Pengehadan kalori, fungsi kognitif dan penuaan: peranan terhadap sistem biologi

Prevalens gangguan kognitif ringan (MCI) di Malaysia mencecah 68% pada tahun 2016. Pelbagai kaedah dijalankan bagi memastikan kelestarian tahap kesihatan warga tua termasuk melalui nutrisi, gaya hidup dan persekitaran. Pengehadan kalori dibuktikan mampu untuk menurunkan kadar mortaliti dan morbiditi warga tua serta memelihara tahap kesihatan warga tua supaya dapat membantu dalam meningkatkan kualiti hidup golongan tersebut. Pengehadan kalori juga merupakan salah satu kaedah yang lebih mudah dan berkesan dalam membantu meningkatkan ingatan dan memelihara kesihatan golongan tersebut. Ia juga membantu mengurangkan kadar inflamasi dan mencantas tindakan radikal bebas yang hadir di dalam sistem tubuh akibat daripada proses penuaan dan faktor persekitaran. Keadaan ini menyediakan tubuh badan yang lebih rentan terhadap kerosakan DNA dan serangan toksin daripada penyakit kronik, pemakanan dan persekitaran. Oleh itu, kajian ini memberikan konsep yang lebih jelas terhadap implikasi pengehadan kalori dalam memelihara fungsi kognitif

Optimization of oven drying conditions for lycopene content and lipophilic antioxidant capacity in a by-product of the pink guava puree industry using response surface methodology.

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the oven drying conditions for lycopene content (Y1) and lipophilic antioxidant capacity (Y2) in decanter, a by-product of the pink guava puree industry. Two-factor central composite design was employed to determine the effects of two independent variables, namely temperature (X1: 50-80 °C) and drying time (X2: 4-6 h). Lycopene content and lipophilic antioxidant capacity were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the ABTS radicals scavenging assay, respectively. A β-carotene bleaching assay was also applied to measure the antioxidant activity. Response surface plots showed that an increase in temperature and time significantly reduced the response variables. The optimum oven conditions for drying of decanter with minimum lycopene degradation were 43.8 °C for 6.4 h, with a predicted lycopene content of 14 mg/100 g and antioxidant capacity of 21 μmol LE/100 g. To validate the optimized model, the experimental values were compared with the predicted values to check the adequacy of the model. The experimental values were found to be in agreement with those predicted, indicating the suitability of the model for optimizing the oven drying conditions for decanter

The association between physical fitness with successful ageing and risk of cognitive impairment among malaysian older adults

The expansion of ageing population has gained much public attention on the importance of healthy and successful ageing, which is absence of major chronic diseases, preserved physiological and cognitive functioning and active engagement with life. Previous studies have found there was a significant correlation between physical fitness with cognition. However, the relationship between physical fitness with successful and unsuccessful cognitive ageing groups are very limited. This study was aimed to identify the significant physical fitness components that contribute in reducing risk of cognitive decline represented as different cognitive ageing groups. A total of 300 community-based elderly aged 60 and above from the states of Selangor, Perak and Kelantan were recruited using multistage random sampling method in this cross-sectional study. Cognitive function of subjects was categorized into three groups, namely Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (n = 100), Usual Ageing (UA) (n = 100) and Successful Ageing (SA) (n = 100) based on defined criteria. Senior Fitness Tests included 2-minute step, handgrip strength, chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, 8 foot up-and-go and back scratch were measured to determine the cardiorespiratory fitness; muscle strength; agility and flexibility of subjects. SA group had significantly better performance than non-SA groups in all fitness components, except for chair sit-and-reach. After controlling for age, gender, education years and smoking status, handgrip strength and chair stand tests were associated with a reduced risk of MCI by 7% [OR: 0.93, 95% C.I: 0.88-0.99, p < 0.05] and 15% [OR: 0.85, 95% C.I: 0.75-0.95, p < 0.01], respectively. These findings suggest that older adults with higher upper and lower body muscular strength could serve as protective factors for cognitive impairment. Further research is warranted to evaluate the mechanism of physical and cognitive decline such as Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR) in more detailed for the purpose for promoting healthy and successful ageing

Hubungan antara puasa sunnah dan kerosakan DNA dalam kalangan warga emas yang mengalami gangguan kognitif ringan (MCI)

Diet pemakanan memainkan peranan penting dalam menentukan kesihatan individu. Salah satu pendekatan yang paling mudah dan sesuai diikuti oleh individu tertentu terutamanya warga emas adalah puasa Sunnah. Puasa sunnah dilaporkan mempunyai kesan positif dalam kesihatan umum dan turut membantu dalam memanjangkan jangka hayat warga emas. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji hubungan puasa Sunnah dalam membaiki kerosakan DNA pada warga emas yang mengalami gangguan kognitif ringan (MCI). Reka bentuk kajian adalah kajian hirisan lintang perbandingan yang membandingkan dua fasa (dasar dan 36 bulan). Seramai 99 orang subjek MCI berumur ≥ 60 tahun keatas dan tidak mempunyai sebarang penyakit yang kritikal terlibat di dalam kajian ini. Sebanyak 10 ml darah penuh, data sosio-demografi dan penilaian kognitif juga turut diambil. MMSE, IADL, ADL dan GDS telah dijalankan untuk menentukan fungsi kognitif. Kajian mendapati bahawa peratusan ekor DNA (TD) bagi subjek yang mengamalkan puasa Sunnah untuk kedua-dua fasa adalah jauh lebih rendah berbanding subjek yang tidak mengamalkan puasa Sunnah (Dasar, TD: 12.49 ± 0.24% vs 17.40 ± 0.43%; 36 bulan, TD: 8.21 ± 0.43% vs 15.23 ± 1.16%). Peratusan momen ekor (TM) bagi subjek yang mengamalkan puasa Sunnah untuk kedua-dua fasa adalah jauh lebih rendah berbanding subjek yang tidak mengamalkan puasa Sunnah (Dasar, TM: 0.92 ± 0.05% vs 1.46 ± 0.08%; 36 bulan, TM: 0.4 ± 0.03% vs 1.32 ± 0.13%). Tuntasnya, ini menunjukkan bahawa puasa Sunnah boleh mengurangkan kerosakan DNA dalam kalangan warga emas MCI. Oleh itu, penyelidikan lanjut diperlukan untuk menentukan metabolit dalam kalangan subjek MCI yang berkaitan dengan puasa Sunnah untuk menghasilkan model ramalan diet sihat untuk digunakan pada masa hadapan

Mechanism identification of Ficus Deltoidea aqueous extract in rat uterine contractions

Ficus deltoidea or ‘mas cotek,’ is a uterotonic herb traditionally consumed by women to improve menstrual circulation, assist labour, remove retained placenta and treat postpartum bleeding. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of F. deltoidea in uterine contraction. Crude extracts from 2 different variants of F. deltoidea were used in the study; F. deltoidea var. Deltoidea (FDD) and F. deltoidea var. Angustifolia (FDA). This study was conducted ex vivo on the strips of isolated rats uterus treated with either FDD or FDA aqueous extract with increasing concentrations ranging from 10 μg/ml until 1280 μg/ml at time intervals of 5 minutes between doses. The frequency and intensity of the uterine contractions were monitored via Powerlab software. Maximum contractions for both extracts were identified, recorded and the uterine strips samples at maximum contraction were selected and homogenized in order determine the role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in the mechanism of uterine contraction. Other than that, phosphorylated 42/44 (p42/44) of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression was also detected via immunoblotting. The results showed that the maximum contraction induced by FDD was at the concentration of 320 μg/ml, whereas for FDA was at 960 μg/ml. Both FDD and FDA increased the intensity of uterine strips contractions and there were notable trend of increased PGF2α expression as well. Further analysis revealed that the uterine contractions involved the MAPK pathway through the phosphorylation of p42/44 protein. In conclusion, Ficus deltoidea of both variants have the ability to stimulate uterine contraction through the mechanism of MAPK pathway

Blood inflammatory markers, anabolic hormone, vitamin D and L-carnitine status according to frailty status among older adults

Frailty is associated with functional decline and reduced ability to cope with physiological challenges. The pathophysiological changes in frailty include inflammation, endocrine disturbances, neuromuscular and immune dysfunction. However, comprehensive information on the relationship between biological markers and frailty is scarce. We aimed to determine the relationship between selected biomarkers and frailty among Malaysian older adults. In this cross sectional study, 600 community dwelling older adults were randomly selected from ten different areas in Klang Valley. A total of 382 participants met the inclusion criteria and consented to the study. Out of these, a subsamples of 91 participants were selected for biomarkers analysis. Frailty was defined using Fried’s criteria. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, albumin, selected frailty biomarkers including IL-6, TNF- alpha and IGF-1 and vitamin D together with free L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine were analysed. The results showed a significantly higher level of serum IL-6 and TNF-α among participants classified as frail as compared to pre-frail and robust (p<0.05). With respect to nutritional biomarkers, binary logistic regression showed that vitamin D deficiency is associated with three times higher risk of frailty (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between blood L-carnitines and frailty. Further research is required to explore the relationship between L-carnitine and frailty using different parameters involved in L-carnitine homeostasis such as CPTII enzyme and OCTN2 mutation. In conclusion, frailty was associated with increased level of inflammatory markers and vitamin D deficiency. It is empirical to promote healthy lifestyle or disease management to reduce inflammation and increase vitamin D status as one of the frailty prevention action plan among older adults

Identification and characterization of the lactic acid bacteria isolated from Malaysian fermented fish (Pekasam)

Recently researchers are interested with the biotherapeutic potential of probiotics in gut disease treatment. The bacteria are generally regarded as a safe, have a stability of usage and originate from the natural resources. The study aims to identify and characterize the potential probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) isolated from Malaysian fermented fish product known as Pekasam. Fourty isolates obtained were firstly screened for their antagonism activities against the common pathogenic bacteria; Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella sp. Our study revealed only three (labeled as L8, L20 and S1) of the isolates tested showed broad antimicrobial effects towards the pathogenic bacteria. All of the isolates were also γ-hemolytic and tolerant to various pH (pH 3, 5 and 7.5) and 0.3% (w/v) bile salts. The bacteria isolates of strain L8 and L20 were susceptible to seven antibiotics tested except vancomycin and tetracycline whereas S1 was resistant to all antibiotics. Phenotypic tests revealed that both bacteria isolates of strain L8 and L20 were Bacillus megaterium while S1 was Pediococcus pentosaceus whereas 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed potential bacteria isolates of strain L8 and L20 belonged to the Lactobacillus plantarum (99% similarity) and S1 was characterized as Lactobacillus pentosus (100% similarity) respectively. Our present study showed that the probiotics of strain L8, L20 and S1 isolated from the fermented fish (Pekasam) exhibited the potential probiotic properties to be developed as biotherapeutic agents

Herbal Formulation C168 Attenuates Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in HCT 116 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells: Role of Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage

The use of herbal formulations has gained scientific interest, particularly in cancer treatment. In this study, the herbal formulation of interest, denoted as C168, is a mixture of eight genera of plants. This study aims to investigate the antiproliferative effect of C168 methanol extract (CME) on various cancer cells and its underlying mechanism of action on the most responsive cell line, namely, HCT 116 cells. CME exerted antiproliferative activities on HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells but not on CCD-841-CoN normal colon epithelial cells, Jurkat E6.1 lymphoblastic leukemic cells, and V79-4 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts. Further investigation on HCT 116 cells showed that CME induced G2/M cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Treatment of CME induced oxidative stress in HCT 116 cells by increasing the superoxide anion level and decreasing the intracellular glutathione. CME also increased tail moment value and H2AX phosphorylation in HCT 116 cells, suggesting DNA damage as an early signal of CME induced apoptosis. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in CME-treated cells also indicated the involvement of mitochondria in CME induced apoptosis. This study indicated the selectivity of CME toward colon cancer cells with the involvement of oxidative damage as its possible mechanism of action

Hubungan antara status mood dan fungsi kognitif dalam kalangan warga emas yang mempunyai kecelaan kognitif ringan

Terdapat beberapa bukti menyatakan bahawa status mood mampu mempengaruhi fungsi kognitif dari segi ingatan episodik, ingatan kerja dan penyelesaian masalah. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk menilai hubungan antara status mood dan fungsi kognitif dalam kalangan warga emas yang mempunyai Kecelaan Kognitif Ringan (MCI). Kajian ini melibatkan 12 orang lelaki dan 37 orang wanita dari Lembah Klang yang berusia 60 tahun ke atas. MCI ditakrif berdasarkan kriteria yang dicadangkan oleh Peterson. Fungsi kognitif subjek dinilai dengan menggunakan ujian Mini Mental State (MMS), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (RAVL), Digit Span, Digit Symbol Substituition (DSS) dan Visual Reproduction; Manakala status mood termasuk ketegangan, kemurungan, kemarahan, kecergasan, penghargaan diri, keletihan dan kekeliruan dinilai melalui soal selidik Profile of Mood States (POMS). Jumlah skor subskala positif dan negatif serta jumlah gangguan mood (Total Mood Disturbance) juga dikira. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan korelasi positif antara ketegangan (r = 0.325, p = 0.30), kecergarsan (r = 0.235, p = 0.036) dengan ingatan episodik lisan yang dinilai dengan ujian RAVL. Di samping itu, korelasi positif juga dapat diperhatikan antara kecergasan (r = 0.228, p = 0.035) dan skor subskala positif (r = 0.237, p = 0.025) dengan ujian DSS yang menilai kelajuan pemprosesan kognitif. Ujian regresi berganda juga menunjukkan bahawa subjek mempunyai penghargaan diri yang tinggi [OR = 0.390, 95% CI [0.069-0.711], p = 0.019) dan ketegangan (OR = 0.253, 95% CI [0.075-0.431) p = 0.007) mempunyai ingatan episodik yang lebih baik. Skor subskala positif yang lebih tinggi juga mempunyai berhubungkait dengan kelajuan pemprosesan kognitif yang lebih pantas (OR = 0.856, 95% CI [0.099-1.614], p = 0.028). Kesimpulannya, warga emas yang mempunyai mood yang lebih positif adalah lebih cenderung kepada ingatan jangka pendek yang lebih baik dan kelajuan pemprosesan yang lebih cekap

Adhesion ability and cytotoxic evaluation of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Malaysian fermented fish (Pekasam) on Ht-29 and Ccd-18Co intestinal cells

Bacterial adhesion to host cells is the most important probiotic character. However, the adhesion of probiotic should not affect the viability of the host cells. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum strain L8, Lactobacillus plantarum strain L20 and Lactobacillus pentosus strain S1 were tested for their cytotoxic effects through MTT assay and their ability to adhere and colonize on HT-29 and CCD-18Co intestinal cells as detected microscopically using light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). No cytotoxicity effects were observed on both intestinal cells following 24 h treatment with all Lactobacillus strains. Additionally, all strains demonstrated strong adhesive activity where more than 100 bacteria adhered to both intestinal cells although differences in the adhesion scores observed among different strains. The adhesion as observed via SEM showed an autoagreggative pattern and adhered as clusters on the surface of both intestinal cells. In conclusion, all three Lactobacillus strains are non-cytotoxic to both cells with strong adhesion ability on intestinal cells and this study also proved that Malaysian fermented fish are good source of probiotic bacteria