MyMedR

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 45 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Alternative antiviral approaches to combat influenza A virus

Wong KH, Lal SK

Virus Genes, 2023 Feb;59(1):25-35.
PMID: 36260242 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01935-3

Influenza A (IAV) is a major human respiratory pathogen that contributes to a significant threat to health security, worldwide. Despite vaccinations and previous immunisations through infections, humans can still be infected with influenza several times throughout their lives. This phenomenon is attributed to the antigenic changes of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins in IAV via genetic mutation and reassortment, conferring antigenic drift and antigenic shift, respectively. Numerous findings indicate that slow antigenic drift and reassortment-derived antigenic shift exhibited by IAV are key processes that allow IAVs to overcome the previously acquired host immunity, which eventually leads to the annual re-emergence of seasonal influenza and even pandemic influenza, in rare occasions. As a result, current therapeutic options hit a brick wall quickly. As IAV remains a constant threat for new outbreaks worldwide, the underlying processes of genetic changes and alternative antiviral approaches for IAV should be further explored to improve disease management. In the light of the above, this review discusses the characteristics and mechanisms of mutations and reassortments that contribute to IAV's evolution. We also discuss several alternative RNA-targeting antiviral approaches, namely the CRISPR/Cas13 systems, RNA interference (RNAi), and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) as potential antiviral approaches against IAV.
A multilevel approach to assessing temporal change of CD4 recovery following HAART initiation in a cohort of Chinese HIV positive patients

Wong NS, Reidpath DD, Wong KH, Lee SS

J Infect, 2015 Jun;70(6):676-8.
PMID: 25452038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.10.012
Therapeutic potential of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for the management of neurodegenerative diseases: diversity, metabolite, and mechanism

Phan CW, David P, Naidu M, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2015;35(3):355-68.
PMID: 24654802 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2014.887649

Mushrooms have long been used not only as food but also for the treatment of various ailments. Although at its infancy, accumulated evidence suggested that culinary-medicinal mushrooms may play an important role in the prevention of many age-associated neurological dysfunctions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Therefore, efforts have been devoted to a search for more mushroom species that may improve memory and cognition functions. Such mushrooms include Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma lucidum, Sarcodon spp., Antrodia camphorata, Pleurotus giganteus, Lignosus rhinocerotis, Grifola frondosa, and many more. Here, we review over 20 different brain-improving culinary-medicinal mushrooms and at least 80 different bioactive secondary metabolites isolated from them. The mushrooms (either extracts from basidiocarps/mycelia or isolated compounds) reduced beta amyloid-induced neurotoxicity and had anti-acetylcholinesterase, neurite outgrowth stimulation, nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-(neuro)inflammatory effects. The in vitro and in vivo studies on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the bioactive effects of mushrooms are also discussed. Mushrooms can be considered as useful therapeutic agents in the management and/or treatment of neurodegeneration diseases. However, this review focuses on in vitro evidence and clinical trials with humans are needed.
Fulltext Neurite outgrowth stimulatory effects of culinary-medicinal mushrooms and their toxicity assessment using differentiating Neuro-2a and embryonic fibroblast BALB/3T3

Phan CW, David P, Naidu M, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013;13:261.
PMID: 24119256 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-261

Mushrooms are not only regarded as gourmet cuisine but also as therapeutic agent to promote cognition health. However, little toxicological information is available regarding their safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen selected ethno-pharmacologically important mushrooms for stimulatory effects on neurite outgrowth and to test for any cytotoxicity.
Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review)

Wong KH, Naidu M, David RP, Bakar R, Sabaratnam V

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2012;14(5):427-46.
PMID: 23510212

We present a model case study of the activity of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus fresh fruit bodies in promoting functional recovery following crush injury to the peroneal nerve in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. The aim was to explore the possible use of this mushroom in nerve repair. The activities of aqueous extract were compared to activities exhibited by mecobalamin (vitamin B12), which has been widely used in the treatment of peripheral nerve disorders. Analysis of walking track indicated that return of hind limb function and normal toe spreading occurred earlier in treated groups than in the negative control (non-treated) group. Regeneration of axons and reinnervation of motor endplates/neuromuscular junction in extensor digitorum longus muscle of rats in treated groups developed better than in the negative control group. Further, immunofluorescence studies also showed that dorsal root ganglia neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury in rats of treated groups expressed higher immunoreactivities for Akt and MAPK signaling pathways as well as c-Jun and c-Fos genes compared to the negative control group. Akt cascade plays a major role in mediating neurotrophin-promoted cell survival, while MAPK cascade is involved in mediating neurite outgrowth. Immediate early gene expression was also involved in the cascade of events leading to regeneration. Local axonal protein synthetic machinery was also enhanced in the distal segments of crushed nerves in treated groups. Therefore, daily oral administration of H. erinaceus could promote the regeneration of injured rat peroneal nerve in the early stage of recovery.
Biodiesel synthesis from oil palm empty fruit bunch biochar derived heterogeneous solid catalyst using 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate

Lim S, Yap CY, Pang YL, Wong KH

J Hazard Mater, 2020 05 15;390:121532.
PMID: 31843399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121532

In this research, biomass from oil palm empty fruit bunch was used as the carbon precursor and sulfonated by 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate (4-BDS) to produce solid acid catalyst. The as-synthesized catalysts were characterized and the performances were tested in esterification of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) for biodiesel production. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that clear porous and rough carbon surface was successfully developed after calcination which favored the attachment of sulfonic groups. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) result showed that the catalyst was thermally stable up to 600 °C. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that SO and SO3H sulfonic groups were successfully attached to the carbon catalyst. From the catalytic activity tests, the results showed that the catalyst which was calcined at 200 °C and sulfonated with 15:1 sulfanilic acid to AC ratio was the optimum catalyst as it provided the highest biodiesel yield. Further investigation showed that the reaction time of 7 h and 20 wt.% of catalyst loading were reported as optimum esterification conditions which provided the highest biodiesel yield at 98.1 %.
Fulltext Uridine from Pleurotus giganteus and Its Neurite Outgrowth Stimulatory Effects with Underlying Mechanism

Phan CW, David P, Wong KH, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V

PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0143004.
PMID: 26565787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143004

Neurodegenerative diseases are linked to neuronal cell death and impairment of neurite outgrowth. An edible mushroom, Pleurotus giganteus was found to stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro but the chemical constituents and the underlying mechanism is yet to be elucidated. The chemical constituents of P. giganteus (linoleic acid, oleic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, and uridine) were tested for neurite outgrowth activity. Uridine (100 μM) was found to increase the percentage of neurite-bearing cells of differentiating neuroblastoma (N2a) cells by 43.1 ± 0.5%, which was 1.8-fold higher than NGF (50 ng/mL)-treated cells. Uridine which was present in P. giganteus (1.80 ± 0.03 g/100g mushroom extract) increased the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERKs) and protein kinase B (Akt). Further, phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was also increased. MEK/ERK and PI3K-Akt-mTOR further induced phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and expression of growth associated protein 43 (GAP43); all of which promoted neurite outgrowth of N2a cells. This study demonstrated that P. giganteus may enhance neurite outgrowth and one of the key bioactive molecules responsible for neurite outgrowth is uridine.
Neuritin Protein Expression Is Positively Correlated with Neurite Outgrowth Induced by the Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Agaricomycetes), in PC12 Cells

Tan YH, Lim CS, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2021;23(6):1-11.
PMID: 34369729 DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021038578

Neuritin is important in neuritogenesis, neurite arborization, and neurite extension. Lignosus rhinocerotis sclerotia extracts and nerve growth factor (NGF) have been well documented to possess positive neurite stimulatory effects. However, the correlation of neuritin expression with neurite outgrowth of L. rhinocerotis and NGF cotreatment of PC12 cells remains unknown. Thus, the present study investigated neuritin expression in PC12 cells treated with 5 ng/mL of NGF and L. rhinocerotis extracts (20-1280 μg/mL) concurrently for 48 h. The neurite outgrowth score was quantitated, and total protein was harvested for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was a significant difference (P = 0.051) in neuritin protein abundance in 640 μg/mL of L. rhinocerotis aqueous cotreatment with 5 ng/mL of NGF-treated cells (5 ± 0.39 ng/mL) and 50 ng/mL of NGF-treated PC12 cells (5 ± 0.48 ng/mL) compared to untreated cells (1.9 ± 0.65 ng/ mL), with an average neurite length of 98 ± 3.66, 106 ± 3.00, and 73 ± 4.79 μm, respectively. Expression of microtubule element β3 tubulin was increased in PC12 cells treated with 50 ng/mL of NGF (3.5 ± 0.21-fold) and also cells cotreated with 640 μg/mL of extract and 5 ng/mL of NGF (4.9 ± 0.29-fold) compared to untreated cells. Upregulation of β3 tubulin expression in this study confirmed the elongation of PC12 cell processes. Correlation analysis showed that neuritin protein abundance is positively proportional to the average neurite length in PC12 cells cotreated with L. rhinocerotis extract and 5 ng/mL of NGF. This study highlights that neuritin modulation is involved in neurite outgrowth induced by L. rhinocerotis treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that tiger milk mushroom extracts induce neuritin expression.
Cytoprotective Effects of the Tiger's Milk Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerotis (Agaricomycetes) Sclerotia against Oxidative Stress in PC12 Cells

Tan YH, Lim CSY, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2022;24(12):1-17.
PMID: 36374978 DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2022045352

Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden has been reported to possess numerous pharmacological effects. However, little is known about its potential role in mitigating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress. The present study investigated the cytoprotective effects of L. rhinocerotis extracts against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. In the pre-treatment model, PC12 cells were pre-treated with aqueous (LRAQ) or ethanolic (LRET) extracts of L. rhinocerotis for 24 h, followed by 30 μM of H2O2 for 24 h. In the co-treatment model, the cells were incubated with LRAQ or LRET and H2O2 for 2 or 24 h to induce oxidative stress. Cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptotic cells with activated caspase-3/7 were quantified. Additionally, LRET was separated into fractions by chromatographic methods prior to analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). 320 μg/ml aqueous extract showed a significant cytoprotective effect of 70.0 ± 22.4% and 133.92 ± 8.8% in the pre-treatment and co-treatment models, respectively, compared to untreated H2O2-challenged cells. LRAQ also showed a reduction (p < 0.05) in the percentage of depolarized cells of 37.6 ± 0.6% at 640 ug/ml and 53.4 ± 4.5% at 320 ug/ml in the pre-treatment and co-treatment models, respectively, compared to untreated H2O2-challenged cells. LRAQ or LRET showed a reduction (p < 0.01) in caspase 3/7 activity compared to untreated H2O2-challenged cells in the co-treatment model. However, LRAQ or LRET did not reduce excessive ROS formation (p > 0.05). The cytoprotective effects could be attributed to the presence of fatty acids, phenols, phytosterols, and dicarboxylic acids. In conclusion, L. rhinocerotis extracts demonstrated cytoprotective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in an in vitro model, contributing to the maintenance of cellular integrity through the regulation of mitochondrial function and apoptosis.
Fulltext The convergent evolution of influenza A virus: Implications, therapeutic strategies and what we need to know

Low ZY, Wong KH, Wen Yip AJ, Choo WS

Curr Res Microb Sci, 2023;5:100202.
PMID: 37700857 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100202

Influenza virus infection, more commonly known as the 'cold flu', is an etiological agent that gives rise to recurrent annual flu and many pandemics. Dated back to the 1918- Spanish Flu, the influenza infection has caused the loss of many human lives and significantly impacted the economy and daily lives. Influenza virus can be classified into four different genera: influenza A-D, with the former two, influenza A and B, relevant to humans. The capacity of antigenic drift and shift in Influenza A has given rise to many novel variants, rendering vaccines and antiviral therapies useless. In light of the emergence of a novel betacoronavirus, the SARS-CoV-2, unravelling the underpinning mechanisms that support the recurrent influenza epidemics and pandemics is essential. Given the symptom similarities between influenza and covid infection, it is crucial to reiterate what we know about the influenza infection. This review aims to describe the origin and evolution of influenza infection. Apart from that, the risk factors entail the implication of co-infections, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is further discussed. In addition, antiviral strategies, including the potential of drug repositioning, are discussed in this context. The diagnostic approach is also critically discussed in an effort to understand better and prepare for upcoming variants and potential influenza pandemics in the future. Lastly, this review encapsulates the challenges in curbing the influenza spread and provides insights for future directions in influenza management.
Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration

Wong KH, Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu M, David P, Sabaratnam V

Chin J Integr Med, 2016 Oct;22(10):759-67.
PMID: 25159861 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-014-1624-2

OBJECTIVE: To study the ability of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus mushroom in the treatment of nerve injury following peroneal nerve crush in Sprague-Dawley rats.
METHODS: Aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus was given by daily oral administration following peroneal nerve crush injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways; and c-Jun and c-Fos genes were studied in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) whereas the activity of protein synthesis was assessed in peroneal nerves by immunohistochemical method.
RESULTS: Peripheral nerve injury leads to changes at the axonal site of injury and remotely located DRG containing cell bodies of sensory afferent neurons. Immunofluorescence studies showed that DRG neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury in rats of treated groups expressed higher immunoreactivities for Akt, MAPK, c-Jun and c-Fos as compared with negative control group (P <0.05). The intensity of nuclear ribonucleoprotein in the distal segments of crushed nerves of treated groups was significantly higher than in the negative control group (P <0.05).
CONCLUSION: H. erinaceus is capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. Potential signaling pathways include Akt, MAPK, c-Jun, and c-Fos, and protein synthesis have been shown to be involved in its action.
Fulltext Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in PC-12 cells

Lew SY, Lim SH, Lim LW, Wong KH

BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Nov 11;20(1):340.
PMID: 33176761 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03132-x

BACKGROUND: Hericium erinaceus is a culinary and medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicines. It has numerous pharmacological effects including immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-microbial, anti-aging and stimulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, but little is known about its potential role in negating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in depression. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of H. erinaceus standardised aqueous extract (HESAE) against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells, a cellular model mimicking depression.
METHODS: PC-12 cells was pre-treated with HESAE for 48 h followed by 400 μM corticosterone for 24 h to induce oxidative stress. Cells in complete medium without any treatment or pre-treated with 3.125 μg/mL desipramine served as the negative and positive controls, respectively. The cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, aconitase activity, mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and number of apoptotic nuclei were quantified. In addition, HESAE ethanol extract was separated into fractions by chromatographic methods prior to spectroscopic analysis.
RESULTS: We observed that PC-12 cells treated with high-dose corticosterone at 400 μM had decreased cell viability, reduced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, disrupted mitochondrial function, and increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, pre-treatment with HESAE ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg/mL had increased cell viability, decreased LDH release, enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, restored MMP, attenuated intracellular ROS and protected from ROS-mediated apoptosis. The neuroprotective effects could be attributed to significant amounts of adenosine and herierin III isolated from HESAE.
CONCLUSIONS: HESAE demonstrated neuroprotective effects against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in an in vitro model mimicking depression. HESAE could be a potential dietary supplement to treat depression.
Fulltext Intrastrain comparison of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus giganteus, and its potent neuritogenic properties

Phan CW, David P, Tan YS, Naidu M, Wong KH, Kuppusamy UR, et al.

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:378651.
PMID: 25121118 DOI: 10.1155/2014/378651

Two strains of Pleurotus giganteus (commercial and wild) were tested for their ability to induce neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) and mouse neuroblastoma-2a (N2a) cells. Treatment with the mushroom extracts resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation, but not nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Linoleic acid (4.5-5.0%, w/w) which is a major fatty acid present in the ethanol extract promoted NGF biosynthesis when augmented with low concentration of NGF (5 ng/mL). The two strains of mushroom were found to be high in protein (154-192 g kg(-1)), total polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids as well as vitamins B1, B2, and B3. The total phenolics present in the mushroom extracts were positively correlated to the antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation inhibition). To conclude, P. giganteus could potentially be used in well-balanced diet and as a source of dietary antioxidant to promote neuronal health.
Three different patterns of CD4 recovery in a cohort of Chinese HIV patients following antiretroviral therapy - a five-year observational study

Naftalin CM, Wong NS, Chan DP, Wong KH, Reidpath DD, Lee SS

Int J STD AIDS, 2015 Oct;26(11):803-9.
PMID: 25281539 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414553826

To explore the heterogeneity of CD4 responses following highly active antiretroviral therapy, the patterns of CD4 recovery of HIV-1-infected Chinese patients who have been on their first antiretroviral regimen for ≥5 years were analysed. The CD4 trajectories were traced, smoothed and differentiated into three defined profiles. Half (56.3%) were 'satisfactory responders', with CD4 gain of >100 cells/μL and a peak of >350 cells/μL, plateauing before the end of Year 5. Thirty-three (24.4%) were 'continuing responders' whose CD4 rise persisted at Year 4-5. The remaining 26 (19.3%) were 'poor responders'. Presentation with AIDS before therapy was common not just among 'poor' but also paradoxically the 'continuing' responders. While a majority had responded well to antiretroviral therapy, older patients and those with AIDS diagnosis before initiation of therapy may never achieve a satisfactory level even with effective treatment. Categorization of HIV patients by their CD4 trajectory may support the prediction of immunological outcome over time, and ultimately inform treatment choices.
Potential activity of aqueous extract of culinary-medicinal Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in accelerating wound healing in rats

Abdulla MA, Fard AA, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, et al.

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2011;13(1):33-9.
PMID: 22135902

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of topical application of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus fruiting bodies (HEFB) on the rate of wound healing enclosure and histology of the healed wound. Five groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were experimentally wounded in the posterior neck area. A uniform wound area of 2.00 cm in diameter, using a circular stamp, was excised from the nape of the dorsal neck of all rats with the aid of a round seal. The animal groups were topically treated, respectively, with 0.2 mL each of sterilized distilled water (sdH2O); Intrasite gel; and 20, 30, and 40 mg/mL HEFB. Macroscopically, those rats whose wounds were dressed with HEFB and those in the Intrasite gel-treated group healed earlier than those treated with sdH2O. Histological analysis of healed wounds dressed with HEFB showed less scar width at wound enclosure and the healed wound contained fewer macrophages and more collagen with angiogenesis, compared to wounds dressed with sdH2O. In conclusion, wounds dressed with HEFB significantly enhanced the acceleration of wound healing enclosure in rats.
Fulltext Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden mimics the neuritogenic activity of nerve growth factor via MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in PC-12 cells

Seow SL, Eik LF, Naidu M, David P, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V

Sci Rep, 2015 Nov 06;5:16349.
PMID: 26542212 DOI: 10.1038/srep16349

The traditional application of the sclerotium of Lignosus rhinocerotis (tiger's milk mushroom) by the indigenous folks as tonic and remedy to treat a variety of ailments has been documented in Malaysia. Indigenous communities claimed to have consumed the decoction to boost their alertness during hunting. Mental alertness is believed to be related to neuronal health and neuroactivity. In the present study, the cell viability and neuritogenic effects of L. rhinocerotis sclerotium hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts, and crude polysaccharides on rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells were studied. Interestingly, the hot aqueous extract exhibited neuritogenic activity comparable to NGF in PC-12 cells. However, the extracts and crude polysaccharides stimulated neuritogenesis without stimulating the production of NGF in PC-12 cells. The involvements of the TrkA receptor and MEK/ERK1/2 pathway in hot aqueous extract-stimulated neuritogenesis were examined by Trk (K252a) and MEK/ERK1/2 (U0126 and PD98059) inhibitors. There was no significant difference in protein expression in NGF- and hot aqueous extract-treated cells for both total and phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK. The neuritogenic activity in PC-12 cells stimulated by hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts, and crude polysaccharides of L. rhinocerotis sclerotium mimicking NGF activity via the MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway is reported for the first time.
Lion's Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study

Samberkar S, Gandhi S, Naidu M, Wong KH, Raman J, Sabaratnam V

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2015;17(11):1047-54.
PMID: 26853959

Neurodegenerative disease is defined as a deterioration of the nervous system in the intellectual and cognitive capabilities. Statistics show that more than 80-90 million individuals age 65 and above in 2050 may be affected by neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that out of 2000 different types of edible and/or medicinal mushrooms, only a few countable mushrooms have been selected until now for neurohealth activity. Hericium erinaceus is one of the well-established medicinal mushrooms for neuronal health. It has been documented for its regenerative capability in peripheral nerve. Another mushroom used as traditional medicine is Lignosus rhinocerotis, which has been used for various illnesses. It has been documented for its neurite outgrowth potential in PC12 cells. Based on the regenerative capabilities of both the mushrooms, priority was given to select them for our study. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of H. erinaceus and L. rhinocerotis to stimulate neurite outgrowth in dissociated cells of brain, spinal cord, and retina from chick embryo when compared to brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Neurite outgrowth activity was confirmed by the immu-nofluorescence method in all tissue samples. Treatment with different concentrations of extracts resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation. H. erinaceus extract at 50 µg/mL triggered neurite outgrowth at 20.47%, 22.47%, and 21.70% in brain, spinal cord, and retinal cells. L. rhinocerotis sclerotium extract at 50 µg/mL induced maximum neurite outgrowth of 20.77% and 24.73% in brain and spinal cord, whereas 20.77% of neurite outgrowth was observed in retinal cells at 25 µg/mL, respectively.
Enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of Malachite Green using iron doped titanium dioxide loaded on oil palm empty fruit bunch-derived activated carbon

Loo WW, Pang YL, Lim S, Wong KH, Lai CW, Abdullah AZ

Chemosphere, 2021 Jun;272:129588.
PMID: 33482519 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129588

Iron-doped titanium dioxide loaded on activated carbon (Fe-TiO2/AC) was successfully synthesized from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) using sol-gel method. The properties of the synthesized pure TiO2, Fe-doped TiO2, AC, TiO2/AC and Fe-TiO2/AC were examined by various techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses at 77 K. FE-SEM revealed that Fe-doped TiO2 particles were dispersed homogeneously on the AC surface. FT-IR demonstrated high surface hydroxylation after Fe doping on TiO2 and UV-Vis DRS showed that Fe-TiO2/AC had the lowest band gap energy. Catalytic performance results proved that Fe dopants could restrict the recombination rate of hole and electron pairs, whereas AC support improved the Malachite Green (MG) adsorption sites and active sites of the hybrid catalyst. Photocatalytic degradation of 100 mg/L MG in the presence of 1.0 g/L 15 wt% Fe-TiO2 incorporated with 25 wt% AC, initial solution pH of 4 and 3 mM H2O2 could achieve the highest removal efficiency of 97% after 45 min light irradiation. This work demonstrates a promising approach to synthesis an inexpensive and efficient Fe-TiO2/AC for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye.
Discovering the Potentials of Medicinal Mushrooms in Combating Depression - A Review

Lew SY, Teoh SL, Lim SH, Lim LW, Wong KH

Mini Rev Med Chem, 2020;20(15):1518-1531.
PMID: 32452327 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200526125534

Depression is the most common form of mental illness and the major cause of disability worldwide. Symptoms of depression, including feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness, may occur after a specific event or in response to a gradual decline in health and functional status, often associated with aging. Current therapies for treating these symptoms include antidepressant drugs, counseling and behavioral therapy. However, antidepressant drugs are associated with mild to severe adverse effects, which has prompted the need for better treatment options. Medicinal mushrooms are valuable sources of food and medicine and are increasingly being used as supplements or as alternative medicines in standard healthcare. Numerous studies have provided insights into the neuroprotective effects of medicinal mushrooms, which are attributed to their antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, cholinesterase inhibitory and neuroprotective properties. In this review, we comprehensively examine the role of these medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of depression. However, to apply these natural products in clinical settings, the therapeutic agent needs to be properly evaluated, including the active ingredients, the presence of synergistic effects, efficient extraction methods, and stabilization of the active ingredients for delivery into the body as well as crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Fulltext Therapeutic roles of natural remedies in combating hereditary ataxia: A systematic review

Phang MWL, Lew SY, Chung I, Lim WK, Lim LW, Wong KH

Chin Med, 2021 Jan 28;16(1):15.
PMID: 33509239 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00414-x

BACKGROUND: Hereditary ataxia (HA) represents a group of genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases caused by dysfunction of the cerebellum or disruption of the connection between the cerebellum and other areas of the central nervous system. Phenotypic manifestation of HA includes unsteadiness of stance and gait, dysarthria, nystagmus, dysmetria and complaints of clumsiness. There are no specific treatments for HA. Management strategies provide supportive treatment to reduce symptoms.
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to identify, evaluate and summarise the published literature on the therapeutic roles of natural remedies in the treatment of HA to provide evidence for clinical practice.
METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct Scopus were thoroughly searched for relevant published articles from June 2007 to July 2020.
RESULTS: Ten pre-clinical and two clinical studies were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. We identified the therapeutic roles of medicinal plants Brassica napus, Gardenia jasminoides, Gastrodia elata, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza inflata, Paeonia lactiflora, Pueraria lobata and Rehmannia glutinosa; herbal formulations Shaoyao Gancao Tang and Zhengan Xifeng Tang; and medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus in the treatment of HA. In this review, we evaluated the mode of actions contributing to their therapeutic effects, including activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, activation of antioxidant pathways, maintenance of intracellular calcium homeostasis and regulation of chaperones. We also briefly highlighted the integral cellular signalling pathways responsible for orchestrating the mode of actions.
CONCLUSION: We reviewed the therapeutic roles of natural remedies in improving or halting the progression of HA, which warrant further study for applications into clinical practice.

Filters

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

External Links