MyMedR

Antispermatogenic and antifertility effect of Pegaga (Centella asiatica L) on the testis of male Sprague-Dawley rats

Yunianto I, Das S, Mat Noor M

Clin Ter, 2010;161(3):235-9.

PMID: 20589353

Antifertility agents with safety and effectiveness in terms of minimum side effects have always been a subject of debate. Many studies have been conducted on plants to observe the antifertility effect, but majority of them were toxic. Pegaga or Centella asiatica L. is one of the popular herb traditionally consumed raw amongst people in Malaysia. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Centella asiatica L. extract on rat testis.

Anomalous higher branching pattern of the femoral nerve: a case report with clinical implications

Das S, Vasudeva N

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2007;50(4):245-6.

PMID: 18290549

The femoral nerve usually divides into anterior and posterior branches below the inguinal ligament. In the present case, we report the anomalous higher branching pattern of the femoral nerve on both sides of a 52 year male cadaver. The femoral nerve divided into the anterior and posterior branches above the inguinal ligament. Such a higher division of femoral nerve is a rare finding and it may be important for surgeons, orthopaedicians and anaesthetists in day to day clinical practice.

Anatomico-radiological study of asymmetrical articular facets on occipital condyles and its clinical implications

Das S, Chaudhuri JD

Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ), 2008 Apr-Jun;6(2):217-9.

PMID: 18769090

The articular facets on the inferior aspect of the occipital condyles, articulate with the superior articular facets of the first cervical (atlas) vertebra, to form the atlanto-occipital joint. The present case, reports the asymmetrical dimensions of the facets on the occipital condyles of a human dried skull. The anatomico-radiological study of asymmetrical articular facets on the occipital condyles, may be helpful for academicians, neuro-surgeons, clinicians and radiologists in day to day clinical practice.

Anomalous pseudoganglion and its branches: a case report

Das S, Paul S

Clin Anat, 2008 Nov;21(8):805-6.

PMID: 18651658 DOI: 10.1002/ca.20619

Fulltext Letter to the Editor: Patients' Knowledge and Decisional Conflict Regarding Tamoxifen Use: Scientific Views

Das S, Mahakkanukrauh P

J Korean Med Sci, 2016 Apr;31(4):646.

PMID: 27051253 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.646

How anatomy should be taught: Debatable facts

Das S, Mahakkanukrauh P

Clin Anat, 2016 May;29(4):426.

PMID: 26840382 DOI: 10.1002/ca.22699

Profiling cell-free and circulating miRNA: a clinical diagnostic tool for different cancers

Chakraborty C, Das S

Tumour Biol., 2016 May;37(5):5705-14.

PMID: 26831657 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4907-3

Effective cancer management depends on early diagnosis and treatment. There are several microRNAs (miRNAs) which are used for detection of various cancers. Cell-free and circulating miRNAs originate from plasma, either from blood cells or endothelial cells. Cell-free and circulating miRNAs are very much important in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer therapy. Admittedly, biological knowledge of extracellular miRNAs is still at its preliminary level. Recent discoveries of novel cell-free and circulating miRNAs from the body fluids are now being considered as important biomarkers that may help us in the early diagnosis of any cancer. In the present review, we highlight the biogenesis of miRNAs and their current extracellular pattern, the discovery of circulating miRNA, significant advantages, and different profiling techniques. Finally, we discuss the different circulating miRNAs such as miR-21, miR-20a, miR-155, miR‑221, miR-210, miR-218, miR-200-family, miR-141, miR-122, miR-486-5p, miR‑423-5p, miR-29a, and miR-500 for clinical diagnosis of various cancers. The present review may be beneficial for future researches concerned with miRNAs which are used for detection of various cancers.

Fulltext Comparison of fazadinium and suxamethonium for endotracheal intubation in Malaysian patients

Namazie M, Das S

Med J Malaysia, 1980 Jun;34(4):391-4.

PMID: 6111740

Role of hormonal fluctuations in temporomandibular disorder pain: facts to ponder

Das S, Rajalingham S

Pain, 2012 Jan;153(1):250-251.

PMID: 22119339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.10.039

The Emerging Role of the Hippo Pathway in Lung Cancers: Clinical Implications

Teoh SL, Das S

Curr Drug Targets, 2017 Nov 30;18(16):1880-1892.

PMID: 27628948 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666160907153338

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lung cancers has increased globally. Increased exposure to tobacco, passive smoking, less consumption of vegetables and fruits and occupational exposure to asbestos, arsenic and chromium are the main risk factors. The pathophysiology of lung cancer is complex and not well understood. Various microRNAs, genes and pathways are associated with lung cancers. The genes involved in lung cancers produce proteins involved in cell growth, differentiation, different cell cycles, apoptosis, immune modulation, tumor spread and progression. The Hippo pathway (also known as the Salvador-Warts-Hippo pathway) is the latest emerging concept in cancers. The Hippo pathway plays an important role in controlling the size of the tissue and organ by virtue of its action on cell proliferation and apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE: In the present review, we highlight the mammalian Hippo pathway, role of its core members, its upstream regulators, downstream effectors and the resistance cases in lung cancers.

RESULTS: Specific interaction of Mer with cell surface hyaluronan receptor CD44 is vital in cell contact inhibition, thereby activating Hippo pathway. Both transcription co-activators YAP and TAZ (also known as WWTR1, being homologs of Drosophila Yki) are important regulators of proliferation and apoptosis, and serve as major downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. Mutation of NF2, the upstream regulator of Hippo pathway is linked to the cancers.

CONCLUSION: Targeting YAP and TAZ may be important for future drug delivery and treatment.

Fulltext Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Its Use in COVID-19: Important Facts

Das S, Rajalingham S

Indian J Surg, 2020 May 28.

PMID: 32837060 DOI: 10.1007/s12262-020-02411-8

Serum neurofilament light chain level as a biomarker of neurodegeneration and predictor of white-matter abnormality progression

Murthy JK, Das S

Eur J Neurol, 2020 10;27(10):e55.

PMID: 32526090 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14389

Fulltext Pigmented 'black' adenoma: a rare cause of Conn's syndrome

Saladina, J.J., Rohaizak, M., Jasmi, A.Y., Sellymiah, A., Aishah, M.A.S., Das, S., et al.

JUMMEC, 2011;14(1):23-25.

MyJurnal

Presence of a hypofunctioning pigmented adenoma are commonly asymptomatic and is usually only found during an autopsy. In contrast, hyperfunctioning pigmented adenoma is a rare clinical entity and in the majority of cases results in Cushing's syndrome. In this case study, we report a 66-year-old male who presented instead with the clinical and biochemical features of Conn's syndrome. On laparoscopic adrenalectomy, it was found that the tumour had a functioning black adenoma which does not usually present with Conn's syndrome but rather to that of a Cushing's. The intraoperative changes and histopathological findings are discussed.

Tumour biology of obesity-related cancers: understanding the molecular concept for better diagnosis and treatment

Teoh SL, Das S

Tumour Biol., 2016 Nov;37(11):14363-14380.

PMID: 27623943

Obesity continues to be a major global problem. Various cancers are related to obesity and proper understanding of their aetiology, especially their molecular tumour biology is important for early diagnosis and better treatment. Genes play an important role in the development of obesity. Few genes such as leptin, leptin receptor encoded by the db (diabetes), pro-opiomelanocortin, AgRP and NPY and melanocortin-4 receptors and insulin-induced gene 2 were linked to obesity. MicroRNAs control gene expression via mRNA degradation and protein translation inhibition and influence cell differentiation, cell growth and cell death. Overexpression of miR-143 inhibits tumour growth by suppressing B cell lymphoma 2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-5 activities and KRAS oncogene. Cancers of the breast, uterus, renal, thyroid and liver are also related to obesity. Any disturbance in the production of sex hormones and insulin, leads to distortion in the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The possible mechanism linking obesity to cancer involves alteration in the level of adipokines and sex hormones. These mediators act as biomarkers for cancer progression and act as targets for cancer therapy and prevention. Interestingly, many anti-cancerous drugs are also beneficial in treating obesity and vice versa. We also reviewed the possible link in the mechanism of few drugs which act both on cancer and obesity. The present review may be important for molecular biologists, oncologists and clinicians treating cancers and also pave the way for better therapeutic options.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Diagnosis, Prognosis, Metastasis and Resistant Cases in Breast Cancer

Teoh SL, Das S

Curr Pharm Des, 2017;23(12):1845-1859.

PMID: 28231756 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666161027120043

The incidence and mortality due to breast cancer is increasing worldwide. There is a constant quest to know the underlying molecular biology of breast cancer in order to arrive at diagnosis and plan better treatment options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding and single stranded RNAs which influence the gene expression and physiological condition in any tumor. The miRNAs may act on different pathways in various cancers. Recently, there are research reports on various miRNAs being linked to breast cancers. The important miRNAs associated with breast cancers include miR-21, miR-155, miR-27a, miR-205, miR-145 and miR-320a. In the present review we discuss the role of miRNAs in breast cancer, its importance as diagnostic markers, prognosis and metastasis markers. We also highlight the role of miRNAs with regard to resistance to few anticancerous drugs such as Tamoxifen and Trastuzumab. The role of miRNA in resistance to treatment is one of the core issues discussed in the present review. Much information on the miRNA roles is available particularly in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy setting, because this protocol allows the rapid association of miRNA expression with the treatment response. This review opens the door for designing better therapeutic options in drug resistance cases in breast cancer.

Notch Signalling Pathways and Their Importance in the Treatment of Cancers

Teoh SL, Das S

Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(2):128-143.

PMID: 28294046 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170309143419

BACKGROUND: The Notch pathway is an evolutionarily conserved, intercellular signalling system which is present in all multicellular organisms and mammals. The Notch pathway plays an important role in the embryonic development as it controls cell proliferation, cell differentiation and binary cell fate decisions.

OBJECTIVE: In the present review, we highlight the Notch signalling pathway components i.e. Notch receptors, ligands, effector, and their regulators. We also discuss the tumor biology of the Notch pathway involved in various cancers.

RESULTS: Interestingly, the Notch signalling pathway is dysregulated in many cancers. Notch may serve as oncogene or tumor suppressor and plays an important role in cancers of the liver, pancreas, endometrium of uterus, ovary, prostate, bladder and colon. The activation of Notch pathway plays a vital role in the progression of some cancer. In addition, Notch pathway activation was also shown to drive chemoresistance in cancer, as well. Chemotherapeutically, combined NOTCH1 inhibitor synergistically attenuated chemotherapy-enriched cancer stem cell population both in vitro and in vivo. This may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer.

CONCLUSION: The Notch inhibitors possess anti-proliferative effects on cancer, thereby serving as a new treatment for cancer.

Dynamics of Diabetes and Obesity: An Alarming Situation in the Developing Countries in Asia

Chakraborty C, Das S

Mini Rev Med Chem, 2016;16(15):1258-1268.

PMID: 27145852 DOI: 10.2174/1389557516666160505115512

The incidence of diabetes in developing countries in Asia has increased over the last few years. The economic development is radically changing the lifestyle of the younger generation who prefer to embrace the western lifestyle of eating high calorie fast food with minimal physical exercise. Previously, the rate of diabetes was very low but it is increasing at an alarming rate in the developing countries in Asia. Admittedly, there is paucity of literature on the prevalence of patients with type-1 diabetes in Asian developing countries due to lower field surveys and lack of quantitative data. Few contributing factors such as body mass index (BMI) and its relation with obesity and diabetes, energy dense diet, excessive caloric intake, sedentary behaviors, lifestyle and family history, gene and genomewide association of diabetes, genes and gene polymorphisms are being discussed especially with regard to the Asian population. Dynamics of the diabetes and obesity was depicted for the population of Asian developing countries with special emphasis on China and India. Diabetes has become widespread among the low-income communities. Hence, it is necessary to develop appropriate healthcare policies in order to mitigate this rampant epidemic before it is too late.

The effect of alcohol level on male and female drivers: Important facts

Murthy JK, Das S

Drug Alcohol Depend, 2020 Sep 01;214:108146.

PMID: 32634715 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108146

Fulltext Predictors of diastolic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis

Sakthiswary R, Das S

Saudi Med J, 2015 May;36(5):525-9.

PMID: 25935171 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2015.5.10751

The main objective was to determine the predictors of diastolic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Articles pertaining to diastolic dysfunction in RA were retrieved from Scopus, EBSCO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Keywords such as: diastolic, cardiac, left ventricular function, heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiac failure were used. Studies, which examined factors, or predictors of diastolic dysfunction in RA, and those with echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic dysfunction, were included. A total of 8 studies met the eligibility criteria. Most studies (6 out of 7 studies) demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between the E (early)/A (late) ratio and disease duration. The pooled analysis using the random effects model revealed a significant but weak inverse relationship between the ratio of the E to A ventricular filling velocities (E/A) ratio and the disease duration (p less than 0.05, r=-0.385). There was a significant relationship between E/A ratio and disease duration in RA.

Study site: Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL)

Exploring the mechanisms of long COVID: Insights from computational analysis of SARS-CoV-2 gene expression and symptom associations

Das S, Kumar S

J Med Virol, 2023 Sep;95(9):e29077.

PMID: 37675861 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29077

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) has emerged as a global health issue, affecting a substantial number of people worldwide. However, the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the persistence of symptoms in long COVID remain obscure, impeding the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this study, we utilized computational methods to examine the gene expression profiles of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and their associations with the wide range of symptoms observed in long COVID patients. Using a comprehensive data set comprising over 255 symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, we identified differentially expressed genes and investigated their functional similarity, leading to the identification of key genes with the potential to serve as biomarkers for long COVID. We identified the participation of hub genes associated with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are essential regulators of T-cell immunity and viral infection responses. Among the identified common genes were CTLA4, PTPN22, KIT, KRAS, NF1, RET, and CTNNB1, which play a crucial role in modulating T-cell immunity via GPCR and contribute to a variety of symptoms, including autoimmunity, cardiovascular disorders, dermatological manifestations, gastrointestinal complications, pulmonary impairments, reproductive and genitourinary dysfunctions, and endocrine abnormalities. GPCRs and associated genes are pivotal in immune regulation and cellular functions, and their dysregulation may contribute to the persistent immune responses, chronic inflammation, and tissue abnormalities observed in long COVID. Targeting GPCRs and their associated pathways could offer promising therapeutic strategies to manage symptoms and improve outcomes for those experiencing long COVID. However, the complex mechanisms underlying the condition require continued study to develop effective treatments. Our study has significant implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying long COVID and for identifying potential therapeutic targets. In addition, we have developed a comprehensive website (https://longcovid.omicstutorials.com/) that provides a curated list of biomarker-identified genes and treatment recommendations for each specific disease, thereby facilitating informed clinical decision-making and improved patient management. Our study contributes to the understanding of this debilitating disease, paving the way for improved diagnostic precision, and individualized therapeutic interventions.

Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 546 in total