Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 162 in total

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  1. Piovella F, Wang CJ, Lu H, Lee K, Lee LH, Lee WC, et al.
    J Thromb Haemost, 2005 Dec;3(12):2664-70.
    PMID: 16359505
    BACKGROUND: The incidence of postsurgical venous thromboembolism is thought to be low in Asian ethnic populations.

    OBJECTIVE: We studied the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in Asian patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery of the lower limbs.

    PATIENTS/METHODS: We performed a prospective epidemiological study in 19 centers across Asia (China, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand) in patients undergoing elective total hip replacement (THR), total knee replacement (TKR) or hip fracture surgery (HFS) without pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. The primary endpoint was the rate of DVT of the lower limbs documented objectively with bilateral ascending venography performed 6-10 days after surgery using a standardized technique and evaluated by a central adjudication committee unaware of local interpretation.

    RESULTS: Overall, of 837 Asian patients screened for this survey, 407 (48.6%, aged 20-99 years) undergoing THR (n = 175), TKR (n = 136) or HFS (n = 96) were recruited in 19 centers. DVT was diagnosed in 121 of 295 evaluable patients [41.0%, (95% confidence interval (CI): 35.4-46.7)]. Proximal DVT was found in 30 patients [10.2% (7.0-14.2)]. Total DVT and proximal DVT rates were highest in TKR patients (58.1% and 17.1%, respectively), followed by HFS patients (42.0% and 7.2%, respectively), then THR patients (25.6% and 5.8%, respectively). DVT was more frequent in female patients aged at least 65 years. Pulmonary embolism was clinically suspected in 10 of 407 patients (2.5%) and objectively confirmed in two (0.5%).

    CONCLUSIONS: The rate of venographic thrombosis in the absence of thromboprophylaxis after major joint surgery in Asian patients is similar to that previously reported in patients in Western countries.

  2. Law JW, Law LN, Letchumanan V, Tan LT, Wong SH, Chan KG, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Nov 17;25(22).
    PMID: 33212836 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225365
    Worldwide cancer incidence and mortality have always been a concern to the community. The cancer mortality rate has generally declined over the years; however, there is still an increased mortality rate in poorer countries that receives considerable attention from healthcare professionals. This suggested the importance of the prompt detection, effective treatment, and prevention strategies. The genus Streptomyces has been documented as a prolific producer of biologically active secondary metabolites. Streptomycetes from mangrove environments attract researchers' attention due to their ability to synthesize diverse, interesting bioactive metabolites. The present review highlights research on mangrove-derived streptomycetes and the production of anticancer-related compounds from these microorganisms. Research studies conducted between 2008 and 2019, specifically mentioning the isolation of streptomycetes from mangrove areas and described the successful purification of compound(s) or generation of crude extracts with cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines, were compiled in this review. It is anticipated that there will be an increase in prospects for mangrove-derived streptomycetes as one of the natural resources for the isolation of chemotherapeutic agents.
  3. El Omari N, Bakrim S, Khalid A, Abdalla AN, Almalki WH, Lee LH, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Aug;164:114886.
    PMID: 37224752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114886
    Panobinostat, also known as Farydak®, LBH589, PNB, or panobinostat lactate, is a hydroxamic acid that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its anti-cancer properties. This orally bioavailable drug is classified as a non-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor (pan-HDACi) that inhibits class I, II, and IV HDACs at nanomolar levels due to its significant histone modifications and epigenetic mechanisms. A mismatch between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and HDACs can negatively affect the regulation of the genes concerned, which in turn can contribute to tumorigenesis. Indeed, panobinostat inhibits HDACs, potentially leading to acetylated histone accumulation, re-establishing normal gene expression in cancer cells, and helping to drive multiple signaling pathways. These pathways include induction of histone acetylation and cytotoxicity for the majority of tested cancer cell lines, increased levels of p21 cell cycle proteins, enhanced amounts of pro-apoptotic factors (such as caspase-3/7 activity and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)) associated with decreased levels of anti-apoptotic factors [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL)], as well as regulation of immune response [upregulated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) expression] and other events. The therapeutic outcome of panobinostat is therefore mediated by sub-pathways involving proteasome and/or aggresome degradation, endoplasmic reticulum, cell cycle arrest, promotion of extrinsic and intrinsic processes of apoptosis, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and angiogenesis inhibition. In this investigation, we aimed to pinpoint the precise molecular mechanism underlying panobinostat's HDAC inhibitory effect. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms will greatly advance our knowledge of cancer cell aberrations and, as a result, provide an opportunity for the discovery of significant new therapeutic perspectives through cancer therapeutics.
  4. Letchumanan V, Chan KG, Pusparajah P, Saokaew S, Duangjai A, Goh BH, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2016;7:1114.
    PMID: 27486446 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01114
    Bacterial infections from various organisms including Vibrio sp. pose a serious hazard to humans in many forms from clinical infection to affecting the yield of agriculture and aquaculture via infection of livestock. Vibrio sp. is one of the main foodborne pathogens causing human infection and is also a common cause of losses in the aquaculture industry. Prophylactic and therapeutic usage of antibiotics has become the mainstay of managing this problem, however, this in turn led to the emergence of multidrug resistant strains of bacteria in the environment; which has raised awareness of the critical need for alternative non-antibiotic based methods of preventing and treating bacterial infections. Bacteriophages - viruses that infect and result in the death of bacteria - are currently of great interest as a highly viable alternative to antibiotics. This article provides an insight into bacteriophage application in controlling Vibrio species as well underlining the advantages and drawbacks of phage therapy.
  5. El Omari N, Lee LH, Bakrim S, Makeen HA, Alhazmi HA, Mohan S, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Aug;164:114774.
    PMID: 37224749 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114774
    Romidepsin, also known as NSC630176, FR901228, FK-228, FR-901228, depsipeptide, or Istodax®, is a natural molecule produced by the Chromobacterium violaceum bacterium that has been approved for its anti-cancer effect. This compound is a selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which modifies histones and epigenetic pathways. An imbalance between HDAC and histone acetyltransferase can lead to the down-regulation of regulatory genes, resulting in tumorigenesis. Inhibition of HDACs by romidepsin indirectly contributes to the anticancer therapeutic effect by causing the accumulation of acetylated histones, restoring normal gene expression in cancer cells, and promoting alternative pathways, including the immune response, p53/p21 signaling cascades, cleaved caspases, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and other events. Secondary pathways mediate the therapeutic action of romidepsin by disrupting the endoplasmic reticulum and proteasome and/or aggresome, arresting the cell cycle, inducing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modifying the tumor microenvironment. This review aimed to highlight the specific molecular mechanisms responsible for HDAC inhibition by romidepsin. A more detailed understanding of these mechanisms can significantly improve the understanding of cancer cell disorders and pave the way for new therapeutic approaches using targeted therapy.
  6. El Omari N, Bakrim S, Khalid A, Albratty M, Abdalla AN, Lee LH, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Sep;165:115212.
    PMID: 37541175 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115212
    Cancer progression is strongly affected by epigenetic events in addition to genetic modifications. One of the key elements in the epigenetic control of gene expression is histone modification through acetylation, which is regulated by the synergy between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs are thought to offer considerable potential for the development of anticancer medications, particularly when used in conjunction with other anticancer medications and/or radiotherapy. Belinostat (Beleodaq, PXD101) is a pan-HDAC unsaturated hydroxamate inhibitor with a sulfonamide group that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of refractory or relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and solid malignancies or and other hematological tissues. This drug modifies histones and epigenetic pathways. Because HDAC and HAT imbalance can lead to downregulation of regulatory genes, resulting in tumorigenesis. Inhibition of HDACs by belinostat indirectly promotes anti-cancer therapeutic effect by provoking acetylated histone accumulation, re-establishing normal gene expressions in cancer cells and stimulating other routes such as the immune response, p27 signaling cascades, caspase 3 activation, nuclear protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) degradation, cyclin A (G2/M phase), cyclin E1 (G1/S phase) and other events. In addition, belinostat has already been discovered to increase p21WAF1 in a number of cell lines (melanoma, prostate, breast, lung, colon, and ovary). This cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor actually has a role in processes that cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Belinostat's clinical effectiveness, comprising Phase I and II studies within the areas of solid and hematological cancers, has been evidenced through several investigative trials that have supported its potential to be a valuable anti-cancer drug. The purpose of this research was to provide insight on the specific molecular processes through which belinostat inhibits HDAC. The ability to investigate new therapeutic options employing targeted therapy and acquire a deeper understanding of cancer cell abnormalities may result from a better understanding of these particular routes.
  7. Tan LT, Chan CK, Chan KG, Pusparajah P, Khan TM, Ser HL, et al.
    Cancers (Basel), 2019 Nov 06;11(11).
    PMID: 31698795 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111742
    New and effective anticancer compounds are much needed as the incidence of cancer continues to rise. Microorganisms from a variety of environments are promising sources of new drugs; Streptomyces sp. MUM256, which was isolated from mangrove soil in Malaysia as part of our ongoing efforts to study mangrove resources, was shown to produce bioactive metabolites with chemopreventive potential. This present study is a continuation of our previous efforts and aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate fraction of MUM256 crude extract (MUM256 EA) in inhibiting the proliferation of HCT116 cells. Our data showed that MUM256 EA reduced proliferation of HCT116 cells via induction of cell-cycle arrest. Molecular studies revealed that MUM256 EA regulated the expression level of several important cell-cycle regulatory proteins. The results also demonstrated that MUM256 EA induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells mediated through the intrinsic pathway. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis detected several chemical compounds present in MUM256 EA, including cyclic dipeptides which previous literature has reported to demonstrate various pharmacological properties. The cyclic dipeptides were further shown to inhibit HCT116 cells while exerting little to no toxicity on normal colon cells in this study. Taken together, the findings of this project highlight the important role of exploring the mangrove microorganisms as a bioresource which hold tremendous promise for the development of chemopreventive drugs against colorectal cancer.
  8. Nasri C, Halabi Y, Hajib A, Choukri H, Harhar H, Lee LH, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 20;13(1):22767.
    PMID: 38123687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50119-y
    Eight Moroccan avocado varieties were analyzed for their nutritional composition and physicochemical properties. The nutritional contents of the sample were determined through the evaluation of the moisture, oil, ash, protein, and carbohydrate contents, and energy value calculation. Additionally, macroelements (Ca, Mg, and Na) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) were determined in the mineral profile. Oils were examined also for their fatty acid, phytosterol, and tocopherol profiles. As a result of the study, the avocado presents significant differences between the eight studied varieties (p 
  9. Tieng FYF, Abdullah-Zawawi MR, Md Shahri NAA, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Lee LH, Mutalib NA
    Brief Bioinform, 2023 Nov 22;25(1).
    PMID: 38040490 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad421
    RNA biology has risen to prominence after a remarkable discovery of diverse functions of noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Most untranslated transcripts often exert their regulatory functions into RNA-RNA complexes via base pairing with complementary sequences in other RNAs. An interplay between RNAs is essential, as it possesses various functional roles in human cells, including genetic translation, RNA splicing, editing, ribosomal RNA maturation, RNA degradation and the regulation of metabolic pathways/riboswitches. Moreover, the pervasive transcription of the human genome allows for the discovery of novel genomic functions via RNA interactome investigation. The advancement of experimental procedures has resulted in an explosion of documented data, necessitating the development of efficient and precise computational tools and algorithms. This review provides an extensive update on RNA-RNA interaction (RRI) analysis via thermodynamic- and comparative-based RNA secondary structure prediction (RSP) and RNA-RNA interaction prediction (RIP) tools and their general functions. We also highlighted the current knowledge of RRIs and the limitations of RNA interactome mapping via experimental data. Then, the gap between RSP and RIP, the importance of RNA homologues, the relationship between pseudoknots, and RNA folding thermodynamics are discussed. It is hoped that these emerging prediction tools will deepen the understanding of RNA-associated interactions in human diseases and hasten treatment processes.
  10. Fettach S, Thari FZ, Karrouchi K, Benbacer L, Lee LH, Bouyahya A, et al.
    Chem Biol Interact, 2024 Mar 01;391:110902.
    PMID: 38367680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110902
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic endocrine/metabolic disorder characterized by elevated postprandial and fasting glycemic levels that result in disturbances in primary metabolism. In this study, we evaluated the metabolic effects of thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives in Wistar rats and Swiss mice that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks and received 90 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally as a T2DM model. The HFD consisted of 17% carbohydrate, 58% fat, and 25% protein, as a percentage of total kcal. The thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives treatments reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels by an average of 23.98%-50.84%, which were also improved during the oral starch tolerance test (OSTT). Treatment with thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives also improved triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and total cholesterol levels (P 
  11. Ser HL, Law JW, Chaiyakunapruk N, Jacob SA, Palanisamy UD, Chan KG, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2016;7:522.
    PMID: 27148211 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00522
    The β-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanic acid is frequently used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics to treat a wide spectrum of infectious diseases. Clavulanic acid prevents drug resistance by pathogens against these β-lactam antibiotics by preventing the degradation of the β-lactam ring, thus ensuring eradication of these harmful microorganisms from the host. This systematic review provides an overview on the fermentation conditions that affect the production of clavulanic acid in the firstly described producer, Streptomyces clavuligerus. A thorough search was conducted using predefined terms in several electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, EBSCO), from database inception to June 30th 2015. Studies must involve wild-type Streptomyces clavuligerus, and full texts needed to be available. A total of 29 eligible articles were identified. Based on the literature, several factors were identified that could affect the production of clavulanic acid in S. clavuligerus. The addition of glycerol or other vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil, corn oil) could potentially affect clavulanic acid production. Furthermore, some amino acids such as arginine and ornithine, could serve as potential precursors to increase clavulanic acid yield. The comparison of different fermentation systems revealed that fed-batch fermentation yields higher amounts of clavulanic acid as compared to batch fermentation, probably due to the maintenance of substrates and constant monitoring of certain entities (such as pH, oxygen availability, etc.). Overall, these findings provide vital knowledge and insight that could assist media optimization and fermentation design for clavulanic acid production in S. clavuligerus.
  12. Tang C, Hoo PC, Tan LT, Pusparajah P, Khan TM, Lee LH, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2016;7:474.
    PMID: 28003804 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00474
    Flammulina velutipes (enoki, velvet shank, golden needle mushroom or winter mushroom), one of the main edible mushrooms on the market, has long been recognized for its nutritional value and delicious taste. In recent decades, research has expanded beyond detailing its nutritional composition and delved into the biological activities and potential health benefits of its constituents. Many bioactive constituents from a range of families have been isolated from different parts of the mushroom, including carbohydrates, protein, lipids, glycoproteins, phenols, and sesquiterpenes. These compounds have been demonstrated to exhibit various biological activities, such as antitumour and anticancer activities, anti-atherosclerotic and thrombosis inhibition activity, antihypertensive and cholesterol lowering effects, anti-aging and antioxidant properties, ability to aid with restoring memory and overcoming learning deficits, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, ribosome inactivation and melanosis inhibition. This review aims to consolidate the information concerning the phytochemistry and biological activities of various compounds isolated from F. velutipes to demonstrate that this mushroom is not only a great source of nutrients but also possesses tremendous potential in pharmaceutical drug development.
  13. Mangzira Kemung H, Tan LT, Chan KG, Ser HL, Law JW, Lee LH, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Aug 03;25(15).
    PMID: 32756432 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153545
    There is an urgent need to search for new antibiotics to counter the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, one of which is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Herein, we report a Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC 125 from mangrove soil in Malaysia which was identified using 16S rRNA phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis. The methanolic extract of strain MUSC 125 showed anti-MRSA, anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities. Strain MUSC 125 was further screened for the presence of secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes. Our results indicated that both polyketide synthase (pks) gene clusters, pksI and pksII, were detected in strain MUSC 125 by PCR amplification. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) detected the presence of different chemicals in the methanolic extract. Based on the GC-MS analysis, eight known compounds were detected suggesting their contribution towards the anti-MRSA and anti-biofilm activities observed. Overall, the study bolsters the potential of strain MUSC 125 as a promising source of anti-MRSA and antibiofilm compounds and warrants further investigation.
  14. Ng SL, Ong YS, Khaw KY, Teh SP, Tan CS, Ming LC, et al.
    Medicina (Kaunas), 2021 Feb 23;57(2).
    PMID: 33672384 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020189
    The global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 is a known consequence of infection of severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has affected nations worldwide with soaring number of cases daily. Symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are commonly presented in COVID-19 patients. This focused review aims to discuss these uncommon and atypical COVID-19 symptoms that may be presented which might affect neurological, cardiovascular, cutaneous and ocular systems and their possible mode of actions. Nonetheless, there are some cases of reported uncommon or atypical symptoms which may warrant healthcare professionals to be aware of, especially when in contact with patients. The knowledge and information concerning these symptoms might be able to provide additional cues for healthcare professional by subjecting patients to COVID-19 screening. Meanwhile, it might be able to further enhance the alertness and additional precautions being taken by healthcare personnel, which eventually lead to reduced risk of infections.
  15. Tan LT, Lee LH, Yin WF, Chan CK, Abdul Kadir H, Chan KG, et al.
    PMID: 26294929 DOI: 10.1155/2015/896314
    Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata Hook. F. & Thomson) is one of the plants that are exploited at a large scale for its essential oil which is an important raw material for the fragrance industry. The essential oils extracted via steam distillation from the plant have been used mainly in cosmetic industry but also in food industry. Traditionally, C. odorata is used to treat malaria, stomach ailments, asthma, gout, and rheumatism. The essential oils or ylang-ylang oil is used in aromatherapy and is believed to be effective in treating depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Many phytochemical studies have identified the constituents present in the essential oils of C. odorata. A wide range of chemical compounds including monoterpene, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids have been isolated from this plant. Recent studies have shown a wide variety of bioactivities exhibited by the essential oils and the extracts of C. odorata including antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, antivector, insect-repellent, antidiabetic, antifertility and antimelanogenesis activities. Thus, the present review summarizes the information concerning the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of C. odorata. This review is aimed at demonstrating that C. odorata not only is an important raw material for perfume industry but also considered as a prospective useful plant to agriculture and medicine.
  16. Ser HL, Palanisamy UD, Yin WF, Abd Malek SN, Chan KG, Goh BH, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2015;6:854.
    PMID: 26347733 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00854
    A novel Streptomyces, strain MUSC 149(T) was isolated from mangrove soil. A polyphasic approach was used to study the taxonomy of MUSC 149(T), which shows a range of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the members of the genus Streptomyces. The diamino acid of the cell wall peptidoglycan was LL-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK9(H8) and MK9(H6). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that closely related strains include Streptomyces rhizophilus NBRC 108885(T) (99.2% sequence similarity), S. gramineus NBRC 107863(T) (98.7%) and S. graminisoli NBRC 108883(T) (98.5%). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between MUSC 149(T) and closely related type strains ranged from 12.4 ± 3.3% to 27.3 ± 1.9%. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 72.7 mol%. The extract of MUSC 149(T) exhibited strong antioxidant activity and chemical analysis reported identification of an antioxidant agent, Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-. These data showed that metabolites of MUSC 149(T) shall be useful as preventive agent against free-radical associated diseases. Based on the polyphasic study of MUSC 149(T), the strain merits assignment to a novel species, for which the name S. mangrovisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 149(T) (=MCCC 1K00699(T)=DSM 100438(T)).
  17. Gagour J, Hallouch O, Asbbane A, Bijla L, Laknifli A, Lee LH, et al.
    Chem Biodivers, 2024 Apr;21(4):e202301697.
    PMID: 38345352 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301697
    Olive oil (OO) is widely recognized as a main component in the Mediterranean diet owing to its unique chemical composition and associated health-promoting properties. This review aimed at providing readers with recent results on OO physicochemical profiling, extraction technology, and quality parameters specified by regulations to ensure authentic products for consumers. Recent research progress on OO adulteration were outlined through a bibliometric analysis mapping using Vosviewer software. As revealed by bibliometric analysis, richness in terms of fatty acids, pigments, polar phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, sterols, and triterpenic compounds justify OO health-promoting properties and increasing demand on its global consumption. OO storage is a critical post-processing operation that must be optimized to avoid oxidation. Owing to its great commercial value on markets, OO is a target to adulteration with other vegetable oils. In this context, different chemometric tools were developed to deal with this problem. To conclude, increasing demand and consumption of OO on the global market is justified by its unique composition. Challenges such as oxidation and adulteration stand out as the main issues affecting the OO market.
  18. Kong YR, Jong YX, Balakrishnan M, Bok ZK, Weng JKK, Tay KC, et al.
    Biology (Basel), 2021 Apr 01;10(4).
    PMID: 33916114 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040287
    Oxidative stress is a result of disruption in the balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants in which subsequently impacting on redox signaling, causing cell and tissue damages. It leads to a range of medical conditions including inflammation, skin aging, impaired wound healing, chronic diseases and cancers but these conditions can be managed properly with the aid of antioxidants. This review features various studies to provide an overview on how Carica papaya help counteract oxidative stress via various mechanisms of action closely related to its antioxidant properties and eventually improving the management of various oxidative stress-related health conditions. Carica papaya is a topical plant species discovered to contain high amounts of natural antioxidants that can usually be found in their leaves, fruits and seeds. It contains various chemical compounds demonstrate significant antioxidant properties including caffeic acid, myricetin, rutin, quercetin, α-tocopherol, papain, benzyl isothiocyanate (BiTC), and kaempferol. Therefore, it can counteract pro-oxidants via a number of signaling pathways that either promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes or reduce ROS production. These signaling pathways activate the antioxidant defense mechanisms that protect the body against both intrinsic and extrinsic oxidative stress. To conclude, Carica papaya can be incorporated into medications or supplements to help manage the health conditions driven by oxidative stress and further studies are needed to investigate the potential of its chemical components to manage various chronic diseases.
  19. Heng SP, Letchumanan V, Deng CY, Ab Mutalib NS, Khan TM, Chuah LH, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2017;8:997.
    PMID: 28620366 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00997
    Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram negative, rod shaped bacterium that belongs to the family Vibrionaceae. It is a deadly, opportunistic human pathogen which is responsible for the majority of seafood-associated deaths worldwide. V. vulnificus infection can be fatal as it may cause severe wound infections potentially requiring amputation or lead to sepsis in susceptible individuals. Treatment is increasingly challenging as V. vulnificus has begun to develop resistance against certain antibiotics due to their indiscriminate use. This article aims to provide insight into the antibiotic resistance of V. vulnificus in different parts of the world as well as an overall review of its clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention. Understanding the organism's antibiotic resistance profile is vital in order to select appropriate treatment and initiate appropriate prevention measures to treat and control V. vulnificus infections, which should eventually help lower the mortality rate associated with this pathogen worldwide.
  20. Law JW, Ser HL, Duangjai A, Saokaew S, Bukhari SI, Khan TM, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2017;8:877.
    PMID: 28559892 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00877
    Streptomyces colonosanans MUSC 93JT, a novel strain isolated from mangrove forest soil located at Sarawak, Malaysia. The bacterium was noted to be Gram-positive and to form light yellow aerial and vivid yellow substrate mycelium on ISP 2 agar. The polyphasic approach was used to determine the taxonomy of strain MUSC 93JT and the strain showed a range of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the members of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that closely related strains include Streptomyces malachitofuscus NBRC 13059T (99.2% sequence similarity), Streptomyces misionensis NBRC 13063T (99.1%), and Streptomyces phaeoluteichromatogenes NRRL 5799T (99.1%). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between MUSC 93JT and closely related type strains ranged from 14.4 ± 0.1 to 46.2 ± 0.4%. The comparison of BOX-PCR fingerprints indicated MUSC 93JT exhibits a unique DNA profile. The genome of MUSC 93JT consists of 7,015,076 bp. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 69.90 mol%. The extract of strain MUSC 93JT was demonstrated to exhibit potent antioxidant activity via ABTS, metal chelating, and SOD assays. This extract also exhibited anticancer activity against human colon cancer cell lines without significant cytotoxic effect against human normal colon cells. Furthermore, the chemical analysis of the extract further emphasizes the strain is producing chemo-preventive related metabolites. Based on this polyphasic study of MUSC 93JT, it is concluded that this strain represents a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces colonosanans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 93JT (= DSM 102042T = MCCC 1K02298T).
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