Doctor of Philosophy (Molecular Medicine)
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Immunology and Allergy, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, Molecular Medicine, Drug Discovery
27
Scopus Publications
300
Scholar Citations
8
Scholar h-index
7
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Understanding pulse oximeter readings and interference factors: an observational study among residents of South Tangerang, Indonesia Siew-Keah Lee, Dewi Maryani, Yu Zhao Lee, Zhi Xin Phuna, Edmond Siah Chye Ng, Normina Ahmad Bustami, Sharmanee Thiagarajah, Chung Keat Tan, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan Discover Public Health, 2026 Silent hypoxia is a condition where patients can exhibit severe hypoxemia without dyspnea and can rapidly lead to clinical deterioration. Proactive home-based monitoring has then become essential for early detection and intervention. However, community knowledge about pulse oximeters remains under-researched, particularly in South Tangerang, Indonesia. This study aimed to assess residents’ knowledge of home pulse oximeters and identify sociodemographic predictors of device literacy. A cross-sectional study by conducted using convenient sampling and 302 residents was recruited. The survey was translated into Bahasa Indonesia and validated (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient: 0.871). Due to the non-normal distribution of scores (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, p < 0.05), knowledge levels were transformed into categorical variables, “Good” (≥ 50%) and “Poor” (< 50%). Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge categories were analysed using Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests. Missing data were handled via listwise deletion. While knowledge of device application was relatively higher, proficiency regarding technical interference factors (e.g., nail polish, skin pigmentation) was critically low, with a vast majority failing to meet the 50% threshold. Significant associations were identified between “Good Knowledge” and prior pulse oximeter usage (p < 0.001) and higher education levels (p < 0.05). Notably, participants aged 60 years and above were significantly more likely to demonstrate “Good Knowledge” compared to young cohort. Findings are constrained by convenience sampling and potential social desirability bias in self-reported data. A significant gap is evident between device application and functional literacy. Thus, increasing training on proper pulse oximeter use is imperative for better silent hypoxia management.
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Ketamine Use, its Addiction, and Withdrawal: A Mini Review Sin Hui Ng, Yu Zhao Lee, Ming Ye Hong, Audrey Siew Foong Kow, Annette d’Arqom, Chau Ling Tham, Yu-Cheng Ho, MIng Tatt Lee Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, 2026 Ketamine, a substance used for anesthesia and known for inducing dissociation, can lead to addiction and the development of severe withdrawal symptoms. Ketamine alters brain networks before affecting somesthetic sensation. Ketamine abuse was especially prevalent in East and Southeast Asia, and its popularity has continued to expand globally in recent decades. Ketamine is gaining popularity in the public and private sectors as a cheaper off-label depression treatment. Unfortunately, ketamine may cause side effects, such as heart and blood vessel instability, respiratory depression, liver injury, hallucinations, etc. The pain-relieving and mental effects of ketamine might induce reliance; thus, it should be used cautiously. This review highlights the neurobiological processes underpinnings of ketamine's addictive potential, withdrawal, and its effects on brain networks like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and mesolimbic pathway, which play vital roles in decision-making, memory, and reward processing. In addition, the involvement of neurotransmitter systems, specifically glutamate and dopamine, in mediating the addictive properties of ketamine and the neuroadaptive changes that occurred during withdrawal are also discussed. It also explains that low-dose ketamine can alter the secretion of stress hormone cortisol and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, possibly attributed to the current repurposing study of ketamine as a fast-acting antidepressant. Understanding these pathways is essential for developing effective ketamine addiction treatments, managing withdrawal symptoms, and possibly reversing brain changes for the betterment of human health and psychological well- being.
The application of seaweed-based food products for ketogenic diet: Opportunities and prospects Siew Moi Phang, Yu Zhao Lee, Chau Ling Tham, Yu-Cheng Ho, Ming Tatt Lee Future Foods, 2025 • Seaweed-based food complements ketogenic diet macronutrient profiles • Seaweed features low net carbohydrate and high fibre content • Seaweed contains abundant minerals and bioactives that promote metabolic health • Seaweed-based food can enhance ketogenic diet adherence and nutritional intake The ketogenic diet has been the subject of research as a dietary intervention for various health conditions. It is known to induce a metabolic state called ketosis via limiting carbohydrate intake and significantly increasing fat consumption in diet. The body then transitions from glucose-dependent metabolism to utilizing ketone bodies as fuel source. However, the long-term adherence is one of the main challenges in ketogenic diet for sustained implementation and therapeutic efficacy. Seaweed-based food products, characterized by relatively low carbohydrate content, high mineral density, rich bioactive substances and functional polysaccharides, may provide support in metabolic health. This review article evaluates seaweed-derived products that are suitable for inclusion in ketogenic diet. From the analysis of the available scientific literature, the inclusion of seaweed in ketogenic dietary patterns for healthy individuals is of great potential. The integration of seaweed-based food products into ketogenic diets has the potential to enhance nutritional adequacy while maintaining the strict macronutrient ratios. The nutritional content of seaweed-based food products demonstrates low net carbohydrate content, moderate protein levels, and valuable fatty acid profiles, thus compatible with ketogenic diet principles. Furthermore, the high dietary fiber content of seaweeds may reduce the possible impact of total carbohydrate content on the ketogenic carbohydrate limitations. Interestingly, various bioactive substances that showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects, etc, are also abundantly found in seaweed extracts, which further enhance their implementation in ketogenic diet. In conclusion, the review summarized the beneficial characteristics of seaweed-based food products that support the prospects of their inclusion in ketogenic diets.
TGFβ1‑induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition is associated with stathmin downregulation and increased microtubule stability in bronchial epithelial cells Nur Amilia Mohamad Hasan, Yu Lee, Chau Tham, Daud Israf, Nuzul Jambari, Hanis Harith Molecular Medicine Reports, 2025 Epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pathophysiological process contributing to bronchial remodeling in airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. EMT in several types of cancer involves dysregulated microtubule dynamics. Stathmin, a microtubule destabilizer, is highly expressed in different types of cancer, and is associated with decreased microtubule stability and enhanced migratory capability. The present study examined the relationship between stathmin expression and microtubule stability in bronchial EMT using an <em>in vitro</em> model. Primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and the BEAS‑2B bronchial epithelial cell line were induced with TGFβ1 for 48 or 72 h to activate EMT, with or without the TGFβ1 inhibitor, SB431542. TGFβ1‑induced cells exhibited significantly reduced E‑cadherin (epithelial marker) and increased vimentin (mesenchymal marker) expression, which was inhibited by SB431542. TGFβ1‑mediated EMT was associated with reduced stathmin levels and increased microtubule stability (indicated by acetylated‑α‑tubulin) in BEAS‑2B and NHBE cells. However, TGFβ1‑induced EMT did not significantly enhance cell migration, potentially due to stabilized microtubules. By contrast, 10% fetal bovine serum induced a more robust EMT phenotype, accompanied by increased stathmin expression, reduced microtubule stability and enhanced cell migration. The present study highlights the potential role of stathmin in modulating microtubule dynamics during bronchial remodeling and hypothesizes its involvement in the transition from partial to full EMT, depending on the EMT‑inducing stimulus.
Effects of fermented soybean supplementation on secretory immunoglobulin A, myeloperoxidase, and antioxidant capacity: a randomised, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial Yu Zhao Lee, Farahnaz Amini, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan, Muhammad Akbar Memon, Amaluddin Ahmad, Chung Keat Tan Discover Food, 2025 Immune health and antioxidant defence play critical roles in protecting the body against infections, oxidative stress and inflammation. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are influenced by nutrition and diet, while antioxidants help maintain cellular homeostasis by mitigating oxidative damage. Fermented soybean (FSB) is rich in bioactive compounds like isoflavones and peptides, which have been shown to support immune function and antioxidant capacity. A randomised, placebo-controlled, 12-week intervention trial was performed on FSB supplementation The effects of FSB on immunological function and antioxidant status were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. FSB intervention group demonstrated significantly higher secretory immunoglobulin A and myeloperoxidase levels compared to the baseline and placebo groups ( p < 0.05). Over the course of the trial, salivary total antioxidant capacity increased significantly ( p < 0.05). Our findings indicated FSB improved innate immunological and mucosal function, as well as antioxidant defence. FSB may serve as a functional food for enhancing immune support and regulating antioxidant status, particularly for younger individuals and specific populations at risk of infection. The study was registered on 29 July 2024 at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06524271).
Current utilization trend of immortalized mast cell lines in allergy research: a systematic review Ashley Jia Wen Yip, Yu Zhao Lee, Audrey Siew Foong Kow, Carisa Su-Ann Wong, Ming-Tatt Lee, Chau Ling Tham, Ji Wei Tan Immunologic Research, 2025 Today, in the modern world, allergic diseases, also described as atopic allergies, are classified as a type of multifactorial disorder due to the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and socioeconomic factors that influence the disease’s manifestation, severity, and one’s predisposition to allergic diseases. It is undeniable that many reported studies have pointed out that the mast cell is one of the leading key players involved in triggering an allergic reaction. To improve our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying allergy, various mast cell lines have been employed in vitro to study the pathogenesis of allergic diseases for the past decades. However, there is no consensus on many fundamental aspects associated with their use, such as the effects of culture media composition and the type of inducer used for cell degranulation. As the standardization of research protocols and disease models is crucial, we present the outcome of a systematic review of scientific articles using three major immortalized in vitro mast cell lines (HMC-1, LAD2, and RBL-2H3) to study allergy. This systematic review described the cell source, culture conditions, inducers used for degranulation, and mediators released for examination. We hope that the present systematic review may help to standardize the use of immortalized in vitro mast cell lines in allergy research and serve as a user’s guide to understand the fundamental aspects of allergy as well to develop an effective allergy therapy in the future for the betterment of human good health and wellbeing.
Assessment of health risks from heavy metal contamination in breast milk of urban mothers in Malaysia Normina Ahmad Bustami, Yu Zhao Lee, Chung Keat Tan, Zhi Xin Phuna, Rahela Zaman, Yu Bin Ho, Anand Gaurav, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan Discover Public Health, 2025 Breast milk is the essential source of nutrition for infants, yet global studies have increasingly identified the presence of heavy metals in breast milk. This study aims to quantify the levels of heavy metals in breast milk and assess the associated health risk to infants in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study included 106 healthy breastfeeding mothers who completed a questionnaire on maternal exposures, infant risk factors, and socio-demographic data. Breast milk samples (collected 1–3 months postpartum) were analyzed for concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) levels. Our findings revealed that 63.2% ( n = 67) of the breastmilk samples exceeded WHO’s recommended levels of As; 28.3% ( n = 30) exceeded the acceptable limit for Cd; 97.2% ( n = 103) exceeded recommended range of Cr; and 40.6% ( n = 43) exceeded the recommended range of Pb. Notably, dental amalgam fillings were identified as a potential source of exposure, showing a moderately strong correlation with Cd ( r = 0.369, p < 0.01) and Pb ( r = 0.439, p < 0.01) levels. Furthermore, caesarean section deliveries were moderately correlated with increased Cd levels in breast milk ( r = 0.326, p < 0.05). Approximately 93.4% ( n = 99) of the infants had a Hazard Index (HI) above 1, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks, with the maximum HI reaching 17.368. These findings underscore the critical need for further research and intervention strategies to mitigate the risk of heavy metal exposure in infants via breast milk.
Understanding pulse oximeter readings and interference factors: an observational study among residents of South Tangerang, Indonesia SK Lee, D Maryani, YZ Lee, ZX Phuna, ESC Ng, NA Bustami, ... Discover Public Health 23 (1), 581 , 2026 2026
Pharmacological effects of cardamonin in metabolic diseases: a review on preclinical studies A Zhang, AR Muthanna, YZ Lee, XX Yew, R Selvanathan, ZSR Gan, ... Inflammopharmacology, 1-19 , 2026 2026
Purpurin as a promising anticancer agent: A review of preclinical evidence FL Voon, YZ Lee, XY Ooi, CZE Tay, JW Tan, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Fitoterapia, 107052 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Assessment of health risks from heavy metal contamination in breast milk of urban mothers in Malaysia NA Bustami, YZ Lee, CK Tan, ZX Phuna, R Zaman, YB Ho, A Gaurav, ... Discover Public Health 22 (1), 1-16 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Current utilization trend of immortalized mast cell lines in allergy research: a systematic review AJW Yip, YZ Lee, ASF Kow, CSA Wong, MT Lee, CL Tham, JW Tan Immunologic Research 73 (1), 41 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Effects of fermented soybean supplementation on secretory immunoglobulin A, myeloperoxidase, and antioxidant capacity: a randomised, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial YZ Lee, F Amini, ESS Tan, MA Memon, A Ahmad, CK Tan Discover Food 5 (1), 408 , 2025 2025
The application of seaweed-based food products for ketogenic diet: Opportunities and prospects SM Phang, YZ Lee, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Future Foods, 100833 , 2025 2025
Antidiabetic potentials of gypenosides: A review on the preclinical effects in glucose and insulin modulation as well as diabetes-related complications YZ Lee, ASF Kow, QL Lee, LWC Lim, R Yusof, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 398 (11), 14813-14829 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Neurobiology of chronic caffeine use and withdrawal: Mechanisms, effects and implications YZ Lee, KN Chua, FL Voon, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115817 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
TGFβ1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition is associated with stathmin downregulation and increased microtubule stability in bronchial epithelial cells NAH Mohamad Hasan, YZ Lee, CL Tham, DA Israf, NN Jambari, ... Molecular Medicine Reports 32 (6), 319 , 2025 2025
Regulation of elevated expression of Mcl-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma–a review L Chen, Y He, X Jiang, ASF Kow, YZ Lee, CL Tham, R Yusof, MT Lee Journal of Receptors and Signal Transduction 45 (4), 203-213 , 2025 2025
Mcl-1 is an important target protein for kaempferol from persimmon leaves in sensitizing ABT-199 to induce apoptosis in hepatoma cancer cells L Chen, XD Jiang, XP Liu, YZ Lee, CL Tham, R Yusof, S Gao, MT Lee Medical Oncology 42 (5), 146 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Chronic stress-associated depressive disorders: the impact of HPA axis dysregulation and neuroinflammation on the hippocampus—a mini review AA Lei, VWX Phang, YZ Lee, ASF Kow, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26 (7), 2940 , 2025 2025 Citations: 159
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Ketamine Use, its Addiction, and Withdrawal: A Mini Review SH Ng, YZ Lee, MY Hong, ASF Kow, A d’Arqom, CL Tham, YC Ho, ... Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Evaluating Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Chinese Herbal Medicines Used by Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. NA Bustami, CK Tan, YZ Lee, R Zaman, YB Ho, F Amini, C Ng, E Siah, ... EnvironmentAsia 18 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Ameliorative effect of α-tocopherol and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract on menopause-associated mood disorder in ovariectomized mice G Liang, ASF Kow, YZ Lee, R Yusof, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 734, 150443 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Author Correction: Oral and topical administration of a geranyl acetophenone attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice VNKM Kasim, YZ Lee, IH Bakrin, MK Hussain, DA Israf, K Shaari, JW Tan, ... Scientific Reports 14, 22849 , 2024 2024
Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Malay herbal medicine (MHM) consumed by pregnant and postpartum mothers NA Bustami, CK Tan, YZ Lee, R Zaman, YB Ho, AZ Aris, M Sadat, ... Discover Public Health 21 (1), 87 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Neuroprotective effects of Gypenosides: A review on preclinical studies in neuropsychiatric disorders G Liang, YZ Lee, ASF Kow, QL Lee, LWC Lim, R Yusof, CL Tham, YC Ho, ... European Journal of Pharmacology 978, 176766 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Oral and topical administration of a geranyl acetophenone attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice VNKM Kasim, YZ Lee, IH Bakrin, MK Hussain, DA Israf, K Shaari, JW Tan, ... Scientific Reports 14, 17623 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Chronic stress-associated depressive disorders: the impact of HPA axis dysregulation and neuroinflammation on the hippocampus—a mini review AA Lei, VWX Phang, YZ Lee, ASF Kow, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26 (7), 2940 , 2025 2025 Citations: 159
Blockade of eosinophil-induced bronchial epithelial-mesenchymal transition with a geranyl acetophenone in a coculture model YZ Lee, HM Yap, K Shaari, CL Tham, MR Sulaiman, DA Israf Frontiers in Pharmacology 8, 837 , 2017 2017 Citations: 22
An orally active geranyl acetophenone attenuates airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma YZ Lee, K Shaari, MS Cheema, CL Tham, MR Sulaiman, DA Israf European Journal of Pharmacology 797, 53-64 , 2017 2017 Citations: 21
Fast food consumption, obesity and nutrient intake among adults in Indonesia S Thiagarajah, ESC Ng, NA Bustami Food Research 8 (3), 55-65 , 2024 2024 Citations: 20
House dust mite allergy in Malaysia: review of research gaps in the current scenario and the way forward YZ Lee, ASF Kow, A Jacquet, MT Lee, CL Tham Experimental and Applied Acarology 91 (4), 509-539 , 2023 2023 Citations: 12
Neuroprotective effects of Gypenosides: A review on preclinical studies in neuropsychiatric disorders G Liang, YZ Lee, ASF Kow, QL Lee, LWC Lim, R Yusof, CL Tham, YC Ho, ... European Journal of Pharmacology 978, 176766 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
The geranyl acetophenone tHGA attenuates human bronchial smooth muscle proliferation via inhibition of AKT phosphorylation HM Yap, YZ Lee, HH Harith, CL Tham, MS Cheema, K Shaari, DA Israf Scientific Reports 8 (1), 16640 , 2018 2018 Citations: 10
Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Malay herbal medicine (MHM) consumed by pregnant and postpartum mothers NA Bustami, CK Tan, YZ Lee, R Zaman, YB Ho, AZ Aris, M Sadat, ... Discover Public Health 21 (1), 87 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Development and validation of a bioanalytical method for quantification of 2, 6-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-cyclohexanone (BHMC) in rat plasma YZ Lee, L Ming-Tatt, NH Lajis, MR Sulaiman, DA Israf, CL Tham Molecules 17 (12), 14555-14564 , 2012 2012 Citations: 8
Current utilization trend of immortalized mast cell lines in allergy research: a systematic review AJW Yip, YZ Lee, ASF Kow, CSA Wong, MT Lee, CL Tham, JW Tan Immunologic Research 73 (1), 41 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Antidiabetic potentials of gypenosides: A review on the preclinical effects in glucose and insulin modulation as well as diabetes-related complications YZ Lee, ASF Kow, QL Lee, LWC Lim, R Yusof, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 398 (11), 14813-14829 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Ameliorative effect of α-tocopherol and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract on menopause-associated mood disorder in ovariectomized mice G Liang, ASF Kow, YZ Lee, R Yusof, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 734, 150443 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Neurobiology of chronic caffeine use and withdrawal: Mechanisms, effects and implications YZ Lee, KN Chua, FL Voon, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115817 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Mcl-1 is an important target protein for kaempferol from persimmon leaves in sensitizing ABT-199 to induce apoptosis in hepatoma cancer cells L Chen, XD Jiang, XP Liu, YZ Lee, CL Tham, R Yusof, S Gao, MT Lee Medical Oncology 42 (5), 146 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Ketamine Use, its Addiction, and Withdrawal: A Mini Review SH Ng, YZ Lee, MY Hong, ASF Kow, A d’Arqom, CL Tham, YC Ho, ... Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Evaluating Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Chinese Herbal Medicines Used by Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. NA Bustami, CK Tan, YZ Lee, R Zaman, YB Ho, F Amini, C Ng, E Siah, ... EnvironmentAsia 18 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Oral and topical administration of a geranyl acetophenone attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice VNKM Kasim, YZ Lee, IH Bakrin, MK Hussain, DA Israf, K Shaari, JW Tan, ... Scientific Reports 14, 17623 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Purpurin as a promising anticancer agent: A review of preclinical evidence FL Voon, YZ Lee, XY Ooi, CZE Tay, JW Tan, CL Tham, YC Ho, MT Lee Fitoterapia, 107052 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Assessment of health risks from heavy metal contamination in breast milk of urban mothers in Malaysia NA Bustami, YZ Lee, CK Tan, ZX Phuna, R Zaman, YB Ho, A Gaurav, ... Discover Public Health 22 (1), 1-16 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Oral and topical administration of a geranyl acetophenone attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice VNK Mohd Kasim, YZ Lee, IH Bakrin, MK Hussain, DA Israf, K Shaari, ... Scientific Reports 14 (1), 17623 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
