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  1. Fulltext Development of novel microsatellite markers using RAD sequencing technology for diversity assessment of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) germplasm
    Ab Razak S, Mad Radzuan S, Mohamed N, Nor Azman NHE, Abd Majid AM, Ismail SN, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Sep;6(9):e05077.
    PMID: 33024864 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05077
    The trend of microsatellite marker discovery and development revolved as a result of the advancement of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology as it has developed numerous microsatellites within a short period of time at a low cost. This study generated microsatellite markers using RAD sequencing technologies for the understudied Nephelium lappaceum. A total of 1403 microsatellite markers were successfully designed, which consisted of 853 di-, 525 tri-, 17 tetra-, 5 penta-, and 3 hexanucleotide microsatellite markers. Subsequently, selection of 39 microsatellites was made for the evaluation of genetic diversity of the selected 22 rambutan varieties. Twelve microsatellites, which exhibited high call rates across the samples, were used to assess the diversity of the aforementioned rambutan varieties. The analysis of 12 microsatellites revealed the presence of 72 alleles and six alleles per locus in average. Furthermore, the polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.326 (NlaSSR20) to 0.832 (NlaSSR32), which included an average of 0.629 per locus, while the generated Neighbour Joining dendrogram showed two major clusters. The pairwise genetic distance of shared alleles exhibited a range of values from 0.046 (R134↔R170) to 0.818 (R5↔R170), which suggested highest dissimilarity detected between R5 and R170. Notably, these research findings would useful for varietal identification, proper management and conservation of the genetic resources, and exploitation and utilization in future breeding programs.
  2. Fulltext Long-term effects of honey on cardiovascular parameters and anthropometric measurements of postmenopausal women
    Ab Wahab SZ, Nik Hussain NH, Zakaria R, Abdul Kadir A, Mohamed N, Tohit NM, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2018 Dec;41:154-160.
    PMID: 30477832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.015
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effects of Tualang Honey versus Honey Cocktail (mixture of honey, bee bread, and royal jelly) on cardiovascular markers and anthropometric measurements of postmenopausal women.

    METHODS: We conducted a randomised, double blinded, two-armed parallel study comparing 20 g/day of Tualang Honey versus 20 g/day Honey Cocktail among postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years. The cardiovascular parameters and anthropometrics measurements were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of the intervention.

    RESULTS: 100 subjects were successfully randomised into the groups. There was a significant decrease in the diastolic blood pressure from 77.92 mmHg at baseline to 73.45 mmHg at 12 months (F-statistic = 2.55, p-value = 0.047) in the Tualang Honey group compared to Honey Cocktail. There was also a significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar from 6.11 mmol/L at baseline to 5.71 mmol/L at 12 months (F-statistic = 4.03, p-value = 0.021) in the Tualang Honey group compared to the Honey Cocktail group. The body mass index remained unchanged at 27 kg/m2 (F-statistic = 1.60, p-value = 0.010) throughout 12 months of the intervention in the Honey Cocktail group.

    CONCLUSION: Subjects who received Honey Cocktail showed remarkable effects on body mass index. However, Tualang Honey supplementation showed superior effect in lowering diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar compared to Honey Cocktail. Further studies are required to ascertain the underlying mechanism(s) of Tualang Honey and Honey Cocktail on each observed parameter.

  3. Fulltext Effects of Low-Dose versus High-Dose γ-Tocotrienol on the Bone Cells Exposed to the Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
    Abd Manan N, Mohamed N, Shuid AN
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:680834.
    PMID: 22956976 DOI: 10.1155/2012/680834
    Oxidative stress and apoptosis can disrupt the bone formation activity of osteoblasts which can lead to osteoporosis. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of γ-tocotrienol on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, and apoptosis of osteoblast exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Osteoblasts were treated with 1, 10, and 100 μM of γ-tocotrienol for 24 hours before being exposed to 490 μM (IC(50)) H(2)O(2) for 2 hours. Results showed that γ-tocotrienol prevented the malondialdehyde (MDA) elevation induced by H(2)O(2) in a dose-dependent manner. As for the antioxidant enzymes assays, all doses of γ-tocotrienol were able to prevent the reduction in SOD and CAT activities, but only the dose of 1 μM of GTT was able to prevent the reduction in GPx. As for the apoptosis assays, γ-tocotrienol was able to reduce apoptosis at the dose of 1 and 10 μM. However, the dose of 100 μM of γ-tocotrienol induced an even higher apoptosis than H(2)O(2). In conclusion, low doses of γ-tocotrienol offered protection for osteoblasts against H(2)O(2) toxicity, but itself caused toxicity at the high doses.
  4. Fulltext Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Bone Anabolic Effects of Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson
    Abdul Rahim R, Jayusman PA, Lim V, Ahmad NH, Abdul Hamid ZA, Mohamed S, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:796509.
    PMID: 35111063 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.796509
    Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson [Asteraceae] (B. acmella) is an important medicinal plant native to Brazil, and it is widely known as a toothache plant. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities of B. acmella and few studies on the stimulatory effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion from bone cells; however, there is no study on its antioxidant and anabolic activity on bone cells. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. acmella using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LCTOFMS) along with the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum colorimetric methods. The extracts of B. acmella leaves were used to scavenge synthetic-free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The bone anabolic effects of B. acmella extracts on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoium bromide (MTT) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, Sirius-red and ALP at 7 and 14 days, and Alizarin Red S at 14 and 21 days. Comparatively, ethanol extract of B. acmella (BaE) contributed higher antioxidant activities (IC50 of 476.71 µg/ml and 56.01 ± 6.46 mg L-ascorbic acid/g against DPPH and FRAP, respectively). Anabolic activities in bone proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were also higher in B. acmella of ethanol (BaE) than aqueous (BaA) extracts. Positive correlations were observed between phenolic content (TPC and TFC) to antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP) and anabolic activities. Conversely, negative correlations were present between phenolic content to antioxidant (DPPH) activity. These potential antioxidant and bone anabolic activities in BaE might be due to the phytochemicals confirmed through GCMS and LCTOFMS, revealed that terpenoids of α-cubebene, cryophyllene, cryophyllene oxide, phytol and flavonoids of pinostrobin and apigenin were the compounds contributing to both antioxidant and anabolic effects in BaE. Thus, B. acmella may be a valuable antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis agent. Further study is needed to isolate, characterize and elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and bone anabolic effects.
  5. Fulltext Recent Advances in Nanoencapsulation Systems Using PLGA of Bioactive Phenolics for Protection against Chronic Diseases
    Abdul Rahim R, Jayusman PA, Muhammad N, Ahmad F, Mokhtar N, Naina Mohamed I, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 Dec 06;16(24).
    PMID: 31817699 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244962
    Plant-derived polyphenolic compounds have gained widespread recognition as remarkable nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of various disorders, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neoplastic diseases. Evidence from the epidemiological studies has suggested the association between long-term consumption of diets rich in polyphenols and protection against chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the applications of these phytochemicals are limited due to its low solubility, low bioavailability, instability, and degradability by in vivo and in vitro conditions. Therefore, in recent years, newer approaches have been attempted to solve the restrictions related to their delivery system. Nanoencapsulation of phenolic compounds with biopolymeric nanoparticles could be a promising strategy for protection and effective delivery of phenolics. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most successfully developed biodegradable polymers that has attracted considerable attention due to its attractive properties. In this review, our main goal is to cover the relevant recent studies that explore the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic superiority of the advance delivery systems of phenolic compounds using PLGA-based nanoparticles. A summary of the recent studies implementing encapsulation techniques applied to polyphenolic compounds from plants confirmed that nanoencapsulation with PLGA nanoparticles is a promising approach to potentialize their therapeutic activity.
  6. Fulltext Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spilanthes acmella and Its Health Beneficial Effects: A Review
    Abdul Rahim R, Jayusman PA, Muhammad N, Mohamed N, Lim V, Ahmad NH, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Mar 29;18(7).
    PMID: 33805420 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073532
    Oxidative stress and inflammation are two common risk factors of various life-threatening disease pathogenesis. In recent years, medicinal plants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were extensively studied for their potential role in treating and preventing diseases. Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella), which has been traditionally used to treat toothache in Malaysia, contains various active metabolites responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic bioactivities. These bioactivities were attributed to bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, flavonoids, and alkamides. The review focused on the summarization of in vitro and in vivo experimental reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of S. acmella, as well as how they contributed to potential health benefits in lowering the risk of diseases that were related to oxidative stress. The molecular mechanism of S. acmella in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory targets, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transcription factors of the nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were discussed. Besides, the antioxidant potential of S. acmella was measured by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide anion radical scavenging (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays. This review revealed that S. acmella might have a potential role as a reservoir of bioactive agents contributing to the observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health beneficial effects.
  7. The use of delta-tocotrienol and lovastatin for anti-osteoporotic therapy
    Abdul-Majeed S, Mohamed N, Soelaiman IN
    Life Sci, 2015 Mar 15;125:42-8.
    PMID: 25534439 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.12.012
    Statins are competitive inhibitors of HMGCoA reductase and are commonly used as antihypercholesterolemic agents. Experimental studies clearly demonstrate the beneficial effects of statins on bone. Tocotrienols have also been shown to have anti-osteoporotic effects on the skeletal system. This study was conducted to observe the effect of a combination of delta-tocotrienol and lovastatin on structural bone histomorphometry and bone biomechanical strength in a postmenopausal rat model at clinically tolerable doses, and to compare it with the effect of delta-tocotrienol or lovastatin.
  8. A review on the use of statins and tocotrienols, individually or in combination for the treatment of osteoporosis
    Abdul-Majeed S, Mohamed N, Soelaiman IN
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(13):1579-90.
    PMID: 23848479
    Skeletal tissue undergoes continuous remodeling which makes it unique among other body tissues. Osteoporosis is a common bone metabolic disorder affecting both men and women. Osteoporosis and its complications mainly osteoporotic fractures, have a high impact on health and economy. Current approved medications are associated with numerous side effects, which limit their use. Identification of a new and safe therapy is mandatory. Statins, also known as HMGCoA reductase inhibitors, are frequently used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and for the prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. Statins improved bone health status in intact and ovariectomised rodents following high clinically intolerable oral doses. However, this beneficial effect of statins could not be significantly demonstrated in humans. The reason behind this discrepancy might be due to the safety and bioavailability of the currently used oral statins. Vitamin E, especially the tocotrienols at the dose 60 mg/kg/day provided significant antiosteoporotic effects in different animal models of osteoporosis. The use of the aforementioned dose of tocotrienols was shown to be safe in both humans and animals. Enhancement of bone formation and reduction of bone resorption were achieved more effectively by a combination of tocotrienols and statins than by either treatment when supplemented separately at clinically tolerable doses. Therefore, the adverse effects associated with high statin doses might be avoided with the coadministration of tocotrienols. Moreover, the combination therapy strategy might be useful for patients who are at high risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular events and hypercholesterolaemia.
  9. Fulltext Effects of tocotrienol and lovastatin combination on osteoblast and osteoclast activity in estrogen-deficient osteoporosis
    Abdul-Majeed S, Mohamed N, Soelaiman IN
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:960742.
    PMID: 22927884 DOI: 10.1155/2012/960742
    Statins are HMGCoA reductase inhibitors and had been demonstrated to stimulate bone formation in rodents after high oral doses. Observational studies on patients treated with oral statins were varied. Delta-tocotrienol had been found to stimulate the cleavage of HMGCoA reductase and inhibit its activity. Tocotrienols were found to have both catabolic and anabolic effects on bone in different animal models of osteoporosis. The current study aimed to ascertain the effects of delta-tocotrienol and lovastatin combination on biochemical and static bone histomorphometric parameters in a postmenopausal rat model at clinically tolerable doses. 48 Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: (1) baseline control group; (2) sham-operated control group; (3) ovariectomised control group; (4) ovariectomised and 11 mg/kg lovastatin; (5) ovariectomised and 60 mg/kg delta-tocotrienol; (6) ovariectomised and 60 mg/kg delta-tocotrienol + 11 mg/kg lovastatin. These treatments were given daily via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Delta-tocotrienol plus lovastatin treatment significantly increased bone formation and reduced bone resorption compared to the other groups. Therefore, the combined treatment may have synergistic or additive effects and have the potential to be used as an antiosteoporotic agent in patients who are at risk of both osteoporosis and hypercholesterolemia, especially in postmenopausal women.
  10. Influence of cultural practices on breast cancer risks, stage at presentation and outcome in a multi-ethnic developing country
    Abdullah N, Mohamed N
    Oncol Lett, 2021 Nov;22(5):806.
    PMID: 34630713 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13067
    Malaysia is a developing country made up of three main ethnicities: Malay, Chinese and Indian. There are significant ethnic differences with regard to the type of daily food and cooking methods, contraception, breast-feeding preferences, confinement period and care, postmenopausal intake and influence of the traditional healer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women across all three ethnicities. However, the National Cancer Registry and local medical centres have documented ethnic differences in breast cancer risk (Chinese, 40.7 per 100,000; Indian, 38.1 per 100,000; Malay, 31.5 per 100,000), peak age (youngest in the Malays), stage at presentation (largest percentage at advanced stage among the Malays) and survival (poorest survival rate among the Malays). The Malays have several practices that are protective against breast cancer compared with the Chinese. However, the Malays have strong beliefs in the traditional healer, which contribute to the delay in getting treatment, causing a poor outcome and a low survival rate. The highest BRCA1 and 2 genetic mutation incidence is amongst the Chinese, but the Malays have the largest triple-negative breast cancer rates. These factors may also contribute to the statistical breast cancer data.
  11. Fulltext Potential Health Impacts of Bauxite Mining in Kuantan
    Abdullah NH, Mohamed N, Sulaiman LH, Zakaria TA, Rahim DA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 May;23(3):1-8.
    PMID: 27418864
    Bauxite mining is not known to most Malaysian except recently due to environmental pollution issues in Kuantan, Pahang. Potential impacts are expected to go beyond physical environment and physical illness if the situation is not controlled. Loss of economic potentials, and the presence of unpleasant red dust causing mental distress, anger and community outrage. More studies are needed to associate it with chronic physical illness. While evidences are vital for action, merely waiting for a disease to occur is a sign of failure in prevention. All responsible agencies should focus on a wider aspect of health determinants rather than merely on the occurrence of diseases to act and the need to emphasize on sustainable mining to ensure health of people is not compromised.
  12. Pathogenesis of alcohol-induced osteoporosis and its treatment: a review
    Abukhadir SS, Mohamed N, Mohamed N
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(13):1601-10.
    PMID: 24138635
    Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans; it represents a major public health problem. This chronic disease is characterized by increase in bone fracture due to: reduced bone mass, deterioration of micro architectural and decreased bone strength, bone fragility; and bone mineral density 2.5 or more standard deviations below the normal mean. Secondary osteoporosis is a common cause of osteoporosis, and there are many underlying risk factors for osteoporosis. Chronic alcohol abuse is one of the modifiable risk factors in osteoporosis. There is evidence of correlation between chronic alcohol abuse and low bone mass. Alcohol is directly toxic to the bone; with increased incidence of fractures and complications. Although there is a paucity of studies regarding alcohol induced osteoporosis therapy, it can be classified into antiresorptive therapy and anabolic therapy. Bisphosphonates have been demonstrated to be clinically relevant to prevent bone damage associated with alcohol use while parathyroid hormone increased bone mineralization as well as bone formation in alcohol treated rats. Vitamin D supplementation could prevent bone toxicity in chronic drinkers. This review discussed the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced osteoporosis and the agents available for its treatment. Other potential therapies are also discussed.
  13. Fulltext Effects of palm vitamin e on bone-formation-related gene expression in nicotine-treated rats
    Abukhadir SS, Mohamed N, Makpol S, Muhammad N
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:656025.
    PMID: 23049610 DOI: 10.1155/2012/656025
    The study determines the effects of palm vitamin E on the gene expression of bone-formation-related genes in nicotine-treated rats. Male rats were divided into three groups: normal saline olive oil (NSO), nicotine olive oil (NO), and nicotine palm vitamin E (NE). The treatment was carried out in 2 phases. During the first 2 months, the NSO group received normal saline while the NO and NE groups received nicotine 7 mg/kg, 6 days a week, intraperitoneally. The following 2 months, normal saline and nicotine administration was stopped and was replaced with oral supplementation of olive oil for the NSO and NO groups and oral supplementation of palm vitamin E (60 mg/kg) for the NE group. Both femurs were harvested to determine the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), Osterix (OSX), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Nicotine significantly downregulated the gene expression. This effect was reversed by palm vitamin E treatment. In conclusion, palm vitamin E may play a role in osteoblast differentiation and can be considered as an anabolic agent to treat nicotine-induced osteoporosis.
  14. Effects of repeatedly heated palm oil on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and homocysteine levels in a post-menopausal rat model
    Adam SK, Soelaiman IN, Umar NA, Mokhtar N, Mohamed N, Jaarin K
    Mcgill J Med, 2008 Jul;11(2):145-51.
    PMID: 19148313
    Oxidized unsaturated fatty acids may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we examined the effects of heated palm oil mixed with 2% cholesterol diet on serum lipid profile, homocysteine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in estrogen-deficient rats. Twenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized and then were divided equally into four groups. The control group was given 2% cholesterol diet only throughout the study period. The three treatment groups received 2% cholesterol diet fortified with fresh, once-heated or five-times-heated palm oil, respectively. Serum TBARS, lipid profile and homocysteine levels were measured prior to ovariectomy and at the end of four months of the study. Five-times-heated palm oil caused a significant increase in TBARS and total cholesterol (TC) compared to control (F=22.529, p<0.05). There was a significant increase in serum homocysteine in the control as well as five-times heated palm oil group compared to fresh and once-heated palm oil groups (F=4.432, p<0.05). The findings suggest that repeatedly heated palm oil increase lipid peroxidation and TC. Ovariectomy increases the development of atherosclerosis as seen in this study. Feeding with fresh and once-heated palm oil does not cause any deleterious effect but repeatedly heated oil may be harmful because it causes oxidative damage thereby predisposing to atherosclerosis.
  15. Fulltext Demethylbelamcandaquinone B (Dmcq B) Is the Active Compound of Marantodes pumilum var. alata (Blume) Kuntze with Osteoanabolic Activities
    Ahmad Hairi H, Jamal JA, Aladdin NA, Husain K, Mohd Sofi NS, Mohamed N, et al.
    Molecules, 2018 Jul 11;23(7).
    PMID: 29997309 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071686
    Phytoestrogens have attracted considerable attention for their potential in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Recently, a phytoestrogen-rich herbal plant, Marantodes pumilum var. alata (Blume) Kuntze was reported to protect against bone loss in ovariectomized rat. However, the bioactive compound responsible for these effects and the underlying mechanism were not known. Through bioassay-guided isolation, demethylbelamcandaquinone B (Dmcq B) was isolated and identified from Marantodes pumilum var. alata leaf extract. In terms of its bone anabolic effects, Dmcq B was at par with 17β-estradiol (E2), in promoting the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast cells. Dmcq-B increased early differentiation markers, collagen content and enzymatic ALP activity. It was demonstrated to regulate BMP2 signaling pathway which further activated the transcription factor, osterix. Subsequently, Dmcq B was able to increase the osteocalcin expression which promoted matrix mineralization as evidenced by the increase in calcium deposition. Dmcq B also reduced the protein level of receptor activator of NF-κβ ligand (RANKL) and promoted osteoprotegerin (OPG) protein expression by osteoblast cells, therefore hastening bone formation rate by decreasing RANKL/OPG ratio. Moreover, Dmcq B was able to increase ER expression, postulating its phytoestrogen property. As the conclusion, Dmcq B is the active compound isolated from Marantodes pumilum var. alata leaves, regulating osteoanabolic activities potentially through the BMP2 and ER signaling pathways.
  16. Fulltext Distribution of alpha thalassaemia gene variants in diverse ethnic populations in malaysia: data from the institute for medical research
    Ahmad R, Saleem M, Aloysious NS, Yelumalai P, Mohamed N, Hassan S
    Int J Mol Sci, 2013;14(9):18599-614.
    PMID: 24025420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140918599
    Alpha thalassaemia is highly prevalent in the plural society of Malaysia and is a public health problem. Haematological and molecular data from 5016 unrelated patients referred from various hospitals to the Institute for Medical Research for α thalassaemia screening from 2007 to 2010 were retrieved. The aims of this retrospective analysis were to describe the distribution of various alpha thalassaemia alleles in different ethnic groups, along with their genotypic interactions, and to illustrate the haematological changes associated with each phenotype. Amongst the patients, 51.2% (n = 2567) were diagnosed with α thalassaemia. Of the 13 α thalassaemia determinants screened, eight different deletions and mutations were demonstrated: three double gene deletions, --(SEA), --(THAI), --(FIL); two single-gene deletions, α-³·⁷ and -α⁴·²; and three non-deletion mutations, Cd59G > A (haemoglobin [Hb] Adana), Cd125T > C (Hb Quong Sze) and Cd142 (Hb Constant Spring). A high incidence of α-³·⁷ deletion was observed in Malays, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians and Orang Asli people. However, the --SEA deletion was the most common cause of alpha thalassaemia in Chinese, followed by the α-³·⁷ deletion. As many as 27 genotypic interactions showed 1023 α thalassaemia silent carriers, 196 homozygous α⁺ thalassaemia traits, 973 heterozygous α⁰ thalassaemia carriers and 375 patients with Hb H disease. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the distribution of α thalassaemia determinants amongst the various ethnic groups. Hence, the heterogeneous distribution of common determinants indicated that the introduction of an ethnicity-targeted hierarchical α thalassaemia screening approach in this multi-ethnic Malaysian population would be effective.
  17. Fulltext Expression of human mammaglobin and clinicopathologic correlations in breast cancer: the findings in Malaysia
    Al-Joudi FS, Kaid FA, Ishak I, Mohamed N, Osman K, Alias IZ
    Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2011 Apr-Jun;54(2):284-9.
    PMID: 21623075 DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.81596
    Human mammaglobin (hMAG) is a secreted protein which has been detected in breast epithelial cells of mammary glands and has been used as a specific marker for breast cancer.
  18. Fulltext Frequencies of glutathione s-transferase (GSTM1, GSTM3 AND GSTT1) polymorphisms in a Malaysian population
    Alshagga MA, Mohamed N, Nazrun Suhid A, Abdel Aziz Ibrahim I, Zulkifli Syed Zakaria S
    Arch Med Sci, 2011 Aug;7(4):572-8.
    PMID: 22291790 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2011.24123
    Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a xenobiotic metabolising enzyme (XME), which may modify susceptibility in certain ethnic groups, showing ethnic dependent polymorphism. The aim of this study was to determine GSTM1, GSTM3 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms in a Malaysian population in Kuala Lumpur.
  19. Fulltext The Impact of Heatwaves on Mortality and Morbidity and the Associated Vulnerability Factors: A Systematic Review
    Arsad FS, Hod R, Ahmad N, Ismail R, Mohamed N, Baharom M, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Dec 06;19(23).
    PMID: 36498428 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316356
    BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the current impacts of extreme temperature and heatwaves on human health in terms of both mortality and morbidity. This systematic review analyzed the impact of heatwaves on mortality, morbidity, and the associated vulnerability factors, focusing on the sensitivity component.

    METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow checklist. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2022. Those eligible were evaluated using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review framework.

    RESULTS: A total of 32 articles were included in the systematic review. Heatwave events increased mortality and morbidity incidence. Sociodemographic (elderly, children, male, female, low socioeconomic, low education), medical conditions (cardiopulmonary diseases, renal disease, diabetes, mental disease), and rural areas were crucial vulnerability factors.

    CONCLUSIONS: While mortality and morbidity are critical aspects for measuring the impact of heatwaves on human health, the sensitivity in the context of sociodemographic, medical conditions, and locality posed a higher vulnerability to certain groups. Therefore, further research on climate change and health impacts on vulnerability may help stakeholders strategize effective plans to reduce the effect of heatwaves.

  20. Fulltext Environmental and Occupational Factors Associated with Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review
    Baharom M, Ahmad N, Hod R, Ja'afar MH, Arsad FS, Tangang F, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23473.
    PMID: 38173528 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23473
    BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a neglected emerging zoonotic disease with a profound public health impact worldwide with higher burden of disease in resource-poor countries. The environmental and occupational exposures contribute to human and animal transmission, but the interaction was less explored. A deeper understanding of the critical environmental and occupational drivers in different contexts will provide useful information for disease control and prevention measures.

    OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to summarize the potential environmental and occupational risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection.

    METHODS: Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2021. Eligible articles were assessed using a checklist for assessing the quality of the studies. The quality of the articles was assessed based on the laboratory diagnosis approach and statistical analysis method.

    RESULTS: A total of 32 studies were included in this systematic review. Water-related risk factors such as natural water as the primary water source (AOR 1.8-18.28), water-related recreational activities (AOR 2.36-10.45), flood exposure (AOR 1.54-6.04), contact with mud (AOR 1.57-4.58) and stagnant water (AOR 2.79-6.42) were associated with increased risk of leptospirosis. Infrastructural deficiencies such as un-plastered house walls and thatched houses presented a higher risk (AOR 2.71-5.17). Living in low-lying areas (AOR 1.58-3.74), on clay loam soil (OR 2.72), agricultural land (OR 2.09), and near rubber tree plantations (AOR 11.65) is associated with higher risk of leptospirosis. Contact with rats (AOR 1.4-3.5), livestock (AOR 1.3-10.4), and pigs (AOR 1.54-7.9) is associated with an increased risk of leptospirosis. Outdoor workers (AOR 1.95-3.95) and slaughterhouse workers (AOR 5.1-7.5) have higher risk of leptospirosis.

    CONCLUSION: The environmental and occupational components related to water, infrastructure, landscape, agriculture, and exposed animals play an essential role in leptospirosis transmission. The magnitude of those risk factors differs with geographical region, climate factor, urbanization and population growth, and the country's socioeconomic status.

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