Anti-Cancer Properties of Heterotrigona itama sp. Honey Via Induction of Apoptosis in Malignant Glioma Cells

@#Background: There has been increasing evidence showing that stingless bee honey exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Pharmacologically-active components in honey such as flavonoids and phenolic constituents are known to contribute to its medicinal benefits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on evaluating anticancer effects of locally-produced Malaysian stingless bee honey from Heterotrigona itama sp. on malignant glioma cells. Methods: Proliferation and apoptosis studies of U-87 MG cells following stingless bee honey treatment were carried out using MTS assay and acridine orange/propidium iodide dual staining, respectively. Results: Results demonstrated time and dose-dependent cytotoxicity using 0.625%, 1.25% and 10% stingless bee honey (P < 0.05). IC50 values were calculated using cells treated with 10% stingless bee honey. It was also observed that 10% stingless bee honey induced nuclear shrinkage, chromatin condensation and nucleus fragmentation, indicating that cellular changes were consistent with the apoptotic characteristics of the cells. Conclusion: These data provide a good basis for further evaluation of the medicinal properties of stingless bee honey from Heterotrigona itama sp. This source of honey may serve as a potential therapy for malignant glioma.

Molecular genetic analysis of a suprasellar immature teratoma: Mutation of exon 4 P53 gene

We described an intracranial immature teratoma in a 13 year old Malay boy who presented with history of chronic headache and blurring of vision. Physical findings revealed bilateral papilloedema but no other localizing sign. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain revealed a suprasellar well defined lobulated midline heterogenous mass which was intraoperatively described as mainly solid tumour with multiple small cystic component filled with yellowish jelly like material. Histopathological finding confirmed the case as immature teratoma. Molecular genetic analysis of p53 and p27 genes revealed substitution of nucleotide G to C at location nucleotide 12139, exon 4 of gene p53. No alteration was detected at exon 5-6 and 8 of p53 gene and exon 1 and 2 of p27 gene. This is the first case report of an intracranial immature teratoma with genetic mutation occuring in a Malay boy.

Association of loss of heterozygosity and PTEN gene abnormalities with paraclinical, clinical modalities and survival time of glioma patients in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of allelic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and PTEN mutations appear to be associated with the progression of gliomas leading to a decrement in the survival rate of patients. This present study was carried out to determine the LOH and PTEN mutational status in glioma patients and its association with patients' survival. METHODS: Thirty-seven Malaysian glioma patients of the Malay race were subject to PTEN mutational analysis and the presence of LOH using the cold single-strand conformation polymorphism method, and their clinical and paraclinical response were correlated. RESULTS: Among analysed glioma patients, seven (21.6%) cases with PTEN mutations were detected and 12 (32.4%) of 37 patients showed presence of LOH. Univariate analysis showed that tumour grade, vascularization, PTEN mutation, LOH and combination of both PTEN mutation and LOH were significantly associated with glioma patients' survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that no factors contributed to survival time. CONCLUSION: The results show that PTEN mutation and LOH are quite frequent in Malaysian glioma patients. However, they have no impact on the survival outcome of patients.