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Fulltext Sodium and potassium contents in selected salts and sauces

Tan, W. L., Azlan, A., Noh, M.F.M.

International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(5):2181-2186.
MyJurnal

The study was undertaken to determine and compare the sodium and potassium contents in
selected salts (table salt, coarse salt, French sea salt, Himalayan pink salt and bamboo salt)
and sauces (light soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato sauce and mayonnaise).
Findings of the present study showed that the sodium content of salts was highest in table salt
(35870.0 mg/100 g) and lowest in French sea salt (31235.0 mg/100 g), whereas the potassium
content was highest in bamboo salt (399.4 mg/100 g) and lowest in table salt (43.7 mg/100
g). There was no significant difference between sodium amounts of the salts. Bamboo salt
was significantly higher in potassium than other salts. The ranking of sodium and potassium
in sauces was similar, where light soy sauce contained the highest amount (4402.0 and 395.4
mg/100 g) and mayonnaise contained the least (231.3 and 63.6 mg/100 g). Both sodium and
potassium contents of light soy sauce were significantly higher than other sauces. Bamboo salt
is a better choice instead of other salts in terms of the potassium level. Among sauces, although
light soy sauce is high in potassium; however, its high sodium has offset the beneficial effect
of potassium.
Fulltext Fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of oils extracted from dabai pulp using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

Ahmad Jelani, N. A., Azlan, A., Khoo, H. E., Razman, M. R.

International Food Research Journal, 2019;26(5):1587-1598.
MyJurnal

The present work was aimed to optimise the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of dabai oil
from dabai pulp and defatted pulp using RSM in comparison with hexane extraction method.
Fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of the extracted dabai oil were also determined.
Optimal RSM conditions were 36 MPa pressure, 40°C temperature and 21 min of extraction
time. The extracted yields ranged between 14.13% and 15.42%. Supercritical carbon dioxide
extracted oils had lower total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidative activities than the
hexane-extracted oils. High-performance liquid chromatography results showed that only
vanillic, protocatechuic and gallic acids were identified in both hexane and supercritical carbon
dioxide extracted oils of defatted dabai pulp. The total saturated fatty acids were higher in
hexane-extracted dabai oil as compared to the supercritical carbon dioxide extracted oil, and
vice versa for the unsaturated fatty acid. Although supercritical carbon dioxide extracted dabai
oils are inferior to the hexane-extracted oils, they are preferred as they are extracted using
green technology.
The Effect of Unrefined Sugar on Inflammation: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies

Ebadi S, Azlan A

Int J Prev Med, 2023;14:121.
PMID: 38264558 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_318_22

BACKGROUND: It is well established that unrefined sugarcane products have antioxidant activity due to phytochemicals, polyphenols, and total antioxidant capacity, which may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association of unrefined sugar consumption with inflammatory biomarkers.
METHODS: Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases were searched up to December 2021 for studies that report the effect of unrefined sugar on inflammation according to inflammatory cytokines, chemokine, and adhesion molecules as outcome measures. Results: Thirty-six studies were evaluated. Across all research, five studies (two in vitro and three animal studies) reported the effect of unrefined sugar on levels of cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, and IFN-γ. Additionally, the quality of the studies was assessed for risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS: it is possible to affirm that unrefined sugarcane products, including jaggery, may have a protective effect on inflammation via regulating some of the inflammatory pathways and a favorable impact on cytokines secretion according to the results of in vitro and animal model studies. However, since the findings are still insufficient, more scientific research, especially well-designed human trials, is highly recommended to conclude the outcomes confidently. Human data may encourage industries and the public to replace purified sugar with unrefined sugarcane in sugar-based food and for further health-care policy decisions.
Fulltext Fruit pod extracts as a source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals

Karim AA, Azlan A

Molecules, 2012 Oct 10;17(10):11931-46.
PMID: 23052712 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171011931

Fruit pods contain various beneficial compounds that have biological activities and can be used as a source of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Although pods or pericarps are usually discarded when consuming the edible parts of fruits, they contain some compounds that exhibit biological activities after extraction. Most fruit pods included in this review contain polyphenolic components that can promote antioxidant effects on human health. Additionally, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and chemopreventive effects are associated with these fruit pod extracts. Besides polyphenolics, other compounds such as xanthones, carotenoids and saponins also exhibit health effects and can be potential sources of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical components. In this review, information on fruit pods or pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, Ceratonia siliqua, Moringa oleifera, Acacia nilotica, Sapindus rarak and Prosopis cineraria is presented and discussed with regard to their biological activity of the major compounds existing in them. The fruit pods of other ethno- botanical plants have also been reviewed. It can be concluded that although fruit pods are considered as being of no practical use and are often being thrown away, they nevertheless contain compounds that might be useful sources of nutraceutical and other pharmaceutical components.
Enzyme biotypes of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Penang, Peninsular Malaysia

Uyub AM, Azlan AA

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2000 Dec;31(4):693-6.
PMID: 11414414

A total of 52 clinical strains of Helicobacter pylori were characterized on the basis of preformed enzyme production with API ZYM kits. Using the biotyping schemes as defined by Reina and Alomar (1989), Kung et al (1989) and Matsumoto et al (1996), 15.3% (8/52), 13.5% (7/52) and 11.5% (6/52) of the isolates were not biotypable, respectively. Two enzymes, valine arylamidase and cystine arylamidase could be additionally used to differentiate between isolates. Our isolates were either negative or positive for both the enzymes or positive only for cystine arylamidase. We propose the incorporation of these two enzymes into the Matsumoto et al (1996) biotyping scheme to biotype strains into additional enzyme biotypes.
Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in bambangan (Mangifera pajang Kort.) peels and their free radical scavenging activity

Hassan FA, Ismail A, Abdulhamid A, Azlan A

J Agric Food Chem, 2011 Sep 14;59(17):9102-11.
PMID: 21800901 DOI: 10.1021/jf201270n

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of acidified methanolic extract prepared from fully ripe bambangan (Mangifera pajang K.) peel cultivated in Sarawak, Malaysia, were analyzed. The total phenolic content (98.3 mg GAE/g) of bambangan peel powder (BPP) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. BPP showed a strong potency of antioxidant activity and was consistent with that of BHT and vitamin C as confirmed by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays. Gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, and mangiferin were the major compounds among the 16 phenolics that have been identified and quantified in M. pajang peels with 20.9, 12.7, 7.3, 5.4, and 4.8 mg/g BPP, respectively. Peak identities were confirmed by comparing their retention times, UV-vis absorption spectra, and mass spectra with authentic standards. The 16 phenolic compounds identified in M. pajang K. using HPLC-DAD and TSQ-ESI-MS are reported here for the first time.
Further evidence of ethnic and gender differences for Helicobacter pylori infection among endoscoped patients

Sasidharan S, Uyub AM, Azlan AA

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2008 Dec;102(12):1226-32.
PMID: 18586289 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.05.006

HeIicobacter pylori infection rate was determined in 697 consecutive patients with ulcer, gastritis, duodenitis and non-ulcer dyspepsia by endoscopy at a Malaysian hospital in 1999-2002. Biopsies of the gastric antrum and body were subjected to the urease test, Gram staining of impression smears and culture examination. Infection was defined as a positive result in at least one test. The infection rates were 32.1, 10.4, 20.0 and 16.2% in ulcer, gastritis, duodenitis and non-ulcer dyspepsia patients, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 14.6%, with the rate among the Indian (21.7%), Chinese (19.2%) and Bangladeshi foreign worker (23.1%) groups significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the Malays (5.8%). Generally, the prevalence rate among males (18.9%) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than that among females (9.0%), but for a particular ethnic group, such trend and significant differences (P<0.05) were observed only among the Malays. In terms of gender, the prevalence rates of Malay males and females were also significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of Chinese and Indians. In conclusion, there is a significant difference in H. pylori infection prevalence rates among ethnic groups (highest in Indians, then Chinese and unusually low in Malays) and gender groups (highest in males) in Malaysia.
Fulltext The HUKM Spinal Instrumentation System for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A biomechanical comparison study using finite element analysis

Azlan AM, Mohammad AR, Ariffin AK

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl C:30-4.
PMID: 16381280 MyJurnal

This finite element analysis is aimed at comparing relative stiffness of three different posterior instrumentation constructs: the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Spinal Instrumentation System (HUKM-SIS), the Cotrell-Dubousset Instrumentation (CDI) and Harrington Instrumentation System (HIS), used in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The constructs were tested under various loads using MSC Patran 2001 r2a. Under increasing flexion loads, there was a linearly corresponding increase in deflection magnitudes for all constructs on the load-deflection curve. The CDI was the stiffest construct under axial, forward flexion and extension loads, followed by the HUKM-SIS and HIS. Under lateral bending loads, the HUKM-SIS construct was the stiffest followed by CDI and HIS. The HUKM-SIS construct was stiffer than HIS under torsional loads. We conclude that multiple pedicle screws increase the stiffness of posterior instrumentation constructs under all loads and inter-segmental spinous processes wiring increase the stiffness against lateral bending.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of long intergenic noncoding RNAs in the regenerative flatworm Macrostomum lignano

Azlan A, Halim MA, Azzam G

Genomics, 2020 03;112(2):1273-1281.
PMID: 31381967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.07.016

The free-living flatworm Macrostoma lignano (M. lignano) is an emerging model organism for aging and regeneration research. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) have important roles in many biological processes such as aging, stem cell maintenance and differentiation. However, to date, there is no systematic identification of lincRNAs in M. lignano. By using public RNA-seq data, we identified a total of 2547 lincRNA transcripts in M. lignano genome. We discovered that M. lignano lincRNAs shared many characteristics with other species such as shorter in length, lower GC content, and lower in expression compared to protein-coding genes. Unlike protein-coding genes, M. lignano lincRNAs showed higher tendency to be expressed in temporal and region-specific fashion. Additionally, co-expression network analysis and functional enrichment suggest that M. lignano lincRNAs have potential roles in regeneration. This study will provide important resources and pave the way for investigations on non-coding genes involved in aging and regeneration.
CTP synthase knockdown during early development distorts the nascent vertebral column and causes fluid retention in multiple tissues in zebrafish

Dzaki N, Wahab W, Azlan A, Azzam G

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2018 10 20;505(1):106-112.
PMID: 30241946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.09.074

CTP Synthase (CTPS) is a metabolic enzyme that is recognized as a catalyst for nucleotide, phospholipid and sialoglycoprotein production. Though the structural characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of CTPS are well-understood, little is known regarding the extent of its involvement during the early developmental stages of vertebrates. Zebrafish carries two CTPS genes, annotated as ctps1a and ctps1b. Phylogenetic analyses show that both genes had diverged from homologues in the ancestral Actinopterygii, Oreochromis niloticus. Conservation of common CTPS-catalytic regions further establishes that both proteins are likely to be functionally similar to hsaCTPS. Here, we show that ctps1a is more critical throughout the initial period of embryonic development than ctps1b. The effects of concurrent partial knockdown are dependent on ctps1a vs ctps1b dosage ratios. When these are equally attenuated, abnormal phenotypes acquired prior to the pharyngula period disappear in hatchlings (48hpf); however, if either gene is more attenuated than the other, these only become more pronounced in advanced stages. Generally, disruption to normal ctps1a or ctps1b expression levels by morpholinos culminates in the distortion of the early spinal column as well as multiple-tissue oedema. Other effects include slower growth rates, increased mortality rates and impaired structural formation of the young fish's extremities. Embryos grown in DON, a glutamine-analogue drug and CTPS antagonist, also exhibit similar characteristics, thus strengthening the validity of the morpholino-induced phenotypes observed. Together, our results demonstrate the importance of CTPS for the development of zebrafish embryos, as well as a disparity in activity and overall importance amongst isozymes.
Argonaute: The executor of small RNA function

Azlan A, Dzaki N, Azzam G

J Genet Genomics, 2016 08 20;43(8):481-94.
PMID: 27569398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2016.06.002

The discovery of small non-coding RNAs - microRNA (miRNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) - represents one of the most exciting frontiers in biology specifically on the mechanism of gene regulation. In order to execute their functions, these small RNAs require physical interactions with their protein partners, the Argonaute (AGO) family proteins. Over the years, numerous studies have made tremendous progress on understanding the roles of AGO in gene silencing in various organisms. In this review, we summarize recent progress of AGO-mediated gene silencing and other cellular processes in which AGO proteins have been implicated with a particular focus on progress made in flies, humans and other model organisms as compliment.
Fulltext Effect of Different Extraction Methods on the Total Phenolics of Sugar Cane Products

Azlan A, Sultana S, Mahmod II

Molecules, 2023 May 28;28(11).
PMID: 37298880 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114403

The health benefits of sugar cane products are attributed to certain antioxidant compounds in plant materials. The presence of antioxidants in plant materials depends on the extraction method in terms of yield and the number of phenolic compounds identified. This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of the three extraction methods, which were selected from previous studies to show the effect of the extraction method on the content of antioxidant compounds in different types of sugar. This study also evaluates the potential of different sugar extracts in anti-diabetic activity based on in vitro assays (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). The results showed that sugar cane extracted with acidified ethanol (1.6 M HCl in 60% ethanol) was the best condition to extract a high yield of phenolic acids compared to other methods. Among the three types of sugar, less refined sugar (LRS) showed the highest yield of phenolic compounds, 57.72 µg/g, compared to brown sugar (BS) and refined sugar (RS) sugar, which were at 42.19 µg/g and 22.06 µg/g, respectively. Whereas, among the sugar cane derivatives, LRS showed minor and BS moderate inhibition towards α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity compared to white sugar (RS). Thus, it is suggested that sugar cane extracted with acidified ethanol (1.6 M HCl in 60% ethanol) is the optimum experimental condition for antioxidant content determination and provides a basis for further exploitation of the health-beneficial resources of the sugarcane products.
Sugar Consumption Pattern among Cardiometabolic Risk Individuals: A Scoping Review

Chiang WL, Azlan A, Yusof BM

Curr Diabetes Rev, 2023;19(1):e240322202560.
PMID: 35331117 DOI: 10.2174/1573399818666220324095435

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has risen rapidly over the past decade. Research has focused on dietary management, particularly dietary sugar, to prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases.
OBJECTIVE: This study undertakes a scoping review of research on the impacts of dietary sugar on cardiometabolic related health outcomes.
METHODS: Ovid Medline, Scopus and Web of Science Core collection databases were used to identify papers published from January 1, 2010 onwards. The included studies had to be cross-sectional or cohort studies, peered review, published in English and in adults, aged 18 years old and above. Articles had to determine the impacts of sugar intake on cardiometabolic related health outcomes. Study quality was measured using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. In addition, a narrative synthesis of extracted information was conducted.
RESULTS: Thirty-one articles were included in this review. All studies had a large sample size, and the exposure measure was clearly defined, valid and applied consistently across all study participants. Exposure was measured using validated questionnaires. All data were statistically analysed and adjusted for critical potential confounding variables. Results showed that dietary sugar intake was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, and body weight.
CONCLUSION: Dietary sugar intake significantly increased cardiometabolic risks through mechanisms dependent and independent of weight gain. It is essential to create public awareness on the topics of cardiometabolic risk management and dietary sugars intake.
Fulltext Influence of drying treatments on antioxidant capacity of forage legume leaves

Sang SY, Jamharee F, Prasad KN, Azlan A, Maliki N

J Food Sci Technol, 2014 May;51(5):988-93.
PMID: 24803709 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-011-0596-5

This study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant capacities of four common forage legume leaves namely, Arachis pintoi (Pintoi), Calapogonium mucunoides (Calapo), Centrosema pubescens (Centro), and Stylosanthes guanensis (Stylo). Two different drying methods (oven-drying and freeze-drying) were employed and antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and β-carotene bleaching assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Freeze-dried extract showed the highest antioxidant activities by DPPH (EC50 values 1.17-2.13 mg/ml), FRAP (147.08-246.42 μM of Fe(2+)/g), and β-carotene bleaching (57.11-78.60%) compared to oven drying. Hence, freeze drying treatment could be considered useful in retention of antioxidant activity and phenolic content.
Fulltext Inhibition of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation by anthocyanins from defatted Canarium odontophyllum pericarp and peel using in vitro bioassays

Khoo HE, Azlan A, Ismail A, Abas F, Hamid M

PLoS One, 2014;9(1):e81447.
PMID: 24416130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081447

Canarium odontophyllum, also known as CO, is a highly nutritious fruit. Defatted parts of CO fruit are potent sources of nutraceutical. This study aimed to determine oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation effects of defatted CO pericarp and peel extracts using in vitro bioassays. Cell cytotoxic effect of the CO pericarp and peel extracts were also evaluated using HUVEC and Chang liver cell lines. The crude extracts of defatted CO peel and pericarp showed cytoprotective effects in t-BHP and 40% methanol-induced cell death. The crude extracts also showed no toxic effect to Chang liver cell line. Using CD36 ELISA, NAD(+) and LDL inhibition assays, inhibition of oxidative stress were found higher in the crude extract of defatted CO peel compared to the pericarp extract. Hemoglobin and LDL oxidation assays revealed both crude extracts had significantly reduced lipid peroxidation as compared to control. TBARS values among defatted CO pericarp, peel, and cyanidin-3-glucoside showed no significant differences for hemoglobin and LDL oxidation assays. The protective effects of defatted CO parts, especially its peel is related to the presence of high anthocyanin that potentially offers as a pharmaceutical ingredient for cardioprotection.
Fulltext The trans fatty acid content in human milk and its association with maternal diet among lactating mothers in Malaysia

Daud AZ, Mohd-Esa N, Azlan A, Chan YM

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2013;22(3):431-42.
PMID: 23945414 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.3.09

Excessive intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) could reduce the fat density of human milk and impair the desaturation of essential fatty acids. Because the mammary glands are unable to synthesize TFA, it is likely that the TFA in human milk come from dietary intake. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the sources of TFA intake for lactating mothers in one of the urban areas in Selangor. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric measurements, FFQ including 7 food groups and dietary consumption data were collected from 101 lactating mothers. Five major TFA isomers (palmitoelaidic acid (16:1t9), petroselaidic acid (18:1t6), elaidic acid (18:1t9), vaccenic acid (18:1t11) and linoelaidic acid (18:2t9,12) in human milk were measured by gas chromatography (GC). The relationship between food consumption and TFA levels was assessed using the non-parametric Spearman's rho test. The TFA content in human milk was 2.94±0.96 (SEM) % fatty acid; this is considered low, as it is lower than 4%. The most abundant TFA isomer was linoelaidic acid (1.44±0.60% fatty acid). A sub-experiment (analyzing 3 days of composite food consumption) was conducted with 18 lactating mothers, and the results showed that linoelaidic acid was the most common TFA consumed (0.07±0.01 g/100 g food). Only 10 food items had an effect on the total TFA level and the isomers found in human milk. No association was found between TFA consumption and the TFA level in human milk.
Antioxidant activity of white rice, brown rice and germinated brown rice (in vivo and in vitro) and the effects on lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes in hyperlipidaemic rabbits

Mohd Esa N, Abdul Kadir KK, Amom Z, Azlan A

Food Chem, 2013 Nov 15;141(2):1306-12.
PMID: 23790918 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.03.086

Antioxidant activity of different rice extract and the effect on the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamin E, lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes in hyperlipidaemia rabbits were investigated. Germinated brown rice (GBR) has the highest antioxidant activity compared to white rice (WR) and brown rice (BR). All rice grains increased the activity of SOD and GPx. However, vitamin E levels increased only in the groups that received the BR and GBR diets. The reduction of lipid peroxidation levels and activity of hepatic enzymes (alanine transferase, ALT and aspartate transaminase, AST) were only significantly observed in the GBR group. In conclusion, GBR supplementation has the greatest impact on increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and vitamin E level and on reducing lipid peroxidation in hypercholesterolaemia rabbit, thereby preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, GBR diet can also reduce the level of hepatic enzymes.
Fulltext Antioxidative properties of defatted dabai pulp and peel prepared by solid phase extraction

Khoo HE, Azlan A, Ismail A, Abas F

Molecules, 2012 Aug 14;17(8):9754-73.
PMID: 22893021 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17089754

Solid phase extraction (SPE) using Sep-Pak® cartridges is one of the techniques used for fractionation of antioxidant compounds in waste of dabai oil extraction (defatted dabai parts). The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in crude extracts and several SPE fractions from methanolic extract of defatted dabai pulp and peel. Based on SPE, Sep-Pak® cyanopropyl and C₁₈ cartridges were used to fractionate the antioxidant-rich crude extracts into water and methanolic fractions. Analyzed using LC-MS, flavonoids, anthocyanins, saponin derivatives and other unknown antioxidative compounds were detected in the defatted dabai crude extracts and their SPE fractions. Anthocyanins were the major phenolic compounds identified in the defatted dabai peel and detected in most of the SPE fractions. Methanolic fractions of defatted dabai parts embraced higher total phenolics and antioxidant capacity than water fractions. This finding also revealed the crude extracts of defatted dabai peel have the most significant antioxidant properties compared to the methanolic and water fractions studied. The crude extract of defatted dabai parts remain as the most potent antioxidant as it contains mixture of flavonoids, anthocyanins and other potential antioxidants.
Fulltext Protective effect of pulp oil extracted from Canarium odontophyllum Miq. Fruit on blood lipids, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status in healthy rabbits

Shakirin FH, Azlan A, Ismail A, Amom Z, Yuon LC

Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2012;2012:840973.
PMID: 22685623 DOI: 10.1155/2012/840973

The aim of this paper was to compare the effects of pulp and kernel oils of Canarium odontophyllum Miq. (CO) on lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress of healthy rabbits. The oils are rich in SFAs and MUFAs (mainly palmitic and oleic acids). The pulp oil is rich in polyphenols. Male New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were fed for 4 weeks on a normal diet containing pulp (NP) or kernel oil (NK) of CO while corn oil was used as control (NC). Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-c and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured in this paper. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidise), thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARSs), and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) were also evaluated. Supplementation of CO pulp oil resulted in favorable changes in blood lipid and lipid peroxidation (increased HDL-C, reduced LDL-C, TG, TBARS levels) with enhancement of SOD, GPx, and plasma TAS levels. Meanwhile, supplementation of kernel oil caused lowering of plasma TC and LDL-C as well as enhancement of SOD and TAS levels. These changes showed that oils of CO could be beneficial in improving lipid profile and antioxidant status as when using part of normal diet. The oils can be used as alternative to present vegetable oil.
Fulltext Evaluation of minerals content of drinking water in Malaysia

Azlan A, Khoo HE, Idris MA, Ismail A, Razman MR

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:403574.
PMID: 22649292 DOI: 10.1100/2012/403574

The drinking and mineral water samples obtained from different geographical locations had concentrations of the selected minerals lower than the standard limits, except for manganese, arsenic, and fluoride. The concentrations of manganese and arsenic in two mineral water samples were slightly higher than the standard international recommended limits. One mineral water sample had a fluoride concentration higher than the standard limits, whereas manganese was not detected in nine drinking and mineral water samples. Most of the selected minerals found in the tap water samples were below the international standard limits, except for iron and manganese. The concentrations of iron and manganese in the tap water samples were higher than the standard limits, which were obtained from one and three of the studied locations, respectively. The potable water obtained from various manufacturers and locations in Peninsular Malaysia is safe for consumption, as the minerals concentrations were below the standard limits prescribed by the Malaysian Food Regulations of 1985. The data obtained may also provide important information related to daily intake of these minerals from drinking water.

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