Studies on Labisia pumila var. alata extract with phytoestrogenic effects: impact on biological activities and gene expression

In Malaysia, Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) has been used by women for generations. Traditionally, the plant is boiled, either alone or in decoction with other herbs. It is claimed to have health benefits such as to contract the uterus after childbirth, allay painful menstruation and irregular periods and to generally alleviate fatigue. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the scientific basis of LPva phytoestrogenic activities in different animal models and cell lines. In Paper I, we investigated the effects of a standardized water extract of LPva (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day) and compared to estrogen replacement (ERT), on body weight gain, uterus weight, adipose tissue mRNA and protein levels of adipokines in ovariectomized (OVX) female Sprague-Dawley rats. After a month of oral treatment, ERT- and LPva-treated OVX rats showed significantly less weight gain compared to untreated OVX rats. Ovariectomy caused plasma leptin levels to decrease significantly but when treated with LPva or ERT, plasma leptin and mRNA levels increased to levels higher or comparable to that seen in the sham operated control rats (SHAM). In contrast, the elevated plasma resistin concentrations in OVX rats were significantly reduced in rats given ERT and LPva extracts. The uterus to body weight ratio of untreated OVX rats was significantly low compared to SHAM, but showed dose-dependent increase upon treatment with LPva. The study provides evidence that LPva exerts uterotrophic effect and regulates body weight gain. In Paper II, we evaluated the effects of LPva on 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (Hsd11b1) and corticosterone (CORT) expressions in OVX rats. Hsd11b1 was chosen because it was highly expressed in a microarray analysis of OVX rat liver compared to SHAM. Using samples from Paper I, Hsd11b1 expressions were measured and found that mRNA levels in liver of OVX rats were significantly increased when compared to SHAM and restored to normal level after treatment with LPva or ERT. In adipose tissues, the Hsd11b1 mRNA level of OVX group was increased by 55 % in comparison to SHAM, normalized in LPva. Protein levels of 11β-HSD1 were down-regulated in both liver and adipose tissue of LPva- and ERT-treated rats, in comparison to OVX rats. CORT levels in OVX group increased significantly compared to SHAM. The results showed that the treatment with LPva normalized Hsd11b1 mRNA expression and 11β-HSD1 levels in OVX rats, in parallel with decreased CORT levels. Thus, LPva is useful for postmenopausal treatment based upon its regulation at body weight partially via inhibition of Hsd11b1 expression in adipose tissue and liver. In Paper III, we investigated the effect of LPva on body composition and metabolic features in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). LPva (50 mg/kg body weight daily) increased uterine weight (27%) and insulin sensitivity (36%) measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp compared to control PCOS rats. Lipid profile was improved in LPva rats and plasma resistin levels were increased. In adipose tissue, LPva decreased leptin mRNA expression but did not affect expression of resistin and adiponectin. No effects on body composition, adipocyte size or plasma leptin levels were observed. Therefore, in this study, LPva increases uterine weight, indicating estrogenic effects, and improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in PCOS rats without affecting body composition. In Paper IV, the effects of LPva treatment on urinary tract infection (UTI) were investigated in an infection model using uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain CFT073 and the bladder epithelial cell line, T24. Our results demonstrate that LPva treatment induced apoptosis and significantly reduced the number of intracellular E.coli in bladder epithelial cells. LPvainduced apoptosis was coupled with up-regulated expression of pro-apoptotic caveolin-1. LPva treatment down-regulated the expression of β1 integrin as indicated by reduced levels of gene specific mRNA. However, LPva did not exhibit direct antimicrobial properties and did not influence antimicrobial peptide levels in cells. These findings suggest that LPva facilitates the exfoliation of infected bladder cells and may thereby mediate beneficial effects during UTI

Dielectric behavior of b-SiC nanopowders in air between 30 and 400˚C

Silicon carbide (SiC) is regarded as a semi-conductor and thus characterized mainly for its electrical conductivity. However, SiC does exhibit significant electrical resistance at low ambient temperatures and represents a possible dielectric insulator. In this paper, the dielectric properties of the b-SiC nanopowders were examined by X-ray diffraction and dielectric spectroscopy within the humid Malaysian environment. Research emphasis is placed on the stable dielectric behavior of the nanopowder itself as the nanopowder phase is susceptible to hydroxyloxidization as mentioned by the nanopowder manufacturer. The XRD results identified the presence of b-SiC peaks whereas EDX detected minor oxygen presence in the nanopowder. Dielectric permittivity response of the nanopowder pellet indicated stable Quasi-DC dielectric behavior from 30 to 400° C with minor increments of the initial relative dielectric permittivity at the lower temperatures. The relative dielectric permittivity of the SiC nanoparticles was determined to be 44 (30° C) to 31 (400° C) at 1MHz. Arrhenius plot of the dielectric data resulted in a two linear energy activation plots due to possible hopping mechanisms within the SiC nanoparticles covalent structure. Overall, the b-SiC nanopowder exhibited a stable Quasi-DC behavior at the measured temperatures

Dielectric behavior of β-SiC nanopowders in air between 30 and 400 °C

Silicon carbide (SiC) is regarded as a semiconductor and thus characterized mainly for its electrical conductivity. However, SiC does exhibit significant electrical resistance at low ambient temperatures and represents a possible dielectric insulator. In this paper, the dielectric properties of the β-SiC nanopowders were examined by X-ray diffraction and dielectric spectroscopy within the humid Malaysian environment. Research emphasis is placed on the stable dielectric behavior of the nanopowder itself as the nanopowder phase is susceptible to hydroxyl oxidization as mentioned by the nanopowder manufacturer. The XRD results identified the presence of β-SiC peaks whereas EDX detected minor oxygen presence in the nanopowder. Dielectric permittivity response of the nanopowder pellet indicated stable Quasi-DC dielectric behavior from 30 to 400 °C with minor increments of the initial relative dielectric permittivity at the lower temperatures. The relative dielectric permittivity of the SiC nanoparticles was determined to be 44 (30 °C) to 31 (400 °C) at 1 MHz. Arrhenius plot of the dielectric data resulted in a two linear energy activation plots due to possible hopping mechanisms within the SiC nanoparticles covalent structure. Overall, the β-SiC nanopowder exhibited a stable Quasi-DC behavior at the measured temperatures

Prediction of body fat loss in relation to change in nutrient intake among housewives participating in the MyBFF@ home study

Background: Diet compositions are likely to be one of the influential factors for body fat deposition. The aim of this paper was to determine the nutrient changes and its association to body fat loss among the overweight and obese housewives in the MyBFF@home study. Methods: Data of participants in the MyBFF@home study (intervention and control groups) were analysed. Participants in the intervention group received personalised dietary counselling consisted of reduced calorie diet 1200–1500 kcal/day, while the control group was assigned to receive women’s health seminars. The dietary assessment was done during the intervention phase at baseline, 1 month (m), 2 m, 3 m and 6 m using a 3-day food diary. Body fat was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyser (In-body 720) at baseline and at the end of the intervention phase. The mean differences of nutrient intake and body compositions during the intervention phase were measured with paired t-test. The changes in body fat and nutrients intake were calculated by subtracting baseline measurements from those taken at 6 months. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which the changes in each gram of nutrients per 1000 kcal were predictive of changes in body fat mass. Results: There were significant reductions in energy, all macronutrients, dietary fibre, calcium and iron intake in both study groups after the intervention phase (p <  0.05). In the intervention group, body fat loss increased with the reduction of each gram of carbohydrate, protein and fat per 1000 kcal, (p <  0.05), and decreased with the reduction of each gram of calcium and fibre intake per 1000 kcal (p <  0.05). In the control group, body fat loss increased with the reduction of each gram fat per 1000 kcal (p <  0.05) and decreased with the reduction of each gram iron per 1000 kcal. Conclusion: Changes in the intake of various nutrients have different effects on body fat loss between the intervention and control group

Mechanisms and Outcomes of Metabolic Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes

This review is aimed at synthesizing the mechanisms and outcomes of metabolic surgery on the endocrine system, microbiome, metabolomics, and at the molecular level. We review the hormonal, adipokine, microbiota, microRNA, and metabolomic changes in human and animal models following metabolic surgery for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The most relevant studies in this area over the past 17 years have been considered for this review. In most cases, metabolic procedures, especially those that include intestinal bypass components, showed the remission of type 2 diabetes. This involves a variety of weight-independent mechanisms to improve glucose homeostasis, improving insulin sensitivity and secretion, gut microbiota, and bile acid cross-talk

Labisia Pumila Extract Down-Regulates Hydroxysteroid (11-beta) Dehydrogenase 1 Expression and Corticosterone Levels in Ovariectomized Rats

We evaluated the effects of a standardized Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) extract on body weight change, hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD1 1B1) expressions and corticosterone (CORT) level in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The decoction of LPva has been used for generations among Malay women in Malaysia to maintain a healthy reproductive system.Thirty-six Sprague–Dawley OVX rats were treated orally with LPva extract (10, 20 or 50 mg/kg/day) or estrogen replacement (ERT) for 30 days. Sham operated rats were used as controls. Compared to untreated OVX rats, LPva-treated rats showed less weight gain and had significantly down-regulated HSD11B1 mRNA in liver tissues. HSD11B1 mRNA in adipose tissues increased by 55% (p\0.05) in OVX rats but normalized in rats treated with LPva. Similarly, there was significant down-regulation (p\0.05) of protein levels of HSD11B1 in both liver and adipose tissue of LPva and ERT groups, and CORT levels were significantly reduced in both groups of rats. This is the first study ever conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of LPva in relation to weight gain caused by estrogen insufficiency. Results implied that the bioactive components in LPva extract affect not only HSD11B1 expressions in both adipose and liver tissues but also decrease circulating CORT. The extract should be explored for its potential use as a natural remedy for weight management

Labisia pumila

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism. We investigated the effects of Labisia pumila (LP) standardized water extract on PPARgamma transcriptional activity in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. We used a rat model of dihydrotestosterone- (DHT-) induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by insulin resistance. At 9 weeks of age, the PCOS rats were randomly subdivided into two groups: PCOS-LP (50 mg/kg/day of LP) and PCOS-control (1 mL of deionised water) for 4-5 weeks on the same schedule. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to determine the PPARgamma mRNA levels. LP upregulated PPARgamma mRNA level by 40% in the PCOS rats. Western blot analysis further demonstrated the increased PPARgamma protein levels in parallel with upregulation in mRNA. These observations were further proven by adipocytes culture. Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with final concentration of 100 μg/mL LP and compared to untreated control and 10 μM of rosiglitazone (in type of thiazolidinediones). LP increased PPARgamma expressions at both mRNA and protein levels and enhanced the effect of glucose uptake in the insulin-resistant cells. The data suggest that LP may ameliorate insulin resistance in adipocytes via the upregulation of PPARgamma pathway

Weight Change and Its Association with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Overweight and Obese Women

Introduction. The effect of weight loss magnitude on cardiometabolic risk markers has been sparsely studied, particularly among overweight and obese women from low socioeconomic areas. Objectives. To examine the association of weight loss magnitude with changes in cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight and obese women from low socioeconomic areas engaged in a lifestyle intervention. Methods. Analyses were performed on 243 women (mean body mass index 31.27 ± 4.14 kg/m2) who completed a 12-month lifestyle intervention in low socioeconomic communities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare changes of cardiometabolic risk factors across weight change categories (2% gain, ±2% maintain, >2 to 2% to 2 to <5% obtained through lifestyle intervention may represent a reasonable initial weight loss target for women in the low socioeconomic community as it led to improvements in selected risk markers, particularly of diabetes risk

Impact of community lifestyle intervention on anthropometric parameters and body composition among overweight and obese women: findings from the MyBFF@home study

Abstract Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian women remained high over the past three decades. Collaboration with existing community at-risk may be feasible for wide-scale prevention of overweight and obesity in the country. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of community-based lifestyle intervention among overweight and obese women on their anthropometric and body composition changes as compared to the usual care group. Methods This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 255 overweight and obesity individuals aged between 18 to 59 years old were assigned to either the lifestyle intervention group (n = 169) or the usual care group (n = 146) over a period of 6 months. Individuals in the intervention group received 6 individual lifestyle counselling comprised of physical activity, diet counselling and self-monitoring components aimed to achieve at least 5% weight loss while individuals in the usual care group obtained six sessions of health care seminars from health care providers. These individuals were then followed-up for another 6 months without any intervention as part of maintenance period. Results An intention-to-treat analysis of between-groups at 6-month of intervention (β, 95% CI) revealed greater changes in weight among intervention individuals’ (− 1.09 kg vs. -0.99; p  0.05). Individuals in the intervention group showed a significant increase for skeletal muscle mass (0.13 kg) than those individuals in the control group (− 0.37 kg), p = 0.033, throughout the study period. Conclusion This study provides evidence that an overweight and obesity prevention program can be implemented in a community setting, with some reduction of several anthropometric and body composition parameters

Effect of physical activity on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile among low income housewives in the MyBFF@home study

Abstract Background Regular physical activity has always been strongly recommended for good cardiovascular health. This study aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile among low income housewives in Klang Valley. Methods Data of 328 eligible housewives who participated in the MyBFF@Home study was used. Intervention group of 169 subjects were provided with an intervention package which includes physical activity (brisk walking, dumbbell exercise, physical activity diary, group exercise) and 159 subjects in control group received various health seminars. Physical activity level was assessed using short-International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The physical activity level was then re-categorized into 4 categories (active intervention, inactive intervention, active control and inactive control). Physical activity, blood glucose and lipid profile were measured at baseline, 3rd month and 6th month of the study. General Linear Model was used to determine the effect of physical activity on glucose and lipid profile. Results At the 6th month, there were 99 subjects in the intervention and 79 control group who had complete data for physical activity. There was no difference on the effect of physical activity on the glucose level and lipid profile except for the Triglycerides level. Both intervention and control groups showed reduction of physical activity level over time. Conclusion The effect of physical activity on blood glucose and lipid profile could not be demonstrated possibly due to physical activity in both intervention and control groups showed decreasing trend over time