A bioinformatic approach to identify pathogenic variants for Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) produces a severe hypersensitivity reaction caused by Herpes simplex virus or mycoplasma infection, vaccination, systemic disease, or other agents. Several studies have investigated the genetic susceptibility involved in SJS. To provide further genetic insights into the pathogenesis of SJS, this study prioritized high-impact, SJS-associated pathogenic variants through integrating bioinformatic and population genetic data. First, we identified SJS-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms from the genome-wide association studies catalog, followed by genome annotation with HaploReg and variant validation with Ensembl. Subsequently, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) from GTEx identified human genetic variants with differential gene expression across human tissues. Our results indicate that two variants, namely rs2074494 and rs5010528, which are encoded by the HLA-C (human leukocyte antigen C) gene, were found to be differentially expressed in skin. The allele frequencies for rs2074494 and rs5010528 also appear to significantly differ across continents. We highlight the utility of these population-specific HLA-C genetic variants for genetic association studies, and aid in early prognosis and disease treatment of SJS.

Identification of druggable genes for multiple myeloma based on genomic information

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy. It is widely believed that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of MM, as investigated in numerous studies. However, the application of genomic information for clinical purposes, including diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, remains largely confined to research. In this study, we utilized genetic information from the Genomic-Driven Clinical Implementation for Multiple Myeloma database, which is dedicated to clinical trial studies on MM. This genetic information was sourced from the genome-wide association studies catalog database. We prioritized genes with the potential to cause MM based on established annotations, as well as biological risk genes for MM, as potential drug target candidates. The DrugBank database was employed to identify drug candidates targeting these genes. Our research led to the discovery of 14 MM biological risk genes and the identification of 10 drugs that target three of these genes. Notably, only one of these 10 drugs, panobinostat, has been approved for use in MM. The two most promising genes, calcium signal-modulating cyclophilin ligand (CAMLG) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), were targeted by four drugs (cyclosporine, belinostat, vorinostat, and romidepsin), all of which have clinical evidence supporting their use in the treatment of MM. Interestingly, five of the 10 drugs have been approved for other indications than MM, but they may also be effective in treating MM. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the genomic variants involved in the pathogenesis of MM and highlight the potential benefits of these genomic variants in drug discovery.

The Potential of Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban as an Anti-Microbial and Immunomodulator Agent: A Review

Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban (Umbelliferae) which is also known as ‘pegaga’ is highly consumed and eaten raw as ‘ulam’ in Malaysia. C. asiatica is used in traditional medicines to treat various health conditions such as rheumatism, inflammation, syphilis, skin diseases and diarrhoea. Various reports exhibited that the crude extracts and isolated bioactive compounds of C. asiatica possessed a broad range of pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, wound healing, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and memory enhancing properties. The pharmacological validation on anti-microbial and immunomodulatory of C. asiatica is very limited and several existence review papers related for this plant had not been focused for both activities. This review therefore attempts to combine the existing literature to offer immense scope for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and bioactivities of this plant related with anti-microbial and immunomodulatory potential.

Synergistic Effect of Flavonoids from Artocarpus heterophyllus Heartwoods on Anticancer Activity of Cisplatin Against H460 and MCF-7 Cell Lines

Artocarpus heterophyllus has been used as traditional medicine. This plant is one of the sources of flavonoid. Flavonoid compounds possessed a wide range of biological properties including anticancer. This study was performed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of flavonoids from A. heterophyllus on H460 and MCF-7 cell lines. The interaction of flavonoids and cisplatin against tested cancer cells was also evaluated. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic effect of flavonoid. Isobologram analysis was selected to evaluate the synergistic effect between flavonoid and cisplatin, their interaction was then confirmed using AO/PI staining method. Amongst of flavonoid compounds, artocarpin exhibited strong cytotoxic effect on both MCF-7 and H460 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 12.53 µg/mL (28.73 µM) and 9.77 µg/mL (22.40 µM), respectively. This compound enhanced anticancer activity of cisplatin against H460 and MCF-7. The combination produced a synergistic effect on H460 and MCF-7 cell lines with a combination index (CI) values of 0.2 and 0.18, respectively. The AO/PI stained demonstrated that the combination of artocarpin and cisplatin caused morphological changes that indicated apoptosis. Moreover, artocarpanone also significantly increased cytotoxic effect of cisplatin compared to its single concentration with CI below than 1. This result suggested the potency of flavonoid named artocarpin to enhance the anticancer activity of cisplatin on H460 and MCF-7 cell lines.

Simultaneous HPLC Analysis of Three Flavonoids in the Extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus Heartwoods

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the simultaneous determination of three antibacterial flavonoids, artocarpanone, artocarpin, and cycloartocarpin in ethyl acetate extracts from Artocarpus heterophyllus heartwoods. Separation was achieved using a TSK-gel ODS-80Tm column (5 µm, 4.6 × 150 mm) at 25℃ with a gradient elution system of methanol and water as follows: 0-8 min, 60:40; 8-27 min, 80:20; 27-35 min, 60:40, v/v, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and a quantitative UV detection at 285 nm. The method was validated by measuring the key parameters, including specificity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility. A high degree of specificity and sensitivity was achieved. The calibration curves for all three flavonoids showed good linearity with a coefficient of determinations (R²) of ≥ 0.9995. The recoveries of the method were from 98-104%, with good reproducibility and repeatability (RSD values of less than 2%) were also achieved. Ethyl acetate was the best solvent for extraction of these three flavonoids using the heat reflux conditions for 1 h. This optimized sample preparation and HPLC method can be practically used for a routine standardization process of the extracts from the A. heterophyllus heartwoods.

Immunomodulatory effects of selected Malaysian plants on the CD18/11a expression and phagocytosis activities of leukocytes

Objective: To investigate the effects of 20 methanolic extracts from Malaysian selected plants on CD18/11a expression and phagocytosis activity of leukocytes using flow cytometry analysis. Methods: The effects of methanolic extracts on CD18/11a expression and phagocytosis of leukocytes were measured by labelling the cells with CD18-fluorescein isothiocyanate and ingestion labelled with Escherichia coli-fluorescein isothiocyanate and then analyzed using flow cytometer. Results: About 12 out of 20 methanolic extracts of selected Malaysian medicinal plants significantly (P≤0.05) inhibited the CD18/11a expression of leukocytes at both concentrations of 6.25 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL in dose dependent manner. The most active inhibitory was shown in Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle and Alpinia galangal (L.) Willd. at dosage 100 μg/mL. Moreover, the Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq (O. aristatus). showed the highest stimulatory activity at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. Other than that, four plant extracts significantly (P≤0.05) rose the phagocytosis activities of leukocytes in dose dependent manner. However, Annona muricata L. and O. aristatus showed the highest stimulated activities at the 100 μg/mL concentration. Conclusions: The results suggest that methanolic extracts of Citrus aurantifolia, Alpinia galangal, O. aristatus and Annona muricata are able to modulate innate immune system and can potentially be recognized as therapeutic agents for modulating immune system.