1.Apoptosis changes and SA-beta galactosidase expression in stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model of human skin fibroblasts.
Abdul Rahim N ; Makpol S ; Chua KH ; Yusof YA ; Top GM ; Ngah WZ
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2008;63 Suppl A():71-72
Stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model is in vitro model of cellular aging. In this study, apoptosis was evaluated in SIPS model and in replicative senescent fibroblasts. We also compared the activity of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta gal) as a biomarker of cellular aging. Our results suggested that SIPS model and senescent fibroblasts might share similar mechanism of aging and apoptosis pathway.
2.Drug resistance mutations among virological failure HIV-1 infected patients in Malaysia
Mohd Zain, R. ; Ibrahim, N. ; Ismail, S. ; Mat-Rahim, N.A. ; Suppiah, J. ; Thayan, R. ; , Z.
Tropical Biomedicine 2016;33(3):486-493
The determination of HIV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) towards antiretroviral
(ARV) drugs among HIV-1 treated patients with virological failure is crucial for further
management of the patient. This study aimed to assess the most common genomic mutation
and to analyse subtypes among the HIV-1 patients with viral load level > 1,000 copies/mL. A
total of 101 virological failure HIV-1 patients from four different regions of Peninsular Malaysia
with a viral load measurement facility were included in the study. Majority of patients (89.1%)
have at least 1 mutation associated with clinical resistance to either protease inhibitors
(PIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or nonnucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Major resistance mutations among the patients towards
NRTIs and NNRTIs were 70.3% and 18.8%, respectively. The most common mutation for
NRTIs was M184V while K103N mutation was detected in the majority of patients who were
treated with NNRTIs. The most commonly observed mutations for major PI and minor PI seen
among the study population were V82A/T and L10V, respectively. In HIV-1 subtype analysis,
CRF33_01B was the most predominant HIV-1 subtype in this study group. The vast detection
of DRMs in this study emphasized the importance of genotypic resistance test in the
management of HIV patients as DRMs can alter patient’s susceptibility towards ARV drugs.
Further study on larger number of samples is essential for the development of a database on
HIV-1 DRMs among patients that experience virological failure in Malaysia.
3.A Case Of Infant Lumbar Spine Tuberculosis
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2018;12(Supplement A):157-
4.Autologous chondrocyte implantation for knee focal cartilage defects: 3 years' follow-up at the University Malaya Medical Centre.
Abbas Aa ; Mohamad Ja ; Lydia Al ; Selvaratnam L ; Razif A ; Ab-Rahim S ; kavitha G ; Shilpa Pn ; Kamarul T
Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre 2014;17(1):8-13
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a widely accepted procedure for the treatment of large, fullthickness
chondral defects involving various joints, but its use in developing countries is limited because of high
cost and failure rates due to limited resources and support systems. Five patients (age <45 years) with focal
cartilage defects received ACI at University of Malaya from 2006 to 2007 and followed up for 36 months. The
average presubjective Knee Evaluation Forms (IKDC) improved from 38.44±6.29 to 25.6±8.04 postoperatively,
the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) went from 25.6±8.04 to 13.96±1.63 and the American Knee Society Score (AKSS)
improved from 80±14.33 to 92.96±5.82 post-operatively. Thus improvements were seen in the IKDC and
AKSS score but not in the OKS. Magnetic resonance images showed the presence of cartilage tissue filling in
the lateral and medial patellar facet and medial femoral condyle in three patients. Failures were seen in two
patients, both with patellar defects and over the age of 36 years. Treatment with autologous chondrocyte
implantation for focal cartilage defect in lateral and medial patellar facet and medial femoral condyle showed
early improvement which was maintained at 3 yrs follow-up. ACI provided satisfactory outcome in focal cartilage
defects involving the femoral condyle.
Chondrocytes
5.EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATTERN OF BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY IN NORTHERN MALAYSIA
Choo PT ; Hasan SR ; Lim WK ; Abdul Rahim Z ; Shuib S ; Anoar AF ; Hassan MS ; Chopra S
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2019;13(Supplement A):15-
6.Current prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection and associated risk factors in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeastern Thailand
Chuangchaiya, S. ; Navanesan, S. ; Jaichuang, S. ; Rahim, M.A.F.A. ; Idris, Z.M.
Tropical Biomedicine 2020;37(No.4):986-999
Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a major public health
concern in Thailand. Despite many decades of national campaigns in place to reduce and
control opisthorchiasis in Thailand, the infections remain to exist particularly in the northern
and northeastern parts of the country. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of
O. viverrini infection in rural communities in northeast Thailand. A cross-sectional survey
was conducted between February and October 2018 in three districts (Na Kae, That Phanom
and Wang Yang) in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Demographic data were collected
using a standardised questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed using the
Kato-Katz technique to determine the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasites.
In total, 564 individuals were enrolled. The overall intestinal helminth infections were 15.2%
(95% CI: 12.4–18.5). Species distribution included a majority of O. viverrini mono-infections
(12.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (1.4%) and Taenia spp. (0.4%). The prevalence
of O. viverrini was significantly higher in Wang Yang district (P = 0.022), in males (P = 0.004)
and those previously positive with helminth infections (P<0.001) and received treatment of
anti-helminths (P<0.001), than in their counterparts. Multivariate regression analysis revealed
that being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, P = 0.035) and those who previously tested
positive for helminth infections (aOR 8.69, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a
higher odd of O. viverrini infections, but lower in those who had previous stool examination
(aOR 0.22, P = 0.001). This study demonstrated that the updated prevalence of O. viverrini
infection is still high in rural communities in northeast Thailand. The data of this study will be
useful to guide and improve strategies for future O. viverrini and other helminths prevention
and control in this region.
7.Clinical and Radiological Study of Serum Fluoride in Relation to Knee Osteoarthritis
Singh VK ; Rathore KS ; Khan G ; Rahim A ; Rashid A ; Chauhan S
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2020;14(No.3):151-154
Introduction: Fluorosis has been associated with an
increased risk of degenerative changes in the knee. Multiple
studies have found an association between arthritis and
elevated fluoride levels. We aim to delineate if elevated
fluoride level has any direct correlation with the degree of
radiological grading and clinical symptoms in knee arthritis.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 80 knee
arthritis patients was conducted from February 2017 to April
2018. Serum fluoride levels were measured and patient’s
pain scores, WOMAC scores and radiological grading were
correlated with the elevated fluoride levels.
Results: In our study, 30 out of 80 patients had increased
serum fluoride level. Statistically significant differences
were noted in VAS score, WOMAC score and Kellgren and
Lawrence radiological grades between patients with normal
serum fluoride level and those with elevated fluoride level.
Conclusion: There is an increased risk of knee arthritis in
patients with elevated blood fluoride levels and patients with
increased fluoride levels are associated with more severe
symptoms and radiographic disease.
8.Juvenile hormone: Production, regulation, current application in vector control and its future applications
Nur Aliah, N.A. ; Ab-Rahim, S. ; Moore, H.E. ; Heo, C.C.
Tropical Biomedicine 2021;38(No.3):254-264
Juvenile hormone is an exclusive hormone found in insects which involves regulating various insect physiology. A total of eight juvenile hormones have been identified in insects which include JH 0, JH I, JH II, JH III, 4-methyl JH I (Iso- JH 0), JHB III, JHSB III, and MF. Corpora allata are the glands responsible for the production and synthesis of these hormones. They are involved in moulting, reproduction, polyethism, and behavioural regulations in different orders of insects. Factors such as diet temperatures, photoperiods, and plant compounds affect the biosynthesis and regulation of juvenile hormones. Juvenile hormones analogue is usually used to disrupt normal regulation of JH and this analogue is categorized as insect-growth regulators (IGRs) and is widely used in pest control as an alternative to chemical insecticides. Other applications of biosynthesis activities of this hormone have not been explored in the area of JHs. In this review, current applications of JHs with an addition of their future application will be discussed.
9.Dose-and Time-Dependent Suppression of Rac1 and STIM1 in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Cell Line Model
Eman S. Algariri ; Rabiatul Basria S.M.N. Mydin ; Emmanuel Jairaj Moses ; Simon Imakwu Okekpa ; Nur Arzuar Abdul Rahim ; Narazah Mohd Yusoff
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.3, September):238-242
Introduction: Rac1 and STIM1 genes are emerging therapeutic targets for cancers. However, their roles in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are not well understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of dose and time on Rac1 and STIM1 knockdown in the AML cell line model (THP-1 cells). Methods: THP-1 cells were transfected with siRac1 at doses of 50, 100, and 200 nM or dsiSTIM1 at doses of 2, 5, and 10 nM. Expression level of Rac1 and STIM1 then were assessed at time points between 12 and 72 h post-transfection using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared to the control, 87% Rac1 knockdown was attained with 50 nM siRac1 at 24 h post-transfection, and 70% STIM1 knockdown was achieved with 10 nM dsiSTIM1 at 48 h post-transfection. Conclusion: These results show that effective knockdown of Rac1 and STIM1 is possible, and therapy that includes Rac1 and STIM1 inhibitors eventually could provide a new and highly effective strategy for AML treatment.
10.Detection of human Sarcocystosis using dried blood on filter papers: An Immunofluorescent Antibody Test
Sharudin, P.S. ; Rahimi, R. ; Latif, B. ; Kutty, M.K ; Muslim, A. ; Abdul Rahim, A.S. ; Abdul Aziz, M ; Mahfudz, A.S. ; Lim, Y.A.L ; Heo, C.C. ; Md Noor, S. ; Hiu, J ; Hussaini, J.
Tropical Biomedicine 2019;36(2):453-458
Sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection caused by a protozoa belonging to the genus
Sarcocystis, is found worldwide in both and animals. Sarcocystis spp., require two animal
hosts to complete their life cycle. The infection has gathered more global attention after
recent outbreaks, especially amongst wester travellers to Malaysia. Other than sporadic
cases and the current outbreaks, little information is available regarding human Sarcocystis
infection in Malaysia. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcocystosis
among humans using an immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test applied to dried blood on
filter papers. A total of 200 blood samples were collected on filter papers from autopsy cases
at two Malaysian hospitals: Sungai Buloh Hospital (peninsular Malaysia) and Queen Elizabeth
Hospital (Malaysian Borneo). Antigens were prepared from bradyzoites harvested from positive
goats’ muscle samples. Of the 200 samples, 32 (16%) had Sarcocystis antibodies that showed
positive fluorescence reactions on filter papers. There was no significant difference (t-test,
p value > 0.05) in prevalence rates between samples collected from autopsies at peninsular
Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. The results demonstrated that the filter paper technique can
be used as one of the alternative serological tests in the diagnostic of human sarcocystosis.