1.Alphacalcidol Supplementation Improves AcetylcholineMediated Relaxation in Aorta of Diabetic Rats on Vitamin D-Deficient Diet
Jen Hou Low ; Suk Peng Tang ; Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool ; Mohd Zaini Asmawi ; Siti Safiah Mokhtar
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):250-256
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as one of the factors involved in endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of active vitamin D (alphacalcidol) supplementation
on aortic endothelial function in diabetic rats receiving vitamin D-deficient diet. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced
diabetic rats were fed with standard diet (D) or vitamin D-deficient diet (DD and DDS) for 10 weeks. Group DDS was
then supplemented with 0.2 μg/kg alphacalcidol at the last four weeks of the study duration. Non-diabetic rats were
fed with standard diet (N) or vitamin-D deficient diet (ND). At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed,
and their aortic rings were harvested for endothelial functional study. Results: Acetylcholine-induced relaxation in
aorta of diabetic rats (D and DD) were significantly lower compared to non-diabetic rats (N). In the presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase blocker (L-NAME), maximal relaxation induced by acetylcholine in aorta of D and DD
groups were significantly higher compared to N, ND and DDS groups, indicating involvement of non-nitric oxide
(NO) relaxation pathways in diabetes. Four weeks supplementation with alphacalcidol in DDS group significantly
improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation and reduced the reliance on non-NO relaxation pathways. Conclusion:
The present study suggests that impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation in aorta of diabetes and diabetes
with vitamin D-deficient diet was largely due to a decrease in NO related pathways, and this was compensated by
non-NO pathways. Supplementation with alphacalcidol alleviated endothelial impairment in aorta of diabetic rats
with vitamin D-deficient diet.
2.Modulation Agents of Wound Healing in Ocular Surgeries
Yaakub Azhany ; Mohd-Yusof Siti-Fairuz ; Azlina Ahmad ; Wan Nazirah Wan Yusuf ; Low Jen Hou ; Ahmad-Tajudin Liza-Sharmini ; Jemaima Che Hamzah
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.1):293-303
Wound healing is a complex process that includes haemostasis and inflammation, followed by a proliferation period and repair and finally remodelling. Ocular surgeries, particularly in glaucoma cases, aim at minimal fibrosis to preserve the function of trabeculectomy as an alternative pathway for aqueous drainage. Hence, it is important to find an agent to modulate the wound healing process. This review presents compilation of wound modulation agents that have been tested in vitro, in vivo, or clinically on patients undergoing ocular surgeries, particularly for glaucoma. We identified agents into four groups, mostly for glaucoma filtration operations: anti-metabolites, anti-growth factors, mechanical barriers and rho kinases. The effect of these agents is highlighted in this review. In conclusion,
despite recognized drawbacks of antimetabolites, they are still regarded as the gold standard and the most efficient treatment as anti-scarring agents use in ocular surgeries. More studies are needed to inquire agents that efficient yet has minimal adverse effects both in short and long term.
3.Urine Drugs of Abuse Testing at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia: A Review of Trends from 2009 – 2019
Aida Maziha Zainudin ; Nik Nor Izah Nik Ibrahim ; Low Jen Hou ; Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool ; Norzihana Ramli ; Halijah Miran ; Wan Nazirah Wan Yusuf
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.2):58-63
Introduction: Substance abuse is a major social and health bane worldwide, including Malaysia, inflicting extensive
morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to review the request and results of urine drugs of abuse testing conducted
at the Pharmacology Laboratory of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kelantan, Malaysia, over a
period of 11 years. Methods: Data for urine drugs of abuse testing requested and their results performed at the Pharmacology Laboratory between January 2009 and December 2019 was retrospectively extracted. Data on patient demographics, types of drugs requested, and types of drugs tested positive were analysed. Testing was performed using
the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique. Results: The absolute number and percentage of positive cases for
amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) drugs has steadily risen over the past decade making it the current drug of abuse of
most concern. Opiate abuse, although still seen, remained static. The peak age range for abusing drugs falls between
25–34 years with a male predominance; an alarming finding was of positive cases observed among neonates and
children below the age of 12. Majority of requests came from the Psychiatric and Emergency Departments. Conclusion: Over the past eleven years, ATS abuse has superseded opiate in being the most abused drug type, detected even
at young ages. Therefore, societal awareness and education on the dangers of ATS abuse, and intensive detection of
ATS use must be implemented.