Investigating the Dual-Action Potential of (Z)-6-methoxy-2-(naphthalen-1-ylmethylene) Benzofuran-3(2H)-one (AU-23): A Novel Synthetic Aurone Derivative with Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Rabia Mrehil Elsalami, Kamal Rullah, Yaman Walid Kassab, Mohammad Javed Qureshi, Waqas Ahmad, Mahani Mahadi, Masriana Hassan, Noraziah Mohamad Zin, Anwar Salm Kalifa Kafo, Chin Chai Yee, Najwa Mohamad Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 2025 Aim/Background: Aurone is a well-known, naturally occurring, minor flavonoid with significant biological properties. However, their low abundance in nature limits their application in the medical field. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of a novel synthetic aurone, ( Z )-6-methoxy-2-(naphthalen-1-ylmethylene) benzofuran-3(2 H )-one (AU-23). Materials and Methods: AU-23 was synthesized via multistep synthesis reactions involving the oxidative cyclization of 2’-hydroxychalcones. AU-23 was tested for antibacterial, minimum inhibitory concentration and antibiofilm activity against several ATCC strains using agar well diffusion, broth-micro dilution and XTT assay methods respectively. Results: At various concentrations, it selectively inhibited the growth of four strains ( P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 33591, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) ATCC 25923 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300). Moreover, it was observed that AU-23 had a bactericidal effect on sensitive strains of MSSA ATCC 25923 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027, as well as a bacteriostatic effect on MRSA ATCC 33591 and MRSA ATCC 43300. AU-23 also displayed effective antibiofilm activity against monomicrobial biofilms but not against polymicrobial biofilms. The findings of PCR study revealed that AU-23 downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators (i.e., IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS and TNF-α), as well as crucial pattern recognition receptors (TLR4 and CD14) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that the ability of AU-23 to bind to the mouse TLR4/MD-2 complex was comparable to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion: the results of several studies conducted, suggests that AU-23 has the potential to function as an effective dual-action agent with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Crosstalk Between Coagulopathy and Inflammation in Obesity-Related Severe COVID-19 Infection Nazanin Talebabadi, Eusni Rahayu Mohd Tohit, Maha Abdullah, Siti Yazmin Zahari Sham, Nur Fatin Zalikha Zailan, Syafinaz Amin Nordin, Irmi Zarina Ismail, Ahmad Mahfuz Gazali, Masriana Hassan Hemato, 2025 Obesity is among the most prevalent risk factors in the severe forms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. COVID-19 patients with obesity often face severe complications that might be associated with overexpression of adiponectin, inflammatory cytokines, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in visceral fat. The pre-existing subclinical inflammation associated with obesity can also lead to severe inflammatory responses. Elevation of proinflammatory cytokines considerably activates coagulation cascades, including the tissue factor (TF) pathway. The hypercoagulable state in COVID-19 is presented with severe pulmonary complications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and disruption of vascular endothelial cells, which can lead to severe complications and death. The interaction between inflammatory response and coagulation mechanism in COVID-19 patients with obesity warrants a further understanding of prognosis and potential therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the crosstalk between inflammation and coagulopathy in obesity-related severe COVID-19 infection.
In vitro anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of defatted Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt seed extract Siti Atikah Zulkifli, Siti Salwa Abd Gani, Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan, Azizah Misran, Masriana Hassan Natural Product Research, 2025 Extracts from Selenicereus monacanthus (synonym: Hylocereus polyrhizus) have received attention due to their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. The current study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of defatted S. monacanthus seed extract (DSMSE). Anti-inflammatory properties of DSMSE on LPS-induced inflammation on THP-1 were determined by measuring the levels of interleukins IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Wound healing scratch assay was performed using the human fibroblast (Hs27) cell that assesses the cell migration over 24 h exposure to DSMSE. Administration of DSMSE significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated release levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and significantly increased the levels of IL-10. Treatment with DSMSE showed a significant increase in wound closure with 70% of fibroblast migration. Therefore, the current study showed the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of DSMSE reducing inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8), increasing IL-10 cytokine, and increasing wound closure at 24 h.
Recent Developments in Luteolin-Loaded Nanoformulations for Enhanced Anti-Carcinogenic Activities: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Muhammad Redza Fahmi Mod Razif, Siok Yee Chan, Yik-Ling Chew, Masriana Hassan, Shairyzah Ahmad Hisham, Shamima Abdul Rahman, Chun-Wai Mai, Michelle Yee Mun Teo, Phei Er Kee, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Siew-Keah Lee, Kai Bin Liew Sci, 2024 With approximately 18 million people affected by cancer in 2020 globally, scientists are exploring innovative approaches to develop effective treatments for various types of cancer. Traditional chemotherapy drugs, although effective against cancer cells, often lead to significant side effects on healthy tissues, such as hair loss, anemia, and nausea. To discover safer alternatives, researchers are investigating natural bioactive compounds found abundantly in plants. Luteolin, a flavonoid found in celery and artichokes, stands out due to its diverse anti-carcinogenic properties, including inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, activating autophagy, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. However, the therapeutic potential of luteolin is hindered by challenges related to its bioavailability and solubility. This critical review explores the specific anti-carcinogenic properties of luteolin while analyzing the impact of its limited bioavailability and solubility on effectiveness. Additionally, it investigates the outcomes of encapsulating luteolin in nanoformulations, providing insights into potential strategies for enhancing its anti-carcinogenic effects. Finally, the review compares the efficacy of luteolin with and without nanoformulations. This review provides valuable insights into the potential of utilizing luteolin-loaded nanoformulations as a safer and more effective method for treating cancer, contributing to the ongoing efforts in improving cancer care and outcomes worldwide.
Update on remdesivir in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia Huang Feng, K. Vijaya Lakshmi, Chin Tat Ng, Murthy Sasikumar, Masita Arip, Masriana Hassan, Voon Kin Chin, Mogana Rajagopal, Omotayo Fatokun, N. Parvathi, Malarvili Selvaraja Progress in Microbes and Molecular Biology, 2023
Clinical usefulness of anti-cell membrane DNA autoantibodies in serology negative systemic lupus erythematosus Malaysian Journal of Pathology, 2022
Differential time course of glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis Malaysian Journal of Pathology, 2021
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of punica granatum peel methanolic extract in BV2 microglial cell line Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2021
Antioxidative and photoprotective effects of pleurotus flabellatus (pink oyster mushroom) polysaccharides against uva radiation-induced cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblast (hs-27) cell line Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2021
Attenuation of cd11b expression and pro-inflammatory responses via glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition in lipopolysaccharide stimulated bv2 microglial cells Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2021
Inhibition of GSK-3 by tideglusib suppresses activated macrophages and inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell line Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020
Latent tuberculosis infection among medical students in Malaysia Masriana Hassan, Maha Abdullah, UmmiNadira Daut, SitiAishah Daud, NorAfifi Mohd Romli, MarsitahAbdul Jalil, Noorelina Muhammad, SafarinaMohammad Ismuddin Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2019
