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TL15 of Arthrospira platensis sulfite reductase scavenges free radicals demonstrated in oxidant induced larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) model

Sarkar P, Lite C, Kumar P, Pasupuleti M, Saraswathi NT, Arasu MV, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Oct 31.
PMID: 33137391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.222

The antioxidant role of sulfite reductase (SiR) derived from Arthrospira platensis (Ap) was identified through a short peptide, TL15. The study showed that the expression of ApSiR was highly expressed on day ten due to sulfur deprived stress in Ap culture. TL15 peptide exhibited strong antioxidant activity when evaluated using antioxidant assays in a concentration ranging from 7.8 and 125 μM. Further, the cytotoxicity of TL15 peptide was investigated, even at the higher concentration (250 μM), TL15 did not exhibit any toxicity, when tested in vitro using human leucocytes. Moreover, a potential reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed due to the treatment of TL15 peptide (>15.6 μM) to H2O2 exposed leucocytes. For the in vivo assessment of TL15 toxicity and antioxidant ability, experiments were performed in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae to analyse the developmental toxicity of TL15 peptide. Results showed that, exposure to TL15 peptide in tested concentrations ranging from 10, 20, 40, and 80 μM, did not affect the development and physiological parameters of the zebrafish embryo/larvae such as morphology, survival, hatching and heart rate. Fluorescent assay was performed using DCFH-DA (2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) to examine the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in zebrafish treated with TL15 peptide during the embryo-larval stages. Fluorescent images showed that pre-treatment with TL15 peptide to attenuate the H2O2 induced ROS levels in the zebrafish larvae in a dose-dependent manner. Further to uncover the underlying biochemical and antioxidant mechanism, the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were studied in zebrafish larvae. TL15 pre-treated groups showed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, while the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposed larvae showed significantly diminished activity. Overall results from the study revealed that, TL15 act as a potential antioxidant molecule with dose-specific antioxidant property. Thus, TL15 peptide could be an effective and promising source for biopharmaceutical applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Viscosine as a Potent and Safe Antipyretic Agent Evaluated by Yeast-Induced Pyrexia Model and Molecular Docking Studies

Muhammad A, Khan B, Iqbal Z, Khan AZ, Khan I, Khan K, et al.

ACS Omega, 2019 Sep 03;4(10):14188-14192.
PMID: 31508540 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01041

The antipyretic potential of viscosine, a natural product isolated from the medicinal plant Dodonaea viscosa, was investigated using yeast-induced pyrexia rat model, and its structure-activity relationship was investigated through molecular docking analyses with the target enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). The in vivo antipyretic experiments showed a progressive dose-dependent reduction in body temperatures of the hyperthermic test animals when injected with viscosine. Comparison of docking analyses with target enzymes showed strongest bonding interactions (binding energy -17.34 kcal/mol) of viscosine with the active-site pocket of mPGES-1. These findings suggest that viscosine shows antipyretic properties by reducing the concentration of prostaglandin E2 in brain through its mPGES-1 inhibitory action and make it a potential lead compound for developing effective and safer antipyretic drugs for treating fever and related pathological conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext The effectiveness of betel leaves extract as antifungal agent

Emi Norzehan Mohamad Mahbob, Nurul Huda Musa, Zaidatul Shakila Mohamad Ashari, Fathiah Abdullah, Siti Hajar Noor Alshurdin

Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2019;2(2):41-54.
MyJurnal

Piper betle (sirih) is a medicinal plant that has been reported for various pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and, anti-inflammatory. The researchwas carried out to study the antifungal activity of ethanolic extract from P. betle leaves. Matured leaves of P. betle were collected and processed to a fine powder before being extracted using ethanol. The first part of the research involved evaluation of antifungal activity of the ethanolic extracts using disk diffusion method at four different concentrations (5, 25, 50, 100 mg/mL) against 3 types of fungi isolated from laboratory surfaces. The sensitivities of the fungal towards the ethanolic extracts were determined by measuring the size of inhibitory zones. Results showed that highest concentration of the extract (100 mg/mL) inhibited fungal growth for all three types of isolated fungi with 0.97, 0.83, and 0.77 cm zone of inhibition for yeast, Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp., respectively. Low concentrations (5, 25 and 50 mg/mL) did not inhibit the fungal growth except for Penicillium sp. that showed zone of inhibition, 0.53 cm at concentration of 50 mg/mL. The second part of the research involved evaluation of fungal count utilizing effective dose of betel leaves ethanolic extract obtained from the first part of this research which is 100 mg/mL. This study found that no fungal growth on the microscope wire that has been sprayed with betel leaves ethanolic extract on Day 1, Day 4 and Day 7. For wire that been sprayed with ethanol 70%, the average of fungal count was same on Day 1 and Day 4 (5.6 x 102 cfu/mL) but increased to 9.2 x 102 cfu/mL on Day 7. In conclusion, betel leaves extract exhibit fungicidal properties that support their use as antifungal agents from natural products which are safe, easily available with no adverse effects.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Highly Active Cellulose-Supported Poly(hydroxamic acid)-Cu(II) Complex for Ullmann Etherification

Jian Fui C, Xin Ting T, Sarjadi MS, Amin Z, Sarkar SM, Musta B, et al.

ACS Omega, 2021 Mar 16;6(10):6766-6779.
PMID: 33748590 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05840

Highly active natural pandanus-extracted cellulose-supported poly(hydroxamic acid)-Cu(II) complex 4 was synthesized. The surface of pandanus cellulose was modified through graft copolymerization using purified methyl acrylate as a monomer. Then, copolymer methyl acrylate was converted into a bidentate chelating ligand poly(hydroxamic acid) via a Loosen rearrangement in the presence of an aqueous solution of hydroxylamine. Finally, copper species were incorporated into poly(hydroxamic acid) via the adsorption process. Cu(II) complex 4 was fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The cellulose-supported Cu(II) complex 4 was successfully applied (0.005 mol %) to the Ullmann etherification of aryl, benzyl halides, and phenacyl bromide with a number of aromatic phenols to provide the corresponding ethers with excellent yield [benzyl halide (70-99%); aryl halide (20-90%)]. Cu(II) complex 4 showed high stability and was easily recovered from the reaction mixture. It could be reused up to seven times without loss of its original catalytic activity. Therefore, Cu(II) complex 4 can be commercially utilized for the preparation of various ethers, and this synthetic technique could be a part in the synthesis of natural products and medicinal compounds.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Management of Dyslipidemia in Individuals with Low-to-Moderate Cardiovascular Risk: Role of Nutraceuticals

Dolzhenko MM, Barnett OY, Grassos C, Dragomiretska NV, Goloborodko BI, Ilashchuk TO, et al.

Adv Ther, 2020 11;37(11):4549-4567.
PMID: 32979190 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01490-z

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature deaths globally and in Ukraine. Dyslipidemia is a recognized risk factor for the development of CVD. Therefore, early detection and appropriate management of dyslipidemia are essential for the primary prevention of CVDs. However, currently, there is a lack of Ukraine-specific guideline recommendations focusing on the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk, thus creating an urgent need for structured and easily implementable clinical recommendations/guidelines specific to the country. An expert panel of cardiologists, endocrinologists, and family physicians convened in Ukraine in March 2019. The expert panel critically reviewed and analyzed the current literature and put forth the following recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate risk of CVDs specific to Ukraine: (1) family physicians have the greatest opportunities in carrying out primary prevention; (2) lipid-lowering interventions are essential for primary prevention as per guidelines; (3) a number of nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations with clinically established lipid-lowering properties can be considered for primary prevention; they also have a suggested role as an alternative therapy for statin-intolerant patients; (4) on the basis of clinical evidence, nutraceuticals are suggested by guidelines for primary prevention; (5) red yeast rice has potent CV-risk-lowering potential, in addition to lipid-lowering properties; (6) in patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, a nutraceutical combination of low-dose red yeast rice and synergic lipid-lowering compounds can be used as integral part of guideline-recommended lifestyle interventions for effective primary prevention strategy; (7) nutraceutical combination can be used in patients aged 18 to 75+ years; its use is particularly appropriate in the age group of 18-44 years; (8) it is necessary to attract the media (websites, etc.) to increase patient awareness on the importance of primary prevention; and (9) it is necessary to legally separate nutraceuticals from dietary supplements. These consensus recommendations will help physicians in Ukraine effectively manage dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Bioactive Compounds from the Bornean Endemic Plant Goniothalamus longistipetes

Teo SP, Bhakta S, Stapleton P, Gibbons S

Antibiotics (Basel), 2020 Dec 16;9(12).
PMID: 33339285 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120913

The present study aimed to screen plants for bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial activities. In our efforts to evaluate plants from Borneo, we isolated and elucidated the structures of four natural products from the bioactive fraction of a chloroform extract of Goniothalamus longistipetes using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The bioactive compounds were identified as a known styryllactone, (+)-altholactone ((2S,3R,3aS,7aS)-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydrobenzo-5(4H)-5-one) (1), a new styryllactone, (2S,3R,3aS,7aS)-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydrobenzo-5(4H)-5-one) (2) as well as a new alkaloid, 2,6-dimethoxyisonicotinaldehyde (3) and a new alkenyl-5-hydroxyl-phenyl benzoic acid (4). 1 and 4 showed broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as acid-fast model selected for this study. Compound 2 only demonstrated activities against Gram-positive bacteria whilst 3 displayed selective inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Additionally, their mechanisms of anti-bacterial action were also investigated. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a fast-growing model of tubercle bacilli, compounds 1, 2 and 4 demonstrated inhibitory activities against whole-cell drug efflux and biofilm formation; two key intrinsic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, the amphiphilic compound 4 exhibited inhibitory activity against the conjugation of plasmid pKM101 in Escherichia coli using a plate conjugation assay. Plasmid conjugation is a mechanism by which Gram-positive and Gram-negative-bacteria acquire drug resistance and virulence. These results indicated that bioactive compounds isolated from Goniothalamus longistipetes can be potential candidates as 'hits' for further optimisation.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Monitoring T Cells Responses Mounted by Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines

Lim KP, Zainal NS

Front Mol Biosci, 2021;8:623475.
PMID: 33937323 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.623475

With the regulatory approval of Provenge and Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and advanced melanoma respectively, and other promising clinical trials outcomes, cancer vaccine is gaining prominence as a cancer therapeutic agent. Cancer vaccine works to induce T cell priming, expansion, and infiltration resulting in antigen-specific cytotoxicity. Such an approach that can drive cytotoxicity within the tumor could complement the success of checkpoint inhibitors as tumors shown to have high immune cell infiltration are those that would respond well to these antibodies. With the advancements in cancer vaccine, methods to monitor and understand how cancer vaccines modify the immune milieu is under rapid development. This includes using ELISpot and intracellular staining to detect cytokine secretion by activated T cells; tetramer and CyTOF to quantitate the level of antigen specific T cells; proliferation and cell killing assay to detect the expansion of T cell and specific killing activity. More recently, T cell profiling has provided unprecedented detail on immune cell subsets and providing clues to the mechanism involved in immune activation. Here, we reviewed cancer vaccines currently in clinical trials and highlight available techniques in monitoring the clinical response in patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Delivery of paediatric rheumatology care: a survey of current clinical practice in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific regions

Tangcheewinsirikul S, Tang SP, Smith N, Sukharomana M, Charuvanij S, Vilaiyuk S, et al.

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J, 2021 Jan 23;19(1):11.
PMID: 33485337 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00498-1

BACKGROUND: Paediatric rheumatic diseases are a leading cause of acquired disability in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific Countries (SE ASIA/ASIAPAC). The aims of this study were to identify and describe the challenges to the delivery of patient care and identify solutions to raise awareness about paediatric rheumatic diseases.
METHODS: The anonymised online survey included 27 items about paediatric rheumatology (PR) clinical care and training programmes. The survey was piloted and then distributed via Survey-Monkey™ between March and July 2019. It was sent to existing group lists of physicians and allied health professionals (AHPs), who were involved in the care pathways and management of children with rheumatic diseases in SE ASIA/ASIAPAC.
RESULTS: Of 340 participants from 14 countries, 261 participants had been involved in PR care. The majority of the participants were general paediatricians. The main reported barriers to providing specialised multidisciplinary service were the absence or inadequacy of the provision of specialists and AHPs in addition to financial issues. Access to medicines was variable and financial constraints cited as the major obstacle to accessing biological drugs within clinical settings. The lack of a critical mass of specialist paediatric rheumatologists was the main perceived barrier to PR training.
CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple challenges to PR services in SE ASIA/ASIAPAC countries. There is need for more specialist multidisciplinary services and greater access to medicines and biological therapies. The lack of specialist paediatric rheumatologists is the main barrier for greater access to PR training.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Protective Effect of Natural Products against Huntington's Disease: An Overview of Scientific Evidence and Understanding Their Mechanism of Action

Lum PT, Sekar M, Gan SH, Bonam SR, Shaikh MF

ACS Chem Neurosci, 2021 Feb 03;12(3):391-418.
PMID: 33475334 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00824

Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disease, normally starts in the prime of adult life, followed by a gradual occurrence of characteristic psychiatric disturbances and cognitive and motor dysfunction. To the best of our knowledge, there is no treatment available to completely mitigate the progression of HD. Among various therapeutic approaches, exhaustive literature reports have confirmed the medicinal benefits of natural products in HD experimental models. Building on this information, this review presents a brief overview of the neuroprotective mechanism(s) of natural products against in vitro/in vivo models of HD. Relevant studies were identified from several scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. After screening through literature from 2005 to the present, a total of 14 medicinal plant species and 30 naturally isolated compounds investigated against HD based on either in vitro or in vivo models were included in the present review. Behavioral outcomes in the HD in vivo model showed that natural compounds significantly attenuated 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced memory loss and motor incoordination. The biochemical alteration has been markedly alleviated with reduced lipid peroxidation, increased endogenous enzymatic antioxidants, reduced acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased mitochondrial energy production. Interestingly, following treatment with certain natural products, 3-NP-induced damage in the striatum was ameliorated, as seen histologically. Overall, natural products afforded varying degrees of neuroprotection in preclinical studies of HD via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, preservation of mitochondrial function, inhibition of apoptosis, and induction of autophagy.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Naturally occurring immunomodulators with antitumor activity: An insight on their mechanisms of action

Mohamed SIA, Jantan I, Haque MA

Int Immunopharmacol, 2017 Sep;50:291-304.
PMID: 28734166 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.07.010

Natural products with immunomodulatory activity are widely used in treatment of many diseases including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders in addition to cancer. They gained a great interest in the last decades as therapeutic agents since they provide inexpensive and less toxic products than the synthetic chemotherapeutic agents. Immunomodulators are the agents that have the ability to boost or suppress the host defense response that can be used as a prophylaxis as well as in combination with other therapeutic modalities. The anticancer activity of these immunomodulators is due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and induction of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-metastasis effect. These natural immunomodulators such as genistein, curcumin, and resveratrol can be used as prophylaxis against the initiation of cancer besides the inhibition of tumor growth and proliferation. Whereas, immunostimulants can elicit and activate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against the tumor that facilitate the recognition and destruction of the already existing tumor. This review represents the recent studies on various natural immunomodulators with antitumor effects. We have focused on the relationship between their anticancer activity and immunomodulatory mechanisms. The mechanisms of action of various immunomodulators such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, organosulfur compounds, capsaicin, vinca alkaloids, bromelain, betulinic acid and zerumbone, the affected cancerous cell lines in addition to the targeted molecules and transcriptional pathways have been review and critically analyzed.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Plant-derived immunomodulators: an insight on their preclinical evaluation and clinical trials

Jantan I, Ahmad W, Bukhari SN

Front Plant Sci, 2015;6:655.
PMID: 26379683 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00655

The phagocyte-microbe interactions in the immune system is a defense mechanism but when excessively or inappropriately deployed can harm host tissues and participate in the development of different non-immune and immune chronic inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune problems, allergies, some rheumatoid disorders, cancers and others. Immunodrugs include organic synthetics, biological agents such as cytokines and antibodies acting on single targets or pathways have been used to treat immune-related diseases but with limited success. Most of immunostimulants and immunosuppressants in clinical use are the cytotoxic drugs which possess serious side effects. There is a growing interest to use herbal medicines as multi-component agents to modulate the complex immune system in the prevention of infections rather than treating the immune-related diseases. Many therapeutic effects of plant extracts have been suggested to be due to their wide array of immunomodulatory effects and influence on the immune system of the human body. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, lactones, alkaloids, diterpenoids and glycosides, present in several plants, have been reported to be responsible for the plants immunomodulating properties. Thus the search for natural products of plant origin as new leads for development of potent and safe immunosuppressant and immunostimulant agents is gaining much major research interest. The present review will give an overview of widely investigated plant-derived compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechol-3-gallate, quercetin, colchicine, capsaicin, andrographolide, and genistein) which have exhibited potent effects on cellular and humoral immune functions in pre-clinical investigations and will highlight their clinical potential.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Effectiveness of chitosan-propolis nanoparticle against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in the root canal

Parolia A, Kumar H, Ramamurthy S, Davamani F, Pau A

BMC Oral Health, 2020 11 25;20(1):339.
PMID: 33238961 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-01330-0

BACKGROUND: The successful outcome of endodontic treatment depends on controlling the intra-radicular microbial biofilm by effective instrumentation and disinfection using various irrigants and intracanal medicaments. Instrumentation alone cannot effectively debride the root canals specially due to the complex morphology of the root canal system. A number of antibiotics and surfactants are being widely used in the treatment of biofilms however, the current trend is towards identification of natural products in disinfection. The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial effect of chitosan-propolis nanoparticle (CPN) as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in root canal.
METHODS: 240 extracted human teeth were sectioned to obtain 6 mm of the middle third of the root. The root canal was enlarged to an internal diameter of 0.9 mm. The specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. Following this, specimens were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 30) according to the intracanal medicament placed: group I: saline, group II: chitosan, group III: propolis100 µg/ml (P100), group IV: propolis 250 µg/ml (P250), group V: chitosan-propolis nanoparticle 100 µg/ml (CPN100), group VI: chitosan-propolis nanoparticle 250 µg/ml (CPN250), group VII: calcium hydroxide(CH) and group VIII: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel. Dentine shavings were collected at 200 and 400 μm depths, and total numbers of CFUs were determined at the end of day one, three and seven. The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the differences in reduction of CFUs between all groups and probability values of p

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Thymoquinone, as a Novel Therapeutic Candidate of Cancers

Almajali B, Al-Jamal HAN, Taib WRW, Ismail I, Johan MF, Doolaanea AA, et al.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2021 Apr 16;14(4).
PMID: 33923474 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040369

To date, natural products are widely used as pharmaceutical agents for many human diseases and cancers. One of the most popular natural products that have been studied for anticancer properties is thymoquinone (TQ). As a bioactive compound of Nigella sativa, TQ has shown anticancer activities through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The anticancer efficacy of TQ is being investigated in several human cancers such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, hepatic cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia. Even though TQ induces apoptosis by regulating the expression of pro- apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes in many cancers, the TQ effect mechanism on such cancers is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present review has highlighted the TQ effect mechanisms on several signaling pathways and expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). Data from relevant published experimental articles on TQ from 2015 to June 2020 were selected by using Google Scholar and PubMed search engines. The present study investigated the effectiveness of TQ alone or in combination with other anticancer therapeutic agents, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors on cancers, as a future anticancer therapy nominee by using nanotechnology.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Effect of Sodium Selenite, Selenium Yeast, and Bacterial Enriched Protein on Chicken Egg Yolk Color, Antioxidant Profiles, and Oxidative Stability

Muhammad AI, Mohamed DAA, Chwen LT, Akit H, Samsudin AA

Foods, 2021 Apr 16;10(4).
PMID: 33923439 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040871

The chicken egg is one of nature's flawlessly preserved biological products, recognized as an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-element that plays a key role in biological processes. Organic selenium can be produced biologically by the microbial reduction of inorganic Se (sodium selenite). Therefore, the possibility of integrating Se enriched bacteria as a supplement in poultry feed can provide an interesting source of organic Se, thereby offering health-related advantages to humans. In this study, bacterial selenoproteins from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was used as a dietary supplement with other Se sources in Lohman brown Classic laying hens to study the egg yolk color, egg yolk and breast antioxidant profile, oxidative stability, and storage effect for fresh and stored egg yolk at 4 ± 2 °C for 14-days. The results showed that dietary Se supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved egg yolk color, the antioxidant profile of egg yolk, and breast meat (total carotenoid and phenol content). When the Se treated groups were compared to control groups, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol in fresh and stored egg yolk and breast muscle. In hens that were fed ADS18-Se, the primary oxidation products (MDA) concentrations in the eggs, breast, and thigh muscle, and plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. However, the MDA content increased (p < 0.05) with an extended storage time in egg yolk. In comparison to inorganic Se and basal diets, egg yolk from hens fed organic Se remained fresh for two weeks. The egg yolk color, antioxidant profile, and oxidative status of egg yolk and tissue improve with dietary Se organic supplementation (ADS18 > Se-Yeast). The source of supplemented organic Se is critical for egg enrichment and antioxidant properties. As a result, ''functional eggs'' enriched with organic Se becomes possible to produce.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Nipah virus epidemic in southern India and emphasizing "One Health" approach to ensure global health security

Chattu VK, Kumar R, Kumary S, Kajal F, David JK

J Family Med Prim Care, 2018 8 10;7(2):275-283.
PMID: 30090764 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_137_18

Nipah virus (NiV) encephalitis first reported in "Sungai Nipah" in Malaysia in 1999 has emerged as a global public health threat in the Southeast Asia region. From 1998 to 2018, more than 630 cases of NiV human infections were reported. NiV is transmitted by zoonotic (from bats to humans, or from bats to pigs, and then to humans) as well as human-to-human routes. Deforestation and urbanization of some areas have contributed to greater overlap between human and bat habitats resulting in NiV outbreaks. Common symptoms of NiV infection in humans are similar to that of influenza such as fever and muscle pain and in some cases, the inflammation of the brain occurs leading to encephalitis. The recent epidemic in May 2018 in Kerala for the first time has killed over 17 people in 7 days with high case fatality and highlighted the importance of One Health approach. The diagnosis is often not suspected at the time of presentation and creates challenges in outbreak detection, timely control measures, and outbreak response activities. Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines specific for NiV infection although this is a priority disease on the World Health Organization's agenda. Antivirals (Ribavirin, HR2-based fusion inhibitor), biologicals (convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies), immunomodulators, and intensive supportive care are the mainstay to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications. There is a great need for strengthening animal health surveillance system, using a One Health approach, to detect new cases and provide early warning for veterinary and human public health authorities.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude, response of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among nursing students of faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Sadia Choudhury Shimmi, M Tanveer Hossain Parash, Shaila Kabir

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):47-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Many types of CAM practices, and they may be grouped into categories such as natural products, mind–body, and body-based practices. A broad collection of own-care and practitioner-based practices, (CAM) has been a major stream health care to meet the primary health care needs of people for centuries. A good proportion of the world’s population, even in developed countries, continue to depend on CAM. This study aimed to find out the knowledge, attitude, and responses among nursing students of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between June 2015 and June 2016. One hundred and eight (108) nursing studentsparticipated by simple random sampling. After taking informed consents, data were collected by structured questionnaire. The first section of survey data contained demographic profille. The second, third and fourth sections of the survey instrument consisted of the items assessing the knowledge of, interest in, and attitudes toward CAM. The last section consisted items to assess the attitude towards the teaching-and-learning in the curriculum. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Results: Out of 108 students, there were 19 males and 89 females. Knowledge did not have any relation (p>0.05) to response towards CAM but both positive and negative attitude was significantly (p

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Natural bioactive compounds as a new source of promising G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) modulators: comprehensive in silico approach

Khan SU, Ahemad N, Chuah LH, Naidu R, Htar TT

J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2020 Oct 15.
PMID: 33054574 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1830853

Cancer ranks in second place among the cause of death worldwide. Cancer progress in multiple stages of carcinogenesis and metastasis programs through complex pathways. Sex hormones and their receptors are the major factors in promoting cancer progression. Among them, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER) has shown to mediate cellular signaling pathways and cancer cell proliferation. However, the lack of GPER protein structure limited the search for new modulators. In this study, we curated an extensive database of natural products to discover new potential GPER modulators. We used a combination of virtual screening techniques to generate a homology model of GPER and subsequently used that for the screening of 30,926 natural products from a public database to identify potential active modulators of GPER. The best hits were further screened through the ADMET filter and confirmed by docking analysis. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations of best hits were also carried out to assess the stability of the ligand-GPER complex. This study predicted several potential GPER modulators with novel scaffolds that could be further investigated and used as the core for the development of novel GPER modulators.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Effects of L-arginine on the reproductive system of male rabbits

Sukardi, S., Yaakub, H., Ganabadi, S., Cheng, L.H.

Malays J Nutr, 2006;12(2):201-211.
MyJurnal

L-arginine is an amino acid, which serves as the sole substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with the concomitant formation of L-citrulline in biologic system. NO has been demonstrated to be involved in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, immune regulation and neurotransmission. It also has an important function as both intercellular and intracellular signals in many physiological systems, including the reproductive system where NO mediates penis erection. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of L-arginine on sperm motility, sperm count, and the nitric oxide level in the seminal plasma. Twelve sexually matured male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly divided into four groups with three rabbits each, which were control, low, medium, and high concentration groups. The treatment groups were force-fed with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 300mg/kg body weight of L-arginine for four weeks, whereas the control group was force-fed with water. Semen samples were collected every three days alternatively for a week before starting treatment and then after four weeks of treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment results were compared. Semen samples were collected using artificial vaginas from each group for sperm analysis such as sperm motility, sperm count and NO level in seminal plasma. Sperm motility and sperm count were analysed manually under microscope (twenty power objective), using a Makler counting chamber. NO levels in the seminal plasma were determined using Griess reaction. The results obtained from this study showed that oral consumption of L-arginine exerted a significant (p

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Antihyperglycaemic and Toxicological Evaluations of Extract and Fractions of Gynura procumbens Leaves

Algariri K, Atangwho IJ, Meng KY, Asmawi MZ, Sadikun A, Murugaiyah V

Trop Life Sci Res, 2014 Aug;25(1):75-93.
PMID: 25210589 MyJurnal

The acute and sub-chronic antihyperglycaemic activity, safety margin evaluations and chemical composition of ethanol extract (EE) and fractions of Gynura procumbens (GP) were studied. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (SDRs) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines 425 and 407 were used in the antidiabetic and toxicity studies, respectively. Biochemical and haematological data obtained from both acute and sub-chronic procedures suggest that the extract is safe at the limit test dose (2000 mg/kg); thus, the oral lethal dose (LD50) exceeds 2000 mg/kg. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) was determined to be 700 mg/kg/day. In the acute antihyperglycaemic study, the n-butanol fraction (n-BF) was found to consistently lower glucose levels the most effectively, which was also demonstrated in the 14-day study. Not only did the n-BF show the highest dose-dependent glucose-lowering action (51.2% and 62.0% at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, respectively), its effect was the closest to that of metformin (63.6%, p<0.05). The estimated amount of flavonoids in n-BF were 62.90% and 79.68% higher than the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and aqueous fraction (AF), respectively (p<0.05), with a corresponding value of 61.22% and 49.33% for phenolics (p<0.05). GP leaves have a no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and antihyperglycaemic activity corresponding to the high content of phenols and flavonoids. Therefore, GP leaves are a promising source of new antidiabetic natural products.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products
Fulltext Catharanthus roseus aqueous extract is cytotoxic to Jurkat Leukaemic T-cells but Induces the proliferation of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Nor Hazwani Ahmad, Rohanizah Abdul Rahim, Ishak Mat

Trop Life Sci Res, 2010;21(2):-.
MyJurnal

Research on natural products has been widely used as a strategy to discover new drugs with potential for applications in complementary medicines because they have fewer side effects than conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of crude aqueous Catharanthus roseus extract on Jurkat cells and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The aqueous extract was
standardised to vinblastine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and was used to determine cytotoxicity by the MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay. DNA fragmentation assay was employed to determine if cell death was due to apoptosis. The results showed that the aqueous extract induced cell death of Jurkat cells at 24, 48 and 72 hours posttreatment in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, cells treated at 48 and 72 hours produced higher cytotoxic effects with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)values of 2.55 µg/ml and 2.38 µg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the extract induced normal PBMC proliferation, especially after 24 hours treatment with 1000 µg/ml. This result indicates that the C. roseus crude aqueous extract showed differential effects of inhibiting the proliferation of the Jurkat cell line and promoting the growth of PBMCs. These data suggest that the extract may be applicable for modulating the normal and transformed immune cells in leukaemia patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Products

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