Over accumulation of polyamines is one of the causes of cancer because
polyamines could promote the cancer cells growth. Due to the lack of specificity and
increased reports of side effects in the current cancer treatment, one of the strategies
to overcome the challenges is by utilizing polyamines as vectors of known cytotoxic
compounds to target the cancer cells. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate
the cytotoxicity effect of Spermidine Sulphur Analogues Type 1 and Type 2 (SSA-1 and
SSA-2) against human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), human colorectal
adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8) and human breast adenocarcinoma cell (MCF-7). (Copied from article).
Cancer is one of the global health problems that has a detrimental effect
to a person's life. However, chemotherapeutic agents success are subject to the side
effects due to lack of specificity in the drug delivery system to cancer cells and an
increase risk of systemic toxicity to the normal cells. Polyamine transport system (PTS)
is one of the potential pathways for transporting anticancer agent into specific cancer
cells. This is due to the upregulation of PTS in cancer cells compared to normal cells for
the proliferation activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity effect
of putrescine-sulphur analogues type 1 (PSA-1) and type 2 (PSA-2) on human lung
adenocarcinoma cells (A549), human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8) and
human breast adenocarcinoma cell (MCF-7).
Physiology is one of the remarkable branches in medical field which allows an appreciation of the anatomy as well as the functions of being; which then gives an idea on the purpose of a creation and a better understanding of the purpose of humans themselves. However, modern physiology taught in many Westernised textbooks lack the link and reflection to the worldview of Islam. As a result of this divorce between the modern physiology and the religious worldview, physiology as a subject is lacking “spiritual” connection and thus, produces students with lack of connection with the Tawhidic (Oneness) and admirableness to Allah, much to the dismay of the Islamic teaching. Thus, this paper is aimed to review the relevant scientific knowledge in endocrine physiology and relate it with the Qur’anic verses and Hadith. The roles of melatonin and cortisol that changes between day and night, the role of touch and the release of oxytocin are explained from the Islamic perspective based on the relevant Qur’anic verses and/or the Ahadith. Future research in integrating the physiology with the evidence from the Qur’an and the Ahadith should be attempted by medical and biomedical scientists alike, to further enhance and develop the concept of physiology as a subject in medical schools, not limited to the physical sciences per se, but also the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) strongly advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth as the optimal way of feeding infants. Nutritional inadequacy during breastfeeding period may lead to breastfeeding problems such as inadequate milk production which is a common reason to early breastfeeding termination.
Galactagogue is one of the solutions seek by breastfeeding mothers to overcome this problem. Within the topic of prophetic medicine, scholars discussed the foods consumed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and their health benefits. Among the plants mentioned in Islamic literature are F.carica (figs), O.europea (olive), P.granatum (pomegranate) and N.sativa (habbatussauda). Studies on prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers is limited in the literature. Thus, the aims of this study to explore on prophetic food consumption, among Malay mothers during
exclusive breastfeeding period. Ten subjects are interviewed by in-depth semistructured interview guide. Inclusion criteria include Malay mothers aged 18 to 40 years, deliver full term babies and were exclusively breastfeeding. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim in Malay and translated into English. Translated transcripts were then analysed thematically with the help of NVivo software. Thematic analysis revealed three themes that represents participants’ knowledge, attitude and practice on prophetic foods consumption. The themes were 1) prophetic diet is related to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)’s practice on foods and eating manners, 2) perceived benefits and effectiveness of prophetic foods consumption, and 3) Practice of prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period. This study provides an insight to the understanding and
perception on prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period among breastfeeding mothers. It is acknowledged that prophetic foods, particularly dates may have lactogenic function. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the relationship between prophetic foods consumption and lactogenic activity.
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the relationship of maternal dietary
intake with human milk nutritional composition, among Malay mothers during the
postpartum period of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Human milk samples (20-
30ml) were collected from mothers (n=32) at least once monthly for six months
postpartum. Macronutrients and fatty acids contents were determined using
proximate analysis and gas chromatography methods, respectively. Maternal
dietary intakes were recorded using the multiple-pass diet recall method prior
to each milk sampling and were analysed using the Nutritionist ProTM software.
Associations between the milk composition and maternal diet were tested using
Spearman correlation. Results: The energy content ranged between 49.6-59.2
kcal/100ml, protein 1.3-1.4 g/100ml, carbohydrate 6.5-9.7 g/100ml and total
fat 6.5-9.7 g/100ml. The polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty
acids concentrations were 10.5-19.1 %, 40.6-43.5 %, and 38.0-49.7 %, respectively.
During confinement (first month postpartum), total energy and total fat content of
human milk were the highest whereas total carbohydrate was the lowest, compared
to the rest of the exclusive breastfeeding period. In contrast, intakes of total calorie
and total fat were the lowest, whereas protein was the highest during this period.
However, no associations were detected between human milk nutritional contents
and maternal dietary intake. Conclusion: In our study population, the composition
of maternal diet and nutritional content of human milk differed between confinement
and post-confinement periods. However, the association between maternal diet and
human milk composition itself warrants further investigation.
Introduction: Nutritional requirements increase during lactation. However, maternal dietary intakes of Malaysian
mothers are subjected to restrictions commonly included in traditional postpartum practices. This study aimed to
assess the maternal dietary intake status during the recommended six month exclusive breastfeeding (part of which
included the traditional confinement) period. Methods: Thirty-two Malay mothers aged 18-35 years, who had delivered full-term (at ≥37 weeks) singleton babies and were exclusively breastfeeding, were included in the study.
Maternal dietary intake was assessed using multiple-pass diet recall on Days 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180,
postpartum. The average total energy and macronutrient intakes were compared against recommended values. Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that maternal intakes of total energy ranged from 1,500-2,000kcal/day,
carbohydrate 189-272g/day, protein 58-72g/day, and total fat 32-70g/day. Total calorie intake was the lowest during
confinement period (Days 10 and 30) compared to the rest of the exclusive breastfeeding period. This is similar with
total fat consumption. On the other hand, protein intake was the highest during confinement period whereas carbohydrate intake was consistent throughout the six-month period. Despite the increased requirements, intakes of total
calories, protein, total fat, dietary fibre, and water, did not meet the recommended values throughout the exclusive
breastfeeding period. Conclusion: Mothers’ inability to fulfil their nutritional requirements during exclusive breastfeeding period may be associated with traditional postpartum dietary practices. Dietary advice with consideration
for cultural food taboos practiced by local mothers during confinement may help to improve maternal nutritional
intakes during this crucial time.