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Fulltext Effects of Extraction Methods on the Bioactivities and Nutritional Value of Virginia and Valencia-Type Peanut Oil

Idrissi ZLE, El Moudden H, Mghazli N, Bouyahya A, Guezzane CE, Alshahrani MM, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Nov 09;27(22).
PMID: 36431807 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227709

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of peanut varieties cultivated in Morocco (Virginia and Valencia) and extraction methods (cold press, CP; Soxhlet, Sox and maceration, and Mac) on the fatty acid profile, phytosterol, and tocopherol contents, quality characteristics, and antioxidant potential of peanut seed oil. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the oils. The results revealed that fatty acid content was slightly affected by the extraction technique. However, the CP method was shown to be an excellent approach for extracting oil with desirable quality features compared to the Sox and Mac methods. Furthermore, the peanut oil extracted via CP carried a higher amount of bioactive compounds and exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities. The findings also revealed higher oleic acid levels from the Virginia oil, ranging from 56.46% to 56.99%. Besides, a higher total phytosterol and tocopherol content and DPPH scavenging capacity were obtained from the Valencia oil. Analyzing the study, it can be inferred that extraction method and variety both affect the composition of the peanut oil's bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. This information is relevant for extracting peanut oil with a greater level of compounds of industrial interest.
Fulltext Variations in Antioxidant Capacity, Oxidative Stability, and Physicochemical Quality Parameters of Walnut (Juglans regia) Oil with Roasting and Accelerated Storage Conditions

Elouafy Y, El Idrissi ZL, El Yadini A, Harhar H, Alshahrani MM, Al Awadh AA, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Nov 09;27(22).
PMID: 36431794 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227693

Walnut oil, like all vegetable oils, is chemically unstable because of the sensitivity of its unsaturated fatty acids to the oxidation phenomenon. This phenomenon is based on a succession of chemical reactions, under the influence of temperature or storage conditions, that always lead to a considerable change in the quality of the oil by promoting the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids through the degradation of their C-C double bonds, leading to the formation of secondary oxidation products that reduce the nutritional values of the oil. This research examines the oxidative stability of roasted and unroasted cold-pressed walnut oils under accelerated storage conditions. The oxidative stability of both oils was evaluated using physicochemical parameters: chemical composition (fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols), pigment content (chlorophyll and carotenoids), specific extinction coefficients (K232 and K270), and quality indicators (acid and peroxide value) as well as the evaluation of radical scavenging activity by the DPPH method. The changes in these parameters were evaluated within 60 days at 60 ± 2 °C. The results showed that the levels of total phytosterols, the parameters of the acid and peroxide value, K232 and K270, increased slightly for both oils as well as the total tocopherol content and the antioxidant activity affected by the roasting process. In contrast, the fatty acid profiles did not change considerably during the 60 days of our study. After two months of oil treatment at 60 °C, the studied oils still showed an excellent physicochemical profile, which allows us to conclude that these oils are stable and can withstand such conditions. This may be due to the considerable content of tocopherols (vitamin E), which acts as an antioxidant.
Fulltext Influence of the Extraction Method on the Quality and Chemical Composition of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Oil

Elouafy Y, El Yadini A, El Moudden H, Harhar H, Alshahrani MM, Awadh AAA, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Nov 08;27(22).
PMID: 36431782 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227681

The present study investigated and compared the quality and chemical composition of Moroccan walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil. This study used three extraction techniques: cold pressing (CP), soxhlet extraction (SE), and ultrasonic extraction (UE). The findings showed that soxhlet extraction gave a significantly higher oil yield compared to the other techniques used in this work (65.10% with p < 0.05), while cold pressing and ultrasonic extraction gave similar yields: 54.51% and 56.66%, respectively (p > 0.05). Chemical composition analysis was carried out by GC−MS and allowed 11 compounds to be identified, of which the major compound was linoleic acid (C18:2), with a similar percentage (between 57.08% and 57.84%) for the three extractions (p > 0.05). Regarding the carotenoid pigment, the extraction technique significantly affected its content (p < 0.05) with values between 10.11 mg/kg and 14.83 mg/kg. The chlorophyll pigment presented a similar content in both oils extracted by SE and UE (p > 0.05), 0.20 mg/kg and 0.16 mg/kg, respectively, while the lowest content was recorded in the cold-pressed oil with 0.13 mg/kg. Moreover, the analysis of phytosterols in walnut oil revealed significantly different contents (p < 0.05) for the three extraction techniques (between 1168.55 mg/kg and 1306.03 mg/kg). In addition, the analyses of tocopherol composition revealed that γ-tocopherol represented the main tocopherol isomer in all studied oils and the CP technique provided the highest content of total tocopherol with 857.65 mg/kg, followed by SE and UE with contents of 454.97 mg/kg and 146.31 mg/kg, respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.05). This study presents essential information for producers of nutritional oils and, in particular, walnut oil; this information helps to select the appropriate method to produce walnut oil with the targeted quality properties and chemical compositions for the desired purpose. It also helps to form a scientific basis for further research on this plant in order to provide a vision for the possibility of exploiting these oils in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food fields.
Fulltext In Vitro Influence of ZnO, CrZnO, RuZnO, and BaZnO Nanomaterials on Bacterial Growth

Abdallah EM, Modwi A, Al-Mijalli SH, Mohammed AE, Idriss H, Omar AS, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Nov 28;27(23).
PMID: 36500402 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238309

In this work, ZnO, CrZnO, RuZnO, and BaZnO nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized in order to study their antibacterial activity. The agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were used to determine the antibacterial activity of the fabricated nanomaterials against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC35218, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 7000603, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 278533. The well-diffusion test revealed significant antibacterial activity against all investigated bacteria when compared to vancomycin at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The most susceptible bacteria to BaZnO, RuZnO, and CrZnO were Staphylococcus aureus (15.5 ± 0.5 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.2 ± 0.5 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.7 ± 0.5), respectively. The MIC values indicated that they were in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 mg/mL. The MBC values showed that the tested bacteria's growth could be inhibited at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 mg/mL. According to the MBC/MIC ratio, BaZnO, RuZnO, and CrZnO exhibit bacteriostatic effects and may target bacterial protein synthesis based on the results of the tolerance test. This study shows the efficacy of the above-mentioned nanoparticles on bacterial growth. Further biotechnological and toxicological studies on the nanoparticles fabricated here are recommended to benefit from these findings.
Fulltext A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Properties and Bioactive Components of Retama monosperma

El Yadini A, Elouafy Y, Amiri-Ardekani E, Shafiee M, Firouzi A, Sasani N, et al.

Molecules, 2023 Feb 10;28(4).
PMID: 36838696 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041708

Retama monosperma L. (Boiss.) or Genista monosperma L. (Lam.), known locally as "R'tam", is a spontaneous and annual herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean regions, specifically in the desert areas and across the Middle Atlas in Morocco. This plant has been extensively used in folk medicine and it is rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Current research efforts are focusing on the development of novel natural drugs as alternatives to various organic and non-organic chemical products from Retama monosperma. In addition, extract, and isolated compounds obtained from different parts of the chosen plant have been described to exhibit multiple biological and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-helminthic, disinfectant, diuretic, and hypoglycemic effects. The plant-derived extract also acts as an antimicrobial agent, which is highly efficient in the treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Its antiproliferative effects are associated with some mechanisms, such as the inhibition of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In light of these assessments, we critically highlight the beneficial effects of the flowers, stems, seeds extracts, and isolated compounds from R. monosperma (L.) Boiss in human health care, industrial, and other applications, as well as the possible ways to be employed as a potential natural source for future drug discovery.
Fulltext How Internet Websites Portray Herbal Vitality Products Containing Eurycoma longifolia Jack: An Evaluation of the Quality and Risks of Online Information

Wahab MSA, Abd Hamid NN, Yassen AO, Naim MJ, Ahamad J, Zulkifli NW, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 20;19(19).
PMID: 36231154 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911853

BACKGROUND: Tongkat Ali (TA) or Eurycoma longifolia is a herbal medicine (HM) plant traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunction and enhance libido in men. Websites containing information about HM are abundant. However, studies have shown that in general the quality of websites containing information on HM is low. The present study aims to assess the quality and risks of websites containing information about TA supplements and to identify the health claims for TA.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study to evaluate the quality and risks of websites discussing TA supplements was conducted. Online marketing websites, research articles, news articles, personal opinions, and those restricted by password were excluded. The quality and risks of websites were assessed using a modified DISCERN tool and a set of risk assessment criteria, respectively. The health claims for TA were identified and analyzed using content analysis.
RESULTS: Overall, 321 websites met the inclusion criteria and were further evaluated. The overall rating of the quality of the websites was low, with a mean score ± standard deviation of 1.07 ± 0.51. Most websites lacked information that there may be more than one possible treatment choice and did not discuss areas of uncertainty. However, 67.9% (218/321) of the websites received a risk score of zero. A minority of websites (5/321, 1.6%) discouraged the use of conventional medicines. The most common health claims for TA included in the websites related to the enhancement of testosterone level (121/321, 37.7%), treatment of malaria (112/321, 34.9%), and improvement in libido (108/321, 33.6%).
CONCLUSIONS: Websites containing information about TA supplements generally have a low-quality rating based on a modified DISCERN tool despite having a low-risk score. Government agencies and healthcare professionals (HCPs) must be more proactive in the critique and dissemination of information relating to HM, and in ensuring the safe use of HM among the public and patients.
Fulltext Association between Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Metabolic Disorders in Middle-Aged Women of Ksar el Kebir (Morocco)

Harraqui K, Oudghiri DE, Mrabti HN, Hannoun Z, Lee LH, Assaggaf H, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Jan 18;20(3).
PMID: 36767104 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031739

This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA), body composition, and metabolic disorders in a population of Moroccan women classified by menopausal status. This cross-sectional study comprised 373 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 45-64 years old. PA levels were assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Body composition and metabolic disorders were assessed by measurements of anthropometric and biological parameters: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), WC/HC ratio, percent body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and serum lipids (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, and LDL-C). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Pearson correlations were used to test for associations. The mean total PA score of perimenopausal women was 1683.51 ± 805.36 MET-min/week, and of postmenopausal women was 1450.81 ± 780.67 MET-min/week. In all participants, peri- and postmenopausal women, PA was significantly and inversely associated with BMI, weight, percent body fat, HC, WC, and number of MetS components (p < 0.01), and with fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, and LDL-C (p < 0.05). The frequencies of metabolic disorders, obesity, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and MetS were significantly lower at moderate and intense levels of PA (p < 0.05), in also all participants. In middle-aged women, particularly those who are peri-menopausal, PA at moderate and intense levels is associated with more favorable body composition and less frequent metabolic disorders. However, in this particular study, PA does not appear to be associated with blood pressure and HDL-C concentrations. Future studies may be needed to further clarify these findings.
Fulltext Targeted Primary and Secondary Preventive Strategies for Depression among Malaysian Pharmacy Students

A Wahab I, Goh KW, Zainal ZA, Mohamed Yusof NS, Huri HZ, Jacob SA, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Aug 05;19(15).
PMID: 35954990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159629

The global depression burden has remained a challenge throughout the pre- and post-pandemic era. The pandemic effect has led to the spiraling of mental disorders among young people who will be the next generation of leaders. This study aims to identify university students’ sociodemographic, psychosocial and academic backgrounds and performance associated with depression symptoms for the development of primary and secondary preventive strategies for mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to 19 institutions in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program. The self-rated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression symptoms. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the investigated variables with depression symptoms. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare means of depression score across variables. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the investigated variables and depression symptoms. A total of 610 pharmacy students participated, of which 47% (n = 289/610) were having depression symptoms. Students who smoke nicotine and those who have separated parents, family history of mental illness, and poor academic performance were associated with depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Differences in geographical areas, race and religion also showed significant associations with depression symptoms. Parental marital status, poor academic performance, history of mental illness and comorbidities were statistically predicting depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Primary preventive strategies allowing students to harness healthy coping skills for stress, nicotine-free campaigns and a holistic curriculum are warranted. Secondary measures on mindfulness and compassion skills activities to benefit students who experienced early life crises are highly recommended. Enforcing these targeted strategies in collaboration with health and social sectors should be the primary agenda of universities to ensure their uptake.
Fulltext Unlocking the combined action of Mentha pulegium L. essential oil and Thym honey: In vitro pharmacological activities, molecular docking, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effect

Assaggaf H, El Hachlafi N, Elbouzidi A, Taibi M, Benkhaira N, El Kamari F, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Jun 15;10(11):e31922.
PMID: 38947443 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31922

Mentha pulegium L., a plant widely embraced for its therapeutic properties by populations worldwide, including Morocco, has long been recognized for its potential in treating various ailments. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermatoprotective properties of essential oil derived from M. pulegium, and thyme honey as well as their combined effects. To unravel the chemical composition, a rigorous GC-MS analysis was conducted. Subsequently, we examined their antioxidant potential through three distinct assays: DPPH●, hydrogen peroxide assay, and xanthine oxidase assay. The anti-inflammatory properties were scrutinized through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Simultaneously, the dermatoprotective efficacy was investigated in vitro by evaluating tyrosinase inhibition. Our findings revealed that pulegone constitutes the predominant compound in M. pulegium essential oil (MPEO), constituting a remarkable 74.82 % of the composition. Significantly, when the essential oil was combined with thym honey, it exhibited superior anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective effects across all in vivo and in vitro tests. Moreover, our in silico molecular docking analysis hinted at the potential role of cyclohexanone, 3-methyl, an element found in the MPEO, in contributing to the observed outcomes. While this study has unveiled promising results regarding the combined in vitro, in vivo and in silico biological activities of the essential oil and honey, it is imperative to delve further into the underlying mechanisms through additional experimentation and alternative experimental methods. Understanding these mechanisms in greater detail will not only enhance our comprehension of the therapeutic potential but also pave the way for the development of innovative treatments and applications rooted in the synergy of these natural compounds. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to test different possible combinations using experimental design model. Moreover, it would be better to test the effect of single compounds of MPEO to clearly elucidate their efficiency. MPEO alone or combined with thyme honey may be a useful for the development of novel biopharmaceuticals.
Fulltext Recent advances and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer, with focus on bioactive compounds targeting

Bakrim S, El Hachlafi N, Khalid A, Abdalla AN, El Omari N, Aboulaghras S, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Aug;177:116886.
PMID: 38945700 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116886

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant forms of human cancer. It is characterized by its heterogeneity because several molecular factors are involved in contiguity and can link it to others without having a linear correlation. Among the factors influencing tumor transformation in CRC, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a key promoter role. This factor is associated with human colorectal tumors with a very high prognosis: it increases the survival, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells, thus functioning as an oncogene. The inhibition of this factor can constitute a major therapeutic route for CRC treatment. Various chemical drugs including synthetic molecules and biotherapies have been developed as TGF-β inhibitors. Moreover, the scientific community has recently shown a major interest in screening natural drugs inhibiting TGF-β in CRC. In this context, we carried out this review article using computerized databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, to highlight the molecular mechanism of TGF-β in CRC induction and progression and current advances in the pharmacodynamic effects of natural bioactive substances targeting TGF-β in CRC.
Fulltext Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity

Assaggaf H, Jeddi M, Mrabti HN, Ez-Zoubi A, Qasem A, Attar A, et al.

Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 22;14(1):9195.
PMID: 38649707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59708-x

The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while D-carvone (62.09%) and D-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, β-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.
Phytochemical characterization and nutritional value of vegetable oils from ripe berries of Schinus terebinthifolia raddi and Schinus molle L., through extraction methods

Belhoussaine O, El Kourchi C, Harhar H, El Moudden H, El Yadini A, Ullah R, et al.

Food Chem X, 2024 Oct 30;23:101580.
PMID: 39027685 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101580

The aims of this study are the phytochemical exploration and food valorization of Schinus molle L. (S. molle) and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (S. terebinthifolia) from the Rabat, Morocco. Gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the chemical composition of the oils extracted from both species by soxhlet and maceration. Moreover, physicochemical characteristics such as lipid quality indexes such as thrombogenic index (TI), atherogenic index (AI), oxidation susceptibility (OS), and calculated oxidability (Cox) were determined. These characteristics included percentage acidity, peroxide, saponification, iodine, specific extinction values, chlorophyll, and carotenoid pigments. As results, the oil yields varied from 7% (S. molle) to 13% (S. terebinthifolia). In addition, unsaturated fatty acids represented the major fraction for S. terebinthifolia (79%) and S. molle (81%). However, S. terebinthifolia contains more saturated fatty acids (20%) than S. molle (16%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (59.53% and 55%, C18,2), oleic acid (19.29% and 21.69%, C18,1), and palmitic acid (12.56% and 15.48%, C16,0) in S. molle and S. terebinthifolia, respectively. Moreover, the main sterols are β-sitosterol followed by campesterol and then Δ-5-avenasterol, while β-sitosterol varies according to the species and the extraction method. Results revealed also that campesterol is influenced by the extraction results in a content of 179.66 mg/kg (soxhlet) and 63.48 mg/kg (maceration) for S. molle, while S. terebinthifolia yeilds concentrations of 170 mg/kg and 138 mg/kg, then Δ-5-avenasterol, which present with (117 mg/kg and 136 mg/kg), (34 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) of the total amount of sterols for the oils extracted by soxhlet and maceration, respectively. In addition, there are favorable physicochemical properties for all oils, such as chlorophylls (0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg) and carotenoids (0.7 to 2 mg/kg). However, further investigations are needed to determine other chemical compounds of both extracts as well as to evaluate their biological and health benefits.
Fulltext Pharmacotherapeutics Applications and Chemistry of Chalcone Derivatives

Dhaliwal JS, Moshawih S, Goh KW, Loy MJ, Hossain MS, Hermansyah A, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Oct 19;27(20).
PMID: 36296655 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207062

Chalcones have been well examined in the extant literature and demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. A detailed evaluation of the purported health benefits of chalcone and its derivatives, including molecular mechanisms of pharmacological activities, can be further explored. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the main characteristics of chalcone and its derivatives, including their method synthesis and pharmacotherapeutics applications with molecular mechanisms. The presence of the reactive α,β-unsaturated system in the chalcone's rings showed different potential pharmacological properties, including inhibitory activity on enzymes, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, and anti-filarial activity. Changing the structure by adding substituent groups to the aromatic ring can increase potency, reduce toxicity, and broaden pharmacological action. This report also summarized the potential health benefits of chalcone derivatives, particularly antimicrobial activity. We found that several chalcone compounds can inhibit diverse targets of antibiotic-resistance development pathways; therefore, they overcome resistance, and bacteria become susceptible to antibacterial compounds. A few chalcone compounds were more active than conventional antibiotics, like vancomycin and tetracycline. On another note, a series of pyran-fused chalcones and trichalcones can block the NF-B signaling complement system implicated in inflammation, and several compounds demonstrated more potent lipoxygenase inhibition than NSAIDs, such as indomethacin. This report integrated discussion from the domains of medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and diverse pharmacological applications, particularly for the development of new anti-infective agents that could be a useful reference for pharmaceutical scientists.
Fulltext The prevalence of thromboembolic events among COVID-19 patients admitted to a single centre intensive care unit (ICU): an epidemiological study from a Malaysian population

Mansor NF, Abdul Halim Zaki I, Kiok LC, Seng EK, Ravi T, Pathmanathan M, et al.

J Pharm Policy Pract, 2025;18(1):2449044.
PMID: 39917475 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2449044

INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic (TE) complications in COVID-19 patients are rising globally, contributing significantly to mortality, particularly in severe cases. However, their prevalence, characteristics, and impact on mortality in Malaysia remain unclear.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thromboembolic (TE) events and associated mortality among COVID-19 patients admitted within a single centre intensive care unit (ICU). The proportions of patients with TE events who died, and factors associated with TE events were explored.
METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 virus and who received thromboprophylaxis within February 2020-2021 were included. TE event is a combination of venous [(deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE)] and arterial (myocardial infarction (MI), stroke) thromboembolism.
RESULTS: Mean (SD) age 56.6 (13.7), 63.5% were male, 61.6% Malays, median (IQR) 7 (3-14) days of ICU stay, 64.2%, 53.2% and 20.9% had underlying hypertension, diabetes and obesity respectively. In total, 240 (44.9%) developed TE event. Significantly higher proportions of COVID-19 patients who developed complications of DVT (2.5% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.013), PE (47.5% vs 34.0%; p = 0.006), stroke (12.3% vs. 1.5; p<0.001) and MI (16.4% vs. 4.6%; p<0.001) died. Predictors of TE events were age [HR 1.01 (95% CI 1.00-1.02)], obesity [HR 1.98 (95% CI 1.51-2.6)], D-dimer [HR 1.01 (95% CI 1.00-1.01)], and duration of ICU stay [HR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99)].
CONCLUSION: In severely ill COVID-19 patients, TE complications were common, and patients with DVT, PE, stroke, or MI faced increased mortality, even with thromboprophylaxis. Age, obesity, elevated D-Dimer levels, and longer ICU stays were significant predictors of TE events. Considering these findings, a more aggressive approach, combining thromboprophylaxis with enhanced anti-inflammatory treatments, may be necessary for high-risk COVID-19 ICU patients to reduce TE events and mortality.
Maternal hypertensive disorders among Individuals of reproductive age (15-49 Years) in South Asia: A global Burden of Disease study (1990-2021) with future Projections

Shabil M, Gaidhane AM, Vadia N, Menon SV, Chennakesavulu K, Panigrahi R, et al.

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2025 Apr 17;308:214-221.
PMID: 40086257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.03.012

BACKGROUND: Maternal hypertensive disorders (HDP) remain a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in South Asia, where healthcare disparities persist.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze trends in maternal hypertensive disorders across South Asia from 1990 to 2021, leveraging data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and provide actionable recommendations.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using GBD 2021 data for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Health trends such as prevalence, incidence, and maternal mortality ratios (MMR) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Join point regression. This approach allowed us to identify significant changes and trends over the studied period.
RESULTS: The study revealed significant declines in the prevalence and MMR associated with maternal hypertensive disorders across the region. Notable reductions were observed in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, while Pakistan showed minimal improvement, indicating ongoing healthcare challenges. The analysis underscores substantial regional disparities, particularly in Pakistan, which reported higher prevalence rates and MMR across all age groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that targeted healthcare interventions can effectively reduce the burden of maternal hypertensive disorders in South Asia. However, persistent disparities in Pakistan highlight the need for region-specific strategies to address gaps in healthcare access and quality. Strengthening healthcare policies and improving intervention coverage could further mitigate the burden of HDP in South Asia.
Fulltext Association between hydrocarbon exposure and risk of stroke: a systematic literature review

Shabil M, Gaidhane AM, Vadia N, Menon SV, Chennakesavulu K, Panigrahi R, et al.

BMC Neurol, 2025 Feb 21;25(1):71.
PMID: 39984906 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-025-04083-x

BACKGROUND: Hydrocarbon exposure, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is increasingly linked to vascular dysfunction and stroke, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Common in occupational and environmental contexts, hydrocarbons induce oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, disrupting vascular health. This systematic review examines the association between hydrocarbon exposure and stroke, emphasizing specific metabolites and their cerebrovascular effects.
METHODS: A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted through December 10 2024, identifying observational studies exploring hydrocarbon exposure and stroke risk. Studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria, excluding those with major methodological flaws, were synthesized narratively. Variations in hydrocarbon types, population demographics, and stroke outcomes were considered.
RESULTS: Six studies, including five cross-sectional and one retrospective cohort, with sample sizes ranging from 5,537 to 283,666 participants, demonstrated significant associations between hydrocarbon exposure and stroke risk. Key findings revealed strong associations for metabolites like 1-hydroxynaphthalene (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.62-2.20) and 2-hydroxyfluorene (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.66-2.26). However, variability in findings was noted, attributed to differences in study design, exposure levels, and populations studied.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights a complex relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and stroke risk, with some studies indicating significant associations and others reporting inconsistencies. Standardized, large-scale research is essential to clarify this relationship, identify high-risk populations, and guide public health strategies to mitigate exposure and prevent stroke.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
Fulltext Novel Benzimidazole-Endowed Chalcones as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors: An Insight into Structural and Computational Studies

Rai PV, Ramu R, Akhileshwari P, Prabhu S, Prabhune NM, Deepthi PV, et al.

Molecules, 2024 Nov 27;29(23).
PMID: 39683757 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29235599

In search of novel antidiabetic agents, we synthesized a new series of chalcones with benzimidazole scaffolds by an efficient 'one-pot' nitro reductive cyclization method and evaluated their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition studies. The 'one-pot' nitro reductive cyclization method offered a simple route for the preparation of benzimidazoles with excellent yield and higher purity compared to the other conventional acid- or base-catalyzed cyclization methods. 1H, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectrum data were used to characterize the compounds. Single-crystal XRD data confirmed the 3D structure of compound 7c, which was crystalized in the P1¯ space group of the triclinic crystal system. Hirshfeld surface analysis validates the presence of O-H..O, O-H…N, and C-H…O intermolecular hydrogen bonds. From the DFT calculations, the energy gap between the frontier molecular orbitals in 7c was found to be 3.791 eV. From the series, compound 7l emerged as a potent antidiabetic agent with IC50 = 22.45 ± 0.36 µg/mL and 20.47 ± 0.60 µg/mL against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, respectively. The in silico molecular docking studies revealed that compound 7l has strong binding interactions with α-glucosidase and α-amylase proteins. Molecular dynamics studies also revealed the stability of compound 7l with α-glucosidase and α-amylase proteins.
Association between proton pump inhibitor use and migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Satapathy P, Khatib MN, Vadia N, Menon SV, Chennakesavulu K, Panigrahi R, et al.

J Headache Pain, 2025 Mar 28;26(1):63.
PMID: 40155825 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-025-02000-8

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common neurological disorder with potential pharmacological triggers. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed for managing gastroesophageal reflux disease and other acid-related gastrointestinal disorders, have been linked to headaches. However, their association with migraine remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the association between PPI use and the incidence of migraine.
METHOD: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA framework and registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42025644604) to enhance transparency. The search, conducted up to January 2024, included studies focusing on the association between migraine and PPI use. Data screening and extraction were performed using Nested Knowledge software. Meta-analyses were conducted in R software, with heterogeneity assessed through the I² statistic. Pooled adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were also performed to assess the robustness of the results. Gender and migraine subtype were considered in subgroup analyses. Additionally, the GRADE approach was applied to assess the certainty of the evidence across the pooled outcomes.
RESULTS: Five studies involving over 1.5 million participants met the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 2.508 (95% CI, 0.790-7.969; I² = 91.2%). However, there was a significant association in males (aOR, 3.875; 95% CI, 2.413-6.222; I² = 0%) but not in females (aOR, 2.475; 95% CI, 0.563-10.890; I² = 91.1%). No significant differences were found between migraine types: with aura (aOR, 2.079; 95% CI, 0.945-4.576; I² = 25.4%) and without aura (aOR, 2.524; 95% CI, 0.807-7.896; I² = 96.5%). The GRADE assessment indicated a very low certainty of the evidence.
CONCLUSION: This review found no significant overall association between PPI use and migraine. However, a significant association was observed in males but not in females. Further research is needed to clarify this association and explore the underlying causality mechanisms, and migraine subtypes, particularly why the association appears more pronounced in males.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch.: a comprehensive review of its pharmacology, phytochemicals, ethnobotanical uses, and therapeutic potential

Kumari R, Negi M, Thakur P, Mahajan H, Raina K, Sharma R, et al.

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2024 Mar;397(3):1505-1524.
PMID: 37755516 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02694-0

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., commonly known as costus, is a perennial herb that has been traditionally used in various indigenous medicinal systems across Asia. Its historical prominence in traditional remedies underscores the need to explore its phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and potential therapeutic benefits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available literature on the pharmacological properties, phytochemical constituents, ethnobotanical uses, and therapeutic potential of S. costus. An exhaustive search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, TRIP database, and Science Direct. Both experimental and clinical studies, as well as traditional ethnobotanical records, were considered for inclusion. The phytochemical analysis revealed that S. costus contains a plethora of bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils, which are responsible for its myriad of medicinal properties. The pharmacological studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, among others. Ethnobotanical data showcased its extensive use in treating ailments like asthma, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. Some clinical trials also underscore its efficacy in certain health conditions, corroborating its traditional uses. S. costus possesses significant therapeutic potential, largely attributable to its rich phytochemical composition; the convergence of its traditional uses and modern pharmacological findings suggests promising avenues for future research, especially in drug development and understanding its mechanism of action in various ailments.
Molecular complexity of mammary glands development: a review of lactogenic differentiation in epithelial cells

Jena MK, Khan FB, Ali SA, Abdullah A, Sharma AK, Yadav V, et al.

Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2023 Dec;51(1):491-508.
PMID: 37694522 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2252872

The mammary gland is a dynamic organ with various physiological processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. It is essential to understand the molecular changes during the lactogenic differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs, the milk-synthesizing cells). The MECs are organized as luminal milk-secreting cells and basal myoepithelial cells (responsible for milk ejection by contraction) that form the alveoli. The branching morphogenesis and lactogenic differentiation of the MECs prepare the gland for lactation. This process is governed by many molecular mediators including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, regulatory proteins, etc. Interestingly, various signalling pathways guide lactation and understanding these molecular transitions from pregnancy to lactation will help researchers design further research. Manipulation of genes responsible for milk synthesis and secretion will promote augmentation of milk yield in dairy animals. Identifying protein signatures of lactation will help develop strategies for persistent lactation and shortening the dry period in farm animals. The present review article discusses in details the physiological and molecular changes occurring during lactogenic differentiation of MECs and the associated hormones, regulatory proteins, miRNAs, and signalling pathways. An in-depth knowledge of the molecular events will aid in developing engineered cellular models for studies related to mammary gland diseases of humans and animals.

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