ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8302-4136
Current Organisation
Universiti Putra Malaysia
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOPHA.2006.12.003
Abstract: There is accumulating data demonstrated hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. In the present study, a protective activity of alpha-lipoic acid a metabolic antioxidant in hypercholesterolemic-induced animals was investigated. Eighteen adult male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit were segregated into three groups labelled as group K, AT and ALA (n=6). While group K was fed with normal chow and acted as a control, the rest fed with 100 g/head/day with 1% high cholesterol diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. 4.2 mg/body weight of alpha lipoic acid was supplemented daily to the ALA group. Drinking water was given ad-libitum. The study was designed for 10 weeks. Blood s ling was taken from the ear lobe vein at the beginning of the study, week 5 and week 10 and plasma was prepared for lipid profile estimation and microsomal lipid peroxidation index indicated with malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the study and the aortas were excised for intimal lesion analysis. The results showed a significant reduction of lipid peroxidation index indicated with low MDA level (p<0.05) in ALA group compared to that of the AT group. The blood total cholesterol (TCHOL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were found to be significantly low in ALA group compared to that of the AT group (p<0.05). Histomorphometric intimal lesion analysis of the aorta showing less of atheromatous plaque formation in alpha lipoic acid supplemented group (p<0.05) compared to that of AT group. These findings suggested that apart from its antioxidant activity, alpha lipoic acid may also posses a lipid lowering effect indicated with low plasma TCHOL and LDL levels and reduced the athero-lesion formation in rabbits fed a high cholesterol diet.
Publisher: Friends Science Publishers
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-05-2023
Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive impairments may result from various factors, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, impaired neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition, and gut dysbiosis. Meanwhile, dietary polyphenol intake in a recommended dosage has been suggested to reverse cognitive dysfunction via various pathways. However, excessive intake of polyphenols could trigger unwanted adverse effects. Thus, this review aims to outline possible causes of cognitive impairments and how polyphenols alleviate memory loss via various pathways based on in vivo experimental studies. Thus, to identify potentially relevant articles, the keywords (1) nutritional polyphenol intervention NOT medicine AND neuron growth OR (2) dietary polyphenol AND neurogenesis AND memory impairment OR (3) polyphenol AND neuron regeneration AND memory deterioration (Boolean operators) were used in the Nature, PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley online libraries. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 research papers were selected to be further reviewed. The outcome of all the studies included supports the statement of appropriate dosage by taking into consideration gender differences, underlying conditions, lifestyle, and causative factors for cognitive decline, which will significantly boost memory power. Therefore, this review recapitulates the possible causes of cognitive decline, the mechanism of polyphenols involving various signaling pathways in modulating the memory, gut dysbiosis, endogenous antioxidants, bioavailability, dosage, and safety efficacy of polyphenols. Hence, this review is expected to provide a basic understanding of therapeutic development for cognitive impairments in the future.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-08-2023
Abstract: Obesity is known as a transgenerational vicious cycle and has become a global burden due to its unavoidable complications. Modern approaches to obesity management often involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgeries that have been associated with negative side effects. In contrast, natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids, have emerged as a promising alternative due to their potential health benefits and minimal side effects. Thus, this narrative review explores the potential protective role of flavonoids as a natural antioxidant in managing obesity. To identify recent in vivo studies on the efficiency of flavonoids in managing obesity, a comprehensive search was conducted on Wiley Online Library, Scopus, Nature, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to the past 10 years from the search, we identified 31 articles to be further reviewed. Based on the reviewed articles, we concluded that flavonoids offer novel therapeutic strategies for preventing obesity and its associated co-morbidities. This is because the appropriate dosage of flavonoid compounds is able to reduce adipose tissue mass, the formation of intracellular free radicals, enhance endogenous antioxidant defences, modulate the redox balance, and reduce inflammatory signalling pathways. Thus, this review provides an insight into the domain of a natural product therapeutic approach for managing obesity and recapitulates the transgenerational inheritance of obesity, the current available treatments to manage obesity and its side effects, flavonoids and their sources, the molecular mechanism involved, the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity, redox balance, and the bioavailability of flavonoids. In toto, although flavonoids show promising positive outcome in managing obesity, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the advantageous impacts of flavonoids—achieved through translation to clinical trials—would provide a novel approach to inculcating flavonoids in managing obesity in the future as this review is limited to animal studies.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-03-2022
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS23062969
Abstract: BPA is one of the most common endocrine disruptors that is widely being manufactured daily nationwide. Although scientific evidence supports claims of negative effects of BPA on humans, there is also evidence suggesting that a low level of BPA is safe. However, numerous in vivo trials contraindicate with this claim and there is a high possibility of BPA exposure could lead to obesity. It has been speculated that this does not stop with the exposed subjects only, but may also cause transgenerational effects. Direct disruption of endocrine regulation, neuroimmune and signaling pathways, as well as gut microbiata, has been identified to be interrupted by BPA exposure, leading to overweight or obesity. In these instances, cardiovascular complications are one of the primary notable clinical signs. In regard to this claim, this review paper discusses the role of BPA on obesity in the perspective of endocrine disruptions and possible cardiovascular complications that may arise due to BPA. Thus, the aim of this review is to outline the changes in gut microbiota and neuroimmune or signaling mechanisms involved in obesity in relation to BPA. To identify potentially relevant articles, a depth search was done on the databases Nature, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Medline & Ovid from the past 5 years. According to Boolean operator guideline, selected keywords such as (1) BPA OR environmental chemical AND fat OR LDL OR obese AND transgenerational effects or phenocopy (2) Endocrine disruptors OR chemical AND lipodystrophy AND phenocopy (3) Lipid profile OR weight changes AND cardiovascular effect (4) BPA AND neuroimmune OR gene signaling, were used as search terms. Upon screening, 11 articles were finalized to be further reviewed and data extraction tables containing information on (1) the type of animal model (2) duration and dosage of BPA exposure (3) changes in the lipid profile or weight (4) genes, signaling mechanism, or any neuroimmune signal involved, and (5) transgenerational effects were created. In toto, the study indicates there are high chances of BPA exposure affecting lipid profile and gene associated with lipolysis, leading to obesity. Therefore, this scoping review recapitulates the possible effects of BPA that may lead to obesity with the evidence of current in vivo trials. The biomarkers, safety concerns, recommended dosage, and the impact of COVID-19 on BPA are also briefly described.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-02-2023
Abstract: The Bouea macrophylla fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for its many beneficial effects on one’s health. Probiotics are well-known for their roles as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties due to their widespread use. As a result, the purpose of this study was to incorporate the ethanolic extract of Bouea macrophylla into yoghurt and then assess the rodents for any toxicological effects. According to the findings of the nutritional analysis, each 100 mL serving of the newly formulated yoghurt contains 3.29 g of fat, 5.79 g of carbohydrates, 2.92 g of total protein, and 2.72 g of sugar. The ability of the newly developed yoghurt to stimulate the growth of Lactobacilli was demonstrated by the fact that the peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was measured at 1.2 × 106 CFU/g while the titratable acidity of the lactic acid was measured at 0.599 CFU/g. In order to carry out the toxicological evaluation, forty-eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were utilized. Oral administration of single doses of 2000 mg/kg over the course of 14 days was used for the study of acute toxicity. Subacute toxicity was studied by giving animals Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) at repeated doses of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day over a period of 28 days, while the control group was given normal saline. The results of the acute toxicity test revealed that rats treated with increasing doses up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg exhibited no signs of toxicity. After an additional 14 days without treatment, acute toxicity of a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of BMY did not show any treatment-related toxicity in any of the rats that were observed. According to the data from the subacute toxicity study, there were no differences between the treated groups and the control groups in terms of food and water intake, body weight, plasma biochemistry (AST, ALT, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, or organ weights. The architecture of the liver, heart, and kidney were all found to be normal upon histological examination. This indicates that oral consumption of BMY did not result in any negative effects being manifested in the rodents.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-08-2021
Abstract: Collagen type I (Col-I) is unique due to its high biocompatibility in human tissue. Despite its availability from various sources, Col-I naturally mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) and generally makes up the larger protein component (90%) in vasculature, skin, tendon bone, and other tissue. The acceptable physicochemical properties of native Col-I further enhance the incorporation of Col-I in various fields, including pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, regenerative medicine, and clinical. This review aims to discuss Col-I, covering the structure, various sources of availability, native collagen synthesis, current extraction methods, physicochemical characteristics, applications in various fields, and biomarkers. The review is intended to provide specific information on Col-I currently available, going back five years. This is expected to provide a helping hand for researchers who are concerned about any development on collagen-based products particularly for therapeutic fields.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-10-2021
DOI: 10.3390/PH14101058
Abstract: In humans, cutaneous wounds may heal without scars during embryogenesis. However, in the adult phase, the similar wound may undergo a few events such as homeostasis, blood clotting, inflammation, vascularization, and the formation of granulation tissue, which may leave a scar at the injury site. In consideration of this, research evolves daily to improve the healing mechanism in which the wound may heal without scarring. In regard to this, zebrafish (Danio rerio) serves as an ideal model to study the underlying signaling mechanism of wound healing. This is an important factor in determining a relevant drug formulation for wound healing. This review scrutinizes the biology of zebrafish and how this favors the cutaneous wound healing relevant to the in vivo evidence. This review aimed to provide the current insights on drug discovery for cutaneous wound healing based on the zebrafish model. The advantages and challenges in utilizing the zebrafish model for cutaneous wound healing are discussed in this review. This review is expected to provide an idea to formulate an appropriate drug for cutaneous wound healing relevant to the underlying signaling mechanism. Therefore, this narrative review recapitulates current evidence from in vivo studies on the cutaneous wound healing mechanism, which favours the discovery of new drugs. This article concludes with the need for zebrafish as an investigation model for biomedical research in the future to ensure that drug repositions are well suited for human skin.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-09-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-05-2023
Abstract: Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that induces the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation. This oxidative stress and inflammation stimulate brain atrophy and some morphological changes in the brain that eventually result in cognitive impairments. However, there is no exact study that has summarized the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity and its impact on cognitive impairments. Thus, the objective of this review is to recapitulate the current role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cognitive decline based on in vivo evidence. A comprehensive search was performed in Nature, Medline and Ovid, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, and the search was limited to the past 10 years of publication. From the search, we identified 27 articles to be further reviewed. The outcome of this study indicates that a greater amount of fat stored in in idual adipocytes in obesity induces the formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. This will lead to the generation of oxidative stress, which may cause morphological changes in the brain, suppress the endogenous antioxidant system, and promote neuroinflammation and, eventually, neuronal apoptosis. This will impair the normal function of the brain and specific regions that are involved in learning, as well as memory. This shows that obesity has a strong positive correlation with cognitive impairments. Hence, this review summarizes the mechanism of oxidative stress and inflammation that induce memory loss based on animal model evidence. In conclusion, this review may serve as an insight into therapeutic development focusing on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways to manage an obesity-induced cognitive decline in the future.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-07-2021
Abstract: Collagen (Col) and gelatin are most extensively used in various fields, particularly in pharmaceuticals and therapeutics. Numerous researchers have proven that they are highly biocompatible to human tissues, exhibit low antigenicity and are easy to degrade. Despite their different sources both Col and gelatin have almost the same effects when it comes to wound healing mechanisms. Considering this, the bioactivity and biological effects of both Col and gelatin have been, and are being, constantly investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays to obtain maximum outcomes in the future. With regard to their proven nutritional values as sources of protein, Col and gelatin products exert various possible biological activities on cells in the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, a vast number of novel Col and gelatin applications have been discovered. This review compared Col and gelatin in terms of their structures, sources of derivatives, physicochemical properties, results of in vitro and in vivo studies, their roles in wound healing and the current challenges in wound healing. Thus, this review provides the current insights and the latest discoveries on both Col and gelatin in their wound healing mechanisms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.NUMECD.2015.05.011
Abstract: Growing evidence suggests maternal obesity leads to adverse outcomes for offspring, including increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). Alterations in taste preferences of offspring from mothers consuming a high fat diet (HFD) have also been reported. Given recent reports describing cardiac taste receptors, we examined whether the expression of umami and bitter taste receptors is modulated by maternal obesity, and compared this with the physiological challenge of maternal exercise. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed chow (C) or HFD (F) and half of each were provided with a running wheel to enable voluntary exercise (CE or FE), the others remaining sedentary (CS or FS). Two pups from each mother were killed at postnatal day 19. Both lean and obese dams undertook similar amounts of exercise (8.1 ± 2.4 vs 5.1 ± 1.5 km). Maternal obesity increased offspring body weight, adiposity, net and weight-corrected heart ventricle weight, with no effect of exercise. Maternal obesity also increased offspring plasma leptin concentrations, which were normalised by maternal exercise. Cardiac ventricle mRNA expression of bitter taste receptors, β-adrenoceptor (Adrbk1) and angiotensin II receptor type 1a (Agtr1a) were significantly decreased in response to maternal obesity, with maternal exercise decreasing Agtr1a in FE offspring. No changes in umami receptors were observed. FTO mRNA expression was down-regulated by maternal HFD with an up-regulation in offspring of CE mothers. Maternal obesity affected the expression of bitter taste receptors and other genes in the heart ventricle, potentially implicating these genes in the development of CVD associated with maternal obesity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-07-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JNE.12053
Abstract: Maternal overnutrition is implicated in the development of adult metabolic disease, and has been shown to alter the expression of genes involved in energy homeostasis. In the present study, we aimed to test whether a short period of voluntary exercise, followed by a sedentary period, would regulate hypothalamic markers involved in appetite. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either normal chow or high-fat diet (HFD) ad lib. for 5 weeks, mated and continued on their assigned diet during gestation/lactation. At weaning males, were separated into chow or HFD groups half were exercised (running wheels), whereas the remainder were sedentary. At week 10, wheels were removed and rats remained sedentary for 5 weeks, prior to tissue collection. Maternal obesity increased offspring adiposity at 15 weeks and this was exacerbated by postnatal HFD (P < 0.05). Body weight and fat mass were reduced in offspring of obese mothers if they exercised, and this was maintained even after 5 weeks without exercise. At 15 weeks, fasting plasma insulin, leptin and triglyceride concentrations were significantly reduced by exercise in offspring of lean and obese mothers consuming chow, with little benefit in those consuming HFD. Hypothalamic mRNA expression of pro-opiomelanocortin was increased by exercise but only in offspring of lean mothers. Exercise reduced hypothalamic FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) mRNA in offspring of lean dams regardless of diet. A short period of exercise early in life had lasting beneficial effects on body weight, adiposity and hormone profile of male offspring from obese and lean dams, despite being followed by a period of inactivity. The effects of exercise on hypothalamic appetite regulators were more marked in offspring of lean dams.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-04-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-10-2020
DOI: 10.3390/NU12103077
Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Mikania micrantha stems (EAMMS) in hypercholesterolemia-induced rats. Rats were ided into a normal group (NC) and hypercholesterolemia induced groups: hypercholesterolemia control group (PC), simvastatin group (SV) (10 mg/kg) and EAMMS extract groups at different dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Blood serum and tissues were collected for haematological, biochemical, histopathological, and enzyme analysis. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, as well as enzymes of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), were measured. Feeding rats with high cholesterol diet for eight weeks resulted in a significantly (p 0.05) increased of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT and MDA levels. Meanwhile, the administration of EAMMS extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and simvastatin (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p 0.05) the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA compared to rats in the PC group. Furthermore, all EAMMS and SV-treated groups showed a higher HDL-C level compared to both NC and PC groups. No significant difference was found in the level of ALT, AST, urea and creatinine between the different dosages in EAMMS extracts. Treatment with EAMMS also exhibited the highest inhibition activity of enzyme HMGCR and ACAT2 as compared to the control group. From the histopathological examination, liver tissues in the PC group showed severe steatosis than those fed with EAMMS and normal diet. Treatment with EAMMS extract ameliorated and reduced the pathological changes in the liver. No morphological changes showed in the kidney structure of both control and treated groups. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that EAMMS extract has anti-hypercholesterolemia properties and could be used as an alternative treatment for this disorder.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-09-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/NU15051258
Abstract: Maternal obesity is a key predictor of childhood obesity and a determining factor for a child’s body composition. Thus, any form of maternal nutrition during the gestational period plays a vital role in influencing the growth of the fetus. Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) yogurt has been found to comprise many bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, α-linolenic acid, and 5′-methoxy-bilobate with apocynoside I that could cross the placenta and exhibit an anti-obesity effect. As such, this study aimed to investigate the role of maternal E. tapos yogurt supplementation on offspring body composition. In this study, 48 female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were induced with obesity using a high-fat diet (HFD) and were allowed to breed. Upon confirmation of pregnancy, treatment was initiated with E. tapos yogurt on the obese dams up to postnatal day 21. The weaning offspring were then designated into six groups according to their dam’s group (n = 8) as follows normal food and saline (NS), HFD and saline (HS), HFD and yogurt (HY), HFD and 5 mg/kg of E. tapos yogurt (HYT5), HFD and 50 mg/kg of E. tapos yogurt (HYT50), and HFD and 500 mg/kg of E. tapos yogurt (HYT500). The body weight of the offspring was accessed every 3 days up to PND 21. All the offspring were euthanized on PND 21 for tissue harvesting and blood s le collection. The results showed that both male and female offspring of obese dams treated with E. tapos yogurt showed growth patterns similar to NS and reduced levels of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, LDL, non-HDL, and leptin. Liver enzymes such as ALT, ALP, AST, GGT, and globulin, and renal markers such as sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, and creatinine levels significantly reduced (p 0.05) in the offspring of E. tapos yogurt-treated obese dams with the normal histological architecture of the liver, kidney, colon, RpWAT, and visceral tissue that is comparable to NS. In toto, E. tapos yogurt supplementation of obese dams exerted an anti-obesity effect by preventing intergenerational obesity by reversing HFD-induced damage in the fat tissue of the offspring.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-01-2021
DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES26020321
Abstract: Obesity is one of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, abnormal liver function, diabetes, and cancers. Orlistat is currently available to treat obesity, but it is associated with adverse side effects. Natural resources are widely used for obesity treatment. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity activity of Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) shell extract in obesity induced Sprague Dawley rats. The rats’ obesity was induced by a high-fat (HF) diet made up of 50% standard rat pellet, 20% milk powder, 6% corn starch, and 24% ghee and a cafeteria (CAF) diet such as chicken rolls, salty biscuits, cakes, and cheese snacks. A hot aqueous method for the extraction of E. tapos shells was applied by using 500 mL of distilled water for about 24 h. Various dosages of E. tapos shell extract (10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg) were used. At the end of the study, body weight, caloric intake, organ weight, lipid profile, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, and histopathology analysis were carried out. E. tapos shell extract treated groups showed a reduction in body weight, positive lipid-lowering effect, decrements in triglyceride accumulation and LPL activity, and positive improvement in histopathology analysis. A dose of 200 mg/kg showed the most effective result compared to 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses.
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1210/EN.2013-1059
Abstract: Rising rates of maternal obesity/overweight bring the need for effective interventions in offspring. We observed beneficial effects of postweaning exercise, but the question of whether late-onset exercise might benefit offspring exposed to maternal obesity is unanswered. Thus we examined effects of voluntary exercise implemented in adulthood on adiposity, hormone profiles, and genes involved in regulating appetite and metabolism in female offspring. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed either normal chow or high-fat diet (HFD) ad libitum for 5 weeks before mating and throughout gestation/lactation. At weaning, female littermates received either chow or HFD and, after 7 weeks, half were exercised (running wheels) for 5 weeks. Tissues were collected at 15 weeks. Maternal obesity was associated with increased hypothalamic inflammatory markers, including suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression in the arcuate nucleus. In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), Y1 receptor, melanocortin 4 receptor, and TNF-α mRNA were elevated. In the hippoc us, maternal obesity was associated with up-regulated fat mass and obesity-associated gene and TNF-α mRNA. We observed significant hypophagia across all exercise groups. In female offspring of lean dams, the reduction in food intake by exercise could be related to altered signaling at the PVN melanocortin 4 receptor whereas in offspring of obese dams, this may be related to up-regulated TNF-α. Late-onset exercise ameliorated the effects of maternal obesity and postweaning HFD in reducing body weight, adiposity, plasma leptin, insulin, triglycerides, and glucose intolerance, with greater beneficial effects in offspring of obese dams. Overall, hypothalamic inflammation was increased by maternal obesity or current HFD, and the effect of exercise was dependent on maternal diet. In conclusion, even after a significant sedentary period, many of the negative impacts of maternal obesity could be improved by voluntary exercise and healthy diet.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-05-2022
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS23115972
Abstract: Andrographis paniculata is a local medicinal plant that is widely cultivated in Malaysia. It is comprised of numerous bioactive compounds that can be isolated using water, ethanol or methanol. Among these compounds, andrographolide has been found to be the major compound and it exhibits varieties of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer properties, particularly in the lipid-dependent cancer pathway. Lipids act as crucial membrane-building elements, fuel for energy-demanding activities, signaling molecules, and regulators of several cellular functions. Studies have shown that alterations in lipid composition assist cancer cells in changing microenvironments. Thus, compounds that target the lipid pathway might serve as potential anti-cancer therapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry and pharmacology of A. paniculata and its active compounds in terms of anti-cancer activity, primary mechanism of action, and cellular targets, particularly in the lipid-dependent cancer pathway.
Publisher: Maad Rayan Publishing Company
Date: 19-07-2023
Abstract: Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that possess a variety of bioactive properties, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of phytochemicals in targeting specific signalling pathways involved in cytokine storm, a life-threatening clinical condition resulting from excessive immune cell activation and oversupply of proinflammatory cytokines. Several studies have documented the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals on immune function, including their ability to regulate essential cellular and molecular interactions of immune system cells. This makes them a promising alternative for cytokine storm management, especially when combined with existing chemotherapies. Furthermore, phytochemicals have been found to target multiple signalling pathways, including the TNF-α/NF-κB, IL-1/NF-κB, IFN-γ/JAK/STAT, and IL-6/JAK-STAT. These pathways play critical roles in the development and progression of cytokine storm, and targeting them with phytochemicals represents a promising strategy for controlling cytokine release and the subsequent inflammation. Studies have also investigated certain families of plant-related constituents and their potential immunomodulatory actions. In vivo and in vitro studies have reported the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals, which provide viable alternatives in the management of cytokine storm syndrome. The collective data from previous studies suggest that phytochemicals represent a potentially functional source of cytokine storm treatment and promote further exploration of these compounds as immunomodulatory agents for suppressing specific signalling cascade responses. Overall, the previous research findings support the use of phytochemicals as a complementary approach in managing cytokine storm and improving patient outcomes.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 04-04-2027
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8227314
Abstract: BPA is a known endocrine-disrupting agent that is capable of binding to the estrogen receptor and has exhibited adverse effects in many laboratory animal and in vitro studies. Moreover, it also been shown to have estrogenic, antiandrogenic, inflammatory, and oxidative properties. The widespread presence of BPA in the environment presents a considerable threat to humans. BPA has been shown to be leached into the human ecosystem, where it is commonly found in food products consumed by humans. Although the concentration is relatively low, its prolonged consumption may cause a variety of deleterious health effects. The liver is an important organ for metabolizing and detoxifying toxic metabolites to protect organisms from potentially toxic chemical insults. BPA that is ingested will be eliminated by the liver. However, it has also induced hepatoxicity and injury via various mechanisms. To find research demonstrating the effects of BPA on kidney, a number of databases, including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Directory of Open Access Journals, were searched. Thus, this review summarizes the research on the relationship between BPA and its effects on the liver-derived from animals and cellular studies. The underlying mechanism of liver injury caused by BPA is also elucidated.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-10-2021
Abstract: Hyperglycemia is a condition with high glucose levels that may result in dyslipidemia. In severe cases, this alteration may lead to diabetic retinopathy. Numerous drugs have been approved by officials to treat these conditions, but usage of any synthetic drugs in the long term will result in unavoidable side effects such as kidney failure. Therefore, more emphasis is being placed on natural ingredients due to their bioavailability and absence of side effects. In regards to this claim, promising results have been witnessed in the usage of Ipomoea batatas (I. batatas) in treating the hyperglycemic and dyslipidemic condition. Thus, the aim of this paper is to conduct an overview of the reported effects of I. batatas focusing on in vitro and in vivo trials in reducing high glucose levels and regulating the dyslipidemic condition. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Nature, and PubMed databases to identify the potential articles on particular topics. The search query was accomplished based on the Boolean operators involving keywords such as (1) Beneficial effect OR healing OR intervention AND (2) sweet potato OR Ipomoea batatas OR traditional herb AND (3) blood glucose OR LDL OR lipid OR cholesterol OR dyslipidemia. Only articles published from 2011 onwards were selected for further analysis. This review includes the (1) method of intervention and the outcome (2) signaling mechanism involved (3) underlying mechanism of action, and the possible side effects observed based on the phytoconstiuents isolated. The comprehensive literature search retrieved a total of 2491 articles using the appropriate keywords. However, on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 23 articles were chosen for further review. The results from these articles indicate that I. batatas has proven to be effective in treating the hyperglycemic condition and is able to regulate dyslipidemia. Therefore, this systematic review summarizes the signaling mechanism, mechanism of action, and phytoconstituents responsible for those activities of I. batatas in treating hyperglycemic based on the in vitro and in vivo study.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-04-2023
Abstract: Atherosclerosis, a pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous substances in the arterial walls, is a leading cause of heart failure and death. The present study aimed to utilize network pharmacology to assess the potential pharmacological effects of bioactive compounds in Tualang honey on atherosclerosis. This is significant as previous studies have indicated the cardioprotective effects of Tualang honey, yet a comprehensive evaluation using network pharmacology has yet to be conducted. The bioactive compounds in Tualang honey were screened and the potential gene targets for these compounds were predicted through Swiss Target Prediction and SuperPred databases. Atherosclerosis genes were retrieved from the OMIM, DisGeNet, and GeneCards databases. The interaction between these compounds and atherosclerosis genes was established through protein–protein interaction, gene ontology, and KEGG pathway analysis. The results of these analyses were then further confirmed through molecular docking studies using the AutoDock Tools software. The results revealed that 6 out of 103 compounds in Tualang honey met the screening criteria, with a total of 336 potential gene targets, 238 of which were shared with atherosclerosis. Further analysis showed that these active compounds had a good affinity with key targets and were associated with biological processes related to protein phosphorylation and inflammation as well as pathways related to lipid and atherosclerosis and other signaling pathways. In conclusion, the study provides insight into the potential pharmacological effects of Tualang honey bioactive compounds on atherosclerosis, supporting its use as a promising treatment for the disease.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 06-03-2019
DOI: 10.1155/2019/2821597
Abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide with about 40% occurring in developing countries. The two varieties of Momordica charantia , which are Chinese and Indian bitter melon, have been subjected to antiproliferative activity in human non-small cell lung cells A549. The A549 cells were treated with hot and cold aqueous extraction for both the bitter melon varieties, and the antiproliferative activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptotic mechanism of action on A549 human lung cancer cells was evaluated first morphologically using Hoechst 33358, and cytoskeleton staining using Filamentous-actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton FICT and DAPI followed by caspase-3/7, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and p53 activity. Chinese hot aqueous extraction (CHA) exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against A549 human lung cancer cells. The morphological analysis of mitochondria destruction and the derangement of cytoskeleton showed apoptosis-inducing activity. CHA increased the caspase-3/7 activity by 1.6-fold and the ROS activity by 5-fold. Flow cytometric analysis revealed 34.5% of apoptotic cells significantly (p .05) compared to cisplatin-treated A549 human cancer cells. CHA is suggested to induce apoptosis due to their rich bioactive chemical constituents. These findings suggest that the antiproliferative effect of CHA was due to apoptosis via ROS-mediated mitochondria injury.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-06-2022
Abstract: Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) is a natural tropical plant that possess a wide range of health benefits. Recent discovery proves that E. tapos extract is able to reduce weight, increase cognitive performance, and ameliorate anxiety and stress hormone. However, this extraction has not been incorporated into yoghurt, and no toxicity studies have been done previously to prove its safety. Thus, this study was aimed to formulate the ethanolic extracted E. tapos into yoghurt and access the toxicological effects on rodents. Forty female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used in this study and force fed with either one of the following doses of 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg, while the control group received normal saline. The nutritional analysis result showed that the newly formulated yoghurt comprised 328 kJ of energy per 100 mL of servings, 3.6 g of fats, 8.2 g of carbohydrates, 2.7 g of total protein, and 1.2 g of fibre. The peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was observed at 1.6 × 105 CFU/g with a titratable acidity as lactic acid of 0.432 CFU/g, indicating the ability of the formulated yoghurt in stimulating the growth of Lactobacilli. In the experimental study, the E. tapos yoghurt in a single dose (2000 mg/kg) did not show any treatment related to toxicity in any of the rats observed in an additional 14 days. There were no changes in body weight, food and water intake, plasma biochemistry (ALT, AST, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, and organ weights of the treated groups compared to the subacute control groups. Histological examination of all organs including liver, heart, and kidney were comparable to the control groups. In toto, oral consumptions of E. tapos yoghurt did not induce any adverse effects on rodents.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 02-05-2019
DOI: 10.1155/2019/9152757
Abstract: Momordica charantia Linn., commonly known as bitter gourd, has many protective roles due to its medicinal value as it contains bioactive components. However, this extract showed possible toxicity effect on zebrafish embryo. Thus this study was designed to differentiate the toxicity activities in two types of M. charantia s le which are Indian and Chinese M. charantia , as well as to compare between two different aqueous extraction methods, hot and cold aqueous method, using zebrafish embryo assay assessment. It was observed that the survival rate of zebrafish embryo decreased as the concentration of test extract increased for all s les of M. charantia . The LC 50 values of hot aqueous Chinese M. charantia , hot aqueous Indian M. charantia , and cold aqueous Chinese M. charantia were 144.54 μ g/ml, 199.53 μ g/ml, and 251.19 μ g/ml, respectively. However, cold aqueous Indian M. charantia has a higher LC 50 which was not in the range of the tested concentration. Hatchability of Danio rerio embryo reduced as the concentration of M. charantia extract increased while no hatching was observed in the highest concentration (1000 μ g/ml). Scoliosis of zebrafish larvae was only seen in higher concentrations (125-1000 μ g/ml) of extract. The heartbeat of zebrafish larvae treated with M. charantia extract was within the normal range, 120-180 bpm, but at higher concentrations (125-1000 μ g/ml) the heartbeat differed for all s les of test extract. Hence, although this plant extract was safe to be consumed due to its pharmaceutical effect, it still exhibited mild toxicity effect at higher concentration when it was evaluated on zebrafish embryo.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-07-2023
DOI: 10.3390/NU15133036
Abstract: Multiple alcohol use disorder (AUD)-related behavioral alterations are governed by protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), particularly in the amygdala. Protein kinase C (PKC) is readily phosphorylated at Ser729 before activation by the mTORC2 protein complex. In keeping with this, the current study was conducted to assess the variations in mTORC2 and PKCε during different ethanol exposure stages. The following groups of rats were employed: control, acute, chronic, ethanol withdrawal (EW), and EW + ethanol (EtOH). Ethanol-containing and non-ethanol-containing modified liquid diets (MLDs) were administered for 27 days. On day 28, either saline or ethanol (2.5 g/kg, 20% v/v) was intraperitoneally administered, followed by bilateral amygdala extraction. PKCε mRNA levels were noticeably increased in the amygdala of the EW + EtOH and EW groups. Following chronic ethanol consumption, the stress-activated map kinase-interacting protein 1 (Sin1) gene expression was markedly decreased. In the EW, EW + EtOH, and chronic ethanol groups, there was a profound increase in the protein expression of mTOR, Sin1, PKCε, and phosphorylated PKCε (Ser729). The PKCε gene and protein expressions showed a statistically significant moderate association, according to a correlation analysis. Our results suggest that an elevated PKCε protein expression in the amygdala during EW and EW + EtOH occurred at the transcriptional level. However, an elevation in the PKCε protein expression, but not its mRNA, after chronic ethanol intake warrants further investigation to fully understand the signaling pathways during different episodes of AUD.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/NU15061523
Abstract: Maternal obesity is an intergenerational vicious cycle and one of the primary causes of cognitive deficits and high anxiety levels in offspring, which often manifest independently of sex. It is proven that curbing the intergenerational inheritance of obesity through early intervention during the gestation period has a positive outcome on the body composition, cognitive function, and anxiety level of the offspring. A recent discovery shows that the consumption of Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) seed extract modulates body mass and ameliorates stress hormones in obese dams, while a probiotic bacterial strain can cross the placenta and boost a child’s memory. Thus, we speculate that probiotics are the best medium to integrate plant extract (E. tapos extract) to access the effect on the child’s cognition. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the early intervention of E. tapos yoghurt in obese dams in the cognition and anxiety levels of male offspring. In this study, 40 female rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before pregnancy, while another 8 rats were fed with standard rat pellets for 16 weeks. Upon successful copulation, treatment was initiated for the obese dams up to the postnatal day (PND) 21. The groups included normal chow and saline (NS), HFD and saline (HS), HFD and yoghurt (HY), HFD and 5 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT5), HFD and 50 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT50), and HFD and 500 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT500). All rats were euthanised on PND 21, and the body mass index (BMI), Lee index, and waist circumference were measured for the male offspring. Hippoc al-dependent memory tests and open field tests were conducted to access for cognition and anxiety status. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total fat (%), insulin, leptin, lipid profile, and antioxidant parameter on serum and hypothalamus (FRAP and GSH) were accessed on PND 21. The result shows male offspring of 50 mg/kg-supplemented obese dams have comparable total fat (%), lipid profile, insulin level, FBG level, plasma insulin level, recognition index, low anxiety level, and improved hypothalamic FRAP and GSH levels to the normal group. In conclusion, this study highlights that the effect of early intervention of our novel formulation of E. tapos yoghurt in obese dams alleviates cognitive deficits and anxiety in male offspring by modulating metabolic profiles at the dose of 50 mg/kg.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU14010020
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorders affecting mostly the elderly. It is characterized by the presence of Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), resulting in cognitive and memory impairment. Research shows that alteration in gut microbial ersity and defects in gut brain axis are linked to AD. Probiotics are known to be one of the best preventative measures against cognitive decline in AD. Numerous in vivo trials and recent clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of selected bacterial strains in slowing down the progression of AD. It is proven that probiotics modulate the inflammatory process, counteract with oxidative stress, and modify gut microbiota. Thus, this review summarizes the current evidence, ersity of bacterial strains, defects of gut brain axis in AD, harmful bacterial for AD, and the mechanism of action of probiotics in preventing AD. A literature search on selected databases such as PubMed, Semantic Scholar, Nature, and Springer link have identified potentially relevant articles to this topic. However, upon consideration of inclusion criteria and the limitation of publication year, only 22 articles have been selected to be further reviewed. The search query includes few sets of keywords as follows. (1) Probiotics OR gut microbiome OR microbes AND (2) Alzheimer OR cognitive OR aging OR dementia AND (3) clinical trial OR in vivo OR animal study. The results evidenced in this study help to clearly illustrate the relationship between probiotic supplementation and AD. Thus, this systematic review will help identify novel therapeutic strategies in the future as probiotics are free from triggering any adverse effects in human body.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-04-2023
Abstract: Pre-pregnancy weight gain induces dysregulation in the metabolic profile of the offspring, thereby serving as a key factor for cognitive decline and anxiety status in the offspring. However, early probiotic supplementation during the gestational period is linked with improved metabolic health. At the same time, a natural plant known as Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) is proven to improve cognition and modulate the stress hormone due to its high concentration of flavonoids. However, the effects of medicinal plant integrated probiotics in F1 generations warrants further investigation. Thus, this study aimed to study the effect of E. tapos yoghurt on the maternal obesity induced cognitive dysfunction and anxiety in female offspring. In this study, female Sprague Dawley rats were fed with normal chow (n = 8) or high fat diet (n = 40) across pre-pregnancy, gestation, and weaning. The treatment with different concentrations of E. tapos yoghurt (5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/day) were initiated in the obese dams upon post coitum day 0 up to postnatal day 21 (PND 21). Female offspring were weaned on PND 21 and body mass index, waist circumference, lee index, behavior, metabolic parameter, and antioxidant status were analyzed. The result shows that the female offspring of the 500 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt supplemented group shows a decreased level of insulin, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, low fat tissue mass with a high level of HDL, and an increased level of antioxidant status in the hypothalamus. The behavioral assessment proves that the female offspring of the 500 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt supplemented group exhibits a high recognition index on novel object lace with low anxiety-like behavior in an open field test. In conclusion, our data signify the beneficial effect of early intervention in obese dams on the transgenerational impact on female offspring’s metabolic profile, cognitive performance, and anxiety-like behavior.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.3390/NU15102312
Abstract: Maternal obesity can be considered an intergenerational cycle and is also an important indicator of cognitive impairments. It is thought that using natural products is the best and safest way to combat maternal obesity and associated complications. Recent studies have shown that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) contains bioactive compounds with anti-obesity effects, and yoghurt is a convenient medium for supplementing obese maternal rats with E. tapos extract. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the impact of E. tapos in yoghurt on maternally obese rats’ cognitive function supplemented with a high-fat diet (HFD). In this study, 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were fed HFD for a period of 16 weeks to induce obesity, after which they were allowed to mate. Upon confirmation of pregnancy, obese rats were given varying doses of E. tapos (5, 50, and 500 mg/kg) in yoghurt until postnatal (PND) day 21. On PND 21, the dams’ body mass index (BMI), Lee index, abdominal circumference, oxidative status, and metabolic profile were measured. The behavioral tests (open field, place, and object recognition) were conducted on PND 21 to access memory. The results show that the 50 and 500 mg/kg E. tapos in yoghurt supplemented groups had similar BMI, Lee index, abdominal circumference, lipid profile, FBG, insulin, FRAP, and GSH levels, as well as a similar recognition index, in comparison with the control group supplemented with saline. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the newly formulated E. tapos in yogurt can act as an anti-obesity agent in maternal obesity, alleviate anxiety, and enhance hippoc al-dependent memory.
Publisher: The Society for Free Radical Research Japan
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.3164/JCBN.2008051
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS24065224
Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for a notable rise in the overall mortality rate. Obesity is found to be one of the main factors behind CRC development. Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous plant famous for its medicinal properties, particularly in Southeast Asia for its anti-cancer properties. This study examines the chemopreventive impact of A. paniculata ethanolic extract (APEE) against a high-fat diet and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in Sprague Dawley rats. Sprague Dawley rats were administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg, i.p. once a week for 10 weeks) and a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to induce colorectal cancer. APEE was administered at 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg for 20 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood serum and organs were collected. DMH/HFD-induced rats had abnormal crypts and more aberrant crypt foci (ACF). APEE at a dose of 500 mg/kg improved the dysplastic state of the colon tissue and caused a 32% reduction in the total ACF. HFD increased adipocyte cell size, while 500 mg/kg APEE reduced it. HFD and DMH/HFD rats had elevated serum insulin and leptin levels. Moreover, UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed that APEE was rich in anti-cancer phytochemicals. This finding suggests that APEE has anti-cancer potential against HFD/DMH-induced CRC and anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity properties.
No related grants have been discovered for Hasnah Bahari.