Three-dimensional hydrogel with human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards nucleus pulposus niche.

A regenerative strategy employing extracellular matrix (ECM)-based biomaterials and stem cells provide a better approach to mimicking the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of intervertebral disc for endogenous tissue regeneration. However, there is currently limited understanding regarding the human Wharton Jelly derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) towards nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells. Our study focused on the development of 3D bioengineered hydrogel based on the predominant ECM of native NP, including type II collagen (COLII) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which aims to tailor the needs of the microenvironment in NP.

Serum Metabolomic Alteration in Rats with Osteoarthritis Treated with Palm Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Alone or in Combination with Glucosamine Sulphate.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition with limited disease-modifying treatments currently. Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) has been previously shown to be effective against OA, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. This study aims to compare serum metabolomic alteration in Sprague-Dawley rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA which were treated with palm TRF, glucosamine sulphate, or a combination of both.

A Scoping Review on the Effects of Carotenoids and Flavonoids on Skin Damage Due to Ultraviolet Radiation.

Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun causes premature ageing and may predispose to skin cancers. UV radiation generates excessive free radical species, resulting in oxidative stress, which is responsible for cellular and DNA damage. There is growing evidence that phytonutrients such as flavonoids and carotenoids may impede oxidative stress and prevent photodamage.

Effects of on Bone Health and Fracture Healing: A Scoping Review.

Background: Piper sarmentosum (PS) is a traditional herb used by Southeast Asian communities to treat various illnesses. Recent pharmacological studies have discovered that PS possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Since oxidative stress and inflammation are two important processes driving the pathogenesis of bone loss, PS may have potential therapeutic effects against osteoporosis.

The effects of aqueous extract of on wound contraction, hydroxyproline content and histological assessments in superficial partial thickness of second-degree burn model.

Burns are considered a critical care problem in emergency medicine, resulting in physical, psychological, and chronic disabilities. Silver sulfadiazine is the gold standard in topical burn treatment but was associated with toxicity to keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which may delay wound healing. In discovering potential alternative treatments for burn wound healing, this study was performed to determine the effect of (LPVa) extract on thermal-burn wounds in rats.

Genus : Unravelling Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties.

Extensive knowledge related to medicinal characteristics of plants by living in forest or semi-forest habitats and close observations of indigenous communities have led to the discoveries of the genus and its traditional uses. The genus is a member of the Sapindaceae family and is found in various regions of the world. Six species of such as , , , , , and are widely utilized in traditional and folk medicinal systems.

Normalisation of High Bone Remodelling due to Oestrogen Deficiency by Traditional Chinese Formulation in Ovariectomised Rats.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis transpires due to excessive osteoclastic bone resorption and insufficient osteoblastic bone formation in the presence of oestrogen insufficiency. (KSLP) is a red ginseng-based traditional Chinese medicine known for its anti-ageing properties. However, studies on its effect on bone loss are lacking.

Tocotrienol as a Protecting Agent against Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis: A Mini Review of Potential Mechanisms.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteogenic dysfunction is the main pathologyical mechanism underlying the development of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids promote adipogenic differentiation and osteoblast apoptosis through various pathways. Various ongoing studies are exploring the potential of natural products in preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Suppression of high bone remodelling by E'Jiao in ovariectomised rats.

The current prevention options for postmenopausal osteoporosis are very limited. E'Jiao is a collagen-rich traditional Chinese medicine with the potential to prevent osteoporosis but more comprehensive investigations are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the skeletal protective effects of E'Jiao in a rat model of osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy.

Methanolic Extract of Attenuates Obesity and Hyperlipidemia in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Rats.

Obesity and hyperlipidemia are metabolic dysregulations that arise from poor lifestyle and unhealthy dietary intakes. These co-morbidity conditions are risk factors for vascular diseases. (PS) is a nutritious plant that has been shown to pose various phytochemicals and pharmacological actions.

Direct and Indirect Effect of Honey as a Functional Food Against Metabolic Syndrome and Its Skeletal Complications.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the simultaneous presence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and/or visceral obesity, which predisposes a person to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Evidence suggesting the presence of direct and indirect associations between MetS and osteoporosis is growing. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of polyphenols in alleviating MetS in in vivo and in vitro models through their antioxidant and anti-inflammation actions.

The Role of Aqueous Extract as a Bone Protective Agent, a Histomorphometric Study.

Glucocorticoids are one of the causes of secondary osteoporosis. The aqueous extract of contains flavonoids that possess antioxidant effects. In this study, we determined the effects of aqueous leaf extract on structural, dynamic and static histomorphometric changes from osteoporotic bones of rats induced with glucocorticoids.

A Review of Potential Beneficial Effects of Honey on Bone Health.

Bone remodelling is a complex and tightly regulated process. Disruption of bone remodelling skewing towards resorption will cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of fragility fracture. Honey is a natural product containing various bioactive ingredients with health benefits, especially polyphenols.

The Effects of Annatto Tocotrienol Supplementation on Cartilage and Subchondral Bone in an Animal Model of Osteoarthritis Induced by Monosodium Iodoacetate.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which primarily affects the articular cartilage and subchondral bones. Since there is an underlying localized inflammatory component in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, compounds like tocotrienol with anti-inflammatory properties may be able to retard its progression. This study aimed to determine the effects of oral tocotrienol supplementation on the articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model of osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA).

Preventive Effect of Naringin on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Mechanism of Action: A Systematic Review.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which consists of cluster of conditions, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and visceral obesity, is affecting population worldwide. Studies have shown that plant derived flavonoids have the ability to alleviate MetS. Naringin is a type of glycoside flavonoid found in most plant and it plays a critical role in the treatment of MetS due to its antioxidant activity and ability to regulate cytokines.

Piper sarmentosum Effects on 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Enzyme in Serum and Bone in Rat Model of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is one of the common causes of secondary osteoporosis. () extract possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we determined the correlation between the effects of leaf water extract with the regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 1 enzyme activity in serum and bone of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic rats.

The association between bone health indicated by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and metabolic syndrome in Malaysian men.

Background: Previous studies on the relationship between bone health and metabolic syndrome (MS) have revealed heterogeneous results. There are limited studies employing bone quantitative ultrasonometry in evaluating this relationship. This study aimed to determine the relationship between MS and bone health in a group of Malaysian middle-aged and elderly men using bone quantitative ultrasonometry.

Serum osteocalcin is significantly related to indices of obesity and lipid profile in Malaysian men.

Background And Aim: Recent studies revealed a possible reciprocal relationship between the skeletal system and obesity and lipid metabolism, mediated by osteocalcin, an osteoblast-specific protein. This study aimed to validate the relationship between serum osteocalcin and indices of obesity and lipid parameters in a group of Malaysian men.

Methods: A total of 373 men from the Malaysian Aging Male Study were included in the analysis.

Piper sarmentosum: a new hope for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a major global health problem. Osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone mass and strength which leads to an increased risk of fracture. Glucocorticoid treatment is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis.

The effects of Cosmos caudatus (ulam raja) on dynamic and cellular bone histomorphometry in ovariectomized rats.

Background: Cosmos caudatus is a local plant which has antioxidant properties and contains high calcium. It is also reported to be able to strengthen the bone. This report is an extension to previously published article in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (doi:10.

Sex hormones in Malay and Chinese men in Malaysia: are there age and race differences?

Objectives: Variations in the prevalence of sex-hormone-related diseases have been observed between Asian ethnic groups living in the same country; however, available data concerning their sex hormone levels are limited. The present study aimed to determine the influence of ethnicity and age on the sex hormone levels of Malay and Chinese men in Malaysia.

Methods: A total of 547 males of Malay and Chinese ethnicity residing in the Klang Valley Malaysia underwent a detailed screening, and their blood was collected for sex hormones analyses.

Glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) as 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor exerts protective effect against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Rapid onset of bone loss is a frequent complication of systemic glucocorticoid therapy which may lead to fragility fractures. Glucocorticoid action in bone depends upon the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1). Regulations of 11β-HSD1 activity may protect the bone against bone loss due to excess glucocorticoids.

The effects of piper sarmentosum water extract on the expression and activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the bones with excessive glucocorticoids.

Background: Long-term glucocorticoid therapy causes secondary osteoporosis leading to pathological fractures. Glucocorticoid action in bone is dependant upon the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1). Piper sarmentosum is a local herb that possesses the ability to inhibit 11-βHSD1 enzyme activity.

Testosterone is associated with age-related changes in bone health status, muscle strength and body composition in men.

Objective: Variations in testosterone levels are associated with several outcomes of aging. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between age-related decline of testosterone levels and changes in bone health status, handgrip strength, body fat percentage and fat-free mass.

Materials And Methods: A total of 335 Malaysian Chinese and Malay men aged 40 years and above were recruited for this study.