Effect of Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients

The present study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. fruit in normal and diabetic human volunteers. The results indicated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in fasting and 2-h post-prandial blood glucose levels on the 21st day in both normal and diabetic subjects receiving 1, 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder per day as compared with their baseline values. Significant (P < 0.05) decreases were also observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides in both normal and diabetic volunteers on day 21 that were given either 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder per day. However, diabetic volunteers receiving only 3 g E. officinalis powder exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in total lipids on day 21. Both normal and diabetic volunteers receiving 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder significantly (P < 0.05) improved high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lowered low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels.     

Dietary Tomato Powder Supplementation in the Prevention of Leiomyoma of the Oviduct in the Japanese Quail

Spontaneous leiomyomas of the oviduct are common tumors of the Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), which makes it a good animal model for screening potential agents for testing in the prevention and treatment of human myoma uteri. We have previously reported a decreased incidence of leiomyomas in the oviduct of Japanese quail with lycopene supplementation. Although the major carotenoid in tomatoes is lycopene, tomatoes also contain other compounds, which may contribute to their health benefit. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of tomato powder supplementation on the development of leiomyomas in the oviduct of Japanese quail. We also measured serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), carotenoids, and vitamins C, E, and A. A total of 150 quails (3 mo old) were assigned to 3 treatment groups consisting of 5 replicates of 10 birds in each group. Birds were fed either a basal diet (control group) or the basal diet supplemented with 25 g (Treatment I) or 50 g (Treatment II) of tomato powder (0.8 mg lycopene per g of tomato powder) per kg of diet. The animals were sacrificed after 365 days, and the tumors were identified. Tomato powder supplementation significantly decreased the number of leiomyomas as compared to control birds (P < 0.01). The tumors in tomato powder fed birds were smaller than those found in control birds (P < 0.01). Serum lycopene, lutein, zeaxantin, and vitamins C, E, and A increased (P = 0.01), whereas MDA concentrations decreased (P = 0.01) with tomato powder supplementation. No measurable lycopene could be detected in the serum of control birds, whereas a dose-dependent increase was observed in the serum of birds supplemented with tomato powder. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with tomato powder reduces the incidence and size of spontaneously occurring leiomyoma of the oviduct in the Japanese quail. Clinical trials should be conducted to investigate the efficacy of tomato powder supplementation in the prevention and treatment of uterine leiomyoma in humans.     

Effects of natural honey consumption in diabetic patients: an 8-week randomized clinical trial

Objectives We investigated the effect of natural honey on body weight and some blood biochemical indices of diabetic subjects.

Methods Forty-eight diabetic type 2 patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the honey group received oral natural honey for 8 weeks, and the control group did not take honey. Before the onset of the study (week 0) and after 8 weeks, weight measurements were taken and fasting blood samples were drawn.

Results After adjustment for the baseline values, there were no significant differences in the fasting blood sugars between the two groups. Body weight, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride decreased (P = 0.000), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly (P < 0.01) in honey group. The levels of hemoglobin A_1C increased significantly in this group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that 8-week consumption of honey can provide beneficial effects on body weight and blood lipids of diabetic patients. However, since an increase in the hemoglobin A_1C levels was observed, cautious consumption of this food by diabetic patients is recommended.     

Effect of Hominis Placenta on cutaneous wound healing in normal and diabetic mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The number of diabetic patients has recently shown a rapid increase, and delayed wound healing is a major clinical complication in diabetes. In this study, the wound healing effect of Hominis placenta (HP) treatment was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Four full thickness wounds were created using a 4 mm biopsy punch on the dorsum. HP was injected subcutaneously at the middle region of the upper and lower wounds. Wounds were digitally photographed and wound size was measured every other day until the 14th day. Wound closure rate was analyzed using CANVAS 7SE software. Wound tissues were collected on days 2, 6, and 14 after wounding for H/E, immunohistochemistry for FGF2, and Masson''s trichrome staining for collagen study.

RESULTS

Significantly faster wound closure rates were observed in the HP treated group than in normal and diabetes control mice on days 6 and 8. Treatment with HP resulted in reduced localization of inflammatory cells in wounded skin at day 6 in normal mice and at day 14 in diabetic mice (P < 0.01). Expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 showed a significant increase in the HP treated group on day 14 in both normal (P < 0.01) and diabetic mice (P < 0.05). In addition, HP treated groups showed a thicker collagen layer than no treatment groups, which was remarkable on the last day, day 14, in both normal and diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, HP treatment has a beneficial effect on acceleration of cutaneous wound healing via regulation of the entire wound healing process, including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.     

Enteral Nutrition in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in a Prone Position

Background: Patients treated with mechanical ventilation in the prone position (PP) could have an increased risk for feeding intolerance. However, the available evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited and contradictory. Objective: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of enteral nutrition (EN) support and its associated complications in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in PP. Methods: Prospective observational study including 34 mechanically ventilated intensive care patients who were turned to the prone position over a 3‐year period. End points related to efficacy and safety of EN support were studied. Results: In total, more than 1200 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit over a period of 3 years. Of these, 34 received mechanical ventilation in PP. The mean days under EN were 24.7 ± 12.3. Mean days under EN in the supine position were significantly higher than in PP (21.1 vs 3.6; P < .001), but there were no significant differences in gastric residual volume adjusted per day of EN (126.6 vs 189.2; P = .054) as well as diet volume ratio (94.1% vs 92.8%; P = .21). No significant differences in high gastric residual events per day of EN (0.06 vs 0.09; P = .39), vomiting per day of EN (0.016 vs 0.03; P = .53), or diet regurgitation per day of EN (0 vs 0.04; P = .051) were found. Conclusions: EN in critically ill patients with severe hypoxemia receiving mechanical ventilation in PP is feasible, safe, and not associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

Four-Month Course of Soluble Milk Proteins Interacts With Exercise to Improve Muscle Strength and Delay Fatigue in Elderly Participants

BackgroundThe benefit of protein supplementation on the adaptive response of muscle to exercise training in older people is controversial.ObjectiveTo investigate the independent and combined effects of a multicomponent exercise program with and without a milk-based nutritional supplement on muscle strength and mass, lower-extremity fatigue, and metabolic markers.DesignA sample of 48 healthy sedentary men aged 60.8 ± 0.4 years were randomly assigned to a 16-week multicomponent exercise training program with a milk-based supplement containing, besides proteins [total milk proteins 4 or 10 g/day or soluble milk proteins rich in leucine (PRO) 10 g/day], carbohydrates and fat. Body composition, muscle mass and strength, and time to task failure, an index of muscle fatigue, were measured. Blood lipid, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α soluble receptors, and endothelial markers were assessed.ResultsBody fat mass was reduced after the 4-month training program in groups receiving 10 g/day of protein supplementation (P < .01). The training program sustained with the daily 10 g/day PRO was associated with a significant increase in dominant fat free mass (+5.4%, P < .01) and in appendicular muscle mass (+4.5%, P < .01). Blood cholesterol was decreased in the trained group receiving 10 g/day PRO. The index of insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance) and blood creatine phosphokinase were reduced in the groups receiving 10 g/day PRO, irrespective of exercise. The inflammatory and endothelial markers were not different between the groups. Training caused a significant improvement (+10.6% to 19.4%, P < .01) in the maximal oxygen uptake. Increased maximum voluntary contraction force was seen in the trained groups receiving 10 g/day of proteins (about 3%, P < .05). Time to task failure was improved in the trained participants receiving a 10 g/day supplementation with PRO (P < .01).ConclusionsSoluble milk proteins rich in leucine improved time to muscle failure and increase in skeletal muscle mass and strength after prolonged multicomponent exercise training in healthy older men.     

Honey does not adversely impact blood lipids of adult men and women: a randomized cross-over trial

Consumption of added sugars in the US is estimated to be approximately 1.5 times recommended levels and has been linked to increased risk for developing chronic diseases. We hypothesized that relative to sugar, honey would reduce energy intake and improve serum lipid profiles. To test this, we assessed the short-term (1-week) and relatively long-term (1-month) effects of honey versus sucrose on changes in dietary intake and serum lipid concentrations. Thirty-seven apparently healthy subjects (21 males; 16 females) aged 24–57 years (BMI = 17.6–37.2 kg/m²) completed two 4-week trials in a randomized, cross-over design separated by ≥4-week washout. During each trial, subjects consumed either clover honey or sucrose providing 1.2 g/kg/day of carbohydrate under free-living conditions with instructions to avoid changing their habitual food intake. Serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations were elevated (P < .05) after 1 week for both trials but only remained elevated (P < .05) at the 4-week time-point during sucrose consumption. The elevation after 1 week during the honey trial was concurrent with a transient increase (P < .05) in body weight. No effects on serum concentrations of insulin, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were detected for either trial. Subjects consumed significantly less energy (P < .05), carbohydrate (P < .005), sugars (P < .05), and saturated fat (P < .05) during the honey trial. These data suggest that honey may serve as a favorable substitute for sucrose with regard to reduced energy intake, carbohydrate and sugars, without negatively influencing serum lipid concentrations.     

The nutritional control of ghrelin secretion in humans

Background The nutritional control of ghrelin has not been fully clarified yet. Particularly, the influence of aminoacids and lipids is controversial and, moreover, whether the intraluminal gastric contact with nutrients is required or if the modulatory action of nutrients on ghrelin secretion is mediated by insulin is still matter of debate. Aim of the study To clarify the role of nutrients in the control of ghrelin secretion evaluating the effects of intravenous and oral lipids and aminoacids compared with glucose and fructose load in healthy subjects. Methods A total of 6 healthy overnight-fasted volunteers underwent the following testing sessions: (a) iv arginine (ARG, 0.5 g/kg); (b) oral protein load (PRO, 50 g); (c) iv lipid-heparin infusion (Li He, Intralipid 10% 250 ml); (d) oral fat load (OIL, soy oil 40 g); (e) oral glucose load (OGL, 100 g); (f) oral fructose load (OFL, 100 g); (g) iv saline (SAL, 3 ml); (h) oral water load (WL, 200 ml). Total ghrelin, insulin, and glucose were assayed every 15 min from 0 up to +180 min. Results WL and SAL did not modify insulin, glucose and ghrelin. ARG induced a prompt but transient increase (P < 0.05) of insulin and glucose (P < 0.01), without modifying ghrelin secretion. PRO induced a mild but sustained increase of insulin secretion (P < 0.05) without affecting glucose and ghrelin. Li-He progressively increased circulating glucose (P < 0.01) without modifying insulin and ghrelin secretion. No significant variations in circulating glucose, insulin, and ghrelin occurred after OIL. OGL significantly (P < 0.01) increased insulin and glucose levels and progressively decreased (P < 0.05) ghrelin levels. OFL induced a mild (P < 0.05) increase of insulin without modifying glucose levels. Similarly, OFL was followed by a milder decrease (P < 0.05) of ghrelin levels. Conclusions Differently from carbohydrates and independently from their modulatory effect on insulin secretion and glucose levels, both lipids and aminoacids play a negligible role in the acute control of ghrelin secretion either after acute enteral and parenteral administration.     

Correlation between Levels of Vitamins D3 and E in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study in Serdang,Selangor, Malaysia

An overview of vitamins D₃ and E suggests micronutrient deficiency contributes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A case-control study was conducted to determine the status of plasma vitamins D₃ and E isomers amongst diabetic Malaysians. Two groups were recruited for participation, one comprising fifty diabetic subjects (DM) and one comprising fifty non-diabetic (non-DM) subjects, in order to assess their plasma vitamin D₃, calcium and vitamin E status. Glycaemic status (haemoglobin A1c, HbA1c; fasting blood glucose, FBG; C-Peptide) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TC; triglycerides, TG; low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, LDL-C; high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, HDL-C) were assessed, followed by anthropometric measurements. The Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used to elucidate the association between levels of plasma vitamins D₃ and E and T2DM. The vitamin D₃ deficiency group (<20 ng/mL) showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) with glycaemic status (HbA1c and FBG) and lipid profiles (HDL-C, LDL and TC). Spearman’s correlation demonstrated that vitamin D₃ status is strongly correlated with HDL levels (p < 0.05). Similarly, plasma total vitamin E levels >4.9 μg/mL revealed significantly different FBG, HbA1c, C-Peptide, LDL, HDL and TC levels across both groups. Moreover, family history, smoking, waist circumference and HbA1c levels demonstrated a significant association (p < 0.05) with levels of vitamins D and E but not FBG and lipid profiles. This could be because the pre-diabetic status among the non-DM group influenced the outcomes of this study.     

Effects of NUTRIOSE® dietary fiber supplementation on body weight,body composition,energy intake,and hunger in overweight men

The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a soluble dietary fiber, NUTRIOSE^®, on body weight, body composition, energy intake and hunger in overweight Chinese men. The volunteers were randomized in double-blind fashion to 250 ml fruit juice supplemented with NUTRIOSE^® (Test, n = 60) or a maltodextrin (Control, n = 60) at a dosage of 17 g twice daily for 12 weeks. Body weight, body composition were performed at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks while daily energy intake and hunger were assessed every 3 days. Test subjects had reductions in body weight (1.5 kg, P < 0.001), body mass index (0.5 kg/m², P < 0.001) and body fat percentage (0.3%, P < 0.001) versus Controls. NUTRIOSE^® supplementation resulted in a lower daily energy intake (3,079 kJ/day, P < 0.001) with group differences noted as early as 3 days. Test subjects reported less hunger across the study period versus Controls (P < 0.01). NUTRIOSE^® supplementation for 12 weeks results in body composition improvements and reduces body weight, energy intake and hunger in overweight men.     

Bax/Bcl-2 Protein Expression Ratio and Leukocyte Function Are Related to Reduction of Walker-256 Tumor Growth After β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Administration in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the mechanisms by which β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) administration in rats reduces Walker-256 tumor growth. Male Wistar rats were supplemented with HMB (76 mg/kg/day) (HW), or a placebo (W), during 8 wk by gavage. At the 6th wk, rats were inoculated with a suspension of Walker 256 tumor cells (3 × 10⁷/mL). Fifteen days after inoculation, the HW group showed higher glycemia (109.4 ± 5.53 vs. 89.87 ± 7.02 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and lower spleen (1.35 ± 0.05 vs. 1.65 ± 0.12 g, P < 0.05) and tumor weights (9.64 ± 1.07 vs. 13.55 ± 1.19 g, P < 0.05) compared to the W group. Tumor cells extracted from the HMB-treated rats displayed a 36.9% decrement in rates of proliferation ex vivo and a significant increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression ratio in comparison to those extracted from the placebo-treated rats (P < 0.05). Both phagocytic capacity and H₂O₂ production rates were higher in polymorphnuclear cells that were obtained from the blood of the HW rats in comparison to those from the W rats (P < 0.05). Reduction of necrotic regions and an intense infiltration of leukocytes and activated granulocytes in HW were evident by transmission electron microscopy. Our findings suggest that HMB supplementation decreases tumor burden by modifying the inner environment of tumor cells and by interfering with blood leukocyte function.     

DNA-mediated vaccination conferring protection against infectious bursal disease in broiler chickens in the presence of maternal antibody

The objective of the present study was to determine if a DNA vaccine carrying large segment gene of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) could confer protection against infectious bursal disease (IBD) in broiler chickens in the presence of maternal antibody. Broiler chickens with maternal antibody titers to IBDV were intramuscularly injected with a DNA plasmid coding for VP2, VP3, and VP4 genes of IBDV strain variant E (VE) (P/VP243/E) at 1-day, 1-week, and/or 2 weeks old. The dose of P/VP243/E used ranging from 400 μg to 10 mg. Broiler chickens at 3 weeks old were orally challenged with IBDV strain (VE) and observed for 10 days. Only broiler chickens vaccinated with 7.5 or 10 mg of P/VP243/E 3 times had 90 or 100% protection against challenge by IBDV strain VE and protected broiler chickens had significantly higher (P < 0.05) bursa weight/body weight (B/B) ratios, significantly lower (P < 0.05) bursal lesion scores, and the absence of IBDV antigens in bursae determined by immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA). Antibody titers to IBDV as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or virus neutralization (VN) assay in chickens of each group in each trial were gradually decreased prior to challenge. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in ELISA or VN titers to IBDV among all groups of broiler chickens or among the groups of broiler chickens vaccinated with various dose of P/VP243/E before challenge. Broiler chickens in the groups receiving 7.5 or 10 mg of P/VP243/E had significantly lower (P < 0.05) ELISA or VN titers to IBDV than those in the challenge control (CC) groups or the other groups vaccinated with various dose of P/VP243/E after challenge. Broiler chickens in the groups vaccinated with 10 mg of P/VP243/E 3 times had significantly higher (P < 0.05) stimulation indices for IBDV-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation response than those in the vector control (VC) or CC group at 14, 21, 24, or 31 days after first DNA vaccination. The results indicated that DNA vaccination with DNA encoding large segment gene of IBDV confers protection against challenge by IBDV in broiler chickens with maternal antibody to IBDV.     

Paper-filtered coffee increases cholesterol and inflammation biomarkers independent of roasting degree: A clinical trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of medium light roast (MLR) and medium roast (MR) paper-filtered coffee on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy volunteers.MethodsThis randomized crossover trial compared the effects of consuming three or four cups (150 mL) of MLR or MR coffee per day for 4 wk in 20 healthy volunteers. Plasma lipids, lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), total homocysteine, and endothelial dysfunction–related inflammation biomarkers, serum glycemic biomarkers, and blood pressure were measured at baseline and after each intervention.ResultsBoth roasts increased plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) concentrations (10%, 12%, and 18% for MLR; 12%, 14%, and 14% for MR, respectively) (P < 0.05). MR also increased high-density lipoportein-cholesterol concentration by 7% (P = 0.003). Plasma fibrinogen concentration increased 8% after MR intake (P = 0.01), and soluble E-selectin increased 12% after MLR intake (P = 0.02). No changes were observed for Lp(a), total homocysteine, glycemic biomarkers, and blood pressure.ConclusionModerate paper-filtered coffee consumption may have an undesirable effect on plasma cholesterol and inflammation biomarkers in healthy individuals regardless of its antioxidant content.     

A maternal diet rich in fish oil may improve cardiac Akt-related signaling in the offspring of diabetic mother rats

ObjectiveNewborns of diabetic mothers have abnormal circulatory organs, so in this study, we explore insulin signaling in the newborn rat heart.MethodsPregnant rats were divided into streptozotocin-induced diabetic groups (DM) and control groups (CM). Rats were fed lard (21% fat), fish oil (21% fat), or a control diet (7% fat). To examine changes in insulin signaling in the hearts of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) in relation to diet, we isolated the hearts from the IDM and control infants and determined the phosphorylation levels of Akt308, Akt473, p38, c-jun-NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and the expression levels of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kainase1 (PDK1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).ResultsThe mean blood glucose levels in the DM group and their infants were significantly higher than those in the CM group (P < 0.05) and their infants (P < 0.05), but the mean blood glucose levels of all infants was normal on postnatal d 4. Phosphorylation levels of Akt ^{Thr 308} (P < 0.05) and Akt ^{Ser 473} and the expression levels of PDK1 and mTOR were lower in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) than in control infants. The phosphorylation level of Akt ^{Ser 473} and the expression level of mTOR increased in IDM fed the fish oil diet compared with those fed the lard diet (P < 0.05).ConclusionA maternal diet rich in fish oil improves cardiac Akt-related signaling in the offspring of diabetic rats.     

A Nutrient Approach to Prostate Cancer Prevention: The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)

The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) randomized 35,533 healthy men, >55 yr old (>50 yr if African American), with normal digital rectal exams and prostate specific antigens <4 ng/ml to 1) 200 μg/day l-selenomethionine, 2) 400 IU/day all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), 3) both supplements, or 4) placebo for 7 to 12 yr. The hypotheses underlying SELECT, that selenium and vitamin E individually and together decrease prostate cancer incidence, derived from epidemiologic and laboratory evidence and significant secondary endpoints in the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (selenium) and Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene (vitamin E) trials. In SELECT, prostate cancer incidence did not differ among the 4 arms: hazard ratios [99% confidence intervals (CIs)] for prostate cancer were 1.13 (99% CI = 0.95–1.35, P = 0.06; n = 473) for vitamin E, 1.04 (99% CI = 0.87–1.24, P = 0.62; n = 432) for selenium, and 1.05 (99% CI = 0.88–1.25, P = 0.52; n = 437) for selenium + vitamin E vs. 1.00 (n = 416) for placebo. Statistically nonsignificant increased risks of prostate cancer with vitamin E alone [relative risk (RR) = 1.13, P = 0.06) and newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus with selenium alone (RR = 1.07, P = 0.16) were observed. SELECT data show that neither selenium nor vitamin E, alone or together, in the doses and formulations used, prevented prostate cancer in this heterogeneous population of healthy men.     

Effect of combined vitamins C and E supplementation on oxidant/antioxidant status in hemodialysis patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant supplementation effect on antioxidant system in hemodialysis patients. The study group consisted of 38 patients undergoing hemodialysis and 72 healthy subjects. The patients orally received combination of vitamins C (250 mg/time) and E (200 IU/time) three times per week for 2 months. Both, enzymatic antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] activities and non-enzymatic (vitamins E and C) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as lipid peroxidation product in patients were measured before and after supplementation compared with control group. The levels of antioxidants (vitamin E, C and SOD) (P < 0.0001) and GPx (P < 0.05) were significantly enhanced and MDA concentrations declined (P < 0.0001) during the supplementation period. The study demonstrates that combined supplementation of vitamins C and E can noticeably affect antioxidant status and protect against oxidative stress caused during hemodialysis.     

L-Selenomethionine Does Not Protect Against Testosterone Plus 17β-Estradiol-Induced Oxidative Stress and Preneoplastic Lesions in the Prostate of NBL Rats

Previous animal studies examining dietary selenium effects on prostatic carcinogenesis did not show preventive benefit, including 1 study in a rat model involving testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2)-induced prostatic oxidative stress. Here, we examined modulation of T + E2-induced prostatic oxidative stress, dysplasia, and inflammation by L-selenomethionine at 1.5 or 3.0 mg selenium/kg in NIH-07 diet in Noble (Nbl)/Crl rats treated with T + E2 for 16 wk. Hormone treatment increased immunohistochemical staining for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the prostatic sites of T + E2-induced preneoplasia (P < 0.05), but selenomethionine did not attenuate 8-OHdG staining and dysplasia in the lateral prostate. Glutathione-peroxidase activity (P < 0.05) and mRNA expression were induced by T + E2 (P < 0.0001) but not changed by selenomethionine. Selenomethionine did not cause significant responses in expression and activity of glutathione-peroxidase and MnSOD, except for a reduction of MnSOD protein expression in the lateral prostate (P < 0.01). The absence of reduction of oxidative stress and dysplasia and the minimal effects on antioxidant enzymes caused by selenomethionine are consistent with the null effects observed in selenium supplementation animal studies and clinical trials. Significant (P < 0.01) opposite apoptosis/cell proliferation balance responses to selenomethionine and to T + E2 occurred in the lateral and dorsal prostate, explaining why T + E2 induces lesions selectively in the lateral lobe of NBL rats.     

Carotenoid and mineral content of different morphotypes of Centella asiatica L. (Gotukola)

Six morphotypes of Centella asiatica designated G₁, G₂, G₃, G₇, G₈ and G₁₂ were analyzed for carotenoid content, proximate components and selected dietary minerals. Potassium was found to be the major element present in C. asiatica and the content in G₁ and G₃ (6,165.0 ± 125.8 mg/100 g dry weight) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than all other morphotypes. C. asiatica is more popular for its higher contents of iron and calcium. However, no significant (P>0.05) differences in calcium content among the morphotypes were observed. The imported variety G₇ had significantly higher (P < 0.05) mean content of iron (74.3 ± 34.1 mg/100 g dry weight). The morphotypes G₈ and G₁₂ contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of β-carotene (77.2 ± 5.1 μg/g fresh weight) and lutein (133.5 ± 10.1 μg/g, fresh weight) respectively. Lutein and β-carotene levels of these two types were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the other varieties. The study did not provide any evidence to believe that a given morphotype is superior to another in its overall nutritional value.     

Nutritional Status Is Superior to the ECOG Performance Status in Predicting the Dose-Intensity of the GEMOX Chemotherapy Regimen in Patients with Advanced Cancer

The increasing number of unfit patients calls for better risk assessment prior to initiating anti-tumor treatment. This is a major concern in the prevention and reduction of treatment-related complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the nutritional status for the risk assessment of patients qualifying to receive the gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) regimen. This single-center, retrospective study examined baseline clinical and biological characteristics in a cohort of 165 unselected, consecutive cancer patients receiving GEMOX. Malnutrition was defined as either body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m², body weight loss >10% over 3 mo, or albuminemia <35 g/L. A total of 165 patients (median age 61 yr, PS 0–1: 71%) were studied. Malnutrition was seen in 43% of PS 0–1 patients, vs. 60% of PS 2 and 66% of PS 3 patients (P > 0.05). Median relative dose-intensity was 0.90 (0.17–1.04). GEMOX dose-intensity correlated negatively with loss of baseline weight (r = ?0.24, P < 0.02). In patients who did not complete more than 2 cycles of chemotherapy, median PS (P < 0.01), mean C-reactive protein (CRP; P < 0.01), and mean albuminemia (P < 0.05) were, respectively, significantly higher, higher, and lower. Malnutrition is associated with a high risk of early discontinuance of treatment. Systematic basal evaluation of the nutritional status, including albuminemia and BMI, is recommended.