The research results have been published in Nature Communications, an international scientific journal.

Mechanism of TCS exposure leading to colitis previously unclear

TCS is widely used as an antimicrobial agent in consumer products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitisers, cosmetics and toys. It is a major environmental contaminant, and it has been shown that TCS exposure increases the risk of colitis.

Once TCS enters the human body, it is rapidly metabolised to form the biologically inactive metabolite TCS-glucuronide (TCS-G), which is easily eliminated from the body. Due to this characteristic, the mechanism of how environmental exposure to TCS leads to gut toxicity in the human body has previously remained unclear.

To answer this question, a research team co-led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU; Professor Matthew R Redinbo from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Professor Zhang Guodong from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted a research study based on the hypothesis that certain gut microbial enzymes act on TCS-G in the gut, leading to the reactivation of TCS and the subsequent development of colitis.

TCS concentration uniquely high in the gut

To begin with, the research team sought to determine whether the gut has a different TCS metabolic profile compared to other body tissues. A group of mice were fed food that contained TCS. After four weeks, it was found that the biologically inactive TCS-G was dominant in their liver, bile, heart and small intestine, while the colitis-inducing TCS was dominant in the gut (cecum and colon). The results showed that the gut has a uniquely high concentration of TCS compared to other body tissues.

The research team then analysed the relationship between TCS-containing products and the concentration of TCS in the human body. In a group of human subjects who used TCS-containing personal care products for four months, both TCS and TCS-G were detected in their stool and urine samples, with TCS being dominant in stool and TCS-G being dominant in urine. However, TCS and TCS-G were not detected in the control group who used TCS-free personal care products. The results showed that the use of TCS-containing products leads to a high level of TCS, specifically in the human gut.

Gut microbiota significant in TCS-G conversion

The question remains why the human gut has a uniquely high TCS concentration. To answer this, the research team put forth the hypothesis that gut microbiota participate in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, leading to the accumulation of TCS in the gut.

To test this hypothesis, the researchers observed that in an in vitro setting, cultured gut bacteria from both mice and humans were able to catalyse the conversion of TCS-G to TCS. To investigate whether the same phenomenon appears in an in vivo setting, the research team found that the inhibition of gut bacteria from mice by applying an antibiotic treatment almost reduced the concentration of TCS in their guts by half, and it increased the concentration of TCS-G by six-fold. The results affirmed that gut microbiota play a significant role in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS in the gut.

Specific enzymes catalyse TCS-G conversion

To investigate the mechanism by which gut microbiota catalyse TCS-G conversion, the research team focused on the intestinal β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes produced by gut bacteria in both mice and humans, because they have been shown to catalyse a wide range of metabolite conversions. Using a series of screening techniques, two types of GUS, namely “Loop 1” and “flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-binding” GUSs, were found to be most effective at converting TCS-G to TCS in vitro.

The research team then applied a GUS inhibitor, a drug that inhibits the function of Loop 1 and FMN-binding GUSs, to TCS-exposed and TCS-free mice. It was found that the GUS inhibitor could curb the conversion of TCS-G to TCS by the GUS enzymes. Colitis in TCS-exposed mice was also relieved after the application of the GUS inhibitor. The results support the notion that specific microbial GUS enzymes drive the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, and as a result, the chance of developing colitis is increased.

More stringent TCS controls needed

Professor Cai said: “Our research results clearly defined the mechanism by which gut microbiota are involved in the metabolism and toxicology of TCS, and the study offers a way to prevent the development of colitis following environmental exposure to chemicals.

“Regulatory bodies should consider imposing more stringent controls on the use of TCS. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the marketing of TCS in over-the-counter antiseptic products in 2016, the chemical remains approved for use in a wide range of products. Transparency on TCS ingredients in product labelling and illustrations should also be improved so that consumers can be aware of the potential risks and make informed choices.”

#HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU

The partnership is significant as Singapore has one of the highest life expectancies in the world

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – To ensure that more Singaporeans are better financially prepared for their later years and long-term care needs, major insurers Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) and NTUC Income (“Income”) have joined hands to advocate early financial planning for life’s uncertainties.

Prudential and Income are working together to close protection gaps, particularly in the area of long-term care, which is critical as its cost continues to rise and Singaporeans are living longer.

Through the partnership, Care Secure, a CareShield Life supplement plan by Income, is now available through Prudential’s extensive network of financial consultants. This is in addition to Income’s own multi-channel distribution network comprising financial advisors, service branches islandwide, and its online purchase platform.

CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme introduced by the government in October 2020 to provide basic financial support to help Singaporeans cover their personal and medical care expenses should they become severely disabled, especially during old age.¹

Income is currently one of only three private insurers providing plans to supplement CareShield Life. Income’s Care Secure is designed to enhance CareShield Life coverage by offering policyholders additional coverage and financial support to cope with any living disabilities in their lifetime, a risk that increases as we age.

Commenting on the Prudential x Income – Care Secure partnership, Prudential’s Chief Distribution Officer, Ben Tan, said: “We are pleased that our partnership with Income allows us to protect even more Singaporeans against rising medical costs, and raise awareness about the importance of early planning for long-term care, through our 5,000-strong agency force. As Singaporeans are living longer, the risk of disability associated with their health is real. It is crucial that they also have the necessary financial protection when unexpected events occur and there is a need for long-term care services.”

Fabian Ng, Income’s General Manager for Consumer Business, said, “We are very glad to be working with Prudential, a fellow industry service and advisory provider, who is equally passionate about improving access to insurance and giving customers more solutions to meet their individual needs. Working with like-minded partners amplifies Income’s endeavours to promote better financial planning and preparedness amongst Singaporeans, particularly in the area of long-term care. Together, we look forward to closing protection gaps and empowering more Singaporeans with better financial security well into their later years, even in difficult times.”

Increasing health risks with rising life expectancy

Singaporeans have one of the highest life expectancies² in the world at 83.9³ years. As Singaporeans live longer, they need to ensure that they are sufficiently protected against health risks and increased medical costs associated with ageing.

Studies show that 1 in 2 healthy Singaporeans aged 65 could become severely disabled in their lifetime, and may need long-term care¹. The median duration that Singaporeans could remain in severe disability is four years, and about 3 in 10 could remain in severe disability for 10 years or more⁴. By 2030, it is estimated 47 per cent of Singapore’s ageing population will have 1 or 2 Activities of Daily Living (“ADLs”) limitation(s), while 53 per cent will have 3 or more⁵.

With Care Secure, customers will be able to receive their lifetime monthly disability payout if they are unable to perform two or more ADLs such as walking or moving around, and feeding (please refer to page 3 of the brochure linked here for a full list of ADLs). This is compared to the basic CareShield Life plan, which requires customers to be unable to perform at least three ADLs.

It also includes a ‘Dependant Benefit’, a feature which provides additional cash payout for up to 36 months to support any dependants that the insured may have.

Early planning for long-term care is crucial

Healthcare and nursing home costs have also been increasing over the years. In 2021, the general cost of nursing homes was around S$1,200 to S$3,500 monthly, before government subsidies⁶. With inflation increasing and healthcare costs rising, caregivers and loved ones might face even greater financial stress.

It is thus crucial for individuals to be sufficiently prepared to cope with future care needs by planning early. Purchasing long-term care plans at a younger age means paying lower premiums, having a lower risk of being excluded from coverage, and being protected for longer against disability. There is also a longer runway to reach one’s financial goals.

Care Secure: key benefits

• Lifetime monthly disability benefit⁷: Care Secure provides a lifetime monthly payout of up to $5,000 if customers are moderately or severely disabled⁸. This benefit payout⁹ depends on the customer’s disability status⁸ and the monthly disability benefit level¹⁰ the customer chooses. This disability benefit will be activated if customers are unable to perform at least two of the ADLs. In addition, future premium payments for this policy will be waived¹⁰ in the event of disability⁸. (please refer to the image below for a full list of ADLs)
• Support benefit: receive a support benefit¹¹ of up to 600 per cent of the disability benefit.
• Dependant benefit: if customers become disabled⁸ and have at least one dependant¹², customers will receive 25 per cent of the disability benefit as dependant benefit¹³ every month for up to 36 months in the customer’s lifetime. This ensures their dependants¹² will be taken care of and provided for.
• Death benefit: Care Secure will pay 300 per cent of the disability benefit in the event of a customer’s death and on the condition that the customer was already receiving the disability benefit. The policy terminates thereafter.
• Pay premiums using MediSave: customers enjoy the flexibility to use up to S$600 from their MediSave account (per insured per calendar year) to pay for Care Secure premiums.

Notes to the editor:
For more information on Care Secure and the full set of terms and conditions, please visit the Prudential website here and the product brochure here, or the Income website here and the product brochure here.

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 91 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$53.3 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2021. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,000 financial consultants.

About NTUC Income
NTUC Income is Singapore’s leading composite insurer, offering life, health and general insurance that serve the protection, savings and investment needs of different life stages and for all segments of society. Income’s innovative, data-driven and omni-channel approach puts us at the forefront of customer-centric solutions that meet rapidly evolving needs and empower better financial well-being.

Income was established in 1970 and remains the only insurance co-operative in Singapore. We remain committed to creating a positive social impact through our products, services and people. Our financial strength and diversified investment portfolio are reflected by our strong credit ratings which underpin the delivery of our commitment to customers.

For more information, please visit www.income.com.sg.

#Prudential #NTUCIncome

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Former Apple Executive, Asia Pacific joins MODIFI as CCO to further exponential growth

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – Global fintech MODIFI today announced that Matthias Hendrichs joined its executive team as Chief Commercial Officer as of 2nd of May. Matthias joins MODIFI from Apple where he served as Head of Asia Pacific for Apple’s multi-billion dollar App Store & iTunes Retail Payments and Commerce business across 20 markets in Asia Pacific based out of Hong Kong.

Hendrichs completes the current executive team consisting of Nelson Holzner (CEO & Co-Founder), Sven Brauer (COO & Co-Founder) and Jan Wehrs (CTO & Co-Founder).

As MODIFI’s first non-founder C-Level appointment, Matthias will lead the market side of the business consisting of the global sales and marketing teams spanning China, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the US.

“I am thrilled to join MODIFI at this exciting stage: MODIFI is growing 4x year on year across all major commercial regions. I am looking forward to driving this growth even further and to delivering more value for customers and partners around the world” says Hendrichs.

“We are delighted to welcome such an exceptional global leader to MODIFI. For 26 years Matthias has successfully developed strategies to scale, run and optimize complex businesses of all sizes. He has an exceptional track record of driving innovative and disruptive go-to-market strategies around the globe” says Nelson Holzner, MODIFI Co-Founder & CEO. “Together we will build the leading global commerce platform for business payments and trade management.”

About MODIFI:

MODIFI enables global commerce through a platform for business payments and trade management software. With MODIFI, sellers get paid instantly, while their buyers have the option to pay later. Our customers are also able to access a wide range of services that protect them from risk, and help them track and manage their shipments, all in one platform.

MODIFI is backed by MAERSK, GFC, Picus Capital, Intesa San Paolo and Heliad. Serving over 1,200 exporters and importers across more than 40 countries, MODIFI is present across Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, the UAE, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

#MODIFI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.