Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 122 in total

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  1. Rathakrishnan A, Wang SM, Hu Y, Khan AM, Ponnampalavanar S, Lum LC, et al.
    PLoS One, 2012;7(12):e52215.
    PMID: 23284941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052215
    BACKGROUND: Dengue is an important medical problem, with symptoms ranging from mild dengue fever to severe forms of the disease, where vascular leakage leads to hypovolemic shock. Cytokines have been implicated to play a role in the progression of severe dengue disease; however, their profile in dengue patients and the synergy that leads to continued plasma leakage is not clearly understood. Herein, we investigated the cytokine kinetics and profiles of dengue patients at different phases of illness to further understand the role of cytokines in dengue disease.

    METHODS AND FINDINGS: Circulating levels of 29 different types of cytokines were assessed by bead-based ELISA method in dengue patients at the 3 different phases of illness. The association between significant changes in the levels of cytokines and clinical parameters were analyzed. At the febrile phase, IP-10 was significant in dengue patients with and without warning signs. However, MIP-1β was found to be significant in only patients with warning signs at this phase. IP-10 was also significant in both with and without warning signs patients during defervescence. At this phase, MIP-1β and G-CSF were significant in patients without warning signs, whereas MCP-1 was noted to be elevated significantly in patients with warning signs. Significant correlations between the levels of VEGF, RANTES, IL-7, IL-12, PDGF and IL-5 with platelets; VEGF with lymphocytes and neutrophils; G-CSF and IP-10 with atypical lymphocytes and various other cytokines with the liver enzymes were observed in this study.

    CONCLUSIONS: The cytokine profile patterns discovered between the different phases of illness indicate an essential role in dengue pathogenesis and with further studies may serve as predictive markers for progression to dengue with warning signs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/blood
  2. Fernandez AR, Husain R
    J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 2015 Feb;41(2):277-82.
    PMID: 25255906 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12511
    During preeclampsia (PE), the excessive circulation of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) hinders the vasodilatory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This effect has been proven in vitro in the renal artery of rats. The endothelium of the blood vessels is also said to be dysfunctional in PE. Genistein has shown the ability to antagonize the vascular contractions caused by a wide range of contractile agents. We conducted vascular reactivity studies to demonstrate the effect of: (i) sFLT1 on the vasodilatory effect of VEGF; and (ii) genistein on the vasodilatory effect of VEGF and its effects on denuded blood vessels (dysfunctional endothelium).
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  3. Sarojini K, Ling KP, Teh WM, Ali H, Zunaina E
    Cureus, 2020 Sep 07;12(9):e10297.
    PMID: 33047087 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.10297
    We report a case of optic disc drusen (ODD) associated with peripapillary polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). A 62-year-old Malay lady presented with both eye ODD and the left eye associated with peripapillary subretinal hemorrhage. Ultrasound B-scan and red-free photography confirmed the optic nerve head drusen findings bilaterally. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the left eye showed sharply elevated peripapillary pigment epithelial detachment with subretinal fluid. The presence of peripapillary polyps with branching vascular network in indocyanine green angiography of the left eye further confirmed the diagnosis of PCV and excluded choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to ODD. Subsequently, the patient was treated with a combination of verteporfin photodynamic therapy with three monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections. Three months after the combined treatment, OCT showed completely resolved subretinal fluid. ODD can cause compression of the subretinal vessels at the optic disc that results in retinal ischemia and release of vascular endothelial growth factor, which may trigger the development of CNV or PCV. The rarity of this combination makes it interesting to study more cases of ODD with PCV. Importantly, a thorough evaluation in distinguishing the PCV from the CNV that mimics it is crucial for early detection and prompt intervention. In this case, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is the diagnostic method to differentiate the PCV from CNV secondary to ODD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  4. Albishtue AA, Yimer N, Zakaria MZA, Haron AW, Babji AS, Abubakar AA, et al.
    Vet World, 2019 Jul;12(7):1013-1021.
    PMID: 31528026 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1013-1021
    Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplement on the uteri of rats exposed to lead acetate (LA) toxicity.

    Materials and Methods: Five treatment groups were established as follows: Group 1 (C), which was given distilled water; Group 2 (T0), which was administered with LA (10 mg/kg body weight [BW]); and Groups 3 (T1), 4 (T2), and 5 (T3), which were given LA (10 mg/kg BW) plus graded concentrations of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg BW of EBN, respectively. Rats were euthanized at week 5 to collect blood for superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay, and uterus for histomorphological study and expression analyses of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

    Results: Results revealed that LA causes destruction of uterine lining cells and necrosis of uterine glands of exposed rats without EBN supplement while the degree of damage decreased among EBN treated groups; T3 showed the highest ameliorating effect against LA toxicity, as well as an increased number of uterine glands. Increased levels of SOD were also achieved in EBN supplemented groups than the controls. Results of immunohistochemistry showed significantly higher expressions of EGF, VEGF, and PCNA levels (p<0.05) in T3 compared to other treatments. EBN maintained upregulation of antioxidant - reactive oxygen species balance.

    Conclusion: The findings showed that EBN could ameliorate the detrimental effects of LA toxicity on the uterus possibly by enhancing enzymatic antioxidant (SOD) activity as well as expressions of EGF, VEGF, and PCNA with cell proliferation roles.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  5. Rathna, R., Mushawiahti, M., Bastion, M.L.C., Masdar, A., Ropilah, A.R.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):243-250.
    MyJurnal
    Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is uncommon among young patients. Among the young adults, CRVO tends to be more benign with good visual prognosis. Macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion is a relatively common complication that is currently being treated with intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor with good outcomes. Other complications include lamellar hole, vitreous hemorrhage and neovascular glaucoma. We report a case of central retinal vein occlusion in a young female who presented to us with the complaint of blurring of vision in the left eye for four months. Fundus examination showed hyperemic optic disc, dilated tortuous vein, extensive retinal hemorrhages with macular oedema and an inferior shallow exudative retinal detachment. One month later, intravitreal ranibizumab injection for her macular oedema, a full thickness macular hole developed with reduction of macular oedema. Four months later, the hole spontaneously closed but her macular oedema persisted. The possibility of rare complications like exudative retinal detachment and full thickness macular hole must be kept in mind to ensure early detection and effective management is provided to preserve vision.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  6. Amjad MW, Amin MC, Katas H, Butt AM, Kesharwani P, Iyer AK
    Mol Pharm, 2015 Dec 7;12(12):4247-58.
    PMID: 26567518 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00827
    Multidrug resistance poses a great challenge to cancer treatment. In order to improve the targeting and codelivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and doxorubicin, and to overcome multidrug resistance, we conjugated a cholic acid-polyethylenimine polymer with folic acid, forming CA-PEI-FA micelles. CA-PEI-FA exhibited a low critical micelle concentration (80 μM), small average particle size (150 nm), and positive zeta potential (+ 12 mV). They showed high entrapment efficiency for doxorubicin (61.2 ± 1.7%, w/w), forming D-CA-PEI-FA, and for siRNA, forming D-CA-PEI-FA-S. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of external FA on D-CA-PEI-FA micelles. About 25% doxorubicin was released within 24 h at pH 7.4, while more than 30% release was observed at pH 5. The presence of FA enhanced micelle antitumor activity. The D-CA-PEI-FA and D-CA-PEI-FA-S micelles inhibited tumor growth in vivo. No significant differences between their in vitro cytotoxic activities or their in vivo antitumor effects were observed, indicating that the siRNA coloading did not significantly increase the antitumor activity. Histological analysis revealed that tumor tissues from mice treated with D-CA-PEI-FA or D-CA-PEI-FA-S showed the lowest cancer cell density and the highest levels of apoptosis and necrosis. Similarly, the livers of these mice exhibited the lowest level of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase among all treated groups. The lowest serum vascular endothelial growth factor level (VEGF) (24.4 pg/mL) was observed in mice treated with D-CA-PEI-FA-S micelles using siRNA targeting VEGF. These findings indicated that the developed CA-PEI-FA nanoconjugate has the potential to achieve targeted codelivery of drugs and siRNA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  7. Md Yusof K, Rosli R, Abdullah M, A Avery-Kiejda K
    Cancers (Basel), 2020 Nov 06;12(11).
    PMID: 33172072 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113290
    Lymphatic vessels are regarded as the "forgotten" circulation. Despite this, growing evidence has shown significant roles for the lymphatic circulation in normal and pathological conditions in humans, including cancers. The dissemination of tumor cells to other organs is often mediated by lymphatic vessels that serve as a conduit and is often referred to as tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. Some of the most well-studied lymphangiogenic factors that govern tumor lymphangiogenesis are the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C/D and VEGFR-2/3), neuroplilin-2 (NRP2), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), to name a few. However, recent findings have illustrated that non-coding RNAs are significantly involved in regulating gene expression in most biological processes, including lymphangiogenesis. In this review, we focus on the regulation of growth factors and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the lymphatic development in normal and cancer physiology. Then, we discuss the lymphangiogenic factors that necessitate tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis, with regards to ncRNAs in various types of cancer. Understanding the different roles of ncRNAs in regulating lymphatic vasculature in normal and cancer conditions may pave the way towards the development of ncRNA-based anti-lymphangiogenic therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  8. Toulah FH, El-Aswad BEW, Harba NM, Naguib YM
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):893-907.
    PMID: 33601839
    High-fat diet (HFD) can cause hyperlipidemia, fatty liver and cardiovascular disorders. Herein, we evaluated therapeutic effects and possible underlying mechanisms of actions of Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) against experimental HFD induced dyslipidemia, hepatic and cardiovascular pathology. Forty Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups (10 each); mice fed standard diet (SD), mice fed HFD, mice fed HFD for 8 weeks then infected by S. mansoni cercaria (HFD+I) and mice fed HFD for 8 weeks then treated with SEA (HFD+SEA), all mice were euthanized 16 weeks after starting the experiment. HFD+SEA mice showed significantly (p<0.001) reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), and significantly (p<0.05) increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) comparing to HFD mice with non-significant difference with HFD+I mice group. Doppler flowmetry showed significantly (p<0.01) lower arterial resistance and significantly (p<0.05) higher blood flow velocity in HFD+SEA and HFD+I mice groups than HFD mice. HFD+SEA mice revealed improving in liver and aortic pathology and these were better than HFD+I mice group. HFD+SEA and HFD+I mice groups had less myocardium lipid deposits, but still showing some congested blood vessels. HFD myocardium revealed strong CD34+ expression on immunohistochemistry study, while that of HFD+SEA showed weak and HFD+I mice had moderate expressions. HFD+SEA mice had significantly (p<0.01) lower serum IL-1β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and significantly (p<0.001) higher serum transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and IL-10 than HFD mice with non-significant difference with HFD+I mice. In conclusion, SEA lowered serum lipids, improved aortic function, decreased liver and cardiovascular pathology in HFD mice, so, it is recommended to purify active molecules from SEA to develop anti-dyslipidemic treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  9. Tekade RK, Tekade M, Kesharwani P
    Drug Discov Today, 2016 Jul 2.
    PMID: 27380716 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.06.029
    The merger of nanotechnology and combination chemotherapy has shown notable promise in the therapy of resistant tumors. The latest scientific attention encompasses the engagement of anticancer drugs in combination with small interfering (si)RNAs, such as VEGF, XLAP, PGP, MRP-1, BCL-2 and cMyc, to name but a few. siRNAs have shown immense promise to knockout drug resistance genes as well as to recover the sensitivity of resistant tumors to anticancer therapy. The nanotechnology approach could also protect siRNA against RNAse degradation as well as prevent off-target effects. In this article, we discuss the approaches that have been used to deliver of siRNA in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to treat resistant tumors. We also discuss the stipulations that must be considered in formulating a nanotechnology-assisted siRNA-drug cancer therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  10. Malisa, A., Mae-Lynn, C.B.
    MyJurnal
    A 37-year-old Malay woman presented with progressive deterioration in vision and was diagnosed with advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy with neovascular glaucoma. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection (an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) was administered prior to vitrectomy. Slit lamp assessment 2 days post-injection revealed significant regression of both iris and retinal neovascularisation. This resulted in adequate reduction of intra-ocular pressure prior to surgery. In addition, the regression of retinal vessels reduced the risk of intra-operative haemorrhage, thus aiding the surgical excision of the fibrovascular membranes. Periodic post-operative assessment in the first 3 weeks showed minimal inflammation and no recurrence of vitreous haemorrhage. This case illustrates that intravitreal ranibizumab has a role as an adjunct therapy prior to diabetic vitrectomy to significantly reduce the risk of intra-ocular haemorrhage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  11. Tan BL, Norhaizan ME, Chan LC
    Pharmaceutics, 2018 Oct 23;10(4).
    PMID: 30360519 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10040198
    Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are among the most useful metal nanoparticles in biomedical applications. A previous study had confirmed that phytic acid-chitosan-iron oxide nanocomposite (Phy-CS-MNP) exhibited antiproliferative activity towards human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cells. Hence, in this work, we explored the in vitro cytotoxicity activity and mechanistic action of Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite in modulating gene and protein expression profiles in HT-29 cell lines. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were evaluated by NovoCyte Flow Cytometer. The mRNA changes (cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)) and protein expression (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cytochrome c) were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The data from our study demonstrated that treatment with Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite triggered apoptosis and G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. The transcriptional activity of JNK1 and iNOS was upregulated after treatment with 90 μg/mL Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite. Our results suggested that Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway through modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  12. Aliyu A, Shaari MR, Ahmad Sayuti NS, Reduan MFH, Sithambaram S, Noordin MM, et al.
    Cancers (Basel), 2020 Mar 13;12(3).
    PMID: 32183192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030678
    Chemical carcinogens are commonly used to investigate the biology and prognoses of various cancers. This study investigated the mechanism of leukaemogenic effects of n-ethyl-n-nitrosourea (ENU) in a mouse model. A total of 14 3-week-old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)-mice were used for the study. The mice were divided into groups A and B with seven mice each. Group A served as the control while group B received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 80 mg/kg ENU twice with a one-week interval and were monitored monthly for 3 months for the development of leukaemia via blood smear examination. The mice were sacrificed humanely using a CO2 chamber. Blood, spleen, lymph nodes, liver, kidney and lung samples were collected for blood smear examination and histopathological evaluation. The expression of angiogenic protein (VEGF), and pro and anti-apoptotic proteins (BCL2 and BAX), was detected and quantified using Western blot technique. Leukaemia was confirmed by the presence of numerous blast cells in the peripheral blood smear in group B. Similarly, the VEGF and BCL2 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in group B compared to A. It is concluded that IP administration of 80 mg/kg ENU induced leukaemia in ICR-mice 12 weeks post administration through upregulation of angiogenic and anti-apoptotic proteins: VEGF and BCL2.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  13. Kamal A, Nazari V M, Yaseen M, Iqbal MA, Ahamed MBK, Majid ASA, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2019 09;90:103042.
    PMID: 31226469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103042
    Three benzimidazolium salts (III-V) and respective selenium adducts (VI-VIII) were designed, synthesized and characterized by various analytical techniques (FT-IR and NMR 1H, 13C). Selected salts and respective selenium N-Heterocyclic carbenes (selenium-NHC) adducts were tested in vitro against Cervical Cancer Cell line (Hela), Breast Adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), Retinal Ganglion Cell line (RGC-5) and Mouse Melanoma Cell line (B16F10) using MTT assay and the results were compared with standard drug 5-Fluorouracil. Se-NHC compounds and azolium salts showed significant anticancer potential. Molecular docking studies of compounds (VI, VII and VIII) showed strong binding energies and ligand affinity toward following angiogenic factors: VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A), EGF (human epidermal growth factor), HIF (Hypoxia-inducible factor) and COX-1 (Cyclooxygenase-1) suggesting that the anticancer activity of adducts (VI, VII and VIII) may be due to their strong anti-angiogenic effect. In addition, compounds III-VIII were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal potential. Adduct VI was found to be potent anti-fungal agent against A. Niger with zone of inhibition (ZI) value 27.01 ± 0.251 mm which is better than standard drug Clotrimazole tested in parallel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  14. Daftarian N, Zandi S, Piryaie G, Nikougoftar Zarif M, Ranaei Pirmardan E, Yamaguchi M, et al.
    FASEB J, 2020 Jun;34(6):8001-8011.
    PMID: 32333612 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901902RR
    Macrophages are the main infiltrating immune cells in choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a hallmark of the human wet, or neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Due to their plasticity and ability to adapt to the local microenvironment in a tissue-dependent manner, macrophages display polar functional phenotypes characterized by their cell surface markers and their cytokine profiles. We found accumulation of hemoglobin-scavenging cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163)(+) macrophages in laser-induced CNV lesions and higher expression of CD163(+) monocytes in the peripheral blood on day 7 post injury in mice. In comparison, CD80(+) macrophages did not differ with laser-injury in young or aged mice and did not significantly change in the peripheral blood of CNV mice. We examined the percentages of CD163(+), CD206(+), and CD80(+) monocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with wet AMD, patients with dry AMD, and in age-matched individuals without AMD as controls. Percentages of peripheral blood CD163(+) monocytes in both dry AMD (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  15. Sakamoto T, Shimura M, Kitano S, Ohji M, Ogura Y, Yamashita H, et al.
    Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 2022 Feb;260(2):477-487.
    PMID: 34477927 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05308-8
    PURPOSE: The MERCURY study aimed to evaluate the effects on visual acuity and psychological symptoms, and safety, of ranibizumab and subsequent treatment in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME) and impaired visual acuity (VA). We report data from the prespecified 12-month interim analysis.

    METHODS: This was a 24-month, phase 4, open-label, single-arm, prospective, observational study conducted at 20 specialised retinal centres in Japan. Participants were 209 patients with DME and impaired VA, not previously treated with either intravitreal or systemic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, who initiated ranibizumab 0.5 mg per investigator discretion. Following ranibizumab administration, patients were treated per routine clinical practice. Other treatments were allowed. The main outcome measure was the mean change in best-corrected VA (BCVA) in logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) from baseline to month 12. An exploratory objective was to assess patients' psychological status using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

    RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation BCVA at baseline was 0.43 ± 0.39 logMAR. The mean number of injections of ranibizumab and anti-VEGF agents from baseline to month 11 was 3.2 ± 2.0 and 3.6 ± 2.4, respectively. The BCVA change from baseline to 12 months was - 0.08 ± 0.34 logMAR (p = 0.011), showing a significant improvement; the HADS-anxiety score also decreased significantly (p = 0.001) and the depression score decreased numerically (p = 0.080).

    CONCLUSION: MERCURY study data confirm the effectiveness of real-world treatment initiated with ranibizumab in Japanese patients with DME. In addition, treatment was able to positively influence anxiety via VA improvement.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  16. Mori D, Khanam W, Sheikh RA, Tabib SMSB, Ikebe E, Hossain MM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2017 Nov 23;7(1):16181.
    PMID: 29170534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16474-3
    Encephalitis causes significant global morbidity and mortality. A large number of viruses cause encephalitis, and their geographic and temporal distributions vary. In many encephalitis cases, the virus cannot be detected, even after extensive testing. This is one challenge in management of the encephalitis patient. Since cytokines are pivotal in any form of inflammation and vary according to the nature of the inflammation, we hypothesized cytokine levels would allow us to discriminate between encephalitis caused by viruses and other aetiologies. This pilot study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Viral detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction using patient cerebrospinal fluid. Acute phase reactants and cytokines were detected in patient serum. Of the 29 biomarkers assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, only vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly higher (P = 0.0015) in viral-positive compared with virus-negative encephalitis patients. The area under the curve (AUC) for VEGF was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.98). Serum VEGF may discriminate between virus-positive and virus-negative encephalitis. Further study will be needed to confirm these findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  17. Albishtue AA, Yimer N, Zakaria MZA, Haron AW, Yusoff R, Assi MA, et al.
    Vet World, 2018 Jan;11(1):71-79.
    PMID: 29479160 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.71-79
    Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplementation on the uteri of rats based on analyses of the morphological and histomorphometric changes, and expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (REGF) genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and steroid receptors.

    Materials and Methods: Twenty-four: Sprague Dawley rats were equally distributed into the following four groups: G1 (control), G2, G3, and G4 represented the groups treated with EBN at graded concentrations of 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 8 weeks, respectively. During the experimental period, the BW of each rat was recorded weekly. At the proestrus stage of estrous cycle, blood samples were collected from the hearts of anesthetized rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

    Results: The EBN-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as compared to the control. Results showed that relative to G1 and G2, G3 and G4 exhibited proliferation in their uterine luminal and glandular epithelia and uterine glands, and up-regulated expressions of EGF, REGF, VEGF, PCNA, and progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor in their uteri. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities and reduced the oxidative stress (OS) levels in non-pregnant rats.

    Conclusion: Findings of this study revealed that EBN promotes proliferation of the uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors, EGF, REGF, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus and increased in the plasma concentrations of AO and reduced levels of OS.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  18. Cilwyn-Shalitha B, Sasidharan S
    Microsc Microanal, 2023 Jun 09;29(3):1153-1167.
    PMID: 37749670 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad023
    The present study investigated the effects of Polyalthia longifolia leaf extract against the growth of HeLa cell xenograft tumor in nude mice and its underlying mechanism. The nude mice xenografted with HeLa cells were treated with 5% DMSO (vehicle control), 20 mg/kg/body weight of etoposide (positive control), and 500 and 1000 mg/kg/body weight of leaf extract, respectively. Antitumor activity was evaluated with apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis using microscopic-based histological and immunohistochemical microanalyses. The tumor tissue histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the HeLa tumor cell death was associated with apoptosis and decreased (p < 0.05) expression of Ki-67 in tumor tissues. The extract also inhibits tumor angiogenesis by downregulating (p < 0.05) the expression of VEGF and CD31 in tumor tissues after treatment for 35 days. Conclusively, the P. longifolia leaf extract effectively inhibited HeLa cell xenograft growth in nude mice. The possible mechanism was related to induction of apoptosis, inhibition of tumor HeLa cell proliferation by decreasing the Ki-67 protein expression, and prevention of tumor angiogenesis by reducing VEGF and CD31 protein expression in HeLa cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  19. Siervo M, Hussin AM, Calella P, Ashor A, Shannon OM, Mendes I, et al.
    J Nutr, 2024 Feb;154(2):469-478.
    PMID: 38048992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.12.002
    BACKGROUND: Aging and vitamin D deficiency have been associated with reduced nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and impaired endothelial function (EF) but the evidence in humans remains weak.

    OBJECTIVES: Two independent cross-sectional studies were designed to evaluate the association between age, sex, and plasma vitamin D concentrations with physiological and biochemical biomarkers of NO synthesis and EF in young and older healthy participants (Study 1) and in overweight and obese postmenopausal females (Study 2).

    METHODS: In Study 1, 40 young (20-49 y) and older (50-75 y) males and females (10 participants per age and sex group) were included. Resting blood pressure and ear-to-finger peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured. A stable-isotopic method was used to determine whole-body NO production. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), nitrate, nitrite, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations were determined. In Study 2, 80 older overweight and obese females (age 61.2 ± 6.2 y, body mass index 29.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2) were recruited. Postocclusion reactive hyperemia (PORH) and peripheral PWV were measured. Plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D, nitrate, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), endothelin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and ADMA were determined.

    RESULTS: In Study 1, whole-body NO production was significantly greater in young compared with older participants (0.61 ± 0.30 μmol·h-1·kg-1 compared with 0.39 ± 0.10 μmol·h-1·kg-1, P = 0.01) but there was no evidence of a sex difference (P = 0.81). Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with PWV (r = 0.18, P = 0.28) or whole-body NO production (r = -0.20, P = 0.22). Plasma ADMA concentration was associated positively with age (r = 0.35, P = 0.03) and negatively with whole-body NO production (r = -0.33, P = 0.04). In Study 2, age was associated with lower PORH (r = -0.28, P = 0.02) and greater ADMA concentrations (r = 0.22, P = 0.04). Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was inversely associated with 3-NT concentrations (r = -0.31, P = 0.004).

    CONCLUSIONS: Older age was associated with lower whole-body NO production. Plasma vitamin D concentrations were not associated with NO production or markers of EF but showed a weak, significant correlation with oxidative stress in postmenopausal overweight females.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  20. Lim CP, Yam MF, Asmawi MZ, Chin VK, Khairuddin NH, Yong YK, et al.
    PMID: 31097973 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7521504
    Medicinal plants have been considered as promising sources of drugs in treating various cancers. Crinum amabile (C. amabile), a plant species from the Amaryllidaceae family, is claimed to be a potential source for cancer chemotherapeutic compounds. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential of C. amabile as an anticancer agent. Dried leaves of C. amabile were serially extracted and our findings showed that chloroform extract (CE) was shown to exhibit cytotoxic effect against all cancer cell lines used. This active extract was further fractionated in which F5 fraction was shown to possess the highest cytotoxicity among all fractions. F5 fraction was then tested in-depth through Annexin V/FITC apoptosis and DNA fragmentation assays to determine its apoptotic effect on MCF-7 cells. Results revealed that F5 fraction only showed induction of cell apoptosis starting at 72-hour treatment while DNA fragmentation was not detected at any of the concentrations and treatment periods tested. Meanwhile, cell proliferation assay revealed that F5 fraction was able to inhibit normal cell proliferation as well as VEGF-induced cell proliferation of normal endothelial cell (HUVECs). In conclusion, F5 fraction from C. amabile leaf CE was able to exhibit cytostatic effect through antiproliferation activity rather than induction of cell apoptosis and therefore has the potential to be further investigated as an anticancer agent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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