Experimental Models in Unraveling the Biological Mechanisms of Mushroom-Derived Bioactives against Aging- and Lifestyle-Related Diseases: A Review.

Mushrooms have garnered considerable interest among researchers due to their immense nutritional and therapeutic properties. The presence of biologically active primary and secondary metabolites, which includes several micronutrients, including vitamins, essential minerals, and other dietary fibers, makes them an excellent functional food. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of mushrooms has been reported to reduce the incidence of aging- and lifestyle-related diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and stroke, as well as to provide overall health benefits by promoting immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and enhancement of gut microbial flora.

The structure-function relationship of thrombin-like enzymes from the green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris).

Pit viper venoms can decrease fibrinogen levels in snakebite patients. Studies have shown that the hypofibrinogenemia is a consequence of snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (TLEs), the serine proteases that have the potential to be both diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Exosites of thrombin are the molecular regions that determine the substrate specificities, but its presence and significance in TLEs are unclear.

Analysis of green pit viper (Trimeresurus alborabris) venom protein by LC/MS-MS.

Green pit viper venom has major effect on the hematological system having a thrombin-like effect. Thus, this study is designed to analyze the composition of Trimeresurus albolabris venom by performing gel filtration and LC/MS-MS. The purified protein was then digested by trypsin, and the tryptic fragments were analyzed by iontrap spectrophotometry.

Preliminary study of the effect of vitamin E supplementation on the antioxidant status of hemoglobin-E carriers.

The antioxidant status of hemoglobin-E carriers was studied pre- and post-treatment with vitamin E for 3 months. Fourteen hemoglobin-E carriers (age = 21.36 +/- 1.

The effect of green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) venom on platelet morphology by electron microscopy.

The incidence of venomous snake bites increases every year in Thailand, especially due to green pit viper. After the bite, there is bleeding due to thrombin-like property of the venom. The mean platelet volume has been reported to be decreased in those who have been bitten by this snake.

Detection of Cryptococcus neoformans in bird excreta.

We evaluated 14 samples of bird excreta from pigeons, parrots, open billed storks and crows obtained from thirteen places in Bangkok and nearby areas between April and July 2004. These bird excreta were examined for Cryptococcus neoformans by direct plating method to inspect their ability to grow at 37 degrees C. Capsule production was examined by Indian ink preparation.

Antioxidant in plasma of hemoglobin-E trait.

A study of antioxidant levels among Thai subjects with a hemoglobin E trait was undertaken. The objective of this study was to determine whether the antioxidant level would be disturbed in the HbE condition. All 185 volunteer subjects, 171 normal healthy subjects and 14 HbE carriers were recruited.

Inhibition of Heinz body induction in an in vitro model and total antioxidant activity of medicinal Thai plants.

Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and known to possess antioxidant properties that may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. We screen aqueous extracts from 20 medicinal plants in Thailand that were believed to possess anti-tumor activity, help immune-stimulating property and maintain blood stasis. The antioxidant activities were investigated in two bioassays.

Platelet count and platelet parameters in hemoglobin E carriers.

Hemoglobinopathies are an important inherited disorder with a high prevalence in Thailand. Of several hemoglobinopathies, hemoglobin E (Hb) disorder (beta 26, GAG-AAG, Glu-Lys) is the most common. Coagulation disorders in these patients have also been proposed.