191 research outputs found
Toxic compounds in honey
No full textThere is a wealth of information about the nutritional and medicinal properties of honey. However, honey may contain compounds that may lead to toxicity. A compound not naturally present in honey, named 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), may be formed during the heating or preservation processes of honey. HMF has gained much interest, as it is commonly detected in honey samples, especially samples that have been stored for a long time. HMF is a compound that may be mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic. It has also been reported that honey can be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. Honey produced from the nectar of Rhododendron ponticum contains alkaloids that can be poisonous to humans, while honey collected from Andromeda flowers contains grayanotoxins, which can cause paralysis of limbs in humans and eventually leads to death. In addition, Melicope ternata and Coriaria arborea from New Zealand produce toxic honey that can be fatal. There are reports that honey is not safe to be consumed when it is collected from Datura plants (from Mexico and Hungary), belladonna flowers and Hyoscamus niger plants (from Hungary), Serjania lethalis (from Brazil), Gelsemium sempervirens (from the American Southwest), Kalmia latifolia, Tripetalia paniculata and Ledum palustre. Although the symptoms of poisoning due to honey consumption may differ depending on the source of toxins, most common symptoms generally include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, headache, palpitations or even death. It has been suggested that honey should not be considered a completely safe food. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Algerian Honey
No full textThe aim of the present study was to characterize the physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of Algerian honey samples (n = 4). Physical parameters, such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), color intensity, total sugar and sucrose content were measured. Several biochemical and antioxidant tests were performed to determine the antioxidant properties of the honey samples. The mean pH was 3.84 ± 0.01, and moisture the content was 13.21 ± 0.16%. The mean EC was 0.636 ± 0.001, and the mean TDS was 316.92 ± 0.92. The mean color was 120.58 ± 0.64 mm Pfund, and the mean 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content was 21.49 mg/kg. The mean total sugar and reducing sugar contents were 67.03 ± 0.68 g/mL and 64.72 ± 0.52 g/g, respectively. The mean sucrose content was 2.29 ± 0.65%. High mean values of phenolic (459.83 ± 1.92 mg gallic acid/kg), flavonoid (54.23 ± 0.62 mg catechin/kg), ascorbic acid (159.70 ± 0.78 mg/kg), AEAC (278.15 ± 4.34 mg/kg), protein (3381.83 ± 6.19 mg/kg) and proline (2131.47 ± 0.90) contents, as well as DPPH (39.57% ± 4.18) and FRAP activities [337.77 ± 1.01 µM Fe (II)/100 g], were also detected, indicating that Algerian honey has a high antioxidant potential. Strong positive correlations were found between flavonoid, proline and ascorbic acid contents and color intensity with DPPH and FRAP values. Thus, the present study revealed that Algerian honey is a good source of antioxidants
A 15-year single centre retrospective study of antiphospholipid syndrome patients from Northern Malaysia
No full text78.6%) followed by recurrent venous thrombosis (10/1758.8%). For other clinical features, menorrhagia was the most frequently observed manifestation (4/1428.6%) followed by aPLs-associated thrombocytopenia (4/1723.5%) and ovarian cyst (3/1
MicroRNA (miRNA): A New Dimension in the Pathogenesis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
No full textMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, endogenous RNA molecules that play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression as well as cell development, differentiation, and function. Recent data suggest that these small molecules are responsible for the regulation of immune responses. Therefore, they may act as potent modulators of the immune system and play an important role in the development of several autoimmune diseases. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune systemic disease characterized by venous and/or arterial thromboses and/or recurrent fetal losses in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Several lines of evidence suggest that like other autoimmune disorders, miRNAs are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of APS, interacting with the function of innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we characterize miRNAs in the light of having a functional role in the immune system and autoimmune responses focusing on APS. In addition, we also discuss miRNAs as potential biomarkers and target molecules in treating APS
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Bangladeshi honeys stored for more than one year
No full textBackgroundThere is no available information on physicochemical and antioxidant properties on Bangladeshi honey. We investigated five different monofloral and three different multifloral honey samples collected from different parts of Bangladesh.MethodsThe levels of phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant content (AEAC), proline, protein and antioxidants were determined in the honey samples using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays.ResultsThe highest level of phenolic was 688.5 ± 5.9 mg Gallic acid/kg, and the highest level of flavonoid was 155 ± 6.9 mg Catechin/kg. The highest color intensity was 2034.00 ± 17.5 mAU, and the highest protein content was 8.6 ± 0.0mg/g. High levels of proline (2932.8 ± 3.7 mg/kg), ascorbic acid (154.3 ± 0.3 mg/kg), AEAC (34.1 ± 1.4mg/100 g) and FRAP (772.4 ± 2.5 μmol Fe (II)/100 g) were detected in some of the samples, especially the multifloral honey samples, indicating good antioxidant properties. A strong positive correlation was found between phenolics, flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP and color intensity, indicating that in addition to total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations, color intensity and amino acid are good indicators of the antioxidant potential of honey. Except for a single sample (BDH-6), the honey samples stored for 1.5 years at room temperature still had 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) values within the recommended range (mean = 10.93 mg/kg), indicating that the rate of HMF production in Bangladeshi honey samples is low.ConclusionIt is postulated that the low rate of HMF formation could be attributed to the acidic and low moisture content in the samples. In general, multifloral honeys have higher antioxidant properties based on their high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, AEAC, DPPH and FRAP when compared to monofloral honeys. We also found that monofloral honey samples from Guizotia abyssinica and Nigella sativa had high antioxidant properties
Antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome in cancer: Uninvited guests in troubled times
No full textAntiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are autoantibodies with laboratory significance in developing thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). High prevalence of aPLs namely - anticardiolipin, anti-β2-glycoprotein I, lupus anticoagulant, antiphosphatidylcholine, antiphosphatidylserine, antiphosphatidylinositol, antiphosphatidylethanolamine and antiprothrombin antibodies have been observed in patients with different types of haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Although cancer patients have high risk of developing thrombosis, the risk becomes even higher in aPLs carriers. Although the relationship between aPLs and cancer has to be further investigated, however, the presence of aPLs in neoplastic patients can possibly increase the risk of developing thrombosis. As the pathogenic role of aPLs in cancer is still a matter of debate, more researches should be conducted on the association between the aPLs and malignancies towards the potential impact on understanding the pathogenicity and treatment when cancer and APS coexists.</p
Efficient Microwave Imaging Algorithms with On-Body Sensors for Real-Time Biomedical Detection and Monitoring
No full textElucidation of clinical and laboratory features, comorbidity risks, treatment options and molecular pathophysiology of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients
Full text linkAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease
characterised by the presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) such
as lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI)
antibodies to phospholipid binding proteins. Although the disease has been in
existence for approximately 35 years, the diagnostic criteria, risk factors, pathogenesis,
genetic aspects, treatment strategies are poorly understood and have yet to be fully
developed. In this study, the clinical and laboratory features, genetic risk factors,
comorbidity risks, molecular pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategy of APS
patients are explored. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived
high-quality and integrity RNA extraction and purification method was optimised
(centrifugal speed: 14000 rpm + spin time: 75 seconds + DNase treatment + Ribolock
RNase inhibitor + RNA clean-up) which could be used to send APS patients’ RNA for
RNA-Seq. In quest of APS patients, two studies were conducted. Firstly, on a familial
primary APS cases from Sarawak, Malaysia, patients however became seronegative
following long warfarin therapy. Another one with APS subjects from Hospital
Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) were retrospectively investigated by exploring the
clinical, laboratory and treatment strategies. High occurrence of pregnancy morbidity,
as well as some unusual clinical features such as persistent dysfunction of liver and
kidneys; menorrhagia and ovarian cyst were observed. The use of medium-intensity
warfarin was successful in preventing thrombosis recurrence. Additionally, since theHUSM patients were unwilling to participate in this study, we were unable to send the
RNA samples for RNA-Seq to BGI. A systematic review with bioinformatic analyses
was conducted to identify the genetic risk factors in thrombotic APS subjects where
16 genes were significantly associated with thrombosis affecting mostly the blood
coagulation pathway and the immune system related to APS. Overall, three systematic
reviews and meta-analyses were conducted to determine the influence of aPLs in
patients with migraine, epilepsy and dementia without autoimmune disease as
compared to controls, where aPLs were significantly comorbid with the said
manifestations. Therefore, the neurologic features were early clinical manifestations
before the development of full-blown APS. A single Cochrane systematic review was
developed to explore the optimum treatment strategy for thrombotic APS subjects,
where, moderate-intensity warfarin was superior than high-intensity warfarin. Overall,
a comprehensive study exploring the clinical and laboratory features, genetic risk
factors, comorbidity risks, molecular pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategy
of APS patients was successfully established
Polyphenols:Potential future arsenals in the treatment of Diabetes
No full textDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorders. In addition to exercise and diet, oral anti-diabetic drugs have been used as a part of the management strategy worldwide. Unfortunately, none of the conventional anti-diabetic drugs are without side effects, and these drugs pose an economic bur- den. Therefore, the investigation of novel anti-diabetic regimens is a major challenge for researchers, in which nature has been the primary resource for the discovery of potential therapeutics. Many plants have been shown to act as anti-diabetic agents, in which the main active constituents are believed to be polyphenols. Natural products containing high polyphenol levels can control carbohydrate metabolism by various mechanisms, such as protecting and Md. Solayman restoring beta-cell integrity, enhancing insulin releasing activity, and increasing cellular glucose uptake. Blackberries, red grapes, apricots, eggplant and popular drinks such as coffee, cocoa and green tea are all rich in polyphenols, which may dampen insulin resistance and be natural alternatives in the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to report on the available anti-diabetic polyphenols (medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables), their mechanisms in the various pathways of DM and their correlations with DM. Additionally, this review emphasizes the types of polyphenols that could be potential future resources in the treatment of DM via either novel regimens or as supplementary agents.</p
Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Ketamine for Acute Pain Management in the Emergency Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Full text linkDue to overcrowding, personnel shortages, or problematic intravenous (IV) cannulation, acute pain management is often sub-optimal in emergency departments (EDs). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal (IN) ketamine for adult acute pain in the emergency setting. We searched and identified studies up to 21 May 2021 via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar. The random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to estimate mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs). The I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test were used to determine heterogeneity. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020213391). Seven randomised controlled trials were included with a total of 1760 patients. There was no significant difference in pain scores comparing IN ketamine with IV analgesics or placebo at 5 (MD 0.94, p = 0.26), 15 (MD 0.15, p = 0.74), 25 (MD 0.24, p = 0.62), 30 (MD −0.05, p = 0.87), and 60 (MD −0.42, p = 0.53) minutes. There was also no significant difference in the need for rescue analgesics between IN ketamine and IV analgesics (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 0.57−4.86, p = 0.35, I2 = 70%). Only mild adverse effects were observed in patients who received IN ketamine. Our results suggest that IN ketamine is non-inferior to IV analgesics and may have a role in acute pain management among adults in the ED
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