Comparison of complications after Ahmed versus Baerveldt implant in glaucoma patients: one year follow-up

AIM: To compare surgical results of the Ahmed and Baerveldt implant procedures in glaucoma patients at 1y follow-up at Jakarta Eye Center (JEC) Eye Hospitals. METHODS: This cohort retrospective study was conducted on glaucoma patients aged ≥18y who had undergone Ahmed and Baerveldt implant surgery. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, glaucoma medication, success rate, early and late postoperative complications, and the number of resurgeries were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 351 eyes in the Ahmed group and 94 eyes in the Baerveldt group were included in this study. At 1y follow-up, the mean IOP was found to be significantly lower in the Baerveldt group (13±4.47 mm Hg) compared to the Ahmed group (15.02±5.73 mm Hg; P=0.025). Glaucoma medication was required in both the Ahmed and Baerveldt groups (58.92% vs 71.67%). Comparable success rate was found in both groups. The Ahmed group revealed a complete and qualified success of 86.82%, and failure of 13.17%. Similarly, the Baerveldt group showed complete and qualified success in 87.75% and failure in 12.25% cases. In the Ahmed group, 11.97% early complications, 26.06% late complications and 9.97% resurgeries were observed. In comparison, in the Baerveldt group, 23.40% early complications, 30.95% late complications and 11.70% resurgeries were observed. CONCLUSION: Both groups of glaucoma implants show significant IOP reduction, however, the Baerveldt implant group demonstrates greater IOP reduction with more failure rates and complications than the Ahmed implant group.     

Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets for preventing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Introduction: New treatments are required to improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), for reduction of myocardial infarct (MI) size and preventing heart failure. Following AMI, acute ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) ensues, resulting in cardiomyocyte death and impaired cardiac function. Emerging studies have implicated a fundamental role for non-coding RNAs (microRNAs [miRNA], and more recently long non-coding RNAs [lncRNA]) in the setting of acute myocardial IRI.

Areas covered: In this article, we discuss the roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the detection and treatment of AMI, review their roles as mediators and effectors of cardioprotection, particularly in the settings of interventions such as ischemic pre- and post-conditioning (IPC & IPost) as well as remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), and highlight future strategies for targeting ncRNAs to reduce MI size and prevent heart failure following AMI.

Expert opinion: Investigating the roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the setting of AMI has provided new insights into the pathophysiology underlying acute myocardial IRI, and has identified novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for detecting and treating AMI. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation of these ncRNAs has the therapeutic potential to improve clinical outcomes in AMI patients.     

New Antifungal Compounds from Aspergillus terreus Isolated from Desert Soil

Two new butyrolactone I derivatives: 3‐[3‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl)‐phenyl]‐5‐(?4‐hydroxybenzyl)‐4‐methyl‐dihydrofuran‐2(3H)‐one (1) and (Z)‐3‐[3‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl)‐phenyl]‐5‐(?4‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐4‐methyl‐dihydrofuran‐2(3H)‐one (2), in addition to the previously described (S)‐methyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐[4‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl)‐benzyl]‐3‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐5‐oxo‐2,5‐dihydro‐furan‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (3), were identified from a strain of Aspergillus terreus Thom (Trichocomaceae) isolated from desert soil. The antifungal activities of both intra‐ and extracellular metabolites of A. terreus grown on yeast extract sucrose and malt extract media were determined. Only the secondary metabolites of A. terreus grown on yeast extract sucrose medium were active against Aspergillus fumigatus RCMB 002008. The antifungal activity of A. terreus was attributed to the presence of the compounds (1) and (2), whose minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against A. fumigatus were found to be 32.00 and 16.00 µg/mL respectively. Structure elucidation was carried out using UV spectrometry, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS), high resolution electron impact (HREIMS) spectrometry, ¹H‐ and ¹³ C‐NMR, proton–proton correlation spectroscopy (¹H–¹H Cosy), distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlations (HMBC) spectroscopy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The coastal medicinal plant Vitex rotundifolia: a mini-review on its bioactive compounds and pharmacological activity

Humans have long used natural remedies like plants and herbs to treat disease.Furthermore,research has been ongoing to find alternative pharmaceutical drugs based on traditionally used plants,as natural products show fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs.Medicinal plants have long been targeted in drug development due to their bioactive compounds like alkaloids,flavonoids,and terpenoids.This is not only the case for terrestrial plants,but marine environments also provide a larger diversity of flora and fauna with medicinal bioactive compounds.Vitex rotundifolia,also known as Beach Vitex,is a coastal plant that has been traditionally used to treat a variety of diseases including premenstrual syndrome,headaches,migraines,colds,and eye pain.There have been many review papers on V.rotundifolia,emphasizing its taxonomy,distribution,and biological activity.Our current mini-review not only summarizes the pharmacology and bioactivity of V.rotundifolia,but it also provides new information on the main bioactive compounds of V.rotundifolia such as flavonoids,phenolic acid,and terpenes and their current pharmacological activity in vitro and in vivo research.This information can be useful for developing new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical agents to treat and manage disease.     

Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship

Background: Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV₁, FVC, and %FEV₁/FVC) were determined using spirometer.

Results: Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1–3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV₁, FVC, and %FEV₁/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV₁/FVC (Adj b = –1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours.

Conclusions: There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers.     

Molecular mechanism of capillarisin-mediated inhibition of MyD88/TIRAP inflammatory signaling in in vitro and in vivo experimental models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (Compositae) have been used as traditional medicine as a diuretic, liver protective agent, and for amelioration of inflammatory and analgesic disorders. The present study was carried out to establish the scientific rationale for treating inflammation and to find active principles from A. capillaris.The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of the major component (capillarisin) isolated from A. capillaris via inhibition of MyD88/TIRAP inflammatory signaling both in vitro and in vivo models.

Materials and methods

The nitrite, PGE₂, and TNF-α productions were evaluated by Griess reagent and ELISA kits. The protein and mRNA expression levels were investigated by Western blot and RT-PCR. The NF-κB and AP-1 DNA-binding was performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The CFA- and carrageenan-induced paw edema was performed in ICR mice in which 20 and 80 mg/kg body weight of capillarisin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.).

Results

The results demonstrated that pretreatment with capillarisin effectively inhibited the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, Akt, and MAP kinase-activated inflammatory genes, which is mediated by MyD88 and TIRAP. Treatment with capillarisin reduced the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW 264.7 cells as assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot. Capillarisin suppressed LPS-induced inhibitory kappa kinase (IKK) phosphorylation and the degradation of inhibitory kappa B (IκBα) and prevented the nuclear translocation of p65 and p50. Capillarisin also exhibited a promising inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced NF-κB and AP-1 DNA binding activity based on an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The LPS-induced activation of p-JNK, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-Akt was significantly inhibited. In addition, the TNF-α level in the media was effectively reduced by capillarisin. In vivo experimental analysis revealed that capillarisin (20 and 80 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-and carrageenan-induced paw edema, nitrite production in plasma, and TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Conclusion

The results presented here demonstrate that capillarisin has consistent anti-inflammatory properties and acts by inhibiting inflammatory mediators in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, and suggest its potential utility in the control of inflammatory disorders.     

Antiulcerogenic Activities of the Extracts and Isolated Flavonoids of Euphorbia cuneata Vahl

The total alcohol extracts of Euphorbia cuneata Vahl.(Euphorbiaceae) were screened for antiulcerogenic activity using an ethanol‐induced ulcer model at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. The extracts possessed antiulcerogenic activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Four flavonoidal compounds were isolated and identified as naringenin, aromadendrin, apigenin and 4'‐O‐methoxy‐luteolin‐7‐O‐rhamnoglucoside, each demonstrating antiulcerogenic activity with curative ratios ranging from 75.78% to 88.23%. In addition, the alcohol extracts and isolated compounds were shown to scavenge the 1,1‐diphenyl,2‐picrylhydrazyl radical by different ratio, with the most effective being 4'‐O‐methoxy‐luteolin‐7‐O‐rhamnoglucoside (91.14%). The antioxidant activity of the alcohol extracts and the isolated compounds may explain the antiulcerogenic properties. No side effects were observed on either liver or kidney functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Associations of serum aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct level with socio-demographic factors and aflatoxins intake from nuts and related nut products in Malaysia

Aflatoxins are one of the major risk factors in the multi-factorial etiology of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the information on aflatoxins exposure is very important in the intervention planning in order to reduce the dietary intake of aflatoxins, especially among the children. This study investigated the relationship between aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) lysine adduct levers in serum and socio-demographic factors and dietary intake of aflatoxins from nuts and nut products in Penang, Malaysia. A cross-sectional field study was conducted in five districts of Penang. A survey on socio-demographic characteristics was administered to 364 healthy adults from the three main ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian). A total of 170 blood samples were successfully collected and tested for the level of AFB(1)-lysine adduct. 97% of the samples contained AFB(1)-lysine adduct above the detection limit of 0.4 pg/mg albumin and ranged from 0.20 to 23.16 pg/mg albumin (mean±standard deviation=7.67±4.54 pg/mg albumin; median=7.12 pg/mg albumin). There was no significant association between AFB(1)-lysine adduct levels with gender, district, education level, household number and occupation when these socio-demographic characteristics were examined according to high or low levels of AFB(1)-lysine. However, participants in the age group of 31-50 years were 3.08 times more likely to have high AFB(1) levels compared to those aged between 18 and 30 years (P=0.026). Significant difference (P=0.000) was found among different ethnic groups. Chinese and Indian participants were 3.05 and 2.35 times more likely to have high AFB(1) levels than Malay. The result of AFB(1)-lysine adduct suggested that Penang adult population is likely to be exposed to AFB(1) but at a level of less than that needed to cause direct acute illness or death.