Toxicity evaluation of instant coffee via zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo acute toxicity test

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. However, the safety level of some instant pre-mixed coffees available in Malaysia is questionable as there have been reports of adverse effects and psychoactive chemical contents. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity level of instant coffee sold around Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 13 types of instant coffees were collected and the toxicity assessed through zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo acute toxicity test (ZFET). The survival rate, hatching rate, heartbeat rate, and scoliosis were observed. Data were analyzed using linear regression and one-way ANOVA. The LC50 was calculated and was compared with the positive control and LC50 of caffeine. Four coffee samples did not exhibit an effect on zebrafish survival rate; however the rest of the coffee samples caused death in zebrafish. Three coffee samples namely samples 11, 12 and 13 caused a very low hatching rate. A normal heartbeat rate for zebrafish is between 120 to 170 beat per minute which was similar in zebrafish of both the control group and those exposed to coffee samples 4 and 10. The rest of the coffee samples caused an abnormally low range of heartbeat per minute. There was no scoliosis observed in this study. In a nutshell, this study suggests that some of the pre-mixed coffee has the potential to cause health problems due to the toxic reaction of an anonymous compound that could be toxic to humans

Evaluation of effect of ethanol extraction of Graptophyllum pictum on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model through toxicity assay assessment

Graptophyllum pictum is a medicinal plant that helps to cure different forms of disease due to the availability of beneficial phytochemicals such as flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins and glycosides. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the toxicity effect of G. pictum extract on zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) at different concentrations. G. pictum was extracted using the ethanol method. A toxicity test was done by exposing the Danio rerio embryo to the G. pictum extraction at different concentrations (0.244-1000 μg/ml) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The survival rate, hatching rate, heartbeat rate, scoliosis rate and melanin pigmentation were observed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The value of LC50 was calculated. Result showed that the LC50, value of G. pictum is 7.662 μg/ml. No hatching was observed at higher concentrations (31.25-1000 μg/ml) while the hatch ability of Danio rerio embryos was observed at lower concentrations (0.244-1.953 μg/ml). Scoliosis of zebrafish larvae was not present at all concentrations. The heartbeat of the zebrafish larvae treated with G. pictum extract was within a normal range from 120-180 beats per minute at a lower concentration. Melanin pigmentation was detected at 48, 72 and 96 hours post-fertilization and is normally absent at 24 hours post-fertilization. As a conclusion, G. pictum extract stills exhibit a mild toxicity effect in higher concentrations when it was evaluated on zebrafish embryos

Evaluation on the effectiveness of using 3D rat model for teaching blood withdrawal technique among undergraduate students

Usage of 3D model in medical education is very important in this era as part of 21st century teaching method. Application of 3D printing model in medical education helps to improve student spatial visualization skill and also will increase their interest in difficult topic or subject specifically in the science-based issue. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using a 3D rat model for teaching blood withdrawal techniques among undergraduate students. Workshop of usage of 3D model rat was conducted among all students. Students were exposure to classical teaching method of blood withdrawal and follow by workshop using 3D rat model. A set of questionnaire was given to students before and after usage of 3D- printed rat model. Data collected used a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, pre and post- test question and assessment towards 3D models. A total of 117 participants were tested. 3D-printed rat model was used as part of the paired sample t-test. The result supported the hypothesis that the 3D- printed rat model in teaching blood withdrawal techniques is more effective compared to the using classical teaching method in the classroom (p<0.05). Study also showed that students satisfy with usage of 3D model for teaching blood withdrawal techniques. This study further demonstrated the 3D print rat model is beneficial for interactive education and enriching student learning capacity

Preventive effect of Elateriospermum tapos seed extract against obese Sprague Dawley rats

This study aimed to investigate the preventive role of Elateriospermum tapos seed extract against obese Sprague Dawley rats through assessment of bodyweight, caloric intake, organs weight, biological assays and histopathology. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into six groups of normal control (G1) group fed with standard chow diet, negative control (G2), positive control (G3) and treatment groups (G4, G5 and G6) were on high-fat and cafeteria diet for 9 weeks. G3 group was given 10 mg kg−1 of Orlistat while treatment groups were supplemented with E. tapos seed extract of 5 mg kg−1, 25 mg kg−1 and 125 mg kg−1 orally daily for another 10 weeks. Bodyweight and food intake were monitored weekly. At the end, liver, retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rpWAT) and blood were collected for analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). The E. tapos seed treated groups showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in bodyweight, caloric intake, liver and rpWAT weight as compared to the G2 group. G6 group showed tremendous improvement of liver histopathology and biological assay. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of TC, TG, and LDL-C level and significant increase (p < 0.05) of HDL-C in the E. tapos seed treated group as compared to G2 group. Based on the findings, E. tapos seed extract exhibited a great potential as an anti-obesity. The extract promoted the fat oxidation by removing the uptake and storage of fat by the adipose cells and also decrease the fatty acid synthesis

Transgenerational evaluation of Elateriospermum tapos extracts on the male offspring of obesity-induced sprague dawley rats

Obesity has been considered as a great public health concern, that has spread in both economic and poor resources countries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Elateriospermum tapos supplementation on the male offspring of female obesity-induced Sprague Dawley (SD) rats at weaning and adult age. A total of thirty (30) female and fifteen (15) male Sprague Dawley rats (N=45) were purchased for this study. Of the 30 female rats, six (n=6) were randomly selected as the control group (CG) and fed separately with male on standard chow diet, while the remaining rats (n=24) were fed on a high-fat diet for 5 weeks. The obese group were further randomly divided into 4 groups, positive control group (PG), orlistat treatment (DG) at 200 mg/kg, treatment 1 (TX1, 200 mg/kg E. tapos seed) and treatment 2 (TX2, 200 mg/kg E. tapos shell) for 6 weeks. One male pup from each dam was culled at weaning (postnatal day 21 (PND21)) and adulthood (12 weeks). The liver, kidney, retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RpWAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were collected for histopathological study. Serum lipid profiles, liver enzyme activities and creatinine were measured. The bodyweight of male offspring from treatment 1 (MTX1) and 2 (MTX2) was significantly lower (P<0.05) compare to MNG group. The RpWAT weight in MTX1 and MTX2 for adult offspring also were significantly lower (P<0.05) compared to MPG. The histopathological examination of liver in MCG, MDG, MTX1, and MTX2 showed normal hepatocytes while the MPG group showed the presence of ballooning cell and hypertrophy of adipocytes was also observed in MPG group compared to another group’s rat. The E. tapos extracts from the shell have greater therapeutic potential on maternal obesity in short and long term treatment

36th Malaysian Society of Pharmacology and Physiology Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

The 36th Malaysian Society of Pharmacology and Physiology (MSPP) Annual Scientific Meeting was hosted in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia from the 7th to 8th of August 2023 at Bangi Resort Hotel in Bangi, Malaysia. The event focused on the theme "Pharmacology & Physiology Post-Millenial Era: Challenges & Opportunities". This platform is one of the suitable avenues to facilitate the exchange of scientific endeavors and enhance networking among scientists, academicians, clinicians, and postgraduate students involved in the fields of pharmacology and physiology, as well as multidisciplinary areas such as drug discovery, omics approaches, stem cells, and regenerative medicine. The primary objective of the special issue is to revitalize recent advances and breakthroughs in pharmacology and physiology to enhance opportunities and vanquish challenges in the post-millenial era, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, the special issue compiles the conference proceeding, to provide opportunities for knowledge integration of research and innovations

20th International Medical, Pharmaceutical, Cosmeceutical and Health Science Symposium

The 20th International Medical, Pharmaceutical, Cosmeceutical & Health Science Symposium (iMPaCHS) is an annual symposium co-organized by Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, International Medical School, School of Pharmacy, Management & Science of the Management & Science University, Malaysia. With the theme 'Advancing Health Science Innovations through Interdisciplinary Collaboration', the 20th iMPaCHS aims to promote holistic research skills for future betterment. Advancing health science innovations requires a multidisciplinary approach, which involves the collaboration of experts from various fields. Interdisciplinary collaboration enables the integration of knowledge, perspectives, and methodologies from different disciplines, leading to the development of novel and effective solutions to complex health challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, health science can leverage the strengths of each field and accelerate the translation of research findings into clinical practice, ultimately improving and advancing the overall state of health science. This is in line with the sustainable development goal and collaborative research activity in the university. The 20th International Medical, Pharmaceutical, Cosmeceutical & Health Science Symposium (iMPaCHS) is an annual symposium co-organized by Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, International Medical School, School of Pharmacy, Management & Science of the Management & Science University, Malaysia. With the theme 'Advancing Health Science Innovations through Interdisciplinary Collaboration', the 20th iMPaCHS aims to promote holistic research skills for future betterment. Advancing health science innovations requires a multidisciplinary approach, which involves the collaboration of experts from various fields. Interdisciplinary collaboration enables the integration of knowledge, perspectives, and methodologies from different disciplines, leading to the development of novel and effective solutions to complex health challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, health science can leverage the strengths of each field and accelerate the translation of research findings into clinical practice, ultimately improving and advancing the overall state of health science. This is in line with the sustainable development goal and collaborative research activity in the university

Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Assessment of Bouea Macrophylla Yoghurt

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

Elateriospermum tapos Yogurt Supplement in Maternal Obese Dams during Pregnancy Modulates the Body Composition of F1 Generation

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 sample 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

Potential of elateriospermum tapos blume in ameliorating maternal metabolic syndrome on female offspring of sprague dawley rats through the hypothalamic feeding circuitry

Maternal obesity is often related to balancing daily lifestyle intake of high-fat diet or western diet. This will affect endogenously on altering the daily activity of metabolism and lead to childhood obesity. The central nervous system (CNS) plays a vital role in regulating food intake and energy usage to maintain the energy balance in the body. Specifically, the hypothalamus monitors and response to the peripheral signal such as Neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and leptin receptor (Obr), which involve feeding circuitry organisms. Elateriospermum tapos (E.tapos) known as buah perah locally and contain flavonoid in seed and shell which help reduce body weight. This study investigates the effect of E. tapos supplementation on female offspring through hypothalamic feeding circuitry. Thirty adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Six rats assigned as a control group (DCG) were fed with standard chow, and 24 rats were assigned to an obese group with a high-fat diet (HFD) and cafeteria food to generate obesity for five weeks. HFD rats were later assigned as negative group (DNG), positive group (DPG) with 200mg/kg of orlistat drug, treatment 1 (DTX1) with 200 mg/kg E.tapos seed, and treatment 2 (DTX2) with 200 mg/kg E.tapos shell daily for six weeks. Female rats were mated and culled at postnatal day 21 (PND21). Organs, blood, and brain were collected for analysis. Dams from the DTX2 group slightly reduced body weight and retroperitoneal whited adipose tissue (RpWAT) compared to the DNG group. Their offspring from treatment 2 (OTX2) offspring; show the same effect at mother dams. Total cholesterol levels among DTX2 and OTX2 show a significant decrease (p<0.05) in dams and offspring. The atherosclerotic lesion was present in group DTX1, DTX2, offspring from treatment 1 (OTX1), and OTX2 compared to DNG and offspring from negative (ONG) group rats. Liver profile on alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase level show significant changes (p<0.05) among all dams and offspring. Histopathological grading of the liver section of DNG, ONG, and offspring from positive (OPG) displayed the presence of ballooning hepatocytes. Histology of RpWAT of DTX1, DTX2, OTX1, and OTX2 showed normal adipocytes with a similar pattern of DCG and offspring from the control (OCG) group. Plasma leptin shows significant changes (p<0.05) among DTX2 and OTX2 compared to DNG and ONG groups. Expression of protein OBR, POMC, and NPY was analyzed using a western blot. Results show that the expression in DNG and ONG from this protein is more prominent than in other groups. In conclusion, the E.tapos shell had a more significant effect on ameliorating maternal obesity on female offspring at PND21 than the E.tapos seed