Aouni R, Ben Attia M, Jaafoura MH
… +2 more, Bibi-Derbel A, Haouari M
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237482
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ethanol-water (80:20) extract of Marrubium vulgare (M. vulgare) on the hematological parameters, macroscopic and histological aspects of the uterus and fetus in non-pregnant and preg...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ethanol-water (80:20) extract of Marrubium vulgare (M. vulgare) on the hematological parameters, macroscopic and histological aspects of the uterus and fetus in non-pregnant and pregnant rats. METHODS: Female rats were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 9), group N (normal rats) and group G (pregnant rats) considered as control groups, group NE (normal rats treated with the ethanol-water (80:20, v/v) extract of M. vulgare) and group GE (pregnant rats treated with the extract). The ethanol-water (80:20) plant extract was administered in a single daily dose 1 g/kg at the morning, during 19 d. On the 19 day of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, the uterus and fetuses were removed for the morphological and histological studies and the blood was collected in EDTA tubes for the measurement of hematological parameters with the use of an automate 'HORIBA ABX Micros 60 Hematology Analyzer'. RESULTS: Our results showed, in group NE and GE, a significant decrease on hematological parameters: red blood cells (NE: 18.6%; GE: 38.4%), hematocrit (NE: 13.8%; GE: 20.4%), hemoglobin (NE: 12.1%; GE: 8.3%) and mean corpuscular volume (NE: 6.4%; GE: 2%) with P more less a 0.05. Indeed, the extract of M. vulgare caused a significant decrease on the mean implantations of fetuses (82.5%, P < 0.001) and their size (47.2%, P < 0.01). As for the macroscopic and histological appearance of uterus, our data showed no change in normal treated rats. In contrast, the treated pregnant rats showed a severe histological change characterized by the existence of location of stopped gestation. Furthermore, it was also found in the uterus of these rat lyses placental and embryo tissue. CONCLUSIONS: All these results support the hypothesis of an abortifacient effect of M. vulgare.
Thuy TT, Tam NT, Anh NT
… +6 more, Hau DV, Phong DT, Thang LQ, Adorisio S, Van Sung T, Delfino DV
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237481
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone isolated from the bark of Dacrycarpus imbricatus (Blume) de Laub. METHODS: Column chromatography was used for isolation of compounds from pla...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone isolated from the bark of Dacrycarpus imbricatus (Blume) de Laub. METHODS: Column chromatography was used for isolation of compounds from plant material. The structure of the isolated compound was identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, including HSQC, HMBC, NOE-difference experiments. The isolated compound was tested for its anti-proliferative activity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and OCI-AML cells. RESULTS: Compound 1 was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Dacrycarpus imbricatus barks by column chromatography. Its chemical structure was identified as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20HE), a cholestane-type ecdysteroid, by a combination of mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometric analyses. Our goal was to test the anti-proliferative activity of 20HE using the OCI-AML cell line. 20HE significantly decreased OCI cell number at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, whereas lower concentrations were ineffective. Moreover, this decrease was due to partial blockage of the G/S phase of the cell cycle, with a reduction of cells in the GM phase, not due to increased apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: This indicates that 20HE significantly decreases the number of cells in the G/S phase of the cell cycle in human AML cells. This is the first time that the anti-proliferative activity of 20HE against a human tumor cell line has been reported.
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237480
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effect and mechanism of simvastatin on secondary inflammatory damage of rats with cerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: Sixty SD rat aged 9-12 weeks were chosen and divide...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effect and mechanism of simvastatin on secondary inflammatory damage of rats with cerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: Sixty SD rat aged 9-12 weeks were chosen and divided into the control group, model group and simvastatin-treated group randomly with 20 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and simvastatin-treated group were infused with autologous fresh uncoagulated blood to the right brain tissue of the basal ganglia to build the cerebral hemorrhage model, while rats in the control group were treated with the same amount of normal saline. Then, rats in the simvastatin-treated group were given a gavage of 3 mg/kg of simvastatin once a day after modeling. Rats in the three groups were given nerve dysfunction score (NDS) and wet-dry weighting method was used to detect the brain water content (BWC) of brain tissues around the lesion of the rats. Then Nissl staining was conducted and the undamaged neurons were counted. Immunohistochemical SP method was applied to count the number of NF-κB, TLR4 and IL-1β positive cells in brain tissues around the lesions, and the immuno fluorescence method was employed to determine the expression levels of NF-κB, TLR4 and IL-1β proteins. RESULTS: The NDS results of the simvastatin-treated group at all time points were all significantly higher than those of the model group (P < 0.05); the BWC values of the simvastatin-treated group at all time points were all significantly lower than those of the model group at the same periods (P < 0.05); the number of the undamaged neurons around the lesions of the simvastatin-treated group at all time points were all significantly higher than those of the model group (P < 0.05); seven days after treatment, the number of the NF-κB, TLR4 and IL-1β positive cells in brain tissues around the lesions of the simvastatin-treated group were all significantly lower than those of the model group (P < 0.05), and its expression levels of NF-κB, TLR4 and IL-1β protein were also significantly lower than those of the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin can inhibit the expressions of NF-κB, TLR4 and IL-1β proteins in rats with cerebral hemorrhage, and protect neurons and reduce secondary inflammatory damages by down-regulating the above protein-mediated inflammatory responses.
Liu ZY, Hu SP, Ji QR
… +3 more, Yang HB, Zhou DH, Wu FF
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237479
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OBJECTIVE: To study whether sevoflurane pretreatment inhibits the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation through AMPK pathway. METHODS: H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into control grou...OBJECTIVE: To study whether sevoflurane pretreatment inhibits the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation through AMPK pathway. METHODS: H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into control group (C group), hypoxia reoxygenation group (H/R group), sevoflurane pretreatment + hypoxia reoxygenation group (SP group) and sevoflurane combined with Compound C pretreatment + hypoxia reoxygenation group (ComC group), and the cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate, myocardial enzyme levels in culture medium as well as the expression of apoptosis genes and p-AMPK in cells were determined. RESULTS: p-AMPK expression in cells of H/R group was significantly lower than that of C group, SP group was significantly higher than that of H/R group; cell proliferation activity value and Bcl-2 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly lower than those of C group, SP group were significantly higher than those of H/R group, ComC group were significantly lower than those of SP group; apoptosis rate, LDH, CK and AST levels as well as the Bax and Caspase-3 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly higher than those of C group, SP group were significantly lower than those of H/R group, ComC group were significantly higher than those of SP group. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane pretreatment can activate AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation.
Gutiérrez-Rebolledo GA, Pérez-González MZ, Zamilpa A
… +1 more, Jiménez-Arellanes MA
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237478
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OBJECTIVE: To identify the anti-inflammatory activity through two murine models and in the median Lethal Dose (LD) of three dietary supplements that contain Moussonia deppeana. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity of...OBJECTIVE: To identify the anti-inflammatory activity through two murine models and in the median Lethal Dose (LD) of three dietary supplements that contain Moussonia deppeana. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity of three dietary supplements (Cicatrisan/Gastricus, Gastinol, and Gastrovita) EtOH extracts was evaluated by TPA and by carrageenan murine models; also, median Lethal Dose (LD) was determined. Verbascoside was quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and the mixture of ursolic and oleanolic acids were identified in all supplements by TLC; however, none of these dietary supplements contain verbascoside. RESULTS: For the TPA model, Cicatrisan/Gastricus generated a notable effect with 38.24% inhibition. While in the carrageenan model, it also exhibited noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity of ear edema with 66.39% of paw edema inhibition at 150 mg/kg, followed by Gastinol and Gastrovita with ≈50% at 300 mg/kg. Finally, LD was >2 g/kg for all supplements, when was administered intragastrically and Body Weight (BW) gain in mice was not altered after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Of the three food supplements containing M. deppeana, only the EtOH extract from Cicatrisan/Gastricus formulation (tablets) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in both experimental models and the LD was >2 g/kg.
Wang YH, Wang YC, Wu PH
… +4 more, Hsu L, Wang CY, Jan CR, Su HH
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237477
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OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect of lesser-known potential risk factors, such as bedroom showers, on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. METHOD: A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed using both survey...OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect of lesser-known potential risk factors, such as bedroom showers, on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. METHOD: A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed using both survey and fungal culturing in southern Taiwan. There were 998 participants enrolled in the survey, and 513 sets of fungal culture obtained. With score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) more than 7, the patient was defined to have allergic rhinitis. Risks of allergic rhinitis were calculated as odds ratios for various predicted risk factors by logistic regression. Correlation between predicted risk factors and fungal level were examined with linear regression. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratio of frequently using bedroom shower to having allergic rhinitis was 1.572 (95% confidence interval: 1.090-2.265), and 0.962 for people with older age to have AR (95% confidence interval: 0.949-0.976). As to the 24-hour fungal level, the standardized coefficient was 0.254 for frequent use of bedroom shower, and 0.106 for window open hours. CONCLUSIONS: Use of bedroom shower is a potential risk factor for allergic rhinitis development.
Pechdee P, Chaiyasaeng M, Sereewong C
… +4 more, Chaiyos J, Suwannatrai A, Wongmaneeprateep S, Tesana S
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237476
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OBJECTIVE: To explore larvicidal effects of anthelmintic drugs on Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) for alternative approach to interrupting its cycle for developing a field-based control program. METHODS: The larvic...OBJECTIVE: To explore larvicidal effects of anthelmintic drugs on Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) for alternative approach to interrupting its cycle for developing a field-based control program. METHODS: The larvicidal activities of albendazole (Al), artesunate (Ar), praziquantel (Pzq) and miltefosine (Mf) on O. viverrini cercariae and mature metacercariae were investigated. Lethal concentrations (LC and LC) of these drugs were determined. Mature metacercariae previously exposed to various concentrations of the drugs were administered to hamsters. Worms were harvested 30 d post infection and worm recovery rates calculated. Al, Ar, Pzq and Mf produced morphological degeneration and induced shedding tails of cercariae after 24 h exposure. RESULTS: The LC and LC of Al, Ar, Pzq and Mf on cercariae were 0.720 and 1.139, 0.350 and 0.861, 0.017 and 0.693, and 0.530 and 1.134 ppm, respectively. LC and LC of Ar on mature metacercariae were 303.643 and 446.237 ppm and of Mf were 289.711 and 631.781 ppm, respectively but no lethal effect in Pzq- and Al-treated groups (up to 1 ppt). No worms were found in hamsters administered Pzq-treated metacercariae. The adult worms from Al-treated metacercariae were significantly bigger in size compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Fecundity and body width were greater in adults from Mf-treated metacercariae compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The larvicidal effects of these drugs were high efficacy to O. viverrini cercariae but lesser efficacy to metacercariae. It should be further studied with the eventual aim of developing a field-based control program.
Urbizu-González AL, Castillo-Ruiz O, Martínez-Ávila GC
… +1 more, Torres-Castillo JA
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237475
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in yield and composition of the essential oil and antioxidant contents in Turnera diffusa plants from localities in central region of Tamaulipas. METHODS: Samples were collected in Tama...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in yield and composition of the essential oil and antioxidant contents in Turnera diffusa plants from localities in central region of Tamaulipas. METHODS: Samples were collected in Tamaulipas, Mexico in the arid zone. Essential oil was obtained through steam distillation and analyzed using GC-MS. Polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities using ABTS and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods also were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 21 compounds were identified in the essential oils; nevertheless, only Eucalyptol, 1,4-Methanocycloocta[d]pyridazine, 1,4,4a,5,6,9,10,10a-octahydro-11,11-dimethyl-, (1à,4à,4aà,10aà) y Ethanone, 1-(1,3-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl) were detected in the three sites. Highest contents were registered in the sample from Padrón y Juárez with phenolic content of 33.85 mg GAE/g of dry material and antioxidant activities with ABTS 72.32% and with FRAP 21.33 mg GAE/g of dry material. Statistical differences were observed in essential oil, phenolics and antioxidants contents between populations. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that climatic differences and origin influence the phytochemicals in the medicinal plant Turnera diffusa, and thus, it is worth to consider such effects for industrial and medicinal purposes.
Yu DR, Ji LP, Wang T
… +6 more, Yi XN, Yi GH, He T, Cao YX, Long EW, Liu QB
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237474
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OBJECTIVE: To determine the chemical structure of the new compound and investigate the protective effects of Tinosporaic acid A and B towards in-vitro neuro. METHODS: The structures of two new compounds were established...OBJECTIVE: To determine the chemical structure of the new compound and investigate the protective effects of Tinosporaic acid A and B towards in-vitro neuro. METHODS: The structures of two new compounds were established by analyzing its 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as HRESIMS. Their neuroprotective effects with respect to the antioxidant properties were evaluated by radical scavenging tests and hydrogen peroxide-injured oxidative stress model in PC12 cell lines. Cell morphology of treated PC12 cells was observed by phase contrast microscopy. In-vitro MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase activity assay and oxidative stress markers (intracellular ROS production, MDA level, and caspase-3 activity) were used to evaluate the protective effects against hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. RESULTS: The two new compounds, named Tinosporaic acid A and B, were isolated and identified from the stem bark of Tinospora hainanensis. Cell viability studies identified a representative concentration for each extract that was subsequently used to measure oxidative stress markers. Both extracts were able to reverse the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, thus promoting PC12 cells survival. The concentration of Tinosporaic acid A and B were 86.34 μg/mL and 22.06 μg/mL respectively, which is neuroprotective for EC50. The results indicated that both of them significantly attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSION: The two new compounds isolated from ethanol extracts of Tinospora hainanensis are the promising natural ones with neuroprotective activity and needed for further research.
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Feb · PMID 28237473
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Elephantorrhiza goetzei (E. goetzei) commonly known as Goetze's elephantorrhiza, is traditionally used as a decoction in the treatment of a variety of conditions such as pain, sores, sexually transmitted infections (STIs...Elephantorrhiza goetzei (E. goetzei) commonly known as Goetze's elephantorrhiza, is traditionally used as a decoction in the treatment of a variety of conditions such as pain, sores, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gastro-intestinal disorders, microbial infections and genito-urinary system disorders. On the basis of its wide distribution in south central Africa, E. goetzei has a long history of applications among the different ethnic groups. A total of 23 ethnomedicinal uses of E. goetzei are documented in this study from 62.5% of the countries where the species is indigenous. Multiple classes of phytochemicals including phenolic compounds, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, stilbenoids, tannins and triterpenoids have been identified from E. goetzei bark, leaves and roots in different investigations. Scientific validation of its diverse uses in traditional medicine has been demonstrated through antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anthelmintic, antioxidant and cytotoxicity assays of crude extracts as well as isolated compounds from the species. E. goetzei has been widely used as a source of herbal medicine for several years without any adverse effects. In light of its long traditional use and the modern phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations summarized in this study, E. goetzei has been demonstrated to show a strong potential for therapeutic and health-maintaining uses. However, there is need for additional studies on the isolated compounds to validate the traditional uses in human models as well as evaluating the possible mechanisms of action. The present review focussing on the biology, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of E. goetzei has provided preliminary information for further studies on the species.
Xue J, Wu XL, Huang XT
… +6 more, Qu M, Guo F, Sun GY, Zhang PC, Han L, Pan LM
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107874
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OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of RUNX3 in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and its correlation with microvessel density (MVD), and investigate the clinical pathological prognostic significance of RUNX3 and MVD in p...OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of RUNX3 in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and its correlation with microvessel density (MVD), and investigate the clinical pathological prognostic significance of RUNX3 and MVD in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: The expression value of RUNX3 and MVD in 70 specimens' colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry staining technique. The correlation between their expression and the clinicopathologic features was also investigated. RESULTS: The expression value of RUNX3 and the positive rates of RUNX3 in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were 3.25 ± 1.14 and 25.71% (18/70). The expression value of MVD in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was 13.14 ± 3.23. Expression of RUNX3 and MVD value were correlated with CEA, serosal invasion, liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage (P < 0.01). The expression value of RUNX3 had negative correlations with that of MVD. CONCLUSIONS: The high expression of RUNX3 could inhibit tumor microvascular generation in order to have negative control response on invasion and distant metastasis.
Nazari M, Nazari S, Hanafi-Bojd AA
… +2 more, Najafi A, Nazari S
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107873
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OBJECTIVE: To update current situation of the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Kazerun County, southwest of Iran and to analyse the epidemiological aspects of the disease during 2005-2015. METHODS: Data on CL were obtaine...OBJECTIVE: To update current situation of the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Kazerun County, southwest of Iran and to analyse the epidemiological aspects of the disease during 2005-2015. METHODS: Data on CL were obtained from the Health Center of Kazerun County, and then were analysed and mapped using SPSS and Arc GIS 10.3. RESULTS: A total of 700 cases of CL were recorded during the study period with an overall decreasing trend from 2005 to 2015. More than 60% of the patients were inhabitants of rural areas and males were infected more than females. Although there was not a significant difference between gender, job categories, residence and CL infection (P > 0.05), age groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). But there was no significant correlation between monthly cases of the disease with average temperature (P > 0.05). Most of the acute lesions were found to be present on the hand, leg and face, respectively. The average CL incidence in the study area was calculated as 24.9/100000 population. A hot spot for the disease was found in southern part of the area (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that CL is present in Kazerun country. Thus, effective monitoring and sustained surveillance system is crucial in counteracting the disease, and if possible, to eliminate it.
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107872
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OBJECTIVE: To study whether miR-21 targets and inhibits tumor suppressor gene PTEN can promote prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. METHODS: Prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 were cultured and divided into nega...OBJECTIVE: To study whether miR-21 targets and inhibits tumor suppressor gene PTEN can promote prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. METHODS: Prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 were cultured and divided into negative control group (NC group), miR-21 group, pcDNA3.1 group, miR-21+pcDNA3.1 group and miR-21+PTEN group that were transfected with different miR and plasmid, respectively. After 12 h and 24 h of transfection, the cell viability and invasive cell number were determined; after 24 h of transfection, Bcl-2, Survivin, MMP2, MMP9, PTEN, PI3K, and AKT expression in cells were determined. RESULTS: After 12 h and 24 h of transfection, OD value and invasive cell number of miR-21 group were significantly higher than those of NC group; after 24 h of transfection, Bcl-2, Survivin, MMP2, MMP9, PI3K and AKT expression levels were significantly higher than those of NC group while PTEN expression level was significantly lower than that of NC group; after 12 h and 24 h of transfection, OD value and invasive cell number of miR-21+pcDNA3.1 group were significantly higher than those of pcDNA3.1 group, and the OD value and invasive cell number of miR-21+PTEN group were significantly lower than those of miR-21+pcDNA3.1 group; after 24 h of transfection, Bcl-2, Survivin, MMP2 and MMP9 content of miR-21+pcDNA3.1 group were significantly higher than those of pcDNA3.1 group, and Bcl-2, Survivin, MMP2 and MMP9 content of miR-21+PTEN group were significantly lower than those of miR-21+pcDNA3.1 group. CONCLUSIONS: miR-21 can target and inhibit tumor suppressor gene PTEN expression to promote prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion.
Sharafi M, Ghaem H, Tabatabaee HR
… +1 more, Faramarzi H
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107871
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OBJECTIVE: To predict the trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis and assess the relationship between the disease trend and weather variables in south of Fars province using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SA...OBJECTIVE: To predict the trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis and assess the relationship between the disease trend and weather variables in south of Fars province using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. METHODS: The trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis was predicted using Mini tab software and SARIMA model. Besides, information about the disease and weather conditions was collected monthly based on time series design during January 2010 to March 2016. Moreover, various SARIMA models were assessed and the best one was selected. Then, the model's fitness was evaluated based on normality of the residuals' distribution, correspondence between the fitted and real amounts, and calculation of Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC). RESULTS: The study results indicated that SARIMA model (4,1,4)(0,1,0) in general and SARIMA model (4,1,4)(0,1,1) in below and above 15 years age groups could appropriately predict the disease trend in the study area. Moreover, temperature with a three-month delay (lag3) increased the disease trend, rainfall with a four-month delay (lag4) decreased the disease trend, and rainfall with a nine-month delay (lag9) increased the disease trend. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, leishmaniasis follows a descending trend in the study area in case drought condition continues, SARIMA models can suitably measure the disease trend, and the disease follows a seasonal trend.
Zain RM, Ibrahim N, Ismail S
… +3 more, Suppiah J, Mat Rahim NA, Thayan R
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107870
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OBJECTIVE: To determine drug resistance mutations and the HIV-1 subtypes among antiretroviral treatment naive HIV-1 patients in Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: A total of 45 samples from four hospitals that provide HIV vir...OBJECTIVE: To determine drug resistance mutations and the HIV-1 subtypes among antiretroviral treatment naive HIV-1 patients in Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: A total of 45 samples from four hospitals that provide HIV viral load services were subjected to the amplification of the protease and two third of reverse transcriptase regions of the pol gene by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Drug resistance mutation (DRM) interpretation reports the presence of mutations related to protease inhibitors (PIs), Nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and Non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) based on analysis using Stanford HIV database program. RESULTS: DRMs were identified in 35% of patients, among which 46.7% of them showed minor resistance to protease inhibitor with A71V and L10l were the commonest DRMs detected. About 21.4% and 50.0% of patients had mutations to NRTIs and NNRTIs, respectively. CRF01_AE was found to be the predominant HIV-1 subtype. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have served as an initial crucial data in determining the prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance for the country. However, more samples from various parts of the country need to be accumulated and analyzed to provide overall HIV-1 drug resistance in the country.
Park SH, Lee DH, Jin JY
… +6 more, Shin YL, Shin M, Kim SS, Suh WS, Park JO, Hong YH
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107869
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OBJECTIVE: To identify the source of infection and determine the clinical features and laboratory finding of measles infection. METHODS: In 27 measles patients, except for 3 adult patients, the rest of 24 pediatric measl...OBJECTIVE: To identify the source of infection and determine the clinical features and laboratory finding of measles infection. METHODS: In 27 measles patients, except for 3 adult patients, the rest of 24 pediatric measles cases were analyzed with regard to age, sex, immunization status, transmission routes and molecular genotyping of measles virus. Eighteen measles patients who admitted in isolation ward were set apart to investigate clinical findings and its correlation with laboratory characteristics. Retrospective analysis of cases was conducted in this study. RESULTS: Of the 24 pediatric patients, 23 (95.8%) had not received any measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Sixteen of the patients (66.7%) were aged <12 months. The suspicious index case of a girl aged 34 months was not vaccinated with MCV1 and got measles after a trip to Philippines, and molecular genotype was revealed as B3. Measles outbreaks in the community such as a restaurant were followed by this one imported case. According to analysis of 18 patients admitted in isolation ward, the median level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.38 mg/dL and that of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 1200 IU/L. All of the 18 patients had LDH levels above the normal range. Age correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.528, P = 0.024) and LDH (ρ = 0.501, P = 0.034). The duration of fever was correlated with the duration of fever before rash (ρ = 0.898, P < 0.01). The duration of hospitalization was correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.586, P = 0.011). The white blood cell counts were correlated with the levels of LDH (ρ = 0.505, P = 0.033), aspartate aminotransferase (ρ = 0.507, P = 0.032), and alanine aminotransferase (ρ = 0.481, P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Early weaning of maternally derived measles antibodies therefore vaccination of MCV1 at a young age from 9 months to 12 months should be considered in situations of early exposure. Furthermore, there is a call for consideration of scheduling an earlier age for the first dose of MMR vaccine in Europe. It is necessary for Korea to investigate the duration of the presence and quantitative analysis of maternal measles antibodies in infants and to reconsider the timing of MCV1.
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107868
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OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone) on the secretion of Th2 cytokines and the proportion of immune cell subsets in asthma mice. METHODS: Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were used to build as...OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone) on the secretion of Th2 cytokines and the proportion of immune cell subsets in asthma mice. METHODS: Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were used to build asthma models. Those mice were divided into the normal control group, model group and rosiglitazone group. Differences of the changes in lung histopathology of mice in the three groups were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) strain, and the numbers of the total cells, eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF of mice in the three groups were compared. ELISA and real-time PCR were employed to detect the protein levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, IL-4 and IL-10 and mRNA level, respectively. Flow cytometry number was implied to analyze the proportion of immune cell subsets in peripheral blood of mice. RESULTS: Compared with the mice in the control group, and mice of the model group, the infiltration of inflammatory cells in BALF increased, bronchial smooth muscle became thickened, a large amount of collagen deposited, the secretion of Th2 cytokine increased significantly, the ratio of regulatory T cells (Treg) decreased, the ratio of T17 cells rose distinctly; while in mice of the rosiglitazone group, the changes of their lung histopathology were improved obviously, the number of infiltration of inflammatory cells declined, the thickened smooth muscle relieved, the deposition of collagen decreased, the secretion of Th2 cytokine was inhibited, the ratio of Treg went up, and the increased of the ratio of T17 cells was inhibited but still not return to normal level. CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone can regulate the proportion of Treg and Th17 cells and inhibit the secretion of Th2 cytokines, which inhibit the airway inflammatory response for asthma mice effectively.
Shiwani HA, Pharithi RB, Khan B
… +4 more, Egom CB, Kruzliak P, Maher V, Egom EE
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107867
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The recent Ebola outbreak in Western Africa was the most devastating outbreak witnessed in recent times. There have been remarkable local and international efforts to control the crisis. Ebola Virus Disease is the focus...The recent Ebola outbreak in Western Africa was the most devastating outbreak witnessed in recent times. There have been remarkable local and international efforts to control the crisis. Ebola Virus Disease is the focus of immense research activity. The progression of events in the region has been evolving swiftly and it is of paramount importance to the medical community to be acquainted with the situation. Over 28000 people were inflicted with the condition, over 11000 have died. Novel data has emerged regarding modes of transmission, providing rationale for recent flare-ups. Similarly, studies on survivors are elucidating the later stages of the disease recovery process. Novel techniques for diagnosis are also discussed. Finally, the current research regarding treatment and vaccine development is reviewed, particularly the implementation of rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination programs.
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107866
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of commercial fermented products sold in the country, and strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) as prophylaxis and therapy against diarrhoea in children. METHODS: The anti...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of commercial fermented products sold in the country, and strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) as prophylaxis and therapy against diarrhoea in children. METHODS: The antimicrobial potential of cultures of lactobacilli enriched from 4 Zimbabwean commercial food/beverage products: Dairibord Lacto sour milk (DLSM), Probrand sour milk (PSM), Kefalos Vuka cheese (KVC) and Chibuku opaque beer (COB); and four strains of L. plantarum obtained from Balkan traditional cheeses against clinical strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was assayed using the well diffusion method. Three commercial paediatric antidiarrhoeal drug products: Biogaia (BG), Prolife (PL) and Probio Junior (PJ) and a mutant strain of E. coli [strain 11105 (ATCC) - a vitamin B-12 auxotroph and penicillin G acylase-producing strain] were used as controls. An agar diffusion assay and a competitive exclusion assay were carried out on Mueller Hinton agar. RESULTS: Crude cultures of putative lactobacillus strains obtained from Zimbabwean dairy products (Probrand sour milk, Kefalos Vuka vuka cheese and Chibuku opaque beer) had significantly higher antimicrobial activities against clinical strains of E. coli than strains of L. plantarum isolated from Balkan cheeses (CLP1, CLP2 or CLP3) and crude microbial cultures from commercial paediatric probiotic products (BG, PJ and PL) of a culture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The putative Lactobacilli from four commercial Zimbabwean dairy products (Probrand sour milk, Kefalos Vuka vuka cheese and Chibuku opaque beer), and three strains of L. plantarum from Balkan cheeses (CLP1, CLP2 or CLP3) exhibited high antibacterial activities that can be harnessed to control paediatric diarrhoea that is caused by pathogenic strains of E. coli. Studies to characterise the probiotic potential of the live cultures in the products and the new strains of L. plantarum are underway.
Chen W, Xia ZK, Zhang MH
… +4 more, Ding GC, Zhang XY, Wang ZX, Yang RY
Asian Pac J Trop Med
· 2017 Jan · PMID 28107865
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for limited cutaneous scleroderma (LS) in mouse models. METHODS: ADSCs were isolated from pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice and LS...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for limited cutaneous scleroderma (LS) in mouse models. METHODS: ADSCs were isolated from pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice and LS was induced in wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice via daily injection of bleomycin (0.1 mL × 300 μg/mL) for 4 weeks; then the ADSCs were subcutaneously injected into the dorsal area in the model treatment group, and 100 μL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution was injected into the same site in the model control group. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to track the cells using an in vivo imaging system on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after transplantation. All mice were sacrificed and histologic analyses were performed after 4 weeks, and the skin thickness, collagen deposition and the total content of hydroxyproline were evaluated. Additionally, immunohistochemistry were performed to compare the tissue expression and distribution of TGF-β1 and VEGF between the ADSCs treatment group and the treatment control group. RESULTS: WT C57BL/6 LS mouse model were successfully established and GFP in vivo fluorescence imaging showed that the translated ADSCs survived at the local for at least 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, the ADSCs treatment group significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, reduced the skin thickness and the total content of hydroxyproline (P < 0.05). The ADSCs treatment group displayed significantly lower levels of TGF-β1 and higher levels of VEGF than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ADSCs may provide a feasible and practical treatment for autoimmune diseases such as LS and ameliorate dermal fibrosis.