MyMedR

Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 349 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

A modified in situ RT-PCR method for localizing fungal-specific gene expression in Candida-infected mice renal cells

Yong VC, Ong KW, Sidik SM, Rosli R, Chong PP

J Microbiol Methods, 2009 Nov;79(2):242-5.
PMID: 19737582 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2009.08.019

In situ Reverse Transcriptase PCR (in situ RT-PCR) can amplify mRNA and localize gene expression in cells. However, this method is not feasible in fungi as the thick fungal cell wall constitutes a barrier to this procedure. We developed a two step in situ RT-PCR procedure which enabled the detection and localization of Candida tropicalis mRNA expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) mouse kidney sections. This in situ hybridization study revealed the first direct evidence for deposition of Candida tropicalis secreted aspartic proteinase 2 (CtSAP2) in the tip of pseudohyphae and its involvement in acute systemic candidiasis. We conclude that in situ RT-PCR can be successfully applied to FFPE tissues and will offer new perspectives in studying gene expression in Candida species.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities of andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata in animal models

Sulaiman MR, Zakaria ZA, Abdul Rahman A, Mohamad AS, Desa MN, Stanslas J, et al.

Biol Res Nurs, 2010 Jan;11(3):293-301.
PMID: 19689990 DOI: 10.1177/1099800409343311

The current study was performed to evaluate the antinociceptive and antiedematogenic properties of andrographolide isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata using two animal models. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid- induced writhing and the hot-plate tests, while antiedematogenic activity was measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of andrographolide (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) did not affect the motor coordination of the experimental animals but produced significant (p < .05) antinociceptive activity when assessed using both tests. However, 2 mg/kg naloxone failed to affect the 25 mg/kg andrographolide activity in both tests, indicating that the activity was modulated via nonopioid mechanisms. Furthermore, andrographolide showed significant (p < .05) antiedematogenic activity. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that andrographolide has antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities; it may be useful for treating pain and inflammation once human studies are conducted.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext Immunogenic Burkholderia pseudomallei outer membrane proteins as potential candidate vaccine targets

Hara Y, Mohamed R, Nathan S

PLoS One, 2009 Aug 05;4(8):e6496.
PMID: 19654871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006496

BACKGROUND: Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a disease of significant morbidity and mortality in both human and animals in endemic areas. There is no vaccine towards the bacterium available in the market, and the efficacy of many of the bacterium's surface and secreted proteins are currently being evaluated as vaccine candidates.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: With the availability of the B. pseudomallei whole genome sequence, we undertook to identify genes encoding the known immunogenic outer membrane protein A (OmpA). Twelve OmpA domains were identified and ORFs containing these domains were fully annotated. Of the 12 ORFs, two of these OmpAs, Omp3 and Omp7, were successfully cloned, expressed as soluble protein and purified. Both proteins were recognised by antibodies in melioidosis patients' sera by Western blot analysis. Purified soluble fractions of Omp3 and Omp7 were assessed for their ability to protect BALB/c mice against B. pseudomallei infection. Mice were immunised with either Omp3 or Omp7, subsequently challenged with 1x10(6) colony forming units (cfu) of B. pseudomallei via the intraperitoneal route, and examined daily for 21 days post-challenge. This pilot study has demonstrated that whilst all control unimmunised mice died by day 9 post-challenge, two mice (out of 4) from both immunised groups survived beyond 21 days post-infection.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We have demonstrated that B. pseudomallei OmpA proteins are immunogenic in mice as well as melioidosis patients and should be further assessed as potential vaccine candidates against B. pseudomallei infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Mitragyna speciosa Korth methanolic extract

Shaik Mossadeq WM, Sulaiman MR, Tengku Mohamad TA, Chiong HS, Zakaria ZA, Jabit ML, et al.

Med Princ Pract, 2009;18(5):378-84.
PMID: 19648761 DOI: 10.1159/000226292

OBJECTIVES: To determine the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Mitragyna speciosa Korth methanol extract in rodents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tests in rats. Antinociceptive activity was measured using the writhing test and the hot plate test in mice, and the formalin test in rats. All drugs and extracts were diluted in dH(2)O and administered through the intraperitoneal route. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test for multiple comparisons among groups.
RESULTS: Results showed that intraperitoneal administration of the extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg produced significant dose-dependent activity in all of the nociceptive models evaluated (p < 0.05). With the formalin test, the antinociceptive activity in mice was inhibited only at the highest dose of the extract (200 mg/kg). The study also showed that intraperitoneal administration of the methanol extract of M. speciosa (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the development of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (p < 0.05). In the chronic test, however, significant reduction in granulomatous tissue formation in rats was observed only at the highest dose of the methanol extract of M. speciosa (200 mg/kg, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The present study suggests the presence of potent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory principles in the extract, supporting its folkloric use for the treatment of these conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Cell growth, cell-cycle progress, and antibody production in hybridoma cells cultivated under mild hypothermic conditions

Chong SL, Mou DG, Ali AM, Lim SH, Tey BT

Hybridoma (Larchmt), 2008 Apr;27(2):107-11.
PMID: 18642675

The effect of mild hypothermic (32 degrees C) conditions on cell growth, cell-cycle progress, and antibody production of hybridoma C2E7 cells was investigated in the present study. The growth of hybridoma cells was slower during the mild hypothermic condition compared to that at 37 degrees C; this led to about 10% decrease in maximum viable cell density and volumetric antibody productivity. However, under mild hypothermic growth conditions, the culture viability was substantially improved and the specific antibody productivity was enhanced compared to that at 37 degrees C. The average specific productivity for the entire batch culture at 32 degrees C is about 5% higher than that at 37 degrees C. Cell-cycle analysis data showed that there was no growth arrestment during the mild hypothermic growth of hybridoma cells. The G1-phase cells were increased, while the S-phase cells were decreased gradually as the culture time progressed. Further analysis showed that the specific antibody productivity of hybridoma cells was correlated to the fraction of S-phase cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Cellulose acetate phthalate microencapsulation and delivery of plasmid DNA to the intestines

Hanafi A, Nograles N, Abdullah S, Shamsudin MN, Rosli R

J Pharm Sci, 2013 Feb;102(2):617-26.
PMID: 23192729 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23389

Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) microcapsules were formulated to deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA) to the intestines. The microcapsules were characterized and were found to have an average diameter of 44.33 ± 30.22 μm, and were observed to be spherical with smooth surface. The method to extract pDNA from CAP was modified to study the release profile of the pDNA. The encapsulated pDNA was found to be stable. Exposure to the acidic and basic pH conditions, which simulates the pH environment in the stomach and the intestines, showed that the release occurred in a stable manner in the former, whereas it was robust in the latter. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules were low but the CAP recovery yield was high which indicates that the microcapsules were efficiently formed but the loading of pDNA can be improved. In vitro transfection study in 293FT cells showed that there was a significant percentage of green-fluorescent-protein-positive cells as a result of efficient transfection from CAP-encapsulated pDNA. Biodistribution studies in BALB/c mice indicate that DNA was released at the stomach and intestinal regions. CAP microcapsules loaded with pDNA, as described in this study, may be useful for potential gene delivery to the intestines for prophylactic or therapeutic measures for gastrointestinal diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext Colostrum supplementation protects against exercise-induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle in mice

Appukutty M, Radhakrishnan AK, Ramasamy K, Ramasamy R, Abdul Majeed AB, Noor MI, et al.

BMC Res Notes, 2012;5:649.
PMID: 23173926 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-649

This study examined the effects of bovine colostrum on exercise -induced modulation of antioxidant parameters in skeletal muscle in mice. Adult male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (control, colostrum alone, exercise and exercise with colostrum) and each group had three subgroups (day 0, 21 and 42). Colostrum groups of mice were given a daily oral supplement of 50 mg/kg body weight of bovine colostrum and the exercise group of mice were made to exercise on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day. Total antioxidants, lipid hydroperoxides, xanthine oxidase and super oxide dismutase level was assayed from the homogenate of hind limb skeletal muscle.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext The Growth Inhibitory Potential and Antimetastatic Effect of Camel Urine on Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Romli F, Abu N, Khorshid FA, Syed Najmuddin SUF, Keong YS, Mohamad NE, et al.

Integr Cancer Ther, 2017 12;16(4):540-555.
PMID: 27338742 DOI: 10.1177/1534735416656051

Although it may sound unpleasant, camel urine has been consumed extensively for years in the Middle East as it is believed to be able to treat a wide range of diseases such as fever, cold, or even cancer. People usually take it by mixing small drops with camel milk or take it directly. The project aims to study the effects of camel urine in inhibiting the growth potential and metastatic ability of 4T1 cancer cell line in vitro and in vivo. Based on the MTT result, the cytotoxicity of camel urine against 4T1 cell was established, and it was dose-dependent. Additionally, the antimetastatic potential of camel urine was tested by running several assays such as scratch assay, migration and invasion assay, and mouse aortic ring assay with promising results in the ability of camel urine to inhibit metastatic process of the 4T1 cells. In order to fully establish camel urine's potential, an in vivo study was carried out by treating mice inoculated with 4T1 cells with 2 different doses of camel urine. By the end of the treatment period, the tumor in both treated groups had reduced in size as compared to the control group. Additional assays such as the TUNEL assay, immunophenotyping, cytokine level detection assay, clonogenic assay, and proteome profiler demonstrated the capability of camel urine to reduce and inhibit the metastatic potential of 4T1 cells in vivo. To sum up, further study of anticancer properties of camel urine is justified, as evidenced through the in vitro and in vivo studies carried out. Better results were obtained at higher concentration of camel urine used in vivo. Apart from that, this project has laid out the mechanisms employed by the substance to inhibit the growth and the metastatic process of the 4T1 cell.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext Global transcriptional analysis of Burkholderia pseudomallei high and low biofilm producers reveals insights into biofilm production and virulence

Chin CY, Hara Y, Ghazali AK, Yap SJ, Kong C, Wong YC, et al.

BMC Genomics, 2015;16:471.
PMID: 26092034 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1692-0

Chronic bacterial infections occur as a result of the infecting pathogen's ability to live within a biofilm, hence escaping the detrimental effects of antibiotics and the immune defense system. Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative facultative pathogen, is distinctive in its ability to survive within phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells, to persist in vivo for many years and subsequently leading to relapse as well as the development of chronic disease. The capacity to persist has been attributed to the pathogen's ability to form biofilm. However, the underlying biology of B. pseudomallei biofilm development remains unresolved.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
The effect of immune status, age and genetic background on induction of oral tolerance to Actinomyces viscosus in mice

Sosroseno W, Herminajeng E, Bird P

Biomed Pharmacother, 2015 Mar;70:294-8.
PMID: 25776514 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2014.12.039

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of immune status, age and genetic background on the induction of oral tolerance to Actinomyces viscosus. Suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and antigen-specific serum antibody levels could be induced in DBA/2 mice intragastrically and systemically immunized with A. viscocus, suggesting the induction of oral tolerance. In contrast, this immune suppression could be abrogated if the animals had been systemically immunized prior to the induction of oral tolerance with the same bacterium. Long-term systemic immunization prior to intragastric immunization with A. viscocus suppressed DTH response only. Cell transfer of this group of animals also suppressed DTH response in the donors, indicating the action of suppressor cells for inhibition of DTH response. Furthermore, oral tolerance to A. viscocus failed to occur in mice aged at 3 days and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 36 weeks old. Mice bearing H-2(d) haplotype were the most susceptible to oral tolerization, followed by H-2(b) and H-2(k). Therefore, the results of the presence study suggest that the induction of oral tolerance to A. viscosus in mice may be dependence on the immune status and genetic background but not age.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Detection of Legionella pneumophila antigens in patients' sera using monoclonal antibodies

Normaznah Y, Saniah K, Noor Rain A, Norazah A, Azizah MR, Sabiha P

Malays J Pathol, 1998 Dec;20(2):95-8.
PMID: 10879269

Three monoclonal antibodies (McAb) were produced against soluble antigens of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 which was cultured on BCYE agar. The McAbs were all of the IgM isotype. The McAbs were used in the McAb-based ELISA for detection of circulating L. pneumophila antigens in 186 sera collected from patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of atypical pneumonia. The normal reference optical (OD) density value of each of the McAbs was determined using 44 sera collected from healthy blood donors. The antigen positivity rates for the McAbs 1C7.2B, 2B2.10F and 2B2.11E were 11.3%, 7.7% and 22.2% respectively. Antigen positivity of the McAb 2B2.10F was significantly higher in the younger age group (p < 0.05). There is no significant association between the antigen positivity with age and sex for all the McAbs. There was no cross-reaction demonstrated between the McAbs with other bacterial antigens.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Genetical and immunological analysis of recent Asian type A and O foot-and-mouth disease virus isolates

Freiberg B, Rahman MM, Marquardt O

Virus Genes, 1999;19(3):167-82.
PMID: 10595408

This report extends the knowledge on the epizootical situation of foot-and-mouth disease in Asia. RNA from six samples of type A and five of type O virus, isolated between 1987 and 1997 in Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia and Turkey, was subjected to reverse transcription-dependent polymerase chain reactions that amplify large parts of the capsid protein VP1 encoding genome region. The amplification products were sequenced, and the sequences aligned to each other and to published sequences. This showed the type O isolates of 1987-1997 from Bangladesh to be of same genotype and closely related to isolates of 1988 and later from Saudi Arabia, 1990 from India, 1996 from Greece and Bulgaria, and 1997 from Iran. Among the analyzed type A isolates, those of 1992 and 1996 from Turkey were of same genotype and related to previously described isolates of 1987 from Iran and of 1992 from Saudi Arabia. The isolate of 1997 from Malaysia was found to be related to isolates from Thailand of 1993 and 1996. The isolates of 1987 from Bangladesh and 1997 from Iran, however, represent different so far not described genotypes. Monoclonal antibodies, raised against the vaccine production strains A22 Iraq, Asial Shamir, O1 Kaufbeuren and O1 Manisa, and the recent type A field isolates Saudi Arabia/92 and Albania/96, were used in an ELISA to compare the reaction patterns of many of the field isolates. The monoclonal antibodies were further characterized for virus-neutralizing activity and binding to trypsinized homologous virus. The failure of neutralizing antibodies in binding to trypsinized homologous as well as to heterologous virus suggested the epitopes to reside at the major antigenic component of the virus, which is the capsid protein VP1. Two non-neutralizing antibodies that bind to trypsin-sensitive epitopes cross-reacted, however, with heterologous virus. This indicates the existence of a trypsin-sensitive antigenic site outside of VP1. In summary, the results obtained by ELISA confirm the observed sequence differences, but indicate further sequence differences at minor antigenic sites that do not reside on VP1.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext Rapid detection of Haemophilus ducreyi in clinical and experimental infections using monoclonal antibody: a preliminary evaluation

Karim QN, Finn GY, Easmon CS, Dangor Y, Dance DA, Ngeow YF, et al.

Genitourin Med, 1989 Dec;65(6):361-5.
PMID: 2693334

A monoclonal antibody raised against Haemophilus ducreyi was tested for its sensitivity and specificity as an immunofluorescence (IF) reagent using simulated vaginal smears containing H. ducreyi, smears taken from skin lesions of mice infected with H. ducreyi and patients from South Africa, Thailand and Malaysia with clinically diagnosed chancroid. The IF test was more sensitive than culture or Gram staining in the simulated smears, theoretically detecting less than 4 organisms/sample. It detected H. ducreyi in 95% of the animal lesions compared with 14% detected by culture. Immunofluorescence testing identified over 90% of culture-positive cases of chancroid but also detected organisms in some culture-negative cases where clinical evidence for the diagnosis was strong. These results suggest that this antibody may provide a simple, rapid and sensitive means of detecting H. ducreyi in cases of chancroid.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Anti-inflammatory agents from Sandoricum koetjape Merr

Rasadah MA, Khozirah S, Aznie AA, Nik MM

Phytomedicine, 2004 Feb;11(2-3):261-3.
PMID: 15070182

The anti-inflammatory activity of the stem extracts of Sandoricum koetjape was investigated on topical administration using the TPA (tetradecanoylphorbol acetate)-induced mouse ear inflammation model. Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation of active fractions led to the isolation 3-oxo-12-oleanen-29-oic acid and katonic acid as the bioactive principles responsible for the anti-inflammatory acitivity. The percentage of inhibition exhibited by 3-oxo-12-oleanen-29-oic acid was almost equivalent to indomethacin.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext Evaluation of a Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus Expressing Human IL12 against Human Breast Cancer

Mohamed Amin Z, Che Ani MA, Tan SW, Yeap SK, Alitheen NB, Syed Najmuddin SUF, et al.

Sci Rep, 2019 Sep 30;9(1):13999.
PMID: 31570732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50222-z

The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain AF2240 is an avian avulavirus that has been demonstrated to possess oncolytic activity against cancer cells. However, to illicit a greater anti-cancer immune response, it is believed that the incorporation of immunostimulatory genes such as IL12 into a recombinant NDV backbone will enhance its oncolytic effect. In this study, a newly developed recombinant NDV that expresses IL12 (rAF-IL12) was tested for its safety, stability and cytotoxicity. The stability of rAF-IL12 was maintained when passaged in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken eggs from passage 1 to passage 10; with an HA titer of 29. Based on the results obtained from the MTT cytotoxic assay, rAF-IL12 was determined to be safe as it only induced cytotoxic effects against normal chicken cell lines and human breast cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Significant tumor growth inhibition (52%) was observed in the rAF-IL12-treated mice. The in vivo safety profile of rAF-IL12 was confirmed through histological observation and viral load titer assay. The concentration and presence of the expressed IL12 was quantified and verified via ELISA assay. In summary, rAF-IL12 was proven to be safe, selectively replicating in chicken and cancer cells and was able to maintain its stability throughout several passages; thus enhancing its potential as an anti-breast cancer vaccine.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against formalin-inactivated Nipah virus isolated from the lungs of a pig

Imada T, Abdul Rahman MA, Kashiwazaki Y, Tanimura N, Syed Hassan S, Jamaluddin A

J Vet Med Sci, 2004 Jan;66(1):81-3.
PMID: 14960818

Eight clones of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to Nipah virus (NV) were produced against formalin-inactivated NV antigens. They reacted positive by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test, and one of them also demonstrated virus neutralizing activity. They were classified into six different types based on their biological properties. These Mabs will be useful for immunodiagnosis of NV infections in animals and further research studies involving the genomes and proteins of NV.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Modelling the immunopathophysiology of Brucella melitensis and its lipopolysaccharide in mice infected via oral route of exposure

Osman AY, Kadir AA, Jesse FF, Saharee AA

Microb Pathog, 2019 Nov;136:103669.
PMID: 31445124 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103669

Brucella melitensis is one of the leading zoonotic pathogens with significant economic implications in animal industry worldwide. Lipopolysaccharide, however, remains by far the major virulence with substantial role in diseases pathogenesis. Nonetheless, the effect of B. melitensis and its lipopolysaccharide on immunopathophysiological aspects largely remains an enigma. This study examines the effect of B.melitensis and its lipopolysaccharide on immunopathophysiological parameters following experimental infection using mouse model. Eighty four (n = 84) mice, BALB/c, both sexes with equal gender distribution and 6-8 weeks-old were randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1-2 (n = 72) were orally inoculated with 0.4 mL containing 109 CFU/mL of B. melitensis and its LPS, respectively. Group 3 (n = 12) was challenged orally with phosphate buffered saline and served as a control group. Animals were observed for clinical signs, haematological and histopathological analysis for a period of 24 days post-infection. We hereby report that B.melitensis infected group demonstrated significant clinical signs and histopathological changes than LPS infected group. However, both infected groups showed elevated levels of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) and antibody levels (IgM and IgG) with varying degrees of predominance in LPS infected group than B. melitensis infected group. For hormone analysis, low levels of progesterone, estradiol and testosterone were observed in both B. melitensis and LPS groups throughout the study period. Moreover, in B. melitensis infected group, the organism was re-isolated from the organs and tissues of gastrointestinal, respiratory and reproductive systems thereby confirming the infection and transmission dynamics. This report is the first detailed investigation comparing the infection progression and host responses in relation to the immunopathophysiological aspects in a mouse model after oral inoculation with B. melitensis and its lipopolysaccharide.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Development of an optical biosensor for the detection of Trypanosoma evansi and Plasmodium berghei

Theint HT, Walsh JE, Wong ST, Voon K, Shitan M

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2019 Jul 05;218:348-358.
PMID: 31026712 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.04.008

A laboratory prototype system that correlates murine blood absorbance with degree of infection for Plasmodium berghei and Trypanosoma avensi has been designed, constructed and tested. A population (n = 6) of control uninfected, Plasmodium infected and Trypanosoma infected BALB/c mice were developed and spectral absorption measurements pre and post infection were made every 3 days. A fibre optic spectrometer set-up was used as the basis of a laboratory prototype biosensor that uses the Beer Lambert Law to relate Ultraviolet-Visible-Near-infrared absorbance data to changes in murine blood chemistry post infection. Spectral absorption results indicate a statistically relevant correlation at a 650 nm with infection for Plasmodium from between 4 and 7 sampling days' post infection, in spite of significant standard deviations among the sample populations for control and infected mice. No significant spectral absorption change for Trypanosoma infection was been detected from the current data. Corresponding stained slides of control and infected blood at each sampling date were taken with related infected cell counts determined and these correlate well for Plasmodium absorbance at 650 nm.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Fulltext Antrodia cinnamomea induces anti-tumor activity by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway in lung cancer cells

Huang TT, Lan YW, Chen CM, Ko YF, Ojcius DM, Martel J, et al.

Sci Rep, 2019 03 26;9(1):5145.
PMID: 30914735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41653-9

We examined the effects of an Antrodia cinnamomea ethanol extract (ACEE) on lung cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. ACEE produced dose-dependent cytotoxic effects and induced apoptosis in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. ACEE treatment increased expression of p53 and Bax, as well as cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP, while reducing expression of survivin and Bcl-2. ACEE also reduced the levels of JAK2 and phosphorylated STAT3 in LLC cells. In a murine allograft tumor model, oral administration of ACEE significantly inhibited LLC tumor growth and metastasis without affecting serum biological parameters or body weight. ACEE increased cleavage of caspase-3 in murine tumors, while decreasing STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, ACEE reduced the growth of human tumor xenografts in nude mice. Our findings therefore indicate that ACEE inhibits lung tumor growth and metastasis by inducing apoptosis and by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway in cancer cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C
Role of coaggregation in the pathogenicity and prolonged colonisation of Vibrio cholerae

Toh YS, Yeoh SL, Yap IKS, Teh CSJ, Win TT, Thong KL, et al.

Med Microbiol Immunol, 2019 Dec;208(6):793-809.
PMID: 31263955 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00628-3

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The pathogen is known for its ability to form biofilm that confers protection against harsh environmental condition and as part of the colonisation process during infection. Coaggregation is a process that facilitates the formation of biofilm. In a preliminary in vitro study, high coaggregation index and biofilm production were found between V. cholerae with human commensals namely Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae. Building upon these results, the effects of coaggregation were further evaluated using adult BALB/c mouse model. The animal study showed no significant differences in mortality and fluid accumulation ratio between treatment groups infected with V. cholerae alone and those infected with coaggregation partnership (V. cholerae with E. coli or V. cholerae with E. cloacae). However, mild inflammation was detected in both partnering pairs. Higher density of V. cholerae was recovered from faecal samples of mice co-infected with E. coli and V. cholerae in comparison with other groups at 24 h post-infection. This partnership also elicited slightly higher levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Nonetheless, the involvement of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) as the signalling molecules in quorum sensing system is not evident in this study. Since E. coli is one of the common commensals, our result may suggest the involvement of commensals in cholera development.

Matched MeSH terms: Mice, Inbred BALB C

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links