Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 73 in total

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  1. Fulltext The Pharmacological Potential of Oil Palm Phenolics (OPP) Individual Components
    Syarifah-Noratiqah SB, Zulfarina MS, Ahmad SU, Fairus S, Naina-Mohamed I
    Int J Med Sci, 2019;16(5):711-719.
    PMID: 31217739 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.29934
    The oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) from the family Arecaceae is a high oil-producing agricultural crop. A significant amount of vegetation liquor is discarded during the palm oil milling process amounting to 90 million tons per year around the world. This water-soluble extract is rich in phenolic compounds known as Oil Palm Phenolics (OPP). Several phenolic acids including the three isomers of caffeoylshikimic acid (CFA), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), protocatechuic acid (PCA) and hydroxytyrosol are among the primary active ingredients in the OPP. Previous investigations have reported several positive pharmacological potentials by OPP such as neuroprotective and atheroprotective effects, anti-tumor and reduction in Aβ deposition in Alzheimer's disease model. In the current review, the pharmacological potential for CFA, PHBA, PCA and hydroxytyrosol is carefully reviewed and evaluated.
  2. Fulltext Clinical Significance of BCL2, C-MYC, and BCL6 Genetic Abnormalities, Epstein-Barr Virus Infection, CD5 Protein Expression, Germinal Center B Cell/Non-Germinal Center B-Cell Subtypes, Co-expression of MYC/BCL2 Proteins and Co-expression of MYC/BCL2/BCL6 Proteins in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Clinical and Pathological Correlation Study of 120 Patients
    Ting CY, Chang KM, Kuan JW, Sathar J, Chew LP, Wong OJ, et al.
    Int J Med Sci, 2019;16(4):556-566.
    PMID: 31171907 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.27610
    Background: Clinical significance of germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB sub-categorization, expression of MYC, BCL2, BCL6, CD5 proteins and Epstein Barr virus encoded RNA (EBER) positivity in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remain controversial. Could these biomarkers accurately identify high risk DLBCL patients? Are MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 proteins expression feasible as baseline testing to predict c-Myc, BCL2 or BCL6 gene rearrangements? Aims: To investigate prognostic values of GCB/non-GCB sub-categorization, Double Protein Expression Lymphoma (DPL), Triple Protein Expression Lymphoma (TPL), positivity of CD5 protein and EBER in patients with DLBCL disease. To evaluate correlation between BCL2 , c-Myc and BCL6 gene rearrangements with BCL2, MYC and BCL6 proteins expression. Methods: Diagnostic tissue samples of 120 DLBCL patients between January 2012 to December 2013 from four major hospitals in Malaysia were selected. Samples were subjected to immunohistochemical staining, fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) testing, and central pathological review. Pathological data were correlated with clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. Results: A total of 120 cases were analysed. Mean age of diagnosis was 54.1 years ± 14.6, 64 were males, 56 were females, mean follow up period was 25 months (ranged from 1 to 36 months). Of the 120 cases, 74.2% were non-GCB whereas 25.8% were GCB, 6.7% were EBER positive, 6.7% expressed CD5 protein, 13.3% were DPL and 40% were TPL. The prevalence of c-Myc, BCL2, BCL6 gene rearrangements were 5.8%, 5.8%, and 14.2%, respectively; and 1.6% were Double Hit Lymphoma (DHL). EBER positivity, DPL, TPL, c-Myc gene rearrangement, BCL2 gene rearrangement, extra copies of BCL2 gene and BCL6 gene rearrangement were associated with shorter median overall survival (P<0.05). IPI score was the significant determinants of median overall survival in DPL and TPL (P<0.05). CD5 protein expression and GCB/non-GCB sub-categorization did not affect treatment outcome (P>0.05). Overall, c-Myc, BCL2 and BCL6 gene rearrangements showed weak correlation with expression of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 proteins (P>0.05). Fluorescent in situ hybridization is the preferred technique for prediction of treatment outcome in DLBCL patients. Conclusion:c-Myc, BCL2, and BCL6 gene rearrangements, EBER expression, DHL, TPL and IPI score are reliable risk stratification tools. MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 proteins expression are not applicable as baseline biomarkers to predict c-Myc, BCL2, and BCL6 gene rearrangements.
  3. Fulltext Vitamin C: A Review on its Role in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Med Sci, 2020;17(11):1625-1638.
    PMID: 32669965 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.47103
    Oxidative stress and inflammation are two interlinked events that exist simultaneously in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its related complications. These pathophysiological processes can be easily triggered by each other. This review summarizes the current evidence from animal and human studies on the effects of vitamin C in managing MetS. In vivo studies showed promising effects of vitamin C, but most of the interventions used were in combination with other compounds. The direct effects of vitamin C remain to be elucidated. In humans, the current state of evidence revealed that lower vitamin C intake and circulating concentration were found in MetS subjects. A negative relationship was observed between vitamin C intake / concentration and the risk of MetS. Oral supplementation of vitamin C also improved MetS conditions. It has been postulated that the positive outcomes of vitamin C may be in part mediated through its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. These observations suggest the importance of MetS patients to have an adequate intake of vitamin C through food, beverages or supplements in order to maintain its concentration in the systemic circulation and potentially reverse MetS.
  4. Fulltext DNA methylation profiling revealed promoter hypermethylation-induced silencing of p16, DDAH2 and DUSP1 in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma
    Khor GH, Froemming GR, Zain RB, Abraham MT, Omar E, Tan SK, et al.
    Int J Med Sci, 2013;10(12):1727-39.
    PMID: 24155659 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.6884
    BACKGROUND: Hypermethylation in promoter regions of genes might lead to altered gene functions and result in malignant cellular transformation. Thus, biomarker identification for hypermethylated genes would be very useful for early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objectives of this study were to screen and validate differentially hypermethylated genes in OSCC and correlate the hypermethylation-induced genes with demographic, clinocopathological characteristics and survival rate of OSCC.

    METHODS: DNA methylation profiling was utilized to screen the differentially hypermethylated genes in OSCC. Three selected differentially-hypermethylated genes of p16, DDAH2 and DUSP1 were further validated for methylation status and protein expression. The correlation between demographic, clinicopathological characteristics, and survival rate of OSCC patients with hypermethylation of p16, DDAH2 and DUSP1 genes were analysed in the study.

    RESULTS: Methylation profiling demonstrated 33 promoter hypermethylated genes in OSCC. The differentially-hypermethylated genes of p16, DDAH2 and DUSP1 revealed positivity of 78%, 80% and 88% in methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and 24% and 22% of immunoreactivity in DDAH2 and DUSP1 genes, respectively. Promoter hypermethylation of p16 gene was found significantly associated with tumour site of buccal, gum, tongue and lip (P=0.001). In addition, DDAH2 methylation level was correlated significantly with patients' age (P=0.050). In this study, overall five-year survival rate was 38.1% for OSCC patients and was influenced by sex difference.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study has identified 33 promoter hypermethylated genes that were significantly silenced in OSCC, which might be involved in an important mechanism in oral carcinogenesis. Our approaches revealed signature candidates of differentially hypermethylated genes of DDAH2 and DUSP1 which can be further developed as potential biomarkers for OSCC as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets in the future.

  5. Fulltext Repurposing New Use for Old Drug Chloroquine against Metabolic Syndrome: A Review on Animal and Human Evidence
    Wong SK
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(12):2673-2688.
    PMID: 34104100 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.58147
    Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are traditional anti-malarial drugs that have been repurposed for new therapeutic uses in many diseases due to their simple usage and cost-effectiveness. The pleiotropic effects of CQ and HCQ in regulating blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism have been previously described in vivo and in humans, thus suggesting their role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevention. The anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hyperlipidaemic, cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, and anti-obesity effects of CQ and HCQ might be elicited through reduction of inflammatory response and oxidative stress, improvement of endothelial function, activation of insulin signalling pathway, inhibition of lipogenesis and autophagy, as well as regulation of adipokines and apoptosis. In conclusion, the current state of knowledge supported the repurposing of CQ and HCQ usage in the management of MetS.
  6. Fulltext Potential mechanisms linking psychological stress to bone health
    Ng JS, Chin KY
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(3):604-614.
    PMID: 33437195 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.50680
    Chronic psychological stress affects many body systems, including the skeleton, through various mechanisms. This review aims to provide an overview of the factors mediating the relationship between psychological stress and bone health. These factors can be divided into physiological and behavioural changes induced by psychological stress. The physiological factors involve endocrinological changes, such as increased glucocorticoids, prolactin, leptin and parathyroid hormone levels and reduced gonadal hormones. Low-grade inflammation and hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system during psychological stress are also physiological changes detrimental to bone health. The behavioural changes during mental stress, such as altered dietary pattern, cigarette smoking, alcoholism and physical inactivity, also threaten the skeletal system. Psychological stress may be partly responsible for epigenetic regulation of skeletal development. It may also mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and bone health. However, more direct evidence is required to prove these hypotheses. In conclusion, chronic psychological stress should be recognised as a risk factor of osteoporosis and stress-coping methods should be incorporated as part of the comprehensive osteoporosis-preventing strategy.
  7. Fulltext A Review on the Effects of Bisphenol A and Its Derivatives on Skeletal Health
    Chin KY, Pang KL, Mark-Lee WF
    Int J Med Sci, 2018;15(10):1043-1050.
    PMID: 30013446 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.25634
    Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor which can bind to the oestrogen receptor. It also possesses oestrogenic, antiandrogenic, inflammatory and oxidative properties. Since bone responds to changes in sex hormones, inflammatory and oxidative status, BPA exposure could influence bone health in humans. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between BPA and bone health derived from cellular, animal and human studies. Exposure to BPA (0.5-12.5 µM) decreased the proliferation of osteoblast and osteoclast precursor cells and induce their apoptosis. Bisphenol AF (10 nM) enhanced transforming growth factor beta signalling but bisphenol S (10 nM) inhibited Wnt signalling involved in osteoblast differentiation in vitro. In animals, BPA and its derivatives demonstrated distinct effects in different models. In prenatal/postnatal exposure, BPA increased femoral bone mineral content in male rats (at 25 ug/kg/day) but decreased femoral mechanical strength in female mice (at 10 µg/kg/day). In oestrogen deficiency models, BPA improved bone mineral density and microstructures in aromatase knockout mice (at very high dose, 0.1% or 1.0% w/w diet) but decreased trabecular density in ovariectomized rats (at 37 or 370 ug/kg/day). In contrast, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (30 mg/kg/day i.p.) improved bone health in normal male and female rodents and decreased trabecular separation in ovariectomized rodents. Two cross-sectional studies have been performed to examine the relationship between BPA level and bone mineral density in humans but they yielded negligible association. As a conclusion, BPA and its derivatives could influence bone health and a possible gender effect was observed in animal studies. However, its effects in humans await verification from more comprehensive longitudinal studies in the future.
  8. Fulltext Characterization and potential roles of bone marrow-derived stromal cells in cancer development and metastasis
    Kawai H, Tsujigiwa H, Siar CH, Nakano K, Takabatake K, Fujii M, et al.
    Int J Med Sci, 2018;15(12):1406-1414.
    PMID: 30275769 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.24370
    Background: The tumor microenvironment and its stromal cells play an important role in cancer development and metastasis. Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs), a rich source of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, putatively contribute to this tumoral stroma. However their characteristics and roles within the tumor microenvironment are unclear. In the present study, BMDCs in the tumor microenvironment were traced using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) bone marrow transplantation model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were irradiated and rescued by bone marrow transplantation from GFP-transgenic mice. Lewis lung cancer cells were inoculated into the mice to generate subcutaneous allograft tumors or lung metastases. Confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry for GFP, α-SMA, CD11b, CD31, CD34 and CD105, and double-fluorescent immunohistochemistry for GFP-CD11b, GFP-CD105 and GFP-CD31 were performed. Results: Round and dendritic-shaped GFP-positive mononuclear cells constituted a significant stromal subpopulation in primary tumor peripheral area (PA) and metastatic tumor area (MA) microenvironment, thus implicating an invasive and metastatic role for these cells. CD11b co-expression in GFP-positive cells suggests that round/dendritic cell subpopulations are possibly BM-derived macrophages. Identification of GFP-positive mononuclear infiltrates co-expressing CD31 suggests that these cells might be BM-derived angioblasts, whereas their non-reactivity for CD34, CD105 and α-SMA implies an altered vascular phenotype distinct from endothelial cells. Significant upregulation of GFP-positive, CD31-positive and GFP/CD31 double-positive cell densities positively correlated with PA and MA (P<0.05). Conclusion: Taken together, in vivo evidence of traceable GFP-positive BMDCs in primary and metastatic tumor microenvironment suggests that recruited BMDCs might partake in cancer invasion and metastasis, possess multilineage potency and promote angiogenesis.
  9. Fulltext The Relationship between Follicle-stimulating Hormone and Bone Health: Alternative Explanation for Bone Loss beyond Oestrogen?
    Chin KY
    Int J Med Sci, 2018;15(12):1373-1383.
    PMID: 30275766 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.26571
    Bone loss in women commences before the onset of menopause and oestrogen deficiency. The increase of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) precedes oestrogen decline and may be a cause for bone loss before menopause. This review summarizes the current evidence on the relationship between FSH and bone derived from cellular, animal and human studies. Cellular studies found that FSH receptor (FSHR) was present on osteoclasts, osteoclast precursors and mesenchymal stem cells but not osteoblasts. FSH promoted osteoclast differentiation, activity and survival but exerted negligible effects on osteoblasts. Transgenic FSHR or FSH knockout rodents showed heterogenous skeletal phenotypes. Supplementation of FSH enhanced bone deterioration and blocking of FSH action protected bone of rodents. Human epidemiological studies revealed a negative relationship between FSH and bone health in perimenopausal women and elderly men but the association was attenuated in postmenopausal women. In conclusion, FSH may have a direct action on bone health independent of oestrogen by enhancing bone resorption. Its effects may be attenuated in the presence of overt sex hormone deficiency. More longitudinal studies pertaining to the effects of FSH on bone health, especially on fracture risk, should be conducted to validate this speculation.
  10. Fulltext T Cell Immunity To Enterovirus 71 Infection In Humans And Implications For Vaccine Development
    Yee PTI, Poh CL
    Int J Med Sci, 2018;15(11):1143-1152.
    PMID: 30123051 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.26450
    Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is one of the major pathogens causing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Some strains can lead to neurological disease and fatality in children. Up to date, there is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent severe HFMD and mortality. Although the inactivated vaccine has advanced to production in China, lack of long-term protection and the requirement of multiple boosters have necessitated the development of other types of vaccines. Recent studies indicate that cellular and not humoral immunity determines the clinical outcome of EV-A71 infections. High levels of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ tend to correlate with clinical severity in patients with pulmonary edema and encephalitis. The live attenuated vaccine may serve as the preferred choice as it can induce excellent humoral and cellular immunity as well as live-long immunity. Expression of certain HLA alleles such as TNF-α promoter type II (-308 allele), HLA-A33 and HLA-DR17 responses have been linked to severe HFMD. However, the high variability of MHC genes could restrict T cell recognition and be a major obstacle in the design of peptide vaccines. Hence, the development of a T cell universal vaccine (incorporating both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes) that induces broad, multifunctional and cross-reactive CD8+ T cell responses maybe desirable.
  11. Fulltext The Conserved Molecular Determinants of Virulence in Dengue Virus
    Ahmad Z, Poh CL
    Int J Med Sci, 2019;16(3):355-365.
    PMID: 30911269 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.29938
    Dengue virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family which also includes viruses such as the Zika, West Nile and yellow fever virus. Dengue virus generally causes mild disease, however, more severe forms of the dengue virus infection, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever with shock syndrome (DSS) can also occur, resulting in multiple organ failure and even death, especially in children. The only dengue vaccine available in the market, CYD-TDV offers limited coverage for vaccinees from 9-45 years of age and is only recommended for individuals with prior dengue exposure. A number of mutations that were shown to attenuate virulence of dengue virus in vitro and/or in vivo have been identified in the literature. The mutations which fall within the conserved regions of all four dengue serotypes are discussed. This review hopes to provide information leading to the construction of a live attenuated dengue vaccine that is suitable for all ages, irrespective of the infecting dengue serotype and prior dengue exposure.
  12. Fulltext Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Genetic Alterations and Molecular Biomarker Investigations
    Abdullah MI, Junit SM, Ng KL, Jayapalan JJ, Karikalan B, Hashim OH
    Int J Med Sci, 2019;16(3):450-460.
    PMID: 30911279 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.29935
    Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent form of malignancy among all cancers of the thyroid. It is also one of the few cancers with a rapidly increasing incidence. PTC is usually contained within the thyroid gland and generally biologically indolent. Prognosis of the cancer is excellent, with less than 2% mortality at 5 years. However, more than 25% of patients with PTC developed a recurrence during a long term follow-up. The present article provides an updated condensed overview of PTC, which focuses mainly on the molecular alterations involved and recent biomarker investigations.
  13. Fulltext MicroRNA-362 negatively and positively regulates SMAD4 expression in TGF-β/SMAD signaling to suppress cell migration and invasion
    Cheng HP, Huang CJ, Tsai ML, Ong HT, Cheong SK, Choo KB, et al.
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(8):1798-1809.
    PMID: 33746597 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.50871
    Cell migration and invasion are modulated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse MET process. Despite the detection of microRNA-362 (miR-362, both the miR-362-5p and -3p species) in cancers, none of the identified miR-362 targets is a mesenchymal or epithelial factor to link miR-362 with EMT/MET and metastasis. Focusing on the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in this work, luciferase assays and western blot data showed that miR-362 targeted and negatively regulated expression of SMAD4 and E-cadherin, but not SNAI1, which is regulated by SMAD4. However, miR-362 knockdown also down-regulated SMAD4 and SNAI1, but up-regulated E-cadherin expression. Wound-healing and transwell assays further showed that miR-362 knockdown suppressed cell migration and invasion, effects which were reversed by over-expressing SMAD4 or SNAI1, or by knocking down E-cadherin in the miR-362 knockdown cells. In orthotopic mice, miR-362 knockdown inhibited metastasis, and displayed the same SMAD4 and E-cadherin expression profiles in the tumors as in the in vitro studies. A scheme is proposed to integrate miR-362 negative regulation via SMAD4, and to explain miR-362 positive regulation of SMAD4 via miR-362 targeting of known SMAD4 suppressors, BRK and DACH1, which would have resulted in SMAD4 depletion and annulment of subsequent involvement in TGF-β signaling actions. Hence, miR-362 both negatively and positively regulates SMAD4 expression in TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway to suppress cell motility and invasiveness and metastasis, and may explain the reported clinical association of anti-miR-362 with suppressed metastasis in various cancers. MiR-362 knockdown in miR-362-positive cancer cells may be used as a therapeutic strategy to suppress metastasis.
  14. Fulltext Molecular-Signaling Pathways of Ginsenosides Rb in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: A Mini Review
    Ramli FF, Ali A, Ibrahim N'
    Int J Med Sci, 2022;19(1):65-73.
    PMID: 34975299 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.64984
    Reperfusion injury following myocardial ischemia remained a challenge for optimal treatment of myocardial infarction. Ginsenosides Rb (G-Rb), the primary components of ginsenoside, have been reported to exert cardioprotective effects via numerous mechanisms. G-Rb1 mediate cardioprotective effects via various signaling pathways, including mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, HIF-1α and GRF91, RhoA, p38α MAPK, and eNOS. G-Rb2 activates the SIRT-1 pathway, while G-Rb3 promotes both JNK-mediated NF-κB and PERK/Nrf2/HMOX1. Generally, ginsenosides Rb1, 2, and 3 modulates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, contributing to the improvement of structural, functional and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, G-Rb, particularly G-Rb1, have vast potential as a supplement in attenuating reperfusion injury. Translation into a clinical trial is warranted to confirm the beneficial effects of G-Rb.
  15. Fulltext Self-emulsified annatto tocotrienol improves bone histomorphometric parameters in a rat model of oestrogen deficiency through suppression of skeletal sclerostin level and RANKL/OPG ratio
    Mohamad NV, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(16):3665-3673.
    PMID: 34790038 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.64045
    Menopause is the leading cause of osteoporosis for elderly women due to imbalanced bone remodelling in the absence of oestrogen. The ability of tocotrienol in reversing established bone loss due to oestrogen deficiency remains unclear despite the plenitude of evidence showcasing its preventive effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of self-emulsified annatto tocotrienol (SEAT) on bone histomorphometry and remodelling in ovariectomised rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n=36) were randomly assigned into baseline, sham, ovariectomised (OVX) control, OVX-treated with annatto tocotrienol (AT) (60 mg/kg), SEAT (60 mg/kg) and raloxifene (1 mg/kg). Daily treatment given through oral gavage was started two months after castration. The rats were euthanised after eight weeks of treatment. Blood was collected for bone biomarkers. Femur and lumbar bones were collected for histomorphometry and remodelling markers. The results showed that AT and SEAT improved osteoblast numbers and trabecular mineralisation rate (p<0.05 vs untreated OVX). AT also decreased skeletal sclerostin expression in OVX rats (p<0.05 vs untreated OVX). Similar effects were observed in the raloxifene-treated group. Only SEAT significantly increased bone formation rate and reduced RANKL/OPG ratio (p<0.05 vs untreated OVX). However, no changes in osteoclast-related parameters were observed among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, SEAT exerts potential skeletal anabolic properties by increasing bone formation, suppressing sclerostin expression and reducing RANKL/OPG ratio in rats with oestrogen deficiency.
  16. Fulltext The Emerging Roles of π Subunit-Containing GABAA Receptors in Different Cancers
    Juvale IIA, Hassan Z, Has ATC
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(16):3851-3860.
    PMID: 34790061 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.60928
    Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both developed and developing countries. Due to its heterogenous nature, it occurs in various regions of the body and often goes undetected until later stages of disease progression. Feasible treatment options are limited because of the invasive nature of cancer and often result in detrimental side-effects and poor survival rates. Therefore, recent studies have attempted to identify aberrant expression levels of previously undiscovered proteins in cancer, with the hope of developing better diagnostic tools and pharmaceutical options. One class of such targets is the π-subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Although these receptors were discovered more than 20 years ago, there is limited information available. They possess atypical functional properties and are expressed in several non-neuronal tissues. Prior studies have highlighted the role of these receptors in the female reproductive system. New research focusing on the higher expression levels of these receptors in ovarian, breast, gastric, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, their physiological function in healthy individuals, and their pro-tumorigenic effects in these cancer types is reviewed here.
  17. Fulltext Ulcer Prevention Effect Of 3,4,5-Tihydroxy-N0-[(2-Methyl-1H-Indol-3yl)Methylidene]Benzohydrazide In HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage In Rats
    Tayeby F, Salman AAA, Kamran S, Khaing SL, Salehen NB, Mohan GMAD
    Int J Med Sci, 2017;14(13):1317-1326.
    PMID: 29200945 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.20984
    The newly synthesized, 3,4,5-Trihydroxy-N 0-[(2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methylidene] benzohydrazide (TIBH), is an indole and gallic acid derivative. The aim of this research investigation was to evaluate the acute toxicity and the ulcer prevention potential of TIBH in HCl/Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model. Six groups of rats were orally received 5ml/kg of vehicle (1 % Carboxy methyl cellulose) for the normal and ulcer control groups each, Omeprazole (20mg/kg) for positive control, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of TIBH for experimental groups, respectively. After one hour, instead of rats in the normal group which received 5ml/kg of 1% CMC, other groups received 5ml/kg of HCl/Ethanol. All rats were sacrificed after one additional hour. Gastric juice, gastric mucosa, morphologies of gastric ulcers and protein expressions of both control and treatment groups were evaluated. TIBH showed a ulcer prevention potential by increase of the mucus secretion, decrease of the gastric acidity, up-regulation of HSP70 protein, down-regulation of Bax protein, decrease of the lipid peroxidation and the increase of the Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in gastric tissue homogenate. Acute toxicity assay exposed valuable information on the safety of this compound. TIBH had a dose dependent ulcer prevention potential against HCl/Ethanol-triggered gastric ulcer.
  18. Fulltext Establishing an Animal Model of Secondary Osteoporosis by Using a Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist
    Mohamad NV, Che Zulkepli MAA, May Theseira K, Zulkifli N, Shahrom NQ, Ridzuan NAM, et al.
    Int J Med Sci, 2018;15(4):300-308.
    PMID: 29511366 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.22732
    Introduction: Orchidectomy is currently the preferred method to induce bone loss in preclinical male osteoporosis model. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists used in prostate cancer treatment can induce testosterone deficiency but its effects on bone in preclinical male osteoporosis model are less studied. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the skeletal effect of buserelin (a GnRH agonist) in male rats and compare it with orchidectomy. Methods: Forty-six three-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental arms. The baseline arm (n=6) was sacrificed at the onset of the study. In the buserelin arm, the rats received a daily subcutaneous injection of either normal saline (n=8), buserelin acetate at 25 µg/kg (n=8) or 75 µg/kg (n=8). In the orchidectomy arm, the rats were either sham-operated (n=8) or orchidectomized (n=8). All groups underwent in-vivo X-ray micro-computed tomography scanning at the left proximal tibia every month. Blood was collected at the beginning and the end of the study for testosterone level evaluation. The rats were euthanized after the three-month treatment. The femurs were harvested for biomechanical strength and bone calcium determination. Results: The results showed that buserelin at both doses caused a significant decline in testosterone level and deterioration in bone microstructure (p<0.05), but did not affect bone calcium content (p>0.05). Buserelin at 25 µg/kg decreased displacement and strain of the femur significantly (p<0.05). Similar changes were observed in the orchidectomized group compared to the sham-operated group but without any significant changes in biomechanical strength (p>0.05). Conclusion: Buserelin can induce testosterone deficiency and the associated deterioration of bone microarchitecture similar to orchidectomy in three months. However, it may require a longer time to show significant effects on bone strength and mineral content.
  19. Fulltext Volumetric evaluation of the sphenoid sinus among different races in the Southeast Asian (SEA) population: a computerized tomography study
    Tuang GJ, Zahedi FD, Husain S, Hamizan AKW, Kew TY, Thanabalan J
    Int J Med Sci, 2023;20(2):211-218.
    PMID: 36794158 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.68095
    Introduction: The fundament of forensic science lies in identifying a body. The morphological complexity of the paranasal sinus (PNS), which varies greatly amongst individual, possess a discriminatory value that potentially contributes to the radiological identification. The sphenoid bone represents the keystone of the skull and forms part of the cranial vault. It is intimately associated with vital neurovascular structures. The sphenoid sinus, located within the body of the sphenoid bone, has variable morphology. The sphenoid septum's inconsistent position and the degree, as well as the direction disparities of sinus pneumatization, have indeed accorded it a unique structure in providing invaluable information in forensic personnel identification. Additionally, the sphenoid sinus is situated deep within the sphenoid bone. Therefore, it is well protected from traumatic degradation from external causes and can be potentially utilized in forensic studies. The authors aim to study the possibility of variation among the race, and gender in the Southeast Asian (SEA) population, using volumetric measurements of the sphenoid sinus. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of computerized tomographic (CT) imaging of the PNS of 304 patients (167 males, 137 females) in a single centre. The volume of the sphenoid sinus was reconstructed and measured using commercial real-time segmentation software. Result: The total volume of sphenoid sinus of male gender had shown to be larger, 12.22 (4.93 - 21.09) cm3 compared to the counterpart of 10.19 (3.75 - 18.72) cm3 (p = .0090). The Chinese possessed a larger total sphenoid sinus volume, 12.96 (4.62 - 22.21) cm3) than the Malays, 10.68 (4.13 - 19.25) cm3 (p = .0057). No correlation was identified between the age and volume of the sinus (cc= -.026, p = .6559). Conclusion: The sphenoid sinus volume in males was found to be larger than those of females. It was also shown that race influences sinus volume. Volumetric analysis of the sphenoid sinus can potentially be utilized in gender and race determination. The current study provided normative data on the sphenoid sinus volume in the SEA region, which can be helpful for future studies.
  20. Fulltext Treatments of Sexual Dysfunction in Opioid Substitution Therapy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Ramli FF, Azizi MH, Syed Hashim SA
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(11):2372-2380.
    PMID: 33967614 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.57641
    Sexual dysfunction is a common condition in the opioid substitution therapy (OST) population. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment for sexual dysfunction in the OST population. We searched for interventional studies from Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. Three independent authors conducted a risk-of-bias assessment (RoB 2). A total of seven studies (five randomized-controlled trials, two quasi-experimental), including 473 patients with sexual dysfunction, were identified. Among these, three bupropion (n=207), one trazodone (n=75), two rosa Damascena (n=100), and one ginseng (n=91) studies had reported significantly improve various sexual functioning domains in both genders. In a meta-analysis, bupropion significantly increased male sexual function with standardized mean difference of 0.53; 95% confidence interval of 0.19-0.88; P < 0.01; I2=0. The adverse effects were minor for all agents, and no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups in randomized-controlled trials. These agents have a promising future as therapy for sexual dysfunction in the OST population. However, given the limited sample size and number of studies, further studies should be conducted to confirm the use of these agents.
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