Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 228 in total

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  1. Fulltext Bone Marrow Oxidative Stress and Acquired Lineage-Specific Genotoxicity in Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells Exposed to 1,4-Benzoquinone
    Mathialagan RD, Abd Hamid Z, Ng QM, Rajab NF, Shuib S, Binti Abdul Razak SR
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 08 13;17(16).
    PMID: 32823552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165865
    Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are susceptible to benzene-induced genotoxicity. However, little is known about the mechanism of DNA damage response affecting lineage-committed progenitors for myeloid, erythroid, and lymphoid. Here, we investigated the genotoxicity of a benzene metabolite, 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ), in HSPCs using oxidative stress and lineage-directed approaches. Mouse bone marrow cells (BMCs) were exposed to 1,4-BQ (1.25-12 μM) for 24 h, followed by oxidative stress and genotoxicity assessments. Then, the genotoxicity of 1,4-BQ in lineage-committed progenitors was evaluated using colony forming cell assay following 7-14 days of culture. 1,4-BQ exposure causes significant decreases (p < 0.05) in glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity, along with significant increases (p < 0.05) in levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls. 1,4-BQ exposure induces DNA damage in BMCs by significantly (p < 0.05) increased percentages of DNA in tail at 7 and 12 μM and tail moment at 12 μM. We found crucial differences in genotoxic susceptibility based on percentages of DNA in tail between lineage-committed progenitors. Myeloid and pre-B lymphoid progenitors appeared to acquire significant DNA damage as compared with the control starting from a low concentration of 1,4-BQ exposure (2.5 µM). In contrast, the erythroid progenitor showed significant damage as compared with the control starting at 5 µM 1,4-BQ. Meanwhile, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in tail moment was only notable at 7 µM and 12 µM 1,4-BQ exposure for all progenitors. Benzene could mediate hematological disorders by promoting bone marrow oxidative stress and lineage-specific genotoxicity targeting HSPCs.
  2. Fulltext Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and/N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Supplementation on Nutritional and Antioxidant Status of Male Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients
    Pirabbasi E, Shahar S, Manaf ZA, Rajab NF, Manap RA
    J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2016;62(1):54-61.
    PMID: 27117852 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.62.54
    Antioxidant therapy has a potential to be introduced as therapeutic modality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of antioxidant supplementation [ascorbic acid and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)] on nutritional and antioxidant status in male COPD patients. A parallel and single blind randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) was conducted at two medical centers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Seventy-nine subjects were recruited and randomly divided into four trial arms (i.e., NAC, vitamin C, NAC+vitamin C and control groups) for six mo. The primary outcome was changes in body mass index by estimating power of 90% and significance level of p<0.05. Repeated Measure ANOVA showed that there was a significant interaction effect on BMI (p=0.046) and carbohydrate intake (p=0.030), especially in the NAC group. Plasma glutathione (GSH) increased significantly in all intervention groups, especially in vitamin C (p=0.005). A single supplementation of NAC or vitamin C improved nutritional and antioxidant status of subjects.
  3. Fulltext Denosumab as the Treatment of Recalcitrant Tuberculous Pleural Effusion-Associated Hypercalcemia
    Abd Jalil AA, Wan Muhamad Hatta SF, Mohamad AF, Abdul Rani MF
    Case Rep Med, 2021;2021:5544848.
    PMID: 33986809 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5544848
    Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand). It has mainly been used in the treatment of osteoporosis for a variety of causes especially in situations refractory to bisphosphonates or when kidney function is impaired. It is also used in cases of malignancy-associated hypercalcemia. There are many causes of hypercalcemia, but only rarely it is associated with granulomatous diseases such as tuberculous pleural effusion. We report a case of hypercalcemia from tuberculous pleural effusion that was initially admitted with left medium abundance pleural effusion and a serum corrected calcium level of 3.48 mmol/L. The calcium level was successfully normalized within 72 hours of subcutaneous denosumab administration after other interventions have failed.
  4. Fulltext Clastogenicity and Aneugenicity of 1,4-Benzoquinone in Different Lineages of Mouse Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
    Chow PW, Abd Hamid Z, Mathialagan RD, Rajab NF, Shuib S, Sulong S
    Toxics, 2021 May 12;9(5).
    PMID: 34065823 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9050107
    Previous reports on hematotoxicity and leukemogenicity related to benzene exposure highlighted its adverse effects on hematopoiesis. Despite the reported findings, studies concerning the mechanism of benzene affecting chromosomal integrity in lineage-committed hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) remain unclear. Here, we studied the clastogenicity and aneugenicity of benzene in lineage-committed HSPCs via karyotyping. Isolated mouse bone marrow cells (MBMCs) were exposed to the benzene metabolite 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ) at 1.25, 2.5, 5, 7, and 12 μM for 24 h, followed by karyotyping. Then, the chromosomal aberration (CA) in 1,4-BQ-exposed hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) comprising myeloid, Pre-B lymphoid, and erythroid lineages were evaluated following colony-forming cell (CFC) assay. Percentage of CA, predominantly via Robertsonian translocation (Rb), was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in MBMCs and all progenitors at all concentrations. As a comparison, Pre-B lymphoid progenitor demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of CA (p < 0.05) than erythroid progenitor at 1.25, 2.5, and 7 μM as well as a significantly higher percentage (p < 0.05) than myeloid progenitor at 7 μM of 1,4-BQ. In conclusion, 1,4-BQ induced CA, particularly via Rb in both MBMCs and HPCs, notably via a lineage-dependent response. The role of lineage specificity in governing the clastogenicity and aneugenicity of 1,4-BQ deserves further investigation.
  5. Fulltext The effects of six months Persicaria minor extract supplement among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial
    Lau H, Shahar S, Mohamad M, Rajab NF, Yahya HM, Din NC, et al.
    BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Oct 19;20(1):315.
    PMID: 33076878 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03092-2
    BACKGROUND: Persicaria minor extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has potential effects on cognitive function and mood. However, the effects of P.minor on brain activation and biomarkers have not been studied among older adults. This multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 months P.minor extract supplement (Biokesum®) on cognition, mood, biomarkers, and brain activation among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

    METHOD: A total of 36 Malaysian community-dwelling older adults with MCI (60-75-year-old) were randomized into Biokesum® (n = 18) and placebo group (n = 18). Each subject consumed one capsule of Biokesum® (250 mg/capsule) or placebo (maltodextrin, 280 mg/capsule) twice daily for 6 months. Cognitive function and mood were assessed at baseline, 3rd, and 6th-month using neuropsychological tests (MMSE, Digit Span, RAVLT, Digit Symbol, and Visual Reproduction) and Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. Blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and biomarkers (MDA, LPO, COX-2, iNOS, and BDNF) were measured at baseline and 6th month. By the end of the intervention, there were 30 compliers (Biokesum®: N = 15; Placebo: N = 15) and 6 dropouts. For brain activation assessment, 15 subsamples (Biokesum®: N = 8; Placebo: N = 7) completed N-back and Stroop tasks during fMRI scanning at baseline and 6th month. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann's area 9 and 46) was identified as a region of interest (ROI) for brain activation analysis using SPM software.

    RESULTS: Two-way mixed ANOVA analysis showed significant improvements in Visual Reproduction II (p = 0.012, partial η2 = 0.470), tension (p = 0.042, partial η2 = 0.147), anger (p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.207), confusion (p = 0.041, partial η2 = 0.148), total negative subscales (p = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.145), BDNF (p = 0.020, partial η2 = 0.179) and triglyceride (p = 0.029, partial η2 = 0.237) following 6 months of Biokesum® supplementation. Preliminary finding also demonstrated significant improvement at 0-back task-induced right DLPFC activation (p = 0.028, partial η2 = 0.652) among subsamples in Biokesum® group. No adverse events were reported at the end of the study.

    CONCLUSION: Six months Biokesum® supplementation potentially improved visual memory, negative mood, BDNF, and triglyceride levels among older adults with MCI. Significant findings on brain activation at the right DPLFC must be considered as preliminary.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on 30th August 2019 [ ISRC TN12417552 ].

  6. Fulltext Serum Metabolomics Profiling of Commercially Mixed Functional Foods-Effects in Beta-Amyloid Induced Rats Measured Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy
    Rosli NHM, Yahya HM, Ibrahim FW, Shahar S, Ismail IS, Azam AA, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Dec 12;12(12).
    PMID: 33322743 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123812
    Functional foods such as pomegranate, dates and honey were shown by various previous studies to individually have a neuroprotective effect, especially in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this novel and original study, an 1H NMR spectroscopy tool was used to identify the metabolic neuroprotective mechanism of commercially mixed functional foods (MFF) consisting of pomegranate, dates and honey, in rats injected with amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ-42). Forty-five male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: NC (0.9% normal saline treatment + phosphate buffer solution (PBS) solution injection), Abeta (0.9% normal saline treatment + 0.2 µg/µL Aβ-42 injection), MFF (4 mL/kg MFF treatment + PBS solution injection), Abeta-MFF (4 mL/kg MFF treatment + 0.2 µg/µL Aβ-42 injection) and Abeta-NAC (150 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine + 0.2 µg/µL Aβ-42 injection). Based on the results, the MFF and NAC treatment improved the spatial memory and learning using Y-maze. In the metabolic analysis, a total of 12 metabolites were identified, for which levels changed significantly among the treatment groups. Systematic metabolic pathway analysis found that the MFF and NAC treatments provided a neuroprotective effect in Aβ-42 injected rats by improving the acid amino and energy metabolisms. Overall, this finding showed that MFF might serve as a potential neuroprotective functional food for the prevention of AD.
  7. The influence of selenium status on body composition, oxidative DNA damage and total antioxidant capacity in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study
    Othman FB, Mohamed HJBJ, Sirajudeen KNS, Noh MFBM, Rajab NF
    J Trace Elem Med Biol, 2017 Sep;43:106-112.
    PMID: 28065595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.12.009
    Selenium is involved in the complex system of defense against oxidative stress in diabetes through its biological function of selenoproteins and the antioxidant enzyme. A case-control study was carried out to determine the association of plasma selenium with oxidative stress and body composition status presented in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patient and healthy control. This study involved 82 newly diagnosed T2DM patients and 82 healthy controls. Plasma selenium status was determined with Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Body Mass Index, total body fat and visceral fat was assessed for body composition using Body Composition Analyzer (TANITA). Oxidative DNA damage and total antioxidant capacity were determined for oxidative stress biomarker status. In age, gender and BMI adjustment, no significant difference of plasma selenium level between T2DM and healthy controls was observed. There was as a significant difference of Oxidative DNA damage and total antioxidant capacity between T2DM patients and healthy controls with tail DNA% 20.62 [95% CI: 19.71,21.49] (T2DM), 17.67 [95% CI: 16.87,18.56] (control); log tail moment 0.41[95% CI: 0.30,0.52] (T2DM), 0.41[95% CI: 0.30,0.52] (control); total antioxidant capacity 0.56 [95% CI: 0.54,0.58] (T2DM), 0.60 [95% CI: 0.57,0.62] (control). Waist circumference, BMI, visceral fat, body fat and oxidative DNA damage in the T2DM group were significantly lower in the first plasma selenium tertile (38.65-80.90μg/L) compared to the second (80.91-98.20μg/L) and the third selenium tertiles (98.21-158.20μg/L). A similar trend, but not statistically significant, was observed in the control group.
  8. Fulltext Rituximab-induced lung disease
    Wan Zaidi WA, Wan Jamaludin WF, Tumian NR, Abdul Wahid F
    Med J Malaysia, 2016 Aug;71(4):209-210.
    PMID: 27770123 MyJurnal DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00080209
    Pulmonary toxicity is a rare complication of Rituximab therapy. Although Rituximab is relatively safe and can be administered in an outpatient setting, Rituximab-associated lung disease has been reported and may cause mortality despite early detection. Typically the pulmonary toxicity occurs at around the fourth cycle of Rituximab. High index of suspicion is crucial and other concurrent pathology such as infective causes should be excluded. Radiological imaging and histological confirmation should be obtained and early treatment with corticosteroid should be initiated. Patients should receive counselling regarding respiratory symptoms and possible pulmonary toxicity.
  9. Microplastics analysis in Malaysian marine waters: A field study of Kuala Nerus and Kuantan
    Khalik WMAWM, Ibrahim YS, Tuan Anuar S, Govindasamy S, Baharuddin NF
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Oct;135:451-457.
    PMID: 30301058 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.052
    The first report on the emergence of microplastic in Malaysian marine waters was documented in this study. Water samples were collected from two regions, namely Kuala Nerus and Kuantan port, as the representatives of different anthropogenic activities. Identification of microplastic was performed based on physical characteristics (colour, shape, density) and chemical characterisation (ATR-FTIR analysis) for a functional group of polymers. Fragment type, black or grey colour and high density (>1.02 g cm-3) of microplastic were the most prevalent characteristics found in both areas. Two principal components (density and colour) rendered explained about 95.3% (Kuantan) and 95.6% (Kuala Nerus) of the total variance. Six possible polymer materials were identified, namely polyester, polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The findings of the study provided good baseline information on marine debris issue in Malaysia.
  10. Electrochemical DNA biosensor for potential carcinogen detection in food sample
    Sani NDM, Heng LY, Marugan RSPM, Rajab NF
    Food Chem, 2018 Dec 15;269:503-510.
    PMID: 30100466 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.07.035
    The presence of carcinogens in food is a major food safety concern. A nanocomposite-based electrochemical DNA biosensor was constructed for potential carcinogen detection in food samples by immobilizing amine terminated single stranded DNA onto silica nanospheres deposited onto a screen-printed electrode modified using gold nanoparticles. The effect of three different DNA sequences: 15-base guanine, 24-base guanine and 24-base adenine-thymine rich DNA on carcinogen (formaldehyde and acrylamide) detection was evaluated. The competitive binding of the DNA with the carcinogen and electroactive indicator, Methylene blue (MB) was measured using differential pulse voltammetry. Optimization studies were conducted for MB concentration and accumulation time, DNA concentration, buffer concentration, pH and ionic strength. Overall, the 24-base guanine rich DNA yielded the best results with a detection limit of 0.0001 ppm, linear range between 0.0001 ppm and 0.1 ppm and reproducibility below 5% R.S.D. Finally, the results obtained using the biosensor were validated using Ames test.
  11. Rapid treatment of full-thickness skin loss using ovine tendon collagen type I scaffold with skin cells
    Mh Busra F, Rajab NF, Tabata Y, Saim AB, B H Idrus R, Chowdhury SR
    J Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2019 05;13(5):874-891.
    PMID: 30811090 DOI: 10.1002/term.2842
    The full-thickness skin wound is a common skin complication affecting millions of people worldwide. Delayed treatment of this condition causes the loss of skin function and integrity that could lead to the development of chronic wounds or even death. This study was aimed to develop a rapid wound treatment modality using ovine tendon collagen type I (OTC-I) bio-scaffold with or without noncultured skin cells. Genipin (GNP) and carbodiimide (EDC) were used to cross-link OTC-I scaffold to improve the mechanical strength of the bio-scaffold. The physicochemical, biomechanical, biodegradation, biocompatibility, and immunogenicity properties of OTC-I scaffolds were investigated. The efficacy of this treatment approach was evaluated in an in vivo skin wound model. The results demonstrated that GNP cross-linked OTC-I scaffold (OTC-I_GNP) had better physicochemical and mechanical properties compared with EDC cross-linked OTC-I scaffold (OTC-I_EDC) and noncross-link OTC-I scaffold (OTC-I_NC). OTC-I_GNP and OTC-I_NC demonstrated no toxic effect on cells as it promoted higher cell attachment and proliferation of both primary human epidermal keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts compared with OTC-I_EDC. Both OTC-I_GNP and OTC-I_NC exhibited spontaneous formation of bilayer structure in vitro. Immunogenic evaluation of OTC-I scaffolds, in vitro and in vivo, revealed no sign of immune response. Finally, implantation of OTC-I_NC and OTC-I_GNP scaffolds with noncultured skin cells demonstrated enhanced healing with superior skin maturity and microstructure features, resembling native skin in contrast to other treatment (without noncultured skin cells) and control group. The findings of this study, therefore, suggested that both OTC-I scaffolds with noncultured skin cells could be promising for the rapid treatment of full-thickness skin wound.
  12. Fulltext In vitro toxicological assessment of gadolinium (III) chloride in V79-4 fibroblasts
    Siew EL, Farris AF, Rashid N, Chan KM, Rajab NF
    Genes Environ, 2020;42:22.
    PMID: 32537035 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-020-00161-3
    Background: Rare earth minerals of the lanthanide series are widely used in the field of medical and clinical application. Gadolinium (Gd), the most preferred rare earth mineral is frequently used as magnets, superconductors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Increasing production of gadolinium waste, known potent toxicity of this element and lack of information on its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prompts health risk assessment on gadolinium. In this study, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Gadolinium (III) chloride (GdCl3) were investigated using MTT assay, Alkaline Comet assay and Micronucleus assay, respectively.

    Results: Our results demonstrated that the viability of GdCl3 treated V79-4 cells was significantly (p  0.05) DNA damage both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. However, it induced significant (p 

  13. Roles of Rho‑associated kinase in lung cancer (Review)
    Zakaria MA, Rajab NF, Chua EW, Selvarajah GT, Masre SF
    Int J Oncol, 2021 02;58(2):185-198.
    PMID: 33491756 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5164
    Lung cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer known to man, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Despite advancements being made in lung cancer treatments, the prognosis of patients with the disease remains poor, particularly among patients with late‑stage lung cancer. The elucidation of the signaling pathways involved in lung cancer is a critical approach for the treatment of the disease. Over the past decades, accumulating evidence has revealed that Rho‑associated kinase (ROCK) is overexpressed in lung cancer and is associated with tumor growth. The present review discusses recent findings of ROCK signaling in the pathogenesis of lung cancer that were conducted in pre‑clinical studies. The significant role of ROCK in cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis is discussed. The present review also suggests the use of ROCK as a potential target for the development of lung cancer therapies, as ROCK inhibition can reduce multiple hallmarks of cancer, particularly by decreasing cancer cell migration, which is an initial step of metastasis.
  14. Reply to the comments on "Higher levels of lead and aluminium are associated with increased risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults: An 18-month follow-up study"
    Ooi TC, Singh DKA, Shahar S, Rajab NF, Sharif R
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2022 02;22(2):183-185.
    PMID: 34984783 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14337
  15. In vitro cytotoxic evaluation of processed natural coral in human osteoblasts
    Omar NS, Kannan TP, Ismail AR, Abdullah SF, Samsudin AR, Hamid SS
    Int J Toxicol, 2011 Aug;30(4):443-51.
    PMID: 21540334 DOI: 10.1177/1091581811399474
    This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of locally produced processed natural coral (PNC) using human osteoblasts (HOS). Cytotoxicity was not observed when HOS cells were cultured with PNC, as assessed by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; MTT) and Neutral Red (NR) assays at concentration up 200 mg/mL for up to 72 hours. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis showed that PNC (200 mg/mL) did not decrease viability of HOS cells after 48 and 72 hours of treatment. In a cell attachment study, the HOS cells attached to the edge of the PNC disc, and later grew into the pores of the PNC disc. All results from these studies indicate that locally produced PNC material is noncytotoxic and favors the growth of HOS cells.
  16. Fulltext Efficacy of zinc carnosine in the treatment of colorectal cancer and its potential in combination with immunotherapy in vivo
    Tang W, Liu H, Li X, Ooi TC, Rajab NF, Cao H, et al.
    Aging (Albany NY), 2022 Nov 14;14(21):8688-8699.
    PMID: 36375474 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204380
    BACKGROUND: A complex of Zn and carnosine, called Zinc-L-carnosine (ZnC), enjoys a wide application as part of a Zn supplement therapeutic method as well as in treating peptic ulcers. However, researches fail to confirm the biological functions possessed by ZnC as well as tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC).

    METHODS: Cell counting kit 8(CCK8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to study the influence of ZnC in the proliferating, invading and migrating processes of CRC cell lines (HCT116, LOVO) in vitro. The antitumor activity ZnC as well as its effects on tumor immune microenvironment were then assessed using CRC subcutaneous tumors in the C57BL/6 mouse model.

    RESULTS: According to CCK8, EdU, transwell and wound healing assays, ZnC inhibited CRC cell lines in terms of proliferation, invasion and migration. ZnC could inhibit miR-570 for up-regulating PD-L1 expression. In vivo experiments showed that gavage (100 mg/kg, once every day) of ZnC inhibited the tumor growth of CRC, and the combination of ZnC and anti-PD1 therapy significantly improved the efficacy exhibited by anti-PD1 in treating CRC. In addition, mass cytometry results showed that immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T cells (tregs), bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and M2 macrophages decreased whereas CD8+ T cells elevated after adding ZnC.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that ZnC slows the progression of CRC by inhibiting CRC cells in terms of proliferation, invasion and migration, meanwhile up-regulating PD-L1 expression via inhibiting miR-570. The ZnC-anti-PD1 co-treatment assists in synergically increasing anti-tumor efficacy in CRC therapy.

  17. Neuroimaging Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Task-Based Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation Following 12 Weeks of Cosmos caudatus Supplementation Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
    You YX, Shahar S, Mohamad M, Rajab NF, Haron H, Che Din N, et al.
    J Magn Reson Imaging, 2021 12;54(6):1804-1818.
    PMID: 34080265 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27762
    BACKGROUND: Cosmos caudatus (CC) is traditional Asian vegetable, commonly consumed among the Southeast Asian population. It has been reported to be high in flavonoids and might potentially improve brain activity among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The effect of CC in brain activation improvement using neuroimaging is yet to be discovered.

    PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of CC supplement on brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) among older adults with MCI.

    STUDY TYPE: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

    POPULATION/SUBJECTS: Twenty older adults with mild cognitive impairment (60-75 years old), 14 of them (70%) were female subjects.

    FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3.0-T, T1-weighted anatomical images, T2*-weighted imaging data, A single shot, gradient echo-echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence.

    ASSESSMENT: All subjects were asked to consume two 500 mg capsules of either CC supplement or placebo (maltodextrin) daily for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was measured using validated neuropsychological tests (i.e. Mini-mental State Examination and Digit Span) and task-based fMRI (N-back and Stroop Color Word Test) at baseline and 12th week. Brodmann's area 9, 46 and anterior cingulate cortex were selected as the regions of interest to define dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in fMRI analysis.

    STATISTICAL TESTS: Normality test was performed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Two-way repeated ANOVA determined the intervention effects of the CC supplementation on brain activity after adjustments for covariates. Significance level at P 

  18. Fulltext Immunomodulatory potential of Clinacanthus nutans extracts in the co-culture of triple-negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, and THP-1 macrophages
    Nordin FJ, Pearanpan L, Chan KM, Kumolosasi E, Yong YK, Shaari K, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(8):e0256012.
    PMID: 34379689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256012
    Triple-negative breast cancer is the main type of breast carcinoma that causes mortality among women because of the limited treatment options and high recurrence. Chronic inflammation has been linked with the tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer progression. Clinacanthus nutans (CN) has gained much attention because of its anticancer properties, but its mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to study the qualitative phytochemical content and elucidate the cytotoxicity effects of CN on human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), MDA-MB-231 and human macrophage-like cells such as THP-1 by using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. As highly metastatic cells, MDA-MB-231 cells can migrate to the distal position, the effect of CN on migration were also elucidated using the scratch assay. The CN effects on ameliorating chronic inflammation in TME were studied following the co-culture of MDA-MB-231/THP-1 macrophages. The cytokine expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined using ELISA assays. The results showed that both ethanolic and aqueous CN extracts contained alkaloid, phenol and tannin, flavonoid, terpenoid, glycoside and steroid. However, saponin was only found in the aqueous extract of CN. CN was not cytotoxic to both MDA-MB-231 and THP-1 cells. The ability of MDA-MB-231 to migrate was also not halted by CN treatment. However, CN ethanol extract decreased IL-6 at 25 μg/mL (p = 0.02) and 100 μg/mL (p = 0.03) but CN aqueous extract increased IL-6 expression at 50 μg/mL (p = 0.08) and 100 μg/mL (p = 0.02). IL-1β showed decreased expression after treated with CN ethanol and CN aqueous both at 25 μg/mL (p = 0.03). TNF-α were significantly decreased after CN ethanol treatment at concentration 25- (p = 0.001), 50- (p = 0.000) and 100 μg/mL (p = 0.000). CN aqueous extract slightly inhibited TNF-α at all 25-50- and 100 μg/mL (p = 0.001, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). Overall, CN acts by ameliorating the pro-inflammatory condition in the TME and may be a potential strategy for its anticancer mechanism on highly metastatic breast cancer condition. The major pathways that link both cancer and inflammation were NF-κB and STATs thus further study on the upstream and downstream pathways is needed to fully understand the mechanism of CN extracts in cooling the inflamed TME in breast cancer.
  19. Higher levels of lead and aluminium are associated with increased risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults: An 18-month follow-up study
    Ooi TC, Singh DKA, Shahar S, Rajab NF, Sharif R
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2021 Nov;21(11):1026-1032.
    PMID: 34590402 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14284
    AIM: The present study aims to determine the association of trace elements and oxidative and DNA damage biomarkers with fall incidence among community-dwelling older adults.

    METHODS: This study is part of the Long-term Research Grant Scheme - Towards Useful Ageing cohort study in Malaysia. Of a total of 174 participants with complete trace elements and oxidative and DNA damage data during baseline, only 147 (84.5%) were successfully followed up after 18 months. Participants who experienced any fall events in the previous 18 months during the follow-up were categorized as fallers.

    RESULTS: Thirty participants (20.4%) reported at least one fall in the previous 18 months. The mean concentrations of aluminium, lead and zinc were significantly higher (P 

  20. Retinal Vasculature Fractal Dimension Measures Vessel Density
    Ab Hamid F, Che Azemin MZ, Salam A, Aminuddin A, Mohd Daud N, Zahari I
    Curr Eye Res, 2016 Jun;41(6):823-31.
    PMID: 26268475 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1056375
    PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to provide the empirical evidence of fractal dimension as an indirect measure of retinal vasculature density.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred retinal samples of right eye [57.0% females (n = 114) and 43.0% males (n = 86)] were selected from baseline visit. A custom-written software was used for vessel segmentation. Vessel segmentation is the process of transforming two-dimensional color images into binary images (i.e. black and white pixels). The circular area of approximately 2.6 optic disc radii surrounding the center of optic disc was cropped. The non-vessels fragments were removed. FracLac was used to measure the fractal dimension and vessel density of retinal vessels.

    RESULTS: This study suggested that 14.1% of the region of interest (i.e. approximately 2.6 optic disk radii) comprised retinal vessel structure. Using correlation analysis, vessel density measurement and fractal dimension estimation are linearly and strongly correlated (R = 0.942, R(2) = 0.89, p 

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