Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 39 in total

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  1. Fulltext Epidural buprenorphine and bupivacaine in major gynaecological operations
    Loh SP
    Med J Malaysia, 1993 Jun;48(2):207-10.
    PMID: 8350797
    Eight patients underwent major gynaecological operations. Their post-operative analgesia was provided by epidural buprenorphine 0.15 mg and bupivacaine 0.5%. The efficacy and side-effects of this combination were assessed. All patients had satisfactory analgesia ranging in duration from 10 hours to greater than 36 hours after a single dose injection. No significant side-effect was noted.
  2. Fulltext In vitro inhibitory potential of selected Malaysian plants against key enzymes involved in hyperglycemia and hypertension
    Loh SP, Hadira O
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Apr;17(1):77-86.
    PMID: 22135867 MyJurnal
    This study was conducted to determine the inhibitory potential of selected Malaysian plants against key enzymes related to type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
  3. Quality of life and functional status in patients with advanced cancer admitted to hospice home care in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
    Shahmoradi N, Kandiah M, Loh SP
    Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 2012 Sep;21(5):661-6.
    PMID: 22369227 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2012.01338.x
    Cancer patients more than often experience poor quality of life after diagnosis and treatment of cancer. As the disease progresses quality of life issues become important. This cross-sectional study assessed various features of quality of life among 61 (33 women and 28 men) patients with advanced cancer cared by selected hospices in Peninsular Malaysia. The Hospice Quality of Life Index was used to assess quality of life. The mean total Hospice Quality of Life Index score for all subjects was 189.9 ± 51.7. The possible scores range from 0 to 280. The most problem areas in these patients were in the domain of functional well-being, followed by psychophysiological and social/spiritual domain. Patients with advanced cancer have a diminished quality of life. These findings suggest that there is a need for improving quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients in hospice care.
  4. Fulltext Glucose: a reevaluation of its intraoperative use in paediatric surgery
    Lim SK, Loh SP
    Med J Malaysia, 1997 Mar;52(1):64-9.
    PMID: 10968055
    Blood glucose concentration was measured in 100 children immediately before and during surgery. These children were randomly assigned to receive either lactated Ringer's (LR) solution or 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's (5%D/LR) intraoperatively as maintenance and replacement fluids. Blood samples were taken immediately after induction of anaesthesia and at 1/2, 1, 1.5, 2 and subsequent hours. Blood glucose concentration was assayed by a reflectance meter. None of the patients was noted to be hypoglycaemic pre- and intraoperatively. Intraoperative blood glucose concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) from preoperative levels for both groups of children but the increase in those that received 5%D/LR was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those who received LR. The number of children who were hyperglycaemic during surgery was also greater in those who received 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's as their intraoperative fluid. These data suggest that lactated Ringer's alone is a safe and appropriate fluid for intraoperative fluid therapy in children.
  5. Fulltext Folate content and availability in Malaysian cooked foods
    Chew SC, Khor GL, Loh SP
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Dec;18(3):383-91.
    PMID: 24568079 MyJurnal
    Data on folate availability of Malaysian cooked foods would be useful for estimation of dietary folate intake; however such information is scarce.
  6. Fulltext Bioavailability studies of nutraceuticals
    Maznah I, Loh SP, Waffaa MH
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2005;1(1):1-12.
    Despite increasing interest in in nutraceuticals and their potential health benefits, not much is known about bioavailability of most of these nutraceutical compounds. Although they are considered dietary supplements and are subjected to a limited form of regulation, there is, however, a need to improve the efficacy and safety of these nutraceuticals. Additional research which defines the pharmacology, stability and bioavailability of these products is expected to gain strength and may offer a better understanding of their applicability in the prevention of disease conditions. This article reviews some aspects of nutraceutical bioavailability with examples from our work on the absorption studies of minerals from spirulina (Arthrospira plantensis) and gamma-oryzanol from rice bran (Oryza sativa) extract which employed human colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cell line and in vivo bioassays using animal models. Bioavailability of iron from spirulina was compared with its common source FeS04. Using the in vitro digestion protocol in combination with Caco-2 cell culture system, spirulina showed a high iron bioavailability compared to FeS04. The presence of other dietary factors (calcium, ascorbic acid, zinc, tannin and caffeine) was found to be not as significant as ferrous sulphate in affecting the iron uptake from spirulina. In vivo study showed that the efficacy of iron repletion in anaemic rats was enhanced in groups fed either commercial or cultured spirulina with improved haematological parameters of iron status. Further work on the behaviour and distribution of radiolabelled iron from spirulina has shown that iron-59 retained in the GIT of mice was lower in spirulina group compared to FeS04. Bioavailability study of gamme oryzanol was similarly conducted using Caco-2 cell as in vitro system and rabbit as in vivo model with the application of different formulations of gamma oryzanol in comparison with the natural form. Both systems showed that gamma oryzanol in its natural oil was poorly absorbed. However, when converted to other formulations, gamma oryzanol bioavailability was greatly increased by as much as 200 and 33 times more from the emulsion and microspheres respectively. These findings suggest that the efficacy of nutraceuticals in particular plant derived products which contain many phytochemicals should be assessed in terms of not only their potential health benefits such as antioxidant action but also their bioavailability in order to provide a more wholesome picture of their potential.
  7. Fulltext Association between dietary folate intake and blood status of folate and homocysteine in Malaysian adults
    Chew SC, Khor GL, Loh SP
    J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2011;57(2):150-5.
    PMID: 21697634 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.57.150
    Folate is of prime interest among investigators in nutrition due to its multiple roles in maintaining health, especially in preventing neural tube defects and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the effect of dietary folate intake on blood folate, vitamin B(12), vitamin B(6), and homocysteine status. One hundred subjects consisting of Chinese and Malay subjects volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study. Dietary folate intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall and a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Serum and red blood cell folate were analyzed using a microbiological assay, while serum vitamin B(12) was determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the determination of serum vitamin B(6) and homocysteine. The mean folate intake, serum folate, RBC folate, serum vitamin B(12), and B(6), were higher in female subjects, with the exception of serum homocysteine. The Chinese tended to have higher folate intake, serum folate, RBC folate, and vitamin B(12). A positive association was found between folate intake and serum folate while a negative association was found between folate intake and serum homocysteine. Stepwise linear regression of serum folate showed a significant positive coefficient for folate intake whilst a significant negative coefficient was found for serum homocysteine when controlling for age, gender, and ethnicity. In conclusion, high dietary folate intake helps to increase serum folate and to lower the homocysteine levels.
  8. Fulltext Predictor of Obese Mothers and Stunted Children in the Same Roof: A Population-Based Study in the Urban Poor Setting Indonesia
    Rachmah Q, Mahmudiono T, Loh SP
    Front Nutr, 2021;8:710588.
    PMID: 34938755 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.710588
    Stunting leads to the poor cognitive development, increases the risk of child mortality, and elevates the risk of non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in the urban poor setting in Indonesia and investigate its predictors. This was a cross-sectional study involving 436 mothers proportionally chosen from 16 integrated health posts in Surabaya, Indonesia. The households were categorized into the two groups based on the body mass index (BMI) of mother and the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of child; households without DBM and household with DBM. Energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake were obtained using 24-h food recall and socioeconomic status was measured using a structured questionnaire. Data on socioeconomic status were educational level of mother and occupation, household income, and food expenditure. The prevalence of household with DBM was 27.5%; 12.4% pair stunted children and normal weight mother; 45.6% pair of overweight/obese mother and normal height children. The logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in the education level and occupation of mother, protein intake of the children, and fat intake of the mother between households with and without DBM. This study offers an important insight to improve the knowledge of mother related to the protein intake of children to reduce stunting risk and fat intake of mother to prevent over-nutrition.
  9. Fulltext The impact of post-activation potentiation on explosive vertical jump after intermittent time: a meta-analysis and systematic review
    Li J, Soh KG, Loh SP
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jul 26;14(1):17213.
    PMID: 39060296 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67995-7
    The optimal intermittent time for post-activation potentiation (PAP) training remains uncertain and contentious. This study employed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effect of different intermittent times on PAP in relation to explosive vertical jump height. Relevant literature was sourced from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords such as "postactivation potentiation," "activation enhancement effect," "PAP," "explosive vertical jump," "explosive vertical high jump," and "intermittent time." The search covered publications from the inception of each database until June 2024. Studies involving athletes (regardless of sport type) undergoing PAP training were included, with no restrictions on the methods used to induce PAP. Comparative analysis focused on the heights of countermovement jumps (CMJ) and peak ground reaction force (GRF) before and after interventions. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data were analyzed using RevMan5.3. The study included a total of 21 papers with 327 subjects, primarily using the squat as the method of PAP induction. The meta-analysis revealed that intermittent times of 4 min [MD = - 0.03, 95% CI: - 0.04 ~ - 0.01; Z = 2.71, P = 0.007] and 5-8 min [MD = - 0.03, 95% CI: - 0.04 ~ - 0.01; Z = 3.07, P = 0.002] significantly increased the height of explosive vertical CMJs. However, intermittent times of 1-3 min [MD = -0.00, 95% CI: - 0.01 ~ 0.01; Z = 0.38, P = 0.70] and 10-24 min [MD = - 0.01, 95% CI: - 0.02 ~ 0.00; Z = 1.43, P = 0.15] did not show significant effects on CMJ height. These findings indicate that 4-min and 5-8 min intervals significantly enhance CMJ height, while intervals shorter than 4 min or longer than 8 min do not have a significant impact.
  10. Fulltext Germinated brown rice ameliorates obesity in high-fat diet induced obese rats
    Lim SM, Goh YM, Mohtarrudin N, Loh SP
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016 May 23;16:140.
    PMID: 27216718 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1116-y
    Germinated brown rice (GBR) is a novel functional food that is high in fiber and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. This study aims to evaluate anti-obesity effects of GBR in obese rats fed high-fat diet (HFD).
  11. Fulltext MTHFR C677T polymorphism, homocysteine and B-vitamins status in a sample of Chinese and Malay subjects in Universiti Putra Malaysia
    Choo SC, Loh SP, Khor GL, Sabariah MN, Rozita R
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):249-58.
    PMID: 22303578 MyJurnal
    Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T is involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Disruption in the activity of this enzyme will alter their levels in the body.
  12. Fulltext Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among staff in a Malaysian public university based on Harmonised, International Diabetes Federation and National Cholesterol Education Program Definitions
    Heng KS, Hejar AR, Rushdan AZ, Loh SP
    Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):77-86.
    PMID: 24800386 MyJurnal
    Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) as defined by the latest Harmonised definition and the agreement between the Harmonised definition and other definitions is poorly studied among Malaysians. This study was conducted to determine and compare the prevalence of MetSyn according to the Harmonised, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP ATPIII) definitions among Malay staff of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
  13. Fulltext Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids and Tocopherols in Marine Microalgae, Nannochloropsis sp. and Chaetoceros sp
    Goh LP, Loh SP, Fatimah MY, Perumal K
    Malays J Nutr, 2009 Mar;15(1):77-86.
    PMID: 22691807
    Microalgae can produce various natural products such as pigments, enzymes, unique fatty acids and vitamin that benefit humans. The objective of the study is to study the bioaccessibility of carotenoids (β-carotene and lycopene) and vitamin E (α- and β-tocopherol) of Nannochloropsis oculata and Chaetoceros calcitrans. Analyses were carried out for both the powdered forms of N. oculata and C. calcitrans, and the dried extract forms of N. oculata and C. calcitrans. In vitro digestion method together with RP-HPLC was used to determine the bioaccessibility of carotenoids and vitamin E for both forms of microalgae. Powdered form of N. oculata had the highest bioaccessibility of β-carotene (28.0 ± 0.6 g kg-1), followed by dried extract N. oculata (21.5 ± 1.1 g kg-1), dried extract C. calcitrans (16.9 ± 0.1 g kg-1), and powdered C. calcitrans (15.6 ± 0.1 g kg-1). For lycopene, dried extract of N. oculata had the highest bioaccessibility of lycopene (42.6 ± 1.1 g kg-1), followed by dried extract C. calcitrans (41.9 ± 0.6 g kg-1), powdered C. calcitrans (39.7 ± 0.1 g kg-1) and powdered N. oculata (32.6 ± 0.7 g kg-1). Dried extract C. calcitrans had the highest bioaccessibility of α-tocopherol (72.1 ± 1.2 g kg-1). However, β-tocopherol was not detected in both dried extract and powdered form of C. calcitrans. In conclusion, all samples in their dried extract forms were found to have significantly higher bioaccessibilities than their powdered forms. This may be due to the disruption of the food matrix contributing to a higher bioaccessibility of nutrients shown by the dried extract forms.
  14. Fulltext Dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age
    Khor GL, Duraisamy G, Loh SP, Green T
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2006;15(3):341-9.
    PMID: 16837426
    The protective role of folic acid taken during the periconceptual period in reducing the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTD) has been well documented by epidemiological evidence, randomized controlled trials and intervention studies. Much of the evidence is derived from western populations while similar data on Asian subjects is relatively nascent. Baseline data on folate status of Malaysian women is lacking, while NTD prevalence is estimated as 10 per 10,000 births. This study was conducted with the objective of determining the dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age. A total of 399 women comprising 140 Malay, 131 Chinese and 128 Indian subjects were recruited from universities and worksites in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. Inclusion criteria were that the subjects were not pregnant or breastfeeding, not taking folic acid supplements, not habitual drinkers or smokers. Based on a 24-hour recall, the median intake level for folate was 66 microg (15.7-207.8 microg), which amounts to 16.5% of the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes level. The median (5-95th percentiles) values for plasma and red cell folate (RBC) concentrations were 11 (4-33) nmol/L and 633 (303-1209) nmol/L respectively. Overall, nearly 15.1% showed plasma folate deficiency (< 6.8 nmol/L), with Indian subjects having the highest prevalence (21.5%). Overall prevalence of RBC folate deficiency (<363 nmol/L) was 9.3%, and an almost similar level prevailed for each ethnic group. Only 15.2% had RBC concentration exceeding 906 nmol/L, which is associated with a very low risk of NTD. The result of this study point to the need for intervention strategies to improve the blood folate status of women of childbearing age, so that they have adequate protection against the occurrence of NTD at birth.
  15. Fulltext Nutritional composition and acceptability of biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius) and orange-fleshed sweet potato among pregnant women
    Ayensu J, Lutterodt H, Annan RA, Edusei A, Loh SP
    Food Sci Nutr, 2019 May;7(5):1807-1815.
    PMID: 31139394 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1024
    Edible insects are currently being promoted as an inexpensive alternative source of protein in underdeveloped countries due to the rising cost of conventional animal protein and the foreseen future deficit in its supply. A supplemental palm weevil larvae and orange-fleshed sweet potato biscuit was developed as part of efforts to understand the nutritional benefits of edible insects and to predict whether these benefits will contribute to better nutrition among pregnant women in Ghana. The palm weevil larvae flour and the orange-fleshed sweet potato flour were mixed with wheat flour in three formulations that had 0, 35, and 70% of palm weevil larvae flour, before being made into biscuits. The biscuits were subjected to proximate and mineral content analysis and sensory evaluation. Proximate and mineral composition of the biscuits increased with increasing levels of palm weevil larvae flour substitution. Among the blends, biscuits containing 70% palm weevil larvae had the highest energy and fat content, and protein content also increased by 45% compared with biscuits made from 100% wheat flour. Calcium, iron, and zinc levels also increased with increasing levels of palm weevil larvae flour substitution. However, carbohydrate and crude fiber concentrations of the biscuits decreased with increasing substitution. The overall acceptability of the biscuits as determined by sensory evaluation using pregnant women was high. Biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae can be a nutritious snack for pregnant women.
  16. Fulltext Integrating nutriepigenomics in Parkinson's disease management: New promising strategy in the omics era
    Razali K, Algantri K, Loh SP, Cheng SH, Mohamed W
    IBRO Neurosci Rep, 2022 Dec;13:364-372.
    PMID: 36590101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.10.003
    Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most prevalent brain motor disorder and is frequently regarded as an idiopathic and sporadic disease due to its unclear etiology. Although the pathological mechanisms of PD have already been investigated at various omics levels, no disease-modifying drugs are currently available. At the moment, treatments can only provide symptomatic relief to control or improve motor symptoms. Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial disease, the development and progression of which are influenced by multiple factors, including the genetic markups and the environment. As an indispensable component of our daily life, nutrition is considered one of the most robust environmental factors affecting our health. Consequently, depending on our dietary habits, nutrition can either induce or reduce our susceptibility to PD. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) activity. Accumulating evidence from nutriepigenomics studies has reported altered epigenetic mechanisms in clinical and pre-clinical PD models, and the potential role of nutrition in modifying the changes. In addition, through nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics studies, the diet-gene, and gene-diet interactions concerning PD development and progression have been investigated. Herein, current findings on the roles of nutrition in epigenetic mechanisms underpinning PD development and progression are discussed. Recent advancements in the multi-omics approach in PD nutrition research are also underlined. The ability of nutrients to influence epigenetic mechanisms and the availability of multi-omics applications compel the immediate use of personalized nutrition as adjuvant therapy for PD.
  17. Fulltext Effect of germinated brown rice extracts on pancreatic lipase, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
    Lim SM, Goh YM, Kuan WB, Loh SP
    Lipids Health Dis, 2014 Nov 03;13:169.
    PMID: 25367070 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511X-13-169
    BACKGROUND: This study investigated anti-obesity effects of seven different solvent (n-hexane, toluene, dicholoromethane, ethyl acetate, absolute methanol, 80% methanol and deionized water) extracts of germinated brown rice (GBR) on pancreatic lipase activity, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

    METHODS: GBR were extracted separately by employing different solvents with ultrasound-assisted. Pancreatic lipase activity was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB) to p-nitrophenol at 405 nm. Adipogenesis and lipolysis were assayed in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes by using Oil Red O staining and glycerol release measurement.

    RESULTS: GBR extract using hexane showed the highest inhibitory effect (13.58 ± 0.860%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml followed by hexane extract at 100 μg/ml (9.98 ± 1.048%) while ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest (2.62 ± 0.677%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml on pancreatic lipase activity. Water extract at 300 μg/ml showed 61.55 ± 3.824% of Oil Red O staining material (OROSM), a marker of adipogenesis. It significantly decrease (p 

  18. Fulltext Can Yellow Stripe Scad Compete with Salmon on Its Role in Platelet Phospholipid Membrane and Its Cardiovascular Benefits?
    Yakubu A, Azlan A, Loh SP, Md Noor S
    J Obes, 2019;2019:4929131.
    PMID: 31354987 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4929131
    This review article stresses the effective role of dietary fish fillet docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on overweight as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) via platelet phospholipid modification. Several reports have demonstrated that saturated fat in overweight evokes systemic inflammation and more importantly predisposes it to cardiovascular disorder. Prospective studies have shown that saturated fat is directly proportional to the level of arachidonic acids (AA), precursor of thromboxane in the platelet phospholipid membrane as omega-6 fatty acid in overweight and obese people. Some literature has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid from fish fillet ameliorates inflammation, reduces proinflammatory cytokine, inhibits signaling pathway, and regulates the physical composition of inflammatory leukocytes and free radicals (ROS). Yellow stripe scad (YSS) is a local Malaysian fish that has been shown to contain a comparable level of EPA/DHA content as observed in salmon. This review article will focus on the dietary role of fish fillet that will balance the omega-6 fatty acid/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in platelet phospholipid from YSS to manage and prevent healthy overweight/obesity-related risk factor of CVD and to avoid the risk orthodox drug treatment.
  19. Impact of phytic acid on nutrient bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of dehusked rice
    Lee HH, Loh SP, Bong CF, Sarbini SR, Yiu PH
    J Food Sci Technol, 2015 Dec;52(12):7806-16.
    PMID: 26604353 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-015-1918-9
    Whole grains consumption promotes health benefits, but demonstrates controversial impacts from phytic acid in meeting requirements of good health. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the nutrient bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of rice cultivars named "Adan" or "Bario" and deduce the nutritional impact of phytic acid. Majority of the dehusked rice in the collection showed an acceptable level of in-vitro starch digestibility and in-vitro protein digestibility, but were poor in antioxidant properties and bioaccessibility of minerals (Ca, Fe and Zn). The drawbacks identified in the rice cultivars were due to relatively high phytic acid content (2420.6 ± 94.6 mg/100 g) and low phenolic content (152.39 ± 18.84 μg GAE/g). The relationship between phytic acid content and mineral bioaccessibility was strongest in calcium (r = 0.60), followed by iron (r = 0.40) and zinc (r = 0.27). Phytic acid content did not significantly correlate with in-vitro starch digestibility and in-vitro protein digestibility but showed a weak relationship with antioxidant properties. These suggest that phytic acid could significantly impair the mineral bioaccessibility of dehusked rice, and also act as an important antioxidant in non-pigmented rice. Bario rice cultivars offered dehusked rice with wide range of in-vitro digestibility of starch and protein, and also pigmented rice as a good source of antioxidants. However, there is a need to reduce phytic acid content in dehusked rice for improved mineral bioaccessibility among Bario rice cultivars.
  20. Fulltext Crude ethyl acetate extract of marine microalga, Chaetoceros calcitrans, induces Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
    Goh SH, Alitheen NB, Yusoff FM, Yap SK, Loh SP
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2014 Jan;10(37):1-8.
    PMID: 24696543 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.126650
    Marine brown diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans and green microalga Nannochloropsis oculata are beneficial materials for various applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
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