1.Hypercholesterolemia Successfully Treated With Two Different PCSK9Inhibitors in a Patient With Glycogen Storage Disease IXd: Phosphorylase Kinase Deficiency
Tiffany HUYNH ; Hien NGUYEN ; Michelle NGUYEN
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis 2026;15(1):183-192
Objective:
This case report describes a novel use of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in a patient whose glycogen storage disease (GSD) was unmasked by statin therapy. Evidence-based guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia in patients with concurrent neuromuscular disorders (NMD) remain limited.
Methods:
We report the case of a 46-year-old man with hyperlipidemia, treated with simvastatin, who presented with 2 days of thigh pain without weakness or dark urine. He was diagnosed with statin-associated muscle symptoms. On further interview, the patient recalled experiencing thigh muscle soreness decades earlier while in the military, at which time his creatine phosphokinase (CPK) ranged between 1,200 and 3,000 U/L. He admitted not disclosing this history or a prior muscle biopsy.
Results:
Muscle biopsy and electromyographyerve conduction velocity studies were followed by whole-exome sequencing, which demonstrated hemizygosity for c.2369+1 G>T, a pathogenic variant in the PHKA1 gene, consistent with GSD IXd. He was subsequently treated with 2 PCSK9 inhibitors (first evolocumab, then alirocumab). A comprehensive literature review identified only 2 previously reported cases of GSD treated with alirocumab.
Conclusion
Even if not volunteered, a history of muscle symptoms should be actively sought before initiating statins, with baseline CPK measurement if indicated. As statins are increasingly prescribed, additional cases of GSD may be unmasked, underscoring the need to define optimal therapy for hyperlipidemia in NMD, including GSD. We propose a specific role for PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with statin intolerance and GSD IXd, which has not been previously reported.
2.Anti-Inflammatory and Immunoregulatory Activities In Vitro of Coumarins Isolated from the Twigs and Leaves of Wikstroemia indica (L.) C.A. Mey.
Van Lieu NGUYEN ; Van Anh CAO ; Thi Thu NGUYEN ; Thi Hien TRAN ; Viet Dung HOANG ; Thi Ha DO
Natural Product Sciences 2025;31(4):284-290
Six coumarins were isolated from two bioactive fractions of the 70% ethanol extract from the twigsand leaves of Wikstroemia indica (L.) C.A. Mey. (Thymelaeaceae), namely the ethyl acetate fraction (WIE) and the water fraction (WIW). These compounds were identified as umbelliferone (1), daphnoretin (2), daphnorin (3), adicardin (4), wikstronutin (5), and triumbelletin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (6). Compound 4 is reported for the first time in the genus Wikstroemia, whereas compound 5 is newly identified in this species. All six compounds were evaluated for their effects on Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-10 secretion in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, among which compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 showed stronger activity. These four coumarin derivatives further suppressed the production of Foxp3, Interferon-alpha (IFN-α), IFN-γ, and IL-17 in LPSstimulated CD4+ T cells. The IC50 values ranged from 18.84 ± 1.16 to 43.45 ± 5.34 μM for Foxp3, 8.96 ± 1.45 to 22.42 ± 4.12 μM for IFN-α, 9.28 ± 1.23 to 16.83 ± 2.15 μM for IFN-γ, and 12.62 ± 2.57 to 22.92 ± 4.41 μM for IL-17. Notably, compound 6 exhibited the strongest immunomodulatory effect. Overall, the findings suggest that coumarins from W. indica possess promising immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential.
3.Alkaloids with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities from Crinum latifolium L.
Vu Thi TRANG ; Pham Van CONG ; Nguyen Van DAN ; Nguyen Thi Thu HIEN ; Do Thanh TUAN ; Le Tuan ANH ; Hoang Dac THANG ; Ngo Viet DUC ; Hoang Le Tuan ANH
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(4):304-308
A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).
4.Alkaloids with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities from Crinum latifolium L.
Vu Thi TRANG ; Pham Van CONG ; Nguyen Van DAN ; Nguyen Thi Thu HIEN ; Do Thanh TUAN ; Le Tuan ANH ; Hoang Dac THANG ; Ngo Viet DUC ; Hoang Le Tuan ANH
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(4):304-308
A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).
5.Effects of Coumarins from Roots of Paramignya scandens (Griff.) Craib on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 Cytokine Production in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Tra My NGUYEN ; Thi Ha DO ; Thi Thu NGUYEN ; Thi Diep VU ; Thi Hien TRAN ; Hoang Tuan NGUYEN ; Thi Phuong DOAN ; Won Keun OH ; Jeong Hill PARK
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(1):30-38
Based on our previous study, we evaluated the modulatory effects on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages of several medicinal herbs, including P. scandens. The results showed that P. scandens extract showed significant effects on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Therefore, in the current research, we focused on the P. scandens sample. Cytokine production effects bioassay-guided isolation of ethyl acetate fraction of 70% ethanol extract from roots of Paramignya scandens (XL) obtained seven coumarins (1–7). Their chemical structures were identified using spectroscopic methods (NMR and MS) and compared with those previously published data to be xanthyletin (1), luvangetin (2), clausenidin (3), nordentatin (4), dentatin (5), clausarin (6), and anisocoumarin E (7). This study represents the first report on the presence of compounds 3, 6, and 7 in the Paramignya genus and compounds 1 and 2 in XL. All isolates (1–7) exhibited significant inhibition of LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β production compared to the LPS 5 ng/mL control group, with IL-1β concentrations ranging from 42.77 to 69.76 pg/mL. Additionally, the IL-10 production induced by compounds 1‒7 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages ranged from 175.98 to 321.56 pg/mL, demonstrating a marked increase as compared to the LPS 5 ng/mL control group. The stimulatory effect on IL-10 production and inhibitory effect on IL-1β production of compounds 1, 2, and 6 gradually increased with the test concentration in both RAW 264.7 macrophages and LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 inhibited IL-1β production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC 50 values of 10.70 ± 1.18 µM, 8.57 ± 1.05 µM, and 17.43 ± 1.05 µM, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of all the compounds derived from P. scandens roots in inducing IL-1β and IL-10 cytokines activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results contributed to expanding the knowledge of the chemistry and bioactivities of P. scandens and provided valuable data for future investigations on this species.
6.Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review
Hai Quang PHAM ; Kiet Huy Tuan PHAM ; Giang Hai HA ; Tin Trung PHAM ; Hien Thi NGUYEN ; Trang Huyen Thi NGUYEN ; Jin-Kyoung OH
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2024;87(3):234-251
Globally, providing evidence on the economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is becoming essential as it assists the health authorities to efficiently allocate resources. This study aimed to summarize the literature on economic burden evidence for COPD from 1990 to 2019. This study examined the economic burden of COPD through a systematic review of studies from 1990 to 2019. A search was done in online databases, including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. After screening 12,734 studies, 43 articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified. General study information and data on direct, indirect, and intangible costs were extracted and converted to 2018 international dollars (Int$). Findings revealed that the total direct costs ranged from Int$ 52.08 (India) to Int$ 13,776.33 (Canada) across 16 studies, with drug costs rannging from Int$ 70.07 (Vietnam) to Int$ 8,706.9 (China) in 11 studies. Eight studies explored indirect costs, while one highlighted caregivers’ direct costs at approximately Int$ 1,207.8 (Greece). This study underscores the limited research on COPD caregivers’ economic burdens, particularly in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of increased research support, particularly in high-resource settings. This study provides information about the demographics and economic burden of COPD from 1990 to 2019. More strategies to reduce the frequency of hospital admissions and acute care services should be implemented to improve the quality of COPD patients’ lives and reduce the disease’s rising economic burden.
7.Alkaloids with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities from Crinum latifolium L.
Vu Thi TRANG ; Pham Van CONG ; Nguyen Van DAN ; Nguyen Thi Thu HIEN ; Do Thanh TUAN ; Le Tuan ANH ; Hoang Dac THANG ; Ngo Viet DUC ; Hoang Le Tuan ANH
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(4):304-308
A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).
8.Alkaloids with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities from Crinum latifolium L.
Vu Thi TRANG ; Pham Van CONG ; Nguyen Van DAN ; Nguyen Thi Thu HIEN ; Do Thanh TUAN ; Le Tuan ANH ; Hoang Dac THANG ; Ngo Viet DUC ; Hoang Le Tuan ANH
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(4):304-308
A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).
9.Symptoms, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Among Patients After COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study in Vietnam
Hai Nguyen THANH ; Duc Cap MINH ; Hien Hoang THU ; Duc Nguyen QUANG
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2024;57(2):128-137
Objectives:
This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale.
Results:
Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19).
Conclusions
The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.
10.Alkaloids with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities from Crinum latifolium L.
Vu Thi TRANG ; Pham Van CONG ; Nguyen Van DAN ; Nguyen Thi Thu HIEN ; Do Thanh TUAN ; Le Tuan ANH ; Hoang Dac THANG ; Ngo Viet DUC ; Hoang Le Tuan ANH
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(4):304-308
A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

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