Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 43 in total

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  1. Yahya MM, Ismail MP, Ramanathan S, Kadir MN, Azhar A, Ibrahim NBC, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Feb 11;11(2).
    PMID: 36831061 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020525
    Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer of women in Malaysia. The most common sites of metastasis are the lung, liver, bone and brain. A 45-year-old lady was diagnosed with left invasive breast carcinoma stage IV (T4cN1M1) with axillary lymph nodes and lung metastasis. She was noted to have a cervical mass through imaging, and biopsy showed CIN III. Post chemotherapy, the patient underwent left simple mastectomy with examination under anaesthesia of the cervix, cystoscopy and staging. The cervical histopathological examination (HPE) showed squamous cell carcinoma, and clinical staging was 2A. The breast tissue HPE showed invasive carcinoma with triple receptors positivity. The patient was given tamoxifen and put on concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for the cervical cancer. The management of each pathology of this patient involved a multi-disciplinary team that included surgeons, oncologists, gynaecologists, pathologists and radiologists. Due to the complexity of the case with two concurrent cancers, the gene expression profiles may help predict the patient's clinical outcome.
  2. Ayob N, Muhammad Nawawi KN, Mohamad Nor MH, Raja Ali RA, Ahmad HF, Oon SF, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Feb 20;11(2).
    PMID: 36831176 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020640
    The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has soared globally. As our understanding of the disease grows, the role of the gut-liver axis (GLA) in NAFLD pathophysiology becomes more apparent. Hence, we focused mainly on the small intestinal area to explore the role of GLA. We looked at how multi-strain probiotics (MCP® BCMC® strains) containing six different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species affected the small intestinal gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and permeability in NAFLD patients. After six months of supplementation, biochemical blood analysis did not show any discernible alterations in either group. Five predominant phyla known as Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and Fusobacteria were found in NAFLD patients. The probiotics group demonstrated a significant cluster formation of microbiota composition through beta-diversity analysis (p < 0.05). This group significantly reduced three unclassifiable species: unclassified_Proteobacteria, unclassified_Streptococcus, and unclassified_Stenotrophomonas. In contrast, the placebo group showed a significant increase in Prevotella_melaninogenica and Rothia_mucilaginosa, which were classified as pathogens. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis of small intestinal mucosal inflammatory cytokines revealed a significant decrease in IFN-γ (-7.9 ± 0.44, p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (-0.96 ± 0.25, p < 0.0033) in the probiotics group but an increase in IL-6 (12.79 ± 2.24, p < 0.0001). In terms of small intestinal permeability analysis, the probiotics group, unfortunately, did not show any positive changes through ELISA analysis. Both probiotics and placebo groups exhibited a significant increase in the level of circulating zonulin (probiotics: 107.6 ng/mL ± 124.7, p = 0.005 vs. placebo: 106.9 ng/mL ± 101.3, p = 0.0002) and a significant decrease in circulating zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) (probiotics: -34.51 ng/mL ± 18.38, p < 0.0001 vs. placebo: -33.34 ng/mL ± 16.62, p = 0.0001). The consumption of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium suggested the presence of a well-balanced gut microbiota composition. Probiotic supplementation improves dysbiosis in NAFLD patients. This eventually stabilised the expression of inflammatory cytokines and mucosal immune function. To summarise, more research on probiotic supplementation as a supplement to a healthy diet and lifestyle is required to address NAFLD and its underlying causes.
  3. Chaudhry A, Kassim NK, Zainuddin SLA, Taib H, Ibrahim HA, Ahmad B, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2022 Oct 29;10(11).
    PMID: 36359271 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112752
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic periodontitis (CP) contribute to the increased level of inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. This study hypothesized that successful periodontal treatment would reduce the level of inflammatory biomarkers in CKD patients. This prospective study recruited two groups of CP patients: 33 pre-dialysis CKD patients and 33 non-CKD patients. All patients underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Their blood samples and periodontal parameters were taken before and after six weeks of NSPT. The serum level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and periodontal parameters were compared between groups. On the other hand, kidney function indicators such as serum urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were only measured in CKD patients. Clinical periodontal parameters and inflammatory markers levels at baseline were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CKD group than in the non-CKD group and showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) after six weeks of NSPT. CKD patients demonstrated a greater periodontitis severity and higher inflammatory burden than non-CKD patients. Additionally, CKD patients with CP showed a good response to NSPT. Therefore, CKD patients’ periodontal health needs to be screened for early dental interventions and monitored accordingly.
  4. Siddig A, Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Mohd Nafi SN, Sulong S, Yahya MM, Al-Astani Tengku Din TAD, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Jan 12;11(1).
    PMID: 36672708 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010200
    Background: Breast cancer developed at a young age (≤45 years) is hypothesized to have unique biology; however, findings in this field are controversial. Methods: We compared the whole transcriptomic profile of young vs. old-age breast cancer using DNA microarray. RNA was extracted from 13 fresh estrogen receptor (ER)-positive primary breast cancer tissues of untreated patients (7 = young age ≤45 years and 6 = old age ≥55 years). In silico validation for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by young-age patients was conducted using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we analyzed the protein expression encoded by two of the significantly down-regulated genes by young-age patients, Glycine N-acyltransferase-like 1 (GLYATL-1) and Ran-binding protein 3 like (RANBP3L), using immunohistochemical analysis in an independent cohort of 56 and 74 ER-positive pre-therapeutic primary breast cancer tissues, respectively. Results: 12 genes were significantly differentially expressed by young-age breast cancers (fold change >2 or <2- with FDR p-value < 0.05). TCGA data confirmed the differential expression of six genes. Protein expression analysis of GLYATL-1 and RANBP3L did not show heterogeneous expression between young and old-age breast cancer tissues. Loss of expression of GLYATL-1 was significantly (p-value 0.005) associated with positive lymph node status. Higher expression of RANBP3L was significantly associated with breast cancers with lower histopathological grades (p-value 0.038). Conclusions: At the transcriptomic level, breast cancer developed in young and old age patients seems homogenous. The variation in the transcriptomic profiles can be attributed to the other clinicopathological characteristics rather than the age of the patient.
  5. Masri S, Maarof M, Mohd NF, Hiraoka Y, Tabata Y, Fauzi MB
    Biomedicines, 2022 Oct 20;10(10).
    PMID: 36289912 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102651
    The irregular shape and depth of wounds could be the major hurdles in wound healing for the common three-dimensional foam, sheet, or film treatment design. The injectable hydrogel is a splendid alternate technique to enhance healing efficiency post-implantation via injectable or 3D-bioprinting technologies. The authentic combination of natural and synthetic polymers could potentially enhance the injectability and biocompatibility properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterise a hybrid gelatin−PVA hydrogel crosslinked with genipin (GNP; natural crosslinker). In brief, gelatin (GE) and PVA were prepared in various concentrations (w/v): GE, GPVA3 (3% PVA), and GPVA5 (5% PVA), followed by a 0.1% (w/v) genipin (GNP) crosslink, to achieve polymerisation in three minutes. The physicochemical and biocompatibility properties were further evaluated. GPVA3_GNP and GPVA5_GNP with GNP demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties compared to GE_GNP and non-crosslinked hydrogels. GPVA5_GNP significantly displayed the optimum swelling ratio (621.1 ± 93.18%) and excellent hydrophilicity (38.51 ± 2.58°). In addition, GPVA5_GNP showed an optimum biodegradation rate (0.02 ± 0.005 mg/h) and the highest mechanical strength with the highest compression modulus (2.14 ± 0.06 MPa). In addition, the surface and cross-sectional view for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed that all of the GPVA hydrogels have optimum average pore sizes (100−199 μm) with interconnected pores. There were no substantial changes in chemical analysis, including FTIR, XRD, and EDX, after PVA and GNP intervention. Furthermore, GPVA hydrogels influenced the cell biocompatibility, which successfully indicated >85% of cell viability. In conclusion, gelatin−PVA hydrogels crosslinked with GNP were proven to have excellent physicochemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties, as required for potential bioinks for chronic wound healing.
  6. Zakaria MA, Aziz J, Rajab NF, Chua EW, Masre SF
    Biomedicines, 2022 Sep 23;10(10).
    PMID: 36289644 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102382
    Increased tissue rigidity is an emerging hallmark of cancer as it plays a critical role in promoting cancer growth. However, the field lacks a defined characterization of tissue rigidity in dual-stage carcinogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in vivo. Pre-malignant and malignant lung SCC was developed in BALB/c mice using N-nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea (NTCU). Picro sirius red staining and atomic force microscopy were performed to measure collagen content and collagen (diameter and rigidity), respectively. Then, the expression of tenascin C (TNC) protein was determined using immunohistochemistry staining. Briefly, all tissue rigidity parameters were found to be increased in the Cancer group as compared with the Vehicle group. Importantly, collagen content (33.63 ± 2.39%) and TNC expression (7.97 ± 2.04%) were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the Malignant Cancer group, as compared with the collagen content (18.08 ± 1.75%) and TNC expression (0.45 ± 0.53%) in the Pre-malignant Cancer group, indicating increased tissue rigidity during carcinogenesis of lung SCC. Overall, tissue rigidity of lung SCC was suggested to be increased during carcinogenesis as indicated by the overexpression of collagen and TNC protein, which may warrant further research as novel therapeutic targets to treat lung SCC effectively.
  7. Salleh A, Mustafa N, Teow YH, Fatimah MN, Khairudin FA, Ahmad I, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2022 Mar 31;10(4).
    PMID: 35453566 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040816
    Tissue engineering products have grown rapidly as an alternative solution available for chronic wound and burn treatment. However, some drawbacks include additional procedures and a lack of antibacterial properties that can impair wound healing, which are issues that need to be tackled effectively for better wound recovery. This study aimed to develop a functionalized dual-layered hybrid biomatrix composed of collagen sponge (bottom layer) to facilitate cell proliferation and adhesion and gelatin/cellulose hydrogel (outer layer) incorporated with graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles (GC-GO/AgNP) to prevent possible external infections post-implantation. The bilayer hybrid scaffold was crosslinked with 0.1% (w/v) genipin for 6 h followed by advanced freeze-drying technology. Various characterisation parameters were employed to investigate the microstructure, biodegradability, surface wettability, nanoparticles antibacterial activity, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility of the bilayer bioscaffold towards human skin cells. The bilayer bioscaffold exhibited favourable results for wound healing applications as it demonstrated good water uptake (1702.12 ± 161.11%), slow rate of biodegradation (0.13 ± 0.12 mg/h), and reasonable water vapour transmission rate (800.00 ± 65.85 gm−2 h−1) due to its porosity (84.83 ± 4.48%). The biomatrix was also found to possess hydrophobic properties (48.97 ± 3.68°), ideal for cell attachment and high mechanical strength. Moreover, the hybrid GO-AgNP promoted antibacterial properties via the disk diffusion method. Finally, biomatrix unravelled good cellular compatibility with human dermal fibroblasts (>90%). Therefore, the fabricated bilayer scaffold could be a potential candidate for skin wound healing application.
  8. Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Alshaer W, Hasan H, Albakri KA, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2022 May 24;10(6).
    PMID: 35740242 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061219
    Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.
  9. Alosaimi AM, Alorabi RO, Katowah DF, Al-Thagafi ZT, Alsolami ES, Hussein MA, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Mar 21;11(3).
    PMID: 36979948 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030967
    The hybridization between polymers and carbon materials is one of the most recent and crucial study areas which abstracted more concern from scientists in the past few years. Polymers could be classified into two classes according to the source materials synthetic and natural. Synthetic polymeric materials have been applied over a floppy zone of industrial fields including the field of biomedicine. Carbon nanomaterials including (fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) classified as one of the most significant sources of hybrid materials. Nanocarbons are improving significantly mechanical properties of polymers in nanocomposites in addition to physical and chemical properties of the new materials. In all varieties of proposed bio-nanocomposites, a considerable improvement in the microbiological performance of the materials has been explored. Various polymeric materials and carbon-course nanofillers were present, along with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer products. This review spots the light on the types of synthetic polymers-based carbon materials and presented state-of-art examples on their application in the area of biomedicine.
  10. Ali I, Rasheed MA, Cavalu S, Rahim K, Ijaz S, Yahya G, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Mar 06;11(3).
    PMID: 36979773 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030793
    The pandemic outbreak of human coronavirus is a global health concern that affects people of all ages and genders, but there is currently still no effective, approved and potential drug against human coronavirus, as many other coronavirus vaccines have serious side effects while the development of small antiviral inhibitors has gained tremendous attention. For this research, HE was used as a therapeutic target, as the spike protein displays a high binding affinity for both host ACE2 and viral HE glycoprotein. Molecular docking, pharmacophore modelling and virtual screening of 38,000 natural compounds were employed to find out the best natural inhibitor against human coronaviruses with more efficiency and fewer side effects and further evaluated via MD simulation, PCA, DCCR and MMGBSA. The lead compound 'Calceolarioside B' was identified on the basis of pharmacophoric features which depict favorable binding (ΔGbind -37.6799 kcal/mol) with the HE(5N11) receptor that describes positive correlation movements in active site residues with better stability, a robust H-bond network, compactness and reliable ADMET properties. The Fraxinus sieboldiana Blume plant containing the Calceolarioside B compound could be used as a potential inhibitor that shows a higher efficacy and potency with fewer side effects. This research work will aid investigators in the testing and identification of chemicals that are effective and useful against human coronavirus.
  11. Loch A, Tan KL, Danaee M, Idris I, Ng ML
    Biomedicines, 2023 Mar 20;11(3).
    PMID: 36979923 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030944
    Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein (LRG1) mediates cardiac fibrocyte activation. It is upregulated in inflammatory conditions, atherosclerosis, and fibrosis. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is due to myocardial fibrosis. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between LRG1 and DD. Patients with symptoms of chronic coronary ischemia were recruited. Patients with symptoms of overt heart failure, ejection fraction (EF) < 55%, impaired renal function, infection, and recent trauma were excluded from the study. Clinical parameters examined were SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score, echocardiographic assessment, and LRG1 levels. Binary stepwise logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between LRG1 and DD. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cut-off values and predictive performance of LRG1. A total of 94 patients were enrolled in the study, with 47 having a clinical diagnosis of DD. Plasma LRG1 was significantly (U = 417.00, p < 0.001) higher in the DD group (M = 14) compared to the No-DD group (M = 8) by Mann-Whitney U test. There were higher SYNTAX scores in the DD group (M = 24.5) compared with No-DD (M = 7). LRG1 had significant predictability of DD (OR = 1.32 (95% CI: 1.14-1.53)). The ROC showed an AUC = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82-0.95). LRG1 had a 78% sensitivity (95% CI: 65.3-87.7) and 72.3% specificity (95% CI: 57.4-84.4) for predicting DD at a cut-off value of "9". In conclusion, we identified LRG1 as a novel independent predictor of DD. Further studies are warranted to validate the utility of LRG1 in predicting DD.
  12. Tabassum A, Ali A, Zahedi FD, Ismail NAS
    Biomedicines, 2023 May 14;11(5).
    PMID: 37239112 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051441
    Vitamin D plays a role in regulating the immune system and can be linked to the alteration of the gut microbiome, which leads to several immunological diseases. This systematic review aims to explore the relationship between Vitamin D and children's gut microbiome, as well as its impact towards the immune system. We have systematically collated relevant studies from different databases concerning changes in the gut microbiome of children from infants to 18 years old associated with Vitamin D and the immunological pathways. The studies utilized 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of fecal matter with or without Vitamin D supplementation and Vitamin D levels. Ten studies were selected for the review, among which eight studies showed significant alterations in the gut microbiome related to Vitamin D supplementation or Vitamin D levels. The taxa of the phylum Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria are the most altered in these studies. The alteration of the taxa alters the Th1 and Th2 pathways and changes the immune response. We will discuss how Vitamin D may contribute to the activation of immune pathways via its effects on intestinal barrier function, microbiome composition, and/or direct effects on immune responses. In conclusion, the studies examined in this review have provided evidence that Vitamin D levels may have an impact on the composition of children's gut microbiomes.
  13. Zhang Q, Teow JY, Kerishnan JP, Abd Halim AA, Chen Y
    Biomedicines, 2023 May 16;11(5).
    PMID: 37239129 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051458
    Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of head and neck cancer, ranked as the sixth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 300,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Early detection using biomarkers significantly increases the 5-year survival rate of OSCC by up to 80-90%. Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a sulfated chaperonic glycoprotein expressed in all tissues and human fluids and has been reported to be a potential biomarker of OSCC. CLU has been implicated as playing a vital role in many biological processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle, etc. Abnormal CLU expression has been linked with the development and progression of cancers. Despite the fact that there are many studies that have reported the involvement of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC, the exact roles of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC carcinogenesis have not been fully explored. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of CLU structure and genetics and its correlation with OSCC tumorigenesis to better understand potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker development. The relationship between CLU and chemotherapy resistance in cancer will also be discussed to explore the therapeutic application of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC.
  14. Pan ML, Ahmad Puzi NN, Ooi YY, Ramasamy R, Vidyadaran S
    Biomedicines, 2023 Sep 27;11(10).
    PMID: 37893022 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102648
    (1) Background: The latest research illustrates that microglia phenotype is not the binary 'resting' and 'activated' profiles. Instead, there is wide diversity in microglia states. Similarly, when testing different stimulation protocols for BV2 microglia, we discovered differences in the response of the cells in terms of the production of intracellular ROS (iROS), nitric oxide (NO), CD40 expression, and migratory capacity. (2) Methods: BV2 microglia were treated with single interferon gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation, LPS/IFN-γ co-stimulation, and priming with IFN-γ followed by stimulation with LPS for 24 h. The responses of BV2 microglia were then assessed using the H2DCFDA test for iROS, the Griess assay for NO, immunophenotyping for CD40/CD11b/MHC II, and migration using a transwell apparatus. (3) Results: Single stimulation with IFN-γ induced NO but not ROS in BV2 microglia. Co-stimulation with LPS200IFN-γ2.5 induced a higher iROS production (a 9.2-fold increase) and CD40 expression (28031 ± 8810.2 MFI), compared to priming with primedIFN-γ50LPS100 (a 4.0-fold increase in ROS and 16764 ± 1210.8 MFI of CD40). Co-stimulation also induced cell migration. On the other hand, priming BV2 microglia (primedIFN-γ50LPS100) resulted in a higher NO production (64 ± 1.4 µM) compared to LPS200IFN-γ2.5 co-stimulation (44 ± 1.7 µM). Unexpectedly, priming inhibited BV2 migration. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, the findings from this project reveal the ability of co-stimulation and priming in stimulating microglia into an inflammatory phenotype, and the heterogeneity of microglia responses towards different stimulating approaches.
  15. Nik Kamarudin NAA, Mawang CI, Ahamad M
    Biomedicines, 2023 Oct 18;11(10).
    PMID: 37893191 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102818
    Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.), which is predominantly spread by ticks, is the cause of Lyme disease (LD), also known as Lyme borreliosis, one of the zoonotic diseases affecting people. In recent years, LD has become more prevalent worldwide, even in countries with no prior records. Currently, Lyme Borrelia detection is achieved through nucleic acid amplification, antigen detection, microscopy, and in vitro culture. Nevertheless, these methods lack sensitivity in the early phase of the disease and, thus, are unable to confirm active infection. This review briefly discusses the existing direct detection methods of LD. Furthermore, this review also introduces the use of aptamer technology integrated with biosensor platforms to detect the Borrelia antigen. This aptamer technology could be explored using other biosensor platforms targeting whole Borrelia cells or specific molecules to enhance Borrelia detection in the future.
  16. Ahmad Hairi H, Jayusman PA, Shuid AN
    Biomedicines, 2023 May 16;11(5).
    PMID: 37239124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051453
    Resveratrol (RSV) (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a stilbene found in abundance in berry fruits, peanuts, and some medicinal plants. It has a diverse range of pharmacological activities, underlining the significance of illness prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this review was to delve deeper into RSV's bone-protective properties as well as its molecular mechanisms. Several in vivo studies have found the bone-protective effects of RSV in postmenopausal, senile, and disuse osteoporosis rat models. RSV has been shown to inhibit NF-κB and RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation while increasing osteogenesis and boosting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. Wnt/β-catenin, MAPKs/JNK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, FoxOs, microRNAs, and BMP2 are among the possible kinases and proteins involved in the underlying mechanisms. RSV has also been shown to be the most potent SIRT1 activator to cause stimulatory effects on osteoblasts and inhibitory effects on osteoclasts. RSV may, thus, represent a novel therapeutic strategy for increasing bone growth and reducing bone loss in the elderly and postmenopausal population.
  17. Mussa A, Afolabi HA, Syed NH, Talib M, Murtadha AH, Hajissa K, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Mar 30;11(4).
    PMID: 37189677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041060
    Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type among women with a distinct clinical presentation, but the survival rate remains moderate despite advances in multimodal therapy. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the molecular etiology is required for the development of more effective treatments for BC. The relationship between inflammation and tumorigenesis is well established, and the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is frequently identified in BC. Constitutive NF-κB activation is linked to cell survival, metastasis, proliferation, and hormonal, chemo-, and radiotherapy resistance. Moreover, the crosstalk between NF-κB and other transcription factors is well documented. It is reported that vitamin C plays a key role in preventing and treating a number of pathological conditions, including cancer, when administered at remarkably high doses. Indeed, vitamin C can regulate the activation of NF-κB by inhibiting specific NF-κB-dependent genes and multiple stimuli. In this review, we examine the various NF-κB impacts on BC development. We also provide some insight into how the NF-κB network may be targeted as a potential vulnerability by using natural pro-oxidant therapies such as vitamin C.
  18. Perveen I, Bukhari B, Najeeb M, Nazir S, Faridi TA, Farooq M, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Jul 04;11(7).
    PMID: 37509530 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071892
    Molecular hydrogen is renowned as an odorless and colorless gas. The recommendations developed by China suggest that the inhalation of hydrogen molecules is currently advised in COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogens have been confirmed after numerous clinical trials and animal-model-based experiments, which have expounded that the low molecular weight of hydrogen enables it to easily diffuse and permeate through the cell membranes to produce a variety of biological impacts. A wide range of both chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, which may include sepsis, pancreatitis, respiratory disorders, autoimmune diseases, ischemia-reperfusion damages, etc. may be treated and prevented by using it. H2 can primarily be inoculated through inhalation, by drinking water (which already contains H2), or by administrating the injection of saline H2 in the body. It may play a pivotal role as an antioxidant, in regulating the immune system, in anti-inflammatory activities (mitochondrial energy metabolism), and cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) by reducing the formation of excessive reactive O2 species and modifying the transcription factors in the nuclei of the cells. However, the fundamental process of molecular hydrogen is still not entirely understood. Molecular hydrogen H2 has a promising future in therapeutics based on its safety and possible usefulness. The current review emphasizes the antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen molecules along with the underlying principle and fundamental mechanism involved, with a prime focus on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). This review will also provide strategies and recommendations for the therapeutic and medicinal applications of the hydrogen molecule.
  19. Iyaswamy A, Lu K, Guan XJ, Kan Y, Su C, Liu J, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Jul 21;11(7).
    PMID: 37509695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072056
    Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles (BEVs) possess the capability of intracellular interactions with other cells, and, hence, can be utilized as an efficient cargo for worldwide delivery of therapeutic substances such as monoclonal antibodies, proteins, plasmids, siRNA, and small molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). BEVs additionally possess a remarkable capacity for delivering these therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review summarizes the role and advancement of BEVs for NDs, AD, and their treatment. Additionally, it investigates the critical BEV networks in the microbiome-gut-brain axis, their defensive and offensive roles in NDs, and their interaction with NDs. Furthermore, the part of BEVs in the neuroimmune system and their interference with ND, as well as the risk factors made by BEVs in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway and their potential outcomes on ND, are all discussed. To conclude, this review aims to gain a better understanding of the credentials of BEVs in NDs and possibly discover new therapeutic strategies.
  20. Eid EEM, Alshehade SA, Almaiman AA, Kamran S, Lee VS, Alshawsh MA
    Biomedicines, 2023 Jul 04;11(7).
    PMID: 37509531 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071891
    Leukemia, a condition characterized by the abnormal proliferation of blood cells, poses significant challenges in cancer treatment. Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from black seed, has demonstrated anticancer properties, including telomerase inhibition and the induction of apoptosis. However, TQ's poor solubility and limited bioavailability hinder its clinical application. This study explored the use of Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), a cyclodextrin derivative, to enhance the solubility and stability of TQ for leukemia treatment. SBE-β-CD offers low hemolytic activity and has been successfully employed in controlled drug release systems. The study investigated the formation of inclusion complexes between TQ and SBE-β-CD and evaluated their effects on leukemia cell growth and telomerase activity. The results indicated that the TQ/SBE-β-CD complex exhibited improved solubility and enhanced cytotoxic effects against K-562 leukemia cells compared to TQ alone, suggesting the potential of SBE-β-CD as a drug delivery system for TQ. The annexin V-FITC assay demonstrated increased apoptosis, while the qPCR quantification assay revealed reduced telomerase activity in leukemia cells treated with TQ/SBE-β-CD, supporting its anti-leukemic potential. The molecular docking analysis indicated a strong binding affinity between TQ and telomerase. However, further research is needed to optimize the apoptotic effects and minimize necrosis induction. In conclusion, TQ/SBE-β-CD shows promise as a novel strategy for leukemia treatment by inhibiting telomerase and enhancing the cytotoxic effects of TQ, offering a potential solution to overcome the limitations of TQ's poor solubility and bioavailability.
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