Displaying publications 761 - 780 of 841 in total

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  1. Si LY, Kamisah Y, Ramalingam A, Lim YC, Budin SB, Zainalabidin S
    Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 2017 Jul;42(7):765-772.
    PMID: 28249121 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2016-0506
    Vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) plays an important role in the initiation of cardiovascular diseases. Roselle, enriched with antioxidants, demonstrates high potential in alleviating hypertension. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of roselle supplementation of VED and remodelling in a rodent model with prolonged nicotine administration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6 per group) were administered with 0.6 mg/kg nicotine for 28 days to induce VED. The rats were given either aqueous roselle (100 mg/kg) or normal saline orally 30 min prior to nicotine injection daily. One additional group of rats served as control. Thoracic aorta was isolated from rats to measure vascular reactivity, vascular remodelling and oxidative stress. Roselle significantly lowered aortic sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction (Endo-(+) Cmax = 234.5 ± 3.9%, Endo-(-) Cmax = 247.6 ± 5.2%) compared with untreated nicotine group (Endo-(+) Cmax = 264.5 ± 6.9%, Endo-(-) Cmax = 276.5 ± 6.8%). Roselle also improved aortic response to endothelium-dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine (Endo-(+) Rmax = 73.2 ± 2.1%, Endo-(-) Rmax = 26.2 ± 0.8%) compared to nicotine group (Endo-(+) Rmax = 57.8 ± 1.7%, Endo-(-) Rmax = 20.9 ± 0.8%). In addition, roselle prevented an increase in intimal media thickness and elastic lamellae proliferation to preserve vascular architecture. Moreover, we also observed a significantly lowered degree of oxidative stress in parallel with increased antioxidant enzymes in aortic tissues of the roselle-treated group. This study demonstrated that roselle prevents VED and remodelling, and as such it has high nutraceutical value as supplement to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  2. Mot YY, Othman I, Sharifah SH
    Stem Cell Res Ther, 2017 01 23;8(1):5.
    PMID: 28114965 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0457-2
    BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and Ophiophagus hannah L-amino acid oxidase (Oh-LAAO) have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Published data have indicated that synergistic antibacterial effects could be achieved by co-administration of two or more antimicrobial agents. However, this hypothesis has not been proven in a cell- and protein-based combination. In this study, we investigate if co-administration of adipose-derived MSCs and Oh-LAAO into a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds would be able to result in a synergistic antibacterial effect.

    METHODS: MSCs and Oh-LAAO were isolated and characterized by standard methodologies. The effects of the experimental therapies were evaluated in C57/BL6 mice. The animal study groups consisted of full-thickness uninfected and MRSA-infected wound models which received Oh-LAAO, MSCs, or both. Oh-LAAO was administered directly on the wound while MSCs were delivered via intradermal injections. The animals were housed individually with wound measurements taken on days 0, 3, and 7. Histological analyses and bacterial enumeration were performed on wound biopsies to determine the efficacy of each treatment.

    RESULTS: Immunophenotyping and differentiation assays conducted on isolated MSCs indicated expression of standard cell surface markers and plasticity which corresponds to published data. Characterization of Oh-LAAO by proteomics, enzymatic, and antibacterial assays confirmed the identity, purity, and functionality of the enzyme prior to use in our subsequent studies. Individual treatments with MSCs and Oh-LAAO in the infected model resulted in reduction of MRSA load by one order of magnitude to the approximate range of 6 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) compared to untreated controls (7.3 log10 CFU). Similar wound healing and improvements in histological parameters were observed between the two groups. Co-administration of MSCs and Oh-LAAO reduced bacterial burden by approximately two orders of magnitude to 5.1 log10 CFU. Wound closure measurements and histology analysis of biopsies obtained from the combinational therapy group indicated significant enhancement in the wound healing process compared to all other groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that co-administration of MSCs and Oh-LAAO into a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect which significantly reduced the bacterial count and accelerated the wound healing process.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  3. Abba Y, Hassim H, Hamzah H, Ibrahim OE, Mohd Lila MA, Noordin MM
    Microb Pathog, 2017 Mar;104:17-27.
    PMID: 28062291 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.01.003
    Boid inclusion body disease (BIBD) is a viral disease of boid snakes believed to be caused by reptarenavirus belonging to the family Arenaviridae. Unlike most mammalian arenaviruses, the reservoir host for reptarenavirus is still unknown. In this study, the pathological responses were evaluated in a mouse model for a period of 28 days. Blood and tissue samples (lung, liver, spleen, heart, kidney and brain) were collected for evaluation of hematology, biochemistry, histopathology and oxidative enzyme levels at six time points (1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days), after viral infection (2.0 × 10(6) pfu/mL) in the infected and normal saline in the control groups. An initial increase (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  4. Razali N, Agarwal R, Agarwal P, Froemming GRA, Tripathy M, Ismail NM
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2018 Nov 05;838:1-10.
    PMID: 30171854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.08.035
    Trans-resveratrol was earlier shown to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in rats; however, its mechanisms of action remain unclear. It has been shown to modulate adenosine receptor (AR) and TGF-β2 signaling, both of which play a role in regulating IOP. Hence, we investigated effects of trans-resveratrol on AR and TGF-β2 signaling. Steroid-induced ocular hypertensive (SIOH) rats were pretreated with A1AR, phospholipase C (PLC) and ERK1/2 inhibitors and were subsequently treated with single drop of trans-resveratrol. Metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 were measured in aqueous humor (AH). In another set of experiments, effect of trans-resveratrol on AH level of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) was determined after single and multiple drop administration in SIOH rats. Effect of trans-resveratrol on ARs expression, PLC and pERK1/2 activation and MMPs, tPA and uPA secretion was determined using human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). Further, effect of trans-resveratrol on TGF-β2 receptors, SMAD signaling molecules and uPA and tPA expression by HTMC was determined in the presence and absence of TGF-β2. Pretreatment with A1AR, PLC and ERK1/2 inhibitors antagonized the IOP lowering effect of trans-resveratrol and caused significant reduction in the AH level of MMP-2 in SIOH rats. Trans-resveratrol increased A1AR and A2AAR expression, cellular PLC, pERK1/2 levels and MMP-2, tPA and uPA secretion by HTMC. Additionally, it produced TGFβRI downregulation and SMAD 7 upregulation. In conclusion, IOP lowering effect of trans-resveratrol involves upregulation of A1AR expression, PLC and ERK1/2 activation and increased MMP-2 secretion. It downregulates TGFβRI and upregulates SMAD7 hence, inhibits TGF-β2 signaling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  5. Siti HN, Kamisah Y, Mohamed S, Jaarin K
    Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 2019 04;44(4):373-380.
    PMID: 30216735 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0175
    The prolonged intake of diet containing repeatedly heated vegetable oil can cause hypertension in the long run.
    In this study, the effects of citrus leaf extract (CLE) supplementation on vascular reactivity, plasma nitrite, and aortic structure in hypertensive rats were investigated by the consumption of repeatedly heated vegetable oil [corrected]. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 56) were divided into 7 groups corresponding to the respective diets. For 16 weeks, 1 group was given standard rat chow (control) while other groups were given diets containing 15% w/w of palm oil, fresh palm oil (FPO), palm oil heated 5 times (5HPO), and palm oil heated 10 times (10HPO), with or without the incorporation of 0.15% w/w CLE (FPO+CLE, 5HPO+CLE, or 10HPO+CLE). Plasma nitrite levels were measured before and at 16 weeks of treatment. After 16 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and aortae were harvested for measuring vascular reactivity and for microscopic study. CLE supplementation had significantly reduced the loss of plasma nitrite and attenuated the vasoconstriction response to phenylephrine in the 5HPO group but not in the 10HPO group. However, CLE had no significant effect on the vasorelaxation response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. The elastic lamellae of tunica media in 5HPO, 10HPO, and 10HPO+CLE groups appeared disorganised and disrupted. Obtained findings suggested that CLE was able to enhance nitric oxide bioavailability that might dampen the vasoconstriction effect of phenylephrine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  6. Ghanbari A, Zibara K, Salari S, Ghareghani M, Rad P, Mohamed W, et al.
    CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2018;17(7):528-538.
    PMID: 29968547 DOI: 10.2174/1871527317666180703111643
    BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The adolescent brain has a higher vulnerability to alcoholinduced neurotoxicity, compared to adult's brain. Most studies have investigated the effect of ethanol consumption on the body, however, methanol consumption, which peaked in the last years, is still poorly explored.

    METHOD: In this study, we investigated the effects of methanol neurotoxicity on memory function and pathological outcomes in the hippocampus of adolescent rats and examined the efficacy of Light- Emitting Diode (LED) therapy. Methanol induced neurotoxic rats showed a significant decrease in the latency period, in comparison to controls, which was significantly improved in LED treated rats at 7, 14 and 28 days, indicating recovery of memory function. In addition, methanol neurotoxicity in hippocampus caused a significant increase in cell death (caspase3+ cells) and cell edema at 7 and 28 days, which were significantly decreased by LED therapy. Furthermore, the number of glial fibrillary acid protein astrocytes was significantly lower in methanol rats, compared to controls, whereas LED treatment caused their significant increase. Finally, methanol neurotoxicity caused a significant decrease in the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF+) cells, but also circulating serum BDNF, at 7 and 28 days, compared to controls, which were significantly increased by LED therapy. Importantly, LED significantly increased the number of Ki-67+ cells and BDNF levels in the serum and hypothalamus in control-LED rats, compared to controls without LED therapy.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, chronic methanol administration caused severe memory impairments and several pathological outcomes in the hippocampus of adolescent rats which were improved by LED therapy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  7. Yee PTI, Tan SH, Ong KC, Tan KO, Wong KT, Hassan SS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 03 18;9(1):4805.
    PMID: 30886246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41285-z
    Besides causing mild hand, foot and mouth infections, Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is associated with neurological complications and fatality. With concerns about rising EV-A71 virulence, there is an urgency for more effective vaccines. The live attenuated vaccine (LAV) is a more valuable vaccine as it can elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses. A miRNA-based vaccine strain (pIY) carrying let-7a and miR-124a target genes in the EV-A71 genome which has a partial deletion in the 5'NTR (∆11 bp) and G64R mutation (3Dp°l) was designed. The viral RNA copy number and viral titers of the pIY strain were significantly lower in SHSY-5Y cells that expressed both let-7a and miR-124a. Inhibition of the cognate miRNAs expressed in RD and SHSY-5Y cells demonstrated de-repression of viral mRNA translation. A previously constructed multiply mutated strain, MMS and the pIY vaccine strain were assessed in their ability to protect 4-week old mice from hind limb paralysis. The MMS showed higher amounts of IFN-γ ex vivo than the pIY vaccine strain. There was absence of EV-A71 antigen in the skeletal muscles and spinal cord micrographs of mice vaccinated with the MMS and pIY strains. The MMS and pIY strains are promising LAV candidates developed against severe EV-A71 infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  8. Lew LC, Hor YY, Jaafar MH, Lau ASY, Ong JS, Chuah LO, et al.
    Benef Microbes, 2019 Dec 09;10(8):883-892.
    PMID: 31965837 DOI: 10.3920/BM2019.0058
    This study aimed to evaluate the anti-ageing effects of different strains of lactobacilli putative probiotics on an ageing rat model as induced by D-galactose and a high fat diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with high fat diet (54% kcal fat) and injected with D-galactose daily for 12 weeks to induce ageing. The effects of putative probiotic strains on age-related impairment such as telomere length, plasma lipid peroxidation, hepatic 5'adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression, as well as endurance performance were evaluated. Administration of statin, Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 (LP-DR7), Lactobacillus fermentum DR9 (LF-DR9), and Lactobacillus reuteri 8513d (LR-8513d) significantly reduced the shortening of telomere and increased the expression of AMPK subunit-α1 (P<0.05). Plasma lipid peroxidation was lower (P<0.05) in groups administered with statin and LF-DR9 as compared to the control. AMPK subunit-α2 was elevated in rats administered with LP-DR7 as compared to the control (P<0.05). Using an in vivo ageing rat model, the current study has illustrated the potentials of lactobacilli putative probiotics in alleviation of age-related impairment in a strain-dependent manner.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  9. Tiang N, Ahad MA, Murugaiyah V, Hassan Z
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2020 Nov;72(11):1629-1644.
    PMID: 32743849 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13345
    OBJECTIVES: Xanthones isolated from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effect.

    METHODS: In this study, the effect of xanthone-enriched fraction of Garcinia mangostana (XEFGM) and α-mangostin (α-MG) were investigated on cognitive functions of the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rats.

    KEY FINDINGS: HPLC analysis revealed that XEFGM contained 55.84% of α-MG. Acute oral administration of XEFGM (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and α-MG (25 and 50 mg/kg) before locomotor activity and Morris water maze (MWM) tests showed no significant difference between the groups for locomotor activity.

    CONCLUSIONS: However, α-MG (50 mg/kg) and XEFGM (100 mg/kg) reversed the cognitive impairment induced by CCH in MWM test. α-MG (50 mg/kg) was further tested upon sub-acute 14-day treatment in CCH rats. Cognitive improvement was shown in MWM test but not in long-term potentiation (LTP). BDNF but not CaMKII was found to be down-regulated in CCH rats; however, both parameters were not affected by α-MG. In conclusion, α-MG ameliorated learning and memory deficits in both acute and sub-acute treatments in CCH rats by improving the spatial learning but not hippocampal LTP. Hence, α-MG may be a promising lead compound for CCH-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  10. Li H, Zhao L, Lau YS, Zhang C, Han R
    Oncogene, 2021 01;40(1):177-188.
    PMID: 33110234 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01523-5
    Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and women. Around 20% colon cancer cases are closely linked with colitis. Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to contribute to colon inflammation and tumor development. However, the genetic factors regulating colitis and colon tumorigenesis remain elusive. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) is vitally involved in tissue inflammation and tumorigenesis, here we employed a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening approach to systemically identify the genetic factors involved in the regulation of oxidative stress. Next generation sequencing (NGS) showed that over 600 gRNAs including the ones targeting LGALS2 were highly enriched in cells survived after sublethal H2O2 challenge. LGALS2 encodes the glycan-binding protein Galectin 2 (Gal2), which is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and downregulated in human colon tumors. To examine the role of Gal2 in colitis, we employed the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis model in mice with (WT) or without Lgals2 (Gal2-KO) and showed that Gal2 deficiency ameliorated DSS-induced colitis. We further demonstrated that Gal2-KO mice developed significantly larger tumors than WT mice using Azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colorectal cancer model. We found that STAT3 phosphorylation was significantly increased in Gal2-deficient tumors as compared to those in WT mice. Gal2 overexpression decreased the proliferation of human colon tumor epithelial cells and blunted H2O2-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Overall, our results demonstrate that Gal2 plays a suppressive role in colon tumor growth and highlights the therapeutic potential of Gal2 in colon cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  11. Wu X, Zhang S, Lai J, Lu H, Sun Y, Guan W
    Exp Clin Transplant, 2020 12;18(7):823-831.
    PMID: 33349209 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2020.0108
    OBJECTIVES: Liver fibrosis is inevitable in the healing process of liver injury. Liver fibrosis will develop into liver cirrhosis unless the damaging factors are removed. This study investigated the potential therapy of Bama pig adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis Institute of Cancer Research strain mice model.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were injected intravenously into the tails of mice of the Institute of Cancer Research strain that had been treated with carbon tetrachloride for 4 weeks. Survival rate, migration, and proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the liver were observed by histochemistry, fluorescent labeling, and serological detection.

    RESULTS: At 1, 2, and 3 weeks after adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell injection, liver fibrosis was significantly ameliorated. The injected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells had hepatic differentiation potential in vivo, and the survival rate of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells declined over time.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study confirmed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells derived from the Bama pig can be used in the treatment of liver fibrosis, and the grafted adipose-derived mesenchy-mal stem cells can migrate, survive, and differentiate into hepatic cells in vivo.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  12. Ramalingam A, Budin SB, Mohd Fauzi N, Ritchie RH, Zainalabidin S
    Sci Rep, 2021 07 05;11(1):13845.
    PMID: 34226619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93234-4
    Long-term nicotine intake is associated with an increased risk of myocardial damage and dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) prevents nicotine-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of mitoTEMPO (a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant), and resveratrol (a sirtuin activator) , on nicotine-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 0.6 mg/kg nicotine daily with 0.7 mg/kg mitoTEMPO, 8 mg/kg resveratrol, or vehicle alone for 28 days. At the end of the study, rat hearts were collected to analyze the cardiac structure, mitochondrial ROS level, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers. A subset of rat hearts was perfused ex vivo to determine the cardiac function and myocardial susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nicotine administration significantly augmented mitochondrial ROS level, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation in rat hearts. Nicotine administration also induced left ventricular dysfunction, which was worsened by ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat hearts. MitoTEMPO and resveratrol both significantly attenuated the adverse cardiac remodeling induced by nicotine, as well as the aggravation of postischemic ventricular dysfunction. Findings from this study show that targeting mitochondrial ROS with mitoTEMPO or resveratrol partially attenuates nicotine-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  13. Khan MA, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Abdulla MH, Salman IM, Kazi RN, et al.
    Kidney Blood Press Res, 2009;32(5):349-59.
    PMID: 19844130 DOI: 10.1159/000249149
    This study investigated the impact of hypertension combined with diabetic nephropathy on rat renal alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype composition.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  14. Ho WY, Yeap S, Liang WS, Beh BK, Mohamad N, Alitheen NB
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2015 Jan;28(1):15-22.
    PMID: 25553678
    Vernonia amygdalina is a strong natural antioxidant that possessed various medicinal properties. In this study, the spray-dried water extract of V. amygdalina was evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant capacity and in vivo hepatoprotective effect against alcoholic-mediated liver damage. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of spray-dried V. amygdalina water extract were determined. Liver enzyme profiles, liver antioxidant level and nitric oxide level were evaluated in alcohol-induced liver injured mice or co-supplement with spray-dried V. amydalina. Water extract of spray-dried V. amygalina that contained phenolic content of 24.8±1.5 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid content of 25.7±1.3 mg/g catechin equivalent was able to inhibit 50% of xanthine and tyrosinase oxidation at 170 μg/ml and 2 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, extracts at both 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight were able to reduce the levels of Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate transaminase (AST), triglyceride and total bilirubin content inthe alcohol-mediated liver injury in mice. Furthermore, it also helped to increase levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reduce the levels of Nitric oxide (NO) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of the treated mice. These resultssuggestedthat water extract of spray-dried V. amygdalina exhibited liver protective effect, which could be contributed by its antioxidant properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  15. Jayachandra S, D'Souza UJ
    PMID: 23758154
    The objective of this study was to study the possible reproductive adverse effects of the diazinon on rat offspring exposed in utero and during lactation. Dams were gavaged daily (10, 15, and 30 mg/kg) before mating, during mating, and during pregnancy and lactation in separate groups. Reproductive outcome data of dams were examined. Body weight, testis weight, testicular marker enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), qualitative and quantitative testicular and epididymal histology, and immunohistochemisty for 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) were examined in male offspring at puberty and adulthood. The 30-mg/kg dose induced significant adverse effects at both puberty and adulthood in offspring. At puberty the male offspring showed a decrease in testicular weight, degenerative changes, and 3-β-HSD. Moreover, an increase in activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase also was observed. At adulthood, there was a decrease in testicular weight and 3-β-HSD with an increase in the levels of testicular marker enzyme. There was evidence of some adverse reproductive effects in male offspring at the 15-mg/kg dose. Most of the adverse effects were irreversible and were evident at both puberty and adulthood in offspring, although a few parameters reverted back to the normal growth pattern. Hence, diazinon is a reproductive toxicant in male offspring, which caused significant damage to the testes when exposed during prenatal and postnatal life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Animal
  16. Juvale IIA, Che Has AT
    J Mol Neurosci, 2021 Jul;71(7):1338-1355.
    PMID: 33774758 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01825-7
    Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined as a set of abnormal brain developmental conditions marked by the early childhood onset of cognitive, behavioral, and functional deficits leading to memory and learning problems, emotional instability, and impulsivity. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Down's syndrome are a few known examples of neurodevelopmental disorders. Although they are relatively common in both developed and developing countries, very little is currently known about their underlying molecular mechanisms. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Current diagnostic and screening tests for neurodevelopmental disorders are not reliable; hence, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders are often diagnosed in the later stages. This negatively affects their prognosis and quality of life, prompting the need for a better diagnostic biomarker. Recent studies on microRNAs and their altered regulation in diseases have shed some light on the possible role they could play in the development of the central nervous system. This review attempts to elucidate our current understanding of the role that microRNAs play in neurodevelopmental disorders with the hope of utilizing them as potential biomarkers in the future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  17. Chen SP, Lin SR, Chen TH, Ng HS, Yim HS, Leong MK, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2021 Dec;144:112333.
    PMID: 34678724 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112333
    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is concomitant with significant morbidity and mortality and its prevalence is accumulative in worldwide. The conventional antidiabetic agents are known to mitigate the symptoms of diabetes; however, they may also cause side and adverse effects. There is an imperative necessity to conduct preclinical and clinical trials for the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents that can overcome the drawbacks of current synthetic antidiabetic drugs. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of lowering blood glucose and underlined mechanism of γ-mangostin, mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) xanthones. The results showed γ-Mangostin had a antihyperglycemic ability in short (2 h)- and long-term (28 days) administrations to diet-induced diabetic mice. The long-term administration of γ-mangostin attenuated fasting blood glucose of diabetic mice and exhibited no hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Moreover, AMPK, PPARγ, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were found to be the potential targets for simulating binds with γ-mangostin after molecular docking. To validate the docking results, the inhibitory potency of γ-mangostin againstα-amylase/α-glucosidase was higher than Acarbose via enzymatic assay. Interestingly, an allosteric relationship between γ-mangostin and insulin was also found in the glucose uptake of VSMC, FL83B, C2C12, and 3T3-L1 cells. Taken together, the results showed that γ-mangostin exerts anti-hyperglycemic activity through promoting glucose uptake and reducing saccharide digestion by inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase with insulin sensitization, suggesting that γ-mangostin could be a new clue for drug discovery and development to treat diabetes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  18. Sok SPM, Ori D, Wada A, Okude H, Kawasaki T, Momota M, et al.
    Int Immunol, 2021 06 18;33(7):373-386.
    PMID: 33830232 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab016
    The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing (NLRP) 3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that triggers Caspase-1-mediated IL-1β production and pyroptosis, and its dysregulation is associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. 1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is a natural compound in the rhizome of tropical ginger Alpinia species with anti-microbial, anti-allergic and anti-cancer properties. In this study, we found that ACA suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and human THP-1 monocytes. ACA inhibited Caspase-1 activation and IL-1β production by NLRP3 agonists such as nigericin, monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, and ATP. Moreover, it suppressed oligomerization of the adapter molecule, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and Caspase-1-mediated cleavage of pyroptosis executor Gasdermin D. Mechanistically, ACA inhibited generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevented release of oxidized mitochondrial DNA, which trigger NLRP3 inflammasome activation. ACA also prevented NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo, as evidenced in the MSU crystal-induced peritonitis and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse models accompanied by decreased Caspase-1 activation. Thus, ACA is a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome for prevention of NLRP3-associated inflammatory diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  19. Ahmad Nazri KA, Haji Mohd Saad Q, Mohd Fauzi N, Buang F, Jantan I, Jubri Z
    Pharm Biol, 2021 Dec;59(1):1203-1215.
    PMID: 34493166 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1970199
    CONTEXT: Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (Asteraceae) has been reported to have various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory effects.

    OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether Gynura procumbens (GP) could improve vascular reactivity by suppressing inflammation in postmenopausal rats fed with five-times heated palm oil (5HPO) diet.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham [non-ovariectomized; grouped as control, GP extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg), atorvastatin (ATV, 10 mg/kg)] and postmenopausal (PM) groups [ovariectomized rats fed with 5HPO; grouped as PM, GP extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) and ATV (10 mg/kg)]. Each group (n = 6) was either supplemented with GP extract or ATV orally once daily for 6 months.

    RESULTS: In comparison with the untreated PM group, 250 and 500 mg/kg GP supplementation to PM groups reduced the systolic blood pressure (103 ± 2.7, 86 ± 2.4 vs. 156 ± 7.83 mmHg, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  20. Chin KY, Pang KL
    Nutrients, 2017 Sep 26;9(10).
    PMID: 28954409 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101060
    Osteoarthritis is a major cause of morbidity among the elderly worldwide. It is a disease characterized by localized inflammation of the joint and destruction of cartilage, leading to loss of function. Impaired chondrocyte repair mechanisms, due to inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy, play important roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Olive and its derivatives, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and autophagy-enhancing activities, are suitable candidates for therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the effects of olive and its derivatives, on osteoarthritis and chondrocytes. The literature on animal and human studies has demonstrated a beneficial effect of olive and its derivatives on the progression of osteoarthritis. In vitro studies have suggested that the augmentation of autophagy (though sirtuin-1) and suppression of inflammation by olive polyphenols could contribute to the chondroprotective effects of olive polyphenols. More research and well-planned clinical trials are required to justify the use of olive-based treatment in osteoarthritis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
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