Water Intake Levels Research Articles

Spironolactone as a potential new pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder: convergent evidence from rodent and human studies.

Evidence suggests that spironolactone, a nonselective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, modulates alcohol seeking and consumption. Therefore, spironolactone may represent a novel pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this study, we tested the effects of spironolactone in a mouse model of alcohol drinking (drinking-in-the-dark) and in a rat model of alcohol dependence (vapor exposure). We also investigated the association between spironolactone receipt for at least 60 continuous days and change in self-reported alcohol consumption, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), in a pharmacoepidemiologic cohort study in the largest integrated healthcare system in the US. Spironolactone dose-dependently reduced the intake of sweetened or unsweetened alcohol solutions in male and female mice. No effects of spironolactone were observed on drinking of a sweet solutionwithout alcohol, food or water intake, motor coordination, alcohol-induced ataxia, or blood alcohol levels. Spironolactone dose-dependently reduced operant alcohol self-administration in dependent and nondependent male and female rats. In humans, a greater reduction in alcohol consumption was observed among those who received spironolactone, compared to propensity score-matched individuals who did not receive spironolactone. The largest effects were among those who reported hazardous/heavy episodic alcohol consumption at baseline (AUDIT-C ≥ 8) and those exposed to ≥ 50 mg/day of spironolactone. These convergent findings across rodent and human studies demonstrate that spironolactone reduces alcohol use and support the hypothesis that this medication may be further studied as a novel pharmacotherapy for AUD.

Improving obesity and lipid metabolism using conjugated linoleic acid

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) can prevent fatty acid accumulation induced by a high-fructose diet and improve lipid metabolism disorders in patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of CLA on obesity and lipid metabolism and its possible mechanism. Eight-month-old male BKS.Cg-Dock7m +/+ Leprdb /JNju (db/db) mice (n=12) were fed a CLA mix composed of equivalent c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA for 1 month. The effect of CLA on body weight, water and food intake, and triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels was investigated. PPARα, PPARγ and CD36 expression was determined by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Additionally, the expression of these three genes was studied in HepG2 cells treated with CLA and linoleic acid. CLA treatment notably reduced the dietary and water intake of db/db mice, effectively reduced body weight, and decreased serum TG and TC levels (p<0.05). Increased expression of PPARα (p<0.05) and decreased expression of CD36 (p<0.001) were observed in the liver of mice that were fed CLA. CLA increased PPARα expression (p<0.001) and decreased PPARγ (p<0.001) and CD36 expression (p<0.01) in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that CLA can improve lipid metabolism in obese mice through upregulation of PPARα expression and downregulation of CD36 expression.

Comparative Effects of Cashew Nut, Leaf and Stem Bark (Anacardium Occidentale L.) on Hyperglycemia and Associated Abnormalities in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Medicinal plants are used as alternative therapy for diabetes. This study investigated comparative effects of methanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale (linn) nut, leaf and stem bark on hyperglycemia and associated abnormalities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.&#x0D; Methods: Ninety male Wistar albino rats weighing (200±20g) were used and diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50mg/kgb.wt). The rats were allotted into 9 groups, 10rats/group. Group I: (non-diabetic); Group II: (diabetic untreated); Groups: III &amp; IV: diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt&amp; 200mg/kgb.wt nut extract; Groups: V &amp; VI: diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt&amp; 200mg/kgb.wt leaves extract; VII &amp; VIII were diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt&amp; 200mg/kgb.wt stem bark extract and Group IX: diabetic rats received 2mg/kgb.wt p.o glimepirides for 4weeks. Daily food and water intakes were recorded; weekly body weight and blood glucose levels were measured throughout the experiment. The animals were sacrificed on the last day and fasting plasma blood glucose was withdrawn for biochemical parameters estimation.&#x0D; Results: Fasting plasma blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline (ALT), aminotransferase (ALP), urea, uric acid, creatinine, malondialdehydes (MDA) and water intake levels were significantly (p&lt;0.01, 0.05) reduced in the extracts treated groups. However, High density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), body weight and food intake levels were significantly (p&lt;0.01, 0.05) increased in the extracts treated groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Anacardium occidentale parts posses anti-diabetic properties. The nut has extreme therapeutic efficacy and could be used as alternative therapy for diabetes.&#x0D; Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, Hyperglycemia, Lipid profiles, Antioxidants, Kidney function.

Antifatigue properties of an aqueous extract of Mimosa pudica Linn. (Fabaceae) in mice subjected to weight loaded force swimming test

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Traditionally, Mimosa pudica Linn. (Fabaceae) is used for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, anxiolytic, antioxidant and antifatigue properties. Aim: To determine the antifatigue effects of Mimosa pudica aqueous extracts in experimental model of weight loaded force swimming test. Materials and methods: Mice were divided into seven groups and treated for 28 consecutive days as follows: groups one and two received orally distilled water (10 mL/kg) and served as normal group and negative control group, respectively. Groups three to six, (test groups) received orally graded doses of Mimosa pudica (20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg) and group seven (positive control) received vitamin C (50 mg/kg), respectively. One hour after the treatment, mice were subjected to the weight loaded force swimming test with tail load, except for the normal group; and the swimming duration, body weight, food and water intake were measured. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment the serum level of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, and the relative organs weight were measured. Results: Mimosa pudica aqueous extracts significantly and dose-dependently increased the swimming duration and the weight of heart and lungs. The extracts did not induce a significant variation in the level of food and water intake, body weight, and serum of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. Conclusion: Pretreatment of mice with Mimosa pudica aqueous extracts was observed to have better antifatigue properties mediated via amelioration of swimming capacity and physical aptitude in the weight loaded force swimming model.

The Glycemic Control Potential of Some Amaranthaceae Plants, with Particular Reference to In Vivo Antidiabetic Potential of Agathophora alopecuroides.

Natural products continue to provide inspiring moieties for the treatment of various diseases. In this regard, investigation of wild plants, which have not been previously explored, is a promising strategy for reaching medicinally useful drugs. The present study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potential of nine Amaranthaceae plants: Agathophora alopecuroides, Anabasis lachnantha, Atriplex leucoclada, Cornulaca aucheri, Halothamnus bottae, Halothamnus iraqensis, Salicornia persia, Salsola arabica, and Salsola villosa, growing in the Qassim area, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The antidiabetic activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts was assessed using in vitro testing of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory effects. Among the nine tested extracts, A. alopecuroides extract (AAE) displayed potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzyme with IC50 117.9 µg/mL noting better activity than Acarbose (IC50 191.4 µg/mL). Furthermore, AAE displayed the highest α- amylase inhibitory activity among the nine tested extracts, with IC50 90.9 µg/mL. Based upon in vitro testing results, the antidiabetic activity of the two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of AAE was studied in normoglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The effects of the extract on body weight, food and water intakes, random blood glucose level (RBGL), fasting blood glucose level (FBGL), insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were investigated. Results indicated that oral administration of the two doses of AAE showed a significant dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) in the body weight and serum insulin level, as well as a significant decrease in food and water intake, RBGL, FBGL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, in STZ-induced diabetic mice, compared with the diabetic control group. Meanwhile, no significant differences of both extract doses were observed in normoglycemic mice when compared with normal control animals. This study revealed a promising antidiabetic activity of the wild plant A. alopecuroides.

Inhibition of SGLT2 Preserves Function and Promotes Proliferation of Human Islets Cells In Vivo in Diabetic Mice.

Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used for the treatment of diabetes. This study examines the effects of dapagliflozin on human islets, focusing on alpha and beta cell composition in relation to function in vivo, following treatment of xeno-transplanted diabetic mice. Mouse beta cells were ablated by alloxan, and dapagliflozin was provided in the drinking water while controls received tap water. Body weight, food and water intake, plasma glucose, and human C-peptide levels were monitored, and intravenous arginine/glucose tolerance tests (IVarg GTT) were performed to evaluate islet function. The grafted human islets were isolated at termination and stained for insulin, glucagon, Ki67, caspase 3, and PDX-1 immunoreactivity in dual and triple combinations. In addition, human islets were treated in vitro with dapagliflozin at different glucose concentrations, followed by insulin and glucagon secretion measurements. SGLT2 inhibition increased the animal survival rate and reduced plasma glucose, accompanied by sustained human C-peptide levels and improved islet response to glucose/arginine. SGLT2 inhibition increased both alpha and beta cell proliferation (Ki67+glucagon+ and Ki67+insulin+) while apoptosis was reduced (caspase3+glucagon+ and caspase3+insulin+). Alpha cells were fewer following inhibition of SGLT2 with increased glucagon/PDX-1 double-positive cells, a marker of alpha to beta cell transdifferentiation. In vitro treatment of human islets with dapagliflozin had no apparent impact on islet function. In summary, SGLT2 inhibition supported human islet function in vivo in the hyperglycemic milieu and potentially promoted alpha to beta cell transdifferentiation, most likely through an indirect mechanism.

Effects of soy hull polysaccharide on dyslipidemia and pathoglycemia in rats induced by a high-fat-high-sucrose diet

The present work aimed at investigating the effects of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) in alleviating adverse effects in rats fed a high-fat-high-sucrose diet. After SHP feeding for 4 weeks, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglyceride (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and 16S rDNA gene sequence were determined. Administration of SHP significantly decreased body fat content and TG levels, and increased water intake and HDL-C levels after 4 weeks of treatment. The antihyperglycemic effect of SHP at a dose of 400mg/kg mb had the most significant effects among the three dosage groups. SHP notably restored the FBG in rats fed a high-fat-high-sucrose diet (P<0.05). Furthermore, SHP at 400mg/kg mb increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased that of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. The polysaccharide treated groups had significantly higher content of total SCFAs, and the main fermentation products were acetic, propionic, n-valeric and i-valeric acids. Thus, SHP restores blood lipid levels in rats fed a high-fat-high sucrose diet through regulation of the gut microbiota.

Effect of deep-sea mineral water on growth performance, water intake, blood characteristics and serum immunoglobulins in the growing-finishing pigs.

Brine mineral water (BMW) is groundwater near the deep sea, and the mineral component of the BMW is different from the water of the deep sea because the components of BMW are derived from the unique geographical features surrounding it. Recently, BMW has attracted attention due to the unique health-related minerals it possesses; however, the influence of BMW on physiological function has not yet been determined in domestic animals. Therefore, this experiment investigated the influence of BMW on the growth performance, water intake, blood properties, and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels of serum in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 64 pig barrows (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) with an average initial weight of 40.56 ± 0.17 kg were used in the experiment, and 0%, 2%, 3%, and 5% samples of BMW diluted with freshwater were provided to experimental animals during the 56 days. We found that the gain/feed ratio in the 3% BMW group was significantly higher than that in the 5% BMW group of growing-finishing pigs (p < 0.05). The water intake was significantly increased in the 5% BMW group compared with the other groups (p < 0.05) of growing-finishing pigs. Additionally, the concentrations of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT) were significantly higher in the 3% BMW group than in the control group. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in the 3% BMW group than in the 5% BMW group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, IgG and IgM levels in the serum were significantly higher in the 2% and 3% BMW groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that a dilution of 3% BMW in the intake water could improve the levels of RBCs and serum Igs in growing-finishing pigs.

Impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 on the dietary habits of youngsters of Delhi-NCR

With over a year after the first coronavirus case reached Delhi, the total number of infections anddeaths has reached a sky-high mark. The response of the Delhi government involved the impositionof multiple lockdowns. This decision, though slowed down the positivity rate, had unprecedentedeffects on the dietary habits of young individuals in the city. Forced to stay at home due to thelockdown, these individuals engaged in unhealthy daily routines and dietary habits. With the closelink between diet and immunity it becomes imperative to collect data in this regard. The presentpaper records the dietary habits of individuals in the city using a web-based survey. The findings arepresented and analyzed graphically. It was observed that the lockdown harmed the dietary habits ofyoung individuals. A decrease in the level of exercise, water intake and increase in weight were themajor variables leading to this conclusion.

Contribution of Dietary Composition on Water Turnover Rates in Active and Sedentary Men

Body water turnover is a marker of hydration status for measuring total fluid gains and losses over a 24-h period. It can be particularly useful in predicting (and hence, managing) fluid loss in individuals to prevent potential physical, physiological and cognitive declines associated with hypohydration. There is currently limited research investigating the interrelationship of fluid balance, dietary intake and activity level when considering body water turnover. Therefore, this study investigates whether dietary composition and energy expenditure influences body water turnover. In our methodology, thirty-eight males (19 sedentary and 19 physically active) had their total body water and water turnover measured via the isotopic tracer deuterium oxide. Simultaneous tracking of dietary intake (food and fluid) is carried out via dietary recall, and energy expenditure is estimated via accelerometery. Our results show that active participants display a higher energy expenditure, water intake, carbohydrate intake and fibre intake; however, there is no difference in sodium or alcohol intake between the two groups. Relative water turnover in the active group is significantly greater than the sedentary group (Mean Difference (MD) [95% CI] = 17.55 g·kg−1·day−1 [10.90, 24.19]; p = < 0.001; g[95% CI] = 1.70 [0.98, 2.48]). A penalised linear regression provides evidence that the fibre intake (p = 0.033), water intake (p = 0.008), and activity level (p = 0.063) predict participants’ relative body water turnover (R2 = 0.585). In conclusion, water turnover is faster in individuals undertaking regular exercise than in their sedentary counterparts, and is, in part, explained by the intake of water from fluid and high-moisture content foods. The nutrient analysis of the participant diets indicates that increased dietary fibre intake is also positively associated with water turnover rates. The water loss between groups also contributes to the differences observed in water turnover; this is partly related to differences in sweat output during increased energy expenditure from physical activity.

A New Heterocyclic 1H-perimidine synthesized 2-(2,3-dihydro-1H-périmidin-2yl-)-6-methoxyphenol: Evaluation of Acute Toxicity in Wistar Rat

Background and Aim: The 1H-perimidne, as novel source carbene ligand, is well known for its anti-fungal, anti-microbial or anti-tumor activities. Here, we aimed to study the acute toxicity in Wistar rat of 2-(2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidin-2-yl)-6-methoxyphenol, a new heterocyclic 1H- perimidine synthetized in our laboratory. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: Five groups of males Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with 7 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 130 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and followed during 14 days. We noted any clinical signs of acute toxicity as body weight loss, salivation, tremor, convulsion among others, as well as food consumption and water intake level.&#x0D; Results: The DL50 of the new 2-(2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidin-2-yl)-6-methoxyphenol was estimated to 65 mg/kg. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) dose was 7 mg/kg because it did not caused mortality, clinical signs of acute toxicity, and not affected feed and water intake behavior. However, significant abnormalities as inflammation and necrosis were observed at doses-effects dependent in liver, when compared to NOAEL dose and vehicle.&#x0D; Conclusion: The new heterocyclic 2-(2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidin-2-yl)-6-methoxyphenol is considered as high toxicity grade product. From NOAEL dose, subsequent biological, toxicological, pharmacological and neurobehavioral studies are needed before using for clinical trials.

Structure of Cardamine hupingshanensis No. 2 Polysaccharide (CHP‐2) and Its Effect on Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetic Rats

AbstractFour new types of water‐soluble polysaccharides are isolated from Cardamine hupingshanensis. Herein, this study examines C. hupingshanensis polysaccharide no. 2 (CHP‐2) with a molecular weight of 21.75 kDa. Analysis revealed that CHP‐2 is composed of d‐glucuronic acid, d‐galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and L‐arabinose. It is speculated that the main connecting bond is →4)‐α‐D‐Glc(p)‐(1→), →t)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→). Through perfusion experiments using streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, oral CHP‐2 solution is found to significantly reduce food intake, water intake, and fasting blood glucose levels, while increasing the weights of rats. In addition, CHP‐2 significantly reduces the serum and liver malondialdehyde contents and increases the activity of the corresponding antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the effect elicited by the CHP‐2 solution is similar to that of phenformin hydrochloride solution. Hence, the results of this study suggest that CHP‐2 exhibits blood sugar‐lowering and anti‐oxidation effects.

Lactucaxanthin protects retinal pigment epithelium from hyperglycemia-regulated hypoxia/ER stress/VEGF pathway mediated angiogenesis in ARPE-19 cell and rat model

Hyperglycemia mediated perturbations in biochemical pathways induce angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of lactucaxanthin, a predominant lettuce carotenoid, on hyperglycemia-mediated activation of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo diabetic model. ARPE-19 cells cultured in 30 mM glucose concentration were treated with lactucaxanthin (5 μM and 10 μM) for 48 h. They were assessed for antioxidant enzyme activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, and cell migration. In the animal experiment, streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were gavaged with lactucaxanthin (200 μM) for 8 weeks. Parameters like animal weight gain, feed intake, water intake, urine output, and fasting blood glucose level were monitored. In both models, lutein-treated groups were considered as a positive control. Hyperglycemia-mediated angiogenic marker expressions in ARPE-19 and retina of diabetic rats were quantified through the western blot technique. Expression of hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, and vascular endothelial growth factor were found to be augmented in the hyperglycemia group compared to control (P < 0.05). Hyperglycemia plays a crucial role in increasing cellular migration and reactive oxygen species besides disrupting tight junction protein. Compared to lutein, lactucaxanthin aids retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function from hyperglycemia-induced stress conditions via downregulating angiogenesis markers expression. Lactucaxanthin potentiality observed in protecting tight junction protein expression via modulating reactive oxygen species found to conserve RPE integrity. Results demonstrate that lactucaxanthin exhibits robust anti-angiogenic activity for the first time and, therefore, would be useful as an alternative therapy to prevent or delay DR progression.

Experimental study of the dust-removal performance of a wet scrubber

A variety of dust control methods are often applied in coal mines, among which the application of wet scrubbers has proven to be an efficient technology for the removal of dust in airstreams, rather than diluting or confining the dust. In this paper, a wet scrubber design was developed. Based on a self-designed experimental test platform, the total dust concentration, respirable dust concentration, air volume, and average pressure drops of wet scrubbers with 12, 16, 20, and 24 blades were measured under different water intake conditions. The results show that the different water intake levels have only minimal effects on the air volume of the wet scrubbers. However, increased water intake had improved the dust removal efficiency of the wet scrubbers with the same number of blades. The wet scrubber with 16 blades was found to have the best dust removal efficiency at a water intake level of 1.35 m3/h. Its total dust and respirable dust removal efficiency reached 96.81% and 95.59%, respectively. The air volume was 200.4 m3/min, and the average pressure drop was determined to be 169.4 Pa. In addition, when the wet scrubber with 16 blades was applied in a coal preparation plant in China’s Shanxi Province, it was observed that the total dust concentration had fallen below 8.1 mg/m3, and the respirable dust concentration had fallen below 5.9 mg/m3. Therefore, the results obtained in this research investigation provide important references for the use of wet scrubbers to improve coal production environmental conditions.

Effect of dehydration during pregnancy on birth weight and length in West Jakarta.

Nutrition and maternal behavior are critical factors in fetal development. Maternal water intake is necessary to regulate metabolism and may influence fetal growth. This study aims to determine the effect of dehydration during pregnancy on birth weight and length. This cohort-prospective study took place in the area of Kebon Jeruk District Health Centre. A total of 38 subjects of pregnant women in their second trimester were examined. Subject characteristics were collected through direct measurements and interviews. Urine and blood samples were collected at the sixth trimester (32-34 and 35-37 weeks) to determine hydration status. Nutritional status was collected through food recall, while birth weight and length were obtained from the anthropometric measurements 30 min after birth. From a total of 38 subjects, 20 were dehydrated, and 18 were well hydrated. There was a significant relationship between hydration status and water intake, birth weight and length, head circumference, and chest circumference. After being corrected to the level of water intake, the difference in birth weight and length between the two groups were 500⋅6 g and 0⋅4 cm, and 0⋅8 cm and 1⋅4 cm for the head circumference and chest circumference (P < 0⋅05). It is recommended for mothers to monitor their weight and ensure fluid intake of 3⋅0 l per day. Further research requires more subjects to observe the effects of chronic maternal dehydration on pregnancy output and a cohort study that monitors infant development in the first six months of life.

Launaea acanthodes (Boiss) O. Kuntze mediates hepatic glucose metabolism and ameliorates impaired pancreatic function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLaunaea acanthodes (Boiss.) O. Kuntze is native to semiarid regions of central Iran, traditionally used in the treatment of numerous disorders including diabetes. Aim of the studyThe current study aimed to explore hypoglycemic activity of Launaea acanthodes extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, gene expression study was carried out to examine expression levels of key glucose metabolism-related genes. MethodsFor in vitro study, Folin-Ciocalteus, DPPH and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays were used to determine the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and total flavonoid content of extracts, respectively. For in vivo study, streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats were orally administered with metformin (50 mg/kg) and various doses of extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, food and water intake were assessed during the course of treatment. At the end of the intervention, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Furthermore, functional liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers and histopathology of pancreas were examined. Lastly, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to explore the mRNA levels of genes relevant to glucose metabolism in the pancreas and liver tissues of diabetic rats. ResultsBased on the in vitro results, the hydroalcoholic extract revealed potential radical scavenging activity and contained highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid. The in vivo results demonstrated that the extract lowered fasting blood glucose level, increased the body weight, restored the alterations in the levels of water and food intake, attenuated HbA1c, improved lipid profile and ameliorated the OGTT in diabetic rats. The extract administration alleviated the histopathological changes in the pancreas, suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) level and further restored attenuated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in diabetic rats. Analysis of real time PCR data showed that extract administration reversed the expression levels of hepatic glucokinase (GK), phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Meanwhile, the extract upregulated the expression level of glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) and pancreatic-duodenal homeobox (PDX-1) in diabetic rats. ConclusionCollectively, the results demonstrate that Launaea acanthodes hydroalcoholic extract exerts hypoglycemic effect possibly via regulating key enzymes of glucose metabolism and ameliorating pancreatic dysfunction through its antioxidant properties.

Influence of age at complementary food introduction on the development of asthma and atopic dermatitis in Korean children aged 1-3 years.

BackgroundComplementary food in infancy is necessary for human growth, neurodevelopment, and health. However, the role of allergen consumption in early infancy and its effects on the development of food allergy or tolerance remain unclear.PurposeTo investigate the influence of age at the time of complementary food introduction on the development of asthma and atopic dermatitis in Korean children aged 1–3 years.MethodsWe combined data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected from 2010 to 2014 and analyzed 1619 children aged 1–3 years who were included in the survey. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify associations among type of feeding, age at the time of complementary food introduction, and doctor-diagnosed atopic dermatitis and asthma.ResultsAge at the time of complementary food introduction was not significantly associated with doctor-diagnosed atopic dermatitis and asthma in children aged 1–3 years. In the univariate analysis, children with asthma showed higher water and sodium intake levels than nonasthmatic children. However, this relationship was not significant in the multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionThe present study revealed no statistically significant relationship between age at the time of complementary food introduction and the risk of atopic dermatitis and asthma in young Korean children. A national prospective study is needed to clarify the influence of age at the time of complementary food introduction on the development of allergic diseases.

Factors Associated With Oral Health Status and Oral Hygiene Behavior in Patients With Stroke

Studies have shown that oral health is closely related to systemic diseases. Poor oral hygiene may lead to dental caries and periodontal disease and also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with stroke have a possibility of recurrence, and good oral health is expected to benefit their general health. Nevertheless, nursing research exploring the oral health and oral hygiene behaviors of stroke patients has been rare. To explore the factors significantly associated with oral health status and oral hygiene behaviors in patients with stroke. A cross-sectional research design with convenient sampling was used. Information on health promoting behaviors and oral health status was collected in a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. A multivariate linear regression model was applied to explore the factors associated with oral health status in patients with stroke. One hundred and eight-five patients with stroke were enrolled in this study. The average number of real teeth was 11.3 and the average score for oral health status was 4. The univariate analysis showed that being 65 years of age or older, having an education level below primary school, having a lower Barthel index score, having a higher modified Rankin scale score, not brushing and flossing, not having a regular tooth cleaning, having a lower of health promotion score, and having insufficient water intake levels were all associated with a worse oral health status. The stepwise regression analysis showed that factors affecting oral health status include health promotion behaviors, age, tooth brushing, and water intake, which, together, accounted for 28.5% of the total variance. The findings indicate that oral health status, oral hygiene behaviors, and health promoting behaviors are inadequate among patients with stroke. Clinicians should promote health-related behaviors early to their patients with stroke, specifically in terms of implementing proper oral hygiene behaviors in daily routine care.

Abstract P017: Increased Sodium Excretion And Urinary Output During Acute Human Sleep Deprivation

Introduction: Insufficient sleep contributes to an increased risk (e.g. ~60%) of hypertension. While BP is influenced by renal regulation of sodium and water, the underlying mechanism involved the modulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) by sleep deprivation is unknown. This project investigated the RAAS regulation of water and salt balance (e.g. urine output, sodium excretion) during prolonged sleep deprivation in humans. Methods: Twenty-six subjects (35±1 yrs; 9 women) completed a highly controlled 7-day in hospital study. They were randomly assigned to an 88-h total sleep deprivation (TSD; N=17) condition or an 8-h/night sleep control (SC; N=9) condition. Twenty-four-hour urinary output was collected from baseline (Day 2) to recovery (Day 7). Water and sodium intake were controlled and data were collected. The 24-h sodium excretion value (mmol) was calculated by multiplying the concentrations of sodium in the urine by the urinary volume. Frequent blood samples were collected throughout the experimental period in this study. Results: There was a significant interaction effect of TSD on sodium excretion and urinary output (condition x day, p&lt;0.05). Both TSD and SC groups showed continuous increases in sodium excretion during experimental period compared to baseline (p&lt;0.05). The increases in TSD were significantly higher compared to SC (condition x day, p&lt;0.05). In addition, there was a dose dependent effect of TSD on sodium excretion (i.e. p&lt;0.05 for 48-h TSD compared to 24-h TSD). Diet and fluid intake were controlled and there was no interaction effect for TSD on 24-h water intake or oral sodium intake (condition x day, p&gt;0.05). Urinary output significantly increased from baseline, to 24-h and 72-h (p&lt;0.05) during TSD, but remained at baseline levels throughout days in SC group. Preliminary plasma renin activity analyses (assays ongoing) showed a decreasing statistical trend during TSD compared to baseline (p=0.058). Conclusion: Prolonged TSD significantly increases sodium excretion and urinary output from the body compared to control group, despite similar water and sodium intake levels between two groups. In addition, the increases of sodium excretion are also dose dependent during TSD.

The Hypoglycemic and Renal Protection Properties of Crocin via Oxidative Stress-Regulated NF-κB Signaling in db/db Mice.

BackgroundAs the main ingredient of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) extract, crocin- I (CR) has been reported to show various pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and renal protection properties of CR in db/db mice.MethodsEight-week-old db/db mice were treated with metformin (Met) (100 mg/kg) and CR (50 mg/kg) for eight weeks.ResultsCR treatment showed hypoglycemic functions indicated by reduced bodyweight, food and water intake, plasma glucose, and serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c. Additionally, the CR group showed increased serum levels of insulin and pyruvate kinase, hypolipidemic functions indicated by the suppressed levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which are also indicators of hypoglycemic functions. The renal protection function of CR was demonstrated by its protection of renal structures and its regulation of potential indicators of nephropathy. The anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects of CR were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the kidneys of db/db mice, CR decreased the expression of phospho-IκBα and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), whereas it enhanced the expression of nuclear respiratory factor 2, manganese superoxide dismutase 1, heme oxygenase-1, and catalase.ConclusionsThe anti-diabetic and anti-diabetic nephritic effects of CR were related to its modulation of oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling.