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1.
Molecules ; 28(13)2023 Jun 29.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37446751

RESUMEN

Biofunctional molecules with pharmacological activities are reported in various fields of application, including in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, agriculture, and food industries [...].


Asunto(s)
Suplementos Dietéticos , Industria de Alimentos , Agricultura
2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(21)2022 Oct 27.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36361845

RESUMEN

Atherosclerosis is one of the main underlying causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It is associated with chronic inflammation and intimal thickening as well as the involvement of multiple cell types including immune cells. The engagement of innate or adaptive immune response has either athero-protective or atherogenic properties in exacerbating or alleviating atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, the mechanism of action of immune cells, particularly monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and B- and T-lymphocytes have been discussed. Immuno-senescence is associated with aging, viral infections, genetic predispositions, and hyperlipidemia, which contribute to atherosclerosis. Immune senescent cells secrete SASP that delays or accelerates atherosclerosis plaque growth and associated pathologies such as aneurysms and coronary artery disease. Senescent cells undergo cell cycle arrest, morphological changes, and phenotypic changes in terms of their abundances and secretome profile including cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressions. The senescence markers are used in therapeutics and currently, senolytics represent one of the emerging treatments where specific targets and clearance of senescent cells are being considered as therapy targets for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.


Asunto(s)
Aterosclerosis , Senescencia Celular , Humanos , Senescencia Celular/genética , Envejecimiento/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Inflamación/patología
3.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(5)2022 Mar 07.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35270025

RESUMEN

Sunlight is an important factor in regulating the central circadian rhythm, including the modulation of our sleep/wake cycles. Sunlight had also been discovered to have a prominent influence on our skin's circadian rhythm. Overexposure or prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin photodamage, such as the formation of irregular pigmentation, collagen degradation, DNA damage, and even skin cancer. Hence, this review will be looking into the detrimental effects of sunlight on our skin, not only at the aspect of photoaging but also at its impact on the skin's circadian rhythm. The growing market trend of natural-product-based cosmeceuticals as also caused us to question their potential to modulate the skin's circadian rhythm. Questions about how the skin's circadian rhythm could counteract photodamage and how best to maximize its biopotential will be discussed in this article. These discoveries regarding the skin's circadian rhythm have opened up a completely new level of understanding of our skin's molecular mechanism and may very well aid cosmeceutical companies, in the near future, to develop better products that not only suppress photoaging but remain effective and relevant throughout the day.


Asunto(s)
Cosmecéuticos , Envejecimiento de la Piel , Enfermedades de la Piel , Ritmo Circadiano/fisiología , Cosmecéuticos/metabolismo , Humanos , Piel/metabolismo , Enfermedades de la Piel/metabolismo
4.
Molecules ; 27(17)2022 Aug 29.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36080322

RESUMEN

Sophorolipids are well-known glycolipid biosurfactants, produced mainly by non-pathogenic yeast species such as Candida bombicola with high yield. Its unique environmental compatibility and high biodegradable properties have made them a focus in the present review for their promising applications in diverse areas. This study aims to examine current research trends of sophorolipids and evaluate their applications in food and health. A literature search was conducted using different research databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, and Wiley Online Library to identify studies on the fundamental mechanisms of sophorolipids and their applications in food and health. Studies have shown that various structural forms of sophorolipids exhibit different biological and physicochemical properties. Sophorolipids represent one of the most attractive biosurfactants in the industry due to their antimicrobial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms for applications in food and health sectors. In this review, we have provided an overview on the fundamental properties of sophorolipids and detailed analysis of their applications in diverse areas such as food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities.


Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos , Tensoactivos , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Glucolípidos/química , Glucolípidos/farmacología , Ácidos Oléicos , Tensoactivos/química , Tensoactivos/farmacología
5.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(16)2021 Aug 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34445123

RESUMEN

Atherosclerosis represents one of the major causes of death globally. The high mortality rates and limitations of current therapeutic modalities have urged researchers to explore potential alternative therapies. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is commonly deployed for investigating the genetic aspects of Atherosclerosis. Besides, advances in CRISPR/Cas system has led to extensive options for researchers to study the pathogenesis of this disease. The recent discovery of Cas9 variants, such as dCas9, Cas9n, and xCas9 have been established for various applications, including single base editing, regulation of gene expression, live-cell imaging, epigenetic modification, and genome landscaping. Meanwhile, other Cas proteins, such as Cas12 and Cas13, are gaining popularity for their applications in nucleic acid detection and single-base DNA/RNA modifications. To date, many studies have utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate disease models of atherosclerosis and identify potential molecular targets that are associated with atherosclerosis. These studies provided proof-of-concept evidence which have established the feasibility of implementing the CRISPR/Cas system in correcting disease-causing alleles. The CRISPR/Cas system holds great potential to be developed as a targeted treatment for patients who are suffering from atherosclerosis. This review highlights the advances in CRISPR/Cas systems and their applications in establishing pathogenetic and therapeutic role of specific genes in atherosclerosis.


Asunto(s)
Aterosclerosis/genética , Sistemas CRISPR-Cas/genética , Animales , ADN/genética , Epigénesis Genética/genética , Edición Génica/métodos , Expresión Génica/genética , Genoma/genética , Humanos , ARN/genética , ARN Guía de Kinetoplastida/genética
6.
Mol Cell Biochem ; 447(1-2): 93-101, 2018 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29374817

RESUMEN

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) group of enzymes have been shown to hydrolyze phospholipids, among which sPLA2 Group V (GV) and Group X (GX) exhibit high selectivity towards phosphatidylcholine-rich cellular plasma membranes. The enzymes have recently emerged as key regulators in lipid droplets formation and it is hypothesized that sPLA2-GV and GX enhanced cell proliferation and lipid droplet accumulation in colon cancer cells (HT29). In this study, cell viability and lipid droplet accumulation were assessed by Resazurin assay and Oil-Red-O staining. Interestingly, both sPLA2-GV and GX enzymes reduced intracellular lipid droplet accumulation and did not significantly affect cell proliferation in HT29 cells. Incubation with varespladib, a pan-inhibitor of sPLA2-Group IIA/V/X, further suppressed lipid droplets accumulation in sPLA2-GV but have no effects in sPLA2-GX-treated cells. Further studies using catalytically inactive sPLA2 enzymes showed that the enzymes intrinsic catalytic activity is required for the net reduction of lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, inhibition of intracellular phospholipases (iPLA2-γ and cPLA2-α) unexpectedly enhanced lipid droplet accumulation in both sPLA2-GV and GX-treated cells. The findings suggested an interconnected relationship between extracellular and intracellular phospholipases in lipid cycling. Previous studies indicated that sPLA2 enzymes are linked to cancer development due to their ability to induce release of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids as well as the stimulation of lipid droplet formation. This study showed that the two enzymes work in a distinct manner and they neither confer proliferative advantage nor enhanced the net lipid droplet accumulation in HT29 cells.


Asunto(s)
Proliferación Celular , Neoplasias del Colon/metabolismo , Gotas Lipídicas/metabolismo , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Proteínas de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Fosfolipasas A2 Secretoras/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Neoplasias del Colon/patología , Humanos , Gotas Lipídicas/patología
7.
Int J Mol Sci ; 18(11)2017 Nov 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29113088

RESUMEN

Oxidative stress is an important risk factor contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress that results from excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production accounts for impaired endothelial function, a process which promotes atherosclerotic lesion or fatty streaks formation (foam cells). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor involved in cellular redox homeostasis. Upon exposure to oxidative stress, Nrf2 is dissociated from its inhibitor Keap-1 and translocated into the nucleus, where it results in the transcriptional activation of cell defense genes. Nrf2 has been demonstrated to be involved in the protection against foam cells formation by regulating the expression of antioxidant proteins (HO-1, Prxs, and GPx1), ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters (ABCA1 and ABCG1) and scavenger receptors (scavenger receptor class B (CD36), scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) and lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1)). However, Nrf2 has also been reported to exhibit pro-atherogenic effects. A better understanding on the mechanism of Nrf2 in oxidative stress-induced cardiac injury, as well as the regulation of cholesterol uptake and efflux, are required before it can serve as a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases prevention and treatment.


Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/metabolismo , Células Espumosas/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo , Animales , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/patología , Humanos , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/genética , Transducción de Señal
8.
Health Sci Rep ; 7(6): e2120, 2024 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38831777

RESUMEN

Background and Aims: Natural products are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries due to their high-value bioactive compounds, which make for "greener" and more environmentally friendly ingredients. These natural compounds are also considered a safer alternative to antibiotics, which may result in antibiotic resistance as well as unfavorable side effects. The development of cosmeceuticals, which combine the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields to create skincare products with therapeutic value, has increased the demand for unique natural resources. The objective of this review is to discuss the biological properties of extracts derived from larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens), the appropriate extraction methods, and the potential of this insect as a novel active ingredient in the formulation of new cosmeceutical products. This review also addresses the biological actions of compounds originating from the BSF, and the possible association between the diets of BSF larvae and their subsequent bioactive composition. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify and evaluate the various biological properties of the BSF. Results: One such natural resource that may be useful in the cosmeceutical field is the BSF, a versatile insect with numerous potential applications due to its nutrient content and scavenging behavior. Previous research has also shown that the BSF has several biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. Conclusion: Given the range of biological activities and metabolites possessed by the BSF, this insect may have the cosmeceutical potential to treat a number of skin pathologies.

9.
Chem Biol Interact ; 386: 110750, 2023 Dec 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37839513

RESUMEN

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a unique class of medications that has been widely utilized for the treatment of cancer. HCQ plays a dichotomous role by inhibiting autophagy induced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Preclinical studies support the use of HCQ for anti-cancer therapy, especially in combination with conventional anti-cancer treatments since they sensitize tumor cells to drugs, potentiating the therapeutic activity. However, clinical evidence has suggested poor outcomes for HCQ due to various obstacles, including non-specific distribution, low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability at target sites, transport across tissue barriers, and retinal toxicity. These issues are addressable via the integration of HCQ with nanotechnology to produce HCQ-conjugated nanomedicines. This review aims to discuss the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and antitumor properties of HCQ. Furthermore, the antitumor performance of the nanoformulated HCQ is also reviewed thoroughly, aiming to serve as a guide for the HCQ-based enhanced treatment of cancers. The nanoencapsulation or nanoconjugation of HCQ with nanoassemblies appears to be a promising method for reducing the toxicity and improving the antitumor efficacy of HCQ.


Asunto(s)
Hidroxicloroquina , Neoplasias , Humanos , Hidroxicloroquina/farmacología , Hidroxicloroquina/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/patología , Nanotecnología , Microambiente Tumoral
10.
Front Pediatr ; 10: 900606, 2022.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36147820

RESUMEN

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is an X-linked dominant genodermatosis. The disease is known to be caused by recurrent deletion of exons 4-10 of the Inhibitor Of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Kinase Regulatory Subunit Gamma (IKBKG) gene located at the Xq28 chromosomal region, which encodes for NEMO/IKKgamma, a regulatory protein involved in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. NF-κB plays a prominent role in the modulation of cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. IKBKG mutation that results in a loss-of-function or dysregulated NF-κB pathway contributes to the pathophysiology of IP. Aside from typical skin characteristics such as blistering rash and wart-like skin growth presented in IP patients, other clinical manifestations like central nervous system (CNS) and ocular anomalies have also been detected. To date, the clinical genotype-phenotype correlation remains unclear due to its highly variable phenotypic expressivity. Thus, genetic findings remain an essential tool in diagnosing IP, and understanding its genetic profile allows a greater possibility for personalized treatment. IP is slowly and gradually gaining attention in research, but there is much that remains to be understood. This review highlights the progress that has been made in IP including the different types of mutations detected in various populations, current diagnostic strategies, IKBKG pathophysiology, genotype-phenotype correlation, and treatment strategies, which provide insights into understanding this rare mendelian disorder.

11.
PLoS One ; 17(9): e0274771, 2022.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36126036

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Effective knowledge transfer of eLearning objects can hasten the adoption and dissemination of technology in teaching and learning. However, challenges exist which hinder inter-organisational knowledge transfer, particularly across continents. The ACoRD project aimed to transfer knowledge on digital learning development from UK/EU (provider) to Malaysian (receiver) higher education institutions (HEIs). This study explores the challenges encountered during the knowledge transfer process and lessons learned. METHODS: This is a qualitative study involving both the knowledge providers and receivers in focus group discussions (n = 25). Four focus group discussions were conducted in the early (n = 2) and mid-phase (n = 2) of the project by trained qualitative researchers using a topic guide designed to explore experiences and activities representing knowledge transfer in multi-institutional and multi-cultural settings. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes emerged from this qualitative study: mismatched expectations between providers and receivers; acquiring new knowledge beyond the professional "comfort zone"; challenges in cascading newly acquired knowledge to colleagues and management; individual and organisational cultural differences; and disruption of knowledge transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to create a conducive platform to facilitate continuous, timely and bi-directional needs assessment and feedback; this should be done in the early phase of the knowledge transfer process. The challenges and strategies identified in this study could guide more effective knowledge transfer between organisations and countries.


Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Instrucción por Computador , COVID-19/epidemiología , Creación de Capacidad , Humanos , Conocimiento , Pandemias
12.
Biochem Mol Biol Educ ; 49(5): 685-691, 2021 09.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34291546

RESUMEN

This study presents an evaluation of integrating virtual laboratory simulations in assessment design of a biotechnology course at Taylor's University in Malaysia before, during and post-COVID recovery phases. The purpose was to investigate how virtual laboratory simulations were integrated as part of the assessments of a practical-embedded course-the aim being to evaluate students' acceptance and perception of using virtual simulation. A total of 46 students, across three different study cohorts (August 2019, March 2020, and August 2020) were evaluated different educational aspects of using virtual laboratory cases in a 4-week course within Animal Biotechnology. Overall, students regarded virtual laboratory simulation useful as part of their learning, and there is a significant increase in the level of acceptance before, during and post-COVID recovery phases. The study showed that across the different study cohorts, students perceived their confidence level in laboratory skills have been enhanced and that they can apply the skills in real-life situation. Interestingly, students (March and August 2020 cohort) who have not been exposed to the related laboratory session still perceived that the simulated activity provides clear explanation and realistic experience. Furthermore, it had been highlighted across the study cohorts that the quiz questions helped to enhance their understanding on the underlying principles of the laboratory techniques. The overall conclusion of this study was that structured simulation-based activities which provide clear instructions and explanation would support significant improvements in students learning.


Asunto(s)
Biotecnología/educación , COVID-19/epidemiología , Técnicas de Cultivo de Célula , Curriculum , Laboratorios , SARS-CoV-2 , Realidad Virtual , Animales , Humanos
13.
Life Sci ; 287: 120120, 2021 Dec 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34762903

RESUMEN

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality rate involving changes in redox balance and deregulation of redox signalling. For decades, studies have involved developing an effective cancer treatment to combat treatment resistance. As natural products such as thymoquinone have numerous health benefits, studies are also focusing on using them as a viable method for cancer treatment, as they have minimal toxic effects compared with standard cancer treatments. Thymoquinone studies have shown numerous mechanisms of action, such as regulation of reactive species interfering with DNA structure, modulating various potential targets and their signalling pathways as well as immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Thymoquinone's anti-cancer effect is mainly due to the induction of apoptotic mechanisms, such as activation of caspases, downregulation of precancerous genes, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), anti-tumour cell proliferation, ROS regulation, hypoxia and anti-metastasis. Insight into thymoquinone's potential as an alternative treatment for chemoprevention and inflammation can be accomplished via compiling these studies, to provide a better understanding on how and why it works, as well as its interactions with common chemotherapeutic treatments.


Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Benzoquinonas/uso terapéutico , Mediadores de Inflamación/antagonistas & inhibidores , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/antagonistas & inhibidores , Animales , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Benzoquinonas/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto/métodos , Humanos , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Inflamación/metabolismo , Mediadores de Inflamación/metabolismo , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología
14.
Life Sci ; 278: 119658, 2021 Aug 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34048809

RESUMEN

AIMS: Maslinic acid (MA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene known to exert cardioprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) for MA-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in atheroma pathogenesis in vitro, including evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced monocyte recruitment, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced scavenger receptors expression, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS) and human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro monocyte recruitment model utilizing THP-1 and HUVECs was developed to evaluate TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion and trans-endothelial migration. To study the role of Nrf2 for MA-mediated anti-inflammatory effects, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was used as the pharmacological inhibitor. The expression of Nrf2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), and scavenger receptor type A (SR-A) in HUVECs and THP-1 macrophages were investigated using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The NF-κB activity was determined using NF-κB (p65) Transcription Factor Assay Kit. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed opposing effects of MA on Nrf2 expression in HUVECs and THP-1 macrophages. MA suppressed TNF-α-induced Nrf2 expression in HUVECs, but enhanced its expression in THP-1 macrophages. Combined effects of MA and ML385 suppressed MCP-1, VCAM-1, and SR-A expressions. Intriguingly, at the protein level, ML385 selectively inhibited SR-A but enhanced CD36 expression. Meanwhile, ML385 further enhanced MA-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activity in HUVECs. This effect, however, was not observed in THP-1 macrophages. SIGNIFICANCE: MA attenuated foam cell formation by suppressing VCAM-1, MCP-1, and SR-A expression, as well as NF-κB activity, possibly through Nrf2 inhibition. The involvement of Nrf2 for MA-mediated anti-inflammatory effects however differs between HUVECs and macrophages. Future investigations are warranted for a detailed evaluation of the contributing roles of Nrf2 in foam cells formation.


Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Placa Aterosclerótica/metabolismo , Triterpenos/farmacología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Humanos , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/patología , Monocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Monocitos/metabolismo , Monocitos/patología , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/análisis , Placa Aterosclerótica/tratamiento farmacológico , Placa Aterosclerótica/patología , Células THP-1 , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/análisis
15.
Front Cardiovasc Med ; 8: 732369, 2021.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34621800

RESUMEN

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the inflammation of the vascular endothelium. Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) are two examples of LCV. Advancements in genomic technologies have identified risk haplotypes, genetic variants, susceptibility loci and pathways that are associated with vasculitis immunopathogenesis. The discovery of these genetic factors and their corresponding cellular signaling aberrations have enabled the development and use of novel therapeutic strategies for vasculitis. Personalized medicine aims to provide targeted therapies to individuals who show poor response to conventional interventions. For example, monoclonal antibody therapies have shown remarkable efficacy in achieving disease remission. Here, we discuss pathways involved in disease pathogenesis and the underlying genetic associations in different populations worldwide. Understanding the immunopathogenic pathways in vasculitis and identifying associated genetic variations will facilitate the development of novel and targeted personalized therapies for patients.

16.
J Biosci ; 462021.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34475316

RESUMEN

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by thickening and disorganization of the skin's protective barrier. Although current models replicate some aspects of the disease, development of therapeutic strategies have been hindered by absence of more relevant models. This study aimed to develop and characterize an in vitro psoriatic human skin equivalent (HSE) using human keratinocytes HaCat cell line grown on fibroblasts-derived matrices (FDM). The constructed HSEs were treated with cytokines (IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL22) to allow controlled induction of psoriasis-associated features. Histological stainings showed that FDMHSE composed of a fully differentiated epidermis and fibroblast-populated dermis comparable to native skin and rat tail collagen-HSE. Hyperproliferation (CK16 and Ki67) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6) expression were significantly enhanced in the cytokine-induced FDM- and rat tail collagen HSEs compared to non-treated HSE counterparts. The characteristics were in line with those observed in psoriasis punch biopsies. Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has shown to suppress these effects, where HSE models treated with both ATRA and cytokines exhibit histological characteristics, hyperproliferation and differentiation markers expression like non-treated control HSEs. Cytokine-induced FDM-HSE, constructed entirely from human cell lines, provides an excellent opportunity for psoriasis research and testing new therapeutics.


Asunto(s)
Diferenciación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Citocinas/farmacología , Fibroblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Psoriasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Línea Celular , Humanos , Queratolíticos/farmacología , Tretinoina/farmacología
17.
PLoS One ; 16(6): e0253471, 2021.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34166432

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Engaging students in the e-learning development process enhances the effective implementation of e-learning, however, students' priority on the topics for e-learning may differ from that of the educators. This study aims to compare the differences between the students and their educators in prioritising the topics in three healthcare curricula for reusable e-learning object (RLO) development. METHOD: A modified Delphi study was conducted among students and educators from University Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Taylor's University (TU) on three undergraduate programmes. In Round 1, participants were asked to select the topics from the respective syllabi to be developed into RLOs. Priority ranking was determined by using frequencies and proportions. The first quartile of the prioritised topics was included in Round 2 survey, which the participants were asked to rate the level of priority of each topic using a 5-point Likert scale. The mean score of the topics was compared between students and educators. RESULT: A total of 43 educators and 377 students participated in this study. For UM and TU Pharmacy, there was a mismatch in the prioritised topics between the students and educators. For UPM, both the educators and students have prioritised the same topics in both rounds. To harmonise the prioritisation of topics between students and educators for UM and TU Pharmacy, the topics with a higher mean score by both the students and educators were prioritised. CONCLUSION: The mismatch in prioritised topics between students and educators uncovered factors that might influence the prioritisation process. This study highlighted the importance of conducting needs assessment at the beginning of eLearning resources development.


Asunto(s)
Instrucción por Computador , Atención a la Salud , Educación Médica , Aprendizaje , Estudiantes de Medicina , Técnica Delphi , Femenino , Humanos , Malasia , Masculino
18.
Vascul Pharmacol ; 128-129: 106675, 2020.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32200116

RESUMEN

The transformation of macrophages to foam cells is a critical component in atherosclerotic lesion formation. Maslinic acid (MA), a novel natural pentacyclic triterpene, has cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It is hypothesized that MA can suppress monocyte recruitment to endothelial cells and inhibit macrophage foam cells formation. Previous study shows that MA inhibits inflammatory effects induced by sPLA2-IIA, including foam cells formation. This study elucidates the regulatory effect of MA in monocyte recruitment, macrophage lipid accumulation and cholesterol efflux. Our findings demonstrate that MA inhibits THP-1 monocyte adhesion to HUVEC cells in a TNFα-dependent and independent manner, but it induces trans-endothelial migration marginally at low concentration. MA down-regulates both gene and protein expression on VCAM-1 and MCP-1 in HUVECs. We further showed that MA suppresses macrophage foam cells formation, as indicated from the Oil-Red-O staining and flow cytometric analysis of intracellular lipids accumulation. The effects observed may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of MA where it was shown to suppress CuSO4-induced lipid peroxidation. MA inhibits scavenger receptors SR-A and CD36 expression while enhancing cholesterol efflux. MA enhances cholesterol efflux transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes expression marginally without inducing its protein expression. In this study, MA was shown to target important steps that contribute to foam cell formation, including its ability in reducing monocytes adhesion to endothelial cells and LDL peroxidation, down-regulating scavenger receptors expression as well as enhancing cholesterol efflux, which might be of great importance in the context of atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.


Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/farmacología , Aterosclerosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Adhesión Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Colesterol/metabolismo , Células Espumosas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana/efectos de los fármacos , Monocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Triterpenos/farmacología , Transportador 1 de Casete de Unión a ATP/genética , Transportador 1 de Casete de Unión a ATP/metabolismo , Transportador de Casetes de Unión a ATP, Subfamilia G, Miembro 1/genética , Transportador de Casetes de Unión a ATP, Subfamilia G, Miembro 1/metabolismo , Aterosclerosis/genética , Aterosclerosis/metabolismo , Quimiocina CCL2/genética , Quimiocina CCL2/metabolismo , Células Espumosas/metabolismo , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana/metabolismo , Humanos , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Monocitos/metabolismo , Células THP-1 , Migración Transendotelial y Transepitelial/efectos de los fármacos , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Celular Vascular/genética , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Celular Vascular/metabolismo
19.
Protein Pept Lett ; 27(9): 823-830, 2020.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32271692

RESUMEN

Despite technological advancement, there is no 100% effective treatment against metastatic cancer. Increasing resistance of cancer cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs along with detrimental side effects remained a concern. Thus, the urgency in developing new anticancer agents has been raised. Anticancer peptides have been proven to display potent activity against a wide variety of cancer cells. Several mode of actions describing their cytostatic and cytotoxic effect on cancer cells have been proposed which involves cell surface binding leading to membranolysis or internalization to reach their intracellular target. Understanding the mechanism of action of these anticancer peptides is important in achieving full therapeutic success. In the present article, we discuss the anticancer action of peptides accompanied by the mechanisms underpinning their toxicity to cancer cells.


Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias , Péptidos , Antineoplásicos/farmacocinética , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patología , Péptidos/farmacocinética , Péptidos/uso terapéutico
20.
Front Pharmacol ; 11: 1086, 2020.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32848730

RESUMEN

The skin is the first line of defense against pathogen and other environmental pollutant. The body is constantly exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) that stimulates inflammatory process in the skin. Many studies have linked ROS to various inflammatory skin diseases. Patients with skin diseases face various challenges with inefficient and inappropriate treatment in managing skin diseases. Overproduction of ROS in the body will result in oxidative stress which will lead to various cellular damage and alter normal cell function. Multiple signaling pathways are seen to have significant effects during ROS-mediated oxidative stress. In this review, microalgae have been selected as a source of natural-derived antioxidant to combat inflammatory skin diseases that are prominent in today's society. Several studies have demonstrated that bioactive compounds isolated from microalgae have anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative properties that can help remedy various skin diseases. These compounds are able to inhibit production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the expression of inflammatory genes. Bioactive compounds from microalgae work in action by altering enzyme activities, regulating cellular activities, targeting major signaling pathways related to inflammation.

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