Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 25 in total

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  1. Lee ZY, Hasan MS, Day AG, Ng CC, Ong SP, Yap CSL, et al.
    PMID: 34021917 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2194
    BACKGROUND: Nutrition risk, sarcopenia, and frailty are distinct yet inter-related. They may be due to suboptimal or prevented by optimal nutrition intake. The combination of nutrition risk (modified nutrition risk in the critically ill [mNUTRIC]), sarcopenia (SARC-CALF) and frailty (clinical frailty scale [CFS]) in a single score may better predict adverse outcomes and prioritizing resources for optimal nutrition (and exercise) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

    METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a single-center prospective observational study that enrolled mechanically ventilated adults with expected ≥96 hours ICU stay. SARC-F and CFS questionnaires were administered to patient's next-of-kin and mNUTRIC were calculated. Calf-circumference was measured at the right calf. Nutrition data was collected from nursing record. The high-risk scores (mNUTRIC ≥5, SARC-CALF >10 or CFS ≥4) of these variables were combined to become the NUTRIC-SF score (range: 0-3).

    RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were analyzed. Multiple logistic model demonstrated increasing mNUTRIC score was independently associated with 60-day mortality while increasing SARC-CALF and CFS showed a strong trend towards higher 60-day mortality. Discriminative ability of NUTRIC-SF for 60-day mortality is better than it's component (AUROC 0.722, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.677-0.868). Every increment of 300 kcal/day and 30 g/day is associated with a trend towards higher rate of discharge alive for high [≥2; Adjusted Hazard Ratio 1.453 (95% CI 0.991-2.130) for energy, 1.503 (95% CI 0.936-2.413) for protein] but not low (<2) NUTRIC-SF score.

    CONCLUSION: NUTRIC-SF score may be a clinically relevant risk stratification tool in the ICU. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  2. Lee ZY, Ong SP, Ng CC, Yap CSL, Engkasan JP, Barakatun-Nisak MY, et al.
    Clin Nutr, 2021 03;40(3):1338-1347.
    PMID: 32919818 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.08.022
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: In critically ill patients, direct measurement of skeletal muscle using bedside ultrasound (US) may identify a patient population that might benefit more from optimal nutrition practices. When US is not available, survey measures of nutrition risk and functional status that are associated with muscle status may be used to identify patients with low muscularity. This study aims to determine the association between baseline and changing ultrasound quadriceps muscle status with premorbid functional status and 60-day mortality.

    METHODS: This single-center prospective observational study was conducted in a general ICU. Mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients (age ≥18 years) without pre-existing systemic neuromuscular diseases and expected to stay for ≥96 h in the ICU were included. US measurements were performed within 48 h of ICU admission (baseline), at day 7, day 14 of ICU stay and at ICU discharge (if stay >14 days). Quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT), rectus femoris cross sectional area (RFCSA), vastus intermedius pennation angle (PA) and fascicle length (FL), and rectus femoris echogenicity (mean and standard deviation [SD]) were measured. Patients' next-of-kin were interviewed by using established questionnaires for their pre-hospitalization nutritional risk (nutrition risk screening-2002) and functional status (SARC-F, clinical frailty scale [CFS], Katz activities of daily living [ADL] and Lawton Instrumental ADL).

    RESULTS: Ninety patients were recruited. A total of 86, 53, 24 and 10 US measures were analyzed, which were performed at a median of 1, 7, 14 and 22 days from ICU admission, respectively. QMLT, RFCSA and PA reduced significantly over time. The overall trend of change of FL was not significant. The only independent predictor of 60-day mortality was the change of QMLT from baseline to day 7 (adjusted odds ratio 0.95 for every 1% less QMLT loss, 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.99; p = 0.02). Baseline measures of high nutrition risk (modified nutrition risk in critically ill ≥5), sarcopenia (SARC-F ≥4) and frailty (CFS ≥5) were associated with lower baseline QMLT, RFCSA and PA and higher 60-day mortality.

    CONCLUSIONS: Every 1% loss of QMLT over the first week of critical illness was associated with 5% higher odds of 60-day mortality. SARC-F, CFS and mNUTRIC are associated with quadriceps muscle status and 60-day mortality and may serve as a potential simple and indirect measures of premorbid muscle status at ICU admission.

  3. Lee ZY, Yap CSL, Hasan MS, Engkasan JP, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Day AG, et al.
    Crit Care, 2021 07 23;25(1):260.
    PMID: 34301303 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03693-4
    BACKGROUND: The optimal protein dose in critical illness is unknown. We aim to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effect of higher versus lower protein delivery (with similar energy delivery between groups) on clinical and patient-centered outcomes in critically ill patients.

    METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL from database inception through April 1, 2021.We included RCTs of (1) adult (age ≥ 18) critically ill patients that (2) compared higher vs lower protein with (3) similar energy intake between groups, and (4) reported clinical and/or patient-centered outcomes. We excluded studies on immunonutrition. Two authors screened and conducted quality assessment independently and in duplicate. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled risk ratio (dichotomized outcomes) or mean difference (continuous outcomes).

    RESULTS: Nineteen RCTs were included (n = 1731). Sixteen studies used primarily the enteral route to deliver protein. Intervention was started within 72 h of ICU admission in sixteen studies. The intervention lasted between 3 and 28 days. In 11 studies that reported weight-based nutrition delivery, the pooled mean protein and energy received in higher and lower protein groups were 1.31 ± 0.48 vs 0.90 ± 0.30 g/kg and 19.9 ± 6.9 versus 20.1 ± 7.1 kcal/kg, respectively. Higher vs lower protein did not significantly affect overall mortality [risk ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-1.10, p = 0.34] or other clinical or patient-centered outcomes. In 5 small studies, higher protein significantly attenuated muscle loss (MD -3.44% per week, 95% CI -4.99 to -1.90; p 

  4. Mohammad A, Falahi E, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Hanipah ZN, Redzwan SM, Yusof LM, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2021 05 31;15(4):102158.
    PMID: 34186370 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.05.031
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The studies have shown that α-tocopherol supplementation could improve lipid profile in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Nonetheless, the result remains inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of α-tocopherol supplement on lipid parameters in DM patients.

    METHODS: We conducted an extensive search via Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to acquire the reported RCTs up to October 2020.

    RESULTS: The results showed no effects of α-tocopherol supplementation on lipid profile in DM patients except when used ≥12 weeks.

    CONCLUSIONS: α-tocopherol supplementation in DM patients had no significant effect on lipid profiles.

  5. Barakatun Nisak MY, Ruzita AT, Norimah AK, Gilbertson H, Nor Azmi K
    J Am Coll Nutr, 2010 Jun;29(3):161-70.
    PMID: 20833988 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2010.10719830
    OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of low glycemic index (GI) dietary advice on eating patterns and dietary quality in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

    METHODS: Asian patients with T2DM (N  =  104) were randomized into 2 groups that received either low GI or conventional carbohydrate exchange (CCE) dietary advice for 12 weeks. Nutritional prescriptions were based on the medical nutrition therapy for T2DM, with the difference being in the GI component of the carbohydrates. Dietary intake and food choices were assessed with the use of a 3-day food record.

    RESULTS: At week 12, both groups achieved the recommendations for carbohydrate (52 ± 4% and 54 ± 4% of energy) and fat (30 ± 4% and 28 ± 5% of energy) intake. There were no significant differences in the reported macronutrient intake in both groups. With the low GI diet, crude fiber and dietary calcium intake increased, while the dietary GI reduced. Subjects in the lowest dietary glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) quartile consumed more parboiled/basmati rice, pasta, milk/dairy products, fruits, and dough, which are foods from the low GI category. There was a significant reduction in the hemoglobin A(1c) level at week 12 for patients in the lowest GI/GL quartile (Δ  =  -0.7 ± 0.1%) compared with those in the highest GI/GL quartile (Δ  =  -0.1 ± 0.2%).

    CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the ability of low GI dietary advice to improve the dietary quality of Asian patients with T2DM.
  6. Firouzi S, Majid HA, Ismail A, Kamaruddin NA, Barakatun-Nisak MY
    Eur J Nutr, 2017 Jun;56(4):1535-1550.
    PMID: 26988693 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-016-1199-8
    AIM: Evidence of a possible connection between gut microbiota and several physiological processes linked to type 2 diabetes is increasing. However, the effect of multi-strain probiotics in people with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of multi-strain microbial cell preparation-also refers to multi-strain probiotics-on glycemic control and other diabetes-related outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes.

    DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial.

    SETTING: Diabetes clinic of a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: A total of 136 participants with type 2 diabetes, aged 30-70 years, were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either probiotics (n = 68) or placebo (n = 68) for 12 weeks.

    OUTCOMES: Primary outcomes were glycemic control-related parameters, and secondary outcomes were anthropomorphic variables, lipid profile, blood pressure and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium quantities were measured before and after intervention as an indicator of successful passage of the supplement through gastrointestinal tract.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was performed on all participants, while per-protocol (PP) analysis was performed on those participants who had successfully completed the trial with good compliance rate.

    RESULTS: With respect to primary outcomes, glycated hemoglobin decreased by 0.14 % in the probiotics and increased by 0.02 % in the placebo group in PP analysis (p 

  7. Ch'ng LZ, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Wan Zukiman WZH, Abas F, Wahab NA
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2019 05 29;13(4):2339-2345.
    PMID: 31405640 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.05.026
    Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plays an essential role in overall glycemic management. Less focus is given on managing postmeal hyperglycemia despite the facts that, it is a common feature of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature on the nutritional approaches to improve postmeal hyperglycemia in patients with T2D. We searched multiple databases for the studies examining the nutritional approaches to manage postmeal glucose in patients with T2D. We included studies that involve human trials that were published in English for the past 10 years. Our review of the current literature indicates that the postmeal hyperglycemia can be improved with four nutritional approaches. These approaches include (i) utilizing the appropriate amount and selecting the right type of carbohydrates, (ii) using specific types of dietary protein, (iii) manipulating the meal timing and orders and (iv) others (promoting postmeal physical activity, incorporating diabetes-specific formula and certain functional foods). The potential mechanisms underlying these approaches are discussed and the identified gaps warranted further research. This array of nutritional strategies provide a set of options for healthcare professionals to facilitate patients with T2D in achieving the optimal level of postmeal glucose.
  8. Hashim SA, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Abu Saad H, Ismail S, Hamdy O, Mansour AA
    Nutrients, 2020 Oct 15;12(10).
    PMID: 33076406 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103152
    While the role of medical and nutrition factors on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been well-established, the association between health literacy (H.L.) and glycemic control is inconsistent. This study aims to determine the association of H.L. and nutritional status assessments with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 280 T2DM respondents (mean (SD) age = 49.7 (10.3) years, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) = 9.9 (2.6) %, and Body Mass Index = 32.7 (15.1) kg/m2) were included in this study. A short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) assessed the H.L. levels. Nutritional status assessments included client history, glycemic control, anthropometric, and biochemical data. The mean (S.D.) H.L. score was 45.7 (24.6), with 56% of the respondents had inadequate H.L. Inadequate H.L. was more common among those females; housewives, low education, received oral antidiabetic therapy, and shorter diabetes duration. Respondents with inadequate H.L. were significantly older and had higher HbA1c than those with marginal and adequate H.L. Meanwhile, respondents with inadequate and marginal H.L. levels had significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure than the respondents with adequate H.L. Low H.L. scores, self-employment status, received dual antidiabetic therapy (insulin with oral agents), received insulin alone, and had higher fasting blood glucose explained about 21% of the total variation in HbA1c (adjusted R2 = 0.21; p < 0.001). Respondents with inadequate H.L. had poor glycemic control. The H.L. scores, together with nutritional status assessments, were the factors that predicted poor glycemic control among adults with T2DM.
    Study site: Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Centre (FDEMC), Basrah, Iraq
  9. Cheng SH, Ismail A, Anthony J, Ng OC, Hamid AA, Barakatun-Nisak MY
    PMID: 26713097 DOI: 10.1155/2015/405615
    Objectives. Optimizing glycemic control is crucial to prevent type 2 diabetes related complications. Cosmos caudatus is reported to have promising effect in improving plasma blood glucose in an animal model. However, its impact on human remains ambiguous. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of C. caudatus on glycemic status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods. In this randomized controlled trial with two-arm parallel-group design, a total of 101 subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to diabetic-ulam or diabetic controls for eight weeks. Subjects in diabetic-ulam group consumed 15 g of C. caudatus daily for eight weeks while diabetic controls abstained from taking C. caudatus. Both groups received the standard lifestyle advice. Results. After 8 weeks of supplementation, C. caudatus significantly reduced serum insulin (-1.16 versus +3.91), reduced HOMA-IR (-1.09 versus +1.34), and increased QUICKI (+0.05 versus -0.03) in diabetic-ulam group compared with the diabetic controls. HbA1C level was improved although it is not statistically significant (-0.76% versus -0.37%). C. caudatus was safe to consume. Conclusions. C. caudatus supplementation significantly improves insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  10. Lee ZY, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Noor Airini I, Heyland DK
    Nutr Clin Pract, 2016 Feb;31(1):68-79.
    PMID: 26385874 DOI: 10.1177/0884533615601638
    Nutrition support is an integral part of care among critically ill patients. However, critically ill patients are commonly underfed, leading to consequences such as increased length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, time on mechanical ventilation, infectious complications, and mortality. Nevertheless, the prevalence of underfeeding has not resolved since the first description of this problem more than 15 years ago. This may be due to the traditional conservative feeding approaches. A novel feeding protocol (the Enhanced Protein-Energy Provision via the Enteral Route Feeding Protocol in Critically Ill Patients [PEP uP] protocol) was proposed and proven to improve feeding adequacy significantly. However, some of the components in the protocol are controversial and subject to debate. This article is a review of the supporting evidences and some of the controversy associated with each component of the PEP uP protocol.
  11. Lee ZY, Noor Airini I, Barakatun-Nisak MY
    Clin Nutr, 2018 08;37(4):1264-1270.
    PMID: 28599979 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.05.013
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effect of provision of full feeding or permissive underfeeding on mortality in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is still controversial. This study investigated the relationship of energy and protein intakes with 60-day mortality, and the extent to which ICU length of stay and nutritional risk status influenced this relationship.

    METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted among critically ill patients aged ≥18 years, intubated and mechanically ventilated within 48 h of ICU admission and stayed in the ICU for at least 72 h. Information on baseline characteristics and nutritional risk status (the modified Nutrition Risk in Critically ill [NUTRIC] score) was collected on day 1. Nutritional intake was recorded daily until death, discharge, or until the twelfth evaluable days. Mortality status was assessed on day 60 based on the patient's hospital record. Patients were divided into 3 groups a) received <2/3 of prescribed energy and protein (both <2/3), b) received ≥2/3 of prescribed energy and protein (both ≥2/3) and c) either energy or protein received were ≥2/3 of prescribed (either ≥2/3). The relationship between the three groups with 60-day mortality was examined by using logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the influence of ICU length of stay (≥7 days) and nutritional risk status.

    RESULTS: Data were collected from 154 mechanically ventilated patients (age, 51.3 ± 15.7 years; body mass index, 26.5 ± 6.7 kg/m2; 54% male). The mean modified NUTRIC score was 5.7 ± 1.9, with 56% of the patients at high nutritional risk. The patients received 64.5 ± 21.6% of the amount of energy and 56.4 ± 20.6% of the amount of protein prescribed. Provision of energy and protein at ≥2/3 compared with <2/3 of the prescribed amounts was associated with a trend towards increased 60-day mortality (Adjusted odds ratio [Adj OR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-5.38; p = 0.074). No difference in mortality status was found between energy and protein provision at either ≥2/3 compared with <2/3 of the prescribed amounts (Adj OR 1.61, 95% CI, 0.58-4.45; p = 0.357). Nutritional risk status, not ICU length of stay, influenced the relationship between nutritional adequacy and 60-day mortality.

    CONCLUSIONS: Energy and protein adequacy of ≥2/3 of the prescribed amounts were associated with a trend towards increased 60-day mortality among mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. However, neither energy nor protein adequacy alone at ≥ or <2/3 adequacy affect 60-day mortality. Increased mortality was associated with provision of energy and protein at ≥2/3 of the prescribed amounts, which only affected patients with low nutritional risk.

  12. Cheng SH, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Anthony J, Ismail A
    J Res Med Sci, 2015 Oct;20(10):1000-6.
    PMID: 26929767 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.172796
    Cosmos caudatus is widely used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. C. caudatus has been reported as a rich source of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. Studies have shown that C. caudatus exhibits high anti-oxidant capacity and various medicinal properties, including anti-diabetic activity, anti-hypertensive properties, anti-inflammatory responses, bone-protective effect, and anti-microbial activity. This review aims to present the potential medicinal benefits of C. caudatus from the available scientific literature. We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect database for articles published from 1995 to January 2015. Overall, 15 articles related to C. caudatus and its medicinal benefits are reviewed. All these studies demonstrated that C. caudatus is effective, having demonstrated its anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, bone-protective, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal activity in both in vitro and animal studies. None of the studies showed any negative effect of C. caudatus related to medicinal use. Currently available evidence suggests that C. caudatus has beneficial effects such as reducing blood glucose, reducing blood pressure, promoting healthy bone formation, and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. However, human clinical trial is warranted.
  13. Firouzi S, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Azmi KN
    J Res Med Sci, 2015 Jan;20(1):40-6.
    PMID: 25767521
    The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in Malaysia, with most patients poorly controlled. Hence, this study aimed to determine nutritional and metabolic status as well as blood pressure of Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and identify associated risk factors for poor glycemic control.
  14. Nurul-Alia Samiun, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof, Irmi Zarina Ismail, Norfarhana Mohd Anuar, Winnie Chee Siew Swee
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Optimal nutritional status is of utmost importance not only for foetal
    development but also to maintain normoglycemia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
    (GDM). This cross-sectional study described the nutritional status of women with GDM and
    explored whether self-reported nutrition education (NEd) exposure before a GDM diagnosis
    would be able to promote better nutrition status. Methods: GDM women (n= 60; age= 31.6 ±
    5.0 years) diagnosed between 13th and 28th week of gestation participated in the study. We
    assessed nutritional status that included anthropometric and blood pressure assessments,
    biochemical data, and dietary intake. The respondents self-reported their NEd exposure before
    a GDM diagnosis was made. Results: The pre-pregnancy BMI of the participants was 27.9 ±
    6.8 kg/m2
    , which was categorised as overweight. Total (4.3 ± 5.6 kg) and rate (0.2 ± 0.3
    kg/week) of gestational weight gain were within the recommendations. Glycemic parameters
    and blood pressure were also within the normal range. Nevertheless, they had high intakes of
    fat (35.5%) and sugar (14.4%) proportionate to their energy intake. They did not meet the
    recommended nutrient intakes for fibre, calcium, and iron. Only 28.3% of women had prior
    NEd exposure. Among them, almost all (94.1%) had recurrent GDM. Those with NEd
    exposure had lower pre-prandial blood glucose profiles, systolic blood pressure, and
    proportion of protein intake from energy than those without (p< 0.05). Conclusions:
    Suboptimal maternal nutritional status and low exposure to NEd are evident in women with
    GDM. Those with self-reported NEd exposure had better parameters of nutritional status. The
    findings recognised the need of having proper nutrition education for women who are at high
    risk of GDM since at early pregnancy.
  15. Norfarhana Mohd Anuar, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Farah Yasmin Hasbullah, Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam, Zuriati Ibrahim, Nor Fadhlina Zakaria, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Low glycemic index (GI) diet is recommended as part of medical nutrition therapy for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). While the clinical benefits are evident, data assessing knowledge of the GI concept among women with GDM are scarce. This was a needs assessment study to determine the level of knowl- edge about the GI concept among women with GDM. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we included 85 women with GDM (mean age: 30.6 ± 4.0, pre-pregnancy BMI: 24.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2, gestational age: 34.0 ± 4.0 weeks) from Hospital Serdang, Malaysia. Knowledge about the GI concept was assessed using a developed questionnaire. Additional questions on GDM were assessed using Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Questionnaire (GDM- KQ). Subjects with less than 50%, 51-74%, and more than 75% total score were categorized as having poor, fair, and good knowledge levels, respectively. Results: The mean knowledge score obtained by the subjects was 12.8 ± 3.5. More subjects scored correctly for GDM-related knowledge (68.2%). More than half (58.8%) had heard about the GI concept previously and 55.3% understood the definition of GI. The average knowledge score about the GI con- cept was 55.6%; subjects scored highest on the influence of different carbohydrates (teh tarik versus milk) on blood glucose level (87.1%). However, the majority of the subjects had fair knowledge level (62.4%). Conclusion: Women with GDM had moderate knowledge about the GI concept. Results of the needs assessment served as preliminary data for the development of a GI-based nutrition education program in Malaysia.
  16. Maryam Mashmoul, Azrina Azlan, Norhafizah Mohtarrudin, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Huzwah Khaza’ai, Mehdi Farzadnia, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Thirty-six adult male SD rats, weighing 200-250 g were used in this study. Dietary obesity was induced by feeding high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. One group of animal (n=6) served as normal control which received normal diet from the beginning to the end of the study. The other 30 male obese animals induced by HFD were randomly divided into five experimental groups: The group which received high-fat diet considered as a negative control and the other four groups were treated with saffron extract and crocin in low and high dosages of 40 and 80 mg/kg for 8 weeks. At the end of treatment period, kidney and pancreas were removed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). There were significant histopathological changes, such as tubular degenerative, vascular congestion and interstitial inflammation in the kidney and extensive pancreatic adipose tissue infiltration in high-fat diet rats group when compared with normal control. The results showed less significant histopathological changes of the kidney and also moderate pancreatic adipose tissue infiltration in the groups treated with crocin. Interestingly saffron extract dose-independently displayed significant renal protective effect while a significant decrease in pancreatic adipose tissue infiltration was observed in obese rat treated with high dose of saffron extract (80 mg/kg). From these results, it can be concluded that consumption of saffron extract reduced the untoward effects of high-fat diet in kidney and pancreas of high-fat diet induced obese rats.
  17. Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof, Yen, Hui Thu, Chin, Yit Siew, Ellin, Kiung, Rohana Abdul Ghani, Adham Motallib, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Binge eating (BE) behaviour is associated with obesity and eating disorders. This cross-sectional study investigates BE behaviour and its relationship with nutrition-related factors among university students. A total of 170 (69% females) university students in Malaysia aged 19 to 24 years participated in this study. BE behaviour was assessed with the use of Binge Eating Scale (BES) questionnaire. Socio-demographic background and nutritional status (anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake) were also measured. BE behaviour reported by 10% percent of the participants. BE behaviour was associated with increased energy intake, elevated BMI and sex (Adjusted R2 = 0.116, p < 0.001). Differences in sex-specific factors in predicting the risk of BE behaviour were evident. In male participants, an increased in energy intake, elevated BMI and had a higher waist circumference associated with the risk of BE behaviour (Adjusted R2 = 0.411, p < 0.001). In female participants, only a higher waist circumference associated with BE behaviour (Adjusted R2 = 0.028, p < 0.05). The finding suggests that understanding sex-specific factors are necessary to prevent BE. These are the potential targets for tailored eating behaviour intervention among university students.

  18. Hamdy O, Barakatun-Nisak MY
    Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am, 2016 12;45(4):799-817.
    PMID: 27823606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2016.06.010
    Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a key component of diabetes management. The importance of balancing macronutrients, reducing carbohydrate load, lowering glycemic index, and implementing an overall healthy dietary pattern are emerging as better approaches for MNT in diabetes. Recent research points to improved glycemic control, reduction in body weight, and improvement in many cardiovascular risk factors when these approaches are provided by registered dietitians or health care providers. This review article discusses the current evidence about the role of sensible nutrition in diabetes management. Specific eating plans for weight reduction and for patients with type 1 diabetes are also discussed.
  19. Chee, Huei Phing, Hazizi Abu Saad, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of cardiovascular disease risks, which has been demonstrated to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome is a crucial health concern in Malaysia, with a prevalence of about 42.5% in the general population based on the ‘Harmonized’ definition. The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between socioeconomic status among Malaysian government employees with metabolic syndrome, compared with those without metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, this study also aimed to ascertain the associated obesity indicators for metabolic syndrome among employees—explicitly body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, fat mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. Methods: This cross-sectional study was
    undertaken at government agencies in Putrajaya, Malaysia, via multi-stage random sampling. A total of 675 government employees were randomly sampled from a list of 3,173 government employees working in five government agencies under five geographical areas. Data on socioeconomic status, anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessments were collected. Results: Employees who were males had higher metabolic syndrome prevalence compared to their counterparts (p=0.019). In addition, employees aged between 20 to younger than 30 years had lowest metabolic syndrome prevalence (p=0.002). The risk of having metabolic syndrome was almost 10 times more likely in men with a waist-to-hip ratio of ≥0.90 compared to men with a waist-to-hip ratio of
  20. Nor-Farahain Yahya, Noraida Omar, Ummi-Nadira Daut, Siti-Nur’Asyura Adznam, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients usually have dietary problems leading to malnutrition issues. Therefore, this study aimed to determine macro and micronutrient intakes and meal-related sit- uations among outpatients COPD elderly and its adequacy according to their requirements. Methods: 140 patients were included in this cross-sectional study at Respiratory Clinics of Hospital Serdang and Institut Perubatan Respira- tori. Socio-demographic and health status data were collected by interviewing patients and reviewing their medical records. A three-day diet history (two-day on weekdays, one day on weekend) was analysed using Nutritionist Pro and compared against their requirements. Meal-related situation was assessed using three open-ended questions that related to food shopping, cooking and eating and analysed using content analysis. Results: Patients were 70±7 years old, 97% male, 59% Malay, 48% had primary education, 75% married, 72% ex-smokers and 54% presented with comorbidities. Majority of them had no episode of exacerbation for the past one year and in moderate stage of the COPD severity. Mean energy intake was 916±221 kcal/day with 98% of them have under-reported their intake. Almost all patients had inadequate macro and micronutrient intake; energy (97%), protein (97%), carbohydrate (86%), fat (99%), vitamin A (95%), C (86%), D (99%) and E (99%). The meal-related situation reported patients had difficulties with food shopping and preparation and problems during mealtime. Conclusion: COPD elderly reported inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients and had problems during mealtime. This indicates the need for Ma- laysian nutrition guidelines specific to COPD patients and nutrition intervention in the primary setting.
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