Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 34 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Two new whiprays, Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. and M. bineeshi sp. nov. (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae), from the northern Indian Ocean
    Manjaji-Matsumoto BM, Last PR
    Zootaxa, 2016 Jul 28;4144(3):335-53.
    PMID: 27470860 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4144.3.3
    Two new medium-sized whiprays, Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. and M. bineeshi sp. nov., are described from specimens collected in coastal habitats of the northern Indian Ocean, off India and Pakistan. Both species superficially resemble M. randalli (Last, Manjaji-Matsumoto & Moore), and appear to have been confused with a more widely distributed whipray M. gerrardi Gray, and another undescribed species from the Indian Ocean. Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. (attains at least 63 cm DW) is diagnosed by a combination of external characters, i.e. morphometrics (e.g. relatively short disc, narrow interspaces between paired structures on the head), squamation (relatively slow denticle development and a characteristic denticle band shape), plain dorsal disc coloration (rather than spotted), and tail light brown and banded beyond the caudal sting in juveniles but almost plain in adults. Maculabatis bineeshi sp. nov. (attains at least 66 cm DW) is diagnosed by a combination of characters, i.e. morphometrics (e.g. suboval to weakly rhombic disc in young), squamation (rapid denticle development and broad denticle band with margins truncate near pectoral-fin insertions), plain dorsal disc coloration (no white spots), and a dark blackish tail (especially in young) with weakly mottled banding on its dorsal surface beyond the caudal sting. Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. appears to be confined to the Arabian Sea (from Pakistan to western India), whereas M. bineeshi sp. nov. occurs in the Arabian Sea (off Pakistan and northwestern India) and in the Bay of Bengal (confirmed off Odisha, eastern India).
  2. A revised classification of the family Dasyatidae (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes) based on new morphological and molecular insights
    Last PR, Naylor GJ, Manjaji-Matsumoto BM
    Zootaxa, 2016 Jul 21;4139(3):345-68.
    PMID: 27470808 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4139.3.2
    The higher-level taxonomy of the stingrays (Dasyatidae) has never been comprehensively reviewed. Recent phylogenetic studies, supported by morphological data, have provided evidence that the group is monophyletic and consists of four major subgroups, the subfamilies Dasyatinae, Neotrygoninae, Urogymninae and Hypolophinae. A morphologically based review of 89 currently recognised species, undertaken for a guide to the world's rays, indicated that most of the currently recognised dasyatid genera are not monophyletic groups. These findings were supported by molecular analyses using the NADH2 gene for about 77 of these species, and this topology is supported by preliminary analyses base on whole mitochondrial genome comparisons. These molecular analyses, based on data generated from the Chondrichthyan Tree of Life project, are the most taxon-rich data available for this family. Material from all of the presently recognised genera (Dasyatis, Pteroplatytrygon and Taeniurops [Dasyatinae]; Neotrygon and Taeniura [Neotrygoninae]; Himantura and Urogymnus [Urogymninae]; and Makararaja and Pastinachus [Hypolophinae]), are included and their validity largely supported. Urogymnus and the two most species rich genera, Dasyatis and Himantura, are not considered to be monophyletic and were redefined based on external morphology. Seven new genus-level taxa are erected (Megatrygon and Telatrygon [Dasyatinae]; Brevitrygon, Fluvitrygon, Fontitrygon, Maculabatis and Pateobatis [Urogymninae], and an additional three (Bathytoshia, Hemitrygon and Hypanus [Dasyatinae]) are resurrected from the synonymy of Dasyatis. The monotypic genus Megatrygon clustered with 'amphi-American Himantura' outside the Dasyatidae, and instead as the sister group of the Potamotrygonidae and Urotrygonidae. Megatrygon is provisionally retained in the Dasyatinae pending further investigation of its internal anatomy. The morphologically divergent groups, Bathytoshia and Pteroplatytrygon, possibly form a single monophyletic group so further investigation is needed to confirm the validity of Pteroplatytrygon. A reclassification of the family Dasyatidae is provided and the above taxa are defined based on new morphological data.
  3. A new stable GIP-Oxyntomodulin hybrid peptide improved bone strength both at the organ and tissue levels in genetically-inherited type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Mansur SA, Mieczkowska A, Flatt PR, Bouvard B, Chappard D, Irwin N, et al.
    Bone, 2016 06;87:102-13.
    PMID: 27062994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.04.001
    Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progress worldwide with detrimental effects on several physiological systems including bone tissue mainly by affecting bone quality. Several gut hormones analogues have been proven potent in ameliorating bone quality. In the present study, we used the leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice as a model of obesity and severe T2DM to assess the extent of bone quality alterations at the organ and tissue levels. We also examined the beneficial effects of gut hormone therapy in this model by using a new triple agonist ([d-Ala(2)]GIP-Oxm) active at the GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. As expected, db/db mice presented with dramatic alterations of bone strength at the organ level associated with deterioration of trabecular and cortical microarchitectures and an augmentation in osteoclast numbers. At the tissue level, these animals presented also with alterations of bone strength (reduced hardness, indentation modulus and dissipated energy) with modifications of tissue mineral distribution, collagen glycation and collagen maturity. The use of [d-Ala(2)]GIP-Oxm considerably improved bone strength at the organ level with modest effects on trabecular microarchitecture. At the tissue level, [d-Ala(2)]GIP-Oxm ameliorated bone strength reductions with positive effects on collagen glycation and collagen maturity. This study provides support for including gut hormone analogues as possible new therapeutic strategies for improving bone quality in bone complications associated to T2DM.
  4. Alteration of the bone tissue material properties in type 1 diabetes mellitus: A Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy study
    Mieczkowska A, Mansur SA, Irwin N, Flatt PR, Chappard D, Mabilleau G
    Bone, 2015 Jul;76:31-9.
    PMID: 25813583 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.03.010
    Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a severe disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. A higher occurrence of bone fractures has been reported in T1DM, and although bone mineral density is reduced in this disorder, it is also thought that bone quality may be altered in this chronic pathology. Vibrational microscopies such as Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) represent an interesting approach to study bone quality as they allow investigation of the collagen and mineral compartment of the extracellular matrix in a specific bone location. However, as spectral feature arising from the mineral may overlap with those of the organic component, the demineralization of bone sections should be performed for a full investigation of the organic matrix. The aims of the present study were to (i) develop a new approach, based on the demineralization of thin bone tissue section to allow a better characterization of the bone organic component by FTIRM, (ii) to validate collagen glycation and collagen integrity in bone tissue and (iii) to better understand what alterations of tissue material properties in newly forming bone occur in T1DM. The streptozotocin-injected mouse (150 mg/kg body weight, injected at 8 weeks old) was used as T1DM model. Animals were randomly allocated to control (n = 8) or diabetic (n = 10) groups and were sacrificed 4 weeks post-STZ injection. Bones were collected at necropsy, embedded in polymethylmethacrylate and sectioned prior to examination by FTIRM. FTIRM collagen parameters were collagen maturity (area ratio between 1660 and 1690 cm(-1) subbands), collagen glycation (area ratio between the 1032 cm(-1) subband and amide I) and collagen integrity (area ratio between the 1338 cm(-1) subband and amide II). No significant differences in the mineral compartment of the bone matrix could be observed between controls and STZ-injected animals. On the other hand, as compared with controls, STZ-injected animals presented with significant higher value for collagen maturity (17%, p = 0.0048) and collagen glycation (99%, p = 0.0121), while collagen integrity was significantly lower by 170% (p = 0.0121). This study demonstrated the profound effect of early T1DM on the organic compartment of the bone matrix in newly forming bone. Further studies in humans are required to ascertain whether T1DM also lead to similar effect on the quality of the bone matrix.
  5. Stable Incretin Mimetics Counter Rapid Deterioration of Bone Quality in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
    Mansur SA, Mieczkowska A, Bouvard B, Flatt PR, Chappard D, Irwin N, et al.
    J Cell Physiol, 2015 Dec;230(12):3009-18.
    PMID: 26016732 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25033
    Type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with a high risk for bone fractures. Although bone mass is reduced, bone quality is also dramatically altered in this disorder. However, recent evidences suggest a beneficial effect of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) pathways on bone quality. The aims of the present study were to conduct a comprehensive investigation of bone strength at the organ and tissue level; and to ascertain whether enzyme resistant GIP or GLP-1 mimetic could be beneficial in preventing bone fragility in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Streptozotocin-treated mice were used as a model of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Control and streptozotocin-diabetic animals were treated for 21 days with an enzymatic-resistant GIP peptide ([D-Ala(2) ]GIP) or with liraglutide (each at 25 nmol/kg bw, ip). Bone quality was assessed at the organ and tissue level by microCT, qXRI, 3-point bending, qBEI, nanoindentation, and Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy. [D-Ala2]GIP and liraglutide treatment did prevent loss of whole bone strength and cortical microstructure in the STZ-injected mice. However, tissue material properties were significantly improved in STZ-injected animals following treatment with [D-Ala2]GIP or liraglutide. Treatment of STZ-diabetic mice with [D-Ala(2) ]GIP or liraglutide was capable of significantly preventing deterioration of the quality of the bone matrix. Further studies are required to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and to validate whether these findings can be translated to human patients.
  6. Fulltext Molecular endoscopic imaging for the detection of Barrett's metaplasia using biodegradable inorganic nanoparticles: An ex-vivo pilot study on human tissue
    Ahmed S, Kreft A, Chowdhury EH, Hossain SM, Galle PR, Neumann H
    PLoS One, 2020;15(10):e0239814.
    PMID: 33002048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239814
    BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Despite major technical advancements, endoscopic surveillance for detecting premalignant lesions in Barrett's esophagus is challenging because of their flat appearance with only subtle morphological changes. Molecular endoscopic imaging (MEI) using nanoparticles (NPs), coupled with fluorescently labeled antibody permits visualization of disease-specific molecular alterations. The aim of this ex vivo study was to assess the diagnostic applicability of MEI with NPs to detect Barrett's metaplasia.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients undergoing endoscopic surveillance of known Barrett's esophagus were recruited. Freshly resected biopsy specimens were incubated with NPs coupled with FITC labeled Muc-2 antibodies and examined with MEI. Fluorescence intensity from Barrett's mucosa and control specimens were compared, followed by histological confirmation.

    RESULTS: Fluorescence signals, indicating the presence of goblet cells, were noted for traditional MEI using Muc-2 antibodies in Barrett's intestinal metaplasia. Significantly stronger fluorescence signals were achieved with NPs coupled with FITC-conjugated Muc-2 antibodies. The results of MEI with NPs for the prediction of Barrett's metaplasia correlated with the final histopathological examination in all the cases.

    CONCLUSIONS: Highly-specific NPs detected Barrett's metaplasia more efficiently than conventional MEI in this first feasibility study. MEI was as effective as standard histopathology for identifying Muc-2 containing goblet cells for diagnosis of Barrett's metaplasia. (DRKS-ID: DRKS00017747).

  7. Sitagliptin Alters Bone Composition in High-Fat-Fed Mice
    Mansur SA, Mieczkowska A, Flatt PR, Chappard D, Irwin N, Mabilleau G
    Calcif. Tissue Int., 2019 04;104(4):437-448.
    PMID: 30564859 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-018-0507-0
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus is recognized as a significant risk factor for fragility of bone. Among the newer anti-diabetic agents, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have been reported to decrease the occurrence of bone fractures although the reason is unclear. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sitagliptin treatment on tissue bone strength and compositional parameters in the high-fat-fed mouse model. Male NIH swiss mice were allowed free access to high-fat diet for 150 days to induce chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Sitagliptin was administered once daily for 3 weeks. High-fat-fed mice administered with saline were used as controls. Bone strength was assessed at the organ and tissue level by three-point bending and nanoindentation, respectively. Bone microarchitecture was investigated by microcomputed tomography and bone composition was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared imaging and quantitative backscattered electron imaging. Administration of sitagliptin increased non-fasting insulin, improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity. This was associated with clear ameliorations in bone strength at the organ and tissue level. No changes in trabecular or cortical microarchitectures were observed. On the other hand, higher values of Camean, Caturn, collagen maturity, mineral/matrix ratio, mineral maturity and crystal size index were evidenced after sitagliptin treatment. Correlation analysis significantly linked the modifications of bone strength to changes in bone compositional parameters. These results bring new light on the mode of action of sitagliptin on bone physiology and demonstrate a benefit of DPP4i.
  8. Fulltext miRNA nanotherapeutics: potential and challenges in respiratory disorders
    Mehta M, Chellappan DK, Wich PR, Hansbro NG, Hansbro PM, Dua K
    Future Med Chem, 2020 06;12(11):987-990.
    PMID: 32270706 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0066
  9. Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Divergent Dengue Virus Type 2 Strain, Imported into Australia from Sabah, Malaysia
    Pyke AT, Huang B, Warrilow D, Moore PR, McMahon J, Harrower B
    Genome Announc, 2017 Jul 20;5(29).
    PMID: 28729258 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00546-17
    In 2015, a female patient returning to Australia from Sabah, Malaysia, was diagnosed with a suspected sylvatic dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) infection, becoming the second case of imported highly divergent dengue virus infection recorded in Australia. We describe here the complete genome sequencing of the DENV-2 strain isolated from this patient.
  10. Effects of environment and genotype on phenolic acids in wheat in the HEALTHGRAIN diversity screen
    Fernandez-Orozco R, Li L, Harflett C, Shewry PR, Ward JL
    J Agric Food Chem, 2010 Sep 08;58(17):9341-52.
    PMID: 20707366 DOI: 10.1021/jf102017s
    Phenolic acid content and composition have been determined in 26 wheat genotypes grown in Hungary over three consecutive years and at three additional locations (France, United Kingdom, and Poland) during the third year. Fractions comprising free, soluble conjugated, and bound phenolic acids were analyzed using HPLC with measurements being made for individual phenolic acids in each fraction. Statistically significant differences in phenolic acid content occurred across the different growing locations with the average total phenolic acid content being highest in the genotypes grown in Hungary. The growth year in Hungary also had a large impact, especially on the free and conjugated phenolic acid contents. Certain genotypes were more resistant to environmental impacts than others. Of the genotypes with high levels of total phenolic acids, Lynx, Riband, Tommi, and Cadenza were most stable with respect to their total contents, whereas Valoris, Herzog, and Malacca, also high in phenolic acid content, were least stable. Of the three fractions analyzed, the free and conjugated phenolic acids were most variable and were also susceptible to the effect of environment, whereas bound phenolic acids, which comprised the greatest proportion of the total phenolic acids, were the most stable.
  11. Impacts of forestry planting on primary production in upland lakes from north-west Ireland
    Stevenson MA, McGowan S, Anderson NJ, Foy RH, Leavitt PR, McElarney YR, et al.
    Glob Chang Biol, 2016 Apr;22(4):1490-504.
    PMID: 26666434 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13194
    Planted forests are increasing in many upland regions worldwide, but knowledge about their potential effects on algal communities of catchment lakes is relatively unknown. Here, the effects of afforestation were investigated using palaeolimnology at six upland lake sites in the north-west of Ireland subject to different extents of forest plantation cover (4-64% of catchment area). (210) Pb-dated sediment cores were analysed for carotenoid pigments from algae, stable isotopes of bulk carbon (δ(13) C) and nitrogen (δ(15) N), and C/N ratios. In lakes with >50% of their catchment area covered by plantations, there were two- to sixfold increases in pigments from cryptophytes (alloxanthin) and significant but lower increases (39-116%) in those from colonial cyanobacteria (canthaxanthin), but no response from biomarkers of total algal abundance (β-carotene). In contrast, lakes in catchments with <20% afforestation exhibited no consistent response to forestry practices, although all lakes exhibited fluctuations in pigments and geochemical variables due to peat cutting and upland grazing prior to forest plantation. Taken together, patterns suggest that increases in cyanobacteria and cryptophyte abundance reflect a combination of mineral and nutrient enrichment associated with forest fertilization and organic matter influx which may have facilitated growth of mixotrophic taxa. This study demonstrates that planted forests can alter the abundance and community structure of algae in upland humic lakes of Ireland and Northern Ireland, despite long histories of prior catchment disturbance.
  12. Fulltext Anthelmintic activity of selected ethno-medicinal plant extracts on parasitic stages of Haemonchus contortus
    Kumarasingha R, Preston S, Yeo TC, Lim DS, Tu CL, Palombo EA, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2016;9(1):187.
    PMID: 27036205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1458-9
    Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause substantial morbidity and mortality in livestock animals globally, and considerable productivity losses to farmers. The control of these nematodes has relied largely on the use of a limited number of anthelmintics. However, resistance to many of these these anthelmintics is now widespread, and, therefore, there is a need to find new drugs to ensure sustained and effective treatment and control into the future.
  13. Fulltext Transcriptional alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans following exposure to an anthelmintic fraction of the plant Picria fel-terrae Lour
    Kumarasingha R, Young ND, Yeo TC, Lim DSL, Tu CL, Palombo EA, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2019 Apr 25;12(1):181.
    PMID: 31023350 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3429-4
    BACKGROUND: Natural compounds from plants are known to provide a source of anthelmintic molecules. In previous studies, we have shown that plant extracts from the plant Picria fel-terrae Lour. and particular fractions thereof have activity against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, causing quite pronounced stress responses in this nematode. We have also shown that a fraction, designated Pf-fraction 5, derived from this plant has a substantial adverse effect on this worm; however, nothing is known about the molecular processes affected in the worm. In the present study, we explored this aspect.

    RESULTS: Key biological processes linked to upregulated genes (n = 214) included 'response to endoplasmic reticulum stress' and 'lipid metabolism', and processes representing downregulated genes (n = 357) included 'DNA-conformation change' and 'cellular lipid metabolism'.

    CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of C. elegans to Pf-fraction 5 induces significant changes in the transcriptome. Gene ontology analysis suggests that Pf-fraction 5 induces endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress, and the changes in gene expression are either a direct or indirect consequence of this. Further work is required to assess specific responses to sub-fractions of Pf-fraction 5 in time-course experiments in C. elegans, to define the chemical(s) with potent anthelmintic properties, to attempt to unravel their mode(s) of action and to assess their selectivity against nematodes.

  14. Targeting respiratory diseases using miRNA inhibitor based nanotherapeutics: Current status and future perspectives
    Mehta M, Satija S, Paudel KR, Malyla V, Kannaujiya VK, Chellappan DK, et al.
    Nanomedicine, 2021 01;31:102303.
    PMID: 32980549 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102303
    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a fundamental role in the developmental and physiological processes that occur in both animals and plants. AntagomiRs are synthetic antagonists of miRNA, which prevent the target mRNA from suppression. Therapeutic approaches that modulate miRNAs have immense potential in the treatment of chronic respiratory disorders. However, the successful delivery of miRNAs/antagomiRs to the lungs remains a major challenge in clinical applications. A range of materials, namely, polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanocapsules and inorganic nanoparticles, has shown promising results for intracellular delivery of miRNA in chronic respiratory disorders. This review discusses the current understanding of miRNA biology, the biological roles of antagomiRs in chronic respiratory disease and the recent advances in the therapeutic utilization of antagomiRs as disease biomarkers. Furthermore our review provides a common platform to debate on the nature of antagomiRs and also addresses the viewpoint on the new generation of delivery systems that target antagomiRs in respiratory diseases.
  15. Fulltext Plants derived therapeutic strategies targeting chronic respiratory diseases: Chemical and immunological perspective
    Prasher P, Sharma M, Mehta M, Paudel KR, Satija S, Chellappan DK, et al.
    Chem Biol Interact, 2020 Jul 01;325:109125.
    PMID: 32376238 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109125
    The apparent predicament of the representative chemotherapy for managing respiratory distress calls for an obligatory deliberation for identifying the pharmaceuticals that effectively counter the contemporary intricacies associated with target disease. Multiple, complex regulatory pathways manifest chronic pulmonary disorders, which require chemotherapeutics that produce composite inhibitory effect. The cost effective natural product based molecules hold a high fervor to meet the prospects posed by current respiratory-distress therapy by sparing the tedious drug design and development archetypes, present a robust standing for the possible replacement of the fading practice of poly-pharmacology, and ensure the subversion of a potential disease relapse. This study summarizes the experimental evidences on natural products moieties and their components that illustrates therapeutic efficacy on respiratory disorders.
  16. World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines: Diet and the Gut
    Makharia G, Gibson PR, Bai JC, Karakan T, Lee YY, Collins L, et al.
    J Clin Gastroenterol, 2022 Jan 01;56(1):1-15.
    PMID: 34860201 DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001588
  17. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in Parkinson's disease
    Tan AH, Mahadeva S, Thalha AM, Gibson PR, Kiew CK, Yeat CM, et al.
    Parkinsonism Relat Disord, 2014 May;20(5):535-40.
    PMID: 24637123 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.02.019
    BACKGROUND: Recent studies reported a high prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in Parkinson's disease (PD), and a possible association with gastrointestinal symptoms and worse motor function. We aimed to study the prevalence and the potential impact of SIBO on gastrointestinal symptoms, motor function, and quality of life in a large cohort of PD patients.
    METHODS: 103 Consecutive PD patients were assessed using the lactulose-hydrogen breath test; questionnaires of gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life (PDQ-39); the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) including "on"-medication Part III (motor severity) score; and objective and quantitative measures of bradykinesia (Purdue Pegboard and timed test of gait). Patients and evaluating investigators were blind to SIBO status.
    RESULTS: 25.3% of PD patients were SIBO-positive. SIBO-positive patients had a shorter mean duration of PD (5.2 ± 4.1 vs. 8.1 ± 5.5 years, P = 0.007). After adjusting for disease duration, SIBO was significantly associated with lower constipation and tenesmus severity scores, but worse scores across a range of "on"-medication motor assessments (accounting for 4.2-9.0% of the variance in motor scores). There was no association between SIBO and motor fluctuations or PDQ-39 Summary Index scores.
    CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date on SIBO in PD. SIBO was detected in one quarter of patients, including patients recently diagnosed with the disease. SIBO was not associated with worse gastrointestinal symptoms, but independently predicted worse motor function. Properly designed treatment trials are needed to confirm a causal link between SIBO and worse motor function in PD.
    KEYWORDS: Gastrointestinal dysfunction; Parkinson's disease/Parkinsonism; Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
  18. Treatment of chronic airway diseases using nutraceuticals: Mechanistic insight
    Allam VSRR, Chellappan DK, Jha NK, Shastri MD, Gupta G, Shukla SD, et al.
    Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2021 May 12.
    PMID: 33977840 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1915744
    Respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic, are reported to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people globally, leading to high socio-economic burden for the society in the recent decades. Chronic inflammation and decline in lung function are the common symptoms of respiratory diseases. The current treatment strategies revolve around using appropriate anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators. A range of anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators are currently available in the market; however, the usage of such medications is limited due to the potential for various adverse effects. To cope with this issue, researchers have been exploring various novel, alternative therapeutic strategies that are safe and effective to treat respiratory diseases. Several studies have been reported on the possible links between food and food-derived products in combating various chronic inflammatory diseases. Nutraceuticals are examples of such food-derived products which are gaining much interest in terms of its usage for the well-being and better human health. As a consequence, intensive research is currently aimed at identifying novel nutraceuticals, and there is an emerging notion that nutraceuticals can have a positive impact in various respiratory diseases. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of nutraceuticals in altering the various cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in mitigating the symptoms of respiratory diseases.
  19. Fulltext Metabolic profiling and in vitro assessment of anthelmintic fractions of Picria fel-terrae Lour
    Kumarasingha R, Karpe AV, Preston S, Yeo TC, Lim DSL, Tu CL, et al.
    Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist, 2016 12;6(3):171-178.
    PMID: 27639945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.08.002
    Anthelmintic resistance is widespread in gastrointestinal nematode populations, such that there is a consistent need to search for new anthelmintics. However, the cost of screening for new compounds is high and has a very low success rate. Using the knowledge of traditional healers from Borneo Rainforests (Sarawak, Malaysia), we have previously shown that some traditional medicinal plants are a rich source of potential new anthelmintic drug candidates. In this study, Picria fel-terrae Lour. plant extract, which has previously shown promising anthelmintic activities, was fractionated via the use of a solid phase extraction cartridge and each isolated fraction was then tested on free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. We found that a single fraction was enriched for nematocidal activity, killing ≥90% of C. elegans adults and inhibiting the motility of exsheathed L3 of H. contortus, while having minimal cytotoxic activity in mammalian cell culture. Metabolic profiling and chemometric analysis of the effective fraction indicated medium chained fatty acids and phenolic acids were highly represented.
  20. Cellular signalling pathways mediating the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases: an update
    Mehta M, Dhanjal DS, Paudel KR, Singh B, Gupta G, Rajeshkumar S, et al.
    Inflammopharmacology, 2020 Aug;28(4):795-817.
    PMID: 32189104 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00698-3
    Respiratory disorders, especially non-communicable, chronic inflammatory diseases, are amongst the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Respiratory diseases involve multiple pulmonary components, including airways and lungs that lead to their abnormal physiological functioning. Several signaling pathways have been reported to play an important role in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases. These pathways, in addition, become the compounding factors contributing to the clinical outcomes in respiratory diseases. A range of signaling components such as Notch, Hedgehog, Wingless/Wnt, bone morphogenetic proteins, epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor is primarily employed by these pathways in the eventual cascade of events. The different aberrations in such cell-signaling processes trigger the onset of respiratory diseases making the conventional therapeutic modalities ineffective. These challenges have prompted us to explore novel and effective approaches for the prevention and/or treatment of respiratory diseases. In this review, we have attempted to deliberate on the current literature describing the role of major cell signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases and discuss promising advances in the field of therapeutics that could lead to novel clinical therapies capable of preventing or reversing pulmonary vascular pathology in such patients.
Related Terms
    Try searching for something
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links