Potential applications of horseshoe crab in biomedical research

Horseshoe crab is one of the oldest existing living fossils comprising four main species today. Of these, Limulus Polyphemus is found in North America and the other three species, Tachypleus tridentatus, Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda are found in Southeast Asia. Horseshoe crabs play important roles in the regulation of the coastal ecology communities whereby the eggs serve as the main diet of shorebird species during the migrating season. Horseshoe crab is also seen as a versatile organism, useful in the biomedicine field particularly, as its blue blood has been widely integrated to be used for endotoxin tester in vaccines, drugs and injectables. Researchers have explored a material called perivitelline fluid (PVF) from the egg of a fertilized horseshoe crab which is rich in important proteins and amino acids that are crucial for embryogenesis. Previous studies have shown that PVF has the ability to enhance cell growth and differentiation as well as in promoting generation of certain organs. Testing of PVF on many types of cells has shown positive results and hence, it is suggested that PVF could be used as a supplement to support cell growth in future. Highlighting the horseshoe crab as a living fossil, this review brings out the relevance of the blue blood and PVF of the horseshoe crab as sources benefitting molecular research

Genetics of malocclusion: a review

Malocclusion is one of the most common craniofacial problems observed worldwide. Affected individuals suffer not only from aesthetic concerns but also from functional problems, such as with mastication and pronunciation. The prevalence of malocclusion in East Asians is higher than in other races. Reports have shown besides environmental factors, there is association between certain types of malocclusion with specific genes. Positive association of mandibular prognathism has been implicated to genes such as Matrilin-1; while mutation in DUSP6 has also been shown to contribute to the incidence of malocclusion. This review aimed to briefly discuss the involvement of other additional genes such as MYO1H and PAX9 in the incidence of malocclusion as observed from our local institution

A preliminary study on MYO1H single nucleotide polymorphism (rs10850110) in mandibular prognathism in Malay population

Evidence suggests that several genes; including Myo1H, play an important role in the etiology of Class III malocclusion. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in marker rs10850110 (locus 12q24.11) within Myo1H gene has been associated with the incidence of mandibular prognathism (MP). MYO1H is a class 1 myosin which has been implicated in various motile processes including cytoskeleton reorganization. Therefore, genetic alteration in genes responsible for muscle function will also affect the skeletal growth. This study aimed to detect the presence of Myo1H (rs10850110) SNP and to determine its genotype and allele distribution in MP patient in the local population. The sample comprises of 31 patients; 14 patients from class I malocclusion (control samples) and 17 patients from class III malocclusion (MP). Cephalometric measurements were performed prior to saliva samples collection. The DNA was amplified using the specific primers for the marker rs10850110 and the genotyping was done by sequencing. Chi-square test was used to determine the over-representation of marker allele (p<0.05). Presence of Myo1H SNP (rs10850110) was detected in local population analysed and the distribution of its genotype and allele could be observed. There were significant differences between allele (p=0.000) and genotype (p=0.000) frequency within and between control (Class I) and Class III malocclusion. Our findings are in agreement with previous studies suggesting positive influence of Myo1H (rs10850110) SNP in the incidence of MP. Further studies should be developed in order to understand the exact role and mechanism of Myo1H in different classes of malocclusions. Clinical article (J Int Dent Med Res 2018; 11(2): pp. 607-613

Class III malocclusion: missense mutations in DUSP6 gene

Objective: To determine the DUSP6 gene mutation in three generations of Malaysian Malay subjects having Class III malocclusion. Material and Methods: Genetic analyses of DUSP6 gene were carried out in 30 subjects by selecting three individuals representing three generations, respectively, from ten Malaysian Malay families having Class III malocclusion and 30 healthy controls. They were submitted Clinical Evaluation to clinical examination, lateral cephalometric radiographs, dental casts, and/ or facial and intra-oral photographs. Buccal cell was taken from each participant of Class III malocclusion and control groups. DNA extractions from buccal cell were carried out using Gentra puregene buccal cell kit. Bio Edit Sequence Alignment Editor software was used to see the sequencing result. Results: A heterozygous missense mutation c.1094C>T (p. Thr 365 Ile) was identified in DUSP6 gene in three members of one family with Class III malocclusion, whereas no mutation was found in the control group. Conclusion: Current study successfully identified a missense mutation in DUSP6 gene among one Malaysian Malay family affected by Class III malocclusion. The outcome of this study broadened the mutation spectrum of Class III malocclusion and the importance of DUSP6 gene in skeletal functions

Identification and Characterization of Intraoral and Dermal Fibroblasts Revisited

Abstract: Background: Fibroblasts are the common cells used in clinical regenerative medicine and dentistry. These cells are known to appear heterogeneous in vivo. Previous studies have only investigated the biological properties of these cell subpopulations in vitro. Despite sharing similarity in their spindle-shaped appearance, previous literatures revealed that they play distinguished functional and biological activities in the body. Objective: This paper highlights the similarities and differences among these cell subpopulations, particularly between intraoral fibroblasts (human periodontal ligament, gingival and oral mucosa fibroblasts) and dermal fibroblasts based on several factors including their morphology, growth and proliferation rate. Results: It could be suggested that each subpopulation of fibroblasts demonstrate different positionspecified gene signatures and responses towards extracellular signals. These dissimilarities are crucial to be taken into consideration to employ specific methodologies in stimulating these cells in vivo. Conclusion: A comparison of the characteristics of these cell subpopulations is desired for identifying appropriate cellular applications. Keywords: Dermal fibroblast, differences, gingival fibroblast, oral mucosa fibroblast, periodontal ligament fibroblast, similaritie

Linum usitatissimum as an antimicrobial agent and a potential natural healer: a review

Linum usitatissimum commonly known as flaxseed is one of the oldest crops traditionally cultivated mainly for its oil purposes. Flaxseed is widely known for its rich source of nutritive and bioactive compounds. Recently, it has gained considerable interest due to the potential health benefits attributed to its component of metabolites, including its antimicrobial properties. Two main components of flaxseed, the unsaturated fatty acids and lignan, are suggested as the main metabolites that exhibit antimicrobial activities. This paper aims to give an overview on fatty acid and phenolic compound in flaxseed and their possible activities as antimicrobial agents

Demographic characteristics and analysis of malocclusions of orthodontic patients seen at IIUM Dental Specialist Clinic, Kuantan, Pahang

Introduction: Malocclusion is one of the most common dental problems observed. Limited data is currently available regarding the demographics of malocclusion observed locally. Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective study where 770 patients were recruited from May 2009 till December 2014. 560 orthodontic study models that met the inclusion criteria were examined and the malocclusions were classified according to the British Standard Institute (BSI) incisor classification. Demographic pattern and their relationship were analysed by structural equation modelling using SPSS (version 23.0). Results: From 560 study models analysed, 72% were female. The age of the patients ranges from 7-12 years old (17.1%), 13-17 years old (55.9%) and >18 years old (27.0%). Majority of the patients were Malay followed by Chinese (5.7%), Indian (1.8%) and other races (1.8%) Treatments received were fixed appliances (FA) (60.0%), removable appliances (RA) (12.5%), functional appliances (FnA) (1.1%), combination of RA and FA (16.1%), combination of FnA and FA (2.1%) and consultation (8.2%). Types of malocclusions observed were Class I (25.7%), Class II/1(32.7%), Class II/2 (7.5%) and Class III (34.1%). There was significant association (p<0.05) between age and gender towards the types of malocclusions and treatments received were observed. Conclusion: Age and gender play significant role in determining the types of treatment received by patients with malocclusion. Data obtained will be beneficial for departmental future management and clinical planning. KEYWORDS: Demographics, Orthodontic, Malocclusio

Wound healing activity of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) extract (water and ethanol) on human oral fibroblast cells (in vitro)

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) plant has many health beneficial effects such as anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer effects. In the current study, the wound healing activity of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) extract is being tested on oral fibroblast cell line. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is extracted using Soxhlet extraction method via two mediums water and ethanol to assess and compare the difference between the activities of both extracts; if present. After the extraction procedure, the extracts were tested for their biological activity using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to determine the safety and dosage of the extract to be administered onto the oral fibroblast cells. Then, the wound healing assay is carried out to test the activity of both water and ethanol flaxseed extract on oral fibroblast cells. The results revealed that both water and ethanol extract have high wound healing activity against oral fibroblast cell line where ethanolic extract shows slightly higher activity in healing on oral fibroblast wounds (in vitro). One-way ANNOVA was carried out with post-Hoc Turkey test where the P value of compared variables was found to be < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Based on the results obtained; it could be concluded, that flaxseed extract has a potential wound healing activity as the results shows high wound healing activity on oral fibroblast cell line

The anti-fungal effect of flax seed on oral candidiasis: comparative in-vitro study

Flaxseed is a natural product with a wide array of anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral and also antifungal properties. Flaxseed extracts; either oil or water based can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compounds to be used in clinical setting. This study aims to compare the in-vitro antifungal effectiveness of flaxseed extract against the commonly used synthetic compound, Nystatin. Methodically, antifungal effectiveness of flaxseed extract and Nystatin was tested upon the Candida albicans culture growth in petri dishes. Disc diffusion method was performed and the zones of inhibition around the disc within each petri dish were measured after 48 hours of incubation period. Oil-based and water-based flaxseed extract types were evaluated using disc diffusion method at different volume per disc (5μl, 10μl and 15μl) and its result was compared to Nystatin's effectiveness. The principle result shows that the oil-based extract exhibited no antifungal activity despite of the increasing quantity used. Interestingly the comparison of mean value for candidal growth inhibition diameter between flaxseed aqueous extract and Nystatin was significant based on p-value less than 0.05. Clearly, Candida albicans growth diameter mean value was greater with higher increment of flaxseed aqueous extract when compared to the Nystatin 100 units control test. The greatest zone of inhibition was seen with 15μl of flaxseed aqueous extract. Thus, water-based flaxseed extract has a great potential to be used as a clinical product to control oral fungal infection while eliminating the unwanted side effects commonly occurring with synthetic products

Potential antibacterial effects of flaxseed and Nigella sativa extracts on 11 streptococcus pyogenes

Antibiotic resistance is a major global problem, associated with inadvertent drug usage. Herbal interventions are a therapeutic strategy that warrants greater research attention. Flaxseed and Nigella sativa are well recognized original super foods that have demonstrated potent anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities. In the oral cavity, the bacterial population is a result of the dynamic relationship between pathogens and commensals Streptococcus pyogenes is an important global human Gram-positive pathogen that causes a wide variety of acute infections, it is highly virulent since it has the ability overcome the host defence system. This in vitro study aims to evaluate antimicrobial activity of flaxseed and Nigella sativa extract against S. pyogenes. Ethanolic extract of flaxseed and Nigella sativa extracts were prepared and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. pyogenes was estimated. The results of this study show that both extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes. Present study demonstrated the bactericidal activity of both extracts which can be an adjunct to the future natural anti-bacterial therapy