METHODS: Data from the first wave Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study comprising urban dwellers aged 55 years and above were utilized. Twelve-month fall histories were established during home-based, computer-assisted interviews which physical performance, anthropometric and laboratory measures were obtained during a hospital-based health check. Gait speed, exhaustion, weakness, and weight loss were employed as frailty markers.
RESULTS: Data were available for 1415 participants, mean age of 68.56 ± 7.26 years, 57.2% women. Falls and metabolic syndrome were present in 22.8% and 44.2%, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and multiple comorbidities, metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with falls in the sample population [odds ratio (OR): 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03; 1.72]. This relationship was attenuated by the presence of slow gait speed, but not exhaustion, weakness, or weight loss.
CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome was independently associated with falls among older adults, and this relationship was accounted for by the presence of slow gait speed. Future studies should determine the value of screening for frailty and falls with gait speed in older adults with metabolic syndrome as a potential fall prevention measure.
AIMS: To investigate P. niruri leaves aqueous extract (PN) effects on kidney functions, histopathological changes and levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis and proliferation in DM.
METHODS: PN was orally administered to streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced male diabetic rats for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and kidney functions were measured. Kidney somatic index, histopathological changes and levels of RAGE, Nrf2, oxidative stress markers (TBARS, SOD, CAT and GPx), inflammatory markers (NFkβ-p65, Ikk-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), apoptosis markers (caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax), fibrosis markers (TGF-β1, VEGF and FGF-1) and proliferative markers (PCNA and Ki-67) were determined by biochemical assays, qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence.
RESULTS: Administration of PN helps to maintain near normal FBG, creatinine clearance (CCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/Cr ratio, serum electrolytes, uric acid and urine protein levels in DM. Decreased RAGE, TBARS and increased Nrf2, SOD-1, CAT and GPx-1 were observed in PN-treated diabetic rat kidneys. Expression of inflammatory, fibrosis and apoptosis markers in the kidney reduced but expression of proliferative markers increased following PN treatment. Lesser histopathological changes were observed in the kidney of PN-treated diabetic rats.
CONCLUSION: PN helps to preserve near normal kidney function and prevents histopathological changes via ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis while enhancing proliferation of the kidney in DM.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of conventional dietary recommendations administered with and without additional low-GI education, in the management of glucose tolerance and body weight in Asian women with previous GDM.
METHOD: Seventy seven Asian, non-diabetic women with previous GDM, between 20- 40y were randomised into Conventional healthy dietary recommendation (CHDR) and low GI (LGI) groups. CHDR received conventional dietary recommendations only (energy restricted, low in fat and refined sugars, high-fibre). LGI group received advice on lowering GI in addition. Fasting and 2-h post-load blood glucose after 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (2HPP) were measured at baseline and 6 months after intervention. Anthropometry and dietary intake were assessed at baseline, three and six months after intervention. The study is registered at the Malaysian National Medical Research Register (NMRR) with Research ID: 5183.
RESULTS: After 6 months, significant reductions in body weight, BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were observed only in LGI group (P<0.05). Mean BMI changes were significantly different between groups (LGI vs. CHDR: -0.6 vs. 0 kg/m2, P= 0.03). More subjects achieved weight loss ≥5% in LGI compared to CHDR group (33% vs. 8%, P=0.01). Changes in 2HPP were significantly different between groups (LGI vs. CHDR: median (IQR): -0.2(2.8) vs. +0.8 (2.0) mmol/L, P=0.025). Subjects with baseline fasting insulin≥2 μIU/ml had greater 2HPP reductions in LGI group compared to those in the CHDR group (-1.9±0.42 vs. +1.31±1.4 mmol/L, P<0.001). After 6 months, LGI group diets showed significantly lower GI (57±5 vs. 64±6, P<0.001), GL (122±33 vs. 142±35, P=0.04) and higher fibre content (17±4 vs.13±4 g, P<0.001). Caloric intakes were comparable between groups.
CONCLUSION: In women post-GDM, lowering GI of healthy diets resulted in significant improvements in glucose tolerance and body weight reduction as compared to conventional low-fat diets with similar energy prescription.
METHODS: Blood and pancreas were collected from adult male diabetic rats receiving 28days treatment with VVSAE orally. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin and lipid profile levels and activity levels of anti-oxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx) in the pancreas were determined by biochemical assays. Histopathological changes in the pancreas were examined under light microscopy and levels of insulin, glucose transporter (GLUT)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Ikkβ and caspase-3 mRNA and protein were analyzed by real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry respectively. Radical scavenging activity of VVSAE was evaluated by in-vitro anti-oxidant assay while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the major compounds in the extract.
RESULTS: GC-MS analyses indicated the presence of compounds that might exert anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects. Near normal FBG, HbAIc, lipid profile and serum insulin levels with lesser signs of pancreatic destruction were observed following administration of VVSAE to diabetic rats. Higher insulin, GLUT-2, SOD, CAT and GPx levels but lower TNF-α, Ikkβ and caspase-3 levels were also observed in the pancreas of VVSAE-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05 compared to non-treated diabetic rats). The extract possesses high in-vitro radical scavenging activities.
CONCLUSION: In conclusions, administration of VVSAE to diabetic rats could help to protect the pancreas against oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis-induced damage while preserving pancreatic function near normal in diabetes.