Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a technique used to teach children with autism a variety of skills. In ABA, children with autism often do not receive reinforcers because they have difficulty performing their targeted behaviors, which consequently leads to challenging behaviors. Objectives of this study are to increase spontaneous request and decrease challenging behavior among children with autism by introducing a secondary reinforcer during therapy based on ABA model. Secondary reinforcer has lower reinforcing value than the primary reinforcer. When the children tried but were unable to produce their targeted behavior, they were given the secondary reinforcer. The children were divided into two groups, five children in the intervention group and four children in the control group, and they were taught specific target requesting behavior (TRB) to request for a preferred item. Three children in the intervention group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a reduction in challenging behaviors. Only two children from the control group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a decrease in challenging behaviors. However, only children from the intervention group were able to maintain their performance during the generalization sessions. The results suggest that children respond differently to specific prompts and interventions. Future studies should focus on how prompts affect children’s performance and also on reinforcer selection. Bigger scale studies are still needed to further determine the effectiveness of a secondary reinforcer in assisting the learning of requesting skill and in reducing challenging behaviors among children with autism during therapy based on ABA model.
Peer-reviewed articles on the usage of mobile applications in the management of diabetes were reviewed. Studies using mobile device applications for diabetes interventions published between January 2007 and March 2013 were included in this review. Studies related to the developmental processes of the mobile applications were excluded. The characteristics of these studies and the outcomes of the methods used in the management of diabetes were gathered. We retrieved a total of 372 articles from ACM Digital library, PubMed and Proquest Medical Library. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were eligible for further review. Most of the studies included in this review showed the effectiveness of mobile applications in diabetes management. Their major contribution comes from feedback functions of the systems that assist participants in the self-monitoring of their blood glucose and dietary intake. However, the majority of the studies showed the limited use of the mobile phone as a tool to input information into systems which would in turn convey a reminder message to the patient. In conclusion, with its features of portability and convenience, mobile application used in the management of diabetes has the potential to improve glycaemic control, resulting in significant clinical and financial benefits.
Performance of upper extremity function and movement sequence is influenced by postural control. Motor disorders
lead to deficits in postural control, which subsequently may lead to postural instability of children with cerebral palsy
(CWCP). This will limit their upper extremity activity performance. Management strategies help to support and enhance
the CWCP’s upper extremity function so that they may engage with the activities of daily living. The purpose of this paper
is to review previous literature on the influence of postural control towards upper extremity function. Literature searches
were conducted in various electronic databases, including ProQuest, Science Direct, Springer Link, Sage, Wiley Online
Library, and Google Scholar using specific key terms. Search terms included children with cerebral palsy; postural control;
postural adjustments; upper extremity function; reaching and sitting and from references of retrieved articles. Nineteen
journal articles published between 2000 and May 2015 were found. Most search results consisted of experimental studies,
while others are reviews, case studies, and cross-sectional studies. Findings show that, postural control has a major
influence on upper extremity function. In conclusion, it is necessary to highlight the importance of both factors to the
CWCP parents or caregivers, as understanding and awareness on this matter is still inadequate in the community. Hence,
a study is needed on the awareness of the postural control influence on upper extremity function among caregivers, as
well as examining the implementation of management strategies in community settings.
The aims of this study are (1) to determine the scattered radiation dose levels in routine fluoroscopy procedures and (2) to compare them with the equivalent chest x-rays and also (3) to monitor common techniques and radiation safety measures taken by the medical officers. The study covered a sample of 105 fluoroscopic procedures performed by 18
medical officers. Each officer wore a personal pocket dosimeter inside the lead gown during each procedure. A digital dosimeter was placed near the detector of the fluoroscopy unit while a survey meter was positioned at the control panel area to record the dose levels. There were 14 types of examination included in this study. The total number of images
captured was found to be the highest in barium swallow examination with 115 images, almost five times higher compared to the common practices. The longest screening time was observed in barium enema examination which is 9.15 seconds. The median of the scattered dose level was the highest in barium meal examination (165.50 µSv) which is equivalent
to 8.28 times of average dose impart by chest x-ray examinations. The number of images and the length of screening time depend on the competency levels of the medical officers. They capture as many images as possible to avoid missing any abnormalities, therefore it will always be better if the fluoroscopist is consulted during each case. They should also
consistently practice essential protection by minimizing exposure time, maximizing distance from the source tube and utilizing the radiation shielding.
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (roselle) is a polyphenol rich fruit. This study aimed to identify the neuroprotective effect of
roselle on LPS-induced cell proliferation and nitric oxide-induced free radical in microglia and neuroblastoma cells.
MTT assay was used to identify the appropriate concentration of roselle and LPS for microglia and neuroblastoma cells
proliferation study. Griess assay were used to determine the level of nitric oxide accumulated based on the reaction of
Griess to estimate the activity of iNOS in nitric oxide production. The results showed that roselle at the concentration of
50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL and LPS at concentration of 1 μg/mL does not give cytotoxic effect towards microglia C8-B4 and
neuroblastoma LN18 cells. The roselle treatment at 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL showed a protective effect on LPS-induced
microglia C8-B4 cells. However, in neuroblastoma LN18 cells, no protective effect was seen on both 50 μg/mL and 100
μg/mL of roselle treatment following induction with 1 μg/mL of LPS. On the other hand, the production of nitric oxide
(NO) was reduced when LPS-induced microglia C8-B4 cells were treated with 50 μg/mL of roselle. Treatment of roselle
at concentration 100 μg/mL on LPS-induced neuroblastoma LN18 cells also reduced the production of nitric oxide. As a
conclusion, roselle had the ability to give neuroprotective effect by the inhibition of LPS induction activity on microglia
activation for normal and cancer cells at different concentrations
Despite a vast number of studies that were focused on the roles of superior temporal gyrus (STG) and cerebellum as sensory
area, little is known about their involvement in cognitive function such as attention and perception. The present fMRI
study aimed to identify this cognitive role from brain activation profile of STG and cerebellum obtained from an arithmetic
addition task. Eighteen healthy right hand dominance male adults participated in this study. They were instructed to solve
single-digit addition tasks in quiet and noisy background during the fMRI scan. Both the in-quiet and in-noise addition
tasks activated the bilateral STG and cerebellum (lobule VI and lobule VII) significantly but differentially. In both quiet
and noisy conditions, STG activation is dominant in the left hemisphere while cerebellum showed a right hemisphere
dominance. Bilateral STG and cerebellum (lobule VI) activation decreasedin noise, conversely cerebellum (lobule VII)
activation increased in noise. These asymmetrical activation indicated hemispheric lateralization and differential behaviors
of both brain areas in different environment while performing simple arithmetic addition task.
Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) is a cosmopolitan scuttle fly of medical and forensic importance. This
species is generally small, humpbacked and is a prominent decomposer of corpses indoors. Taxonomically, adult sexes
can be distinguished based on the characteristics of the terminal segments of the abdomen. In this report, the terminalia
of adult male and female M. scalaris were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The terminal segment
of an adult female is less complex compared to male, consisting of an ovipositor and cerci. In male, the hypopygium
consists of epandrium, hypandrium, anal tube and penis complex. A pair of long and feathered setae was attached to the
tip of the anal tube and tapered. The application of SEM to identify this species isuseful and can be expanded to other
species in this fly group.
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used in agriculture to increase crop productivity among farmers. However, exposure to pesticides will give potential risk to human health. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of micronucleus (MN) and binucleus (BNu) formation in buccal cells from farmers who were exposed to pesticides using the MN assay. Buccal swabs were collected from the farmers in Tanjung Karang (n = 32) and Kelantan (n = 43) using wooden tongue depressor. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of the farmers. Cytogenetic analysis was carried out by Acridin Orange (AO) staining 0.0025% (w/v). The frequency of MN and BNu as the biomarkers for cytogenetic damage was observed by using a fluorescence microscope. Comparison of frequency of MN and BNu is conducted in two areas namely Tanjung Karang, Selangor and Kelantan because of the agricultural activity and the type of pesticides used are different. Results showed that the frequencies of both MN and BNu among farmers in Tanjung Karang were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to farmers in Kelantan. Meanwhile, for the socio-demographic factors (age, smoking status, working period), MN and BNu frequencies among farmers in Tanjung Karang were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared to farmers in Kelantan. While in the aspect of pesticide exposure, the frequencies of MN and BNu showed no significant difference between the frequency of pesticide spraying (p > 0.05) and the practices of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) (p > 0.05). This may suggests that cytogenetic changes were not influenced by these factors. In addition, correlation study shows positive correlation between the frequency of MN with the pesticide exposure of farmers in Tanjung Karang (p > 0.05, r = 0.015) and Kelantan (p > 0.05, r = 0.0158). Besides, the frequency of BNu also has a positive correlation with the pesticide exposure among farmers in Tanjung Karang (p > 0.05, r = 0.036) and farmers in Kelantan (p > 0.05, r = 0.013). Hence, this present study demonstrated that exposure to pesticides increased the formation of MN and BNu among farmers and the prolonged use of pesticides may induce genotoxicity and DNA damage to human
Pesticide exposure may cause genotoxic effects by inducing the formation of micronucleus (Mn). Mn are fragments of chromosomes that remains after cells division. The increase in Mn may increase the risk of cancer formation. Our study aimed to determine the effects of lifestyle and pesticide exposure on the formation of Mn in epithelial cells from buccal swabs among paddy farmers in Malaysia. About 40 farmers who were exposed to pesticides were chosen as subjects and 30 personnels whose not directly exposed to pesticides, were chosen as the control group. Demographic and anthropometric data were obtained from questionnaires developed. Analysis of Mn formation was done using Giemsa staining (10% v/v) and the frequency of Mn formation was scored from 1000 cells per sample. Kruskal-Wallis test done between Mn frequency with age group showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Mn frequency in farmers as compared to the control in the age group of 30-39 , 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Significant increased (p < 0.05) were observed between Mn frequency groups of normal BMI, pre-obese, and grade 1 obese as compared to control. Significant increase of Mn frequency (p < 0.01) was also seen among smokers and farmer’s group (15.39 ± 3.34) as compared to controls (4.76 ± 1.26). The maximum numbers of Mn found in farmers are 7 Mn per cell whereas for control group is only 3 Mn. However, most farmers had only 1 Mn (81.75 ± 6.42%) and 2 Mn (15.28 ± 5.14%). Mn frequency with the duration of exposure to pesticides in a month and the use of PPE revealed no significant difference (p = 0.27). In conclusion, the increased frequency of Mn was influenced by age, gender, BMI and smoking status of farmers besides commonly repeated duration of exposures and the use of PPE. Further studies are needed to analyze the causes of an increased in Mn among farmers.
Breast cancer is one of the commonest cancers among women. Conventional therapies cause adverse side effects in patients. Cytokine immunotherapy such as interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been sought as an alternative cancer treatment in recent years. IL-27 has been shown to improve anticancer immunity and anti-angiogenesis in cancers, however, its effect on apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression especially in breast cancers is yet to be explored. Cytotoxicity of IL-27 in non-cancerous (184b5) and cancerous (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cell lines was first determined for 24-72 h in this study. The results indicated that IL-27 treatment did not retard 184b5 cell growth, however, did inhibit MCF-7 (48 h) and MDA-MB-231 (72 h) cell growth with IC50 at 442 and 457 ng/ml, respectively. Apoptotic (TRAIL, FADD, FAS, caspase-3 and caspase-8) and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2, AKT, and COX-2) genes were then amplified from untreated (control) and treated breast cancer cells and studied. TRAIL, caspase-3, caspase-8 gene expression was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in treated MCF-7 (442 ng/ml) and MDA-MB-231 (457 ng/ml) cells. Expression of FADD and FAS genes was not detected in both control and treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. COX-2 gene was also not expressed by MCF-7 cells, but reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in treated MDA-MB-231 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, IL-27 treatment seemed to slightly enhance the expression of AKT and BCL-2 genes which, on the other hand, was downregulated in treated MCF-7 cells. Conclusively, IL-27 is able to inhibit breast cancer cell growth and regulate apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression in breast cancer cells.
Recently, epidermal mucus of fish has been identified as a rich biological source of various bioactive substances, particularly antibacterial peptides. This study was conducted to identify the potential of epidermal mucosa of Clarias batrachus as a source of antibacterial material. Mucosal samples were collected from C. batrachus epidermis and extracted using an aqueous extraction method. Antibacterial activity of the crude epidermal mucus extract was determined by using spectrophotometric method. As a result there was antibacterial activity by the mucus extract against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The results of this study supports the role of mucus as a part of body immune system with antibacterial peptide as a component of innate body immune system. Hence, these findings can be used as one of the first steps towards the development of new class antibiotics.
Giardia intestinalis is among the protozoa that is commonly found in the human fecal samples throughout the world. The prevalence of infection is higher among people living in developing countries than developed countries. One hundred and eleven Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang participated in this study. The prevalence study was conducted in accordance to gender, age groups and the diagnostic techniques employed. Fecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of G. intestinalis using three diagnostic techniques ie; the direct fecal smear, formalin-ether concentration and the trichrome staining technique. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis infection among Orang Asli children at Pos Titom was 23.42%. The infection was higher among females (25%) as compared to males (21.57%) eventhough it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In terms of age groups, no positive case was observed among preschoolers whose age were below seven-years while the school aged children (7 to 12-years old) showed 24.53% infection. The trichrome staining technique was the most sensitive with a detection rate of 22.52% followed by the formalin-ether concentration technique with a detection of 19.82% whilst the direct smear technique only detected 12.61% of cases. The prevalence of giardiasis amongst the Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang was still high despite various efforts made and improvements in basic infrastructural facilities undertaken for their community. The health care status and personal hygiene of Orang Asli children remains poor and needs to be further improved.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as a food additive but its excessive intake leads to oxidative stress of several organs. However, the oxidative effect of MSG on male accessory reproductive organs remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MSG on the status of oxidative stress and morphological alterations in the male accessory reproductive organs such as epididymis, prostate glands and seminal vesicle of Sprague-Dawley rats. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups with 8 rats per group. Control group received distilled water (1 ml/kg) while MSG60 and MSG120 received 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg of MSG, respectively. All the substances were administered via force feed oral for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed to obtain the accessory organs for biochemical analysis and histological observations. The SOD activity in the epididymis showed a significant increase in MSG60 and MSG120 compared to control (p < 0.05). The GSH levels in the epididymis of MSG 120 showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. The levels of MDA and PC in the epididymis and prostate gland of MSG60 and MSG120 showed a significant increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Histological alterations were found in the epididymis and prostate gland of MSG treated rats. In conclusion, MSG at both doses induced oxidative stress in the epididymis and prostate gland of experimental rats.
Ficus deltoidea or ‘mas cotek,’ is a uterotonic herb traditionally consumed by women to improve menstrual circulation, assist labour, remove retained placenta and treat postpartum bleeding. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of F. deltoidea in uterine contraction. Crude extracts from 2 different variants of F. deltoidea were used in the study; F. deltoidea var. Deltoidea (FDD) and F. deltoidea var. Angustifolia (FDA). This study was conducted ex vivo on the strips of isolated rats uterus treated with either FDD or FDA aqueous extract with increasing concentrations ranging from 10 μg/ml until 1280 μg/ml at time intervals of 5 minutes between doses. The frequency and intensity of the uterine contractions were monitored via Powerlab software. Maximum contractions for both extracts were identified, recorded and the uterine strips samples at maximum contraction were selected and homogenized in order determine the role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in the mechanism of uterine contraction. Other than that, phosphorylated 42/44 (p42/44) of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression was also detected via immunoblotting. The results showed that the maximum contraction induced by FDD was at the concentration of 320 μg/ml, whereas for FDA was at 960 μg/ml. Both FDD and FDA increased the intensity of uterine strips contractions and there were notable trend of increased PGF2α expression as well. Further analysis revealed that the uterine contractions involved the MAPK pathway through the phosphorylation of p42/44 protein. In conclusion, Ficus deltoidea of both variants have the ability to stimulate uterine contraction through the mechanism of MAPK pathway.
Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from the local fermented durian (tempoyak) was determined by Ames test (Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay). Our study also involved pre-incubation assay against Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 bacterial strain in the presence and absence of metabolic activator S9 system. It was found that the L. plantarum showed no mutagenic activity on both S. typhimurium strain TA 98 and TA 100 in the presence and absence of metabolic activator. Significant antimutagenic activity (p < 0.05) was observed in both cell-free supernatant and bacterial cell suspension of L. plantarum as compared to the mutagenicity induced by 2-Aminoanthracene in the presence of metabolic activator. Meanwhile, in the absence of metabolic activator, only the bacterial cells of L. plantarum showed antimutagenicity acitivity against Sodium Azide and 2-Nitrofluorene. In conclusion, L. plantarum could play a vital role as chemopreventive agent by binding to mutagens and suppressing mutagenesis. Thus, L. plantarum could be consider as a good candidate for functional food development as a supplement product to prevent development of colon cancer.
Drug Metabolizing Enzyme (DME) has been a target of natural chemopreventive agents to inhibit, retard and reverse the process of carcinogenesis. Pterostilbene, an analog to resveratrol has been reported to possess various pharmacological benefits including chemoprevention. In our study, benzo[a]pyrene-induced HT-29 colorectal cell line was used as the DME model. The activity of phase I enzyme CYP1A as determined by the 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) assay was found to be inhibited significantly by pterostilbene at 50 μM, 75 μM and 100 μM (p ≤ 0.01, p ≤ 0.05, p ≤ 0.01 respectively) compared to the benzo[a]pyrene treated group. Meanwhile, pterostilbene induced glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity significantly (p ≤ 0.01) at 50 μM as compared to the untreated. In addition, However, the protein expression of CYP1A1 and GST in pterostilbene treated group was not significantly affected compared to untreated. On the other hand, pterostilbene at 25 and 75 μM were able to increase the protein expression of transcription factor Nrf2 significantly (p ≤ 0.01). Results indicated that pterostilbene could reduce metabolic activation of procarcinogens and increase the detoxification process which can be potentially developed as chemopreventive agent.
Oxidative stress involved in various pathological conditions. Plants have been proven to act as a natural exogenous antioxidant. The aim of this research is to investigate the protective effects of Etlingera coccinea leaves aqueous extract on autoxidation-induced ox brain homogenate. The brain homogenate was divided into 7 groups: control group with PBS solution, positive control group with 100 μg/ml ascorbic acid, test group with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/ml of E. coccinea. The antioxidant potential of E. coccinea aqueous extract has been evaluated by antioxidant capacity assay such as Total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were also measured at 0 hr and 1 hr after 37°C water bath incubation to determine the antioxidant status and oxidative damage. TPC assay showed (4.85 ± 0.28) mg GAE/g of dry weight of E. coccinea leaves. Based on DPPH and FRAP assay, E. coccinea aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent antioxidant activity. MDA level in the 50 μg/ml E. coccinea was significantly lower compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The SOD activity was significantly increase in 400 μg/ml E. coccinea (p < 0.05) compared to other groups. E. coccinea at the dose of 25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml showed significant increase in GSH level compared to other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml of E. coccinea leave aqueous extracts exhibited a potential protective effect on autoxidation-induced ox brain homogenate.
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of argan oil with the exposure of low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) on open wound healing in mice. Eighteen male mice (20-40 g) were divided into three groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS) as negative control, solcoseryl gel as positive control, and argan oil with the exposure of low frequency EMF, 1.2 mT (treatment group). Full thickness wounds (4 mm diameter) were induced on the shaved dorsal of the mouse. All mice were sacrificed on day 12 after the final treatment. Macroscopic observation, wound contraction rate, histopathology analysis and total protein content were examined in this study. Results showed that wounds treated with argan oil and exposed to low frequency EMF has a significant increase in wound contraction rate (p < 0.05) and total protein content (p < 0.05). Moreover, histopathological analysis on the wound tissues displayed complete re-epithelization with thick and dense collagen fibers in the argan oil with low frequency EMF exposure treated group. In conclusion, topical treatment of argan oil with low frequency EMF exposure yield a better healing progress and showed the ability to accelerate wound healing
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. or also known as roselle which is rich in polyphenols, has been demonstrated to cause lowering of blood pressure in animal and clinical settings. However its exact mechanism of action particularly from polyphenolic compounds is not clearly understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of H. sabdariffa polyphenol extract (HPE) towards vascular reactivity and its mechanism of action. The HPE was studied on isolated thoracic aortic rings from normal Sprague-Dawley rats, suspended in a 15-ml organ chambers containing Krebs-Henseleit solution. The changes in tension were recorded by isometric transducer connected to data acquisition. HPE relaxed the contraction induced by phenylephrine (PE, 1 μM) in similar pattern for both endothelium-intact and endothelium denuded aortic rings in dose-dependent manner 0.1 ~ 0.9 mg/ml. The pretreatment with atropine (1 μM), a competitive muscarinic antagonist, and propranolol (1 μM), a non-selective beta- blocker did not alter HPE vasorelaxation response. In addition, HPE did not inhibit the contraction induced by extracellular Ca2+ precontracted by PE (1 μM) or KCl (60 mM), in Ca2+ -free solution, suggesting that the relaxation effect of HPE was not via inhibition of calcium channels. In conclusion, HPE demonstrated vasorelaxation effects on rat thoracic aorta although the underlying mechanism is still unknown. The vasorelaxation effect could be via angiotensin type 1 receptor inhibition in the vascular smooth muscle cells or the activation of hyperpolarizing K+ channel.
Hypertension and estrogen deficiency in women have been identified as significant risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases. Hypertension causes excessive vascular stretch and contributes to the initiation of cellular injury in blood vessels while estrogen has been demonstrated to exert beneficial protective effects on the vascular system. Although the specific biological outcomes exerted by either excessive stretch or estrogen exposure are well established, the combined biochemical effects of both stimuli remain unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted for quantitative proteomics study on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) subjected to 20% “pathological” cyclic stretch for a period of 18 hour in the presence or absence of 17β-estradiol by isobaric Taqs for Relative and Absolute Quantification. The results showed that only some proteins responded to 17β-estradiol (e.g., thioredoxin reductase-1), stretch (e.g., 14-3-3 protein epsilon or acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member B) and interestingly, some proteins returned to control pre-treatment levels when exposed to both (e.g., d-dopachrome decarboxylase, thrombospondin-1). In addition, HCMECs that exposed only to estrogen had a very similar proteomic profile (i.e., up-regulation of structural, cellular adhesion and proliferation proteins) as to those exposed to estrogen with 20% stretching for 18 hour, suggesting that estrogen ablated the detrimental effects by the stretch alone. These findings sheds light on the molecular mechanisms by which the cerebrovascular protective actions of estrogen on HCMEC exposed to pathological levels of cyclic stretch which could provide a platform for future research in therapeutic approach.