Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 101 in total

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  1. Fulltext Quantification of bone histomorphometric parameters using the Weibel technique in animals
    Saif, A.M., Norazlina, M., Ima-Nirwana, S.
    Medicine & Health, 2016;11(2):278-288.
    MyJurnal
    Bone histomorphometric measurements are required to understand the efficacy
    of treatment on bone remodelling. Previous studies used the Weibel technique
    as a quantitative stereological method to determine bone cellular and dynamic
    changes. However, there was no description on how this technique was applied.
    This studyaimed to provide a full picture about the utilization of the Weibel
    technique to measure static and dynamic bone histomorphometric indices.
    Technical expertise, processing of bone samples, randomization of the trabecular
    sections and an adequate number of analysed images for each section are required to achieve reliable results with a low possibility of errors.
  2. Fulltext Annatto tocotrienol improves indices of bone static histomorphometry in osteoporosis due to testosterone deficiency in rats
    Chin KY, Abdul-Majeed S, Fozi NF, Ima-Nirwana S
    Nutrients, 2014 Nov;6(11):4974-83.
    PMID: 25389899 DOI: 10.3390/nu6114974
    This study aimed to evaluate the effects of annatto tocotrienol on indices of bone static histomorphometry in orchidectomized rats. Forty male rats were randomized into baseline (BL), sham (SH), orchidectomized (ORX), annatto tocotrienol-treated (AnTT) and testosterone enanthate-treated (TE) groups. The BL group was sacrificed upon receipt. All rats except the SH group underwent bilateral orchidectomy. Annatto tocotrienol at 60 mg/kg body weight was administered orally daily to the AnTT group for eight weeks. Testosterone enanthate at 7 mg/kg body weight was administered intramuscularly once weekly for eight weeks to the TE group. The rat femurs were collected for static histomorphometric analysis upon necropsy. The results indicated that the ORX group had significantly higher osteoclast surface and eroded surface, and significantly lower osteoblast surface, osteoid surface and osteoid volume compared to the SH group (p < 0.05). Annatto tocotrienol and testosterone enanthate intervention prevented all these changes (p < 0.05). The efficacy of annatto tocotrienol was on par with testosterone enanthate. In conclusion, annatto tocotrienol at 60 mg/kg can prevent the imbalance in bone remodeling caused by increased osteoclast and bone resorption, and decreased osteoblast and bone formation. This serves as a basis for the application of annatto tocotrienol in hypogonadal men as an antiosteoporotic agent.
  3. The effects of orchidectomy and supraphysiological testosterone administration on trabecular bone structure and gene expression in rats
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Aging Male, 2015 Mar;18(1):60-6.
    PMID: 25166624 DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2014.954995
    This study aimed to determine the effects of orchidectomy and supraphysiological testosterone replacement on trabecular structure and gene expression in the bone.
  4. Fulltext Effects of annatto-derived tocotrienol supplementation on osteoporosis induced by testosterone deficiency in rats
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Clin Interv Aging, 2014;9:1247-59.
    PMID: 25120355 DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S67016
    BACKGROUND: Previous animal models have demonstrated that tocotrienol is a potential treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study evaluated the antiosteoporotic effects of annatto-derived tocotrienol (AnTT) using a testosterone-deficient osteoporotic rat model.
    METHODS: Forty rats were divided randomly into baseline, sham, orchidectomized, AnTT, and testosterone groups. The baseline group was euthanized without undergoing any surgical treatment or intervention. The remaining groups underwent orchidectomy, with the exception of the sham group. AnTT 60 mg/kg/day was given orally to the AnTT group, while the testosterone group received testosterone enanthate 7 mg/kg per week intramuscularly for 8 weeks. Structural changes in trabecular bone at the proximal tibia were examined using microcomputed tomography. Structural and dynamic changes at the distal femur were examined using histomorphometric methods. Serum osteocalcin and C-terminal of type 1 collagen crosslinks were measured. Bone-related gene expression in the distal femur was examined.
    RESULTS: There were significant degenerative changes in structural indices in the orchidectomized group (P<0.05), but no significant changes in dynamic indices, bone remodeling markers, or gene expression (P>0.05) when compared with the sham group. The AnTT group showed significant improvement in structural indices at the femur (P<0.05) and significantly increased expression of bone formation genes (P<0.05). Testosterone was more effective than AnTT in preventing degeneration of bone structural indices in the femur and tibia (P<0.05).
    CONCLUSION: AnTT supplementation improves bone health in testosterone-deficient rats by enhancing bone formation. Its potential should be evaluated further by varying the dosage and treatment duration.
    KEYWORDS: bone remodeling; osteoporosis; testosterone; tocotrienol
  5. Can soy prevent male osteoporosis? A review of the current evidence
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(14):1632-41.
    PMID: 24354587
    The Asian population whose soy intake is higher compared to Western populations shows a significantly lower incidence of osteoporotic fracture. Several meta-analyses have revealed that supplementation of soy isoflavones improve bone health status in women. This review examined the current evidence as to whether soy could exhibit similar bone protective effects on the male population. In vivo studies revealed that supplementation of soy protein or soy isoflavones improved bone health in both normal and osteoporotic male rodents. Cell culture studies showed that soy isoflavones influenced osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis through mechanisms such as estrogen receptor binding activity, antiinflammatory activity and anti-parathyroid hormone activity. Soy isoflavones also affected calcium channel signaling and might exhibit direct effects on the osteoblastogenesis modulator, core binding factor 1. However, limited clinical trials involving soy intervention in males generally showed insignificant results. This could be attributed to the short duration of intervention, characteristics of the subjects or method of bone health assessment. More well-planned clinical trials are required to establish possible bone protective effects of soy in men.
  6. Fulltext Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound as a determinant of bone health status: what properties of bone does it reflect?
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Med Sci, 2013;10(12):1778-83.
    PMID: 24273451 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.6765
    Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) has emerged as a convenient and popular screening tool for osteoporosis. This review aimed to provide basic information on the principle of QUS measurement and discuss the properties of bone reflected by QUS indices. QUS employed high frequency sound waves generated by the device to determine bone health status in humans. In vitro studies showed that QUS indices were significantly associated with bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture and mechanical parameters. In humans, QUS indices were found to be associated with BMD as well. In addition, QUS could discriminate subjects with and without fracture history and predict risk for future fracture. In conclusion, QUS is able to reflect bone quality and should be used in the screening of osteoporosis, especially in developing countries where dual-X-ray absorptiometry devices are less accessible to the general population.
  7. Piper sarmentosum: a new hope for the treatment of osteoporosis
    Mohd Ramli ES, Suhaimi F, Ahmad F, Shuid AN, Mohamad N, Ima-Nirwana S
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(14):1675-82.
    PMID: 24107234
    Osteoporosis is a major global health problem. Osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone mass and strength which leads to an increased risk of fracture. Glucocorticoid treatment is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. Glucocorticoid action in bone depends upon the expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1). The oestrogen deficient state causes osteoporosis due to enhancement of osteoclastogenesis by oxidative stress which leads to increased bone resorption. Piper sarmentosum (Daun Kaduk) is commonly used in the local cuisine of South East Asia. It is also traditionally used to treat many diseases such as inflammation, dermatitis and joint pain. Studies have revealed antioxidant properties through its flavonoids compound naringenin which acts as a superoxide scavenger that may help in the endogenous antioxidant defence system to protect bone against osteoporosis. Recent studies found that Ps extract has the ability to inhibit the expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 in adipose tissue and bone which restored bone structure and strength. It also accelerates fracture healing in the oestrogen deficient state through its antioxidant properties. The cost of conventional treatment is high and together with the adverse effects it leads to noncompliance. Treatment modalities with herbal medicine, less side effects and is cheaper need to be explored.This review focused on the therapeutic effect of Ps extract on fracture healing in ovariectomized rats and its protective effects against glucocorticoid induced osteoporotic rats.
  8. Fulltext Vitamin E reversed nicotine-induced toxic effects on bone biochemical markers in male rats
    Norazlina M, Hermizi H, Faizah O, Nazrun AS, Norliza M, Ima-Nirwana S
    Arch Med Sci, 2010 Aug 30;6(4):505-12.
    PMID: 22371792 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2010.14460
    Vitamin E is beneficial in restoring bone histomorphometric parameters in nicotine-treated rats. This study determined the effectiveness of 3 forms of vitamin E in restoring bone metabolism in nicotine-treated rats.
  9. Fulltext Effects of vitamin E on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in rats treated with nicotine
    Norazlina M, Maizatul-Neza J, Azarina A, Nazrun AS, Norliza M, Ima-Nirwana S
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):14-7.
    PMID: 21265240 MyJurnal
    Vitamin E is found to reverse the effects of nicotine on bone and this study aimed to determine its mechanism. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups and treated for 3 months: Group 1 was the control group (RC). Groups 2 (N), 3 (N+TT) and 4 (N+ATF) received nicotine 7 mg/kg throughout the treatment period. In addition, groups 3 and 4 received tocotrienol 60 mg/kg and alpha-tocopherol 60 mg/kg respectively during months 2 and 3. Parameters measured were serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), serum receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), femoral and lumbar bone calcium content and body weight. Nicotine did not affect OPG or RANKL levels but reduced bone calcium content suggesting the calcium loss is not due to increase osteoclastogenesis. OPG was increased in N+ATF while RANKL was slightly increased in N+TT. Both vitamin E supplements restored bone calcium loss induced by nicotine. Nicotine impaired weight gain in all treatment groups starting week 4 however, N+TT group was comparable to RC from week 6 onwards. Bone protective effects of ATF, but not TT, may be partly due to inhibition of osteoclastogenesis.
  10. Fulltext Vitamin E deficiency reduced lumbar bone calcium content in female rats
    Norazlina M, Chua CW, Ima-Nirwana S
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Dec;59(5):623-30.
    PMID: 15889565
    Vitamin E deficiency has been found to impair bone calcification. This study was done to determine the effects of vitamin E deficiency and supplementation on parathyroid hormone, i.e. the hormone involved in bone regulation. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) normal rat chow (RC), 2) vitamin E deficiency (VED), vitamin E deficient rats supplemented with 3) 60 mg/kg alpha-tocotrienol (ATT) and 4) 60 mg/kg (alpha-tocopherol (ATF). Treatment was carried out for 3 months. Vitamin E deficiency caused hypocalcaemia during the first month of the treatment period, increased the parathyroid hormone level in the second month and decreased the bone calcium content in the 4th lumbar bone at the end of the treatment. Vitamin E supplementation (ATT and ATF) failed to improve these conditions. The bone formation marker, osteocalcin, and the bone resorption marker, deoxypyridinoline did not change throughout the study period. In conclusion vitamin E deficiency impaired bone calcium homeostasis with subsequent secondary hyperparathyroidism and vertebral bone loss. Replacing the vitamin E with pure ATF or pure ATT alone failed to correct the changes seen.
  11. Vitamin C and Bone Health: Evidence from Cell, Animal and Human Studies
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(5):439-450.
    PMID: 26343111 DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150907100838
    BACKGROUND: Vitamin C, traditionally associated with scurvy, is an important nutrient for maintaining bone health. It is essential in the production of collagen in bone matrix. It also scavenges free radicals detrimental to bone health.

    OBJECTIVE: This review aims to assess the current evidence of the bone-sparing effects of vitamin C derived from cell, animal and human studies.

    RESULTS: Cell studies showed that vitamin C was able to induce osteoblast and osteoclast formation. However, high-dose vitamin C might increase oxidative stress and subsequently lead to cell death. Vitamin C-deficient animals showed impaired bone health due to increased osteoclast formation and decreased bone formation. Vitamin C supplementation was able to prevent bone loss in several animal models of bone loss. Human studies generally showed a positive relationship between vitamin C and bone health, indicated by bone mineral density, fracture probability and bone turnover markers. Some studies suggested that the relationship between vitamin C and bone health could be U-shaped, more prominent in certain subgroups and different between dietary and supplemental form. However, most of the studies were observational, thus could not confirm causality. One clinical trial was performed, but it was not a randomized controlled trial, thus confounding factors could not be excluded.

    CONCLUSION: vitamin C may exert beneficial effects on bone, but more rigorous studies and clinical trials should be performed to validate this claim.

  12. Fulltext The relationship between metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis: a review
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Suhaimi FH, Ahmad F, Ima-Nirwana S
    Nutrients, 2016 Jun 07;8(6).
    PMID: 27338453 DOI: 10.3390/nu8060347
    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporosis are two major healthcare problems worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of medical conditions consisting of central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, in which each acts on bone tissue in different ways. The growing prevalence of MetS and osteoporosis in the population along with the controversial findings on the relationship between both conditions suggest the importance for further investigation and discussion on this topic. This review aims to assess the available evidence on the effects of each component of MetS on bone metabolism from the conventional to the contemporary. Previous studies suggested that the two conditions shared some common underlying pathways, which include regulation of calcium homeostasis, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of the NF-κB (RANK)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways. In conclusion, we suggest that MetS may have a potential role in developing osteoporosis and more studies are necessary to further prove this hypothesis.
  13. Fulltext Lessons from the Bone Chapter of the Malaysian Aging Men Study
    Chin KY, Wan Ngah WZ, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2016 05 25;13(6).
    PMID: 27231930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13060531
    Male osteoporosis in Malaysia is a largely neglected problem. Therefore, a bone health study in men using quantitative ultrasonometry was launched as part of the Malaysian Aging Men Study in 2009-2012. This review aimed to summarize the findings of the aforementioned bone health study. The study examined the bone health of Chinese and Malaysian men aged 20 years and above living in Kuala Lumpur using a quantitative ultrasound device. Participants answered a questionnaire on their demographic details and physical activity status. Body anthropometry of the participants was measured and their blood collected for biochemical analysis. Results showed that a significant proportion of the Malaysian Chinese and Malay men had suboptimal bone health indicated by calcaneal speed of sound and vitamin D status. Age-related decline of the calcaneal speed of sound in these men was gradual and biphasic without ethnic difference. Body anthropometry such as height, weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage contributed to the variation of the calcaneal speed of sound in Malaysian men. Age-related changes in testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and thyroid stimulating hormone also influenced the calcaneal speed of sound in these men. This study serves as a reminder that male osteoporosis in Malaysia should be an issue of concern. It is also a basis for a more comprehensive study on bone health in men in the future.
  14. Fulltext The biological effects of tocotrienol on bone: a review on evidence from rodent models
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2015;9:2049-61.
    PMID: 25897211 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S79660
    Osteoporosis causes significant health care and economic burden to society, leading to a relentless search for effective preventive agents. Tocotrienol, a member of the vitamin E family, has demonstrated promising potential as an osteoporosis-preventing agent. This review summarizes evidence on the effects of tocotrienol on bone in animal models. Techniques used to examine the effects of tocotrienol on bone in animals included bone histomorphometry, X-ray microtomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone turnover markers, bone calcium content, and biomechanical strength. Tocotrienol was shown to improve osteoblast number, bone formation, mineral deposition, and bone microarchitecture in osteopenic rats. It also decreased osteoclast number and bone erosion in the rats. Tocotrienol supplementation resulted in an improvement in bone mineral density, although biomechanical strength was not significantly altered in the rats. The beneficial effects of tocotrienol on bone can be attributed to its role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, suppressor of the mevalonate pathway, and modulator of genes favorable to bone formation.
  15. Fulltext Vitamin C: A Review on its Role in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Med Sci, 2020;17(11):1625-1638.
    PMID: 32669965 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.47103
    Oxidative stress and inflammation are two interlinked events that exist simultaneously in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its related complications. These pathophysiological processes can be easily triggered by each other. This review summarizes the current evidence from animal and human studies on the effects of vitamin C in managing MetS. In vivo studies showed promising effects of vitamin C, but most of the interventions used were in combination with other compounds. The direct effects of vitamin C remain to be elucidated. In humans, the current state of evidence revealed that lower vitamin C intake and circulating concentration were found in MetS subjects. A negative relationship was observed between vitamin C intake / concentration and the risk of MetS. Oral supplementation of vitamin C also improved MetS conditions. It has been postulated that the positive outcomes of vitamin C may be in part mediated through its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. These observations suggest the importance of MetS patients to have an adequate intake of vitamin C through food, beverages or supplements in order to maintain its concentration in the systemic circulation and potentially reverse MetS.
  16. Fulltext Quercetin as an Agent for Protecting the Bone: A Review of the Current Evidence
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Sep 03;21(17).
    PMID: 32899435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176448
    Quercetin is a flavonoid abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. It possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, thus suggesting a role in disease prevention and health promotion. The present review aimed to uncover the bone-sparing effects of quercetin and its mechanism of action. Animal studies have found that the action of quercetin on bone is largely protective, with a small number of studies reporting negative outcomes. Quercetin was shown to inhibit RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, osteoblast apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response while promoting osteogenesis, angiogenesis, antioxidant expression, adipocyte apoptosis and osteoclast apoptosis. The possible underlying mechanisms involved are regulation of Wnt, NF-κB, Nrf2, SMAD-dependent, and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, quercetin was shown to exert complex and competing actions on the MAPK signalling pathway to orchestrate bone metabolism, resulting in both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on bone in parallel. The overall interaction is believed to result in a positive effect on bone. Considering the important contributions of quercetin in regulating bone homeostasis, it may be considered an economical and promising agent for improving bone health. The documented preclinical findings await further validation from human clinical trials.
  17. Toll-like Receptor as a Molecular Link between Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammation: A Review
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Curr Drug Targets, 2019;20(12):1264-1280.
    PMID: 30961493 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190405172524
    Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) involves a cluster of five conditions, i.e. obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and low High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. All components of MetS share an underlying chronic inflammatory aetiology, manifested by increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The pathogenic role of inflammation in the development of MetS suggested that toll-like receptor (TLR) activation may trigger MetS. This review summarises the supporting evidence on the interactions between MetS and TLR activation, bridged by the elevation of TLR ligands during MetS. The regulatory circuits mediated by TLR activation, which modulates signal propagation, leading to the state of chronic inflammation, are also discussed. Taken together, TLR activation could be the molecular basis in the development of MetS-induced inflammation.
  18. Fulltext A Review on the Enhancement of Calcium Phosphate Cement with Biological Materials in Bone Defect Healing
    Wong SK, Wong YH, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 12;13(18).
    PMID: 34577976 DOI: 10.3390/polym13183075
    Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a promising material used in the treatment of bone defects due to its profitable features of self-setting capability, osteoconductivity, injectability, mouldability, and biocompatibility. However, the major limitations of CPC, such as the brittleness, lack of osteogenic property, and poor washout resistance, remain to be resolved. Thus, significant research effort has been committed to modify and reinforce CPC. The mixture of CPC with various biological materials, defined as the materials produced by living organisms, have been fabricated by researchers and their characteristics have been investigated in vitro and in vivo. This present review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview enabling the readers to compare the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of CPC upon the incorporation of different biological materials. By mixing the bone-related transcription factors, proteins, and/or polysaccharides with CPC, researchers have demonstrated that these combinations not only resolved the lack of mechanical strength and osteogenic effects of CPC but also further improve its own functional properties. However, exceptions were seen in CPC incorporated with certain proteins (such as elastin-like polypeptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide) as well as blood components. In conclusion, the addition of biological materials potentially improves CPC features, which vary depending on the types of materials embedded into it. The significant enhancement of CPC seen in vitro and in vivo requires further verification in human trials for its clinical application.
  19. Fulltext Effects of age, sex, and ethnicity on bone health status of the elderly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Chin KY, Kamaruddin AA, Low NY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Clin Interv Aging, 2016;11:767-73.
    PMID: 27358558 DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S108772
    Osteoporosis is a significant health problem in the developing countries and its prevalence data are important for the estimation of health care burden and policy making. This study aimed to determine the age-related changes in bone health and the prevalence of osteoporosis in males and females aged 50 years or above living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  20. Fulltext Animal models of metabolic syndrome: a review
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Suhaimi FH, Fairus A, Ima-Nirwana S
    Nutr Metab (Lond), 2016;13:65.
    PMID: 27708685 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-016-0123-9
    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of several medical conditions that collectively predict the risk for cardiovascular disease better than the sum of individual conditions. The risk of developing MetS in human depends on synergy of both genetic and environmental factors. Being a multifactorial condition with alarming rate of prevalence nowadays, establishment of appropriate experimental animal models mimicking the disease state in humans is crucial in order to solve the difficulties in evaluating the pathophysiology of MetS in human. This review aims to summarize the underlying mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of dietary, genetic, and pharmacological models of MetS. Furthermore, we will discuss the usefulness, suitability, pros and cons of these animal models. Even though numerous animal models of MetS have been established, further investigations on the invention of new animal model and clarification of plausible mechanisms are still necessary to confer a better understanding to researchers on the selection of animal models for their studies.
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