METHODS: Two parameters were measured (i) rate of glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells in-vitro (ii) degree of pancreatic destruction in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced male diabetic rats receiving M. pumilum aqueous extract (M.P) (250 and 500mg/kg/day) as reflected by levels of pancreatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. In the meantime, phyto-chemical compounds in M.P were also identified by using LC-MS.
RESULTS: M.P was found able to enhance glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells in-vitro while its administration to the male diabetic rats causes decreased in the fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels but causes increased in insulin and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, to near normal. Levels of oxidative stress in the pancreas as reflected by levels of lipid peroxidation product (LPO) decreased while levels of anti-oxidantive enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) in pancreas increased. Additionally, levels of inflammation as reflected by NF-κB p65, Ikkβ and TNF-α levels decreased while apoptosis levels as reflected by caspase-9 and Bax levels decreased. Anti-apoptosis marker, Bcl-2 levels in pancreas increased.
CONCLUSIONS: The ability of M.P to enhance glucose uptake and reduces pancreatic complications could account for its beneficial effects in treating DM.
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.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 127 randomly selected participants among marine technicians working on RMN vessels stationed at the Lumut Naval Base, Perak, Malaysia. The research instruments were questionnaires that contained information about sociodemographic, socioeconomic, occupational characteristics, and lifestyle behaviours, followed by a pure tone audiometric (PTA) assessment. Diagnosis of NIHL was made when the hearing threshold was ≥25 dB at 3 kHz to 6 kHz, with a recovery at 8 kHz on PTA.
RESULTS: The participants' median age was 32 years (interquartile range=27-37 years). The prevalence of occupational NIHL was 29.9% (95% CI=22.1-38.7). Factors associated with occupational NIHL on unadjusted regression analysis include age >30 years (OR=2.56, p=0.0185), middle household income (OR=2.76, p=0.0227), military rank especially the warrant officer (OR=7.12, p=0.0038), and length of service ≥15 years (OR=2.40, p=0.0246). After adjusting for ethnicity, smoking status, types of vessels, and participation in noise-related leisure activities, middle household income (OR=3.15, 95% CI=1.29- 7.87, p=0.0121) and warrant officer (OR=4.38, 95% CI=1.08- 20.52, p=0.0384) remained as significant predictors for occupational NIHL in this population.
CONCLUSION: In this study, the marine technicians working on board the RMN vessels had a higher prevalence of occupational NIHL compared to the prevalence among other MAF personnel as well as the global data. In addition, the probabilities of having occupational NIHL were significantly higher for middle-income technicians and those who ranked as warrant officers. These findings highlight the need for routine audiometric assessment and adoption of hearing conservation initiatives for individuals at high risk within this occupational cohort.