Progress In Microbes & Molecular Biology

Association Between Salivary C-Reactive Protein Levels and Covariates in an Older Adult Population in Malaysia — A Cross-Sectional Study of The MyAgeWell Cohort

2024-09-10T16:48:42+08:00

Malaysia's aging population faces heightened risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, metabolic disorders, and physical and cognitive decline. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), play a key role in age-related ailments. For instance, elevated CRP levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. It is of particular interest to investigate CRP levels and their correlation with various factors among older adults to develop potential predictive markers and interventions for age-related diseases. In recent years, salivary samples have become a viable non-invasive alternative approach to studying CRP levels. Hence, this study aims to examine salivary CRP levels and explore the influences of age, ethnicity, gender, body mass index (BMI) and economic status on salivary CRP levels among older adults. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06376656) and ethical approval was obtained from the Sunway University Research Ethics Committee (SUREC 2020/039). A total of 382 saliva samples were collected from the older adults (≥ 60 years) through the MyAgeWell cohort for analysis. Various covariates including age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, and economic status were recorded. Salivary CRP levels were measured using ELISA. We observed a median CRP concentration of 0.39 ng/mL (IQR = 0 – 1.36 ng/mL). Correlation analysis shows salivary CRP levels were associated with gender, ethnicity, and BMI (p < 0.05), but not age and economic status. These findings suggest diverse influences on inflammation among Malaysian older adults. In conclusion, this study advances the understanding of salivary CRP levels in healthy older adults, highlighting the complex nature of inflammation in this population and the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce health disparities.

Mechanistic Insights into the Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer by BuShenFang through Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Expression and Wnt/β-catenin Pathway Regulation

2025-01-15T19:04:58+08:00

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, significant side effects persist, prompting the exploration of alternative therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). BuShenFang (BSF), a TCM formulation, is believed to exhibit anti-CRC effects, although its exact mechanism is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of BSF on CRC cells through the modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The study utilized HCT116 and SW620 CRC cell lines, employing in vitro experiments including cell viability assays, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Western blot to examine the influence of BSF on cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Results demonstrated that BSF significantly inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic rate was markedly increased in the 20% BSF group, while colony formation, migration, and invasion capabilities of CRC cells were notably suppressed. Furthermore, Western blot results revealed that BSF enhanced adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) expression and inhibited β-catenin, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1, key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, BSF exerts anti-CRC effects by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in CRC treatment. Future studies should focus on in vivo models to validate these findings.

Probiotics in Depression Management: Efficacy, Mechanisms and Future Directions

2025-01-15T17:29:42+08:00

Depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide, representing a significant public health burden. It is characterized by persistent sadness, anhedonia, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation. The pathophysiology is often attributed to neurotransmitter imbalances, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, and inflammation. Recently, the gut-brain axis has garnered attention for its role in mood regulation, suggesting that probiotic supplementation may influence depressive symptoms through gut microbiome modulation. Therefore, this review examines recent findings and research gaps regarding the efficacy of probiotics in managing clinically diagnosed depression. Emerging research demonstrates that daily probiotic supplementation from 3×10⁹ CFU to 9×10¹¹ CFU for four to eight weeks in combination with antidepressants is effective in improving depressive symptoms. Effective formulations commonly included Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Lactococcus lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning the mechanistic pathways, comparative effectiveness, and impact across different demographics of the probiotics. Furthermore, the long-term effects of probiotic use with antidepressants, their role in reducing antidepressant side effects, and combined effects with psychotherapy are largely understudied. Addressing these gaps through standardized methodologies will enhance evaluations of probiotic strains to optimize microbiome-based treatment regimens, and ultimately improve mental health outcomes in depression management.

Graphical abstract. Summary of research gaps and future directions to determine the efficacy of probiotics in diagnosed depression.

DNA Methylation: Its Role and Interaction with Epigenetic Modifications in Cancer

2025-01-15T16:16:20+08:00

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark involving the addition of a methyl group to DNA, particularly at cytosine residues. This methylation plays an important role in regulating gene expression through direct gene repression or through the control of other epigenetic modifications such as histone modification or chromatin remodeling. DNA methylation is catalyzed by de novo and maintenance DNMT methyltransferase type enzymes and requires the transfer of a methyl group to cytosine to transform it into 5-methyl-cytosine. Currently, several investigations have highlighted the involvement of aberrant DNA methylation with certain tumors. Indeed, the methylation of antioncogenes and/or the demethylation of oncogenes are the major alterations that are strongly linked to human cancers. DNMTs play a central role in the epigenetic regulation of the human genome, both in normal and pathological processes. Recent discoveries on the differentiated roles of DNMTs in DNA methylation, and their implication in various cancers, open the way to new therapeutic approaches targeting these enzymes to treat epigenetic diseases. It is essential to continue exploring the roles of DNMTs to better understand their implication in tumorigenesis mechanisms and to develop more effective treatment strategies.