Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 54 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Promising Nutritional Fruits Against Cardiovascular Diseases: An Overview of Experimental Evidence and Understanding Their Mechanisms of Action
    Zuraini NZA, Sekar M, Wu YS, Gan SH, Bonam SR, Mat Rani NNI, et al.
    Vasc Health Risk Manag, 2021;17:739-769.
    PMID: 34858028 DOI: 10.2147/VHRM.S328096
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries, affecting millions of individuals each year. Despite the fact that successful therapeutic drugs for the management and treatment of CVDs are available on the market, nutritional fruits appear to offer the greatest benefits to the heart and have been proved to alleviate CVDs. Experimental studies have also demonstrated that nutritional fruits have potential protective effects against CVDs. The aim of the review was to provide a comprehensive summary of scientific evidence on the effect of 10 of the most commonly available nutritional fruits reported against CVDs and describe the associated mechanisms of action. Relevant literatures were searched and collected from several scientific databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Scopus. In the context of CVDs, 10 commonly consumed nutritious fruits including apple, avocado, grapes, mango, orange, kiwi, pomegranate, papaya, pineapple, and watermelon were analysed and addressed. The cardioprotective mechanisms of the 10 nutritional fruits were also compiled and highlighted. Overall, the present review found that the nutritious fruits and their constituents have significant benefits for the management and treatment of CVDs such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, dyslipidemias, ischemic stroke, aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, diabetic cardiovascular complications, drug-induced cardiotoxicity and cardiomyopathy. Among the 10 nutritional fruits, pomegranate and grapes have been well explored, and the mechanisms of action are well documented against CVDs. All of the nutritional fruits mentioned are edible and readily accessible on the market. Consuming these fruits, which may contain varying amounts of active constituents depending on the food source and season, the development of nutritious fruits-based health supplements would be more realistic for consistent CVD protection.
  2. Anti-obesity effects of olivetol in adult zebrafish model induced by short-term high-fat diet
    Reshma A, Tamilanban T, Chitra V, Subramaniyan V, Gupta G, Fuloria NK, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 27;13(1):18449.
    PMID: 37891223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44462-3
    Obesity is a complex disease caused by various factors, and synthetic drugs used to treat it can have side effects. Natural compounds, such as olivetol, could be a promising alternative. Olivetol is a substance found in certain lichen species and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In this study, researchers conducted in-silico molecular docking studies and found that olivetol had significant binding affinity with receptors involved in obesity. They also investigated the effects of olivetol on a diet-induced obese zebrafish model and found that high doses of olivetol reduced excessive fat accumulation and triglyceride and lipid accumulation. The low dose of olivetol showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes' levels. However, the high dose of olivetol resulted in a significant increase in HMG-CoA levels. These results suggest that olivetol may be a promising anti-obesity agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-related disorders, but further research is necessary to understand its full effects on the body.
  3. Fulltext Protective effect of mangiferin on memory impairment: A systematic review
    Lum PT, Sekar M, Gan SH, Pandy V, Bonam SR
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 Jan;28(1):917-927.
    PMID: 33424383 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.037
    Memory impairment (MI) is one of the predominant criteria generally used to identify schizophrenia, dementia and amnesia that are associated with neurodegenerative disorders by evaluating patient's cognitive symptoms. To date, there is no available treatment that can completely mitigate MI. Currently, there is a trend in recent investigations towards symptomatic therapy approaches using a variety of natural compounds. Mangiferin is one of them that have been investigated extensively. Mangiferin is a naturally occurring potent glucoxilxanthone and is mainly isolated from the Mangifera indica (Mango) plant. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview on the efficacy of mangiferin on MI, based on in-vivo animal studies. After screening through articles identified from Scopus and PubMed based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 11 articles between 2009 and 2019 were included. The minimum and maximum dose of mangiferin were 10 and 200 mg/kg respectively and administered over the period of 12-154 days. The results of 11 articles showed that mangiferin effectively improved spatial recognition, episodic aversive events, short- and long-term memories primarily occurring via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The outcomes of the review revealed that mangiferin improves memory and cognitive impairment in different animal models, indicating that it has potential preventive and therapeutic roles in MI.
  4. Fulltext Hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin in breast cancer therapy: A review of recent developments and future prospects
    Yap KM, Sekar M, Wu YS, Gan SH, Rani NNIM, Seow LJ, et al.
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 Dec;28(12):6730-6747.
    PMID: 34866972 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.07.046
    Breast cancer (BC) has high incidence and mortality rates, making it a major global health issue. BC treatment has been challenging due to the presence of drug resistance and the limited availability of therapeutic options for triple-negative and metastatic BC, thereby urging the exploration of more effective anti-cancer agents. Hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin, two flavonoids from citrus species, have been extensively evaluated for their anti-cancer potentials. In this review, available literatures on the chemotherapeutic and chemosensitising activities of hesperidin and hesperetin in preclinical BC models are reported. The safety and bioavailability of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as the strategies to enhance their bioavailability are also discussed. Overall, hesperidin and hesperetin can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and BC stem cells as well as induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro. They can also inhibit tumour growth, metastasis and neoplastic changes in tissue architecture in vivo. Moreover, the co-administration of hesperidin or hesperetin with doxorubicin, letrozole or tamoxifen can enhance the efficacies of these clinically available agents. These chemotherapeutic and chemosensitising activities of hesperidin and hesperetin have been linked to several mechanisms, including the modulation of signalling pathways, glucose uptake, enzymes, miRNA expression, oxidative status, cell cycle regulatory proteins, tumour suppressor p53, plasma and liver lipid profiles as well as DNA repair mechanisms. However, poor water solubility, extensive phase II metabolism and apical efflux have posed limitations to the bioavailability of hesperidin and hesperetin. Various strategies for bioavailability enhancement have been studied, including the utilisation of nano-based drug delivery systems and the co-administration of hesperetin with other flavonoids. In particular, nanoformulated hesperidin and hesperetin possess greater chemotherapeutic and chemosensitising activities than free compounds. Despite promising preclinical results, further safety and efficacy evaluation of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as their nanoformulations in clinical trials is required to ascertain their potentials to be developed as clinically useful agents for BC treatment.
  5. Fulltext Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan-Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide Composite Film for Transdermal Delivery of Protein/Peptide
    Malviya R, Tyagi A, Fuloria S, Subramaniyan V, Sathasivam K, Sundram S, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 10;13(9).
    PMID: 34068768 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091531
    Transdermal drug delivery is used to deliver a drug by eliminating the first-pass metabolism, which increases the bioavailability of the drug. The present study aims to formulate the chitosan-tamarind seed polysaccharide composite films and evaluate for the delivery of protein/peptide molecules. Nine formulations were prepared and evaluated by using different parameters, such as physical appearance, folding endurance, thickness of film, surface pH, weight variation, drug content, surface morphology, percentage moisture intake and uptake, drug release kinetics, and drug permeability. The film weight variance was observed between 0.34 ± 0.002 to 0.47 ± 0.003 g. The drug level of the prepared films was found to be between 96 ± 1.21 and 98 ± 1.33μg. Their intake of moisture ranged between 2.83 ± 0.002 and 3.76 ± 0.001 (%). The moisture absorption of the films ranged from 5.33 ± 0.22 to 10.02 ± 0.61 (%). SEM images revealed a smooth film surface, while minor cracks were found in the film after permeation tests. During the first 4 days, drug release was between 13.75 ± 1.64% and 22.54 ± 1.34% and from day 5 to day 6, it was between 72.67 ± 2.13% and 78.33 ± 3.13%. Drug permeation during the first 4 days was 15.78 ± 1.23 %. Drug permeation (%) during the first 4 days was between 15.78 ± 1.23 and 22.49 ± 1.29 and from day 5 to day 6, it was between 71.49 ± 3.21 and 77.93 ± 3.20.
  6. Fulltext Evaluation and Characterization of Tamarind Gum Polysaccharide: The Biopolymer
    Malviya R, Sundram S, Fuloria S, Subramaniyan V, Sathasivam KV, Azad AK, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 07;13(18).
    PMID: 34577925 DOI: 10.3390/polym13183023
    Polymers from natural sources are widely used as excipients in the formulation of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The objective of this study was to extract and further characterize the tamarind gum polysaccharide (TGP) obtained from Tamarindus indica as an excipient for biomedical applications. Double distilled water was used as a solvent for the extraction of gum while Ethyl alcohol was used as an antisolvent for the precipitation. The results of the Hausner ratio, Carr's index and angle of repose were found to be 0.94, 6.25, and 0.14, respectively, which revealed that the powder is free-flowing with good flowability. The gum was investigated for purity by carrying out chemical tests for different phytochemical constituents and only carbohydrates were found to be present. The swelling index was found to be 87 ± 1%, which shows that TGP has good water intake capacity. The pH of the 1% gum solution was found to be neutral, approximately 6.70 ± 0.01. The ash values such as total ash, sulphated ash, acid insoluble ash, and water-soluble ash were found to be 14.00 ± 1.00%, 13.00 ± 0.05%, 14.04 ± 0.57% and 7.29 ± 0.06%, respectively. The IR spectra confirmed the presence of alcohol, amines, ketones, anhydrides groups. The contact angle was <90°, indicating favorable wetting and good spreading of liquid over the surface The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed that the particle is spherical in shape and irregular. DSC analysis shows a sharp exothermic peak at 350 °C that shows its crystalline nature. The results of the evaluated properties showed that TGP has acceptable properties and can be used as a excipient to formulate dosage forms for biomedical applications.
  7. Chitosan-Coated 5-Fluorouracil Incorporated Emulsions as Transdermal Drug Delivery Matrices
    Khan TA, Azad AK, Fuloria S, Nawaz A, Subramaniyan V, Akhlaq M, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 29;13(19).
    PMID: 34641162 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193345
    The purpose of the present study was to develop emulsions encapsulated by chitosan on the outer surface of a nano droplet containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug. The emulsions were characterized in terms of size, pH and viscosity and were evaluated for their physicochemical properties such as drug release and skin permeation in vitro. The emulsions containing tween 80 (T80), sodium lauryl sulfate, span 20, and a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and T20 exhibited a release of 88%, 86%, 90% and 92%, respectively. Chitosan-modified emulsions considerably controlled the release of 5-FU compared to a 5-FU solution (p < 0.05). All the formulations enabled transportation of 5-FU through a rat's skin. The combination (T80, PEG) formulation showed a good penetration profile. Different surfactants showed variable degrees of skin drug retention. The ATR-FTIR spectrograms revealed that the emulsions mainly affected the fluidization of lipids and proteins of the stratum corneum (SC) that lead to enhanced drug permeation and retention across the skin. The present study concludes that the emulsions containing a combination of surfactants (Tween) and a co-surfactant (PEG) exhibited the best penetration profile, prevented the premature release of drugs from the nano droplet, enhanced the permeation and the retention of the drug across the skin and had great potential for transdermal drug delivery. Therefore, chitosan-coated 5-FU emulsions represent an excellent possibility to deliver a model drug as a transdermal delivery system.
  8. Fulltext Antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2: therapeutic targets, mechanistic antiviral activity, and efficient delivery
    Essa RZ, Wu YS, Batumalaie K, Sekar M, Poh CL
    Pharmacol Rep, 2022 Dec;74(6):1166-1181.
    PMID: 36401119 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00432-6
    The global pandemic of COVID-19 is a serious public health concern. Over 625 million confirmed cases and more than 6 million deaths have been recorded worldwide. Although several vaccines and antiviral medications have been developed, their efficacy is limited by the emerging new SARS-CoV-2 strains. Peptide-based therapeutics is a fast-growing class of new drugs and have unique advantages over large proteins and small molecules. Antiviral peptides (AVPs) are short polycationic antivirals with broad-spectrum effects, which have been shown to exert both prophylactic and therapeutic actions against reported coronaviruses. The potential therapeutic targets of AVPs are located either on the virus (e.g., E-protein and S-protein) to prohibit viral binding or host cells, particularly, those present on the cell surface (e.g., ACE2 and TMPRSS2). Despite AVPs having promising antiviral effects, their efficacy is limited by low bioavailability. Thus, nanoformulation is a prerequisite for prolonged bioavailability and efficient delivery. This review aimed to present an insight into the therapeutic AVP targets on both virus and host cells by discussing their antiviral activities and associated molecular mechanisms. Besides, it described the technique for discovering and developing possible AVPs based on their targets, as well as the significance of using nanotechnology for their efficient delivery against SARS-CoV-2.
  9. Long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: Unraveling the molecular modulators of MAPK signaling
    Hussain MS, Afzal O, Gupta G, Altamimi ASA, Almalki WH, Alzarea SI, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2023 Sep;249:154738.
    PMID: 37595448 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154738
    Lung cancer (LC) continues to pose a significant global medical burden, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its molecular foundations to establish effective treatment strategies. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling system has been scientifically associated with LC growth; however, the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing this system remain unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of diverse cellular activities, including cancer growth. LncRNAs have been implicated in LC, which can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, and their dysregulation has been linked to cancer cell death, metastasis, spread, and proliferation. Due to their involvement in critical pathophysiological processes, lncRNAs are gaining attention as potential candidates for anti-cancer treatments. This article aims to elucidate the regulatory role of lncRNAs in MAPK signaling in LC. We provide a comprehensive review of the key components of the MAPK pathway and their relevance in LC, focusing on aberrant signaling processes associated with disease progression. By examining recent research and experimental findings, this article examines the molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence MAPK signaling in lung cancer, ultimately contributing to tumor development.
  10. Non-coding RNAs: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ulcerative colitis
    Kazmi I, Altamimi ASA, Afzal M, Majami AA, Abbasi FA, Almalki WH, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2024 Jan;253:155037.
    PMID: 38160482 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155037
    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent inflammatory condition affecting the colon's mucosal lining, leading to chronic bowel inflammation. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying UC pathogenesis remain elusive. NcRNAs form a category of functional RNA molecules devoid of protein-coding capacity. They have recently surfaced as pivotal modulators of gene expression and integral participants in various pathological processes, particularly those related to inflammatory disorders. The diverse classes of ncRNAs, encompassing miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, have been implicated in UC. It highlights their involvement in key UC-related processes, such as immune cell activation, epithelial barrier integrity, and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. ncRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for UC diagnosis and monitoring disease progression, offering promising avenues for personalized medicine. This approach may pave the way for novel, more specific treatments with reduced side effects, addressing the current limitations of conventional therapies. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between ncRNAs and UC will advance our knowledge of the disease, potentially leading to more effective and personalized treatments for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. This review explores the pivotal role of ncRNAs in the context of UC, shedding light on their possible targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic interventions.
  11. The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in Prostate Cancer
    Kazmi I, Altamimi ASA, Afzal M, Majami AA, AlGhamdi AS, Alkinani KB, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2024 Feb;254:155134.
    PMID: 38277746 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155134
    Prostate cancer (PCa) is an important worldwide medical concern, necessitating a greater understanding of the molecular processes driving its development. The Wnt/-catenin signaling cascade is established as a central player in PCa pathogenesis, and recent research emphasizes the critical involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in this scenario. This in-depth study seeks to give a thorough examination of the complex relationship between ncRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin system in PCa. NcRNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been recognized as essential regulators that modulate numerous facets of the Wnt/β-catenin network. MiRNAs have been recognized as targeting vital elements of the process, either enhancing or inhibiting signaling, depending on their specific roles and targets. LncRNAs participate in fine-tuning the Wnt/β-catenin network as a result of complicated interplay with both upstream and downstream elements. CircRNAs, despite being a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have been implicated in PCa, influencing the Wnt/β-catenin cascade through diverse mechanisms. This article encompasses recent advances in our comprehension of specific ncRNAs that participate in the Wnt/β-catenin network, their functional roles, and clinical relevance in PCa. We investigate their use as screening and predictive indicators, and targets for treatment. Additionally, we delve into the interplay between Wnt/β-catenin and other signaling networks in PCa and the role of ncRNAs within this complex network. As we unveil the intricate regulatory functions of ncRNAs in the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in PCa, we gain valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis. The implementation of these discoveries in practical applications holds promise for more precise diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the care of PCa patients. This comprehensive review underscores the evolving landscape of ncRNA research in PCa and the potential for innovative interventions in the battle against this formidable malignancy.
  12. Unwinding circular RNA's role in inflammatory pulmonary diseases
    Bhat AA, Gupta G, Goyal A, Thapa R, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, et al.
    Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2024 May;397(5):2567-2588.
    PMID: 37917370 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02809-7
    Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression and cellular processes in various physiological and pathological conditions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the role of circRNAs in inflammatory lung diseases, owing to their potential to modulate inflammation-associated pathways and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Inflammatory lung diseases, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and COVID-19, pose significant global health challenges. The dysregulation of inflammatory responses demonstrates a pivotal function in advancing these diseases. CircRNAs have been identified as important players in regulating inflammation by functioning as miRNA sponges, engaging with RNA-binding proteins, and participating in intricate ceRNA networks. These interactions enable circRNAs to regulate the manifestation of key inflammatory genes and signaling pathways. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that specific circRNAs are differentially expressed in response to inflammatory stimuli and exhibit distinct patterns in various lung diseases. Their involvement in immune cell activation, cytokine production, and tissue remodeling processes underscores their possible capabilities as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Harnessing the knowledge of circRNA-mediated regulation in inflammatory lung diseases could lead to the development of innovative strategies for disease management and intervention. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of circRNAs in inflammatory lung diseases, focusing on their regulatory mechanisms and functional implications.
  13. Fulltext Ultraflexible Liposome Nanocargo as a Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery System
    Sudhakar K, Fuloria S, Subramaniyan V, Sathasivam KV, Azad AK, Swain SS, et al.
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2021 Sep 29;11(10).
    PMID: 34685005 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102557
    A selected active pharmaceutical ingredient must be incorporated into a cargo carrier in a particular manner so that it achieves its goal. An amalgamation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) should be conducted in such a manner that it is simple, professional, and more beneficial. Lipids/polymers that are known to be used in nanocarriers for APIs can be transformed into a vesicular formulation, which offers elegant solutions to many problems. Phospholipids with other ingredients, such as ethanol and water, form suitable vesicular carriers for many drugs, overcoming many problems related to poor bioavailability, poor solubility, etc. Ultraflexible liposomes are novel carriers and new frontiers of drug delivery for transdermal systems. Auxiliary advances in vesicular carrier research have been made, enabling polymer-coated ethanolic liposomes to avoid detection by the body's immune system-specifically, the cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Ultraflexible liposomes act as a cargo system and a nanotherapeutic approach for the transport of therapeutic drugs and bioactive agents. Various applications of liposome derivatives in different diseases are emphasized in this review.
  14. Fulltext Tilianin: A Potential Natural Lead Molecule for New Drug Design and Development for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders
    Khattulanuar FS, Sekar M, Fuloria S, Gan SH, Rani NNIM, Ravi S, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Jan 20;27(3).
    PMID: 35163934 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030673
    Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are the leading risk factor for death worldwide, and research into the processes and treatment regimens has received a lot of attention. Tilianin is a flavonoid glycoside that can be found in a wide range of medicinal plants and is most commonly obtained from Dracocephalum moldavica. Due to its extensive range of biological actions, it has become a well-known molecule in recent years. In particular, numerous studies have shown that tilianin has cardioprotective properties against CVDs. Hence, this review summarises tilianin's preclinical research in CVDs, as well as its mechanism of action and opportunities in future drug development. The physicochemical and drug-likeness properties, as well as the toxicity profile, were also highlighted. Tilianin can be a natural lead molecule in the therapy of CVDs such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia, according to scientific evidence. Free radical scavenging, inflammation control, mitochondrial function regulation, and related signalling pathways are all thought to play a role in tilianin's cardioprotective actions. Finally, we discuss tilianin-derived compounds, as well as the limitations and opportunities of using tilianin as a lead molecule in drug development for CVDs. Overall, the scientific evidence presented in this review supports that tilianin and its derivatives could be used as a lead molecule in CVD drug development initiatives.
  15. Fulltext Genistein: A Potential Natural Lead Molecule for New Drug Design and Development for Treating Memory Impairment
    Fuloria S, Yusri MAA, Sekar M, Gan SH, Rani NNIM, Lum PT, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Jan 01;27(1).
    PMID: 35011497 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010265
    Genistein is a naturally occurring polyphenolic molecule in the isoflavones group which is well known for its neuroprotection. In this review, we summarize the efficacy of genistein in attenuating the effects of memory impairment (MI) in animals. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to find the relevant articles and discuss the effects of genistein in the brain, including its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, behavioral effects, and some of the potential mechanisms of action on memory in several animal models. The results of the preclinical studies highly suggested that genistein is highly effective in enhancing the cognitive performance of the MI animal models, specifically in the memory domain, including spatial, recognition, retention, and reference memories, through its ability to reduce oxidative stress and attenuate neuroinflammation. This review also highlighted challenges and opportunities to improve the drug delivery of genistein for treating MI. Along with that, the possible structural modifications and derivatives of genistein to improve its physicochemical and drug-likeness properties are also discussed. The outcomes of the review proved that genistein can enhance the cognitive performance and ameliorate MI in different preclinical studies, thus indicating its potential as a natural lead for the design and development of a novel neuroprotective drug.
  16. Fulltext Matrix Metalloproteinases in Chemoresistance: Regulatory Roles, Molecular Interactions, and Potential Inhibitors
    Tune BXJ, Sim MS, Poh CL, Guad RM, Woon CK, Hazarika I, et al.
    J Oncol, 2022;2022:3249766.
    PMID: 35586209 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3249766
    Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Its treatments usually fail when the tumor has become malignant and metastasized. Metastasis is a key source of cancer recurrence, which often leads to resistance towards chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, most cancer-related deaths are linked to the occurrence of chemoresistance. Although chemoresistance can emerge through a multitude of mechanisms, chemoresistance and metastasis share a similar pathway, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of zinc and calcium-chelated enzymes, are found to be key players in driving cancer migration and metastasis through EMT induction. The aim of this review is to discuss the regulatory roles and associated molecular mechanisms of specific MMPs in regulating chemoresistance, particularly EMT initiation and resistance to apoptosis. A brief presentation on their potential diagnostic and prognostic values was also deciphered. It also aimed to describe existing MMP inhibitors and the potential of utilizing other strategies to inhibit MMPs to reduce chemoresistance, such as upstream inhibition of MMP expressions and MMP-responsive nanomaterials to deliver drugs as well as epigenetic regulations. Hence, manipulation of MMP expression can be a powerful tool to aid in treating patients with chemo-resistant cancers. However, much still needs to be done to bring the solution from bench to bedside.
  17. Exploring the Mechanical Perspective of a New Anti-Tumor Agent: Melatonin
    Rohilla S, Singh M, Priya S, Almalki WH, Haniffa SM, Subramaniyan V, et al.
    J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 2023;42(1):1-16.
    PMID: 36734949 DOI: 10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2022042088
    Melatonin is a serotonin-derived pineal gland hormone with many biological functions like regulating the sleep-wake cycle, circadian rhythm, menstrual cycle, aging, immunity, and antioxidants. Melatonin synthesis and release are more pronounced during the night, whereas exposure to light decreases it. Evidence is mounting in favor of the therapeutic effects of melatonin in cancer prevention, treatment and delayed onset in various cancer subtypes. Melatonin exerts its anticancer effect through modification of its receptors such as melatonin 1 (MT1), melatonin 2 (MT2), and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation), metastasis, angiogenesis, altered cellular energetics, and immune evasion. Melatonin performs a significant function in immune modulation and enhances innate and cellular immunity. In addition, melatonin has a remarkable impact on epigenetic modulation of gene expression and alters the transcription of genes. As an adjuvant to cancer therapies, it acts by decreasing the side effects and boosting the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy. Since current treatments produce drug-induced unwanted toxicities and side effects, they require alternate therapies. A recent review article attempts to summarize the mechanistic perspective of melatonin in different cancer subtypes like skin cancer, breast cancer, hepatic cancer, renal cell cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colon oral, neck, and head cancer. The various studies described in this review will give a firm basis for the future evolution of anticancer drugs.
  18. Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells and Epithelial Progenitor Cells: A Comprehensive Study
    Fuloria S, Subramaniyan V, Gupta G, Sekar M, Meenakshi DU, Sathasivam K, et al.
    J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 2023;42(3):1-29.
    PMID: 37017676 DOI: 10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2022044456
    Technological advancement to enhance tumor cells (TC) has allowed discovery of various cellular bio-markers: cancer stem cells (CSC), circulating tumor cells (CTC), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). These are responsible for resistance, metastasis, and premetastatic conditions of cancer. Detection of CSC, CTC, and EPC assists in early diagnosis, recurrence prediction, and treatment efficacy. This review describes various methods to detect TC subpopulations such as in vivo assays (sphere-forming, serial dilution, and serial transplantation), in vitro assays (colony-forming cells, microsphere, side-population, surface antigen staining, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and Paul Karl Horan label-retaining cells, surface markers, nonenriched and enriched detection), reporter systems, and other analytical methods (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy/spectroscopy, etc.). The detailed information on methods to detect CSC, CTC, and EPC in this review will assist investigators in successful prognosis, diagnosis, and cancer treatment with greater ease.
  19. Effect of blended self-directed learning on nursing students: Quasi-experimental approach
    Govindan SN, Singh HKD, Ling LW, Sekar M
    J Educ Health Promot, 2023;12:229.
    PMID: 37727408 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_209_23
    BACKGROUND: Higher education institutions are adapting and innovating like never before to provide highly individualized learning environments for both traditional and non-traditional students. This seismic upheaval in the higher education landscape is being observed across the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a blended learning approach on nursing students' self-directed learning readiness.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a quasi-experimental approach in which a non-equivalent control group was used in a post-test design. A comparison was carried out with two separate semester cohort students representing the control and intervention groups which had 24 and 30 students, respectively. This study included first-year nursing students that enrolled in a course called "Anatomy and Physiology" course of nursing education at a private university. The control group received all their teaching face-to-face, and the intervention group used information technology and prescribed activities in their online e-book. The self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) tool measures the learners' readiness in self-directed learning in both groups. This scale comprises three subscales which are "self-management," "desire for learning," and "self-control." An independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare self-directed learning readiness in the control and intervention groups. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software to measure the independent t-test.

    RESULTS: The self-directed readiness scores were significantly higher in the intervention group with P = 0.019. The intervention group showed a higher mean value on the subscales of self-management and self-control, which demonstrated a significant difference with P values of 0.018 and 0.028, respectively. The subscale desire for learning was insignificant with a P value of 0.166.

    CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the overall results demonstrate that incorporating blended learning using e-books for anatomy and physiology courses in nursing education can contribute to students' readiness for self-directed learning. Specifically, the blended learning teaching and learning strategy had a positive impact on nursing students' capacity for self-management and self-control.

  20. Traditional Medicinal Plants Conferring Protection Against Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Experimental Animals: A Review
    Azman S, Sekar M, Bonam SR, Gan SH, Wahidin S, Lum PT, et al.
    J Asthma Allergy, 2021;14:641-662.
    PMID: 34163178 DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S296391
    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract in which the numerous immune cells, including eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, mast cells and epithelial lining play key roles. The numerous anti-asthmatic drugs are available in modern medicine to treat asthma, but they have several disadvantages, including side effects and the cost variations, which compromise treatment compliance. The literature review reveals that traditional herbal medicines have good potential as alternative treatment and management for asthma. However, communities hesitated to use the traditional herbal medicines due to lack of established mechanism of action about their anti-asthmatic potential. The present review aimed to summarise the information stated in the literature about the potential effect of traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) conferring protection against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. The literature search was conducted in database like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. After screening through the literature from 2011 to date, a total of 27 medicinal plants and two polyherbal extracts have been reported to be used as traditional herbal medicines and also utilised to be tested against OVA-induced asthma, were included. We found them to be an important alternative source of treatment for asthma, since some have comparable efficacies with drugs commonly used in the modern system against asthma. All the reported medicinal plants confirmed their traditional use against asthma or its related inflammation. The present review provides faith in traditional information and also offers new insight into the potential of natural products against asthma.
Related Terms
    Try searching for something
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links