Studies associating blastocystis sp. tocolorectal cancer Vinoth s/o Kumarasamy

Cancer has become a vital public health issue around the world. Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become one of the major causes of deaths worldwide. Numerous reports have correlated infectious agents and cancer including CRC. Infectious agents are known to contribute to 20% of CRC. Recent findings have demonstrated the possible correlation between Blastocystis and CRC with many conflicting reports on the question of pathogenicity of different subtypes of Blastocystis. To improve our understanding on the molecular epidemiology of this parasite, we determined the Blastocystis subtypes (STs) and their relative frequency in CRC patients and control groups. Epidemiological studies related to Blastocystis often give poor results due to poor sensitivity of standard methods available to detect Blastocystis genotypes in the stool sample. As such, prevalence study was conducted using colonic washouts collected from CRC patients and healthy individuals. The mean prevalence of Blastocystis infection was significantly higher among CRC patients (n=43, 21.08%) compared to healthy control (n=22, 9.95%, p < 0.01) and subtype 3 was predominant (12.75%) among these individuals. We also investigated immunoglobulin levels in Blastocystis positive patients who were newly diagnosed with CRC as well as those subjected to chemotherapy. We found the high infection in both newly diagnosed CRC patients and chemotherapy patients with the elevation of specific antibodies. One healthy individual who was negative for Blastocystis both by direct microscopy and in in vitro cultures had higher IgM titers (1:1600) and 4 showed low titres of IgG antibody. A total of 11 healthy individuals were positive for IgG. Significant number of healthy individuals showed the presence of IgA with the exception of one individual who showed the presence at low titers. The finding showed the presence of association between immune response to Blastocystis antigen and CRC. In addition, we also evaluated the effect of solubilized antigen isolated from five different subtypes of Blastocystis on colon cancer cells, HCT116 and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation. Evaluation of gene expression of cytokines, nuclear transcription factors and apoptotic genes in colon cancer cell and immune cells in the presence of Blastocystis was carried out. The proliferation analysis and gene expression findings in the present study implicate a possible pathogenic role for subtype 3 Blastocystis. The inhibitory effect was seen to be higher in PBMCs isolated from CRC patients compared to healthy volunteers which suggests that Blastocystis infection may prevent immune cell propagation to combat the infection. Besides that, the parasite’s influence on the cytotoxic activity of chemotherapy drugs during cancer treatment was also assessed in this study. We designed an in vitro model to specifically analyse the effect of Blastocystis on chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colon cancer cells, HCT116 and normal colon fibroblast cells, CCD18-Co. 5-FU caused a dose-dependent increase in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. However, the inhibitory effect was reduced in the presence of Blastocystis antigen at 8μM and 10μM of 5-FU. We speculate that Blastocystis antigen could interfere with the efficacy of 5-FU cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. Blastocystis induced expression of inflammatory cytokines, gene transcription factors and angiogenic factors that resulted in resistance of cancer cells against 5-FU. Further validation of the pathogenicity of Blastocystis was carried out using experimental animal models induced with carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM). Increased crypts formation and increased colorectal dysplasia and elevated level of oxidative damage were observed in the presence of Blastocystis infection. The study underscores the importance of including Blastocystis infection in routine parasitological investigation among CRC patients especially when it can be easily be acquired from contaminated water, food and possibly from animals

Interdisciplinary and inter-institutional differences in learning preferences among Malaysian medical and health sciences students

Introduction: The learner-centred approach in medical and health sciences education makes the study of learning preferences relevant and important. This study aimed to investigate the interdisciplinary, interinstitutional, gender and racial differences in the preferred learning styles among Malaysian medical and health sciences students in three Malaysian universities, namely SEGi University (SEGi), University of Malaya (UM) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). It also investigated the differences in the preferred learning styles of these students between high achievers and non-high achievers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on medical and health sciences students from three Malaysian universities following the approval of the Research and Ethics Committee, SEGi University. Purposive sampling was used and the preferred learning styles were assessed using the VARK questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated prior to its use. Three disciplines (medicine, pharmacy and dentistry) were chosen based on their entry criteria and some similarities in their course structure. The three participating universities were Malaysian universities with a home-grown undergraduate entry medical program and students from a diverse cultural and socioeconomic background. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 22. VARK subscale scores were expressed as mean±standard deviation. Comparisons of the means were carried out using t-test or ANOVA. A p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant, and <0.001 as highly significant. Results: Both statistically significant interdisciplinary and inter-institutional differences in learning preferences were observed. Out of the 337 students, a majority of the participants were unimodal learners (n=263, 78.04%). The most common type of learners was the reading/writing type (n=92, 27.30%) while the kinesthetic subscale (M=6.98, SD=2.85) had the highest mean score. Female students (M=6.86, SD=2.86) scored significantly higher than male students (M=6.08, SD=2.41; t(249), p=0.014) in the auditory subscale, whereas Chinese students (M=5.87, SD=2.65) scored significantly higher than Malay students (M=4.70, SD=2.87; p=0.04) in the visual subscale. However, the mean VARK subscale scores did not differ significantly between high achievers and non-high achievers (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study gives an insight into the learner characteristics of more than one medical school in Malaysia. Such multi-institutional studies are lacking in the published literature and this study gives a better representation of the current situation in the learning preferences among medical students in Malaysia

Dietary glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates:chemical properties, metabolism and their potential in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive, irreversible, and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the synaptic communication between millions of neurons, resulting in neuronal death and functional loss due to the abnormal accumulation of two naturally occurring proteins, amyloid β (Aβ) and tau. According to the 2018 World Alzheimer’s Report, there is no single case of an Alzheimer’s survivor; even 1 in 3 people die from Alzheimer’s disease, and it is a growing epidemic across the globe fruits and vegetables rich in glucosinolates (GLCs), the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), have long been known for their pharmacological properties and recently attracted increased interest for the possible prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence from systematic research findings and clinical trials suggests that nutritional and functional dietary isothiocyanates interfere with the molecular cascades of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and prevent neurons from functional loss. The aim of this review is to explore the role of glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates in various molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and their potential in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It also covers the chemical diversity of isothiocyanates and their detailed mechanisms of action as reported by various in vitro and in vivo studies. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate their pharmacokinetic parameters and effectiveness in humans.</p

Nanotechnological synergy of mangiferin and curcumin in modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway:a novel front in ovarian cancer precision therapeutics

Background: Ovarian cancer, colloquially termed the “silent killer” among gynecological malignancies, remains elusive due to its often-asymptomatic progression and diagnostic challenges. Central to its pathogenesis is the overactive PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, responsible for various cellular functions, from proliferation to survival. Within this context, the phytochemical compounds mangiferin (derived from Mangifera indica) and curcumin (from Curcuma longa) stand out for their potential modulatory effects. However, their inherent bioavailability challenges necessitate innovative delivery systems to maximize therapeutic benefits. Objective: This study seeks to synergize the merits of nanotechnology with the therapeutic properties of mangiferin and curcumin, aiming to bolster their efficacy against ovarian cancer. Methods: Employing specific nanotechnological principles, we engineered exosomal and liposomal nano-carriers for mangiferin and curcumin, targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Molecular docking techniques mapped the interactions of these phytochemicals with key proteins in the pathway, analyzing their binding efficiencies. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations, spanning 100 nanoseconds, verified these interactions, with additional computational methodologies further validating our findings. The rationale for the 100 nanoseconds time span lies in its sufficiency to observe meaningful protein-ligand interactions and conformational changes. Notably, liposomal technology provided an enhancement in drug delivery by protecting these compounds from degradation, allowing controlled release, and improving cellular uptake. Results: Our computational investigations demonstrated notable binding affinities of mangiferin and curcumin: PI3K at −11.20 kcal/mol, Akt at −15.16 kcal/mol, and mTOR at −10.24 kcal/mol. The adoption of exosome/liposome-mediated delivery significantly amplified the bioavailability and cellular uptake of these nano-formulated compounds, positioning them as potential stalwarts in ovarian cancer intervention. A brief explanation of exosome/liposome-mediated delivery involves the use of these vesicles to encapsulate and transport therapeutic agents directly to the target cells, enhancing drug delivery efficiency and minimizing side effects. Conclusion: Addressing ovarian cancer’s intricacies, dominated by the erratic PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, mandates innovative therapeutic strategies. Our pioneering approach converges nanotechnological liposomal delivery with mangiferin and curcumin’s natural efficacies. This confluence, validated by computational insights, heralds a paradigm shift in ovarian cancer treatment. As our findings underscore the collaborative potential of these phytochemicals, it beckons further exploration in translational studies and clinical applications, ensuring the best intersection of nature and technology for therapeutic advantage.</p

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Epidemiology of Human <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. Infection in Malaysia

Blastocystis spp. is a unicellular enteric protozoan parasite in humans with a controversial role in disease etiology. It is common in developing countries among immunocompromised patients and people who have close contact with animals. In this study, we have systematically reviewed previous studies on the distribution and genotypes of human Blastocystis infection in Peninsular Malaysia. Studies examining the prevalence of Blastocystis in diverse demographics, including rural, urban, comorbid conditions, and high-risk populations, were taken into consideration. The infection has been reported in nine states; the total percentage of infection was 17.8% (1671/9397), with the most cases in Pahang (27.3%) and the least in Johor (3.4%). Molecular studies revealed the presence of six subtypes: ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6. ST3 was reported as the predominant subtype in all the states, with a prevalence of 54.7% (338/618). The findings provide greater clarity on the epidemiology of Blastocystis in Malaysia, which will help in policy making towards planning and strategizing control measures against the parasite

Alginate-Based Encapsulation Fabrication Technique for Drug Delivery: An Updated Review of Particle Type, Formulation Technique, Pharmaceutical Ingredient, and Targeted Delivery System

Alginate is a natural biopolymer widely studied for pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and mild gelation abilities. This review summarizes recent advances in alginate-based encapsulation systems for targeted drug delivery. Alginate formulations like microparticles, nanoparticles, microgels, and composites fabricated by methods including ionic gelation, emulsification, spray drying, and freeze drying enable tailored drug loading, enhanced stability, and sustained release kinetics. Alginate microspheres prepared by spray drying or ionic gelation provide gastric protection and colon-targeted release of orally delivered drugs. Alginate nanoparticles exhibit enhanced cellular uptake and tumor-targeting capabilities through the enhanced permeation and retention effect. Crosslinked alginate microgels allow high drug loading and controlled release profiles. Composite alginate gels with cellulose, chitosan, or inorganic nanomaterials display improved mechanical properties, mucoadhesion, and tunable release kinetics. Alginate-based wound dressings containing antimicrobial nanoparticles promote healing of burns and chronic wounds through sustained topical delivery. Although alginate is well-established as a pharmaceutical excipient, more extensive in vivo testing is needed to assess clinical safety and efficacy of emerging formulations prior to human trials. Future opportunities include engineered systems combining stimuli-responsiveness, active targeting, and diagnostic capabilities. In summary, this review discusses recent advances in alginate encapsulation techniques for oral, transdermal, and intravenous delivery, with an emphasis on approaches enabling targeted and sustained drug release for enhanced therapeutic outcomes

The Fabrication of Polymer-Based Curcumin-Loaded Formulation as a Drug Delivery System: An Updated Review from 2017 to the Present

Turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally occurring compound with noted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help fight cancer. Curcumin is readily available, nontoxic, and inexpensive. At high doses, it has minimal side effects, suggesting it is safe for human use. However, curcumin has extremely poor bioavailability and biodistribution, which further hamper its clinical applications. It is commonly administered through oral and transdermal routes in different forms, where the particle size is one of the most common barriers that decreases its absorption through biological membranes on the targeted sites and limits its clinical effectiveness. There are many studies ongoing to overcome this problem. All of this motivated us to conduct this review that discusses the fabrication of polymer-based curcumin-loaded formulation as an advanced drug delivery system and addresses different approaches to overcoming the existing barriers and improving its bioavailability and biodistribution to enhance the therapeutic effects against cancer and other diseases

Magnetic nanosystem a tool for targeted delivery and diagnostic application: Current challenges and recent advancement

Over the last two decades, researchers have paid more attention to magnetic nanosystems due to their wide application in diverse fields. The metal nanomaterials' antimicrobial and biocidal properties make them an essential nanosystem for biomedical applications. Moreover, the magnetic nanosystems could have also been used for diagnosis and treatment because of their magnetic, optical, and fluorescence properties. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and quantum dots (QDs) are the most widely used magnetic nanosystems prepared by a simple process. By surface modification, researchers have recently been working on conjugating metals like silica, copper, and gold with magnetic nanosystems. This hybridization of the nanosystems modifies the structural characteristics of the nanomaterials and helps to improve their efficacy for targeted drug and gene delivery. The hybridization of metals with various nanomaterials like micelles, cubosomes, liposomes, and polymeric nanomaterials is gaining more interest due to their nanometer size range and nontoxic, biocompatible nature. Moreover, they have good injectability and higher targeting ability by accumulation at the target site by application of an external magnetic field. The present article discussed the magnetic nanosystem in more detail regarding their structure, properties, interaction with the biological system, and diagnostic applications