exudates and Inflammation

This review article stresses the effective role of dietary fish fillet docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on overweight as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) via platelet phospholipid modification. Several reports have demonstrated that saturated fat in overweight evokes systemic inflammation and more importantly predisposes it to cardiovascular disorder. Prospective studies have shown that saturated fat is directly proportional to the level of arachidonic acids (AA), precursor of thromboxane in the platelet phospholipid membrane as omega-6 fatty acid in overweight and obese people. Some literature has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid from fish fillet ameliorates inflammation, reduces proinflammatory cytokine, inhibits signaling pathway, and regulates the physical composition of inflammatory leukocytes and free radicals (ROS). Yellow stripe scad (YSS) is a local Malaysian fish that has been shown to contain a comparable level of EPA/DHA content as observed in salmon. This review article will focus on the dietary role of fish fillet that will balance the omega-6 fatty acid/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in platelet phospholipid from YSS to manage and prevent healthy overweight/obesity-related risk factor of CVD and to avoid the risk orthodox drug treatment.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Female; Fish Oils; Fishes; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Phospholipids; Prospective Studies; Species Specificity

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Child; Humans; Inflammation; Iron Deficiencies; Malaysia; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Pediatric Obesity; Prevalence; Schools; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency

Sarcopenia is an emerging public health problem worldwide, but very limited information exits concerning the influence of lifestyle factors and inflammation on sarcopenia among community-dwelling older populations in Asia, including Malaysia. A total of 230 apparently healthy community-dwelling middle-aged and older Chinese adults were included in the study. Validated questionnaires were used to assess dietary and lifestyle practices, while pro-inflammatory cytokine status was assessed by blood interleukin-6 concentrations (IL-6). Sarcopenia risk was assessed by the newly revised diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12.5% with similar proportions of males and females. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age and higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of IL-6 were significantly associated with a greater risk of sarcopenia, after adjustments for potential known biological and body composition factors. The present findings indicate that older adults aged 70 years and above with higher inflammation levels had a significantly increased risk of sarcopenia. Hence, effective dietary and lifestyle intervention strategies should emphasize reducing the inflammation associated with aging to prevent the rapid loss of muscle mass and strength that can lead to sarcopenia.

Topics: Aged; Cytokines; East Asian People; Female; Humans; Independent Living; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Malaysia; Male; Sarcopenia

Crohn's disease (CD) is one of the sub-entities of Inflammatory Bowel Disease which causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The development of CD has shown to have a strong genetic association. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in a susceptible locus of CD, the protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene and the development of CD in Malaysian patients. A total of 137 CD patients and 274 matched healthy controls were recruited in the present study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the venous blood of participants and five targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTPN2 gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction. Associations between the SNPs and CD were determined using Fisher's exact test and odds ratio. Findings showed that all five selected SNPs were not significantly associated with the development of CD in Malaysian patients, which was in contrast to studies among the European populations. Malaysian Chinese with rs487273 heterozygous G/T genotype was found to have a lower occurrence of CD (P-value = 0.0253; OR = 0.4396). Patients with rs2542152 homozygous T genotype were associated with stricturing behaviour (P-value = 0.0302, OR = 2.9944). The rs16939895 A/G genotype was associated with inflammation at the ileum site (P-value = 0.0387, OR = 2.2105)while homozygous G genotype was associated with colonic CD (P-value = 0.0164, OR = 2.3917). Functional studies of these SNPs are needed to evaluate their potential use as a biomarker for disease phenotypes among Asian patients.

Topics: Crohn Disease; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotype; Humans; Inflammation; Malaysia; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 2

COPD is a heterogeneous disease demonstrating inter-individual variation. A high COPD prevalence in Chinese populations is described, but little is known about disease clusters and prognostic outcomes in the Chinese population across Southeast Asia. We aim to determine if clusters of Chinese patients with COPD exist and their association with systemic inflammation and clinical outcomes.. We aim to determine if clusters of Chinese patients with COPD exist and their association with clinical outcomes and inflammation.. Chinese patients with stable COPD were prospectively recruited into two cohorts (derivation and validation) from six hospitals across three Southeast Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong; n = 1,480). Each patient was followed more than 2 years. Clinical data (including co-morbidities) were employed in unsupervised hierarchical clustering (followed by validation) to determine the existence of patient clusters and their prognostic outcome. Accompanying systemic cytokine assessments were performed in a subset (n = 336) of patients with COPD to determine if inflammatory patterns and associated networks characterized the derived clusters.. Five patient clusters were identified including: (1) ex-TB, (2) diabetic, (3) low comorbidity: low-risk, (4) low comorbidity: high-risk, and (5) cardiovascular. The cardiovascular and ex-TB clusters demonstrate highest mortality (independent of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease assessment) and illustrate diverse cytokine patterns with complex inflammatory networks.. We describe clusters of Chinese patients with COPD, two of which represent high-risk clusters. The cardiovascular and ex-TB patient clusters exhibit high mortality, significant inflammation, and complex cytokine networks. Clinical and inflammatory risk stratification of Chinese patients with COPD should be considered for targeted intervention to improve disease outcomes.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asian People; Cluster Analysis; Cohort Studies; Cytokines; Female; Hong Kong; Humans; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Singapore

Phyllanthus amarus has been shown to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peripheral inflammation but similar studies in the central nervous system are scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of 80% ethanol extract of P. amarus (EPA) in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells.. BV2 microglial cells c for 24 h, pre-treated with EPA for 24 h prior to LPS induction for another 24 h. Surface expression of CD11b and CD40 on BV2 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. ELISA was employed to measure the production of pro-inflammatory mediators i.e. nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Western blotting technique was used to determine the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MYD88), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), caspase-1, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK).. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the EPA using a validated ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method indicated the presence of phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, niranthin, ellagic acid, corilagin, gallic acid, phyltetralin, isolintetralin and geraniin. EPA suppressed the production of NO and TNFα in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, EPA attenuated the expression of MyD88, NF-κB and MAPK (p-P38, p-JNK and p-ERK1/2). It also inhibited the expression of CD11b and CD40. EPA protected against LPS-induced microglial activation via MyD88 and NF-κB signaling in BV2 microglial cells.. EPA demonstrated neuroprotective effects against LPS-induced microglial cells activation through the inhibition of TNFα secretion, iNOS protein expression and subsequent NO production, inhibition of NF-κB and MAPKs mediated by adapter protein MyD88 and inhibition of microglial activation markers CD11b and CD40.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Inflammation; Lipopolysaccharides; Malaysia; Mice; Microglia; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; Neuroprotective Agents; NF-kappa B; Nitric Oxide; Phyllanthus; Plant Extracts

Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to various dietary regimens that cycle between a period of non-fasting and a period of total fasting. This study aimed to determine the effects of IF on cognitive function among elderly individuals who practice IF who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 99 elderly subjects with MCI of Malay ethnicity without any terminal illness were recruited from a larger cohort study, LRGS TUA. The subjects were divided into three groups, comprising those who were regularly practicing IF (r-IF), irregularly practicing IF (i-IF), and non-fasters (n-IF). Upon 36 months of follow-up, more MCI subjects in the r-IF group reverted to successful aging with no cognitive impairment and diseases (24.3%) compared to those in i-IF (14.2%) and n-IF groups (3.7%). The r-IF group's subjects exhibited significant increment in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduction in body weight, levels of insulin, fasting blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and DNA damage. Moreover, metabolomics analysis showed that IF may modulate cognitive function via various metabolite pathways, including the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, butanoate metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. Overall, the MCI-afflicted older adults who practiced IF regularly had better cognitive scores and reverted to better cognitive function at 36 months follow-up.

Topics: Aged; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cohort Studies; DNA Damage; Fasting; Feeding Behavior; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Metabolomics; Oxidative Stress

Apart from inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, other key components in the development of atherogenesis include prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress. The effects of long-term confinement and isolation, exposure to radiation and different gravity forces during space travel could potentially increase the long-term risk of atherosclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study determining the status of prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress in six cosmonauts subjected to the longest duration of confined isolation period of 520 days in preparation for prospective undetermined manned space travel to Mars.. This collaborative research between the National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia and Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP), Russia was conducted at the Russian Academy of Sciences IBMP, Moscow, Russia. Six multi-national cosmonauts were assigned to live in a ground-based confined module for 520 days. Standard exercise and diet regime were instituted throughout the isolation phase. Six age, ethnic and gender-matched healthy, free-living ground controls were recruited in parallel. Serial serum and whole blood were analysed for biomarkers of prothrombogenesis [plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and homocysteine] and oxidative stress [oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA)].. There were significantly lower concentrations of PAI-1 and homocysteine in cosmonauts during confinement compared to the controls. There were no significant differences seen in the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress during confinement but there was a significant percentage change increment for serum MDA in cosmonauts.. Long-term confinement decreased the risk of prothrombogenesis and this could be attributed to the exercise and diet regime which includes omega-3 fatty acids supplementation given to the crew members during their confinement period. However, oxidative damage could not be excluded and may be attributed to the influence of psychological stress during this prolonged confinement.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Confined Spaces; Expeditions; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Prospective Studies; Space Flight

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Child; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Prevalence; Risk Factors

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in Malaysian dialysis patients and there is a need for a valid screening tool for early identification and management. This cross-sectional study aims to examine the sensitivity of the Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS) and Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS) tools in predicting protein-energy wasting (PEW) among Malaysian dialysis patients.. A total of 155 haemodialysis (HD) and 90 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were screened for risk of malnutrition using DMS and MIS and comparisons were made with established guidelines by International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) for PEW.. MIS cut-off score of >=5 indicated presence of malnutrition in all patients. A total of 59% of HD and 83% of PD patients had PEW by ISRNM criteria. Based on DMS, 73% of HD and 71% of PD patients exhibited moderate malnutrition, whilst using MIS, 88% and 90%, respectively were malnourished. DMS and MIS correlated significantly in HD (r2=0.552, p<0.001) and PD (r2=0.466, p<0.001) patients. DMS and MIS had higher sensitivity values in PD (81% and 82%, respectively) compared to HD (59% and 60%, respectively) patients.. The MIS cut-off scores for malnutrition classification were established (score >=5) for use amongst Malaysian dialysis patients. Both DMS and MIS are valid tools to be used for nutrition screening of dialysis patients especially those undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The DMS may be a more practical and simpler tool to be utilized in the Malaysian dialysis settings as it does not require laboratory markers.. 背景与目的：在马来西亚透析患者中，营养不良的发生率很高，需要一种能够 早期识别和管理患者的有效的筛查工具。本横断面研究目的是在马来西亚透析 患者中探讨透析营养不良评分工具（DMS）和营养不良炎症评分工具（MIS） 预测蛋白质能量消耗（PEW）的敏感度。方法与研究设计：用DMS 和MIS 筛 查155 名血液透析（HD）和90 名腹膜透析（PD）患者营养不良的风险，并与 国际肾脏营养与代谢协会（ISRNM）已经制定的PEW 指南进行比较。结果： MIS 截点得分>=5 表示所有的患者存在营养不良。根据ISRNM 标准，59%的HD 和83%的PD 患者有PEW。基于DMS，73%的HD 和71%的PD 患者存在中度 营养不良，而使用MIS，分别有88%和90%的患者为营养不良。在HD（R2 =0.552，p<0.001）和PD（R2=0.466，p<0.001）患者中，DMS 和MIS 显著相 关。与HD 患者相比（分别为59%和60%），PD 患者对DMS 和MIS 有较高的 灵敏度值（分别为81%和82%）。结论：在马来西亚透析患者中，确定了MIS 区分营养不良的截点值（得分>=5）。对于透析患者，尤其是接受腹膜透析的患 者，DMS 和MIS 是有效的营养筛查工具。DMS 可能是用在马来西亚透析装置 中更实用更简单的工具，因为它不需要实验室指标。.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anthropometry; Body Mass Index; Diet; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Iron; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Dialysis; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Renal Dialysis; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Serum Albumin; Wasting Syndrome

The haptoglobin 2-2 genotype is associated with atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We examined the associations of the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype with C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and carotid artery intima-media thickness, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking status, body mass index, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and medications via logistic multivariate regression in 200 subjects (160 type 2 diabetes mellitus versus 40 healthy individuals). The prevalence of the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype was 58% (115/200), higher in the Indians than in Chinese (72% versus 45%, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype was associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [mean: 3.5 ± 3.9 versus 2.2 ± 2.6 mg/L (non-haptoglobin 2-2), p < 0.001], haptoglobin concentration [mean: 116.9 ± 54.4.0 versus 147.2 ± 54.5 mg/dL (non-haptoglobin 2-2), p < 0.001] and average carotid artery intima-media thickness (multiplied by 10) [6.15 ± 1.22 versus 5.98 ± 1.20 mm (non-haptoglobin 2-2), p = 0.013]. This pilot study shows an association of the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype with low-grade inflammation, haptoglobin concentration and carotid artery intima-media thickness in multi-ethnic Singapore.

Topics: Adult; Asian People; C-Reactive Protein; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Case-Control Studies; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gene Frequency; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Haptoglobins; Humans; India; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Phenotype; Pilot Projects; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Singapore; White People

Topics: Animals; Humans; Hydrolases; Inflammation; Malaysia; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Neoplasms; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Proteolysis; Systems Biology

Inflammation, endothelial activation and oxidative stress have been established as key events in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) is protective against atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, but its association with inflammation, endothelial activation and oxidative stress is not well established.. (1) To compare the concentrations of biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial activation and oxidative stress in subjects with low HDL-c compared to normal HDL-c; (2) To examine the association and correlation between HDL-c and these biomarkers and (3) To determine whether HDL-c is an independent predictor of these biomarkers.. 422 subjects (mean age±SD = 43.2±11.9 years) of whom 207 had low HDL-c concentrations (HDL-c <1.0 mmol/L and <1.3 mmol/L for males and females respectively) and 215 normal controls (HDL-c ≥1.0 and ≥1.3 mmol/L for males and females respectively) were recruited in this study. The groups were matched for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Fasting blood samples were collected for analysis of biomarkers of inflammation [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6)], endothelial activation [soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and E-selectin)] and oxidative stress [F2-Isoprostanes, oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and Malondialdehyde (MDA)].. Subjects with low HDL-c had greater concentrations of inflammation, endothelial activation and oxidative stress biomarkers compared to controls. There were negative correlations between HDL-c concentration and biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6, p = 0.02), endothelial activation (sVCAM-1 and E-selectin, p = 0.029 and 0.002, respectively), and oxidative stress (MDA and F2-isoprostane, p = 0.036 and <0.0001, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed HDL-c as an independent predictor of IL-6 (p = 0.02) and sVCAM-1 (p<0.03) after correcting for various confounding factors.. Low serum HDL-c concentration is strongly correlated with enhanced status of inflammation, endothelial activation and oxidative stress. It is also an independent predictor for enhanced inflammation and endothelial activation, which are pivotal in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related complications.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Cholesterol, LDL; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Young Adult

Amauroderma rugosum, commonly known as "Jiǎzī" in China, is a wild mushroom traditionally used by the Chinese to reduce inflammation, to treat diuretic and upset stomach, and to prevent cancer. It is also used by the indigenous communities in Malaysia to prevent epileptic episodes and incessant crying by babies. The aim of this study was to compare the wild and domesticated basidiocarps of A. rugosum for antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The wild basidiocarps of A. rugosum were collected from the Belum Forest, Perak, Malaysia and the domesticated basidiocarps of A. rugosum were cultivated in the mushroom house located in the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Both the wild and domesticated basidiocarps were subjected to ethanolic extraction and the extracts were tested for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the crude ethanolic extract of wild (WB) and domesticated (DB) basidiocarps of A. rugosum had comparable total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity. However, WB (EC50 = 222.90 μg/mL) displayed a better ABTS cation radical scavenging activity than DB (EC50 = 469.60 μg/mL). Both WB and DB were able to scavenge nitric oxide (NO) radical and suppress the NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and this effect was mediated through the down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene. In addition, both WB and DB caused down-regulation of the inflammatory gene TNF-α and the up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory gene IL-10. There was no inhibitory effect of WB and DB on nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In conclusion, the wild and domesticated basidiocarps of A. rugosum possessed antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. WB and DB inhibited downstream inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and NO) and induced anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production. No inhibitory effects shown on upstream nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. WB and DB exhibited antioxidant activity and attenuation of proinflammatory mediators and therefore, A. rugosum may serve as a potential therapeutic agent in the management of inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Blotting, Western; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Fruiting Bodies, Fungal; Gene Expression Regulation; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-10; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages; Malaysia; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Plant Extracts; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Diabetes in Asia constitutes approximately half of the global burden. Although insulin resistance and incidence of type 2 diabetes differ substantially between ethnic groups within Asia, the reasons for these differences are poorly understood. We evaluated to what extent body fatness, adiponectin levels and inflammation mediate the relationship between ethnicity and insulin resistance in an Asian setting.. Cross-sectional population-based study.. In total, 4136 adult Chinese, Malays and Asian Indians residing in Singapore.. Insulin resistance was assessed using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and systemic inflammation by C-reactive protein (CRP). Data were analyzed using path analysis.. HOMA-IR was highest in Asian Indians, intermediate in Malays and lowest in Chinese (P<0.001). The difference in HOMA-IR between Malays and Chinese disappeared after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). For the comparison of Asian Indians with Chinese, the association between ethnicity and HOMA-IR was mediated by BMI (men: 32.9%; women: 48.5%), BMI-adjusted waist circumference (men: 6.1%; women: 3.5%), and CRP (men: 5.1%; women: 5.6%), and unidentified factors (men: 47.2%; women: 26.5%). Part of the mediating effects of body fatness was indirect through effects of body fatness on CRP and adiponectin concentrations.. Mediators of ethnic differences in insulin resistance differed markedly depending on the ethnic groups compared. General adiposity explained the difference in insulin resistance between Chinese and Malays, whereas abdominal fat distribution, inflammation and unexplained factors contributed to excess insulin resistance in Asian Indians as compared with Chinese and Malays. These findings suggest that interventions targeting excess weight gain can reduce ethnic disparities in insulin resistance among Asian Indians, Chinese and Malays.

Topics: Adiponectin; Asian People; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Homeostasis; Humans; India; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Singapore; Waist Circumference; Weight Gain; White People

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can present with severe manifestations that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. CMV infections in immunocompetent patients are usually transient and do not exhibit many symptoms. However, in some patients, the manifestations can be severe. We report CMV colitis in two immunocompetent patients; one in a young man who was critically ill with septicaemia and significant non-bloody diarrhoea that responded to specific CMV treatment, and another in an elderly woman who presented with nonspecific abdominal pain and fever that resolved without specific CMV treatment.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Biopsy; Colitis; Colon; Critical Care; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Diarrhea; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Sepsis

We investigated the effects of honey and its methanol and ethyl acetate extracts on inflammation in animal models. Rats' paws were induced with carrageenan in the non-immune inflammatory and nociceptive model, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the immune inflammatory model. Honey and its extracts were able to inhibit edema and pain in inflammatory tissues as well as showing potent inhibitory activities against NO and PGE(2) in both models. The decrease in edema and pain correlates with the inhibition of NO and PGE(2). Phenolic compounds have been implicated in the inhibitory activities. Honey is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Topics: Animals; Dinoprostone; Honey; Inflammation; Malaysia; Male; Nitric Oxide; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Topics: Adult; Blindness; Conjunctiva; Cornea; Eye Manifestations; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Inflammation; Injections; Leprosy; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Racial Groups; Rifampin; Sclera; Sex Factors; Sulfones; Uvea