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  1. Fulltext Crystal structure of tetra-aqua-bis(3,5-di-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ium)cobalt(II) bis-[bis-(pyridine-2,6-di-carboxyl-ato)cobaltate(II)] dihydrate
    Johnson A, Mbonu J, Hussain Z, Loh WS, Fun HK
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2015 Jun 1;71(Pt 6):m139-40.
    PMID: 26090171 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989015010014
    The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Co(C2H6N5)2(H2O)4][Co(C7H3NO4)2]2·2H2O, features 1.5 Co(II) ions (one anionic complex and one half cationic complex) and one water mol-ecule. In the cationic complex, the Co(II) atom is located on an inversion centre and is coordinated by two triazolium cations and four water mol-ecules, adopting an octa-hedral geometry where the N atoms of the two triazolium cations occupy the axial positions and the O atoms of the four water mol-ecules the equatorial positions. The two triazole ligands are parallel offset (with a distance of 1.38 Å between their planes). In the anionic complex, the Co(II) ion is six-coordinated by two N and four O atoms of the two pyridine-2,6-di-carboxyl-ate anions, exhibiting a slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry in which the mean plane of the two pyridine-2,6-di-carboxyl-ate anions are almost perpendicular to each other, making a dihedral angle of 85.87 (2)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network via C-H⋯O, C-H⋯N, O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
  2. Fulltext Human Hand Motion Analysis during Different Eating Activities
    Hussain Z, Zainul Azlan N, Yusof AZB
    Appl Bionics Biomech, 2018;2018:8567648.
    PMID: 29515649 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8567648
    The focus of this research is to analyse both human hand motion and force, during eating, with respect to differing food characteristics and cutlery (including a fork and a spoon). A glove consisting of bend and force sensors has been used to capture the motion and contact force exerted by fingers during different eating activities. The Pearson correlation coefficient has been used to show that a significant linear relationship exists between the bending motion of the fingers and the forces exerted during eating. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent samplest-tests are performed to establish whether the motion and force exerted by the fingers while eating is influenced by the different food characteristics and cutlery. The middle finger motion showed the least positive correlation with index fingertip and thumb-tip force, irrespective of the food characteristics and cutlery used. The ANOVA andt-test results revealed that bending motion of the index finger and thumb varies with respect to differing food characteristics and the type of cutlery used (fork/spoon), whereas the bending motion of the middle finger remains unaffected. Additionally, the contact forces exerted by the thumb tip and index fingertip remain unaffected with respect to differing food types and cutlery used.
  3. Nanomedicines as emerging platform for simultaneous delivery of cancer therapeutics: new developments in overcoming drug resistance and optimizing anticancer efficacy
    Hussain Z, Arooj M, Malik A, Hussain F, Safdar H, Khan S, et al.
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2018;46(sup2):1015-1024.
    PMID: 29873531 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2018.1478420
    Development and formulation of an efficient and safe therapeutic regimen for cancer theranostics are dynamically challenging. The use of mono-therapeutic cancer regimen is generally restricted to optimal clinical applications, on account of drug resistance and cancer heterogeneity. Combinatorial treatments can employ multi-therapeutics for synergistic anticancer efficacy whilst reducing the potency of individual moieties and diminishing the incidence of associated adverse effects. The combo-delivery of nanotherapeutics can optimize anti-tumor efficacy while reversing the incidence of drug resistance, aiming to homogenize pharmacological profile of drugs, enhance circulatory time, permit targeted drug accumulation, achieve multi-target dynamic approach, optimize target-specific drug binding and ensure sustained drug release at the target site. Numerous nanomedicines/nanotherapeutics have been developed by having dynamic physicochemical, pharmaceutical and pharmacological implications. These innovative delivery approaches have displayed specialized treatment effects, alone or in combination with conventional anticancer approaches (photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy and gene therapy), while reversing drug resistance and potential off-target effects. The current review presents a comprehensive overview of nanocarrier aided multi-drug therapies alongside recent advancements, future prospects, and the pivotal requirements for interdisciplinary research.
  4. New developments and clinical transition of hyaluronic acid-based nanotherapeutics for treatment of cancer: reversing multidrug resistance, tumour-specific targetability and improved anticancer efficacy
    Safdar MH, Hussain Z, Abourehab MAS, Hasan H, Afzal S, Thu HE
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2018 Dec;46(8):1967-1980.
    PMID: 29082766 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1397001
    This review aims to overview and critically analyses recent developments in achieving tumour-specific delivery of anticancer agents, maximizing anticancer efficacy, and mitigating tumour progression and off-target effects. Stemming from critical needs to develop target-specific delivery vehicles in cancer therapy, various hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated nanomedicines have been fabricated owing to their biocompatibility, safety, tumour-specific targetability of drugs and genes, and proficient interaction with cluster-determinant-44 (CD44) receptors over-expressed on the surface of tumour cells. HA-based conjugation or surface modulation of anticancer drugs encapsulated nanocarriers have shown promising efficacy against the various types of carcinomas of liver, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, skin, ovarian, cervical, head and neck and gastric. The success of this emerging platform is assessed in achieving the rapid internalization of anticancer payloads into the tumour cells, impeding cancer cells division and proliferation, induction of cancer-specific apoptosis and prevention of metastasis (tumour progression). This review extends detailed insight into the engineering of HA-based nanomedicines, characterization, utilization for the diagnosis or treatment of CD44 over-expressing cancer subtypes and emphasizing the transition of nanomedicines to clinical cancer therapy.
  5. Fulltext Efficient hepatoprotective activity of cranberry extract against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rat model: Down-regulation of liver enzymes and strong antioxidant activity
    Hussain F, Malik A, Ayyaz U, Shafique H, Rana Z, Hussain Z
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2017 Nov;10(11):1054-1058.
    PMID: 29203101 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.10.008
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of cranberry extract (CBE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury using in-vivo animal model.

    METHODS: The hepatoprotective efficacy of CBE (200 and 400 mg/kg) was investigated against CCl4 (4 mL/kg)-induced hepatotoxicity, elevated liver enzymes [ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], and total protein (TP) contents in the serum. Moreover, CBE-aided antioxidant defense against hepatotoxic insult of CCl4 was measured by evaluating a number of anti-oxidative biomarkers including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum by using spectrophotometric analyses.

    RESULTS: Results showed that the exposure of experimental animals to CCl4 did induce significant hepatotoxicity compared to the non-induced (untreated) group. The oral administration of CBE demonstrated a significant dose-dependent alleviation in the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), increased antioxidant defense (GSH, SOD, and CAT), and reduced MDA levels in the serum of treated animals compared to the animals without treatment. The resulting data showed that the administration of CBE decreased the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP compared to the CCl4-induced group.

    CONCLUSIONS: The resulting data evidenced that CBE exhibits promising hepatoprotective potential against the chemical induced hepatotoxicity, maintains homeostasis in liver enzymes, and can provide significant antioxidant defense against free radicals-induced oxidative stress.

  6. Fulltext Educational resource for antimicrobial resistance and stewardship for dentistry programmes: a research protocol
    Ang CY, Dhaliwal JS, Muharram SH, Akkawi ME, Hussain Z, Rahman H, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2021 07 07;11(7):e048609.
    PMID: 34233993 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048609
    INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public and patient safety issue. With the high AMR risk, ensuring that the next generation of dentists that have optimal knowledge and confidence in the area of AMR is crucial. A systematic approach is vital to design an AMR content that is comprehensive and clinically relevant. The primary objective of this research study will be to implement a consensus-based approach to elucidate AMR content and curriculum priorities for professional dentistry programmes. This research aims to establish consensus along with eliciting opinion on appropriate AMR topics to be covered in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery syllabus.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A three-phase approach to validate content for curriculum guidelines on AMR will be adopted. First, literature review and content analysis were conducted to find out the available pertinent literature in dentistry programmes. A total of 23 potential literature have been chosen for inclusion within this study following literature review and analysis in phase 1. The materials found will be used to draft curriculum on antimicrobials for dentistry programmes. The next phase involves the validation of the drafted curriculum content by recruiting local and foreign experts via a survey questionnaire. Finally, Delphi technique will be conducted to obtain consensus on the important or controversial modifications to the revised curriculum.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: An ethics application is currently under review with the Institute of Health Science Research Ethics Committee, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. All participants are required to provide a written consent form. Findings will be used to identify significant knowledge gaps on AMR aspect in a way that results in lasting change in clinical practice. Moreover, AMR content priorities related to dentistry clinical practice will be determined in order to develop need-based educational resource on microbes, hygiene and prudent antimicrobial use for dentistry programmes.

  7. Carbon nanotube scaffolds as emerging nanoplatform for myocardial tissue regeneration: A review of recent developments and therapeutic implications
    Gorain B, Choudhury H, Pandey M, Kesharwani P, Abeer MM, Tekade RK, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2018 Aug;104:496-508.
    PMID: 29800914 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.066
    Myocardial infarction (cardiac tissue death) is among the most prevalent causes of death among the cardiac patients due to the inability of self-repair in cardiac tissues. Myocardial tissue engineering is regarded as one of the most realistic strategies for repairing damaged cardiac tissue. However, hindrance in transduction of electric signals across the cardiomyocytes due to insulating properties of polymeric materials worsens the clinical viability of myocardial tissue engineering. Aligned and conductive scaffolds based on Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have gained remarkable recognition due to their exceptional attributes which provide synthetic but viable microenvironment for regeneration of engineered cardiomyocytes. This review presents an overview and critical analysis of pharmaceutical implications and therapeutic feasibility of CNT based scaffolds in improving the cardiac tissue regeneration and functionality. The expository analysis of the available evidence revealed that inclusion of single- or multi-walled CNT into fibrous, polymeric, and elastomeric scaffolds results in significant improvement in electrical stimulation and signal transduction through cardiomyocytes. Moreover, incorporation of CNT in engineering scaffolds showed a greater potential of augmenting cardiomyocyte proliferation, differentiation, and maturation and has improved synchronous beating of cardiomyocytes. Despite promising ability of CNT in promoting functionality of cardiomyocytes, their presence in scaffolds resulted in substantial improvement in mechanical properties and structural integrity. Conclusively, this review provides new insight into the remarkable potential of CNT aligned scaffolds in improving the functionality of engineered cardiac tissue and signifies their feasibility in cardiac tissue regenerative medicines and stem cell therapy.
  8. Phytotherapeutic potential of natural herbal medicines for the treatment of mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A review of human clinical studies
    Hussain Z, Thu HE, Shuid AN, Kesharwani P, Khan S, Hussain F
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 Sep;93:596-608.
    PMID: 28686974 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.087
    For many decades, natural herbal medicines, polyherbal formulations and/or decoctions of plant-derived materials have widely been accepted as alternative complementary therapies for the treatment, cure or prevention of a wide range of acute and chronic skin diseases including chronic herpes, prurigo, acute and chronic wounds, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). This review was aimed to summarize and critically discuss about the therapeutic viability and clinical applicability of natural herbal medicines for the treatment of AD in human. The critical analysis of the literature revealed that oral (in the form of capsules, syrup or granules) and/or topical application (alone or in conjunction with wet-wrap dressing and/or acupuncture) of natural herbal medicines exhibit remarkable potential for the treatment of mild-to-severe AD in adults, children, infants and in the pregnant women. In this review, the clinical efficacy of various herbal formulations such as Chinese herbal therapies, Korean medicines, Iranian medicines, honey, natural herbal oils (coconut oil, olive oil and mineral oil), beeswax, dodder seeds and whey for the treatment of AD has been discussed. The clinical anti-AD efficacy of these complementary therapies has been observed in terms of down-regulation in Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, erythematic intensity, Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), pruritus and itching frequency, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and expression of AD-mediated chemokines. Conclusively, we recognized that natural herbal medicines demonstrate remarkable clinical efficacy when used alone or in conjunction with other complementary therapies for the treatment of AD in patients of all ages as well as pregnant women.
  9. Biological evaluation of synthetic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl based cyclohexanone derivatives as neuroprotective novel inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and amyloid-β aggregation
    Zha GF, Zhang CP, Qin HL, Jantan I, Sher M, Amjad MW, et al.
    Bioorg Med Chem, 2016 05 15;24(10):2352-9.
    PMID: 27083471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.04.015
    A series of new α,β-unsaturated carbonyl-based cyclohexanone derivatives was synthesized by simple condensation method and all compounds were characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques. New compounds were evaluated for their effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). These compounds were also screened for in vitro cytotoxicity and for inhibitory activity for self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation. The effect of these compounds against amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity was also investigated. The findings of in vitro experiment revealed that most of these compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity against AChE and self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation. The compound 3o exhibited best AChE (IC50=0.037μM) inhibitory potential. Furthermore, compound 3o disassembled the Aβ fibrils produced by self-induced Aβ aggregation by 76.6%. Compounds containing N-methyl-4-piperidone linker, showed high acetylcholinesterase and self-induced Aβ aggregation inhibitory activities as compared to reference drug donepezil. The pre-treatment of cells with synthetic compounds protected them against Aβ-induced cell death by up to 92%. Collectively, these findings suggest that some compounds from this series have potential to be promising multifunctional agents for AD treatment and our study suggest the cyclohexanone derivatives as promising new inhibitors for AChE and BuChE, potentially useful to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
  10. Improving the substrate binding of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (AccB) from Streptomyces antibioticus through computational enzyme engineering
    Ali I, Wei DQ, Khan A, Feng Y, Waseem M, Hussain Z, et al.
    Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2024 Apr;71(2):402-413.
    PMID: 38287712 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2548
    Malonyl-CoA serves as the main building block for the biosynthesis of many important polyketides, as well as fatty acid-derived compounds, such as biofuel. Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium gultamicum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have recently been engineered for the biosynthesis of such compounds. However, the developed processes and strains often have insufficient productivity. In the current study, we used enzyme-engineering approach to improve the binding of acetyl-CoA with ACC. We generated different mutations, and the impact was calculated, which reported that three mutations, that is, S343A, T347W, and S350W, significantly improve the substrate binding. Molecular docking investigation revealed an altered binding network compared to the wild type. In mutants, additional interactions stabilize the binding of the inner tail of acetyl-CoA. Using molecular simulation, the stability, compactness, hydrogen bonding, and protein motions were estimated, revealing different dynamic properties owned by the mutants only but not by the wild type. The findings were further validated by using the binding-free energy (BFE) method, which revealed these mutations as favorable substitutions. The total BFE was reported to be -52.66 ± 0.11 kcal/mol for the wild type, -55.87 ± 0.16 kcal/mol for the S343A mutant, -60.52 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for T347W mutant, and -59.64 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for the S350W mutant. This shows that the binding of the substrate is increased due to the induced mutations and strongly corroborates with the docking results. In sum, this study provides information regarding the essential hotspot residues for the substrate binding and can be used for application in industrial processes.
  11. Fulltext Recent Advancements in Stimuli Responsive Drug Delivery Platforms for Active and Passive Cancer Targeting
    Rahim MA, Jan N, Khan S, Shah H, Madni A, Khan A, et al.
    Cancers (Basel), 2021 Feb 07;13(4).
    PMID: 33562376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040670
    The tumor-specific targeting of chemotherapeutic agents for specific necrosis of cancer cells without affecting the normal cells poses a great challenge for researchers and scientists. Though extensive research has been carried out to investigate chemotherapy-based targeted drug delivery, the identification of the most promising strategy capable of bypassing non-specific cytotoxicity is still a major concern. Recent advancements in the arena of onco-targeted therapies have enabled safe and effective tumor-specific localization through stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. Owing to their promising characteristic features, stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms have revolutionized the chemotherapy-based treatments with added benefits of enhanced bioavailability and selective cytotoxicity of cancer cells compared to the conventional modalities. The insensitivity of stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms when exposed to normal cells prevents the release of cytotoxic drugs into the normal cells and therefore alleviates the off-target events associated with chemotherapy. Contrastingly, they showed amplified sensitivity and triggered release of chemotherapeutic payload when internalized into the tumor microenvironment causing maximum cytotoxic responses and the induction of cancer cell necrosis. This review focuses on the physical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems and chemical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for triggered cancer chemotherapy through active and/or passive targeting. Moreover, the review also provided a brief insight into the molecular dynamic simulations associated with stimuli-based tumor targeting.
  12. Hyaluronic acid decorated tacrolimus-loaded nanoparticles: Efficient approach to maximize dermal targeting and anti-dermatitis efficacy
    Zhuo F, Abourehab MAS, Hussain Z
    Carbohydr Polym, 2018 Oct 01;197:478-489.
    PMID: 30007638 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.06.023
    Nano-delivery systems have gained remarkable recognition for targeted delivery of therapeutic payload, reduced off-target effects, and improved biopharmaceutical profiles of drugs. Therefore, we aimed to fabricate polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver tacrolimus (TCS) to deeper layers of the skin in order to alleviate its systemic toxicity and improved therapeutic efficacy against atopic dermatitis (AD). To further optimize the targeting efficiency, TCS-loaded NPs were coated with hyaluronic acid (HA). Following the various physicochemical optimizations, the prepared HA-TCS-CS-NPs were tested for in vitro drug release kinetics, drug permeation across the stratum corneum, percentage of drug retained in the epidermis and dermis, and anti-AD efficacy. Results revealed that HA-TCS-CS-NPs exhibit sustained release profile, promising drug permeation ability, improved skin retention, and pronounced anti-AD efficacy. Conclusively, we anticipated that HA-based modification of TCS-CS-NPs could be a promising therapeutic approach for rationalized management of AD, particularly in children as well as in adults having steroid phobia.
  13. Synthesis and mechanistic studies of curcumin analog-based oximes as potential anticancer agents
    Qin HL, Leng J, Youssif BG, Amjad MW, Raja MA, Hussain MA, et al.
    Chem Biol Drug Des, 2017 Feb 10.
    PMID: 28186369 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12964
    The incidence of cancer can be decreased by chemoprevention using either natural or synthetic agents. Apart from synthetic compounds, numerous natural products have exhibited promising potential to inhibit carcinogenesis in vivo. In this study, α, β-unsaturated carbonyl-based anticancer compounds were used as starting materials to synthesize new oxime analogs. The findings from the antiproliferative assay using seven different human cancer cell lines provided a clear picture of structure-activity relationship. The oxime analogs namely 7a and 8a showed strong antiproliferative activity against the cell lines. The mechanistic effects of compounds on EGFR-TK kinases and tubulin polymerization and BRAF(V)(600E) were investigated. In addition, the efficacy of compounds in reversing the efflux-mediated resistance developed by cancer cells was also studied. The compounds 5a and 6a displayed potent activity on various targets such as BRAF(V)(600E) and EGFR-TK kinases and also exhibited strong antiproliferative activity against different cell lines hence showing potential of multifunctional anticancer agents.
  14. Fulltext Compositional difference in antioxidant and antibacterial activity of all parts of the Carica papaya using different solvents
    Asghar N, Naqvi SA, Hussain Z, Rasool N, Khan ZA, Shahzad SA, et al.
    Chem Cent J, 2016;10:5.
    PMID: 26848308 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-016-0149-0
    Carica papaya is a well known medicinal plant used in the West and Asian countries to cope several diseases. Patients were advised to eat papaya fruit frequently during dengue fever epidemic in Pakistan by physicians. This study was conducted to establish Polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant potential profile of extracts of all major parts of the C. papaya with seven major solvents i.e. water, ethanol, methanol, n-butanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane.
  15. Nanoporous anodic Nb2O5 with pore-in-pore structure formation and its application for the photoreduction of Cr(VI)
    Alias N, Hussain Z, Tan WK, Kawamura G, Muto H, Matsuda A, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2021 Nov;283:131231.
    PMID: 34144283 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131231
    An anodic film with a nanoporous structure was formed by anodizing niobium at 60 V in fluorinated ethylene glycol (fluoride-EG). After 30 min of anodization, the anodic film exhibited a "pore-in-pore" structure; that is, there were smaller pores growing inside larger pores. The as-anodized film was weakly crystalline and became orthorhombic Nb2O5 after heat treatment. The energy band gap of the annealed nanoporous Nb2O5 film was 2.9 eV. A photocatalytic reduction experiment was performed on Cr(VI) under ultraviolet (UV) radiation by immersing the nanoporous Nb2O5 photocatalyst in a Cr(VI) solution at pH 2. The reduction process was observed to be very slow; hence, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was added as an organic hole scavenger, which resulted in 100% reduction after 45 min of irradiation. The photocatalytic reduction experiment was also performed under visible light, and findings showed that complete reduction achieved after 120 min of visible light exposure.
  16. Eurycoma Longifolia as a potential adoptogen of male sexual health: a systematic review on clinical studies
    Thu HE, Mohamed IN, Hussain Z, Jayusman PA, Shuid AN
    Chin J Nat Med, 2017 Jan;15(1):71-80.
    PMID: 28259255 DOI: 10.1016/S1875-5364(17)30010-9
    Eurycoma longifolia (EL) has been well recognized as a booster of male sexual health. Over the past few decades, numerous in vivo animal studies and human clinical trials have been conducted across the globe to explore the promising role of EL in managing various male sexual disorders, which include erectile dysfunction, male infertility, low libido, and downregulated testosterone levels. The aim of the present review is to analyze and summarize the literature on human clinical trials which revealed the clinical significance and therapeutic feasibility of EL in improving male sexual health. This systematic review is focused on the following databases: Medline, Wiley Online Library, BioMed Central, Hindawi, Web of Knowledge, PubMed Central and Google Scholar, using search terms such as "Eurycoma longifolia", "EL", "Tongkat Ali", "male sexual health", "sexual infertility", "erectile dysfunction", "male libido", and "testosterone levels". Notably, only human clinical studies published between 2000 and 2014 were selected and thoroughly reviewed for relevant citations. Out of 150 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of articles included were randomized placebo-controlled trials, multiple cohort studies, or pilot trials. All these studies demonstrated considerable effects of EL on male sexual health disorders. Among them, 7 studies revealed remarkable association between the use of EL and the efficacy in the treatment of male sexual disorders, and remaining 4 studies failed to demonstrate sufficient effects on male sexual health. In summary, there is convincing evidence for the prominence of EL in improving the male sexual health. The review also substantiates the use of current methodology in the development of novel and more rationale natural herbal medicines for the management of male sexual disorders.
  17. Drug nanocarrier, the future of atopic diseases: Advanced drug delivery systems and smart management of disease
    Shao M, Hussain Z, Thu HE, Khan S, Katas H, Ahmed TA, et al.
    Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 2016 Nov 01;147:475-491.
    PMID: 27592075 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.08.027
    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing skin inflammatory disorder characterized by perivascular infiltration of immunoglobulin-E (IgE), T-lymphocytes and mast cells. The key pathophysiological factors causing this disease are immunological disorders and the compromised epidermal barrier integrity. Pruritus, intense itching, psychological stress, deprived physical and mental performance and sleep disturbance are the hallmark features of this dermatological complication. Preventive interventions which include educational programs, avoidance of allergens, exclusive care towards skin, and the rational selection of therapeutic regimen play key roles in the treatment of dermatosis. In last two decades, it is evident from a plethora of studies that scientific focus is being driven from conventional therapies to the advanced nanocarrier-based regimen for an effective management of AD. These nanocarriers which include polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), hydrogel NPs, liposomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanoemulsion, provide efficient roles for the target specific delivery of the therapeutic payload. The success of these targeted therapies is due to their pharmaceutical versatility, longer retention time at the target site, avoiding off-target effects and preventing premature degradation of the incorporated drugs. The present review was therefore aimed to summarise convincing evidence for the therapeutic superiority of advanced nanocarrier-mediated strategies over the conventional therapies used in the treatment of AD.
  18. Nanoencapsulation, an efficient and promising approach to maximize wound healing efficacy of curcumin: A review of new trends and state-of-the-art
    Hussain Z, Thu HE, Ng SF, Khan S, Katas H
    Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 2017 Feb 01;150:223-241.
    PMID: 27918967 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.11.036
    Wound healing is a multifarious and vibrant process of replacing devitalized and damaged cellular structures, leading to restoration of the skin's barrier function, re-establishment of tissue integrity, and maintenance of the internal homeostasis. Curcumin (CUR) and its analogs have gained widespread recognition due to their remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities. However, their pharmaceutical significance is limited due to inherent hydrophobic nature, poor water solubility, low bioavailability, chemical instability, rapid metabolism and short half-life. Owing to their pharmaceutical limitations, newer strategies have been attempted in recent years aiming to mitigate problems related to the effective delivery of curcumanoids and to improve their wound healing potential. These advanced strategies include nanovesicles, polymeric micelles, conventional liposomes and hyalurosomes, nanocomposite hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, nanohybrid scaffolds, nanoconjugates, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanoemulsion, nanodispersion, and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). The superior wound healing activities achieved after nanoencapsulation of the CUR are attributed to its target-specific delivery, longer retention at the target site, avoiding premature degradation of the encapsulated cargo and the therapeutic superiority of the advanced delivery systems over the conventional delivery. We have critically reviewed the literature and summarize the convincing evidence which explore the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic feasibility of the advanced delivery systems in improving wound healing activities of the CUR and its analogs.
  19. Fulltext Computational modelling of potentially emerging SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBDs mutations with higher binding affinity towards ACE2: A structural modelling study
    Khan A, Hussain S, Ahmad S, Suleman M, Bukhari I, Khan T, et al.
    Comput Biol Med, 2022 02;141:105163.
    PMID: 34979405 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.105163
    The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the host ACE2 receptor plays a vital role in the entry to the cell. Among which the hotspot residue 501 is continuously subjected to positive selection pressure and induces unusual virulence. Keeping in view the importance of the hot spot residue 501, we predicted the potentially emerging structural variants of 501 residue. We analyzed the binding pattern of wild type and mutants (Spike RBD) to the ACE2 receptor by deciphering variations in the amino acids' interaction networks by graph kernels along with evolutionary, network metrics, and energetic information. Our analysis revealed that N501I, N501T, and N501V increase the binding affinity and alter the intra and inter-residue bonding networks. The N501T has shown strong positive selection and fitness in other animals. Docking results and repeated simulations (three times) confirmed the structural stability and tighter binding of these three variants, correlated with the previous results following the global stability trend. Consequently, we reported three variants N501I, N501T, and N501V could worsen the situation further if they emerged. The relations between the viral fitness and binding affinity is a complicated game thus the emergence of high affinity mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD brings up the question of whether or not positive selection favours these mutations or not?
  20. Emerging Trends in Therapeutic Algorithm of Chronic Wound Healers: Recent Advances in Drug Delivery Systems, Concepts-to-Clinical Application and Future Prospects
    Shao M, Hussain Z, Thu HE, Khan S, de Matas M, Silkstone V, et al.
    Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst, 2017;34(5):387-452.
    PMID: 29256838 DOI: 10.1615/CritRevTherDrugCarrierSyst.2017016957
    Chronic wounds which include diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), pressure ulcer, and arterial or venous ulcers compel a significant burden to the patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system. Chronic wounds are characterized by an excessive persistent inflammatory phase, prolonged infection, and the failure of defense cells to respond to environmental stimuli. Unlike acute wounds, chronic nonhealing wounds pose a substantial challenge to conventional wound dressings, and the development of novel and advanced wound healing modalities is needed. Toward this end, numerous conventional wound-healing modalities have been evaluated in the management of nonhealing wounds, but a multifaceted approach is lacking. Therefore, this review aims to compile and explore the wide therapeutic algorithm of current and advanced wound healing approaches to the treatment of chronic wounds. The algorithm of chronic wound healing techniques includes conventional wound dressings; approaches based on autografts, allografts, and cultured epithelial autografts; and recent modalities based on natural, modified or synthetic polymers and biomaterials, processed mutually in the form of hydrogels, films, hydrocolloids, and foams. Moreover, this review also explores the promising potential of advanced drug delivery systems for the sustained delivery of growth factors, curcumin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and other bioactive substances as well as stem cell therapy. The current review summarizes the convincing evidence for the clinical dominance of polymer-based chronic wound healing modalities as well as the latest and innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic wounds.
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