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Mannose-binding lectin gene sequence data in Kelantan population

Zahidin MA, Mohd Noor NH, Johan MF, Abdullah AD, Zulkafli Z, Edinur HA

Sci Data, 2024 Apr 30;11(1):435.
PMID: 38688916 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03274-4

The human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene encodes a polymorphic protein that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response. Human MBL deficiency is associated with immunodeficiencies, and its variants have been linked to autoimmune and infectious diseases. Despite this significance, gene studies concerning MBL sequencing are uncommon in Malaysia. Therefore, we aimed to preliminary described the human MBL sequencing dataset based on the Kelantan population. Blood samples were collected from 30 unrelated individuals and underwent DNA extraction, genotyping, and sequencing. The sequencing data generated 886 bp, which were deposited in GenBank (ON619541-ON619546). Allelic variants were identified and translated into six MBL haplotypes: HYPA, HYPB, LYPB, LXPB, HXPA, and LXPA. An evolutionary tree was constructed using the haplotype sequences. These findings contribute to the expansion of MBL information within the country, providing a valuable baseline for future research exploring the association between the gene and targeted diseases.
An Epidemiology Study of Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients in a Teaching Hospital in Northeastern Malaysia

Zahidin MA, Abdul Razak NI, Mohd Noor NH, Johan MF, Zulkafli Z, Abdullah AD, et al.

Cureus, 2023 Nov;15(11):e48533.
PMID: 38073971 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48533

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been comprehensively studied and understood in Western Europe and various Asia-Pacific regions. However, the epidemiological and clinical-laboratory aspects of ITP in Malaysia remain limited and not well documented. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the incidence and clinical parameters of ITP using 20-year retrospective data. Medical records for 205 consecutive adult patients with ITP between January 2000 and December 2022 were analyzed. A p-value of <0.05 is considered statistically significant. The majority were Malays (n=192, 93.7%) and females (n=150, 73.2%), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.73. One hundred thirty-two (64.4%) and 73 (35.6%) patients were diagnosed with primary ITP (pITP) and secondary ITP (sITP), respectively. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n=23, 35.9%), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (n=5, 7.8%), and familial thrombocytopenia (n=5, 7.8%) were the top 3 comorbid conditions for ITP. The overall incidence was 1.80/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56-2.07), and the incidences were higher in females than in males with pITP (1.78/100,000 person-years versus 0.70/100,000 person-years) and sITP (0.86/100,000 person-years versus 0.26/100,000 person-years). The median age for patients with pITP was significantly higher than for those with sITP (median: 44 versus 37 years, respectively) (p=0.026). However, there was no statistically significant difference in white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (HB) counts, platelet (PLT) counts, absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), or hematocrit (HCT) counts between those with pITP and sITP at the time of diagnosis. The current study provides an overview of ITP epidemiology in northeastern Malaysia. We emphasize the critical need for further additional research, particularly at the state and national levels in the future.
Fulltext Thymoquinone Enhances Apoptosis of K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells through Hypomethylation of SHP-1 and Inhibition of JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway

Al-Rawashde FA, Al-Sanabra OM, Alqaraleh M, Jaradat AQ, Al-Wajeeh AS, Johan MF, et al.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2023 Jun 15;16(6).
PMID: 37375831 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060884

The epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is critical in the development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). SHP-1 functions as a TSG and negatively regulates JAK/STAT signaling. Enhancement of SHP-1 expression by demethylation provides molecular targets for the treatment of various cancers. Thymoquinone (TQ), a constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, has shown anti-cancer activities in various cancers. However, TQs effect on methylation is not fully clear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess TQs ability to enhance the expression of SHP-1 through modifying DNA methylation in K562 CML cells. The activities of TQ on cell cycle progression and apoptosis were evaluated using a fluorometric-red cell cycle assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI, respectively. The methylation status of SHP-1 was studied by pyrosequencing analysis. The expression of SHP-1, TET2, WT1, DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B was determined using RT-qPCR. The protein phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT5, and JAK2 was assessed using Jess Western analysis. TQ significantly downregulated the DNMT1 gene, DNMT3A gene, and DNMT3B gene and upregulated the WT1 gene and TET2 gene. This led to hypomethylation and restoration of SHP-1 expression, resulting in inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. The observed findings imply that TQ promotes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in CML cells by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling via restoration of the expression of JAK/STAT-negative regulator genes.
Fulltext Worldwide Prevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus in Patients with Burkitt Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Al-Khreisat MJ, Ismail NH, Tabnjh A, Hussain FA, Mohamed Yusoff AA, Johan MF, et al.

Diagnostics (Basel), 2023 Jun 15;13(12).
PMID: 37370963 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122068

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a form of B-cell malignancy that progresses aggressively and is most often seen in children. While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that has been linked to a variety of cancers, it can transform B lymphocytes into immortalized cells, as shown in BL. Therefore, the estimated prevalence of EBV in a population may assist in the prediction of whether this population has a high risk of increased BL cases. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus in patients with Burkitt lymphoma. Using the appropriate keywords, four electronic databases were searched. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool. The results were reported as percentages with a 95% confidence interval using a random-effects model (CI). PROSPERO was used to register the protocol (CRD42022372293), and 135 studies were included. The prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus in patients with Burkitt lymphoma was 57.5% (95% CI: 51.5 to 63.4, n = 4837). The sensitivity analyses demonstrated consistent results, and 65.2% of studies were of high quality. Egger's test revealed that there was a significant publication bias. EBV was found in a significantly high proportion of BL patients (more than 50% of BL patients). This study recommends EBV testing as an alternative for predictions and the assessment of the clinical disease status of BL.
Fulltext The Role of Epigenetics in the Development and Progression of Multiple Myeloma

Ismail NH, Mussa A, Zakaria NA, Al-Khreisat MJ, Zahidin MA, Ramli NN, et al.

Biomedicines, 2022 Oct 31;10(11).
PMID: 36359286 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112767

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an exceptionally complicated and heterogeneous disease that is caused by the abnormal proliferation of malignant monoclonal plasma cells initiated in the bone marrow. In disease progression, a multistep process including differentiation, proliferation, and invasion is involved. Despite great improvement in treatment outcomes in recent years due to the substantial discovery of novel therapeutic drugs, MM is still regarded as an incurable disease. Patients with MM are afflicted by confronting remission periods accompanied by relapse or progression outcomes, which inevitably progress to the refractory stage. In this regard, MM may need new medications or modifications in therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance. A variety of genetic abnormalities (e.g., point mutations, translocations, and deletions) and epigenetic changes (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA) contribute to the pathogenesis and development of MM. Here, we review the significant roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the development and progression of MM. We also highlight epigenetic pathways as potential novel treatment avenues for MM, including their interplay, use of epigenetic inhibitors, and major involvement in immuno-oncology.
Fulltext Thymoquinone Induces Downregulation of BCR-ABL/JAK/STAT Pathway and Apoptosis in K562 Leukemia Cells

Al-Rawashde FA, Wan Taib WR, Ismail I, Johan MF, Al-Wajeeh AS, Al-Jamal HAN

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2021 Dec 01;22(12):3959-3965.
PMID: 34967577 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3959

OBJECTIVE: BCR ABL oncogene encodes the BCR-ABL chimeric protein, which is a constitutively activated non-receptor tyrosine kinase. The BCR-ABL oncoprotein is a key molecular basis for the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) via activation of several downstream signaling pathways including JAK/STAT pathway. Development of leukemia involves constitutive activation of signaling molecules including, JAK2, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa that has shown anticancer properties in various cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of TQ on the expression of BCR ABL, JAK2, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B genes and their consequences on the cell proliferation and apoptosis in K562 CML cells.
METHODS: BCR-ABL positive K562 CML cells were treated with TQ. Cytotoxicity was determined by Trypan blue exclusion assay. Apoptosis assay was performed by annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay and analyzed by flow cytometry. Transcription levels of BCR ABL, JAK2, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B genes were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein levels of JAK2 and STAT5 were determined by Jess Assay analysis.
RESULTS: TQ markedly decreased the cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in K562 cells (P < 0.001) in a concentration dependent manner. TQ caused a significant decrease in the transcriptional levels of BCR ABL, JAK2, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B genes (P < 0.001). TQ induced a significant decrease in JAK2 and STAT5 protein levels (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: our results indicated that TQ inhibited cell growth of K562 cells via downregulation of BCR ABL/ JAK2/STAT3 and STAT5 signaling and reducing JAK2 and STAT5 protein levels.
Conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis for the detection of calreticulin mutations in BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms

Zakaria NA, Rosle NA, Siti Asmaa MJ, Aziee S, Haiyuni MY, Samat NA, et al.

Int J Lab Hematol, 2021 Dec;43(6):1451-1457.
PMID: 34125992 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13628

INTRODUCTION: Calreticulin (CALR) mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have been reported to be key markers in the molecular diagnosis, particularly in patients lacking JAK2 V617F mutation. In most current reports, CALR mutations were analysed by either allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR), or the more expensive quantitative real-time PCR, pyrosequencing and next-generation sequencing. Hence, we report the use of an alternative method, the conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) for the detection of CALR mutations in BCR-ABL1-negative MPN patients.
METHODS: Forty BCR-ABL1-negative MPN patients' DNA: 19 polycythemia vera (PV), 7 essential thrombocytosis (ET) and 14 primary myelofibrosis (PMF), were screened for CALR mutations by CSGE. PCR primers were designed to amplify sequences spanning between exons 8 and 9 to target the mutation hotspots in CALR. Amplicons displaying abnormal CSGE profiles by electrophoresis were directly sequenced, and results were analysed by BioEdit Sequence Alignment Editor v7.2.6. CSGE results were compared with AS-PCR and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.
RESULTS: CSGE identified 4 types of mutations; 2 PMF patients with either CALR type 1 (c.1099_1150del52) or type 2 (c.1155_1156insTTGTC), 1 ET patient with nucleotide deletion (c.1121delA) and insertion (c.1190insA) and 1 PV patient with p.K368del (c.1102_1104delAAG) and insertion (c.1135insA) inframe mutations. Three patients have an altered KDEL motif at the C-terminal of CALR protein. In comparison, AS-PCR only able to detect two PMF patients with mutations, either type 1 and type 2.
CONCLUSION: CSGE is inexpensive, sensitive and reliable alternative method for the detection of CALR mutations in BCR-ABL1-negative MPN patients.
Fulltext Reduced hepcidin expression enhances iron overload in patients with HbE/β-thalassemia: Α comparative cross-sectional study

Saad HKM, Taib WRW, Ismail I, Johan MF, Al-Wajeeh AS, Al-Jamal HAN

Exp Ther Med, 2021 Dec;22(6):1402.
PMID: 34675995 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10838

Iron homeostasis is regulated by hepcidin (HEPC) that controls the dietary iron absorption and iron recycling. HEPC deficiency contributes to iron overload in β-thalassemia patients. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between HEPC concentration and serum iron status among hemoglobin E (HbE)/β-thalassemia patients and their parents (HbE trait and β-thalassemia trait) compared with healthy controls. This study is a comparative cross-sectional study in which iron profile and HEPC level were examined in 65 HbE/β-thalassemia patients (pretransfusion) and 65 parents at the Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah and in 130 students as healthy controls from Univesiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia. Furthermore, six samples from each group (HbE/β-thalassemia patients, parents and healthy controls) were randomly selected for gene expression analysis of HEPC and ferroportin1 (FPN1) using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. The results demonstrated that serum HEPC level were significantly decreased in HbE/β-thalassemia patients and their parents (P<0.001) compared with healthy controls. In addition, the gene expression analysis showed a dramatically downregulated HEPC in HbE/β-thalassemia patients and their parents (P=0.001) compared with healthy controls. However, there was a marked upregulation of FPN1 in HbE/β-thalassemia patients and their parents (P=0.001) compared with healthy controls. Iron profiling results revealed a significantly increased serum ferritin in HbE/β-thalassemia patients and their parents compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). In summary, the present study demonstrated that HEPC expression level and serum level were significantly decreased in HbE/β-thalassemia patients and their parents, which was combined with a marked increased FPN1 expression level and serum ferritin level compared with healthy volunteers. These findings supported the hypothesis that downregulated HEPC could lose its function as a negative regulator of FPN1, resulting in iron overload in HbE/β-thalassemia patients. Subsequently, assessing HEPC and FPN1 gene expression may be a useful tool to determine the risk of iron toxicity in patients with HbE/β-thalassemia and their parents, and could therefore be considered as a therapeutic target in the management of iron burden in these patients.
Fulltext Clinical and Laboratory Features of JAK2 V617F, CALR, and MPL Mutations in Malaysian Patients with Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN)

Zulkeflee RH, Zulkafli Z, Johan MF, Husin A, Islam MA, Hassan R

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jul 16;18(14).
PMID: 34300032 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147582

Mutations of JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL genes confirm the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). This study aims to determine the genetic profile of JAK2V617F, CALR exon 9 Type 1 (52 bp deletion) and Type 2 (5 bp insertion), and MPL W515 L/K genes among Malaysian patients and correlate these mutations with clinical and hematologic parameters in MPN. Mutations of JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL were analyzed in 159 Malaysian patients using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, including 76 polycythemia vera (PV), 41 essential thrombocythemia (ET), and 42 primary myelofibrosis (PMF) mutations, and the demographics of the patients were retrieved. The result showed that 73.6% JAK2V617F, 5.66% CALR, and 27.7% were triple-negative mutations. No MPL W515L/K mutation was detected. In ET and PMF, the predominance type was the CALR Type 1 mutation. In JAK2V617F mutant patients, serum LDH was significantly higher in PMF compared to PV and ET. PV has a higher risk of evolving to post PV myelofibrosis compared to ET. A thrombotic event at initial diagnosis of 40.9% was high compared to global incidence. Only one PMF patient had a CALR mutation that transformed to acute myeloid leukemia. JAK2V617F and CALR mutations play an important role in diagnostics. Hence, every patient suspected of having a myeloproliferative neoplasm should be screened for these mutations.
Fulltext The Prevalence of TET2 Gene Mutations in Patients with BCR-ABL-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chia YC, Islam MA, Hider P, Woon PY, Johan MF, Hassan R, et al.

Cancers (Basel), 2021 Jun 20;13(12).
PMID: 34203097 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123078

Multiple recurrent somatic mutations have recently been identified in association with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). This meta-analysis aims to assess the pooled prevalence of TET2 gene mutations among patients with MPN. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Embase) were searched for relevant studies from inception till September 2020, without language restrictions. The eligibility criteria included BCR-ABL-negative MPN adults with TET2 gene mutations. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses explored results among different continents and countries, WHO diagnostic criteria, screening methods and types of MF. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020212223). Thirty-five studies were included (n = 5121, 47.1% female). Overall, the pooled prevalence of TET2 gene mutations in MPN patients was 15.5% (95% CI: 12.1-19.0%, I2 = 94%). Regional differences explained a substantial amount of heterogeneity. The prevalence of TET2 gene mutations among the three subtypes PV, ET and MF were 16.8%, 9.8% and 15.7%, respectively. The quality of the included studies was determined to be moderate-high among 83% of the included studies. Among patients with BCR-ABL-negative MPN, the overall prevalence of TET2 gene mutations was 15.5%.
Fulltext Thymoquinone, as a Novel Therapeutic Candidate of Cancers

Almajali B, Al-Jamal HAN, Taib WRW, Ismail I, Johan MF, Doolaanea AA, et al.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2021 Apr 16;14(4).
PMID: 33923474 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040369

To date, natural products are widely used as pharmaceutical agents for many human diseases and cancers. One of the most popular natural products that have been studied for anticancer properties is thymoquinone (TQ). As a bioactive compound of Nigella sativa, TQ has shown anticancer activities through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The anticancer efficacy of TQ is being investigated in several human cancers such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, hepatic cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia. Even though TQ induces apoptosis by regulating the expression of pro- apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes in many cancers, the TQ effect mechanism on such cancers is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present review has highlighted the TQ effect mechanisms on several signaling pathways and expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). Data from relevant published experimental articles on TQ from 2015 to June 2020 were selected by using Google Scholar and PubMed search engines. The present study investigated the effectiveness of TQ alone or in combination with other anticancer therapeutic agents, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors on cancers, as a future anticancer therapy nominee by using nanotechnology.
Fulltext Thymoquinone Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Enhances Apoptosis of HL60 Leukemia Cells through Re-Expression of JAK/STAT Negative Regulators

Almajali B, Al-Jamal HAN, Wan Taib WR, Ismail I, Johan MF, Doolaanea AA, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2021 Mar 01;22(3):879-885.
PMID: 33773553 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.879

OBJECTIVE: The natural compound, thymoquinone (TQ) has demonstrated potential anticancer properties in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells, breast cancer cells, and others. However, the effect mechanism of TQ on AML cells still not fully understood. In this study, the authors examined the effects of TQ on the expression of JAK/STAT-negative regulator genes SOCS-1, SOCS-3, and SHP-1, and their consequences on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HL60 leukemia cells.
METHODS: MTT and trypan blue exclusion tests were conducted to determine the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and cell proliferation. FITC Annexin and Guava® reagent were used to study the cell apoptosis and examine the cell cycle phases, respectively. The expression of JAK/STAT-negative regulator genes, SOCS-1, SOCS-3, and SHP-1, was investigated using reverse transcriptase- quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
RESULTS: TQ demonstrated a potential inhibition of HL60 cell proliferation and a significant increase in apoptotic cells in dose and time-dependent manner. TQ significantly induced cycle arrest at G0-G1 phase (P < 0.001) and enhanced the re-expression of JAK/STAT-negative regulator genes.
CONCLUSION: TQ potentially inhibited HL60 cell proliferation and significantly increased apoptosis with re-expression of JAK/STAT-negative regulator genes suggesting that TQ could be a new therapeutic candidate for leukemia therapy.
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Fulltext Aberrant Methylation of Tumour Suppressor Gene ADAM12 in Chronic Lympocytic Leukemia Patients: Application of Methylation Specific-PCR Technique

Mohamad A, Hassan R, Husin A, Johan MF, Sulong S

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2021 Jan 01;22(1):85-91.
PMID: 33507683 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.1.85

OBJECTIVE: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a common leukemia among Caucasians but rare in Asians population. We postulated that aberrant methylation either hypermethylation or partial methylation might be one of the silencing mechanisms that inactivates the tumour suppressor genes in CLL. This study aimed to compare the methylation status of tumour suppressor gene, ADAM12, among CLL patients and normal individuals. We also evaluated the association between methylation of ADAM12 and clinical and demographic characteristics of the participants.
METHODS: A total of 25 CLL patients and 25 normal individuals were recruited in this study. The methylation status of ADAM12 was determined using Methylation-Specific PCR (MSP); whereas, DNA sequencing method was applied for validation of the MSP results.
RESULTS: Among CLL patients, 12 (48%) were partially methylated and 13 (52%) were unmethylated. Meanwhile, 5 (20%) and 20 (80.6%) of healthy individuals were partially methylated and unmethylated, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between the status of methylation at ADAM12 and the presence of CLL (p=0.037).
CONCLUSION: The aberrant methylation of ADAM12 found in this study using MSP assay may provide new exposure to CLL that may improve the gaps involved in genetic epigenetic study in CLL.
Genetic polymorphisms of HbE/beta thalassemia related to clinical presentation: implications for clinical diversity

Azman NF, Abdullah WZ, Hanafi S, Diana R, Bahar R, Johan MF, et al.

Ann Hematol, 2020 Apr;99(4):729-735.
PMID: 32078010 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-03927-5

HbE/Beta thalassemia (HbE/β-thalassemia) is one of the common genetic disorders in South East Asia. It is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and molecular defects. There are genetic modifiers which have been reported to influence the disease severity of this disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic polymorphisms which were responsible for the disease clinical diversity. A case-control study was conducted among Malay transfusion-dependent HbE/β-thalassemia patients. Patients who were confirmed HbE/β-thalassemia were recruited and genotyping study was performed on these subjects. Ninety-eight patients were selected and divided into moderate and severe groups based on clinical parameters using Sripichai scoring system (based on hemoglobin level, spleen size, growth development, the age of first transfusion and age of disease presentation). Forty-three (44.9%) and 55 (56.1%) patients were found to have moderate and severe clinical presentation, respectively. Genotyping analysis was performed using Affymetrix 6.0 microarray platform. The SNPs were filtered using PLINK and Manhattan plot by R software. From the GWAS results, 20 most significant SNPs were selected based on disease severity when compared between moderate and severe groups. The significant SNPs found in this study were mostly related to thalassemia complications such as rs7372408, associated with KCNMB2-AS1 and SNPs associated with disease severity. These findings could be used as genetic predictors in managing patients with HbE/β-thalassemia and served as platform for future study.
Transcriptomic Profiles of MV4-11 and Kasumi 1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines Modulated by Epigenetic Modifiers Trichostatin A and 5-Azacytidine

Asmaa MJS, Al-Jamal HA, Hussein AR, Yahaya BH, Hassan R, Hussain FA, et al.

Int J Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Res, 2020 Jan 01;14(1):72-92.
PMID: 32337016

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemias in adults which is clinically and molecularly heterogeneous. Several risk and genetic factors have been widely investigated to characterize AML. However, the concomitant epigenetic factors in controlling the gene expression lead to AML transformation was not fully understood. This study was aimed to identify epigenetically regulated genes in AML cell lines induced by epigenetic modulating agents, Trichostatin A (TSA) and 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza). Materials and Methods: MV4-11 and Kasumi 1 were treated with TSA and/or 5-Aza at IC50 concentration. Gene expression profiling by microarray was utilized using SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression v3. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway annotations were analyzed by DAVID bioinformatics software using EASE enrichment score. mRNA expression of the differentially expressed genes were verified by quantitative real time PCR. Results: Gene expression analysis revealed a significant changes in the expression of 24,822, 15,720, 15,654 genes in MV4-11 and 12,598, 8828, 18,026 genes in Kasumi 1, in response to TSA, 5-Aza and combination treatments, respectively, compared to non-treated (p<0.05). 7 genes (SOCS3, TUBA1C, CCNA1, MAP3K6, PTPRC, STAT6 and RUNX1) and 4 genes (ANGPTL4, TUBB2A, ADAM12 and PTPN6) shown to be predominantly expressed in MV4-11 and Kasumi 1, respectively (EASE<0.1). The analysis also revealed phagosome pathway commonly activated in both cell lines. Conclusion: Our data showed a distinct optimal biological characteristic and pathway in different types of leukemic cell lines. These finding may help in the identification of cell-specific epigenetic biomarker in the pathogenesis of AML.
Fulltext Anticancer activity of grassy Hystrix brachyura bezoar and its mechanisms of action: An in vitro and in vivo based study

Khan AYF, Ahmed QU, Narayanamurthy V, Razali S, Asuhaimi FA, Saleh MSM, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2019 Jun;114:108841.
PMID: 30981106 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108841

Porcupine bezoar (PB) is a calcified undigested material generally found in porcupine's (Hystrix brachyura) gastrointestinal tract. The bezoar is traditionally used in South East Asia and Europe for the treatment of cancer, poisoning, dengue, typhoid, etc. However, limited scientific studies have been performed to verify its anticancer potential to substantiate its traditional claims in the treatment of cancers. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of two grassy PB aqueous extract (PB-A and PB-B) using A375 cancer cell line and zebrafish model, respectively. This paper presents the first report on in vitro A375 cell viability assay, apoptosis assay, cell cycle arrest assay, migration assay, invasion assay, qPCR experimental assay and in vivo anti-angiogenesis assay using the grassy PBs. Experimental findings revealed IC50 value are 26.59 ± 1.37 μg/mL and 30.12 ± 3.25 μg/mL for PB-A and PB-B respectively. PBs showed anti-proliferative activity with no significant cytotoxic effect on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF). PBs were also found to induce apoptosis via intrinsic pathway and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase. Additionally, the findings indicated its ability to debilitate migration and invasion of A375 cells. Further evaluation using embryo zebrafish model revealed LC50 = 450.0 ± 2.50 μg/mL and 58.7 ± 5.0 μg/mL for PB-A and PB-B which also exerted anti-angiogenesis effect in zebrafish. Moreover, stearic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and pregnenolone were identified as possible metabolites that might contribute to the anticancer effect of the both PBs. Overall, this study demonstrated that PB-A and PB-B possess potential in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects which are elicited through selective cytotoxic effect, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of migration and invasion and anti-angiogenesis. This study provides scientific evidence that the porcupine bezoar do possess anti-cancer efficacy and further justifies its traditional utility. However, more experiments with higher vertebrae models are still warranted to validate its traditional claims as an anticancer agent.
Anti-Proliferative Effects of Methanol and Water Extracts of Pyrrosia piloselloides on the Hela Human Cervical Carcinoma Cell Line

Sul ‘ain MD, Zakaria F, Johan MF

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2019 Jan 25;20(1):185-192.
PMID: 30678430

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplasms and a leading cause of cancer
death among females worldwide. Limitations with conventional medical treatments have driven researchers to
search for alternative approaches using natural products. This study aimed to detemine potential anti-proliferative
effects of methanol and water extracts of Pyrrosia piloselloides (P. piloselloides) on the HeLa cell line. Methods:
3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were performed to determine IC50
concentrations and apoptosis analysis was by flow cytometry. To identify chemical compounds in the extracts, gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed. Results: P. piloselloides methanol extracts (PPME) showed
antiproliferative effects on HeL awith an IC50 of 16.25μg/mL while the P. piloselloides water extract (PPWE) was without
influence. Neither extract showed any significant effects on apoptosis. GC-MS analysis, revealed 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
(23.1%), allopurinol (8.66%) and 3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyran-4-one (7.41%) as major components in
the PPME, while sulfolan-3-ol (10.1%), linoleic acid (9.06%) and β-sitosterol acetate (7.98%) predominated in the
PPWE case. Conclusion: This first study of P. piloselloides showed PPME to exert potent anti-proliferative effect on
HeLa cell lines. Further research now needs to be performed to establish the mechanisms of inhibition.
Identification and Quantification of Quercetin, A Major Constituent of Artocarpus altilis by Targeting Related Genes of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle: In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity Against Human Lung Carcinoma Cell Lines

Jalal TK, Khan AYF, Natto HA, Abdull Rasad MSB, Arifin Kaderi M, Mohammad M, et al.

Nutr Cancer, 2019;71(5):792-805.
PMID: 30614285 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2018.1516790

Nine phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in Artocarpus altilia fruit. One of the main compounds was quercetin, which is the major class of flavonoids has been identified and quantified in pulp part of A. altilis fruit of methanol extract. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic assay. Inhibitory concentration 50% concentration was determined using trypan blue exclusion assay. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle regulation were studied by flow cytometric analysis. The expression of apoptosis and cell cycle-related regulatory genes were assessed by RT-qPCR study of the methanol extract of pulp part on human lung carcinoma (A549) cell line. A significant increase of cells at G2/M phases was detected (P
Re-Expression of Bone Marrow Proteoglycan-2 by 5-Azacytidine is associated with STAT3 Inactivation and Sensitivity Response to Imatinib in Resistant CML Cells

Al-Jamal HAN, Johan MF, Mat Jusoh SA, Ismail I, Wan Taib WR

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Jun 25;19(6):1585-1590.
PMID: 29936783

Background: Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) is involved in development and
progression of cancers. Re-expression of TSG is inversely proportionate with STAT3 signaling pathways.
Demethylation of DNA by 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) results in re-expression of silenced TSG. Forced expression of
PRG2 by 5-Aza induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potently inhibits BCR/
ABL tyrosine kinase resulting in hematological remission in CML patients. However, majority of CML patients treated
with imatinib would develop resistance under prolonged therapy. Methods: CML cells resistant to imatinib were
treated with 5-Aza and cytotoxicity of imatinib and apoptosis were determined by MTS and annexin-V, respectively.
Gene expression analysis was detected by real time-PCR, STATs activity examined using Western blot and methylation
status of PRG2 was determined by pyrosequencing analysis. Result: Expression of PRG2 was significantly higher in
K562-R+5-Aza cells compared to K562 and K562-R (p=0.001). Methylation of PRG2 gene was significantly decreased
in K562-R+5-Aza cells compared to other cells (p=0.021). STAT3 was inactivated in K562-R+5-Aza cells which showed
higher sensitivity to imatinib. Conclusion: PRG2 gene is a TSG and its overexpression might induce sensitivity to
imatinib. However, further studies are required to evaluate the negative regulations of PRG2 on STAT3 signaling.
Fulltext Apoptotic induction in cCCRF-CEM and HL human leukemic cell lines by 5-azacitidine and trichostatin A

Aziee, S., Haiyuni, MY, Shafini, MY, Johan, MF, Al-Jamal, HAN, Abdul Wahab, R., et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):54-61.
MyJurnal

The aims of the study were to investigate the anti-cancer effects of 5-
Aza and TSA in two leukemic cell lines (CCRF-CEM and HL-60). Inhibition
concentration of 5-Aza and TSA were measured using trypan blue exclusion
assay. 5-Aza and TSA at IC50 were treated to both CCRF-CEM and HL-60 cell
lines for 4-6 days. To confirm the inhibition effects of these agents, Annexin-V
stained cells were analyzed using flow cytometry to evaluate the apoptotic
induction. The IC50 values of CCRF-CEM were 2.01±0.1µM and 2.65±0.3µM for
5-Aza- and TSA-treated, respectively. Whereas, the IC50 values of HL-60 were
1.98±0.2µM and 2.35±0.2µM for 5-Aza- and TSA-treated, respectively. To
further substantiate the findings, the time-dependent exposure of both drugs was
studied. CCRF-CEM cells were reduced to 49.4%±5.0, 49.4%±2.5 and
41.5%±5.6 by 5-Aza; 56.5%±7.0, 45.3%±4.2 and 40.2%±4.2 by TSA treatment
at first, third and sixth day. HL-60 cells were reduced to 72.0%±4.5, 51.0%±1.5
and 40.6%±2.6 by 5-Aza at first, third and sixth day. Meanwhile, HL-60 cells
reduced to 55.6%±4.5, 45.2%±4.0 and 36.3%±2.9 by TSA at first, second and
fourth day. Both cell lines were significantly inhibited (p

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