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Osteocalcin (OCN), a protein predominantly produced by osteoblasts in bone, has emerged as a significant factor in bone metabolism and reproductive function. This article reviews the latest research on the role of OCN beyond its traditional functions in bone mineralisation, particularly its influence on testicular steroidogenesis and male fertility. The structure and modifications of OCN are elaborated upon, highlighting its uncarboxylated form (ucOCN), which is becoming increasingly recognised for its bioactive properties. The impact of OCN on bone quantity, quality and strength is summarised, emphasising its role as a regulator of bone metabolism. Furthermore, the influence of ucOCN on testicular steroidogenesis and the involvement of GPRC6A, a G protein-coupled receptor, in mediating these effects are also explored. Evidence suggests that ucOCN regulates testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis, which indirectly have the potential to influence bone metabolism integrity. In conclusion, OCN, particularly in its uncarboxylated form, plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and male fertility by regulating testicular steroidogenesis, with GPRC6A mediating these effects, thereby linking bone health and reproductive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oleuropein is a form of phenolic compound which can be majorly found in the olive leaves. Previous studies have shown several biological functions of oleuropein against different cancer cells. Aim and Objectives: This research was designed to study the pre-initiation effect of oleuropein on the early skin tumour development using a mouse model. Material and Methods: Female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice (n=6 per group) were divided into 2 groups (group 1 as a carcinogen control and group 2 as a vehicle control) and 1 treatment group (group 3: 10 mg/kg of oleuropein). Results: After 10 weeks, Group 3 showed delay in epidermal hyperplasia formation and a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the epidermal thickness as compared to Group 1. Data were also displayed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the apoptotic rate in Group 3 as compared to Group 1 and 2. For biochemical assays, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly (p<0.05) decreased whilst the levels of Glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were significantly (p<0.05) increased in Group 3 as compared to Group 1. Conclusion: Our results indicate that pre-initiation treatment of oleuropein may prevent skin tumour development through its antioxidant and apoptotic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress involved in various pathological conditions. Plants have been proven to act as a natural exogenous antioxidant. The aim of this research is to investigate the protective effects of Etlingera coccinea leaves aqueous extract on autoxidation-induced ox brain homogenate. The brain homogenate was divided into 7 groups: control group with PBS solution, positive control group with 100 µg/ml ascorbic acid, test group with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml of E. coccinea. The antioxidant potential of E. coccinea aqueous extract has been evaluated by antioxidant capacity assay such as Total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were also measured at 0 hr and 1 hr after 37°C water bath incubation to determine the antioxidant status and oxidative damage. TPC assay showed (4.85 ± 0.28) mg GAE/g of dry weight of E. coccinea leaves. Based on DPPH and FRAP assay, E. coccinea aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent antioxidant activity. MDA level in the 50 µg/ml E. coccinea was significantly lower compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The SOD activity was significantly increase in 400 µg/ml E. coccinea (p < 0.05) compared to other groups. E. coccinea at the dose of 25 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml showed significant increase in GSH level compared to other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 25 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml of E. coccinea leave aqueous extracts exhibited a potential protective effect on autoxidation-induced ox brain homogenate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indiscriminate application of organophosphate (OP) pesticides has led to environmental pollution and severe health problems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on biochemical and morphological changes of the liver in rats treated with fenitrothion (FNT), a type of OP pesticide. A total of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups; control group, TRF-supplemented group, FNT- treated group and TRF+FNT group. TRF (200 mg/kg) was supplemented 30 minutes prior to FNT (20 mg/kg) administration, both orally for 28 consecutive days. Following 28 days of treatment, plasma biochemical changes and liver morphology were evaluated. The body and absolute liver weights were significantly elevated in TRF+FNT group compared to FNT group. TRF administration significantly decreased the total protein level and restored the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in TRF + FNT group. In contrast, total bilirubin level, γ-glutamyltranferase (GGT) and cholinesterase activity in TRF + FNT group did not significantly differ from FNT group. Administration of TRF also prevented FNT-induced morphological changes of liver as observed by electron microscope. In conclusion, TRF supplementation showed potential protective effect towards biochemical and ultrastructural changes in liver induced by FNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with rising incidence in Malaysia. The phenotype of PCOS is based on patients' clinical and biochemical characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the phenotype classification and the main risk factor for PCOS in women attending infertility treatment at the Subfertility Clinic, National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among women undergoing infertility treatment at the Subfertility Clinic of NPFDB from January 2018 to December 2019. The women underwent physical examination, had their menstrual history recorded, and were diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria. Meanwhile, blood was taken for lipid, glucose and reproductive hormone analysis. Results: A total of 84 women who attended for infertility treatment were diagnosed with PCOS. The findings showed that the majority of PCOS women were diagnosed with PCOS phenotype D. PCOS women exhibited notable characteristics, including significantly increased body mass index (BMI), increased blood pressure, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovaries and hirsutism. Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were observed in PCOS women, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone levels were significantly diminished. Moreover, PCOS women manifested lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and increased 2-hour postprandial glucose levels compared to the control group. Interestingly, progesterone levels showed a statistically significant relationship with PCOS, whereby high progesterone levels decrease the risk of PCOS development (odds ratio [OR], 0.793; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.638-0.987, p<0.05). Conclusion: PCOS women who came for infertility treatment in Subfertility Clinic, NPFDB were predominantly phenotype D, had low progesterone levels and presented anovulation problems with polycystic ovaries, and these characteristics are risk factors for PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The combination of S. salivarius K12 and M. acuminata are being used as synbiotic, but its safety evaulation is required., Objective: This study aimed to determine the LD50 of synbiotic containing probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 and prebiotic Musa acuminata peel extract., Materials and Methods: The determination of LD50 is done according to the Acute Oral Toxicity test No. 425 (AOT425). For limit test, five female Sprague Dawley rats were given a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg of the synbiotic mixture once orally, and observed for 12 days. For subacute toxicity test, twenty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomised into 4 groups (n = 5). Control group received saline, others received synbiotic mixture at doses 175 mg/kg, 550 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg, respectively, and observed for 14 days. Animals were euthanised on day-15, blood was collected, and subjected to haematological and biochemical analyses. Kidney and liver were preserved for histopathological examination., Result: No significant changes on the average body weight of the animals throughout the study. Haematological parameters and biochemical analysis do not depict any changes related to acute toxicity. Histopathology analysis depicted mild changes on kidney and liver., Conclusion: Based on the data, the LD50 of the synbiotic formulation is higher than 2000 mg/kb, with no sign of acute toxicity observed on all parameters., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hematopoiesis is maintained throughout life from the hematopoietic stem cell niche in which hematopoietic stem cells and lineage-specific hematopoietic progenitors (HSPCs) reside and regulate hematopoiesis. Meanwhile, HSPCs behavior is modulated by both cell intrinsic (e.g., transcriptional factors) and cell extrinsic (e.g., cytokines) factors. Dysregulation of these factors can alter HSPCs function, leading to disrupted hematopoiesis, cellular changes, and subsequent hematological diseases and malignancies. Moreover, it has been reported that chromosomal aberration (CA) in HSPCs following exposure to carcinogenic or genotoxic agents can initiate leukemia stem cells (LSCs) formation which lays a fundamental mechanism in leukemogenesis. Despite reported studies concerning the chromosomal integrity in HSPCs, CA analysis in lineage-specific HSPCs remains scarce. This indicates a need for a laboratory technique that allows the study of CA in specific HSPCs subpopulations comprising differential hematopoietic lineages. Thus, this chapter focuses on the structural (clastogenicity) and numerical (aneugenicity) form of CA analysis in lineage-specific HSPCs comprised of myeloid, erythroid and lymphoid lineages.In this protocol, we describe how to perform CA analysis in lineage-specific HSPCs derived from freshly isolated mouse bone marrow cells (MBMCs) using the combined techniques of colony-forming unit (CFU) and karyotyping. Prior to CA analysis, lineage-specific HSPCs for myeloid, erythroid, and lymphoid were enriched through colony-forming unit (CFU) assay. CFU assay assesses the proliferative ability and differentiation potential of an individual HSPC within a sample. About 6 to 14 days of cultures are required depending on the type of HSPCs lineage. The optimal duration is crucial to achieve sufficient colony growth that is needed for accurate CFU analysis via morphological identification and colony counting. Then, the CA focusing on clastogenicity and aneugenicity anomalies in respective HSPCs lineage for myeloid, erythroid and Pre-B lymphoid were investigated. The resulted karyotypes were classified according to the types of CA known as Robertsonian (Rb) translocation, hyperploidy or complex. We believe our protocol offers a significant contribution to be utilized as a reference method for chromosomal analysis in lineage-specific HSPCs subpopulations., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.)

Background: Nicotine is a major toxic and hazardous component of cigarette smoke, and it has been widely used in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This study was aimed to investigate the effects of chronic low-dose nicotine on sperm characteristics and reproductive organ integrity in adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats., Methods: Twelve rats were equally divided into two groups. Group I received normal saline, and group II received 0.6 mg/kg body weight nicotine intraperitoneally for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the experimental period, sperm was collected for sperm characteristic evaluation, and the testes and prostate were isolated for biochemical and morphological analysis. The effects of nicotine on the body and reproductive organ weights of the animals were evaluated., Results: Chronic nicotine treatment significantly ( P < 0.05) altered the sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology, and remarkably increased the malondialdehyde ( P < 0.001) and advanced oxidation protein product ( P < 0.05) levels in the testes and prostate of nicotine-treated group compared to control group. Moreover, nicotine caused a significant decrease ( P < 0.05) in the superoxide dismutase activity of the testes. No significant differences were observed in the reduced glutathione level in both of the testes and prostate of nicotine group compared with control group. Nicotine also induced histopathological alteration in the testes., Conclusion: A low-dose nicotine exposure at 0.6 mg/kg caused detrimental effects on sperm characteristics and induced oxidative stress in the testes and prostate.