Advancements in medical research: Exploring Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for tissue, cell, and hair sample analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful analytical tool in medical research, offering non-invasive and precise examination of the molecular composition of biological samples. The primary objective of this review is to underscore the benefits of FTIR spectroscopy in medicinal research, emphasizing its ability to delineate molecular fingerprints and assist in the identification of biochemical structures and key peaks in biological samples. METHODS: This review comprehensively explores the diverse applications of FTIR spectroscopy in medical investigations, with a specific focus on its utility in analyzing tissue, cells, and hair samples. Various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, WorledCat and Scopus, were utilized to conduct this comprehensive literature review. RESULTS: Recent advancements showcase the versatility of FTIR spectroscopy in elucidating cellular and molecular processes, facilitating disease diagnostics, and enabling treatment monitoring. Notably, FTIR spectroscopy has found significant utility in clinical assessment, particularly in screening counterfeit medicines, owing to its user-friendly operation and minimal sample preparation requirements. Furthermore, customs officials can leverage this technique for preliminary analysis of suspicious samples. CONCLUSION: This review aims to bridge a gap in the literature and serve as a valuable resource for future research endeavors in FTIR spectroscopy within the medical domain. Additionally, it presents fundamental concepts of FTIR spectroscopy and spectral data interpretation, highlighting its utility as a tool for molecular analysis using Mid-Infrared (MIR) radiation.

In vitro and in vivo hepatotoxicity study of Afriplex™ GRT through an inflammatory response.

Background: The focus on traditional and complementary medicine for supplementation and treatment of diseases is high. Aspalathus linearis commonly known as Rooibos showed several beneficial effects, this led to the standardized production of a pharmaceutical grade green rooibos extract (Afriplex TM GRT) with enhanced polyphenolic content. The aim of this study was to assess toxicity of Afriplex TM GRT in HepG2/C3A cells and Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: Afriplex GRT TM (0.1, 1, 10, 100, or 1000 µg/mL) in DMSO was added to the media to the final 0.01% DMSO for treatment of HepG2/C3A for 1, 24 and 48 hrs followed by MTT and ATP assays. Sprague Dawley rats were grouped to Control, Afriplex TM GRT treated (10, 100 and 300 mg/kg); and acute (24hrs tetrachloromethane (CCl 4) injected hepatotoxicity control). Serum biochemistry, histology and Western blot analysis on liver were performed. Results: Afriplex TM GRT significantly reduced cell viability at 100 and 1000µg/mL after 48 hrs. Acute CCl 4 treatment significantly increased serum alanine aminotransferase in rats. The highest extract treatment of 300 mg/kg significantly elevated aspartate amino transferase. There was severe macro vesicular in the CCl 4 group whereas mild to moderate micro vesicular steatosis was seen in the 300 mg/kg Afriplex TM GRT treated group. Highest extract treatment significantly reduced NFkB expression on Western blot analysis. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of pharmaceutical grade Afriplex GRT TM are concentration and dosage based. Afriplex GRT TM exerts its beneficial effects via NFkB as demonstrated by the dose dependent reduction of NFkB on Western blot analysis. More work need to be done to explore the exact mechanism that occurs in the NFkB pathway.