Introduction: Pain is a major global health issue, where its pharmacotherapy prompts unwanted side effects; hence, the development of effective alternative compounds from natural derivatives with lesser side effects is clinically needed. Chalcone; the precursors of flavonoid, and its derivatives have been widely investigated due to its pharmacological properties. Objective: This study addressed the therapeutic effect of 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(5-methyl furan-2-yl) prop-2-en-1-one (DMPF-1); synthetic chalcone derivative, on antinociceptive activity in vivoMaterials and Methods: The antinociceptive profile was evaluated using acetic-acid-induced abdominal writhing, hot plate, and formalin-induced paw licking test. Capsaicin, phorbol 12-myristate 12 acetate (PMA), and glutamate-induced paw licking test were carried out to evaluate their potential effects toward different targets. Results: It was shown that the doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg of DMPF-1 given via intraperitoneal injection showed significant reduction in writhing responses and increased the latency time in hot-plate test where reduced time spent on licking the injected paw in formalin and dose contingency inhibition was observed. The similar results were observed in capsaicin, PMA, and glutamate-induced paw licking test. In addition, the challenge with nonselective opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone) aimed to evaluate the involvement of the opioidergic system, which showed no reversion in analgesic profile in formalin and hot-plate test. Conclusion: Collectively, this study showed that DMPF-1 markedly inhibits both peripheral and central nociception through the mechanism involving an interaction with vanilloid and glutamatergic system regardless of the activation of the opioidergic system.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterised by synovial joint destruction and systemic complications. Central to its pathogenesis is the formation and deposition of immune complexes (ICs), which result from antigen-antibody interactions involving autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). These ICs infiltrate joint tissues, activate the complement system, and initiate a cascade of inflammatory responses. The ensuing recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines contribute to sustained inflammation, tissue degradation, and joint deformity. RA is thus classified as a type III hypersensitivity disorder, wherein IC-mediated mechanisms perpetuate a self-amplifying inflammatory loop. This review explores the evolving understanding of IC-driven pathophysiology in RA, emphasising the three-stage progression of IC formation, deposition, and inflammatory activation. By elucidating the interplay between hypersensitivity reactions and immune-mediated mechanisms in RA, the review underscores potential therapeutic targets that may help disrupt this pathogenic cycle. Enhanced comprehension of IC dynamics not only deepens insight into RA progression but also opens avenues for more precise and effective interventions in autoimmune diseases.

Artocarpus heterophyllus, has been used as a folk medicine. This plant contained wide range of flavonoid compounds and possessed several pharmacological properties including anticancer. Chemotherapeutic agent is major option for cancer treatment. However, it may lead to tumor relapse. Therefore, it needs to discover alternative to reduce this limitation using natural products. Objective: This study was aimed to determine anti-proliferative activities of isolated compounds against cancer cell lines. The morphological changes of cancer cell lines after treatment with the compounds was also evaluated. Methods: The flavonoid compounds were determined for their cytotoxic activity against leukaemia HL-60 (CCL-240), colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 (HTB-38), breast adenocarcinoma cancer MCF-7 (HTB-22), and non-small lung cancer H460 (HTB-177) cell lines using MTT assay. Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay was used to evaluated the morphological changes, and observed using fluorescent microscope. Results: It showed that amongst compound, artocarpin consistently exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against H460, HT-29, MCF-7, and HL-60 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 5.07, 5.56, 12.53, and 19.94 μg/mL, respectively. The activity was comparable to the cisplatin as a positive control. Morphological observations showed the most typical apoptotic morphology of cancer cells upon treatment with artocarpin and the least typical of apoptotic structure with other compounds. Conclusion: It can be suggested that A. heterophyllus bioactive compound modulates apoptosis by the presence of its distinctive, typical forms of morphological changes in treating cancer cells. Thus, artocarpin compound may provide high potential therapeutic use in chemotherapeutic strategies.

In an era defined by rapid technological evolution and societal transformation, lifelong and life-wide learning are increasingly vital to personal, academic, and professional success. This chapter delineates the conceptual boundaries between lifelong learning—as the sustained acquisition of knowledge over time—and life-wide learning, which captures diverse, concurrent experiences beyond traditional education. Emphasis is placed on the transformative role of digital innovations, including MOOCs, micro-credentials, and learning analytics, in enhancing education accessibility, personalization, and impact. The chapter highlights how higher education institutions can institutionalize these learning modes to build an inclusive, holistic learning ecosystem. Strategic recommendations address common implementation challenges such as digital divides, accreditation mechanisms, and institutional resistance. Broader implications for educational reform and workplace adaptability are also discussed, ensuring relevance across multiple domains.

Chalcones are interesting and versatile compounds due to their various pharmacological properties. Important biological activities of chalcones have been reported for decades using different experimented models. The 3-(2,5-dimethoxy phenyl)-1-(5-methyl furan-2-yl) prop-2-en- 1 (DMPF-1) is one of the chalcone analogues that has reported to have analgesic properties despite of it published safety profile. The present study examined the possible anti nociceptive modulatory activity exerted by the DMPF-1 compound in behavioural-induced nociception in animal model using Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Administration of DMPF-1 compound at a dose of 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally exerted a pronounced antinociceptive effect against acetic acidinduced nociception. The antinociceptive effect of the DMPF-1 compound significantly (P<0.001) was reversed by the pre-treatment of the animals with the nitric oxide precursor; L-arginine (100mg/kg; i.p), and the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor; oxadiazole (4,3-a) quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ) (2.0 mg/kg; i.p.). A similar inhibitory pattern was observed upon the challenge of DMPF- 1 against two potassium channel inhibitors, glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; i.p.) and tetraethylammonium (4 mg/kg; i.p.). Overall, these findings suggest the possible contribution of nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-potassium signalling pathway in the antinociceptive activity exhibited by the DMPF-1 compound. This chalcone analogue and its molecular structure might be further investigated as a model that could be used to obtain more potent analgesic agents.

Nurul Alina Muhamad Suhaini, Mohd Faeiz Pauzi, Siti Norazlina Juhari, Noor Azlina Abu Bakar, and Jee Youn Moon. Korean J Pain 2024;37:141-50. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.23318