MyMedR

Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 220 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext The Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on the Incidence of Diarrhea in Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Devaraj NK, Suppiah S, Veettil SK, Ching SM, Lee KW, Menon RK, et al.

Nutrients, 2019 Nov 27;11(12).
PMID: 31783578 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122886

The protective effects of probiotic supplementation against radiation-induced diarrhea (RID) have been reported in previous systematic reviews; however so far, only non-conclusive results have been obtained. The objective of this study was to systematically update and evaluate the available evidence for probiotic supplementation. The protocol of this systematic review has been registered (CRD42018106059) with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of RID. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of watery stool, soft stool, and antidiarrheal medication use. There were eight trials, and a total of 1116 participants were included in the primary analysis. Compared with placebo, probiotics were associated with a lower risk of RID [risk ratio (RR) = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.83]. A requisite heterogeneity-adjusted trial sequential analysis indicated conclusive evidence for this beneficial effect. No statistically significant reduction in RID (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.14, 1.91) was observed on subgroup analysis in patients receiving both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, those patients receiving only radiation therapy (RT) demonstrated significant benefit (RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.78). There was a significant difference in the antidiarrheal medication use (RR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.84) observed with the use of probiotics. However, no significant difference was observed for the incidence of soft and watery stool. The use of probiotics is beneficial in preventing RID in patients receiving RT.
Fulltext Effect of High-Fat Diets on Oxidative Stress, Cellular Inflammatory Response and Cognitive Function

Tan BL, Norhaizan ME

Nutrients, 2019 Oct 25;11(11).
PMID: 31731503 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112579

Cognitive dysfunction is linked to chronic low-grade inflammatory stress that contributes to cell-mediated immunity in creating an oxidative environment. Food is a vitally important energy source; it affects brain function and provides direct energy. Several studies have indicated that high-fat consumption causes overproduction of circulating free fatty acids and systemic inflammation. Immune cells, free fatty acids, and circulating cytokines reach the hypothalamus and initiate local inflammation through processes such as microglial proliferation. Therefore, the role of high-fat diet (HFD) in promoting oxidative stress and neurodegeneration is worthy of further discussion. Of particular interest in this article, we highlight the associations and molecular mechanisms of HFD in the modulation of inflammation and cognitive deficits. Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in cognitive impairment following HFD consumption would provide a useful approach for the prevention of cognitive dysfunction.
Fulltext Association of Stress, Mental Health, and VEGFR-2 Gene Polymorphisms with Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese Malaysian Adults

Yap RWK, Lin MH, Shidoji Y, Yap WS

Nutrients, 2019 May 22;11(5).
PMID: 31121870 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051140

Gene-environment (G × E) interactions involving job stress and mental health on risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are minimally explored. This study examined the association and G × E interaction effects of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) gene polymorphisms (rs1870377, rs2071559) on cardiometabolic risk in Chinese Malaysian adults. Questionnaires: Job Stress Scale (JSS); Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21); and Rhode Island Stress and Coping Inventory (RISCI) were used to measure job stress, mental health, and coping with perceived stress. Cardiometabolic risk parameters were evaluated in plasma and genotyping analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The subjects were 127 Chinese Malaysian adults. The allele frequencies for rs1870377 (A allele and T allele) and rs2071557 (A allele and T allele) polymorphisms were 0.48 and 0.52, and 0.37 and 0.63, respectively. Significant correlations include scores from JSS dimensions with blood glucose (BG) (p = 0.025-0.045), DASS-21 dimensions with blood pressure, BMI, and uric acid (p = 0.029-0.047), and RISCI with blood pressure and BG (p = 0.016-0.049). Significant G × E interactions were obtained for: rs1870377 with stress on total cholesterol (p = 0.035), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.019), and apolipoprotein B100 (p = 0.004); and rs2071559 with anxiety on blood pressure (p = 0.006-0.045). The significant G × E interactions prompt actions for managing stress and anxiety for the prevention of CVD.
Fulltext Comparison of Structured Nutrition Therapy for Ramadan with Standard Care in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Mohd Yusof BN, Wan Zukiman WZHH, Abu Zaid Z, Omar N, Mukhtar F, Yahya NF, et al.

Nutrients, 2020 Mar 19;12(3).
PMID: 32204476 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030813

(1) Background: Structured nutrition therapy (NT) is essential for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the optimal delivery during Ramadan fasting remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of structured NT program versus standard care in patients with T2D during Ramadan. (2) Methods: The present study was an 8-week, parallel, non-randomized study with patients' preference design involving 64 patients with T2D. The participants were asked to choose their preferred group, i.e., structured NT (Structured Ramadan NT, sRNT) or standard care (SC). The participants in the sRNT group received a Ramadan-focused nutrition plan, including a diabetes-specific formula throughout the study, whereas the patients in the SC group received standard nutrition care. Study outcomes included clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL). Data was analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed-effects model. (3) Results: More than half of the participants (n = 38, 63%) chose sRNT as their preferred group. Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. After 8-weeks of the respective intervention, participants in the sRNT group had lower levels of fasting plasma glucose (-0.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L vs. 0.2 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p < 0.05), triglycerides (-0.21 ± 0.08 mmol/L vs. 0.20 ± 0.17 mmol/L, p < 0.05), and self-monitoring glucose at pre-dawn (6.9 mmol/L vs. 7.8 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and pre-bedtime (7.6 mmol/L vs. 8.6 mmol/L, p < 0.05) than participants in the SC group. Although not different between groups, HbA1c levels decreased significantly in the sRNT (-0.72 ± 0.16%, p < 0.001) but not in the SC group (-0.35 ± 0.24%, p = 0.155). QoL and satisfaction scores improved significantly in sRNT group, but not in SC group. (4) Conclusions: The structured NT regimen for Ramadan is a feasible and beneficial program for T2D patients observing Ramadan fasting as it showed an improvement in clinical outcomes and QoL.
Fulltext Microencapsulated Tuna Oil Results in Higher Absorption of DHA in Toddlers

Ghasemi Fard S, Loh SP, Turchini GM, Wang B, Elliott G, Sinclair AJ

Nutrients, 2020 Jan 18;12(1).
PMID: 31963702 DOI: 10.3390/nu12010248

: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential component for brain and visual acuity development during foetal and early postnatal life. A newly released directive under the European Commission stipulates DHA as a mandatory ingredient in infant formula. This poses challenges to manufacturers in preserving the stability and bioavailability of DHA at levels akin to human breast milk. The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the bioavailability of microencapsulated omega-3 DHA formulations in healthy toddlers compared with high DHA fish oil for a one-month period and (b) to assess the effect of DHA supplementation on children's sleep and cry patterns. Sixty toddlers were randomly allocated to four groups: 1. unfortified formula, 2. unfortified formula plus high DHA tuna oil, 3. fortified formula with dairy-based microencapsulated high DHA tuna oil powder, and 4. fortified formula with allergenic-free microencapsulated high DHA tuna oil powder. Bioavailability was assessed from both blood and faecal fatty acid levels. The results showed an enhanced bioavailability with significantly greater concentrations of blood DHA levels in formulas with microencapsulated powders. There were no significant effects of treatment on sleep and cry patterns. Application and delivery of microencapsulated DHA tuna oil powder in toddlers' formula provided better bioavailability of the active DHA.
Fulltext Comparison of Factors Associated with Disordered Eating between Male and Female Malaysian University Students

Chin YS, Appukutty M, Kagawa M, Gan WY, Wong JE, Poh BK, et al.

Nutrients, 2020 Jan 25;12(2).
PMID: 31991785 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020318

Disordered eating is prevalent among university students, especially females. Whilst literature suggests that factors associated with disordered eating may differ according to gender, such an association has not been studied in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study aims to compare factors associated with disordered eating between male and female university students. A total of 716 university students (male: 27.4%; female: 72.6%) were recruited in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. All participants completed a set of self-administered questionnaires and their body weight and height were recorded. About one in five of the university students (20.3%) were found to have disordered eating. There were more female students (22.9%) disordered eating compared to males (13.3%, χ² = 8.16, p < 0.05). In male students (β = 0.228, p < 0.01), depressive symptoms were the only significant predictor for disordered eating. In females, the strongest predictor was depressive symptoms (β = 0.214, p < 0.001), followed by body size satisfaction (β = -0.145, p < 0.01) and body appreciation (β = -0.101, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that there are gender differences in the factors associated with disordered eating among Malaysian university students. Intervention programmes that address disordered eating should take into account these sex differences and its contributing factors.
Fulltext The Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E (Tocovid) on Diabetic Neuropathy: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

Ng YT, Phang SCW, Tan GCJ, Ng EY, Botross Henien NP, M Palanisamy UD, et al.

Nutrients, 2020 May 23;12(5).
PMID: 32456230 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051522

Chronic hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress, activates inflammatory pathways and reduces nerve growth factor (NGF) among diabetic patients, which contribute to development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E (Tocovid) possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are postulated to target these pathogeneses in order to ameliorate DPN. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Tocovid on nerve conduction parameters and serum biomarkers among diabetic patients. This multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 eligible participants. The intervention group (n = 39) was randomly allocated to receive 200 mg of Tocovid twice a day, and the control group (n = 41) received placebo twice a day. At the end of eight weeks, the nerve conduction parameters, as assessed by nerve conduction study, as well as serum biomarkers (NGF, malondialdehyde, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and thromboxane B2) were compared between the two groups. Compared to placebo, Tocovid significantly improves the nerve conduction velocities of all nerves (+1.25 m/s, interquartile range [IQR] 3.35, p < 0.001, median nerve; +1.60 m/s, IQR 1.80, p < 0.001, sural nerve; +0.75 m/s, IQR 2.25, p < 0.001, tibial nerve). Meanwhile, the levels of serum NGF were significantly higher in the Tocovid group as compared to placebo at eight weeks post-intervention. Participants receiving Tocovid illustrated highly significant improvement in terms of nerve conduction velocities for all nerves tested after eight weeks of supplementation. In addition, Tocovid supplementation elevated the levels of serum NGF, in which its increase is postulated to reflect enhanced neuronal functions. This novel finding suggests that Tocovid could be a disease-modifying agent targeting serum NGF to improve nerve conduction velocities.
Fulltext Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Cardamonin against Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

Badroon NA, Abdul Majid N, Alshawsh MA

Nutrients, 2020 Jun 12;12(6).
PMID: 32545423 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061757

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in terms of incidence and the fourth in terms of mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents almost 90% of primary liver cancer and has become a major health problem globally. Cardamonin (CADMN) is a natural bioactive chalcone found in several edible plants such as cardamom and Alpinia species. Previous studies have shown that CADMN possesses anticancer activities against breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancer. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of CADMN were investigated against HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated that CADMN has anti-proliferative effects and apoptotic action on HepG2 cells. CADMN showed potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with an IC50 of 17.1 ± 0.592 μM at 72 h. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that CADMN arrests HepG2 cells in G1 phase and induces a significant increase in early and late apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. The mechanism by which CADMN induces apoptotic action was via activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Moreover, the findings of this study showed the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which inhibit the NF-κB pathway and further enhance the apoptotic process. Together, our findings further support the potential anticancer activity of CADMN as an alternative therapeutic agent against HCC.
Fulltext Dietary Acid Load, IGF-1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Bone Resorption among Postmenopausal Chinese Women

Lim SY, Zalilah MS, Chin YS, Ramachandran V, Chan YM

Nutrients, 2018 Jul 17;10(7).
PMID: 30018240 DOI: 10.3390/nu10070915

The interaction of dietary and genetic factors may affect the development of bone deterioration. This study investigated whether the effects of dietary acid load (DAL) on bone loss in postmenopausal Chinese women were moderated by the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) single nucleotide polymorphism, a known gene that plays a role in the regulation of bone formation and bone remodeling. A total of 217 healthy participants were recruited from the National Council of Senior Citizens Organizations Malaysia. Serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide was used as a surrogate bone marker to assess bone resorption and Agena® MassARRAY genotyping analysis was used to identify the signaling of IGF-1 rs35767. The dietary acid load was measured by potential renal acid load score while physical activity was ascertained using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression was applied to test the main and interaction effects of DAL and IGF-1 genotypes in bone resorption. The result supported the diet-dependent acid-base balance theory that higher DAL was positively associated with bone resorption (β = 0.152, p = 0.031, F(6,207) = 2.11, sig-F = 0.036, R² = 0.079). However, the results indicated that there was no significant correlation between IGF-1 and bone resorption, or any significant interaction between DAL and IGF-1. In conclusion, there was no moderating effect of IGF-1 on the relationship between DAL and bone resorption.
Fulltext Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Depression, and Neurodegeneration: A Bidirectional Communication from Gut to Brain

Aziz MNM, Kumar J, Muhammad Nawawi KN, Raja Ali RA, Mokhtar NM

Nutrients, 2021 Aug 31;13(9).
PMID: 34578939 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093061

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are increasingly presenting with a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as deterioration in gastroenteric physiology, including visceral hypersensitivity, altered intestinal membrane permeability, and gastrointestinal motor dysfunction. Functional imaging of IBS patients has revealed several abnormalities in various brain regions, such as significant activation of amygdala, thinning of insular and anterior cingulate cortex, and increase in hypothalamic gray matter, which results in poor psychiatric and cognitive outcomes. Interrelations between the enteric and central events in IBS-related gastrointestinal, neurological, and psychiatric pathologies have compelled researchers to study the gut-brain axis-a bidirectional communication that maintains the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal and central nervous system with gut microbiota as the protagonist. Thus, it can be disrupted by any alteration owing to the gut dysbiosis or loss of diversity in microbial composition. Available evidence indicates that the use of probiotics as a part of a balanced diet is effective in the management of IBS and IBS-associated neurodegenerative and psychiatric comorbidities. In this review, we delineate the pathogenesis and complications of IBS from gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric standpoints while also discussing the neurodegenerative events in enteric and central nervous systems of IBS patients and the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota-based therapy established on clinical and preclinical data.
Fulltext Development and Relative Validity of a Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to Estimate Dietary Intake among a Multi-Ethnic Population in the Malaysian Cohort Project

Shahar S, Shahril MR, Abdullah N, Borhanuddin B, Kamaruddin MA, Yusuf NAM, et al.

Nutrients, 2021 Apr 01;13(4).
PMID: 33915922 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041163

Measuring dietary intakes in a multi-ethnic and multicultural setting, such as Malaysia, remains a challenge due to its diversity. This study aims to develop and evaluate the relative validity of an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in assessing the habitual dietary exposure of The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) participants. We developed a nutrient database (with 203 items) based on various food consumption tables, and 803 participants were involved in this study. The output of the FFQ was then validated against three-day 24-h dietary recalls (n = 64). We assessed the relative validity and its agreement using various methods, such as Spearman's correlation, weighed Kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. Spearman's correlation coefficient ranged from 0.24 (vitamin C) to 0.46 (carbohydrate), and almost all nutrients had correlation coefficients above 0.3, except for vitamin C and sodium. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from -0.01 (calcium) to 0.59 (carbohydrates), and weighted Kappa exceeded 0.4 for 50% of nutrients. In short, TMC's FFQ appears to have good relative validity for the assessment of nutrient intake among its participants, as compared to the three-day 24-h dietary recalls. However, estimates for iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C should be interpreted with caution.
Study name: The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) project
Fulltext Association of health literacy and nutritional status assessment with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

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
Fulltext Safety and Efficacy of Dietary Epigallocatechin Gallate Supplementation in Attenuating Hypertension via Its Modulatory Activities on the Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Parn KW, Ling WC, Chin JH, Lee SK

Nutrients, 2022 Nov 01;14(21).
PMID: 36364864 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214605

This study aimed to identify the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of dietary epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) supplementation and its possible antihypertensive and nutrigenomics effects in modulating intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) gene expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). EGCG (50, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg b.w. i.g., once daily) was administered to SHR for 28 days. All the SHR survived with no signs of systemic toxicity. Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evident in SHR supplemented with 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. but not in those supplemented with lower doses of EGCG. Subsequently, the NOAEL of EGCG was established at 250 mg/kg b.w., and the same protocol was replicated to assess its effects on blood pressure and renal RAS-related genes in SHR. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the EGCG group was consistently lower than the control group. The mRNA levels of cortical Agtr2 and Ace2 and medullary Agtr2, Ace and Mas1 were upregulated while medullary Ren was downregulated in EGCG group. Statistical analysis showed that SBP reduction was associated with the changes in medullary Agtr2, Ace, and Ren. Dietary EGCG supplementation exhibits antihypertensive and nutrigenomics effects through activation of intrarenal Ace and Agtr2 and suppression of Ren mediators, while a high dose of EGCG induced liver damage in SHR. In future clinical studies, liver damage biomarkers should be closely monitored to further establish the safety of the long-term use of EGCG.
Fulltext Phosphate Dysregulation and Metabolic Syndrome

Mironov N, Haque M, Atfi A, Razzaque MS

Nutrients, 2022 Oct 25;14(21).
PMID: 36364739 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214477

Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. It is essential for almost all biochemical activities through ATP formation, intracellular signal transduction, cell membrane formation, bone mineralization, DNA and RNA synthesis, and inflammation modulation through various inflammatory cytokines. Phosphorus levels must be optimally regulated, as any deviations may lead to substantial derangements in glucose homeostasis. Clinical studies have reported that hyperphosphatemia can increase an individual's risk of developing metabolic syndrome. High phosphate burden has been shown to impair glucose metabolism by impairing pancreatic insulin secretion and increasing the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. Phosphate toxicity deserves more attention as metabolic syndrome is being seen more frequently worldwide and should be investigated further to determine the underlying mechanism of how phosphate burden may increase the cardiometabolic risk in the general population.
Fulltext Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction and Levodopa Regulate Proteins Involved in Parkinson's Disease-Associated Pathways in Differentiated Neuroblastoma Cells: Insights from Quantitative Proteomic Analysis

Magalingam KB, Ramdas P, Somanath SD, Selvaduray KR, Bhuvanendran S, Radhakrishnan AK

Nutrients, 2022 Nov 03;14(21).
PMID: 36364894 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214632

Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), a palm oil-derived vitamin E fraction, is reported to possess potent neuroprotective effects. However, the modulation of proteomes in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells (diff-neural cells) by TRF has not yet been reported. This study aims to investigate the proteomic changes implicated by TRF in human neural cells using a label-free liquid-chromatography-double mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. Levodopa, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), was used as a drug control. The human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were differentiated for six days and treated with TRF or levodopa for 24 h prior to quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 81 and 57 proteins were differentially expressed in diff-neural cells following treatment with TRF or levodopa, respectively. Among these proteins, 32 similar proteins were detected in both TRF and levodopa-treated neural cells, with 30 of these proteins showing similar expression pattern. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that most of the proteins regulated by TRF and levodopa are key players in the ubiquitin-proteasome, calcium signalling, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial pathway and axonal transport system. In conclusion, TRF is an essential functional food that affects differential protein expression in human neuronal cells at the cellular and molecular levels.
Fulltext A Scoping Review of the Skeletal Effects of Naringenin

Nor Muhamad ML, Ekeuku SO, Wong SK, Chin KY

Nutrients, 2022 Nov 16;14(22).
PMID: 36432535 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224851

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is caused by the deterioration of bone density and microstructure, resulting in increased fracture risk. It transpires due to an imbalanced skeletal remodelling process favouring bone resorption. Various natural compounds can positively influence the skeletal remodelling process, of which naringenin is a candidate. Naringenin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound found in citrus fruits and grapefruit. This systematic review aims to present an overview of the available evidence on the skeletal protective effects of naringenin.
METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases in August 2022. Original research articles using cells, animals, or humans to investigate the bone protective effects of naringenin were included.
RESULTS: Sixteen eligible articles were included in this review. The existing evidence suggested that naringenin enhanced osteoblastogenesis and bone formation through BMP-2/p38MAPK/Runx2/Osx, SDF-1/CXCR4, and PI3K/Akt/c-Fos/c-Jun/AP-1 signalling pathways. Naringenin also inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by inhibiting inflammation and the RANKL pathway.
CONCLUSIONS: Naringenin enhances bone formation while suppressing bone resorption, thus achieving its skeletal protective effects. It could be incorporated into the diet through fruit intake or supplements to prevent bone loss.
Fulltext Clinically Relevant Genes and Proteins Modulated by Tocotrienols in Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines: Systematic Scoping Review

Khalid AQ, Bhuvanendran S, Magalingam KB, Ramdas P, Kumari M, Radhakrishnan AK

Nutrients, 2021 Nov 12;13(11).
PMID: 34836311 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114056

The last decade has witnessed tremendous growth in tocotrienols (T3s) research, especially in the field of oncology, owing to potent anticancer property. Among the many types of cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) is growing to become a serious global health threat to humans. Chemoprevention strategies in recent days are open to exploring alternative interventions to inhibit or delay carcinogenesis, especially with the use of bioactive natural compounds, such as tocotrienols. This scoping review aims to distil the large bodies of literature from various databases to identify the genes and their encoded modulations by tocotrienols and to explicate important mechanisms via which T3s combat CRC. For this scoping review, research papers published from 2010 to early 2021 related to T3s and human CRC cells were reviewed in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The study included research articles published in English, searchable on four literature databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) that reported differential expression of genes and proteins in human CRC cell lines following exposure to T3s. A total of 12 articles that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study were short-listed for data extraction and analysis. The results from the analysis of these 12 articles showed that T3s, especially its γ and δ analogues, modulated the expression of 16 genes and their encoded proteins that are associated with several important CRC pathways (apoptosis, transcriptional dysregulation in cancer, and cancer progression). Further studies and validation work are required to scrutinize the specific role of T3s on these genes and proteins and to propose the use of T3s to develop adjuvant or multi-targeted therapy for CRC.
Fulltext Do Temporal Eating Patterns Differ in Healthy versus Unhealthy Overweight/Obese Individuals?

Mazri FH, Manaf ZA, Shahar S, Mat Ludin AF, Karim NA, Hazwari NDD, et al.

Nutrients, 2021 Nov 17;13(11).
PMID: 34836375 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114121

This study examined whether the temporal patterns of energy and macronutrient intake in early and late eating windows were associated with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among non-shift workers. A total of 299 overweight/obese non-shift workers (Age: 40.3 ± 6.9 years; 73.6% women; BMI: 31.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2) were recruited in the Klang Valley area of Malaysia. The biochemical parameters were determined from fasting blood samples, whereas information on dietary intake and timing was obtained from a 7-day diet history questionnaire. The midpoint of eating was used to determine the early and late windows. Compared to MHO non-shift workers (n = 173), MUO non-shift workers (n = 126) had lower energy intake from carbohydrates and protein during the early window. In contrast, MUO participants had greater energy intake from carbohydrates and fat during the late window. Participants with unhealthy metabolic status (regardless of their chronotypes) had similar temporal patterns of energy intake characterized by smaller energy intake during the early window and greater energy intake during the late window compared with participants with healthier metabolic status. Overall, the lowest percentile of energy intake during the early window was associated with an increased risk of MUO, after adjustment for potential confounders [odds ratio (OR) = 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41-13.11]. The greater the energy intake during the late window, the greater the risk of MUO (OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.11-5.13) (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.03-5.32) (OR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.71-11.56). In summary, consuming less energy earlier in the day and more energy and carbohydrate later in the day was associated with a greater risk of MUO. Thus, a prospective study is needed to explore the potential role of chrono-nutrition practices in modifying risk factors to delay the transition of MHO to MUO.
Fulltext Trajectories of Food Choice Motives and Weight Status of Malaysian Youths during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tan ST, Tan CX, Tan SS

Nutrients, 2021 Oct 23;13(11).
PMID: 34836008 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113752

Stay-at-home orders have abruptly altered food purchasing behaviour, dietary habits, and food choice motives. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the trajectory of food choice motives and their associations with the weight status of Malaysian youths in the time of COVID-19. Socio-demographic information and anthropometric measurements were self-reported by the respondents, while the food choice motives were assessed using a validated 38-item food choice questionnaire (FCQ). Of the 1013 Malaysian youths, 48.6% gained weight due to the confinement, with an average weight gain of 3.90 ± 2.92 kg. On the other hand, 47.0% to 73.0% of the youths changed their food choice motives in the time of COVID-19. Of the 10 motives, convenience (48.5%) had the largest percentage increase, followed by weight control (47.0%) and health (45.3%). Moreover, the mean scores of health (t = -3.324, p = 0.001), convenience (t = -5.869, p < 0.001), weight control (t = -7.532, p < 0.001), natural content (t = -5.957, p < 0.001), ethical concern (t = -4.419, p < 0.001) and price (t = -3.737, p < 0.001) were significantly higher during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Findings from the multinomial regression model revealed that youths highly concerned for weight control were more likely to be in the weight loss category (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.633, Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.230-2.168, p = 0.001). Conversely, those who gained weight due to the pandemic confinement highly valued natural content in foods (AOR = 0.653, CI = 0.481-0.886, p = 0.006) when making their food choices in this unprecedented pandemic. In conclusion, Malaysian youths made healthier food choices to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Fulltext Comparison of Preoperative Nutritional Indexes for Outcomes after Primary Esophageal Surgery for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Yoon JP, Nam JS, Abidin MFBZ, Kim SO, Lee EH, Choi IC, et al.

Nutrients, 2021 Nov 15;13(11).
PMID: 34836339 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114086

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for predicting postoperative outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 1265 consecutive patients who underwent elective esophageal surgery. The patients were classified into no risk, low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups based on nutritional scores.
RESULTS: The moderate-risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-1.92, p < 0.001 in CONUT; HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22-2.12, p = 0.001 in GNRI; HR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.20-2.26, p = 0.002 in PNI) and high-risk groups (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.47-2.48, p < 0.001 in CONUT; HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.64-3.93, p < 0.001 in GNRI; HR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.77-3.06, p < 0.001 in PNI) exhibited significantly worse 5-year overall survival (OS) compared with the no-risk group. As the nutritional status worsened, the trend in the OS rates decreased (p for trend in all indexes < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition, evaluated by any of three nutritional indexes, was an independent prognostic factor for postoperative survival.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links