Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 541 in total

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  1. Chakraborty C, Chin KY, Das S
    Tumour Biol., 2016 Oct;37(10):13039-13048.
    PMID: 27468722
    Over the last few years, microRNAs (miRNA)-controlled cancer stem cells have drawn enormous attention. Cancer stem cells are a small population of tumor cells that possess the stem cell property of self-renewal. Recent data shows that miRNA regulates this small population of stem cells. In the present review, we explained different characteristics of cancer stem cells as well as miRNA regulation of self-renewal and differentiation in cancer stem cells. We also described the migration and tumor formation. Finally, we described the different miRNAs that regulate various types of cancer stem cells, such as prostate cancer stem cells, head and neck cancer stem cells, breast cancer stem cells, colorectal cancer stem cells, lung cancer stem cells, gastric cancer stem cells, pancreatic cancer stem cells, etc. Extensive research is needed in order to employ miRNA-based therapeutics to control cancer stem cell population in various cancers in the future.
  2. Hanim A, Mohamed IN, Mohamed RMP, Das S, Nor NSM, Harun RA, et al.
    Mini Rev Med Chem, 2020;20(17):1696-1708.
    PMID: 32579497 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200624122325
    Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by compulsive binge alcohol intake, leading to various health and social harms. Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCε), a specific family of PKC isoenzyme, regulates binge alcohol intake, and potentiates alcohol-related cues. Alcohol via upstream kinases like the mammalian target to rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or 2 (mTORC2), may affect the activities of PKCε or vice versa in AUD. mTORC2 phosphorylates PKCε at hydrophobic and turn motif, and was recently reported to be associated with alcohol-seeking behavior, suggesting the potential role of mTORC2-PKCε interactions in the pathophysiology of AUD. mTORC1 regulates translation of synaptic proteins involved in alcohol-induced plasticity. Hence, in this article, we aimed to review the molecular composition of mTORC1 and mTORC2, drugs targeting PKCε, mTORC1, and mTORC2 in AUD, upstream regulation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in AUD and downstream cellular mechanisms of mTORCs in the pathogenesis of AUD.
  3. Laitiff AA, Teoh SL, Das S
    Clin Ter, 2010;161(4):359-64.
    PMID: 20931161
    The healing of wound is a complex process which requires the interactions of different cells and extracellular molecules. The normal wound healing process can be divided into four overlapping phases i.e. haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. In diseased condition like diabetes mellitus, the wound healing process is grossly impaired, resulting in chronic wounds which fail to heal. In the past decades, several researchers have tested various traditional medicines obtained from the plants for their wound healing properties. Such traditional plants are Aloe vera, Calotropis procera, Portulaca oleracea, Acalypha langiana, Plagiochasma appendiculatum and Momordica charantia. Perhaps one of the most popular and easily available plant is Momordica charantia (bitter gourd). The present article presents an extensive review on the impaired wound healing process in diabetes mellitus and highlights the use of traditional medicines in diabetic wounds.
  4. Dewanjee S, Dua TK, Khanra R, Das S, Barma S, Joardar S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(10):e0139831.
    PMID: 26473485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139831
    BACKGROUND: Ipomoea aquatica (Convolvulaceae), an aquatic edible plant, is traditionally used against heavy metal toxicity in India. The current study intended to explore the protective role of edible (aqueous) extract of I. aquatica (AEIA) against experimentally induced Pb-intoxication.

    METHODS: The cytoprotective role of AEIA was measured on mouse hepatocytes by cell viability assay followed by Hoechst staining and flow cytometric assay. The effect on ROS production, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, intracellular redox status were measured after incubating the hepatocytes with Pb-acetate (6.8 μM) along with AEIA (400 μg/ml). The effects on the expressions of apoptotic signal proteins were estimated by western blotting. The protective role of AEIA was measured by in vivo assay in mice. Haematological, serum biochemical, tissue redox status, Pb bioaccumulation and histological parameters were evaluated to estimate the protective role of AEIA (100 mg/kg) against Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) intoxication.

    RESULTS: Pb-acetate treated hepatocytes showed a gradual reduction of cell viability dose-dependently with an IC50 value of 6.8 μM. Pb-acetate treated hepatocytes exhibited significantly enhanced levels (p < 0.01) of ROS production, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation with concomitant depletion (p < 0.01) of antioxidant enzymes and GSH. However, AEIA treatment could significantly restore the aforementioned parameters in murine hepatocytes near to normalcy. Besides, AEIA significantly reversed (p < 0.05-0.01) the alterations of transcription levels of apoptotic proteins viz. Bcl 2, Bad, Cyt C, Apaf-1, cleaved caspases [caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9], Fas and Bid. In in vivo bioassay, Pb-acetate treatment caused significantly high intracellular Pb burden and oxidative pressure in the kidney, liver, heart, brain and testes in mice. In addition, the haematological and serum biochemical factors were changed significantly in Pb-acetate-treated animals. AEIA treatment restored significantly the evaluated-parameters to the near-normal position.

    CONCLUSION: The extract may offer the protective effect via counteracting with Pb mediated oxidative stress and/or promoting the elimination of Pb by chelating. The presence of substantial quantities of flavonoids, phenolics and saponins would be responsible for the overall protective effect.

  5. Nik Jaafar NR, Midin M, Mahadevan R, Sinniah A, Rahman AH, Ming W, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S60-4.
    PMID: 24139853 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.09.002
    OBJECTIVE: Most weight interventions among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) used body mass index (BMI) as outcome measure but excluded waist circumference (WC) although the latter is a stronger predictor of obesity complications. This study aimed to assess a weight-management program consisting of education, exercise and behavioural techniques for patients with SMI using weight parameters including WC as the outcome measures.
    METHODS: A group intervention was carried out as part of psychiatric outpatient community service. It used structured modules on diet, exercise and related topics comprising of education and exercises sessions with a total of 12-week duration. The participants were outpatients with SMI recruited through referrals to the program by the treating doctor. The participants' body weight, BMI and WC were measured at the baseline, fortnightly and at the end of the program.
    RESULTS: A total of 27 patients participated in the program which was carried out in 6 cycles. The pre- and post-intervention comparisons analysis of the weight parameters found a significant reduction in the WC (mean=3.878 cm+5.165, p=0.001) while no significant changes were recorded in body weight and BMI.
    CONCLUSION: Small but significant loss in WC and possibly weight maintenance were achieved using this non-pharmacological intervention. Modest loss in WC may have an impact on reducing the risk of obesity-related health risks.
    Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  6. Zar CT, Teoh SL, Das S, Zaiton Z, Farihah HS
    Clin Ter, 2012 Nov;163(6):505-10.
    PMID: 23306747
    Herbs with antidiabetic activity have a potential role to play. Herbal medicines have been widely used in South East Asia because of lesser side effects and cost effectiveness. The main aim of this review article was to disseminate important information regarding the use of herbal products in oxidative stress involved in diseases like diabetes mellitus. The article highlights some of the traditional medicinal plants which have been widely used in South East Asia with special emphasis on Piper sarmentosum. Piper sarmentosum have been reported to possess varying degree of hypoglycemic, antidiabetic and other additional properties. The antioxidant properties of the herbs may be effective in controlling the oxidative damage produced during diabetes mellitus. The review article highlights the positive role of traditional herbs towards diabetes mellitus and also describes its complications.
  7. Zamri Z, Harunarashid, Das S, Ramzisham AR
    Clin Ter, 2010;161(5):457-8.
    PMID: 20964103
    Ureteritis cystica is a rare, benign, proliferative condition. We report the case of a 51-year-old female who complained of dysuria and frequency for the last 10 years. The symptoms, however, increased in severity and frequency over the past one year. Urine culture and sensitivity showed presence of Escherichia Coli which was sensitive to augmentin and ciproflaxocin. The urinary tract ultrasonography and intravenous urography revealed bladder diverticula with multiple small, smooth well defects with sharp borders that protruded into the lumen along the proximal and mid left ureter. This finding was later confirmed by retrograde pyelogram. She was treated and currently is on long term antibiotic therapy. The diagnostic features and management of ureteritis cystic is being discussed in detail.
  8. Zulkifli MZ, Ho CC, Goh EH, Praveen S, Das S
    Clin Ter, 2012;163(1):23-5.
    PMID: 22362229
    Incidence of urolithiasis is on the rise due to climatic changes especially global warming.The pain due to presence of ureteric stone is a well known identity but many times it may be asymptomatic or even masked by concurrent presence of backache. In the present article, we describe the case of a 43-year-old male who came to the clinic for treatment of backache persisting for more than two years. The patient complained of backache two years back for which he was treated with analgesics and physiotherapy which relieved his pain. No X-ray was taken earlier because the attending clinician thought the backache to be musculo-skeletal in origin. Recently, one day a sudden episode of backache in the midst of night compelled him to seek medical treatment. However, this time a X-ray was performed and it showed the presence of calculi in the right upper pelvis of ureter which measured 1.9 cm vertically. An ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with two episodes of shock wave therapy which failed to crush the stone. A Double-J stent was inserted under general anaesthesia. The stone was crushed using a ureteroscope guided laser. The present case report describes how backache in professionals cannot be lightly attended. Even the characteristic groin to loin pain may be absent. All cases of backache should be properly investigated with an X-ray to rule out renal or ureteric calculi.
  9. Hansdak R, Arora J, Sharma M, Mehta V, Suri RK, Das S
    Clin Ter, 2015;166(2):65-7.
    PMID: 25945432 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2015.1817
    Variations in the arterial pattern of upper limb are of colossal importance to the surgeons as they are liable to iatrogenic injuries. During routine dissection for undergraduate medical students, an anomaly of brachial artery was discovered. The brachial artery terminated at higher level into ulnar and radial artery. The common interosseus artery took origin arising from radial artery. The ulnar artery did not give any branches in the forearm. Both radial and ulnar artery displayed a superficial course in the forearm. The anatomical knowledge of these variations may be of great help for the clinicians in planning and conducting flap harvesting during reconstructive surgeries and in arteriography.
  10. Yusof F, Sidi H, Das S, Midin M, Kumar J, Hatta MH
    Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(8):856-864.
    PMID: 27993112 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666161215161108
    Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the commonest male sexual dysfunctions. It is characterized by ejaculation which occurs before or soon after vaginal penetration, which causes significant psychological distress to the individual, and his partner. The exact cause of PE is still unknown but several mechanisms are proposed, and these involve complex interactions of neurophysiological, psychosocial, and cognitive factors. We discuss the role of serotonin, nitric oxide, phosphodiesterase enzymes and other neurotransmitters. Treatment of PE tends to co-occur with other sexual difficulties, especially erectile dysfunction (ED). Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Dapoxitene are also discussed in detail. The treatment strategy requires a comprehensive holistic approach incorporating both combination of psychopharmacological agent and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The present review highlights the integration of the hypothalamic-neural and reverberating emotional circuit and discusses the etiology and treatment for patients with PE.
  11. Teoh SL, Das S
    Tumour Biol., 2016 Nov;37(11):14363-14380.
    PMID: 27623943
    Obesity continues to be a major global problem. Various cancers are related to obesity and proper understanding of their aetiology, especially their molecular tumour biology is important for early diagnosis and better treatment. Genes play an important role in the development of obesity. Few genes such as leptin, leptin receptor encoded by the db (diabetes), pro-opiomelanocortin, AgRP and NPY and melanocortin-4 receptors and insulin-induced gene 2 were linked to obesity. MicroRNAs control gene expression via mRNA degradation and protein translation inhibition and influence cell differentiation, cell growth and cell death. Overexpression of miR-143 inhibits tumour growth by suppressing B cell lymphoma 2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-5 activities and KRAS oncogene. Cancers of the breast, uterus, renal, thyroid and liver are also related to obesity. Any disturbance in the production of sex hormones and insulin, leads to distortion in the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The possible mechanism linking obesity to cancer involves alteration in the level of adipokines and sex hormones. These mediators act as biomarkers for cancer progression and act as targets for cancer therapy and prevention. Interestingly, many anti-cancerous drugs are also beneficial in treating obesity and vice versa. We also reviewed the possible link in the mechanism of few drugs which act both on cancer and obesity. The present review may be important for molecular biologists, oncologists and clinicians treating cancers and also pave the way for better therapeutic options.
  12. Mohamed RMP, Kumar J, Yap E, Mohamed IN, Sidi H, Adam RL, et al.
    Curr Drug Targets, 2019;20(2):158-165.
    PMID: 28641520 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170622092824
    Memories associated with substance use disorders, or substance-associated cues increase the likelihood of craving and relapse during abstinence. There is a growing consensus that manipulation of synaptic plasticity may reduce the strength of substance abuse-related memories. On the biological front, there are new insights that suggest memories associated with substance use disorder may follow unique neurobiological pathways that render them more accessible to pharmacological intervention. In parallel to this, research in neurochemistry has identified several potential candidate molecules that could influence the formation and maintenance of long-term memory. Drugs that target these molecules (blebbistatin, isradipine and zeta inhibitory peptide) have shown promise at the preclinical stage. In this review, we shall provide an overview of the evolving understanding on the biochemical mechanisms involved in memory formation and expound on the premise that substance use disorder is a learning disorder.
  13. Tang CT, Belani LK, Das S, Jaafar MZ
    Clin Ter, 2013;164(1):43-6.
    PMID: 23455743 DOI: 10.7417/T.2013.1511
    Dementia is a common symptom observed in many psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of senile dementia seen in the general population. Multiple factors like oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation may be related to the neurodegenerative states. Many drugs like cholinesterase have been used for treatment but the progression of the disease still poses a challenge to the clinician. During recent times, herbs have gained much popularity as supplements because of the cost effectiveness, easy availability and fewer side effects. Early diagnosis and proper treatment may help in the prevention of mortality and morbidity concerned with any neurodegenerative disease. Understanding the cellular and molecular biology of the mode of the action of herbal products may be beneficial for researchers and clinicians. The present review article attempts to look into the potential herbal extracts which may act as an antioxidant in combating dementia.
  14. Jailani RF, Kosai NR, Yaacob NY, Jarmin R, Sutton P, Harunarrashid H, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2014;165(6):294-8.
    PMID: 25524184 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2014.1771
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of transarterial angioembolization (TAE) and surgery with endoscopically unmanageable non-variceal hemorrhage of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case note review of all patients treated for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding from January 2006 till January 2012 was performed.

    RESULTS: Fifty-four of 667 patients with non-variceal bleeding did not respond to endoscopic treatment. Nine of the 54 patients had incomplete data, leaving 45 patients in the study; 24 had angiography and another 21 had surgery. The two groups were broadly similar in terms of relevant clinical variables. Nineteen of 24 having angiography had embolisation. Re-bleeding recurred in 8 patients (33%) in the TAE group and 6 patients (28.6%) in the surgery group (p = 0.28). There was no statistically significant difference in post procedural complications (81% vs 62.5%, p = 0.17), 30-day mortality (33% vs 29.1%, p = 0.17 ) units of blood transfused (12.24 vs 8.92, p = 0.177) and mean hospital stay (30.7 vs 22.9 days, p = 0.281) observed in patients undergoing surgery as compared to TAE.

    CONCLUSIONS: TAE and surgery have similar outcomes in patients with endoscopically unmanageable non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
  15. Taib IS, Budin SB, Siti Nor Ain SM, Mohamed J, Louis SR, Das S, et al.
    J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2009 Nov;10(11):813-9.
    PMID: 19882755 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B0920199
    Litsea elliptica Blume leaves have been traditionally used as medicinal herbs because of its antimutagenicity, chemopreventative and insecticidal properties. In this study, the toxic effects of L. elliptica essential oil against Sprague-Dawley rat's red blood cells (RBCs) were evaluated. L. elliptica essential oil was given by oral gavage 5 times per week for 3 treated groups in the doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/(kg body weight), respectively, and the control group received distilled water. Full blood count, RBC osmotic fragility, RBC morphological changes, and RBC membrane lipid were analyzed 28 d after the treatment. Although L. elliptica essential oil administration had significantly different effects on hemoglobin (Hb), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) in the experimental groups as compared to the control group (P<0.05), the values were still within the normal range. L. elliptica induced morphological changes of RBC into the form of echinocyte. The percentage of echinocyte increased significantly among the treated groups in a dose-response manner (P<0.001). The concentrations of RBC membrane phospholipids and cholesterol of all treated groups were significantly lower than those of control group (P<0.001). However, the RBC membrane osmotic fragility and total proteins of RBC membrane findings did not differ significantly between control and treated groups (P>0.05). It is concluded that structural changes in the RBC membrane due to L. elliptica essential oil administration did not cause severe membrane damage.
  16. Muthudoss P, Kumar S, Ann EYC, Young KJ, Chi RLR, Allada R, et al.
    J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2022 Feb 20;210:114581.
    PMID: 35026592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114581
    Particle size distribution (PSD), spatial location and particle cluster size of ingredients, polymorphism, compositional distribution of a pharmaceutical product are few of the most important attributes in establishing the drug release-controlling microstructural and solid state properties that would be used to (re)design or reproduce similar products. There are numerous solid-state techniques available for PSD analysis. Laser diffraction (LD) is mostly used to study PSD of raw materials. However, a constraint of LD is the interference between the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and excipients, where it is very challenging to measure API size in a tablet. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) is widely employed in establishing the polymorphism of API and excipients. This research examined a commercial osmotic tablet in terms of extracting solid state properties of API and functional excipient by Raman Imaging. Establishing repeatability, reproducibility, and sample representativeness when the samples are non-uniform and inhomogeneous necessitates multiple measurements. In such scenarios, when employing imaging-based techniques, it can be time-consuming and tedious. Advanced statistical methodologies are used to overcome these disadvantages and expedite the characterization process. Overall, this study demonstrates that Raman imaging can be employed as a non-invasive and effective offline method for assessing the solid-state characteristics of API and functional excipients in complex dosage forms like osmotic tablets.
  17. Choy KW, Kogilavani S, Norshalizah M, Rani S, Aspalilah A, Hamzi H, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2013;164(1):17-9.
    PMID: 23455736 DOI: 10.7417/T.2013.1504
    Femoral nerve (FN) is the largest branch of lumbar plexus. It lies lateral to femoral artery (FA) and it is located outside the femoral sheath. Profunda femoris artery (PFA) is a branch of the FA. The present study aimed to observe the topographical anatomy and relationship of the PFA and the FN.
  18. Taridi NM, Yahaya MF, Teoh SL, Latiff AA, Ngah WZ, Das S, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2011;162(2):93-8.
    PMID: 21533313
    Oxidative stress is caused by imbalance between the productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Palm oil antioxidants such as tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) is known to have neuroprotective effects on neurones by acting against free radical induced neuronal cell death. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of TRF on oxidative DNA damage and cognitive functions in experimental rats.
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