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- PublicationThe screening of alpinia purpurata ethanol extract for selective anticancer activity in vitro(2025-01)Cancer, including breast, cervical, and brain cancers, remains a major health challenge globally, requiring effective treatments. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Alpinia purpurata ethanol extract and tamoxifen on HeLa, MCF-7, DTBRG, and Vero cells using the MTT assay and qualitative phytochemical tests to evaluate their potential as anticancer agents. The results revealed that the A. purpurata ethanol extract exhibited significant cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 18.19±1.5 μg/mL for HeLa, 158.70±1.1 μg/mL for MCF-7, 68.47±1.7 μg/mL for DTBRG, and 3.31±2.5 μg/mL for Vero cells. Tamoxifen, a well-established anticancer drug, demonstrated stronger cytotoxic effects, with IC50 values of 0.13±0.5 μg/mL for HeLa and 1.61±0.7 μg/mL for MCF-7 cells. However, tamoxifen exhibited higher toxicity to normal cells. In conclusion, Alpinia purpurata ethanol extract shows promising anticancer activity with selective toxicity towards cancerous cells, suggesting its potential for development as a safer alternative to tamoxifen
- PublicationCytotoxicity study on the combination of cisplatin and gallic acid on cervical cancer cells (hela)(2025-01)Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide and remains a major health concern. Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, is often limited by severe side effects and the development of resistance. Combining cisplatin with natural compounds, such as gallic acid, may enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects of cisplatin combined with gallic acid on cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Serial dilution of cisplatin, starting from its IC50 was combined with a fixed concentration of gallic acid at its IC50. The combination effects were analyzed using CompuSyn software to assess potential synergy, additivity, or antagonism. The combination with the greatest synergistic effect was then chosen for wound healing assay, to examine the anti-migratory effects of the combination. The IC50 of cisplatin and gallic acid for HeLa cells were 25.12 μg/mL and 85.70 μg/mL, after 24 hours, which decreased to 1.786 μg/mL and 13.27 μg/mL at 48 hours. For WRL-68 cells, the IC50 values of cisplatin and gallic acid were 28.02 μg/mL and >100 μg/mL at 24 hours, decreasing to 8.842 μg/mL and 21.06 μg/mL at 48 hours. All combinations of cisplatin and gallic acid significantly inhibited HeLa cell proliferation with combination index values below 1, indicating a synergistic effect. Furthermore, the combination exhibited anti-migratory effects, showing the lowest percentage of wound closure compared to control and single treatment groups. These findings suggest that combining cisplatin with gallic acid holds potential as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance cervical cancer treatment outcomes
- PublicationInvestigation of exon 12 mutations in the janus kinase 2 (jak 2) gene among polycythemia vera patients from Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia(2025-01)Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by excessive red blood cell production. While JAK2 V617F mutations have been extensively studied, mutations in JAK2 exon 12 remain under-explored. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of JAK2 exon 12 mutations among PV patients at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM) and explore their associations with clinical and hematological parameters. A total of 86 PV patients were screened for JAK2 exon 12 mutations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Patients were categorized into groups based on the presence of JAK2 exon 12 mutations, JAK2 V617F mutations, both mutations, or neither. Clinical data, including age, gender, splenomegaly, and thrombosis, were obtained from medical records. Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were analyzed. Fifteen patients tested positive for JAK2 exon 12 mutations, revealing two mutation types such as insertion mutations and point mutations. Interestingly, co-occurrence of JAK2 V617F and exon 12 mutations was found in eight patients (9.32%), indicating the potential for complex genetic mechanisms. Patients with both JAK2 V617F and exon 12 mutations had the highest mean age and elevated platelet and WBC counts, indicating a more aggressive disease course. JAK2 V617F mutations were associated with higher rates of thrombosis and splenomegaly compared to exon 12-only mutations. Morphological analysis revealed hypercellularity in the bone marrow of JAK2 exon 12-positive patients, with significant erythroid and megakaryocytic proliferation. This study underscores the clinical significance of JAK2 exon 12 mutations, highlighting their distinct impact on disease progression and clinical features compared to JAK2 V617F mutations
- PublicationInsights into the interaction between statins and monocarboxylate transporter 1: a molecular docking approachl(2025-01)Statins are commonly prescribed in the management of cardiovascular diseases; however, they can lead to statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), which are often related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) is a proton-linked monocarboxylate transporter that facilitates the cellular uptake of statins, influencing their pharmacokinetics and potential effects on cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Although direct interactions between statins and MCT1 are not well-documented, emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction associated with statins may involve MCT1-mediated mechanisms, potentially through alterations in lactate transport and metabolic regulation.. This study explores the molecular interactions between statins and MCT1, focusing on their binding affinities and the subsequent effects on mitochondrial function and gene regulation. The 3D structure of MCT1 from Rattus norvegicus was modeled using the Swiss-Model database, based on similar sequences from Mus musculus. Molecular docking analyses, employing both blind and specific docking methods, indicated that atorvastatin lactone had the highest binding affinity to MCT1 (-8.7 kcal/mol and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively), followed by rosuvastatin lactone (-7.5 kcal/mol and -7.9 kcal/mol), simvastatin lactone (-7.7 kcal/mol for both), pravastatin lactone (-7.4 kcal/mol for both), and simvastatin acid (-5.7 kcal/mol and -6.0 kcal/mol). Of all statins analyzed, simvastatin acid does not have any hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues of MCT1 thus could explained its lowest binding affinity. It unlike other statins. Important binding residues, including LEU132, TYR70, and THR388, were identified as essential for ligand interactions. By identifying the key molecular interactions that contribute to SAMS, this study establishes a solid framework for early prediction of MCT1 involvement during the pathology process
- PublicationElucidating the role of dendritic cells and b cells in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model(2025-08)Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune dysregulation. Although psoriasis is a T cell-mediated disease, increasing evidence suggests the important roles of dendritic cells (DCs) and B cells in initiating, sustaining and regulating psoriatic inflammation. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the roles of DCs and B cells in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model through a time-based analysis of immune responses in the skin, spleen and blood. BALB/c mice were divided into control (n=6) and IMQ-induced (n=6) groups, with samples collected on day 3, day 5 and day 7. Psoriasis-like inflammation was induced via topical IMQ application, leading to increased skinfold thickness, modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and splenomegaly compared to controls. Histological analysis (hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining) revealed hallmark psoriasis features, including epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, immune cell infiltration and visible blood vessel observation, as well as increased immune cell density in the spleen. Notably, the white pulp of the spleen exhibited significant germinal centre (GC) enlargement, indicating heightened lymphoid activity. Flow cytometry was used to analyse DC and B cell dynamics across samples. The results demonstrated an increasing trend in CD11chi/+MHCII+ DC populations across all samples, accentuating their involvement in antigen presentation and immune activation. Concurrently, B220+CD38+ B cells increased in the spleen, while CD19+CD38+ B cells were significantly higher in the skin but decreased in the blood, suggesting distinct migration and activation dynamics. Subsequent gene expression analysis (RT-PCR) of CD11c, H2-Aa, BAFF, IL-10, IL-6 and CXCR5 revealed consistent upregulation in the IMQ-induced group, supporting a sustained inflammatory state driven by DC and B cell activation. ELISA-based cytokine analysis showed elevated serum levels of BAFF, IL-10 and IL-6 at each time point, further reinforcing their role in chronic inflammation and B cell activation. Overall, the increment of DC and B cell markers at both cellular and molecular levels, accompanied by elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, reflects a robust and evolving immune response. These findings affirm the successful establishment of the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse model and support the study objectives in elucidating the dynamic involvement of DCs and B cells during disease progression as well as offering a foundation for future therapeutic research
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- PublicationDesign of a retrofit inferarm cruthes(2008-04-01)The walking stick is a great aid when the person had an accident and his walking is impaired. It provides steadiness and stability, allowing the user to get around pretty well. By the way, for a person that unable to walk, the easiest way to help them to get around is using a wheelchair. It would help them hanging around easily with no burden to walk. But, wheelchair is not able to use in all aspect. For example, the user can't use the wheelchair to go up the staircase. Furthermore, if a person always sits on the wheelchair s without exercise, the bones of legs will get weaker. The main objective of this project is to design a crutch that can assist the disable or leg's injury person to climb up the staircase. It would help to prevent further damage or accidents when the user climbs up the staircase. Besides, the user is able to maintain proper posture, relieves damaging. stress, and reduces the overall chance of injury when climbing staircase. The project has completed with 3D solid modeling of the designed crutches with SolidWork 2007. Furthermore. COSMOS analysis was done on the critical parts of the designed crutches to make sure the factor of safety required was achieved.
- PublicationEvaluation of captopril and nefediplne in Treatment of hypertension secondary to Post streptococcal acute Glomerulonephritis - A randomized control trial.(2012)Post-streptococcal Acute Glomerulonephritis (PSAGN) is still common in Malaysia. Hypertension is one of its main complications which can lead to severe morbidity in children. Conventional method in treating hypertension in these patients was to use nifedipine to reduce the blood pressure. Recent study in the pathophysiology of the disease had shown apart from water and sodium retention, inappropriate production of angiotensin II could also contributes to the development of hypertension. Captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor can help to reduce the production of angiotensin II which can cause blood pressure reduction. To compare the effectiveness of captopril versus nifedipine in controlling blood pressure in children with PSAGN with hypertension. This was a double blinded randomized controlled trial, registered with ANZCTR (Trial No: ACTRN12611000778987) All children admitted to Wad 6 Selatan HUSM diagnosed clinically with PSAGN with hypertension during a one year study period are eligible for the study. Subjects were randomized either to receive nifedipine (control) or captopril (intervention). Outcomes measured are blood pressure changed in the first 4 hours and blood pressure changes until Day 3 of starting the medication, duration of days to achieve blood pressure control, total duration of admission and the need to use additional medication. Blood urea and serum creatinine levels are compared from before starting treatment and at Day 3 after starting treatment. Out of 40 patients who were recruited and randomized, only 19 from the nifedipine treatment group and 13 from the captopril treatment group completed the study. Both treatment groups had no difference in their baseline data. Nifedipine produces a more significant reduction in SBP and DBP compared to captopril in the first 4 hours of starting treatment (SBP p= 0.001, DBP — 0.016). There was no difference in reduction of SBP and DBP after 8 hours of treatment between the groups (SBP p=0.630, DBP p=0.497). There were no significant differences in the duration of blood pressure normalization (nifedipine: 2.7 days, captopril 2.9 days, p= 0.803) and duration of admission (nifedipine: 6.9 days, captopril: 5.4 days; p=0.183) and the need for additional medication to control the blood pressure (p=0.32) between the groups. Changes of blood urea and serum creatinine levels were not significant before and after treatment (Blood urea changes, /?= 0.564; serum creatinine changes, p- 0.236). Nifedipine produces more significant blood pressure reduction in SBP and DBP in the first 4 hours of starting treatment.
- PublicationDiet quality and predictor factors of body weight status among children with learning disabilities in Kelantan(2022-08)Evidence suggests that children with Learning Disabilities (LD) have unhealthy Body Weight Status (BWS) and poor dietary patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the diet quality and the predictors of Body Mass Index (BMI) of LD children. This study recruited LD children who attended the Special Education Integration Program from nine schools located in districts with high, moderate and low socio-economic status in Kelantan. Parents completed a Malay language self-administered questionnaire on demographic and socio-economic background, child’s feeding problems, food frequency questionnaire and comprehensive parental feeding practices. Height and weight of children were measured by researcher to determine BWS. Diet quality was assessed using The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the research hypothesis. A total of 259 children with LD aged 10.54±1.69 years (68.0% males, 32.0% females) participated in this study. Their average BMI was 18.38±4.79 kg/m2; males (18.79±4.76 kg/m2) had significantly higher BMI than females (17.52±4.77 kg/m2), p= 0.046. The prevalence of underweight, thin and severely thin were 11.9%, while 28.1% were overweight and obese. The diet quality average score was 48.15±9.23%, where 40.5% of the children were at risk of poor diet quality. The total daily energy intake was 1831.96±542.15 kcal with a mean carbohydrate intake (241.80±74.75g), protein intake (76.10±25.54g) and fat intake (63.42±21.33g), respectively. Majority of children had a higher score for the occurrence of rapid eating (2.00±1.32), food refusal (1.47±1.35), and food selectivity (1.26±1.13) during mealtimes in the past six months. Parental feeding practice including pressure to eat (Beta =-0.282), restriction of weight control (Beta =0.351) and modelling (Beta =-0.162), child age (Beta =0.222), and childbirth weight (Beta =0.137) were significantly related to BMI (R=0.561, R2=0.315; F(5,217) =19.972, p<0.001). The current findings suggested that early detection of nutrition issues in children with LD and regular positive feeding practice by parents during mealtime is essential to address the poor nutritional status of LD children.
- PublicationAir flow in an air conditioning car(2002-03-01)It is necessary for cars in Malaysia to have air-conditioning due to its environment and weather. Basically, this final year project covers the analysis of airconditioning in a model of general shape cabin of a car. For this computer assisted analysis, it involves computation of airflow in the cabin from different sources of airflow positions. The title of my project is “ Airflow In An Air-Conditioning Car”. The analysis was carried out in a standard basic shape of car cabin design which is available in Malaysia. Analysis was in three dimensional (3D) case.
- PublicationModelling and simulation of bio-oil production from palm oil biomass via fast pyrolysis using aspen plus(2021-07-01)The increase in energy consumption, limited fuel resources, massive dependency on fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emission has resulted in increased research development on renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is the best option for meeting the current energy demands and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. In this final year project, three palm oil biomass, namely empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), and palm kernel shell (PKS) were optimized to produce bio-oil via fast pyrolysis. Process modelling and simulation were carried out using ASPEN PLUS V10.0. The simulation includes pre-treatment, fast pyrolysis section, gas-solid separation, and bio-oil refining section. The model developed was successfully validated with the experimental data obtained from literature. Then, the effect of pyrolysis temperature and residence time during the fast pyrolysis of oil palm biomass were studied to maximize the yield of bio-oil product. Based on the results, the maximum bio-oil yields for EFB, MF, and PKS were 56.46 wt.%, 47.39 wt.%, and 44.03 wt.%, respectively, obtained at a temperature of 550 °C and residence time of 2 s. PKS achieved the highest biochar and gas yield of 49.77 wt.% and 37.21 wt.% at 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively due to its highlignin content. The obtained yields in this study are consistent with experimental results found in the literatures. Therefore, the model developed can be used to optimize fast pyrolysis process for different biomass sources without the need to perform complex experimental investigations. Such model will make an important contribution on the improvement and intensification of fast pyrolysis of biomass.