Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 193 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Epigenomic approach in understanding Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Shaik MM, Gan SH, Kamal MA
    CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2014 Mar;13(2):283-9.
    PMID: 24074446 DOI: 10.2174/18715273113126660181
    Cognitive decline is a debilitating feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The causes leading to such impairment are still poorly understood and effective treatments for AD are still unavailable. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as a risk factor for AD due to desensitisation of insulin receptors in the brain. Recent studies have suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may also play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both AD and T2DM. This article describes the correlation between AD and T2DM and provides the insights to the epigenetics of AD. Currently, more research is needed to clarify the exact role of epigenetic regulation in the course and development of AD and also in relation to insulin. Research conducted especially in the earlier stages of the disease could provide more insight into its underlying pathophysiology to help in early diagnosis and the development of more effective treatment strategies.
  2. 'Non-criteria' neurologic manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome: a hidden kingdom to be discovered
    Islam MA, Alam F, Kamal MA, Wong KK, Sasongko TH, Gan SH
    CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2016;15(10):1253-1265.
    PMID: 27658514 DOI: 10.2174/1871527315666160920122750
    Neurological manifestations or disorders associated with the central nervous system are among the most common and important clinical characteristics of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although in the most recently updated (2006) APS classification criteria, the neurological manifestations encompass only transient ischemic attack and stroke, diverse 'non-criteria' neurological disorders or manifestations (i.e., headache, migraine, bipolar disorder, transverse myelitis, dementia, chorea, epileptic seizures, multiple sclerosis, psychosis, cognitive impairment, Tourette's syndrome, parkinsonism, dystonia, transient global amnesia, obsessive compulsive disorder and leukoencephalopathy) have been observed in APS patients. To date, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these abnormal neurological manifestations in APS remain unclear. In vivo experiments and human observational studies indicate the involvement of thrombotic events and/or high titers of antiphospholipid antibodies in the neuro-pathogenic cascade of APS. Although different types of neurologic manifestations in APS patients have successfully been treated with therapies involving anti-thrombotic regimens (i.e., anticoagulants and/or platelet antiaggregants), antineuralgic drugs (i.e., antidepressants, antipsychotics and antiepileptics) and immunosuppressive drugs alone or in combination, evidence-based guidelines for the management of the neurologic manifestations of APS remain unavailable. Therefore, further experimental, clinical and retrospective studies with larger patient cohorts are warranted to elucidate the pathogenic linkage between APS and the central nervous system in addition to randomized controlled trials to facilitate the discovery of appropriate medications for the 'non-criteria' neurologic manifestations of APS.
  3. Coexistence of antiphospholipid antibodies and cephalalgia
    Islam MA, Alam F, Gan SH, Cavestro C, Wong KK
    Cephalalgia, 2018 03;38(3):568-580.
    PMID: 28952322 DOI: 10.1177/0333102417694881
    Background The occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and headache comorbidity in the presence or absence of underlying autoimmune diseases remains unclear. Aim The aim of this review was to summarize the relationship between headache and aPLs based on evidences from cohort studies and case reports, in addition to examining the treatment strategies that resolved headache in aPLs-positive individuals.
    Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar. A total of 559 articles were screened and the appropriate articles were selected based on quality and level of evidence.
    Results Cohort studies (n = 27) from Europe, North America and Asia demonstrated comorbidity of aPLs and headache in antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric SLE patients. Significantly higher association between migraine and aPLs was observed (n = 170/779; p 
  4. Fulltext Hydroxychloroquine: Key therapeutic advances and emerging nanotechnological landscape for cancer mitigation
    Low LE, Kong CK, Yap WH, Siva SP, Gan SH, Siew WS, et al.
    Chem Biol Interact, 2023 Dec 01;386:110750.
    PMID: 37839513 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110750
    Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a unique class of medications that has been widely utilized for the treatment of cancer. HCQ plays a dichotomous role by inhibiting autophagy induced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Preclinical studies support the use of HCQ for anti-cancer therapy, especially in combination with conventional anti-cancer treatments since they sensitize tumor cells to drugs, potentiating the therapeutic activity. However, clinical evidence has suggested poor outcomes for HCQ due to various obstacles, including non-specific distribution, low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability at target sites, transport across tissue barriers, and retinal toxicity. These issues are addressable via the integration of HCQ with nanotechnology to produce HCQ-conjugated nanomedicines. This review aims to discuss the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and antitumor properties of HCQ. Furthermore, the antitumor performance of the nanoformulated HCQ is also reviewed thoroughly, aiming to serve as a guide for the HCQ-based enhanced treatment of cancers. The nanoencapsulation or nanoconjugation of HCQ with nanoassemblies appears to be a promising method for reducing the toxicity and improving the antitumor efficacy of HCQ.
  5. Fulltext Evaluation of physicochemical and antioxidant properties of sourwood and other Malaysian honeys: a comparison with manuka honey
    Moniruzzaman M, Sulaiman SA, Khalil MI, Gan SH
    Chem Cent J, 2013;7:138.
    PMID: 23938192 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-7-138
    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of four Malaysian monofloral types of honey (gelam, longan, rubber tree and sourwood honeys) compared to manuka honey. Several physical parameters of honey, such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), color intensity, total sugar and sucrose content, were measured. A number of biochemical and antioxidant tests were performed to determine the antioxidant properties of the honey samples. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels were determined using high performance liquid chromatography.
  6. Fulltext Determination of heavy metals in the soils of tea plantations and in fresh and processed tea leaves: an evaluation of six digestion methods
    Rashid MH, Fardous Z, Chowdhury MA, Alam MK, Bari ML, Moniruzzaman M, et al.
    Chem Cent J, 2016;10:7.
    PMID: 26900397 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-016-0154-3
    BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in (1) fresh tea leaves, (2) processed (black) tea leaves and (3) soils from tea plantations originating from Bangladesh.

    METHODS: Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) was used to evaluate six digestion methods, (1) nitric acid, (2) nitric acid overnight, (3) nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide, (4) nitric-perchloric acid, (5) sulfuric acid, and (6) dry ashing, to determine the most suitable digestion method for the determination of heavy metals in the samples.

    RESULTS: The concentration ranges of Cd, Pb, As and Se in fresh tea leaves were from 0.03-0.13, 0.19-2.06 and 0.47-1.31 µg/g, respectively while processed tea contained heavy metals at different concentrations: Cd (0.04-0.16 µg/g), Cr (0.45-10.73 µg/g), Pb (0.07-1.03 µg/g), As (0.89-1.90 µg/g) and Se (0.21-10.79 µg/g). Moreover, the soil samples of tea plantations also showed a wide range of concentrations: Cd (0.11-0.45 µg/g), Pb (2.80-66.54 µg/g), As (0.78-4.49 µg/g), and Se content (0.03-0.99 µg/g). Method no. 2 provided sufficient time to digest the tea matrix and was the most efficient method for recovering Cd, Cr, Pb, As and Se. Methods 1 and 3 were also acceptable and can be relatively inexpensive, easy and fast. The heavy metal transfer factors in the investigated soil/tea samples decreased as follows: Cd > As > Se > Pb.

    CONCLUSION: Overall, the present study gives current insights into the heavy metal levels both in soils and teas commonly consumed in Bangladesh.

  7. Fulltext 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels in honey and other food products: effects on bees and human health
    Shapla UM, Solayman M, Alam N, Khalil MI, Gan SH
    Chem Cent J, 2018 Apr 04;12(1):35.
    PMID: 29619623 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-018-0408-3
    An organic compound known as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is formed from reducing sugars in honey and various processed foods in acidic environments when they are heated through the Maillard reaction. In addition to processing, storage conditions affect the formation HMF, and HMF has become a suitable indicator of honey quality. HMF is easily absorbed from food through the gastrointestinal tract and, upon being metabolized into different derivatives, is excreted via urine. In addition to exerting detrimental effects (mutagenic, genotoxic, organotoxic and enzyme inhibitory), HMF, which is converted to a non-excretable, genotoxic compound called 5-sulfoxymethylfurfural, is beneficial to human health by providing antioxidative, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoxic, anti-sickling, and anti-hyperuricemic effects. Therefore, HMF is a neo-forming contaminant that draws great attention from scientists. This review compiles updated information regarding HMF formation, detection procedures, mitigation strategies and effects of HMF on honey bees and human health.
  8. High prevalence of CYP2A6*4 and CYP2A6*9 alleles detected among a Malaysian population
    Yusof W, Gan SH
    Clin Chim Acta, 2009 May;403(1-2):105-9.
    PMID: 19361454 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2009.01.032
    CYP2A6 gene encodes the principal enzyme involved in the metabolism of many drugs including artesunate. We developed a simplified duplex nested PCR method for the detection of the CYP2A61B, CYP2A62, CYP2A64, CYP2A67, CYP2A68 and CYP2A69 variant alleles highly prevalent among Malaysian population.
  9. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A4: CYP3A4*18 allele is found in five healthy Malaysian subjects
    Ruzilawati AB, Suhaimi AW, Gan SH
    Clin Chim Acta, 2007 Aug;383(1-2):158-62.
    PMID: 17601520 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2007.05.004
    BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is the major cytochrome involved in metabolizing of >60% of all drugs used in humans. A number of allelic variations in CYP3A4 gene are known to affect catalytic activity including CYP3A4*4, CYP3A4*5 and CYP3A4*18. We investigated the frequencies of CYP3A4*4, CYP3A4*5 and CYP3A4*18 alleles in a Malaysian population. This will impact treatment of patients receiving drugs metabolized by these alleles.

    METHODS: The study was conducted in 121 healthy Malaysian volunteers. DNA was extracted from leucocytes and the 3 alleles were determined by PCR-RFLP. The PCR product was later digested with restriction enzymes BstMA I, BshV I and Hpa II.

    RESULTS: No mutations were detected for CYP3A4*4 and CYP3A4*5 alleles. The frequency of the CYP3A4*18 allele in the Malaysian population is 2.1%. All 5 subjects with CYP3A4*18 mutations were found to be heterozygous.

    CONCLUSION: The present study describes polymorphisms of CYP3A4 among Malaysian subjects. Clinical relevance of these genetic variants in these healthy volunteers is under investigation.
  10. Standard CYP2D6 genotyping procedures fail for the CYP2D6*5 and duplication alleles when hair roots are used as a source of DNA
    Gan SH, Ismail R, Wan Adnan WA, Wan Z
    Clin Chim Acta, 2003 Mar;329(1-2):61-8.
    PMID: 12589966 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-8981(03)00019-6
    BACKGROUND: Hair roots provide a useful alternative to blood as a source of DNA for genotyping. Besides simple and non-invasive collections, the DNA extraction step is also easy to perform and is fast. The aim of our study is to determine if hair roots can be used to genotype all of the common CYP2D6 alleles for routine screening purposes.

    METHOD: The study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki. After obtaining informed consents, both blood and hair samples were collected from 92 patients for genotyping of the CYP2D6 gene. PCR was used to detect the following mutations: CYP2D6*1, *3, *4, *5, *9, *10, *17 and duplication gene. The results were compared where hair roots and blood were used as templates for DNA respectively.

    RESULTS: When blood was used as a source of DNA for genotyping, all of the investigated CYP2D6 alleles were successfully amplified. However, with hair roots, the genes with the larger fragment sizes: CYP2D6*5 and the duplication gene could not be amplified and the bands of other alleles investigated were faint when visualized under UV light.

    CONCLUSIONS: DNA extraction from hair roots and leucocytes yielded similar results but the DNA extracted from hair roots did not allow successful amplification of the longer genes such as the CYP2D6*5 and the duplication gene.
  11. Physicochemical Properties, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Heavy Metals in Honey of Different Origins: A Comprehensive Review
    Solayman M, Islam MA, Paul S, Ali Y, Khalil MI, Alam N, et al.
    Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf, 2016 Jan;15(1):219-233.
    PMID: 33371579 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12182
    Honey is a popular natural food product with a very complex composition mainly consisting of both organic and inorganic constituents. The composition of honey is strongly influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors, which vary based on its botanical and geographical origins. Although minerals and heavy metals are minor constituents of honey, they play vital role in determining its quality. There are several different analytical methods used to determine the chemical elements in honey. These methods are typically based on spectroscopy or spectrometry techniques (including atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). This review compiles available scientific information on minerals and heavy metals in honey reported from all over the world. To date, 54 chemical elements in various types of honey have been identified and can be divided into 3 groups: major or macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, Cl), minor or trace elements (Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cd, Tl, Co, Ni, Rb, Ba, Be, Bi, U, V, Fe, Pt, Pd, Te, Hf, Mo, Sn, Sb, La, I, Sm, Tb, Dy, Sd, Th, Pr, Nd, Tm, Yb, Lu, Gd, Ho, Er, Ce, Cr, As, B, Br, Cd, Hg, Se, Sr), and heavy metals (trace elements that have a specific gravity at least 5 times higher than that of water and inorganic sources). Chemical elements in honey samples throughout the world vary in terms of concentrations and are also influenced by environmental pollution.
  12. In silico analysis of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms of the human adiponectin receptor 2 (ADIPOR2) gene
    Solayman M, Saleh MA, Paul S, Khalil MI, Gan SH
    Comput Biol Chem, 2017 Jun;68:175-185.
    PMID: 28359874 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2017.03.005
    Polymorphisms of the ADIPOR2 gene are frequently linked to a higher risk of developing diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Though mutations of the ADIPOR2 gene are detrimental, there is a lack of comprehensive in silico analyses of the functional and structural impacts at the protein level. Considering the involvement of ADIPOR2 in glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, an in silico functional analysis was conducted to explore the possible association between genetic mutations and phenotypic variations. A genomic analysis of 82 nonsynonymous SNPs in ADIPOR2 was initiated using SIFT followed by the SNAP2, nsSNPAnalyzer, PolyPhen-2, SNPs&GO, FATHMM and PROVEAN servers. A total of 10 mutations (R126W, L160Q, L195P, F201S, L235R, L235P, L256R, Y328H, E334K and Q349H) were predicted to have deleterious effects on the ADIPOR2 protein and were therefore selected for further analysis. Theoretical models of the variants were generated by comparative modeling via MODELLER 9.16. A protein structural analysis of these amino acid variants was performed using SNPeffect, I-Mutant, ConSurf, Swiss-PDB Viewer and NetSurfP to explore their solvent accessibility, molecular dynamics and energy minimization calculations. In addition, FTSite was used to predict the ligand binding sites, while NetGlycate, NetPhos2.0, UbPerd and SUMOplot were used to predict post-translational modification sites. All of the variants showed increased free energy, though F201S exhibited the highest energy increase. The root mean square deviation values of the modeled mutants strongly indicated likely pathogenicity. Remarkably, three binding sites were detected on ADIPOR2, and two mutations at positions 328 and 201 were found in the first and second binding pockets, respectively. Interestingly, no mutations were found at the post-translational modification sites. These genetic variants can provide a better understanding of the wide range of disease susceptibility associated with ADIPOR2 and aid the development of new molecular diagnostic markers for these diseases. The findings may also facilitate the development of novel therapeutic elements for associated diseases.
  13. Computational algorithmic and molecular dynamics study of functional and structural impacts of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in human DHFR gene
    Alam MS, Saleh MA, Mozibullah M, Riham AT, Solayman M, Gan SH
    Comput Biol Chem, 2021 Dec;95:107587.
    PMID: 34710812 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107587
    Human dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a conserved enzyme that is central to folate metabolism and is widely targeted in pathogenic diseases as well as cancers. Although studies have reported the fact that genetic mutations in DHFR leads to a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of folate metabolism and drug resistance, there is a lack of an extensive study on how the deleterious non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) disrupt its phenotypic effects. In this study, we aim at discovering the structural and functional consequences of nsSNPs in DHFR by employing a combined computational approach consisting of ten recently developed in silico tools for identification of damaging nsSNPs and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for getting deeper insights into the magnitudes of damaging effects. Our study revealed the presence of 12 most deleterious nsSNPs affecting the native phenotypic effects, with three (R71T, G118D, Y122D) identified in the co-factor and ligand binding active sites. MD simulations also suggested that these three SNPs particularly Y122D, alter the overall structural flexibility and dynamics of the native DHFR protein which can provide more understandings into the crucial roles of these mutants in influencing the loss of DHFR function.
  14. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based diagnosis and treatments of diabetes
    Rao PV, Gan SH
    Curr Drug Metab, 2015;16(5):371-5.
    PMID: 25429672 DOI: 10.2174/1389200215666141125120215
    Nanotechnology is a field encompassing nanostructures, nanomaterials and nanoparticles, which are of increasing importance to researchers and industrial players alike. Nanotechnology addresses the construction and consumption of substances and devices on the nanometer scale. Nanomedicine is a new field that combines nanotechnology with medicine to boost human health care. Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary field that includes various areas of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. The most important problems related to diabetes management, such as self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and insulin injections, can now be conquered due to progress in nanomedicine, which offers glucose nanosensors, the layer-by-layer technique, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, oral insulins, microspheres, artificial pancreases and nanopumps. In this review, the key methodological and scientific characteristics of nanomedicine related to diabetes treatment, glucose monitoring and insulin administration are discussed.
  15. Natural Products Combating Neurodegeneration: Parkinson's Disease
    Solayman M, Islam MA, Alam F, Khalil MI, Kamal MA, Gan SH
    Curr Drug Metab, 2017;18(1):50-61.
    PMID: 27396919 DOI: 10.2174/1389200217666160709204826
    Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by neurodegeneration and a progressive functional impairment of the midbrain nigral dopaminergic neurons. The cause remains unknown; however, several pathological processes and central factors, such as protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, iron accumulation, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, have been reported. The current treatment method primarily targets symptoms by using anti-Parkinson drugs such as levodopa, carbidopa, dopamine (DA) agonists, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors and anticholinergics to replace DA. When drug therapy is not satisfactory, surgical treatments are recommended. Unfortunately, the existing conventional strategies that target PD are associated with numerous side effects and possess an economic burden. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches that regulate the pathways leading to neuronal death and dysfunction are necessary. For many years, nature has provided the primary resource for the discovery of potential therapeutic agents. Remarkably, many natural products from medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables have been demonstrated to be efficacious anti-Parkinson agents. These products possess neuroprotective properties as a result of not only their wellrecognized anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities but also their inhibitory roles regarding iron accumulation, protein misfolding and the maintenance of proteasomal degradation, as well as mitochondrial homeostasis. The aim of this review is to report the available anti-Parkinson agents based on natural products and delineate their therapeutic actions, which act on various pathways. Overall, this review emphasizes the types of natural products that are potential future resources in the treatment of PD as novel regimens or supplementary agents.
  16. Updates on Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Natural Products: Towards Antidiabetic Drug Development
    Alam F, Islam MA, Kamal MA, Gan SH
    Curr Med Chem, 2018;25(39):5395-5431.
    PMID: 27528060 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160813222436
    Over the years, natural products have shown success as antidiabetics in in vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials. Because natural product-derived drugs are more affordable and effective with fewer side-effects compared to conventional therapies, pharmaceutical research is increasingly leaning towards the discovery of new antidiabetic drugs from natural products targeting pathways or components associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathophysiology. However, the drug discovery process is very lengthy and costly with significant challenges. Therefore, various techniques are currently being developed for the preclinical research phase of drug discovery with the aim of drug development with less time and efforts from natural products. In this review, we have provided an update on natural products including fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, beverages and mushrooms with potential antidiabetic activities from in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies. Synergistic interactions between natural products and antidiabetic drugs, and potential antidiabetic active compounds from natural products are also documented to pave the way for combination treatment and new drug discovery, respectively. Additionally, a brief idea of the drug discovery process along with the challenges that arise during drug development from natural products and the methods to conquer those challenges are discussed to create a more convenient future drug discovery process.
  17. Polyphenols: Potential Future Arsenals in the Treatment of Diabetes
    Solayman M, Ali Y, Alam F, Islam MA, Alam N, Khalil MI, et al.
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(5):549-65.
    PMID: 26601968
    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorders. In addition to exercise and diet, oral anti-diabetic drugs have been used as a part of the management strategy worldwide. Unfortunately, none of the conventional anti-diabetic drugs are without side effects, and these drugs pose an economic burden. Therefore, the investigation of novel anti-diabetic regimens is a major challenge for researchers, in which nature has been the primary resource for the discovery of potential therapeutics. Many plants have been shown to act as anti-diabetic agents, in which the main active constituents are believed to be polyphenols. Natural products containing high polyphenol levels can control carbohydrate metabolism by various mechanisms, such as protecting and restoring beta-cell integrity, enhancing insulin releasing activity, and increasing cellular glucose uptake. Blackberries, red grapes, apricots, eggplant and popular drinks such as coffee, cocoa and green tea are all rich in polyphenols, which may dampen insulin resistance and be natural alternatives in the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to report on the available anti-diabetic polyphenols (medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables), their mechanisms in the various pathways of DM and their correlations with DM. Additionally, this review emphasizes the types of polyphenols that could be potential future resources in the treatment of DM via either novel regimens or as supplementary agents.
  18. Natural Products Towards the Discovery of Potential Future Antithrombotic Drugs
    Islam MA, Alam F, Khalil MI, Sasongko TH, Gan SH
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(20):2926-46.
    PMID: 26951101
    Globally, thrombosis-associated disorders are one of the main contributors to fatalities. Besides genetic influences, there are some acquired and environmental risk factors dominating thrombotic diseases. Although standard regimens have been used for a long time, many side effects still occur which can be life threatening. Therefore, natural products are good alternatives. Although the quest for antithrombotic natural products came to light only since the end of last century, in the last two decades, a considerable number of natural products showing antithrombotic activities (antiplatelet, anticoagulant and fibrinolytic) with no or minimal side effects have been reported. In this review, several natural products used as antithrombotic agents including medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, spices and edible mushrooms which have been discovered in the last 15 years and their target sites (thrombogenic components, factors and thrombotic pathways) are described. In addition, the side effects, limitations and interactions of standard regimens with natural products are also discussed. The active compounds could serve as potential sources for future research on antithrombotic drug development. As a future direction, more advanced researches (in quest of the target cofactor or component involved in antithrombotic pathways) are warranted for the development of potential natural antithrombotic medications (alone or combined with standard regimens) to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.
  19. Antiphospholipid Antibody-Mediated Thrombotic Mechanisms in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Towards Pathophysiology-Based Treatment
    Islam MA, Alam F, Sasongko TH, Gan SH
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(28):4451-69.
    PMID: 27229722
    Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a persistently high titer of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). In addition to pregnancy morbidity, arterial and/or venous thrombosis is another clinical feature of APS. Regardless of the type of APS, the thrombi formed by the induction of aPLs can lead to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke and gangrene. Although the concept of APS was introduced approximately 32 years ago, its thrombogenic pathophysiology is still unclear. Therefore, patients are treated with anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet regimens just as in other thrombotic disorders even though the thrombotic pathophysiology is mainly aPLs-mediated. In this review, we provided an update of the cellular, auto-immune and genetic factors known to play important roles in the generation of thrombi. Current successful regimens are also outlined along with potential emerging treatment strategies that may lead to the optimum management of thrombotic APS patients.
  20. DNA Methylation: An Epigenetic Insight into Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    Alam F, Islam MA, Gan SH, Mohamed M, Sasongko TH
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(28):4398-419.
    PMID: 27229720
    DNA methylation, a major regulator of epigenetic modifications has been shown to alter the expression of genes that are involved in aspects of glucose metabolism such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and other conditions, and it ultimately leads to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Current evidences indicate an association of DNA methylation with T2DM. This review provides an overview of how various factors play crucial roles in T2DM pathogenesis and how DNA methylation interacts with these factors. Additionally, an update on current techniques of DNA methylation analysis with their pros and cons is provided as a basis for the adoption of suitable techniques in future DNA methylation research towards better management of T2DM. To elucidate the mechanistic relationship between vital environmental factors and the development of T2DM, a better understanding of the changes in gene expression associated with DNA methylation at the molecular level is still needed.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links