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  1. Fulltext The antineoplastic properties of FTY720: evidence for the repurposing of fingolimod
    Patmanathan SN, Yap LF, Murray PG, Paterson IC
    J Cell Mol Med, 2015 Oct;19(10):2329-40.
    PMID: 26171944 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12635
    Almost all drugs approved for use in humans possess potentially beneficial 'off-target' effects in addition to their principal activity. In some cases this has allowed for the relatively rapid repurposing of drugs for other indications. In this review we focus on the potential for re-purposing FTY720 (also known as fingolimod, Gilenya(™)), an immunomodulatory drug recently approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapeutic benefit of FTY720 in MS is largely attributed to the immunosuppressive effects that result from its modulation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor signalling. However, this drug has also been shown to inhibit other cancer-associated signal transduction pathways in part because of its structural similarity to sphingosine, and consequently shows efficacy as an anti-cancer agent both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review the effects of FTY720 on signal transduction pathways and cancer-related cellular processes, and discuss its potential use as an anti-cancer drug.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fingolimod Hydrochloride/pharmacology*; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
  2. Understanding the chemistry behind the antioxidant activities of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): a review
    Yehye WA, Rahman NA, Ariffin A, Abd Hamid SB, Alhadi AA, Kadir FA, et al.
    Eur J Med Chem, 2015 Aug 28;101:295-312.
    PMID: 26150290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.06.026
    Hindered phenols find a wide variety of applications across many different industry sectors. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a most commonly used antioxidant recognized as safe for use in foods containing fats, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, rubber and oil industries. In the past two decades, there has been growing interest in finding novel antioxidants to meet the requirements of these industries. To accelerate the antioxidant discovery process, researchers have designed and synthesized a series of BHT derivatives targeting to improve its antioxidant properties to be having a wide range of antioxidant activities markedly enhanced radical scavenging ability and other physical properties. Accordingly, some structure-activity relationships and rational design strategies for antioxidants based on BHT structure have been suggested and applied in practice. We have identified 14 very sensitive parameters, which may play a major role on the antioxidant performance of BHT. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current knowledge on this topic, which is of significance in selecting and designing novel antioxidants using a well-known antioxidant BHT as a building-block molecule. Our strategy involved investigation on understanding the chemistry behind the antioxidant activities of BHT, whether through hydrogen or electron transfer mechanism to enable promising anti-oxidant candidates to be synthesized.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antioxidants/pharmacology*; Butylated Hydroxytoluene/pharmacology*
  3. Effects of Plants and Isolates of Celastraceae Family on Cancer Pathways
    Bukhari SN, Jantan I, Seyed MA
    Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 2015;15(6):681-93.
    PMID: 25783963
    The evaluation of crude drugs of natural origin as sources of new effective anticancer agents continues to be important due to the lack of effective anticancer drugs currently used in practice which are generally accompanied with adverse effects at different levels of severity. The aim of this concise review is to gather existing literature on anticancer potential of extracts and compounds isolated from Celastraceae species. This review covers six genera (Maytenus, Tripterygium, Hippocratea, Gymnosporia, Celastrus and Austroplenckia) belonging to this family and their 33 isolates. Studies carried out by using different cell lines have shown remarkable indication of anticancer activity, however, only a restricted number of studies have been reported using in vivo tumor models. Some of the compounds, such as triptolide, celastrol and demethylzeylasteral from T. wilfordii, have been extensively studied on their mechanisms of action due to their potent activity on various cancer cell lines. Such promising lead compounds should generate considerable interest among scientists to improve their therapeutic potential with fewer side effects by molecular modification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
  4. Fulltext 5-Fluorocytosine resistance in clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans
    Chin CS, Cheong YM, Wong YH
    Med J Malaysia, 1989 Sep;44(3):194-8.
    PMID: 2696871
    Thirty six clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans were tested for their susceptibility to 5-fluorocytosine and amphotericin B by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations. 22.2% of the isolates were resistant to 5-fluorocytosine and 36.1% indicated 5-fluorocytosine tolerance. All strains were sensitive to amphotericin B.
    Matched MeSH terms: Amphotericin B/pharmacology; Flucytosine/pharmacology*
  5. Fulltext Pharmacological evaluation of aqueous root extract of Selayak Hitam: lack of oxytocic activity
    Gan EK, Abdul Razak D, Mohamad M, Lajis R, Tan KC, Sam TW
    Med J Malaysia, 1984 Mar;39(1):42-7.
    PMID: 6513839
    Aqueous root extract of Selayak Hitam a plant commonly found in Malaysian jungles and reported to have abortifacient property was screened for oxytocic effect. Results obtained from in vitro experiments on isolated uterus preparation from both pregnant and non pregnant rats and in vivo experiments on uterus contraction in rats in situ, showed that the extract lacks oxytocic effect. It is concluded that the alleged abortifacient property if any, is not mediated through oxytocin or oxytocic-like effect.
    Matched MeSH terms: Abortifacient Agents/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
  6. Comparative susceptibility studies of clinically isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp to cefoperazone and cefotaxime
    Lee YH, Hussain ZA, Choong FP
    J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1990;34(3):299-303.
    PMID: 2125616
    The in-vitro activity of cefotaxime and cefoperazone were compared using clinically isolated Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cefotaxime was found on a weight to weight basis, to be much more active than cefoperazone. All the three species studied show the presence of cefoperazone-resistant population which were sensitive to cefotaxime. The possible mechanisms of resistance to these antibiotics were discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cefoperazone/pharmacology*; Cefotaxime/pharmacology*
  7. The effect of endogenous opioids on blood pressure during stress
    Nordin M, Morat P, Zainora M
    Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol, 1987 Apr;14(4):303-8.
    PMID: 3665195
    1. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of endogenous opioids on blood pressure of laboratory rats during stress. 2. Rats subjected to 120 min immobilization showed a significant drop in systolic pressure which could be prevented by pretreatment injections of naloxone. 3. Adrenalectomized rats subjected to the same kind of stress showed a drop in systolic pressure equivalent to only 30% of the systolic pressure drop in the intact animals. This decrease in systolic pressure could also be prevented by pretreatment injections of naloxone. 4. It was concluded that the decrease in systolic pressure in intact rats during immobilization was mostly due to endogenous opioids released from the adrenal glands, whereas opioids of other origins such as the pituitary gland, were also important.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dexamethasone/pharmacology; Naloxone/pharmacology
  8. Effect of vitamin E in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
    Amanullah I, Khan YH, Anwar I, Gulzar A, Mallhi TH, Raja AA
    Postgrad Med J, 2019 Nov;95(1129):601-611.
    PMID: 31434683 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-136364
    The efficacy of vitamin E among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear. The current qualitative and quantitative analyses aimed to ascertain the efficacy of vitamin E on clinical outcomes of patients with NAFLD. A systematic search of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed using databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, EBSCOhost and Ovid) from inception to July 2018. Trials meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to quality assessment using the Jadad Scoring. All trials meeting the prerequisites information for meta-analysis were subjected to quantitative synthesis of results. Nine RCTs (five in adults and four in children) were included. Four of the five RCTs on adults demonstrated significant improvements in alanine transaminase and other liver function surrogates in patients with NAFLD. On the other hand, only one of the four RCTs conducted on children showed significant improvements in liver functions with the use of vitamin E. Although quantitative synthesis of available data revealed insignificant differences between vitamin E and placebo, still the use of vitamin E improves the level of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase by -1.96 and -0.59, with heterogeneity of I2=67% and I2=0%, respectively. Adjuvant vitamin E therapy provides significant biochemical and histological improvements in adult patients with NAFLD, while paediatric patients showed insignificant efficacy compared with placebo. Lifestyle interventions along with vitamin E can provide much better results. Data, including the impact of vitamin E on hepatic histology, are still lacking. Moreover, the short duration of trials limits the conclusion on the safety and efficacy of proposed treatments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vitamin E/pharmacology*; Vitamins/pharmacology
  9. Synthesis, α-glycosidase inhibitory potential and molecular docking study of benzimidazole derivatives
    Taha M, Rahim F, Zaman K, Selvaraj M, Uddin N, Farooq RK, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2020 01;95:103555.
    PMID: 31911306 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103555
    A series of twenty-six analogs of benzimidazole based oxadiazole have been synthesized and evaluated against alpha-glycosidase enzyme. Most the analogs showed excellent to good inhibitory potential. Among the screened analogs, analog 1, 2, 3 and 14 with IC50 values 4.6 ± 0.1, 9.50 ± 0.3, 2.6 ± 0.1 and 9.30 ± 0.4 µM respectively showedexcellent inhibitory potential than reference drug acarbose (IC50 = 38.45 ± 0.80 µM). Some of the analogs like 19, 21, 22 and 23 with methyl and methoxy substituent on phenyl ring show hydrophobic interaction and were found with no inhibitory potential. The binding interactions between synthesized analogs and ligands protein were confirmed through molecular docking study. Various spectroscopic techniques like 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and EI-MS were used for characterization of all synthesized analogs. These derivatives were synthesized by simple mode of synthesis like heterocyclic ring formation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Benzimidazoles/pharmacology*; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology*
  10. Preparation and characterization of nanosized lignin from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) biomass as a novel emulsifying agent
    Sekeri SH, Ibrahim MNM, Umar K, Yaqoob AA, Azmi MN, Hussin MH, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Dec 01;164:3114-3124.
    PMID: 32853611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.181
    A study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of lignin, extracted from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) biomass as water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifying agent. To achieve this goal, soda lignin (SL) was extracted via soda pulping process and a series of nanosized soda lignin (NSL) were prepared using homogenizer at three different speed i.e. 10,400 rpm (NSL 10), 11,400 rpm (NSL 11) and 12,400 rpm (NSL 12) for one hour. All prepared samples were characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential analyser, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Extreme High Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (XHR-FESEM). The result of FTIR showed that there is no prominent change occurred in spectra of all samples while a good stability was reflected by TGA curves. The percentage of creaming index and visual observations of all samples demonstrated that NSL 12 and dosage 2 g (out of 1 g, 1.5 g and 2 g) were found to be the best among all samples. Furthermore, the results of IFT indicate that NSL 12 was proven to be more stable than the commercial product. Therefore, NSL 12 is selected for toxicological studies and was found safe in both, in vitro and in vivo studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Lignin/pharmacology; Emulsifying Agents/pharmacology
  11. Fulltext Plasmodium knowlesi exhibits distinct in vitro drug susceptibility profiles from those of Plasmodium falciparum
    van Schalkwyk DA, Blasco B, Davina Nuñez R, Liew JWK, Amir A, Lau YL, et al.
    Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist, 2019 04;9:93-99.
    PMID: 30831468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.02.004
    New antimalarial agents are identified and developed after extensive testing on Plasmodium falciparum parasites that can be grown in vitro. These susceptibility studies are important to inform lead optimisation and support further drug development. Until recently, little was known about the susceptibility of non-falciparum species as these had not been adapted to in vitro culture. The recent culture adaptation of P. knowlesi has therefore offered an opportunity to routinely define the drug susceptibility of this species, which is phylogenetically closer to all other human malarias than is P. falciparum. We compared the in vitro susceptibility of P. knowlesi and P. falciparum to a range of established and novel antimalarial agents under identical assay conditions. We demonstrated that P. knowlesi is significantly less susceptible than P. falciparum to six of the compounds tested; and notably these include three ATP4 inhibitors currently under development as novel antimalarial agents, and one investigational antimalarial, AN13762, which is 67 fold less effective against P. knowlesi. For the other compounds there was a less than two-fold difference in susceptibility between species. We then compared the susceptibility of a recent P. knowlesi isolate, UM01, to that of the well-established, older A1-H.1 clone. This recent isolate showed similar in vitro drug susceptibility to the A1-H.1 clone, supporting the ongoing use of the better characterised clone to further study drug susceptibility. Lastly, we used isobologram analysis to explore the interaction of a selection of drug combinations and showed similar drug interactions across species. The species differences in drug susceptibility reported by us here and previously, support adding in vitro drug screens against P. knowlesi to those using P. falciparum strains to inform new drug discovery and lead optimisation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antimalarials/pharmacology*; Artemisinins/pharmacology
  12. Fulltext In Vitro Anti-Leptospiral Activity of Phyllanthus amarus Extracts and Their Combinations with Antibiotics
    Ismail CAM, Deris ZZ, Bakar RA, Ismail N
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 03 10;18(6).
    PMID: 33802184 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062834
    Despite modern medicine, there is an increasing trend for cases of the bacterial infection leptospirosis, and this has led to the exploration of alternative medicines from various sources including plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anti-leptospiral activity of Phyllanthus amarus extracts alone and combined with penicillin G, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the microdilution broth technique upon methanol extract (ME), aqueous extract (AE), and antibiotics against the Leptospira interrogans serovars Australis, Bataviae, Canicola, and Javanica, to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The results were analyzed using an ELISA microplate reader combined with microscopic analysis. Synergy testing using a checkerboard assay was performed to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration index values of extracts combined with antibiotics against leptospires. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate morphological changes of leptospires caused by potential anti-leptospiral agents alone and combined with antibiotics. The MICs and MBCs for P. amarus extracts ranged from 100 to 400 µg/mL for AEs and from 400 to 800 µg/mL for MEs. Penicillin G was the most effective anti-leptospiral drug, with MICs and MBCs ranging from <0.01 to 0.78 and <0.01 to 3.13 µg/mL, respectively, followed by ceftriaxone, with both MICs and MBCs ranging from 0.05 to 0.78 µg/mL, and doxycycline, with MICs and MBCs ranging from 0.39 to 3.13 µg/mL and 12.5 to 25 µg/mL, respectively. Combinations of P. amarus extracts and antibiotics did not show synergistic effects on all tested Leptospira serovars, with some combinations demonstrating antagonistic effects. SEM analysis, however, showed distorted Leptospira surfaces. P. amarus AE performed better anti-leptospiral activity than P. amarus ME. The morphological effects of P. amarus extract alone and its combination with antibiotic on Leptospira cells revealed promising anti-leptospiral properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/pharmacology
  13. Anti-amoebic potential of azole scaffolds and nanoparticles against pathogenic Acanthamoeba
    Walvekar S, Anwar A, Anwar A, Sridewi N, Khalid M, Yow YY, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2020 Nov;211:105618.
    PMID: 32628912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105618
    Acanthamoeba spp. are free living amoeba (FLA) which are widely distributed in nature. They are opportunistic parasites and can cause severe infections to the eye, skin and central nervous system. The advances in drug discovery and modifications in the chemotherapeutic agents have shown little improvement in morbidity and mortality rates associated with Acanthamoeba infections. The mechanism-based process of drug discovery depends on the molecular drug targets present in the signaling pathways in the genome. Synthetic libraries provide a platform for broad spectrum of activities due to their desired structural modifications. Azoles, originally a class of synthetic anti-fungal drugs, disrupt the fungal cell membrane by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 dependent 14α-lanosterol, a key step of the sterol pathway. Acanthamoeba and fungi share the presence of similar sterol intermediate, as ergosterol is also the major end-product in the sterol biosynthesis in Acanthamoeba. Sterols present in the eukaryotic cell membrane are one of the most essential lipids and exhibit important structural and signaling functions. Therefore, in this review we highlight the importance of specific targeting of ergosterol present in Acanthamoebic membrane by azole compounds for amoebicidal activity. Previously, azoles have also been repurposed to report antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antibacterial properties. Moreover, by loading the azoles into nanoparticles through advanced techniques in nanotechnology, such as physical encapsulation, adsorption, or chemical conjugation, the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index of the drugs can be significantly improved. The current review proposes an important strategy to target Acanthamoeba using synthetic libraries of azoles and their conjugated nanoparticles for the first time.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/pharmacology*; Azoles/pharmacology*
  14. Pahangensin A and B, two new antibacterial diterpenes from the rhizomes of Alpinia pahangensis Ridley
    Sivasothy Y, Ibrahim H, Paliany AS, Alias SA, Awang K
    Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2013 Dec 1;23(23):6280-5.
    PMID: 24144849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.09.082
    The rhizomes of Alpinia pahangensis Ridley yielded a new bis-labdanic diterpene for which the name pahangensin A (1) was proposed along with a new labdane diterpene, pahangensin B (2). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including, 1D and 2D NMR techniques and LCMS-IT-TOF analysis. Pahangensin A (1) was found to be an antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis with MIC values less than 100 μg/mL, respectively. Pahangensin B (2) exhibited antibacterial activity (MIC <100 μg/mL) against B. cereus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Diterpenes/pharmacology
  15. Fulltext Antifungal efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts against Botrytis cinerea causing gray mold disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
    Ahmadu T, Ahmad K, Ismail SI, Rashed O, Asib N, Omar D
    Braz J Biol, 2020 11 12;81(4):1007-1022.
    PMID: 33175006 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.233173
    Drawbacks associated with the use of chemical fungicides to control plant pathogenic fungi such as Botrytis cinerea stimulate the need for alternatives. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the antifungal potentials of Moringa oleifera extracts against B. cinerea. Phytochemical analysis using qualitative chemical tests revealed the presence of huge amount of crucial phytochemicals compounds like phenolic compounds, alkaloids and saponins in the M. oleifera leaf extract. Antifungal bioassay of the crude extracts indicated better mycelial growth inhibition by methanol leaf extract (99%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 5 mg/ml with 100% spore germination inhibition and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was 10 mg/ml with 98.10% mycelial growth inhibition using broth micro dilution and poisoned food techniques. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis led to the identification of 67 volatile chemical compounds in the leaf extract with 6-decenoic acid (Z)- (19.87%) was the predominant compound. Further chemical elucidation of the crude extracts performed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed the presence of non-volatile chemical compounds, mostly flavones, flavonoids and phenolic acids (i.e. quercetin and kaempferol). Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed positive effect of M. oleifera leaf extract on the treated conidia and mycelium of B. cinerea. Findings revealed that irreversible surface and ultra-structural changes with severe detrimental effects on conidia and mycelium morphology compared to control treatment. Overall findings suggested that M. oleifera leaf extract is a promising candidate for biological control of fungal pathogens, thus limiting overdependence on chemical fungicides.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/pharmacology
  16. Genus Blepharis (Acanthaceae): A review of ethnomedicinally used species, and their phytochemistry and pharmacological activities
    Dirar AI, Adhikari-Devkota A, Kunwar RM, Paudel KR, Belwal T, Gupta G, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2021 Jan 30;265:113255.
    PMID: 32798615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113255
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Blepharis is an Afro-Asiatic genus belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It comprises about 126 species that occur in arid and semi-arid habitats. Some species of Blepharis are used in traditional medicines in different countries mainly for their anti-inflammatory, wound healing activities along with treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and bone fractures.

    AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present review aims to collate and analyze the available data and information on distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Blepharis.

    METHODS: Scientific information of genus Blepharis was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science and Google Scholar and secondary resources including books and proceedings.

    RESULTS: Seven species of Blepharis were found to be reported frequently as useful in folklore in African and Asian countries. B. maderaspatensis was found to be widely used in Indian traditional medicines whereas the B. ciliaris and B. edulis were common in folklore of Egypt, Jordan, and Arabia. Active phytochemicals of Blepharis are flavonoids from B. ciliaris, alkaloids from B. sindica, phenolic acid derivatives, and phytosterols, and derivatives of hydroxamic acids from B. edulis resulted in possessing diverse biological properties such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer.

    CONCLUSIONS: Various species of Blepharis were found to be used in traditional medicine systems in African and Asian countries. Few of these species were studied for their bioactive chemical constituents however the activity guided isolation studies are not performed. Similarly, detailed pharmacological studies in animal models to explore their mechanism of action are also not reported. Future studies should focus on these aspects related to the medicinally used species of Blepharis. The detailed and comprehensive comparative analysis presented here gives valuable information of the currently used Blepharis species and pave the way to investigate other useful species of Blepharis pertaining to ethnobotany, phytochemistry and discovery of new drugs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnopharmacology; Plant Preparations/pharmacology*; Phytochemicals/pharmacology
  17. Fulltext The Skeletal Effects of Tanshinones: A Review
    Ekeuku SO, Pang KL, Chin KY
    Molecules, 2021 Apr 16;26(8).
    PMID: 33923673 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082319
    BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis results from excessive bone resorption and reduced bone formation, triggered by sex hormone deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation. Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic phenanthrene compounds found in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its anti-osteoporosis effects. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the skeletal beneficial effects of tanshinones.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2021 using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science from the inception of these databases. Original studies reporting the effects of tanshinones on bone through cell cultures, animal models and human clinical trials were considered.

    RESULTS: The literature search found 158 unique articles on this topic, but only 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The available evidence showed that tanshinones promoted osteoblastogenesis and bone formation while reducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.

    CONCLUSIONS: Tanshinones modulates bone remodelling by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis and stimulating osteoblastogenesis. Therefore, it might complement existing strategies to prevent bone loss.

    Matched MeSH terms: Antioxidants/pharmacology; Diterpenes, Abietane/pharmacology*
  18. A review on chitosan and chitosan-based bionanocomposites: Promising material for combatting global issues and its applications
    Azmana M, Mahmood S, Hilles AR, Rahman A, Arifin MAB, Ahmed S
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Aug 31;185:832-848.
    PMID: 34237361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.023
    Over the last few years, several attempts have been made to replace petrochemical products with renewable and biodegradable components. The most challenging part of this approach is to obtain bio-based materials with properties and functions equivalent to those of synthetic products. Various naturally occurring polymers such as starch, collagen, alginate, cellulose, and chitin represent attractive candidates as they could reduce dependence on synthetic products and consequently positively impact the environment. Chitosan is also a unique bio-based polymer with excellent intrinsic properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial and film-forming properties, has high mechanical strength and good thermal stability. Nanotechnology has also applied chitosan-based materials in its most recent achievements. Therefore, numerous chitosan-based bionanocomposites with improved physical and chemical characteristics have been developed in an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. This review discusses various sources of chitosan, its properties and methods of modification. Also, this work focuses on diverse preparation techniques of chitosan-based bionanocomposites and their emerging application in various sectors. Additionally, this review sheds light on future research scope with some drawbacks and challenges to motivate the researchers for future outstanding research works.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Chitosan/pharmacology
  19. In vitro evaluation of cytotoxic properties of 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on bladder cancer cells
    Fahmy UA, Fahmy O
    Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2020 Jun;30:101714.
    PMID: 32165337 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101714
    INTRODUCTION: 5-Aminolevulinic (5-ALA) may be used as a photo diagnostic agent in bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of 5-ALA on bladder cancer cells.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: T24 cells treated with various concentrations of mitomycin (MC), 5-ALA and an MC/5-ALA mixture were evaluated to determine the role of 5-ALA on MC cytotoxicity. Cell cycle analysis was conducted, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Caspase 3 enzyme and reactive oxygen species were measured.

    RESULTS: Our initial studies exploring the impact of combination therapy on cell viability demonstrated improved cytotoxic effects on T24 and RT cells with relatively low doses of 5-ALA/MC in conjunction with MC alone. Indicated no significant difference between the IC50 of MC and MC/5-ALA in T24 cells, while IC50 value was decreased by 25 % in RT4 cells in 5-ALA/MC in comparing with MC alone. However, examination of cell cycle phase arrests by flow cytometry revealed significant PreG1 apoptosis and cell growth arrest in G2/M in T24 cells treated with the MC/5-ALA mixture compared with MC treatment. In addition, caspase 3 enzyme was increased by 1.15-fold in T24 cells treated with MC/5-ALA in comparison with MC alone.

    CONCLUSION: These results suggest that 5-ALA might possess anti-cancer properties and is not only a photo diagnostic element.

    Matched MeSH terms: Aminolevulinic Acid/pharmacology; Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology
  20. The effect of metformin on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
    Chen Y, Li H, Ye Z, Găman MA, Tan SC, Zhu F
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2020 Nov 05;886:173458.
    PMID: 32763300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173458
    Metformin administration has been reported to influence the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in humans. However, since previously conducted studies have yielded inconsistent results, the exact effect of metformin on CIMT remains unclear. Causes that could lead to inconsistency in reported research could be the duration and dose of the intervention, as well as the sample size. To address this inconsistency, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of metformin on CIMT in human subjects. We identified eligible studies by searching several electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar) up to December 12, 2019. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. Combining data from 1087 participants (9 studies), our meta-analysis revealed that the administration of metformin resulted in a significant reduction in CIMT (WMD = -0.049 mm; 95% CI: -0.095, -0.004). Stratified analyses showed that an intervention lasting ≥12 months (WMD: -0.084 mm, 95% CI: -0.145, -0.024) and an intake of metformin ≤1500 mg/day (WMD: -0.081 mm, 95% CI: -0.132, -0.029) resulted in a significantly greater reduction in CIMT. However, an intervention duration of less than 12 months and an intake of metformin ˃1500 mg/day yielded no significant effects on CIMT. The results of the current study confirm that metformin administration is associated with a significant reduction in CIMT. Taking into account that CIMT reflects the burden of atherosclerosis, the clinical utility of metformin might also be related to its anti-atherogenic effects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology*; Metformin/pharmacology*
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