Effects of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme in the liver in fructose induced metabolic syndrome rat model

Excessive expression and activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme in mature adipocyte leads to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Fructose in drinking water was proven to induce metabolic syndrome in male Wistar rat. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the effects of expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 enzyme in the liver in an established metabolic syndrome rat model induced by fructose drinking water. Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: Control group, C (n=6) and Fructose drinking water 20%, F20 (n=6). The food and fluid intake were given as ad libitum for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the expression of 11β-HSD1 enzyme in the liver was measured by immunohistochemical staining method. The score was given according to the intensity of the staining of the granules in the hepatocyte cytoplasm which was measured using double-blinded method. Meanwhile, the activity of 11β-HSD1 enzyme in the liver was measured using ELISA technique. Following eight weeks of consumption of fructose drinking water, the F20 group showed an increased in both expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 in the liver. The obtained data clearly suggest that 11β-HSD1 enzymes in the liver may play a role in the development of metabolic syndrome and its complications in male Wistar rat

Expression of TGF-β1 in the blood during fracture repair in an estrogen-deficient rat model

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency influences fracture healing. Transforming growth factor (TGF-b) has been found to be involved in fracture healing via the regulation of the differentiation and activation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The current study aimed to determine the effects of estrogen on the expression of TGF-&#946;1 during fracture healing in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were assigned to: (i) a sham-operated group that was given a normal saline; (ii) an ovariectomized control group that was given a normal saline; or (iii) an ovariectomized + estrogen (100 mg/kg/day) group that was treated with conjugated equine estrogen. The right femur of all rats was fractured, and a Kirschner wire was inserted six weeks post-ovariectomy. Treatment with estrogen was given for another six weeks post-fracture. At the end of the study, blood samples were taken, and the right femur was harvested and subjected to biomechanical strength testing. RESULTS: The percentage change in the plasma TGF-&#946;1 level before treatment was significantly lower in the ovariectomized control and estrogen groups when compared with the sham group (p<0.001). After six weeks of treatment, the percentage change in the plasma TGF-&#946;1 level in the estrogen group was significantly higher compared with the level in the ovariectomized control group (p = 0.001). The mean ultimate force was significantly increased in the ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen when compared with the ovariectomized control group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that treatment with conjugated equine estrogen enhanced the strength of the healed bone in estrogen-deficient rats by most likely inducing the expression of TGF-&#946;1

Histomorphometric changes in the perirenal adipocytes of adrenalectomized rats treated with dexamethasone

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged steroid treatment administered to any patient can cause visceral obesity, which is associated with metabolic disease and Cushing's syndrome. Glucocorticoids have a profound negative effect on adipose tissue mass, giving rise to obesity, which in turn is regulated by the 11&#946;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme. Adrenalectomized rats treated with dexamethasone exhibited an increase in visceral fat deposition but not in body weight. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone on the histomorphometric characteristics of perirenal adipocytes of adrenalectomized, dexamethasone-treated rats (ADR+Dexa) and the association of dexamethasone treatment with the expression and activity of 11 &#946;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 &#946;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1). METHODS: A total of 20 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: a baseline control group (n = 6), a sham-operated group (n = 7) and an adrenalectomized group (n=7). The adrenalectomized group was given intramuscular dexamethasone (ADR+Dexa) 2 weeks post adrenalectomy, and the rats from the sham-operated group were administered intramuscular vehicle (olive oil). RESULTS: Treatment with 120 &#956;g/kg intramuscular dexamethasone for 8 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in the diameter of the perirenal adipocytes (p<0.05) and a significant increase in the number of perirenal adipocytes (p<0.05). There was minimal weight gain but pronounced fat deposition in the dexamethasone-treated rats. These changes in the perirenal adipocytes were associated with high expression and dehydrogenase activity of 11&#946;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, dexamethasone increased the deposition of perirenal fat by hyperplasia, which causes increases in the expression and dehydrogenase activity of 11 &#946;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in adrenalectomized rats

Diagnosing the Problem of Traditional Model of Teaching and Learning Medical Science Subjects in a Nursing Program of UKM

AbstractTeaching and learning of medical sciences in nursing was identified as the cause of anxiety among students, teachers and the organizations. The aim of this study was to determine the difficulties faced by nursing students in those modules. An action research was conducted on 1st and 2nd year of Bachelor of Nursing students. Results showed that, relationship between CGPA, students’ guide book (p= 0.021, 0.018), lectures timetable (p =0.032), lectures (p=0.034, 0.043) and learning package (p=0.008, 0.016) of physiology and biochemistry influenced the teaching and learning of medical science subjects

Piper sarmentosum enhances fracture healing in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats: a radiological study

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic fractures are common during osteoporotic states. Piper sarmentosum extract is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVES: To observe the radiological changes in fracture calluses following administration of a Piper sarmentosum extract during an estrogen-deficient state. METHODS: A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: (i) the sham-operated group; (ii) the ovariectomized-control group; (iii) the ovariectomized + estrogen-replacement therapy (ovariectomized-control + estrogen replacement therapy) group, which was supplemented with estrogen (100 &#956;g/kg/day); and (iv) the ovariectomized + Piper sarmentosum (ovariectomized + Piper sarmentosum) group, which was supplemented with a water-based Piper sarmentosum extract (125 mg/kg). Six weeks after an ovariectomy, the right femora were fractured at the mid-diaphysis, and a K-wire was inserted. Each group of rats received their respective treatment for 6 weeks. Following sacrifice, the right femora were subjected to radiological assessment. RESULTS: The mean axial callus volume was significantly higher in the ovariectomized-control group (68.2 + 11.74 mm³) than in the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups (20.4 + 4.05, 22.4 + 4.14 and 17.5 + 3.68 mm³, respectively). The median callus scores for the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups had median (range, minimum - maximum value) as 1.0 (0 - 2), 1.0 (1 - 2) and 1.0 (1 - 2), respectively, which were significantly lower than the ovariectomized-control group score of 2.0 (2 - 3). The median fracture scores for the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups were 3.0 (3 - 4), 3.0 (2 - 3) and 3.0 (2 - 3), respectively, which were significantly higher than the ovariectomized-control group score of 2.0 (1 - 2) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Piper sarmentosum extract improved fracture healing, as assessed by the reduced callus volumes and reduced callus scores. This extract is beneficial for fractures in osteoporotic states

The effects of the fractions of Piper sarmentosum leaves on inhibition of adipogenesis of 3T3 L1 preadipocytes

Piper sarmentosum Roxb. was reported to have anti-obesity, hypoglycaemic and anti-oxidant properties. The aim of this study was to identify the fractions of P. sarmentosum leaf extract in inhibiting adipogenesis of 3T3L1 preadipocytes. The crude extract of the P. sarmentosum leaves was fractionated to produce hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and aqueous fractions. Various dilutions of the fractions; hexane (0.1 - 1 μg/mL), dichloromethane (9.76 - 97.6 μg/mL), methanol (3.6 - 36 mg/mL), and aqueous (1 - 10 mg/mL), were treated onto the 3T3L1 preadipocytes from 3rd to 15th day of culture. The crude extract (1 - 10 mg/mL) and glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) (0.24 - 2.4 mg/mL) were used as positive controls. The viability of the adipocytes was measured by MTT assay at the 15th day of culture. The content of each fraction was quantified with reference standards of naringin, naringenin, pellitorine, sarmentosine and β-sitosterol by using HPLC. The results showed that 49.1% of the crude extract contained aqueous fraction, 0.12% in hexane fraction, 9.7% in dichloromethane fraction and 36% in methanol fraction. The aqueous fraction and crude extract at the dose of 7 mg/mL and GCA at the dose of 1.92 mg/mL showed potent inhibitory effects on the adipogenesis. However, none of the reference standards were identified from the fractions using HPLC analysis. In conclusion, the aqueous fraction was the main fraction in the crude extract of the P. sarmentosum and contributed a significant role in inhibiting adipogenesis of the 3T3L1 preadipocytes

Nigella sativa

Nigella sativa seeds (NS) has been used traditionally for various illnesses. The most abundant and active component of NS is thymoquinone (TQ). Animal studies have shown that NS and TQ may be used for the treatment of diabetes-induced osteoporosis and for the promotion of fracture healing. The mechanism involved is unclear, but it was postulated that the antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities may play some roles in the treatment of osteoporosis as this bone disease has been linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. This paper highlights studies on the antiosteoporotic effects of NS and TQ, the mechanisms behind these effects and their safety profiles. NS and TQ were shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 and 6 and the transcription factor, nuclear factor κB. NS and TQ were found to be safe at the current dosage for supplementation in human with precautions in children and pregnant women. Both NS and TQ have shown potential as antiosteoporotic agent but more animal and clinical studies are required to further assess their antiosteoporotic efficacies

Relationship of Osteoblast and osteoclast-related mRNA expression with the use of piper sarmentosum water extract in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis. Expression of bone-related genes may correspond to alteration in bone metabolism with glucocorticoid exposure. Piper sarmentosum (Ps) extract is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we determined the correlation between the effects of Ps leaf extract with mRNA expression of osteoblast and osteoclast related genes in glucocorticoidinduced osteoporotic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were adrenalectomized and divided into four groups: G1: sham-operated control; G2: adrenalectomized (adrx) control; G3: adrx and given Ps 125 mg/kg/day; and G4: adrx and given GCA 120 mg/kg/day. These rats were given dexamethasone replacement 120μg/kg body weight/day intramuscularly. Treatment with water-based Ps leaf extract 125mg/kg/day and GCA 120 mg/kg/day were given for 2 months. The left femur was dissected out for gene expression analysis. The results showed that Ps leaf extract had increased the osteoprotegerin mRNA expression (p<0.05), whereas GCA increased the osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin mRNA expression (p<0.05). This suggests that Ps leaf extract was able to prevent bone loss due to long-term glucocorticoid therapy by increasing the expression of bone formation related genes. Thus Ps may have the potential to be used as prophylaxis against osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment

Kencing Manis dan Diet: Beberapa Fakta Penting untuk Direnungi Bersama

Kencing manis (DM) adalah penyakit metabolik yang bercirikan hiperglisemia, di mana adanya gangguan dalam pengeluaran atau tindakan insulin atau gabungan kedua-duanya. Biasanya, terdapat beberapa faktor seperti faktor genetik, obesiti, gaya hidup tidak sihat, aterosklerosis dan juga tabiat pemakanan yang salah yang menyebabkan atau memburukkan DM. Biasanya, individu yang terlibat tidak mengambil berat tentang kesihatannya dan kesan daripada komplikasi DM ini boleh mendatangkan maut. Komplikasi DM melibatkan sistem kardiovaskular, otot, endokrin, buah pinggang dan sistem saraf di dalam badan. Rawatan komplikasi DM bukan sahaja mahal tetapi ia juga menjadi beban kepada keluarga yang terjejas. Kajian ini membincangkan cabaran yang dihadapi dalam menangani DM dengan mengambilkira diet dan tabiat pemakanan. Pengetahuan daripada pengambilan makanan yang betul juga boleh membantu memerangi komplikasi DM dan ini dapat menangani kadar kematian dan morbidit

MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY-TREATED EFFECTIVELY BY PIPER BETLE: SCOPE AS A FUTURE ANTIDOTE

 Objective: Consumption of Mitragyna speciosa (MS) leads to various toxicities including hepatotoxicity. Piper betle (PB) is a herb that possesses various therapeutic properties. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of PB methanol extract (PBME) on MS-induced hepatotoxicity which could pave the way for any future antidote.Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into control and experimental groups. The control group was further divided into the negative (G-T80) and positive (G-PB) control groups. The G-T80 group (n=6) received oral gavage of the vehicle, 15% Tween 80. The G-PB group (n=6) received PBME 200 mg/kg/day, orally. The experimental group was divided into two groups, i.e., The G-MS and G-MS (PB) groups. The G-MS group (n=6) received only MS methanol extract (MSME) 500 mg/kg/day, while the G-MS (PB) group (n=6) received MSME with concomitant treatment with PBME.Results: Histopathology examination of the G-T80 and G-PB groups showed normal histology of the liver. The G-MS group showed liver injury features such as microvesicular steatosis, ballooning degeneration, acidophilic bodies, scattered focal necrosis, fibrous portal expansion, bridging fibrosis, sinusoidal congestion, and dilatation. These features were fewer in the G-MS (PB) group which received concomitant treatment with PBME.Conclusion: Administration of PBME exerted a protective effect against MS-induced hepatotoxicity. Future clinical trials using PB as an antidote may help in combating MS-induced hepatoxicity