Psidium guajava fruit peel extract reduces oxidative stress of pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abundant natural products with medicinal properties have been used as food and traditional medicine for diabetes mellitus all over the world. Psidium guajava fruit from the family of Myrtaceae has gained attention for its antioxidant potential. This study was conducted to determine the effects of P. guajava fruit peel aqueous extract on oxidative stress of pancreas in streptozotocin-induced (45 mg/kg) diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were administered with 400 mg/kg of aqueous extract of P. guajava fruit peel daily for 28 days duration. The results showed that diabetic rats supplemented with P. guajava extract did not cause significant difference in blood glucose level (p>0.05) as compared with diabetic rats alone. For oxidative stress evaluation, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl level were significantly lower and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) level were significantly higher (p<0.05) in P. guajava supplemented rats compared with non-supplemented diabetic rats. However, histological observation showed that supplementation of P. guajava extract did not give protective effects towards alterations in pancreas histology in diabetic rats. The findings suggested that aqueous extract of P. guajava fruit peel supplementation has the ability to reduce oxidative stress in pancreas of diabetic rats and may play a role in reducing the development of diabetic complications

Anaemia and cognitive function among Chinese elderly in Old Folks Homes

The relationship between anaemia and cognitive function was evaluated among 35 Chinese elderly (24 men and 11 women) aged 60 to 85 years (mean age 70.1 ± 6.7 years) from five old folks homes in Klang Valley. They were interviewed to obtain information on social and health status, habitual dietary intake and cognitive function. Hodkinson’s Abbreviated Mental Test was used to measure the cognitive function. Haematological indices which included Full Blood Count (FBC), serum iron, serum ferritin, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), serum folate and serum cobalamine (vitamin B12) weremeasured using an automated analyzer. Anthropometric measurements and clinical signs of anaemia were also examined. The findings indicated that the prevalence of anaemia as assessed using haemoglobin alone was 22.9%, while iron deficiency anaemia based on low serum iron, microcytic and hypochromic criterion was detected among 5.7% of the sample. Subclinical folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies were diagnosed among 34.3% and 8.6% of the subjects. However, there was no occurrence of megaloblastic anaemia. There was a positive correlation between cognitive score with mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) (r=0.547, p<0.01) and body mass index (BMI) (r=0.501, p < 0.01). All subjects with low haemoglobin and serum iron and approximately three quarter of subjects with folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies were classified as having cognitive impairment. In conclusion, subclinical malnutrition and anaemia may play a role in the deterioration of cognitive function in the elderl

Kesan ekstrak akueus rosel (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) terhadap sperma dan testis tikus diadministrasi nikotin

Penghasilan radikal bebas oleh nikotin dikaitkan dengan kerosakan sistem pembiakan lelaki terutamanya sperma dan testis. Penggunaan rawatan yang berasaskan herba seperti Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HSE) kian meningkat disebabkan kandungan antioksida semula jadi yang tinggi. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji kesan ekstrak akueus HSE terhadap kualiti sperma dan tekanan oksidatif testis tikus yang diadministrasi nikotin. Sejumlah 21 ekor tikus jantan Sprague-Dawley dibahagikan secara rawak kepada tiga kumpulan iaitu kumpulan kawalan, nikotin dan nikotin+HSE. Nikotin disuntik secara intraperitoneum pada dos 0.6 mg/kg berat badan manakala HSE diberikan pada dos 100 mg/kg berat badan secara paksaan oral sebelum administrasi nikotin pada setiap hari selama 21 hari berturut-turut. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bilangan, motiliti dan viabiliti sperma lebih tinggi secara signifikan (p<0.05) manakala peratus ketaknormalan morfologi sperma lebih rendah secara signifikan (p<0.05) bagi pada kumpulan nikotin+HSE berbanding kumpulan nikotin. Sementara itu berlakunya penurunan aras malondialdehid (MDA) dan peningkatan aras glutation terturun (GSH) secara signifikan (p<0.05) bagi kumpulan nikotin+HSE berbanding kumpulan nikotin. Pemerhatian histologi mendapati HSE berpotensi melindungi morfologi testis tikus aruhan nikotin. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa pemberian suplemen ekstrak HSE berpotensi mencegah kerosakan sperma dan testis akibat administrasi nikotin

Dietary UKMR-1 Roselle supplementation prevents nicotine-induced cardiac injury by inhibiting myocardial oxidative stress

UKMR-1, a local variant of mutant Roselle strain (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is enriched with free radical scavenging polyphenols such as anthocyanin, vitamin C and hydroxycitric acid. However, pharmacological actions of UKMR-1 are not fully known. This study was conducted to determine whether supplementation of aqueous UKMR-1 calyx extract was able to protect against nicotine-induced cardiac injury in rats. In this experimental study, healthy male albino rats were randomly allotted into three groups (n=7 per group): control, nicotine and UKMR-1+Nicotine groups. Nicotine (0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to both nicotine and UKMR-1+Nicotine groups for 28 consecutive days. UKMR-1+Nicotine group also received 100 mg/kg UKMR-1 extract orally via gavage 30 min prior to nicotine injection, daily. UKMR-1+Nicotine group had significantly (p<0.05) higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as lower malondialdehyde content in heart tissue homogenate than nicotine group, suggesting its cardio protective activity by inhibition of lipid peroxidation. UKMR-1 also lowered (p<0.05) the blood pressure in nicotine-administered rats. In addition, UKMR-1 significantly (p<0.05) restored activities of cytosolic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase as well as redox balance ratio (GSH:GSSG). In conclusion, UKMR-1 was able to protect against myocardial injury in rat model of nicotine administration possibly by inhibiting oxidative stress

The protective effect of aqueous extracts of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. UKMR-2) against red blood cell membrane oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extracts of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. UKMR-2) against red blood cell (RBC) membrane oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230-250 g were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 rats each): control group (N), roselle-treated control group, diabetic group, and roselle-treated diabetic group. Roselle was administered by force-feeding with aqueous extracts of roselle (100 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the malondialdehyde levels of the red blood cell membranes in the diabetic group were significantly higher than the levels in the roselle-treated control and roselle-treated diabetic groups. The protein carbonyl level was significantly higher in the roselle-treated diabetic group than in the roselle-treated control group but lower than that in the diabetic group. A significant increase in the red blood cell membrane superoxide dismutase enzyme was found in roselle-treated diabetic rats compared with roselle-treated control rats and diabetic rats. The total protein level of the red blood cell membrane, osmotic fragility, and red blood cell morphology were maintained. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that aqueous extracts of roselle possess a protective effect against red blood cell membrane oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These data suggest that roselle can be used as a natural antioxidative supplement in the prevention of oxidative damage in diabetic patients

Protective effects of Zingiber zerumbet ethyl acetate extract on hydrogen peroxide-induced damage of red blood cells

Zingiber zerumbet is widely used as therapeutic agent in traditional medicine and is reported to exert antioxidant activities. This study evaluated in vitro antioxidant potential of Z. zerumbet rhizome ethyl acetate extract on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced red blood cells (RBCs) damage; by measuring percentage of haemolysis, oxidative damage and morphological changes in treated RBCs. On a preliminary dose-response analysis, it was observed that incubation of RBCs with extract at doses of 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 μg/mL all had no significant effect on RBCs similar to NaCl control and BHT (positive control), therefore, these concentrations were used in the subsequent study. The RBCs were pre-incubated with extract in the chosen concentrations, prior to treatment with H2O2. The results showed that only 6.25 μg/mL+H2O2 group showed significantly (p<0.05) lower percentage of haemolysis and oxidative damage; indicated by low level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) compared to the H2O2 alone group. Electron microscopic examination further showed that pre-treatment with 6.25 μg/mL extract reduced the H2O2 –induced morphological changes of RBCs. Phytochemical analysis of extract using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) identified Zerumbone as the highest constituent compound (51.57%) in this extract. In conclusion, this study indicated that 6.25 μg/mL ethyl acetate extract Z. zerumbet rhizome could efficiently protect RBCs against oxidative damage induced by H2O2 and this effects could possibly due the high constituent of Zerumbone

The Effects of Palm Oil Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Stress and the Vascular Wall of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fractions on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into three groups: (i) normal non-diabetic (NDM), (ii) diabetic treated (tocotrienol-rich fractions - TRF) and (iii) diabetic untreated (non-TRF). The treatment group received oral administration of tocotrienol-rich fractions (200 mg/kg body weight) daily for eight weeks. The normal non-diabetic and the diabetic untreated groups were fed standard rat feed. Blood glucose and lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers and morphological changes of the thoracic aorta were evaluated. RESULTS: Tocotrienol-rich fractions treatment reduced serum glucose and glycated hemoglobin concentrations. The tocotrienol-rich fractions group also showed significantly lower levels of plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride, as compared to the untreated group. The tocotrienol-rich fractions group had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as compared to the untreated group. Superoxide dismutase activity and levels of vitamin C in plasma were increased in tocotrienol-rich fractions-treated rats. The levels of plasma and aorta malondealdehyde + 4-hydroxynonenal (MDA + 4-HNE) and oxidative DNA damage were significant following tocotrienol-rich fractions treatment. Electron microscopic examination showed that the normal morphology of the thoracic aorta was disrupted in STZ-diabetic rats. Tocotrienol-rich fractions supplementation resulted in a protective effect on the vessel wall. CONCLUSION: These results show that tocotrienol-rich fractions lowers the blood glucose level and improves dyslipidemia. Levels of oxidative stress markers were also reduced by administration of tocotrienol-rich fractions. Vessel wall integrity was maintained due to the positive effects mediated by tocotrienol-rich fractions

Fenitrothion induced oxidative stress and morphological alterations of sperm and testes in male sprague-dawley rats

OBJECTIVE: Fenitrothion residue is found primarily in soil, water and food products and can lead to a variety of toxic effects on the immune, hepatobiliary and hematological systems. However, the effects of fenitrothion on the male reproductive system remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fenitrothion on the sperm and testes of male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: A 20 mg/kg dose of fenitrothion was administered orally by gavages for 28 consecutive days. Blood sample was obtained by cardiac puncture and dissection of the testes and cauda epididymis was performed to obtain sperm. The effects of fenitrothion on the body and organ weight, biochemical and oxidative stress, sperm characteristics, histology and ultrastructural changes in the testes were evaluated. RESULTS: Fenitrothion significantly decreased the body weight gain and weight of the epididymis compared with the control group. Fenitrothion also decreased plasma cholinesterase activity compared with the control group. Fenitrothion altered the sperm characteristics, such as sperm concentration, sperm viability and normal sperm morphology, compared with the control group. Oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, total glutathione and glutathione S-transferase, were significantly increased and superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased in the fenitrothion-treated group compared with the control group. The histopathological and ultrastructural examination of the testes of the fenitrothion-treated group revealed alterations corresponding with the biochemical changes compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: A 20 mg/kg dose of fenitrothion caused deleterious effects on the sperm and testes of Sprague-Dawley rats

Review on food insecurity and its relationship with iron and vitamin B12 status among children

Iron and vitamin B12 are essential micronutrients needed for the growth and development of children. Iron is critical for erythropoiesis, notably in haemoglobin synthesis whereby haemoglobin transports oxygen to cells, which is essential for cellular metabolism and energy production. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 is required for deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, intracellular metabolism, and blood cells formation and maturation. Lack of these essential micronutrients can lead to nutritional deficiency and anaemia, especially among children. Food insecurity is a condition where there is a lack of or uncertain availability of acquiring acceptable food. Food insecurity is associated with lower nutrient intake and micronutrient deficiencies including iron and vitamin B12, which can subsequently lead to poor health outcomes. Various determinants are associated with iron and vitamin B12 deficiency, and food insecurity, such as socio-economic factors, environmental factors, and dietary intake. This review will explore the possible relationship between iron, vitamin B12, and anaemia with food insecurity among children

Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. polyphenol-rich extract in improving diabetes-induced vascular functional and structural abnormalities in rats

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. contains a high concentration of polyphenolic compounds and shows potentials in reducing vascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. This study was aimed to determine the ability of H. sabdariffa Linn. polyphenol-rich extract (HPE) in improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and attenuating oxidative stress in type 1 DM. DM was induced in adult male rats and the rats were then divided into three groups; untreated DM (DM); DM with HPE supplementation (DM+HPE); and DM with metformin (DM+MET). Another group of non-diabetic rats served as the normal control group. These rats were left untreated for four weeks before being subjected to the supplementations for another four weeks. The thoracic descending aorta was isolated from the treated and untreated rats to measure the vascular reactivity, oxidative stress, and morphological alterations. The results showed that HPE supplementation significantly reduced the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the DM+HPE group (p<0.05). HPE also showed a tendency to improve endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Rats treated with HPE exhibited a considerable improvement in the activities of antioxidants and significantly attenuated oxidative damage (p<0.05). Histological findings showed that HPE supplementation improved morphological changes in the aorta. In conclusion, HPE supplementation reduces vascular abnormalities in DM condition probably via amelioration of oxidative stress