Therapeutic Potential of Malaysian Stingless Bee Propolis Extract Targeting Macrophages in Atherogenesis: A Review

Propolis is a sticky substance that originates from the collection of plant saps and resins by stingless bees. The bees blend this material with pollen and wax flakes, and their salivary fluids combine with the mixture to produce a potent compound that contains various chemical constituents, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Numerous studies have revealed that propolis from stingless bees displays anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective properties. Geniotrigona thoracica is one of the Malaysian stingless bee species, and propolis from this species is composed of a wide array of biochemical compounds and antioxidant properties that may have an anti-atherogenic effect. This review highlights the possible role of propolis from the Malaysian stingless bee G. thoracica as a macrophage-targeted therapeutic in atherogenesis, as macrophage-derived foam cell formation is integral to the development of atherosclerosis. The review first describes the characteristics, chemical content, and antioxidant properties of propolis from G. thoracica. It then discusses the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with a focus on macrophage-derived foam cell formation. Subsequently, the anti-atherosclerotic effects of propolis from G. thoracica are presented, and recent studies on the anti-atherosclerotic effects of propolis from honeybees worldwide are summarized for comparison. Finally, future perspectives are emphasized, highlighting the knowledge gaps that need to be investigated by researchers in this field

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Seberang Perai Utara District, Penang: AMDI Medical Coach Experience

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women and is a major health concern in both developing and developed countries 1. Regular breast cancer screening is the single most important public health strategy to reduce breast cancer mortality 2. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the screening modality available and regular BSE is the best way to notice breast changes. Women should be encouraged to know what is normal for them, be informed of early symptoms of breast cancer, and promptly report any changes or concerns 3. Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI) Medical Coach begins its operation in 2013 with the aim to create awareness among the public about the importance of health screening which include BSE and mobile mammograph

Acute ingestion of hydrogen-rich water does not improve incremental treadmill running performance in endurance-trained athletes

There is emerging evidence that hydrogen-rich water (H2-water) has beneficial effects on the physiological responses to exercise. However, few studies investigate its ergogenic potential. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of H2-water ingestion on physiological responses and exercise performance during incremental treadmill running. In a double-blind crossover design, 14 endurance-trained male runners (age, 34 ± 4 years; body mass, 63.1 ± 7.2 kg; height, 1.72 ± 0.05 m) were randomly assigned to ingest 2 doses of 290-mL H2-water or placebo on each occasion. The first bolus was given before six 4-min submaximal running bouts, and the second bolus was consumed before the maximal incremental running test. Expired gas, heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded; blood samples were collected at the end of each submaximal stage and post maximal running test. Cardiorespiratory responses, RPE, and blood gas indices were not significantly different at each submaximal running intensity (range: 34%–91% maximal oxygen uptake) between H2-water and placebo trials. No statistical difference was observed in running time to exhaustion (618 ± 126 vs. 619 ± 113 s), maximal oxygen uptake (56.9 ± 4.4 vs. 57.1 ± 4.7 mL·kg−1·min−1), maximal HR (184 ± 7 vs. 184 ± 7 beat·min−1), and RPE (19 ± 1 vs. 19 ± 1) in the runners between the trials. The results suggest that the ingestion of 290 mL of H2-water before submaximal treadmill running and an additional dose before the subsequent incremental running to exhaustion were not sufficiently ergogenic in endurance-trained athletes. Novelty Acute ingestion of H2-water does not seem to be ergogenic for endurance performance. A small dose of H2-water does not modulate buffering capacity during intense endurance exercise in athletes.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

GC-MS Evaluation, Antioxidant Content, and Cytotoxic Activity of Propolis Extract from Peninsular Malaysian Stingless Bees, Tetrigona Apicalis

Introduction. Propolis has been used traditionally in several countries for treating various diseases as it possessed healing properties including antioxidant and anticancer qualities. In Peninsular Malaysia, Tetrigona apicalis is one of the species of stingless bees mainly found in virgin jungle reserves which largely contribute to propolis production. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant properties, and the cytotoxic effect of ethanolic crude of propolis extract against MCF7 and MCF 10A cell lines. Method. The ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) was extracted using 80% ethanol. Identification of phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties of EEP was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and using 2, 2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) method, respectively. The EEP cytotoxic activity was evaluated on MCF7 and MCF 10A using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results. Phytochemical contents of EEP demonstrated 28 compounds in which caryophyllene (99%), β-amyrin (96%), α-amyrin (93%), and caryophyllene oxide (93%) were the main compounds. The percentage of ABTS+ scavenging activity of EEP showed an inhibition of 9.5% with half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 1.68 mg/mL. The EEP reduced MCF7 cells viability at IC50 value of 62.24 μg/mL, 44.15 μg/mL, and 32.70 μg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. The IC50 value of MCF 10A was 49.55 μg/mL, 56.05 μg/mL, and 72.10 μg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. The EEP cytotoxic effect of T. apicalis was more selective towards MCF7 at 72-hour incubation with a selectivity index (SI) of 2.20. Conclusion. The EEP has been shown to have antioxidants and potential bioactive compounds and inhibited proliferation of the MCF7 cells. Further studies on the EEP role in the apoptosis pathway and its screening towards other cell lines will be evaluated