Displaying publications 3141 - 3160 of 3226 in total

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  1. Nordin N, Salama SM, Golbabapour S, Hajrezaie M, Hassandarvish P, Kamalidehghan B, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(11):e111925.
    PMID: 25379712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111925
    A natural source of medicine, Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant which belongs to the family Annonaceae. In this study, methanol extract from the leaves and stems of this species was evaluated for its gastroprotective potential against mucosal lesions induced by ethanol in rats. Seven groups of rats were assigned, groups 1 and 2 were given Tween 20 (10% v/v) orally. Group 3 was administered omeprazole 20 mg/kg (10% Tween 20) whilst the remaining groups received the leaf and stem extracts at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. After an additional hour, the rats in groups 2-7 received ethanol (95% v/v; 8 mL/kg) orally while group 1 received Tween 20 (10% v/v) instead. Rats were sacrificed after 1 h and their stomachs subjected to further studies. Macroscopically and histologically, group 2 rats showed extremely severe disruption of the gastric mucosa compared to rats pre-treated with the E. pulchrum extracts based on the ulcer index, where remarkable protection was noticed. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of inhibition was shown with the stem extract at 62% (150 mg/kg) and 65% (300 mg/kg), whilst the percentage with the leaf extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg was 63% and 75%, respectively. An increase in mucus content, nitric oxide, glutathione, prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase, protein and catalase, and a decrease in malondialdehyde level compared to group 2 were also obtained. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of groups 4-7 exhibited down-regulation of Bax and up-regulation of Hsp70 proteins. The methanol extract from the leaves and the stems showed notable gastroprotective potential against ethanol.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stomach Ulcer/prevention & control*
  2. Shaharir SS, Gafor AH, Said MS, Kong NC
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2015 Jun;18(5):541-7.
    PMID: 25294584 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.12474
    OBJECTIVE:
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease and glucocorticoid is the mainstay of treatment in SLE. The reported incidence of steroid-induced diabetes mellitus (SDM) ranged between 1-53%. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of SDM in patients with SLE.

    METHODOLOGY:
    A total of 100 SLE patients attending the Nephrology/SLE and Rheumatology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) who received corticosteroid treatment were recruited. The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was based on the 2010 American Diabetes Association's criteria. Prevalent cases of SDM were also included. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with SDM.

    RESULTS:
    Thirteen of them (13%) developed SDM, with the median onset of diagnosis from commencement of glucocorticoid treatment being 8 years (range 0.5-21 years). Although only seven Indians were recruited into the study, three of them (42.9%) had SDM compared to Malays (9.3%) and Chinese (12.8%) (P ≤ 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that higher numbers of system or organ involvement in SLE, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and daily prednisolone of ≥ 1 mg/kg/day were the important associated factors of SDM (P ≤ 0.05). Meanwhile, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use was associated with reduced SDM prevalence (P < 0.05).

    CONCLUSION:
    The prevalence of SDM among SLE patients was 13% and Indians were more prone to develop SDM compared to other races. Higher numbers of system involvement, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and the use of oral prednisolone of ≥ 1 mg/kg/day were associated with SDM, while HCQ use potentially protects against SDM.

    © 2014 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

    KEYWORDS:
    SLE drug treatment; clinical aspects; systemic lupus erythematous
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus/prevention & control
  3. Abdulaziz Bardi D, Halabi MF, Hassandarvish P, Rouhollahi E, Paydar M, Moghadamtousi SZ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(10):e109424.
    PMID: 25280007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109424
    This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic Andrographis paniculata leaf extract (ELAP) on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. An acute toxicity study proved that ELAP is not toxic in rats. To examine the effects of ELAP in vivo, male Sprague Dawley rats were given intraperitoneal injections of vehicle 10% Tween-20, 5 mL/kg (normal control) or 200 mg/kg TAA thioacetamide (to induce liver cirrhosis) three times per week. Three additional groups were treated with thioacetamide plus daily oral silymarin (50 mg/kg) or ELAP (250 or 500 mg/kg). Liver injury was assessed using biochemical tests, macroscopic and microscopic tissue analysis, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, HepG2 and WRL-68 cells were treated in vitro with ELAP fractions to test cytotoxicity. Rats treated with ELAP exhibited significantly lower liver/body weight ratios and smoother, more normal liver surfaces compared with the cirrhosis group. Histopathology using Hematoxylin and Eosin along with Masson's Trichrome stain showed minimal disruption of hepatic cellular structure, minor fibrotic septa, a low degree of lymphocyte infiltration, and minimal collagen deposition after ELAP treatment. Immunohistochemistry indicated that ELAP induced down regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Also, hepatic antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters in ELAP-treated rats were comparable to silymarin-treated rats. ELAP administration reduced levels of altered serum liver biomarkers. ELAP fractions were non-cytotoxic to WRL-68 cells, but possessed anti-proliferative activity on HepG2 cells, which was confirmed by a significant elevation of lactate dehydrogenase, reactive oxygen species, cell membrane permeability, cytochrome c, and caspase-8,-9, and, -3/7 activity in HepG2 cells. A reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential was also detected in ELAP-treated HepG2 cells. The hepatoprotective effect of 500 mg/kg of ELAP is proposed to result from the reduction of thioacetamide-induced toxicity, normalizing reactive oxygen species levels, inhibiting cellular proliferation, and inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Liver Cirrhosis/prevention & control*
  4. Balakumar P, Varatharajan R, Nyo YH, Renushia R, Raaginey D, Oh AN, et al.
    Pharmacol Res, 2014 Dec;90:36-47.
    PMID: 25263930 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.08.008
    Low-doses of fenofibrate and dipyridamole have pleiotropic renoprotective actions in diabetic rats. This study investigated their combined effect relative to their individual treatments and lisinopril in rats with diabetic nephropathy. Streptozotocin (55mg/kg, i.p., once)-administered diabetic rats were allowed for 10 weeks to develop nephropathy. Diabetic rats after 10 weeks developed nephropathy with discernible renal structural and functional changes as assessed in terms of increase in kidney weight to body weight ratio (KW/BW), and elevations of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, which accompanied with elevated serum triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoproteins. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid Schiff and Masson trichrome staining confirmed renal pathological changes in diabetic rats that included glomerular capsular wall distortion, mesangial cell expansion, glomerular microvascular condensation, tubular damage and degeneration and fibrosis. Low-dose fenofibrate (30mg/kg, p.o., 4 weeks) and low-dose dipyridamole (20mg/kg, p.o., 4 weeks) treatment either alone or in combination considerably reduced renal structural and functional abnormalities in diabetic rats, but without affecting the elevated glucose level. Fenofibrate, but not dipyridamole, significantly prevented the lipid alteration and importantly the uric acid elevation in diabetic rats. Lisinopril (5mg/kg, p.o., 4 weeks, reference compound), prevented the hyperglycemia, lipid alteration and development of diabetic nephropathy. Lipid alteration and uric acid elevation, besides hyperglycemia, could play key roles in the development of nephropathy. Low-doses of fenofibrate and dipyridamole treatment either alone or in combination markedly prevented the diabetes-induced nephropathy. Their combination was as effective as to their individual treatment, but not superior in preventing the development of diabetic nephropathy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetic Nephropathies/prevention & control*
  5. Shah MD, Gnanaraj C, Haque AT, Iqbal M
    Pharm Biol, 2015 Jan;53(1):31-9.
    PMID: 25243876 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2014.909502
    Nephrolepis biserrata L. (Nephrolepidaceae) has been used in folk medicine for protection against different diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Drug-Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control*
  6. Lee JY, Lee SW, Nasir NH, How S, Tan CS, Wong CP
    Diabet Med, 2015 Dec;32(12):1658-61.
    PMID: 26103794 DOI: 10.1111/dme.12836
    AIM: This pilot study evaluated the short-term benefits of a telemonitoring-supplemented focused diabetic education compared with education alone in participants with Type 2 diabetes who were fasting during Ramadan.
    METHODS: In this pilot mixed-method study, we identified 37 participants and randomly allocated them to either a telemonitoring group (n = 18) or a group receiving Ramadan-focused pre-education only (usual care; n = 19). The telemonitoring group received goal-setting and personalized feedback.
    RESULTS: The telemonitoring group was less likely to experience hypoglycaemia than the usual care group (odds ratio: 0.1273; 95% confidence interval: 0.0267-0.6059). No significant differences were noted in glycaemic control at the end of study. Participants viewed telemedicine as a more convenient alternative although technological barriers remain a concern.
    CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reinforce the need for monitoring as well as educational initiatives for Muslims with diabetes who fast during Ramadan. Telemonitoring offers an attractive option requiring further research. (Clinical Trial Registry No. NCT02189135).
    Matched MeSH terms: Hypoglycemia/prevention & control*
  7. Rati Selvaraju T, Khaza'ai H, Vidyadaran S, Sokhini Abd Mutalib M, Ramachandran V, Hamdan Y
    Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2014;84(3-4):140-51.
    PMID: 26098478 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000201
    Glutamate is the major mediator of excitatory signals in the mammalian central nervous system. Extreme amounts of glutamate in the extracellular spaces can lead to numerous neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to clarify the potential of the following vitamin E isomers, tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and α-tocopherol (α-TCP), as potent neuroprotective agents against glutamate-induced injury in neuronal SK-N-SH cells. Cells were treated before and after glutamate injury (pre- and post-treatment, respectively) with 100-300 ng/ml TRF/α-TCP. Exposure to 120 mM glutamate significantly reduced cell viability to 76% and 79% in the pre- and post-treatment studies, respectively; however, pre- and post-treatment with TRF/α-TCP attenuated the cytotoxic effect of glutamate. Compared to the positive control (glutamate-injured cells not treated with TRF/α-TCP), pre-treatment with 100, 200, and 300 ng/ml TRF significantly improved cell viability following glutamate injury to 95.2%, 95.0%, and 95.6%, respectively (p<0.05).The isomers not only conferred neuroprotection by enhancing mitochondrial activity and depleting free radical production, but also increased cell viability and recovery upon glutamate insult. Our results suggest that vitamin E has potent antioxidant potential for protecting against glutamate injury and recovering glutamate-injured neuronal cells. Our findings also indicate that both TRF and α-TCP could play key roles as anti-apoptotic agents with neuroprotective properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurodegenerative Diseases/prevention & control
  8. Ooi KK, Yeo CI, Ang KP, Akim AM, Cheah YK, Halim SN, et al.
    J Biol Inorg Chem, 2015 Jul;20(5):855-73.
    PMID: 26003312 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-015-1271-5
    The phosphanegold(I) carbonimidothioates, Ph3PAu{SC(OR)=NC6H4Me-4} for R = Me (1), Et (2) and iPr (3), feature linear P-Au-S coordination geometries and exhibit potent in vitro cytotoxicity against HT-29 colon cancer cells in both monolayer and multi-cellular spheroid models (e.g., IC50 = 11.9 ± 0.4 and 20.3 ± 0.3 μM for 2, respectively). Both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis are demonstrated by human apoptosis PCR array analysis, caspase activities, DNA fragmentation and cell apoptotic assays. Compounds 1-3 induce an extrinsic pathway that leads to down-regulation of NFκB. Compound 2 also exhibits an extrinsic apoptotic pathway involving the activation of both p53 and p73, whereas 3 activates p53 only. Lys48- and Lys63-linked polyubiquitination are also promoted by 1-3. Each of cytotoxic Ph3PAu{SC(OR)=NC6H4Me-4}, for R = Me (1), Et (2) and iPr (3), induce an intrinsic apoptotic pathway as well as an extrinsic pathway leading to down-regulation of NFκB. Lys48- and Lys63-linked polyubiquitination are promoted by 1-3 and these are able to inhibit cell invasion and to suppress the activity of TrxR.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasm Invasiveness/prevention & control
  9. Khalil MI, Tanvir EM, Afroz R, Sulaiman SA, Gan SH
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:286051.
    PMID: 26064893 DOI: 10.1155/2015/286051
    The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Malaysian Tualang honey against isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats by investigating changes in the levels of cardiac marker enzymes, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, and antioxidant defense system combined with histopathological examination. Male albino Wistar rats (n = 40) were pretreated orally with Tualang honey (3 g/kg/day) for 45 days. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg in saline) for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in serum cardiac marker enzymes (creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate transaminase (AST)), cTnI, serum TC, and TG levels. In addition, ISO-induced myocardial injury was confirmed by a significant increase in heart lipid peroxidation (LPO) products (TBARS) and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, GRx, and GST). Pretreatment of ischemic rats with Tualang honey conferred significant protective effects on all of the investigated biochemical parameters. The biochemical findings were further confirmed by histopathological examination in both Tualang-honey-pretreated and ISO-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates that Tualang honey confers cardioprotective effects on ISO-induced oxidative stress by contributing to endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control*
  10. Yeow TP, Lim SL, Hor CP, Khir AS, Wan Mohamud WN, Pacini G
    PLoS One, 2015;10(6):e0129017.
    PMID: 26057782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129017
    Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and vitamin D deficiency are related to insulin resistance and impaired beta cell function, with heightened risk for future development of diabetes. We evaluated the impact of vitamin D supplementation on markers of glucose metabolism and cardio metabolic risk in Asian women with former GDM and hypovitaminosis D. In this double blind, randomized controlled trial, 26 participants were randomized to receive either daily 4000 IU vitamin D3 or placebo capsules. 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and biochemistry profiles were performed at baseline and 6 month visits. Mathematical models, using serial glucose, insulin and C peptide measurements from OGTT, were employed to calculate insulin sensitivity and beta cell function. Thirty three (76%) women with former GDM screened had vitamin D level of <50 nmol/L at baseline. Supplementation, when compared with placebo, resulted in increased vitamin D level (+51.1 nmol/L vs 0.2 nmol/L, p<0.001) and increased fasting insulin (+20% vs 18%, p = 0.034). The vitamin D group also demonstrated a 30% improvement in disposition index and an absolute 0.2% (2 mmol/mol) reduction in HbA1c. There was no clear change in insulin sensitivity or markers of cardio metabolic risk. This study highlighted high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Asian women with former GDM. Six months supplementation with 4000 IU of vitamin D3 safely restored the vitamin D level, improved basal pancreatic beta-cell function and ameliorated the metabolic state. There was no effect on markers of cardio metabolic risk. Further mechanistic studies exploring the role of vitamin D supplementation on glucose homeostasis among different ethnicities may be needed to better inform future recommendations for these women with former GDM at high risk of both hypovitaminosis D and future diabetes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Metabolic Syndrome X/prevention & control*
  11. Samsudin EZ, Kamarul T, Mansor A
    Singapore Med J, 2015 May;56(5):e92-5.
    PMID: 26034328 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2015082
    Any medical diagnosis should take a multimodal approach, especially those involving tumour-like conditions, as entities that mimic neoplasms have overlapping features and may present detrimental outcomes if they are underdiagnosed. These case reports present diagnostic pitfalls resulting from overdependence on a single diagnostic parameter for three musculoskeletal neoplasm mimics: brown tumour (BT) that was mistaken for giant cell tumour (GCT), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis mistaken for osteosarcoma and a pseudoaneurysm mistaken for a soft tissue sarcoma. Literature reviews revealed five reports of BT simulating GCT, four reports of osteomyelitis mimicking osteosarcoma and five reports of a pseudoaneurysm imitating a soft tissue sarcoma. Our findings highlight the therapeutic dilemmas that arise with musculoskeletal mimics, as well as the importance of thorough investigation to distinguish mimickers from true neoplasms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors/prevention & control
  12. Kamisah Y, Periyah V, Lee KT, Noor-Izwan N, Nurul-Hamizah A, Nurul-Iman BS, et al.
    Pharm Biol, 2015;53(9):1243-9.
    PMID: 25853965 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2014.971383
    Virgin coconut oil (VCO) contains high antioxidant activity which may have protective effects on the heart in hypertensive rats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Heart Diseases/prevention & control*
  13. Tang EL, Rajarajeswaran J, Fung S, Kanthimathi MS
    J Sci Food Agric, 2015 Oct;95(13):2763-71.
    PMID: 25582089 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7078
    BACKGROUND: Petroselinum crispum (English parsley) is a common herb of the Apiaceae family that is cultivated throughout the world and is widely used as a seasoning condiment. Studies have shown its potential as a medicinal herb. In this study, P. crispum leaf and stem extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant properties, protection against DNA damage in normal 3T3-L1 cells, and the inhibition of proliferation and migration of the MCF-7 cells.

    RESULTS: The dichloromethane extract of P. crispum exhibited the highest phenolic content (42.31 ± 0.50 mg GAE g(-1) ) and ferric reducing ability (0.360 ± 0.009 mmol g(-1) ) of the various extractions performed. The extract showed DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 3310.0 ± 80.5 µg mL(-1) . Mouse fibroblasts (3T3-L1) pre-treated with 400 µg mL(-1) of the extract showed 50.9% protection against H2 O2 -induced DNA damage, suggesting its potential in cancer prevention. The extract (300 µg mL(-1) ) inhibited H2 O2 -induced MCF-7 cell migration by 41% ± 4%. As cell migration is necessary for metastasis of cancer cells, inhibition of migration is an indication of protection against metastasis.

    CONCLUSION: Petroselinum crispum has health-promoting properties with the potential to prevent oxidative stress-related diseases and can be developed into functional food.

    Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasm Metastasis/prevention & control
  14. Voon PT, Ng TK, Lee VK, Nesaretnam K
    Eur J Clin Nutr, 2015 Jun;69(6):712-6.
    PMID: 25804278 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2015.26
    Effects of high-protein diets that are rich in saturated fats on cell adhesion molecules, thrombogenicity and other nonlipid markers of atherosclerosis in humans have not been firmly established. We aim to investigate the effects of high-protein Malaysian diets prepared separately with virgin olive oil (OO), palm olein (PO) and coconut oil (CO) on cell adhesion molecules, lipid inflammatory mediators and thromobogenicity indices in healthy adults.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thrombosis/prevention & control
  15. Dianita R, Jantan I, Amran AZ, Jalil J
    Molecules, 2015 Mar 16;20(3):4746-63.
    PMID: 25786162 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20034746
    The study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of the standardized aqueous and 80% ethanol extracts of Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The extracts were administered to Wistar rats orally for 28 days with three doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight) prior to ISO (85 mg/kg)-induced MI in two doses on day 29 and 30. The sera and hearts were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis after the rats were sacrificed 48 h after the first induction. The main components of the extracts, gallic acid, alkylresorcinols and flavonoids were identified and quantitatively analyzed in the extracts by using a validated reversed phase HPLC method. The extracts showed significant protective effects as pretreated rats showed a significant dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) in cardiac enzyme activities, i.e., cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), when compared with ISO-control rats. There were significant rises (p < 0.05) in the activity of oxidase enzymes, i.e., glutathione peroxide (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the pretreated rats, when compared with ISO-control group. Histopathological examination showed an improvement in membrane cell integrity in pre-treated rats compared to untreated rats. The major components of LPva extracts can be used as their biomarkers and contributed to the cardioprotective effects against ISO-induced MI rats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control*
  16. Ho WY, Yeap S, Liang WS, Beh BK, Mohamad N, Alitheen NB
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2015 Jan;28(1):15-22.
    PMID: 25553678
    Vernonia amygdalina is a strong natural antioxidant that possessed various medicinal properties. In this study, the spray-dried water extract of V. amygdalina was evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant capacity and in vivo hepatoprotective effect against alcoholic-mediated liver damage. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of spray-dried V. amygdalina water extract were determined. Liver enzyme profiles, liver antioxidant level and nitric oxide level were evaluated in alcohol-induced liver injured mice or co-supplement with spray-dried V. amydalina. Water extract of spray-dried V. amygalina that contained phenolic content of 24.8±1.5 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid content of 25.7±1.3 mg/g catechin equivalent was able to inhibit 50% of xanthine and tyrosinase oxidation at 170 μg/ml and 2 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, extracts at both 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight were able to reduce the levels of Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate transaminase (AST), triglyceride and total bilirubin content inthe alcohol-mediated liver injury in mice. Furthermore, it also helped to increase levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reduce the levels of Nitric oxide (NO) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of the treated mice. These resultssuggestedthat water extract of spray-dried V. amygdalina exhibited liver protective effect, which could be contributed by its antioxidant properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/prevention & control*
  17. Mire CE, Versteeg KM, Cross RW, Agans KN, Fenton KA, Whitt MA, et al.
    Virol J, 2013 Dec 13;10:353.
    PMID: 24330654 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422X-10-353
    BACKGROUND: Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic agent in the family Paramyxoviridae that is maintained in nature by bats. Outbreaks have occurred in Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Bangladesh and have been associated with 40 to 75% case fatality rates. There are currently no vaccines or postexposure treatments licensed for combating human NiV infection.

    METHODS AND RESULTS: Four groups of ferrets received a single vaccination with different recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vectors expressing: Group 1, control with no glycoprotein; Group 2, the NiV fusion protein (F); Group 3, the NiV attachment protein (G); and Group 4, a combination of the NiV F and G proteins. Animals were challenged intranasally with NiV 28 days after vaccination. Control ferrets in Group 1 showed characteristic clinical signs of NiV disease including respiratory distress, neurological disorders, viral load in blood and tissues, and gross lesions and antigen in target tissues; all animals in this group succumbed to infection by day 8. Importantly, all specifically vaccinated ferrets in Groups 2-4 showed no evidence of clinical illness and survived challenged. All animals in these groups developed anti-NiV F and/or G IgG and neutralizing antibody titers. While NiV RNA was detected in blood at day 6 post challenge in animals from Groups 2-4, the levels were orders of magnitude lower than animals from control Group 1.

    CONCLUSIONS: These data show protective efficacy against NiV in a relevant model of human infection. Further development of this technology has the potential to yield effective single injection vaccines for NiV infection.

    Matched MeSH terms: Henipavirus Infections/prevention & control*
  18. Gouk SW, Cheng SF, Ong AS, Chuah CH
    Br J Nutr, 2014 Apr 14;111(7):1174-80.
    PMID: 24286356 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114513003668
    In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-acyl chain SFA, namely palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0), at sn-1, 3 positions of TAG on obesity. Throughout the 15 weeks of the experimental period, C57BL/6 mice were fed diets fortified with cocoa butter, sal stearin (SAL), palm mid fraction (PMF) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOS). The sn-1, 3 positions were varied by 16:0, 18:0 and 18:1, whilst the sn-2 position was preserved with 18:1. The HOS-enriched diet was found to lead to the highest fat deposition. This was in accordance with our previous postulation. Upon normalisation of total fat deposited with food intake to obtain the fat:feed ratio, interestingly, mice fed the SAL-enriched diet exhibited significantly lower visceral fat/feed and total fat/feed compared with those fed the PMF-enriched diet, despite their similarity in SFA-unsaturated fatty acid-SFA profile. That long-chain SFA at sn-1, 3 positions concomitantly with an unsaturated FA at the sn-2 position exert an obesity-reducing effect was further validated. The present study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that SFA of different chain lengths at sn-1, 3 positions exert profound effects on fat accretion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/prevention & control
  19. Chia TY, Sattar MA, Abdulla MH, Rathore HA, Ahmad Fu, Kaur G, et al.
    Ren Fail, 2013 Aug;35(7):978-88.
    PMID: 23822648 DOI: 10.3109/0886022X.2013.809563
    This study investigated the effects of tempol, a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic and L-NAME, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor on the renal function and hemodynamics in cyclosporine A (CsA) induced renal insufficiency rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with either vehicle (C), tempol (T, 1 mmol/L in drinking fluid), L-NAME (L, 1 mmol/L in drinking fluid), CsA (Cs, 25 mg/kg/day via gavage), CsA plus tempol (TCs), CsA plus L-NAME (LCs) or CsA plus a combination of tempol and L-NAME (TLCs) for 21 consecutive days. At the end of treatment regimen, the renal responses to noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), methoxamine and angiotensin II (Ang II) were determined. Cs and LCs rats had lower creatinine clearance (0.7 ± 0.1 and 0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.2 mL/min/kg) and fractional excretion of sodium (0.12 ± 0.02 and 0.17 ± 0.01 vs. 0.67 ± 0.04%) but higher systolic blood pressure (145 ± 2 and 178 ± 4 vs. 116 ± 2) compared to the control (all p control by ∼35-48% (all p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Hypertension/prevention & control*
  20. Dongare S, Gupta SK, Mathur R, Saxena R, Mathur S, Agarwal R, et al.
    Mol Vis, 2016;22:599-609.
    PMID: 27293376
    PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of long-standing diabetes. Several complex interconnecting biochemical pathways are activated in response to hyperglycemia. These pathways culminate into proinflammatory and angiogenic effects that bring about structural and functional damage to the retinal vasculature. Since Zingiber officinale (ginger) is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties, we investigated the effects of its extract standardized to 5% 6-gingerol, the major active constituent of ginger, in attenuating retinal microvascular changes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

    METHODS: Diabetic rats were treated orally with the vehicle or the ginger extract (75 mg/kg/day) over a period of 24 weeks along with regular monitoring of bodyweight and blood glucose and weekly fundus photography. At the end of the 24-week treatment, the retinas were isolated for histopathological examination under a light microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and determination of the retinal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels.

    RESULTS: Oral administration of the ginger extract resulted in significant reduction of hyperglycemia, the diameter of the retinal vessels, and vascular basement membrane thickness. Improvement in the architecture of the retinal vasculature was associated with significantly reduced expression of NF-κB and reduced activity of TNF-α and VEGF in the retinal tissue in the ginger extract-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group.

    CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that ginger extract containing 5% of 6-gingerol attenuates the retinal microvascular changes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes through anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic actions. Although precise molecular targets remain to be determined, 6-gingerol seems to be a potential candidate for further investigation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Retinal Neovascularization/prevention & control*
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