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Hypoxia enhances the viability, growth and chondrogenic potential of cryopreserved human adipose-derived stem cells

Wan Safwani WKZ, Choi JR, Yong KW, Ting I, Mat Adenan NA, Pingguan-Murphy B

Cryobiology, 2017 04;75:91-99.
PMID: 28108309 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.01.006

Cryopreservation is the only existing method of storage of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for clinical use. However, cryopreservation has been shown to be detrimental to ASCs, particularly in term of cell viability. To restore the viability of cryopreserved ASCs, it is proposed to culture the cells in a hypoxic condition. To this end, we aim to investigate the effect of hypoxia on the cryopreserved human ASCs in terms of not only cell viability, but also their growth and stemness properties, which have not been explored yet. In this study, human ASCs were cultured under four different conditions: fresh (non-cryopreserved) cells cultured in 1) normoxia (21% O2) and 2) hypoxia (2% O2) and cryopreserved cells cultured in 3) normoxia and 4) hypoxia. ASCs at passage 3 were subjected to assessment of viability, proliferation, differentiation, and expression of stemness markers and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). We found that hypoxia enhances the viability and the proliferation rate of cryopreserved ASCs. Further, hypoxia upregulates HIF-1α in cryopreserved ASCs, which in turn activates chondrogenic genes to promote chondrogenic differentiation. In conclusion, hypoxic-preconditioned cryopreserved ASCs could be an ideal cell source for cartilage repair and regeneration.
Spectrum of cutaneous granulomatous lesions: A 5-year experience in a tertiary care centre in Sarawak

Ting IPL, Tan HZ, Teo HG, Kiing JW, Muniandy P

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Mar;78(2):184-189.
PMID: 36988528

INTRODUCTION: Granulomatous skin lesions can have various histopathological features leading to diagnostic confusion. The study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of different granulomatous skin lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 5-year retrospective study done between April 2017 and March 2022 at Dermatology Department, Sarawak General Hospital. Subjects with a clinicopathological diagnosis of granulomatous diseases were included in the analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 1718 skin biopsies were done during the study periods, with 49 (2.8%) confirmed granulomatous skin lesions. Most patients were aged 40-60 with a male predominance of 51%. Most of the skin biopsy samples were taken from the upper limb (36%). In this study, epitheloid granuloma was the commonest subtype (21, 43%) followed by suppurative granuloma (12, 24%), tuberculoid granuloma (8, 16%) and foreign body granuloma (5, 10%). The commonest aetiology of granulomatous skin lesions in our study was infections (30, 61%) followed by foreign body inoculation (8, 16%). Fungal infection was the most common infective cause, followed by cutaneous tuberculosis.
CONCLUSION: The major cause of granulomatous dermatoses in developing countries is still infections, fungal and tuberculosis being the leading causes.
Fulltext First 2 Fabry Cases with Novel Mutation and Their Associated Clusters in Malaysia

Tang ASO, Wong QY, Pao Lin Ting I, Selvesten P, Yeo ST, Chew LP, et al.

Am J Case Rep, 2021 Aug 06;22:e932923.
PMID: 34354036 DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.932923

BACKGROUND No cases of Fabry disease (FD) have been reported thus far in Malaysia. We aimed to report the demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, molecular results, and treatment outcomes of 2 FD cases. This study was a retrospective review of 2 family clusters of FD on follow-up in Sarawak, Malaysia. CASE REPORT Two index patients were confirmed to have FD. Index patient 1, who had nephrotic-range proteinuria and cornea verticillata, carried a variant within exon 4 of the GLA gene: c.610 T>C (p.Trp204Arg). Agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme®) enzyme replacement therapy was initiated, with the absence of neutralizing antibody after 24 months. No hypersensitivity or adverse reactions were reported. The patient's proteinuria and renal function remained stable. Other family members who carried the same mutation were asymptomatic. Index patient 2, who had residual activity of alpha-galactosidase A and a normal globotriaosylsphingosine level, carried a novel GLA mutation of c.548-5T>A. He was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease on regular dialysis and had nonspecific headache with 1 episode of seizure a few years prior to FD genetic screening. One brother had chronic neuropathic pain but refused further investigations. Other family members who had the same mutation were asymptomatic. This mutation has never been reported in literature, and its pathogenicity warrants further studies. CONCLUSIONS It is of utmost importance to increase awareness of FD among clinicians, so that appropriate screening may be done to determine its true prevalence and prompt treatment can be initiated early.
Fulltext Survey Result for E-labeling Initiatives in Asia

Matsui R, Yamaguchi K, Lee JJV, Ting I, Khairilisani D, Chang J, et al.

Ther Innov Regul Sci, 2023 Mar;57(2):251-260.
PMID: 36215028 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-022-00462-5

Under the COVID-19 pandemic, various electronic labeling initiatives have accelerated worldwide in the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields as part of a wider digital transformation [1, 2]. Although there is no universal definition of electronic labeling (e-labeling) globally, it is widely understood that e-labeling refers to the product information that is distributed via electronic means. There are 5 factors to be considered in e-labeling, and these are discussed in this publication. APAC is an industry-driven initiative with 13 R&D-based pharmaceutical associations joining from 11 markets in Asia. e-labeling was discussed as a new topic starting in 2020, and a 22-question survey was conducted in November 2021 to understand the current e-labeling status. The survey results showed that e-labeling initiatives were at different levels of maturity in the Asian region, although most markets have started to discuss e-labeling initiatives. Various challenges exist around e-labeling initiatives due to a variety of different approaches being taken in the region. It would be advisable to develop regional guidance on how to proceed with e-labeling initiatives in the Asian region to have a consistent and efficient approach. The close collaboration between agencies, Health Care Professionals (HCPs), patients, and industry associations is important to move e-labeling initiatives forward in Asia.
Fulltext Publisher Correction: Survey Result for E-labeling Initiatives in Asia

Matsui R, Yamaguchi K, Lee JJV, Ting I, Khairilisani D, Chang J, et al.

Ther Innov Regul Sci, 2023 Mar;57(2):261.
PMID: 36315399 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-022-00476-z