MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic ADSCs were treated with DFO and compared to normal and non-treated diabetic ADSCs for expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, FGF-2 and SDF-1, at mRNA and protein levels, using qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA assay. Activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 were measured using a gelatin zymography assay. Angiogenic potential of conditioned media derived from normal, DFO-treated and non-treated diabetic ADSCs were determined by in vitro (in HUVECs) and in vivo experiments including scratch assay, three-dimensional tube formation testing and surgical wound healing models.

RESULTS: DFO remarkably enhanced expression of noted genes by mRNA and protein levels and restored activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9. Compromised angiogenic potential of conditioned medium derived from diabetic ADSCs was restored by DFO both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

BACKGROUND: Channa striatus, also known as haruan, is a fresh water snakehead fish consumed in many parts of Southeast Asia. Channa striatus is also normally consumed by women postpartum to promote wound healing as well as to reduce post-operative pain.

METHODOLOGY: This study is a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in women after Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS). Subjects were randomised to either a Channa striatus or a placebo group and were given a daily dosage of 500 mg of Channa striatus extract or 500 mg maltodextrin, respectively, for six weeks post LSCS. The anteroposterior measurements of the uterus in the longitudinal and oblique transverse planes, and the pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) of the uterine and superficial skin wound arteries were assessed using pelvic Gray-scale ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound at baseline (Day 3) and at two weeks, four weeks and six weeks post-operatively.

RESULTS: Sixty-six subjects were randomised into the study with 33 in the Channa striatus group and 33 in the placebo group. No significant differences were detected in terms of the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistive index (RI) of the uterine and superficial skin wound arteries between the Channa striatus and placebo groups. However, in the Channa striatus group, the AP measurements of the uterus on the longitudinal and oblique transverse planes were significantly lower compared to the placebo group (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Daily intake of Channa striatus extract results in marked differences compared to placebo in terms of uterine involution and recovery in women post LSCS.

METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were given a 3 centimeter infra-umbilical laparotomy wound, in`flicted on their abdomen. The colonic transection was performed at 5 cm distal to caecum, with end to end anastomosis of colon segment. They were divided into two groups. Group I was fed with standard rat chow and water. Meanwhile, Group II apart from standard feed, was also given TH 1.0 g/kg every morning until day seven post operatively. Afterwards, anastomotic bursting pressures were measured and histopathological examination on the anastomosis line was performed with light microscopes. The data from two groups were analyzed by Independent paired t test for continuous variables.

RESULTS: It was found that the tensile strength of colon anastomosis (95 % CI; p = <0.001) and the histopathological study including fibroblast count (p = <0.001) and inflammatory cells (p = 0.002) showed statistically significant difference in the favor of TH-treated group. Meanwhile, neovascularization formation was not statistically significant (p = 0.807); however, the overall count in the TH group was high.