ZnS NPs specifically accumulated in the tumor of the tumor-bearing mice and thus contributed to the smaller tumor size and less event of metastasis was observed in the lungs when compared to the tumor-bearing mice groups treated with the free 5-FU drug. In summary, the results demonstrated that the 5-FU@FACS-Mn:ZnS QDs exhibits selective anti-tumor effect in MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells in vitro and 4TI breast cancer cells in vivo, providing a blueprint for improving the 5-FU efficacy and tumor targeting specificity with limited systemic toxicity.
  13. The Antimetastatic and Antiangiogenesis Effects of Kefir Water on Murine Breast Cancer Cells
    Zamberi NR, Abu N, Mohamed NE, Nordin N, Keong YS, Beh BK, et al.
    Integr Cancer Ther, 2016 Dec;15(4):NP53-NP66.
    PMID: 27230756
    BACKGROUND: Kefir is a unique cultured product that contains beneficial probiotics. Kefir culture from other parts of the world exhibits numerous beneficial qualities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and anticancer effects. Nevertheless, kefir cultures from different parts of the world exert different effects because of variation in culture conditions and media. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women, and metastasis is the major cause of death associated with breast cancer. The antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of kefir water made from kefir grains cultured in Malaysia were studied in 4T1 breast cancer cells.

    METHODS: 4T1 cancer cells were treated with kefir water in vitro to assess its antimigration and anti-invasion effects. BALB/c mice were injected with 4T1 cancer cells and treated orally with kefir water for 28 days.

    RESULTS: Kefir water was cytotoxic toward 4T1 cells at IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 12.5 and 8.33 mg/mL for 48 and 72 hours, respectively. A significant reduction in tumor size and weight (0.9132 ± 0.219 g) and a substantial increase in helper T cells (5-fold) and cytotoxic T cells (7-fold) were observed in the kefir water-treated group. Proinflammatory and proangiogenic markers were significantly reduced in the kefir water-treated group.

    CONCLUSIONS: Kefir water inhibited tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo mainly through cancer cell apoptosis, immunomodulation by stimulating T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells, and anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenesis effects. This study brought out the potential of the probiotic beverage kefir water in cancer treatment.

  14. Fulltext Dual Regulation of Cell Death and Cell Survival upon Induction of Cellular Stress by Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic Acid in Cervical Cancer, HeLa Cells In vitro
    Abu N, Yeap SK, Pauzi AZ, Akhtar MN, Zamberi NR, Ismail J, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2016;7:89.
    PMID: 27065873 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00089
    The Fritillaria imperialis is an ornamental flower that can be found in various parts of the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Himalayas. The use of this plant as traditional remedy is widely known. This study aims to unveil the anti-cancer potentials of Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic Acid, extracted from the bulbs of F. imperialis in cervical cancer cell line, HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis of cell death, gene expression analysis via cDNA microarray and protein array were performed. Based on the results, Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic acid simultaneously induced cell death and promoted cell survival. The execution of apoptosis was apparent based on the flow cytometry results and regulation of both pro and anti-apoptotic genes. Additionally, the regulation of anti-oxidant genes were up-regulated especially thioredoxin, glutathione and superoxide dismutase- related genes. Moreover, the treatment also induced the activation of pro-survival heat shock proteins. Collectively, Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic Acid managed to induce cellular stress in HeLa cells and activate several anti- and pro survival pathways.
  15. Fulltext Flavokawain B induced cytotoxicity in two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 and inhibited the metastatic potential of MDA-MB231 via the regulation of several tyrosine kinases In vitro
    Abu N, Akhtar MN, Yeap SK, Lim KL, Ho WY, Abdullah MP, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016;16:86.
    PMID: 26922065 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1046-8
    The kava-kava plant (Piper methysticum) is traditionally consumed by the pacific islanders and has been linked to be involved in several biological activities. Flavokawain B is a unique chalcone, which can be found in the roots of the kava-kava plant. In this study, the operational mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of a synthetic Flavokawain B (FKB) on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 was investigated.
  16. Fulltext Flavokawain derivative FLS induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis on breast cancer MCF-7 cell line
    Ali NM, Akhtar MN, Ky H, Lim KL, Abu N, Zareen S, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2016;10:1897-907.
    PMID: 27358555 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S102164
    Known as naturally occurring biologically active compounds, flavokawain A and B are the leading chalcones that possess anticancer properties. Another flavokawain derivative, (E)-1-(2'-Hydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-methylthio)phenyl)prop-2-ene-1-one (FLS) was characterized with (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance, electron-impact mas spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet ((1)H NMR, EI-MS, IR, and UV) spectroscopic techniques. FLS cytotoxic efficacy against human cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-10A) resulted in the reduction of IC50 values in a time- and dose-dependent mode with high specificity on MCF-7 (IC50 of 36 μM at 48 hours) against normal breast cell MCF-10A (no IC50 detected up to 180 μM at 72 hours). Light, scanning electron, and fluorescent microscopic analysis of MCF-7 cells treated with 36 μM of FLS displayed cell shrinkage, apoptotic body, and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, induction of G2/M cell arrest within 24 hours and apoptosis at subsequent time points was discovered via flow cytometry analysis. The roles of PLK-1, Wee-1, and phosphorylation of CDC-2 in G2/M arrest and proapoptotic factors (Bax, caspase 9, and p53) in promotion of apoptosis of FLS against MCF-7 cells were discovered using fluorometric, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Interestingly, the presence of SCH3 (thiomethyl group) on ring B structure contributed to the selective cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells compared to other chalcones, flavokawain A and B. Overall, our data suggest potential therapeutic value for flavokawain derivative FLS to be further developed as a new anticancer drug.
  17. Circular RNAs as Promising Biomarkers: A Mini-Review
    Abu N, Jamal R
    Front Physiol, 2016;7:355.
    PMID: 27588005 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00355
    The interest in circular RNAs has resurfaced in the past few years. What was considered as "junk" for nearly two decades is now one of the most interesting molecules. Circular RNAs are non-coding RNAs that are formed by back-splicing events and have covalently closed loops with no poly-adenylated tails. The regulation of circular RNAs is distinctive and they are selectively abundant in different types of tissues. Based on the current knowledge of circular RNAs, these molecules have the potential to be the "next big thing" especially as biomarkers for different diseases. This mini-review attempts to concisely look at the biology of circular RNAs, the putative functional activities, the prevalence of circular RNAs, and the possible role of circular RNA as biomarkers for diagnosis or measuring drug response.
  18. Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice towards religious obligations among healthcare workers in hospital Langkawi, Malaysia
    Hafiz J., Dzulkhairi, M.R., Shamsir, M.A., Abu, N.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2016;15(2):3-6.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Islamic prayers involve certain physical movements and positions. These positions may be
    difficult to achieve in Muslim patients who suffer from any illness that limit their physical movements.
    Therefore, Islam introduced the concept of Rukhsah or exemptions. The objective of this study was to
    assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers related to performing prayers during
    illness. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 121 healthcare workers in
    Hospital Langkawi, between 22nd to 24th April 2014. Simple random sampling method was used to select the
    participants among healthcare workers in Hospital Langkawi to attend a workshop on Rukhsah Ibadah. The
    participants were given a set of questionnaire to answer and all the data were collected just before the talk
    began. Results: The majority of the participants 108 (89.3%) were female and more than half of them 74
    (61.2%) were staff nurses. The mean age for the participants was 32.4 (SD: 9.42) years. About 73 (60.3%) of
    the participants have good knowledge, 62 (51.2%) have good attitude and 73 (60.3%) have good practice
    towards religious obligations and Rukhsah. Bivariate analysis shows no correlation between age and
    knowledge, attitude and practice score. There was also no correlation seen between knowledge, attitude
    and practice score. Conclusion: Almost half of the participants have good knowledge, attitude and practice
    on performing prayers during illness. By conducting proper training and coaching, it is hoped that their level
    of understanding towards Rukhsah can be improved.
  19. Fulltext Folic acid targeted Mn:ZnS quantum dots for theranostic applications of cancer cell imaging and therapy
    Bwatanglang IB, Mohammad F, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Hussein MZ, Alitheen NB, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2016;11:413-28.
    PMID: 26858524 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S90198
    In this study, we synthesized a multifunctional nanoparticulate system with specific targeting, imaging, and drug delivering functionalities by following a three-step protocol that operates at room temperature and solely in aqueous media. The synthesis involves the encapsulation of luminescent Mn:ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with chitosan not only as a stabilizer in biological environment, but also to further provide active binding sites for the conjugation of other biomolecules. Folic acid was incorporated as targeting agent for the specific targeting of the nanocarrier toward the cells overexpressing folate receptors. Thus, the formed composite emits orange-red fluorescence around 600 nm and investigated to the highest intensity at Mn(2+) doping concentration of 15 at.% and relatively more stable at low acidic and low alkaline pH levels. The structural characteristics and optical properties were thoroughly analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Further characterization was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The cell viability and proliferation studies by means of MTT assay have demonstrated that the as-synthesized composites do not exhibit any toxicity toward the human breast cell line MCF-10 (noncancer) and the breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) up to a 500 µg/mL concentration. The cellular uptake of the nanocomposites was assayed by confocal laser scanning microscope by taking advantage of the conjugated Mn:ZnS QDs as fluorescence makers. The result showed that the functionalization of the chitosan-encapsulated QDs with folic acid enhanced the internalization and binding affinity of the nanocarrier toward folate receptor-overexpressed cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that due to the nontoxic nature of the composite, the as-synthesized nanoparticulate system can be used as a promising candidate for theranostic applications, especially for a simultaneous targeted drug delivery and cellular imaging.
  20. Fulltext Characterisation of sol-gel method synthesised MgZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and its cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell line, MDA MB-231 in vitro
    Nordin N, Kanagesan S, Zamberi NR, Yeap SK, Abu N, Tamilselvan S, et al.
    IET Nanobiotechnol, 2017 Apr;11(3):343-348.
    PMID: 28476993 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2016.0007
    In this study, nanocrystalline magnesium zinc ferrite nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a simple sol-gel method using copper nitrate and ferric nitrate as raw materials. The calcined samples were characterised by differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the average particle size of the calcined sample was in a range of 17-41 nm with an average of 29 nm and has spherical size. A cytotoxicity test was performed on human breast cancer cells (MDA MB-231) and (MCF-7) at various concentrations starting from (0 µg/ml) to (800 µg/ml). The sample possessed a mild toxic effect toward MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 after being examined with MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for up to 72 h of incubation. Higher reduction of cells viability was observed as the concentration of sample was increased in MDA MB-231 cell line than in MCF-7. Therefore, further cytotoxicity tests were performed on MDA MB-231 cell line.
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