AIMS OF STUDY: To demonstrate Marantodes pumilum leaves aqueous extract (MPE) has an effect on uterine contraction after delivery and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.
METHODS: Day-1 post-delivery female rats were given MPE (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day) orally for seven consecutive days. A day after the last treatment (day-8), rats were sacrificed and uteri were harvested and subjected for ex-vivo contraction study using organ bath followed by protein expression and distribution study by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques, respectively. The proteins of interest include calmodulin-CaM, myosin light chain kinase-MLCK, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), G-protein α and β (Gα and Gβ), inositol-triphosphate 3-kinase (IP3K), oxytocin receptor-OTR, prostaglandin (PGF)2α receptor-PGFR, muscarinic receptor-MAChR and estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms α and β. Levels of estradiol and progesterone in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).
RESULTS: Ex-vivo contraction study revealed the force of uterine contraction increased with increasing doses of MPE. In addition, expression of CaM, MLCK, SERCA, Gα, Gβ, IP3K, OTR, PGF2α, MAChR, Erα and ERβ in the uterus increased with increasing doses of MPE. Serum analysis indicate that estradiol levels decreased while progesterone levels remained low at day-8 post-partum in rats receiving 250 and 500 mg/kg/day MPE.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the claims that MPE help to firm the uterus and pave the way for its use as a uterotonic agent after delivery.
METHODS: The questionnaire was subjected to forward-backward translation, followed by expert panel evaluation (n = 8). Face validity was carried out among 25 Malay-speaking community-dwelling adults to assess the clarity and comprehensibility of the Malay SARC-F questionnaire using the Face Validity Index (FVI). Reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC).
RESULTS: A translated Malay SARC-F was agreed after the forward translation. The backward translation of the Malay SARC-F showed minimal discrepancy from the original version. Expert panels agreed to revise certain phrases and terms to better suit the Malaysian context to optimise clarity and comprehension. Face validity was also excellent (I-FVI = 1.00; S-FVI = 1.00). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.78), and test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.92).
CONCLUSION: The Malay SARC-F demonstrates preliminary evidence of reliability as a culturally appropriate screening instrument for sarcopenia among Malaysian adults. Although this study establishes its preliminary psychometric soundness, larger studies are warranted to confirm construct and criterion validity.