This study investigated whether kaempferol could inhibit ovarian cancer (OC) by activation of end... more This study investigated whether kaempferol could inhibit ovarian cancer (OC) by activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy, and tested its effect on the sensitivity of OC cells to cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, DPP). To study the effect of kaempferol on activation of ER stress and autophagy and find out whether its mechanism of action involves calcium (Ca2+), A2780 OC cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 for 24 h with or without kaempferol (40 μmol/l) in the presence or absence of autophagy or ER stress inhibitors or a calcium chelator. To study the effect of kaempferol on the sensitivity of OC cells to DPP and the potential involvement of modulation of protein kinase B (Akt) expression, A2780 OC were incubated with kaempferol and increasing concentrations of DPP (0–20 μmol/l) and then with kaempferol at its predetermined IC50 (6.8 μmol/l). Compared to control cells, kaempferol increased cell apoptosis (158 %) and decreased viability (53.17 %) and proliferati...
British Journal of Medical and Health Research, 2020
Young Saudi adults largely consume spicy fast food. Studies indicate chilies reduce cardiovascula... more Young Saudi adults largely consume spicy fast food. Studies indicate chilies reduce cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and lipid profiles. The present study investigated the effect of spicy Saudi Arabian fast foods on liver status of hypercholesterolemic rats. Seventy male rats were equally divided into seven groups, all fed standard diets with or without modification. Negative controls were fed standard diet only, while the other six groups were fed an additional 2% cholesterol for 2 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. Then, three hypercholesterolemic groups were fed different doses of red chili (RC) extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight), two were fed 30% broasted chicken or deep fried chicken nuggets of SD, and one remained on standard diet only (positive control). Compared to the positive control, all groups showed significant changes in lipid profiles except for very-low-density lipoprotein. All RC doses lowered cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels relative to positive controls. However, those fed broasted chicken had a larger reduction in lipid profile ratios than RC groups. Nonetheless, 600 mg/kg of RC had the greatest impact on lowering lipid ratios. Moreover, high doses of RC extract lowered glucose, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels the most. Spicy chicken elevated levels of those markers compared to RC groups. Yet, there is lowering trend goes opposite to doses of RC extracts in all liver functions. In conclusion, RC powder mixed with nonfatty food have a better effect on liver functions than consumption of RC in fatty, fried food. Although not advised, if the consumption of fast food is continued, adding RC is suggested as it could help lower the risk of CVD.
A breast screening program may help to reduce cancer mortality rates among women. However, the us... more A breast screening program may help to reduce cancer mortality rates among women. However, the use of the screening program by women in Madinah city is low, and studies examining its practice and barriers of low uptake are sparse. To identify breast cancer knowledge, practice and screening barriers among women attending primary health centers (PHC) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A primary health center-based cross-sectional study was performed in Madinah city in 2015. A multistage stratified cluster sample was obtained and included 465 women (15 years and older) from five PHC. Data concerning socio-demographics, knowledge about breast cancer, and practice and barriers of mammography use were collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean age of the studied 465 women was 34.9 ± 12.2 years. Of these women, 27.7 and 38.5 % received mammography and performed breast self-examination, respectively. A high level of poor knowledge about breast cancer was detected in the overall studied women and those who never received a mammography, particularly knowledge related to the risk factors of breast cancer. The most important predictors of the barriers to mammography were incorrect beliefs about mammography and its procedures. A belief that mammography is painful was significantly associated with a 56 % reduction in its use (OR = 0.44; 95 % CI = 0.22–0.88). The high levels of poor knowledge about cancer breast observed in this study reflect the need for greater efforts to increase breast awareness education.
Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), which is identifi... more Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), which is identified as a novel intestinal stem cell marker, is overexpressed in various tumours. In this study, we explore Lgr5 expression in gastric carcinoma and analyse its role in invasion, metastasis, and prognosis in carcinoma. Methods: A combination of immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of Lgr5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Small interfering RNA against Lgr5 was designed, synthesised, and transfected into AGS cells. The effects of Lgr5 siRNA on cell invasion were detected by transwell invasion chamber assay and wound healing assay. Results: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 expression was significantly higher in gastric carcinomas than in normal mucosa. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 expression positively correlated with the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distance of metastasis, and MMP2 expression levels. Multivariate analysis showed that Lgr5 had an independent effect on survival, and that it positively correlated with MMP2. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-proteincoupled receptor 5 siRNAs inhibited Lgr5 mRNA and protein expression. Transwell assays indicated that these siRNAs resulted in significantly fewer cells migrating through the polycarbonate membrane, and wound healing assay also indicated that siRNAs decreased the migration of cells. Inhibition of Lgr5 resulted in a significant decrease in MMP2 and b-catenin levels compared with those in controls. Conclusions: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 was correlated with invasion and metastasis. Leucinerich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 inhibition could serve as a novel therapeutic approach. Gastric cancer is one of the most commonly occurring malignant tumours worldwide, with approximately one million patients diagnosed annually (Shah and Kelsen, 2010). Despite advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the survival rate of gastric cancer patients remains low because of local invasion and metastasis. These are known to be the major biological characteristics of gastric cancer, and are responsible for a poor prognosis (Samson et al, 2002). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of this process have not been fully elucidated (Yakata et al, 2007). New markers for cancer prognosis, and therapeutic options targeting invasion and metastasis, are needed to improve gastric cancer therapies.
Optimization of pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation is facilitated by biological ... more Optimization of pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation is facilitated by biological tools that permit non-invasive and dynamic monitoring of pluripotency, and the ability to select for an undifferentiated input cell population. Here we report on the generation and characterisation of clonal human embryonic stem (HES3, H9) and human induced pluripotent stem cell lines (UQEW01i-epifibC11) that have been stably modified with an artificial EOS(C3+) promoter driving expression of EGFP and puromycin resistance-conferring proteins. We show that EGFP expression faithfully reports on the pluripotency status of the cells in these lines and that antibiotic selection allows for an efficient elimination of differentiated cells from the cultures. We demonstrate that the extinction of the expression of the pluripotency reporter during differentiation closely correlates with the decrease in expression of conventional pluripotency markers, such as OCT4 (POU5F1), TRA-1-60 and SSEA4 when ...
This study investigated whether kaempferol could inhibit ovarian cancer (OC) by activation of end... more This study investigated whether kaempferol could inhibit ovarian cancer (OC) by activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy, and tested its effect on the sensitivity of OC cells to cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, DPP). To study the effect of kaempferol on activation of ER stress and autophagy and find out whether its mechanism of action involves calcium (Ca2+), A2780 OC cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 for 24 h with or without kaempferol (40 μmol/l) in the presence or absence of autophagy or ER stress inhibitors or a calcium chelator. To study the effect of kaempferol on the sensitivity of OC cells to DPP and the potential involvement of modulation of protein kinase B (Akt) expression, A2780 OC were incubated with kaempferol and increasing concentrations of DPP (0–20 μmol/l) and then with kaempferol at its predetermined IC50 (6.8 μmol/l). Compared to control cells, kaempferol increased cell apoptosis (158 %) and decreased viability (53.17 %) and proliferati...
British Journal of Medical and Health Research, 2020
Young Saudi adults largely consume spicy fast food. Studies indicate chilies reduce cardiovascula... more Young Saudi adults largely consume spicy fast food. Studies indicate chilies reduce cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and lipid profiles. The present study investigated the effect of spicy Saudi Arabian fast foods on liver status of hypercholesterolemic rats. Seventy male rats were equally divided into seven groups, all fed standard diets with or without modification. Negative controls were fed standard diet only, while the other six groups were fed an additional 2% cholesterol for 2 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. Then, three hypercholesterolemic groups were fed different doses of red chili (RC) extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight), two were fed 30% broasted chicken or deep fried chicken nuggets of SD, and one remained on standard diet only (positive control). Compared to the positive control, all groups showed significant changes in lipid profiles except for very-low-density lipoprotein. All RC doses lowered cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels relative to positive controls. However, those fed broasted chicken had a larger reduction in lipid profile ratios than RC groups. Nonetheless, 600 mg/kg of RC had the greatest impact on lowering lipid ratios. Moreover, high doses of RC extract lowered glucose, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels the most. Spicy chicken elevated levels of those markers compared to RC groups. Yet, there is lowering trend goes opposite to doses of RC extracts in all liver functions. In conclusion, RC powder mixed with nonfatty food have a better effect on liver functions than consumption of RC in fatty, fried food. Although not advised, if the consumption of fast food is continued, adding RC is suggested as it could help lower the risk of CVD.
A breast screening program may help to reduce cancer mortality rates among women. However, the us... more A breast screening program may help to reduce cancer mortality rates among women. However, the use of the screening program by women in Madinah city is low, and studies examining its practice and barriers of low uptake are sparse. To identify breast cancer knowledge, practice and screening barriers among women attending primary health centers (PHC) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A primary health center-based cross-sectional study was performed in Madinah city in 2015. A multistage stratified cluster sample was obtained and included 465 women (15 years and older) from five PHC. Data concerning socio-demographics, knowledge about breast cancer, and practice and barriers of mammography use were collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean age of the studied 465 women was 34.9 ± 12.2 years. Of these women, 27.7 and 38.5 % received mammography and performed breast self-examination, respectively. A high level of poor knowledge about breast cancer was detected in the overall studied women and those who never received a mammography, particularly knowledge related to the risk factors of breast cancer. The most important predictors of the barriers to mammography were incorrect beliefs about mammography and its procedures. A belief that mammography is painful was significantly associated with a 56 % reduction in its use (OR = 0.44; 95 % CI = 0.22–0.88). The high levels of poor knowledge about cancer breast observed in this study reflect the need for greater efforts to increase breast awareness education.
Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), which is identifi... more Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), which is identified as a novel intestinal stem cell marker, is overexpressed in various tumours. In this study, we explore Lgr5 expression in gastric carcinoma and analyse its role in invasion, metastasis, and prognosis in carcinoma. Methods: A combination of immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of Lgr5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Small interfering RNA against Lgr5 was designed, synthesised, and transfected into AGS cells. The effects of Lgr5 siRNA on cell invasion were detected by transwell invasion chamber assay and wound healing assay. Results: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 expression was significantly higher in gastric carcinomas than in normal mucosa. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 expression positively correlated with the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distance of metastasis, and MMP2 expression levels. Multivariate analysis showed that Lgr5 had an independent effect on survival, and that it positively correlated with MMP2. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-proteincoupled receptor 5 siRNAs inhibited Lgr5 mRNA and protein expression. Transwell assays indicated that these siRNAs resulted in significantly fewer cells migrating through the polycarbonate membrane, and wound healing assay also indicated that siRNAs decreased the migration of cells. Inhibition of Lgr5 resulted in a significant decrease in MMP2 and b-catenin levels compared with those in controls. Conclusions: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 was correlated with invasion and metastasis. Leucinerich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 inhibition could serve as a novel therapeutic approach. Gastric cancer is one of the most commonly occurring malignant tumours worldwide, with approximately one million patients diagnosed annually (Shah and Kelsen, 2010). Despite advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the survival rate of gastric cancer patients remains low because of local invasion and metastasis. These are known to be the major biological characteristics of gastric cancer, and are responsible for a poor prognosis (Samson et al, 2002). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of this process have not been fully elucidated (Yakata et al, 2007). New markers for cancer prognosis, and therapeutic options targeting invasion and metastasis, are needed to improve gastric cancer therapies.
Optimization of pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation is facilitated by biological ... more Optimization of pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation is facilitated by biological tools that permit non-invasive and dynamic monitoring of pluripotency, and the ability to select for an undifferentiated input cell population. Here we report on the generation and characterisation of clonal human embryonic stem (HES3, H9) and human induced pluripotent stem cell lines (UQEW01i-epifibC11) that have been stably modified with an artificial EOS(C3+) promoter driving expression of EGFP and puromycin resistance-conferring proteins. We show that EGFP expression faithfully reports on the pluripotency status of the cells in these lines and that antibiotic selection allows for an efficient elimination of differentiated cells from the cultures. We demonstrate that the extinction of the expression of the pluripotency reporter during differentiation closely correlates with the decrease in expression of conventional pluripotency markers, such as OCT4 (POU5F1), TRA-1-60 and SSEA4 when ...
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Papers by Samah Alharbi