Postprandial Serum Glucose Levels Research Articles

A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a patented fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract in Type 2 diabetics.

Fenugreek plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum) constitutes a traditionally acclaimed herbal remedy for many human ailments including diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive disorders. It is also used as an effective anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal agent. The seed of the plant is especially enriched in several bioactive molecules including polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids and has demonstrated potential to act as an antidiabetic phytotherapeutic. A novel patented formulation (Fenfuro®) was developed in our laboratory from the fenugreek seeds which contained >45% furostanolic saponins (HPLC). A placebo-controlled clinical compliance study was designed to assess the effects of complementing Fenfuro® on a randomized group of human volunteers on antidiabetic therapy (Metformin and sulphonylurea) in controlling the glycemic index along with simultaneous safety assessment. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 42 individuals (21 male and 21 female volunteers) in the treatment group (out of 57 enrolled) and 39 individuals (17 male and 22 female volunteers) in the placebo group (out of 47 enrolled), all on antidiabetic therapy with Metformin/Metformin with sulphonyl urea within the age group of 18-65 years were administered either 1,000 mg (500 mg × 2) (Fenfuro®) capsules or placebo over a period of 12 consecutive weeks. Fasting and postprandial glucose along with glycated hemoglobin were determined as primary outcomes to assess the antidiabetic potential of the formulation. Moreover, in order to evaluate the safety of the formulation, C-peptide and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels as well as immunohematological parameters were assessed between the treatment and placebo groups at the completion of the study. After 12 weeks of administration, both fasting as well as postprandial serum glucose levels decreased by 38 and 44% respectively in the treatment group. Simultaneously, a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin by about 34.7% was also noted. The formulation did not have any adverse effect on the study subjects as there was no significant change in C- peptide level and TSH level; liver, kidney, and cardiovascular function was also found to be normal as assessed by serum levels of key immunohematological parameters. No adverse events were reported. This clinical compliance study re-instated and established the safety and efficacy of Fenfuro® as an effective phytotherapeutic to treat hyperglycemia.

Ingestion of vegetable salads before rice inhibits the increase in postprandial serum glucose levels in healthy subjects.

This study aims to confirm the "vegetable-first" effect. In addition, because we aimed dietary fiber in vegetable salad, the effect after the ingestion of vegetable salad extract (vegetable salad from which solids have been removed) before carbohydrates on postprandial serum glucose level was also evaluated. A total of 13 healthy men were given meals after one-night of fasting: rice-vegetable salad, vegetable salad-rice, and vegetable salad extract-rice. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120min after the ingestion of the test meal to measure serum glucose levels. Serum glucose levels were significantly lower after 45 and 60min in the vegetable salad-rice group compared to the rice-vegetable salad group. No significant difference was found between the vegetable salad extract-rice group and the vegetable salad-rice/rice-vegetable salad group. The result suggested that it might be important to ingest vegetables to obtain the "vegetable-first" effect.

Phytochemical screening and antidiabetic effects of fruit rind of Momordica dioica roxb. on streptozocin induced type 2 diabetic rats

Momordica dioica (M. dioica) is a gourd like blooming plant that is readily available in Bangladesh, requiring biological research to discover its therapeutic values. The goal of our research was to see if the ethanolic extract of this plant had any anti-hyperglycemic properties. Water, glibenclamide and M. dioica extracts were fed to Streptozocin induced type-2 diabetic rat models at a dose of 1.25 g/kg body weight (bw) for 28 days to see what kind of effects they had on serum glucose, insulin, liver glycogen and lipid contents. Except for the control group, all the groups followed a pattern of maintaining the body weight. The oral glucose tolerance test was observed to be improved in extract after 14 days of the experiment. When assessed with the control group, the M. dioica extract showed a significant (p = 0.0015) decrease in postprandial serum glucose level (M±SD, mmol/l, 13.23 ± 1.03 control Vs 11.47 ± 2.21 extract) at 120 min. The treatment of diabetic model rats with extract resulted in a 7% (p < 0.0001) reduction in serum cholesterol levels. While subsequent 28 days of treatment, insulin levels were found to be lowered in all groups (from 246.76 to 200.44 pg/dL; p < 0.0001 for standard and from 309.01 to 204.61 pg/dL; p < 0.0001 for sample). The results revealed that prolonged administration of M. dioica improved the glycemic and lipidemic state of type-2 diabetic rats, implying that more research is needed to identify the active ingredient (s).

Association between the serum estrone-to-estradiol ratio and parameters related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate associations between the ratio of serum estrone (E1) to estradiol (E2) and parameters related to serum glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsIn total, 133 women between the ages of 18 and 35 diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled in this study. All participants with PCOS underwent blood tests to determine hormonal and biochemical metabolic parameters and a standard 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. They were divided into two groups according to the serum E1-to-E2 ratio: group 1 (E1/E2 ratio <2.0) and group 2 (E1/E2 ratio ≥2.0).ResultsIn the comparative analysis, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was the only clinical variable that was significantly different between the two groups. Patients with a higher E1/E2 ratio showed higher fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model for insulin resistance, and postprandial glucose level at 2 hours (PPG2). In a correlation analysis, only PPG2 was significantly related to the serum E1/E2 ratio. However, after controlling for the confounding effects of body mass index (BMI) and WHR, fasting glucose was also significantly correlated with the serum E1/E2 ratio.ConclusionWomen with PCOS with a higher serum E1/E2 ratio were found to be more likely to show higher fasting insulin and postprandial glucose levels. Significant correlations were found between the serum E1/E2 ratio and both fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels after adjusting for BMI and WHR in women with PCOS.

Effects of enalapril and paricalcitol treatment on diabetic nephropathy and renal expressions of TNF-α, p53, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

This study aimed to assess the renopreventive effect of enalapril and/or paricalcitol on streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes-induced nephropathy and to elucidate their mechanisms of action through investigation of the effects on renal oxidative stress, antioxidant defense system and expressions of TNF-α, p53, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Diabetes mellitus was induced in fasting male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg /kg b.w.) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Ten days after STZ injection, the diabetic rats were treated with enalapril (25 mg/l of drinking water) and/or paricalcitol (8 μg/kg b.w. per os) dissolved in 5% DMSO daily for 4 weeks. The obtained data revealed that the treatment of diabetic Wistar rats with enalapril and/or paricalcitol led to significant decreases in the elevated serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels; thereby reflecting the improvement of the impaired kidney function. The deteriorated kidney lipid peroxidation, GSH content and GST and catalase activities in diabetic rats were significantly ameliorated as a result of treatment with enalapril and/or paricalcitol. The elevated fasting and post-prandial serum glucose levels and the lowered serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also improved. The treatment with enalapril and paricalcitol in combination was the most potent in decreasing the elevated serum glucose levels. Moreover, the treatment of diabetic rats successfully prevented the diabetes-induced histopathological deleterious changes of kidney and islets of Langerhans of pancreas. In association, the immunohistochemically detected pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and apoptotic mediators, p53 and caspase-3, were remarkably decreased in kidney of diabetic rats as a result of treatment while the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that enalapril and paricalcitol alone or in combination can prevent STZ diabetes-induced nephropathy through amelioration of the glycemic state and antioxidant defense system together with the suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. However, the treatment of diabetic rats with enalapril and paricalcitol in combination has no further significant improvement effects on renal function and damage when compared with enalapril or paclitaxel treated diabetic groups.

Hematologic and Serological Investigation of Effect on Gyeongokgo in Healthy Individuals : a Randomized, Subject-assessor-blind, Placebo-controlled, Single-center Pilot Study

There are no published data on Gyeongokgo (GOK) safety or efficacy despite being commonly use. The Gyeongokgo (GOK) is commonly used in traditional Korean medicine to promote a health qi and blood, but their objective data was not sufficient in clinical field. To investigate the safety and efficacy of GOK with hematologic and serologic testing and the change of the quality of life in healthy individuals. Randomized, subject-assessor-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center pilot study Participants and Interventions 29 healthy volunteer subjects were randomly placed into the GOK group (n = 20) or placebo control group (n = 9) and instructed to take one treatment packet (GOK or placebo) twice daily for 4 weeks. Subjects were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and underwent hematologic and serologic tests and body composition analysis. The FSS total score (p = 0.093) and SF-36 general health index (p = 0.002) were improved following treatment in the GOK group. Post-treatment thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were increased in the GOK group compared with pre-treatment levels (p = 0.0042). C-reactive protein levels decreased (p = 0.0256) in the GOK group compared with that the placebo group. In time-series tests, GOK did not affect post-prandial serum triglycerides, glucose, insulin, or C-peptide levels. Notably, elevations in serum fasting triglycerides at 2- (p = 0.0333) and 4-hours (p = 0.0414) post-prandial were lower than those in the placebo group. GOK reduced fatigue levels and did not significantly affect laboratory test results performed to measure safety, serum glucose, and lipid profiles. Post-meal triglyceride levels were effectively reduced with treatment.

The Effect of Eating Even or Odd Number of Dates, on Blood Glucose Level

Objectives: There is a common belief among Muslims, to consume dates in odd number rather than even, based on cultural and religious claims; although nobody knows its effect on blood glucose level or other metabolic effects in the body.The aim of our study is to illuminate the changes that affect the 2-hrs postprandial serum glucose level after the consumption of an odd number of dates among healthy young persons and even number. Method: Intervention study was used to compare 2 groups, Fasting glucose levels was measured for all participants; group A (42 participants), who consumed even number of dates all at Tamer-stage, (net weight about 50 grams); and group B, (42 participants), presumed to consume an odd number of dates (net weight about 40 grams). Two-hrs postprandial blood glucose levels were measured altogether. Blood glucose levels were determined and compared as a means. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.Result: The fasting serum glucose of group A and B participants were 91.65±13.61 and 93.69±8.79 mg/dl, respectively, with an insignificant statistical difference between groups (P= 0.42327). Subsequently, the 2hrs Postprandial Glucose measurements of group A and B were 99.58±19.56 and 100.33±12.204 respectively; indicated an insignificant statistical difference between groups, (P=0.83553). All the participants were remaining within normal ranges of serum glucose level. Conclusion: There is no difference between ingestion of the odd and even number of dates fleshes from the glycemic point of view on the glucose level in fasting and postprandial states.

Serum Vitamin D Associated with Insulin Secretory Function in Impaired Fasting Glucose Subjects

Background: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is a prediabetic condition and is a high-risk state for developing diabetes and associated complications. The aim of this study was to explore the association of vitamin D with insulin secretory function among the IFG subjects. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh; from June 2016 to May 2017, on forty-six (46) IFG subjects. Serum blood glucose was measured by glucose-oxidase method, Fasting serum lipid profile (Total cholesterol, TG and HDL-c); liver enzyme like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was measured by enzymatic-colorimetric method; Serum creatinine was measured by colorimetric kinetic method; Serum Insulin and vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by ELISA method; insulin secretory capacity (HOMA%B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) were calculated by Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) using HOMA-CIGMA software. Results: Among 46 IFG subjects, 22 (47.8%) were male and rest 24 (52.2%) were female and their mean age was 40 (±8) years. Mean fasting serum glucose level of the study subjects was 6.33 (±0.23) mmol/l and mean postprandial serum glucose level was 7.23 (±0.41) mmol/l. Mean serum vitamin D level of the study subjects was 26.54 (±8.83) ng/ml. Mean HOMA%S, HOMA%B and HOMA%IR of the total study subjects were 48.34 (±16.70), 102.16 (±23.13) and 2.28 (±0.70) respectively. Insulin secretory capacity (HOMA%B) was significantly higher (p = 0.047) in the subjects having higher vitamin D [25(OH)D level ≥ 20 ng/ml] compared to the subjects having lower vitamin D [25(OH)D levels < 20 ng/ml]. Conclusion: High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D exists among IFG subjects. Vitamin D is associated with insulin secretory function in IFG subjects. Population based prospective studies using larger sample size should be done to confirm the results.

Bidirectional Relationship between Gastric Emptying and Plasma Glucose Control in Normoglycemic Individuals and Diabetic Patients.

Gastric emptying and glycemic control pathways are closely interrelated processes. Gastric chyme is transferred into the duodenum with velocities depending on its solid or liquid state, as well as on its caloric and nutritional composition. Once nutrients enter the intestine, the secretion of incretins (hormonal products of intestinal cells) is stimulated. Among incretins, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has multiple glycemic-regulatory effects that include delayed gastric emptying, thus triggering a feedback loop lowering postprandial serum glucose levels. Glycemic values also influence gastric emptying; hyperglycemia slows it down, and hypoglycemia accelerates it, both limiting glycemic fluctuations. Disordered gastric emptying in diabetes mellitus is understood today as a complex pathophysiological condition, with both irreversible and reversible components and high intra- and interindividual variability of time span and clinical features. While limited delays may be useful for reducing postprandial hyperglycemias, severely hindered gastric emptying may be associated with higher glycemic variability and worsened long-term glycemic control. Therapeutic approaches for both gastric emptying and glycemic control include dietary modifications of meal structure or content and drugs acting as GLP-1 receptor agonists. In the foreseeable future, we will probably witness a wider range of dietary interventions and more incretin-based medications used for restoring both gastric emptying and glycemic levels to nearly physiological levels.

In vitro and In vivo Postprandial Glycemic Activity of Citrus limetta Peel Flour.

Background:Previous studies of Citrus spp. peel have shown hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Citrus limetta has been studied for its therapeutic properties. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a health problem in Mexico and worldwide, that takes a vital importance due to its high incidence. Recently, scientists have searched natural sources to control the disease.Materials and Methods:In this study, we evaluated the in vitro hypoglycemic activity and in vivo postprandial glycemic effect of C. limetta peel flour by glucose adsorption and retardation assays as well as postprandial serum glucose levels using a group of female Balb-c mice, respectively.Results:C. limetta peel flour showed a glucose adsorption capacity of 16.58 mM, having a similar effect regarding the positive control. The glucose diffusion in the dialysate was elevated, with a glucose dialysis retardation index of 33.79% in a period of 3 h, showing similar results to positive control. Postprandial serum glucose levels in the animal group treated with C. limetta peel flour showed a glucose level of 41.4 mg/dL, being this value significantly lower than negative control group and similar to positive control. Toxicity tests showed good tolerance to the dose of 2000 mg/kg.Conclusion:C. limetta peel flour could act as a source of functional compounds for the control of DM.SUMMARY Citrus limetta peel flour showed a glucose adsorption capacity similar to the positive controlThe glucose diffusion in the dialysate was elevated, showing similar results to positive controlPostprandial serum glucose levels in the animal group treated with C. limetta peel flour showed a glucose level significantly lower than negative control group and similar to positive controlToxicity tests showed good toleranceC. limetta peel flour could act as a source of functional compounds for the control of diabetes mellitus. Abbreviations used: CIATEJ: Center for Research and Assistance in Technology and Design of Jalisco; DM: Diabetes mellitus; FGC: Final glucose concentration; GDRI: Glucose dialysis retardation index; IGC: Initial glucose concentration; OECD: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Impaired glucose tolerance after brief heat exposure: a randomized crossover study in healthy young men.

A high demand on thermoregulatory processes may challenge homoeostasis, particularly regarding glucose regulation. This has been understudied, although it might concern millions of humans. The objective of this project was to examine the isolated and combined effects of experimental short-term mild heat exposure and metabolic level on glucoregulation. Two experimental randomized crossover studies were conducted. Ten healthy young men participated in study A, which comprises four sessions in a fasting state at two metabolic levels [rest and exercise at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake (O2) for 40 min] in two environmental temperatures (warm: 31°C and control: 22°C). Each session ended with an ad libitum meal, resulting in similar energy intake across sessions. In study B, 12 healthy young men underwent two 3h oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in warm and control environmental temperatures. Venous blood was sampled at several time points. In study A, repeated measure ANOVAs revealed higher postprandial serum glucose and insulin levels with heat exposure. Glycaemia following the OGTT was higher in the warm temperature compared with control. The kinetics of the serum glucose response to the glucose load was also affected by the environmental temperature (temperature-by-time interaction, P=0.030), with differences between the warm and control conditions observed up to 90min after the glucose load (all P<0.033). These studies provide evidence that heat exposure alters short-term glucoregulation. The implication of this environmental factor in the physiopathology of Type2 diabetes has yet to be investigated.

SERUM OSTEOCALCIN LEVEL IN TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS AS AMARKER FOR EARLY DETECTION OF OSTEOPROSIS

Background: Diabetic osteoporosis is caused by reduced bone mineral content due to the abnormal levels of sugar, protein, fat, and macroelements, such as calcium and phosphorus. Beside metabolic bone diseases, these changes at times lead to pathological fractures. Still, the effect of type 2diabetes (T2DM) on bone mineral density remains controversial. There are potential mechanisms behind the increased fracture risk that occurs in patients with diabetes, even those with increased bone mineral density. One potential link between diabetes and bone is the osteoblast-produced factor, osteocalcin. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the level of osteocalcin in type 2 diabetic patients as a marker for early detection of osteoporosis. This may help early prediction and treatment of osteoporosis before bone mass density (BMD) affected. Subjects and Methods: Sixty diabetic patients (30 males and 30 females) aged33 –61years were recruited and classified by DEXA into three equal groups: patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with osteoporosis, patients with osteopenia, and patients with normal bone, as well as twenty apparently healthy controls. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for both patients and controls. All subjects included in this study were subjected to the following : Full history taking and clinical examination , laboratory investigations including complete blood picture (CBC) , fasting and post prandial serum glucose levels, serum creatinine, lipid profile (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides) and complete urine analysis. Serological test for osteocalcin by ELISA technique was used. Results: The results of the present study showed that serum osteocalcin level significantly decreased in diabetic patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal bone as compared to healthy control subjects. Also, there was significant decrease in serum osteocalcin level in type 2 diabetic patients with osteoporosis as compared to those with osteopenia and normal bone density groups. Significant negative correlation was found between osteocalcin and HbA1c, LDL, duration of diabetes and TG in all diabetic patients groups, and positive correlation between osteocalcin, HDL, and BMD in all diabetic groups. Conclusion: Osteocalcin may have a role on prediction of osteoporosis in diabetic patients even before bone mineral density affected.

Hypoglycaemic activity of culinary Pleurotus ostreatus and P. cystidiosus mushrooms in healthy volunteers and type 2 diabetic patients on diet control and the possible mechanisms of action.

This study determined the oral hypoglycaemic effect of suspensions of freeze dried and powdered (SFDP) Pleurotus ostreatus (P.o) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (P.c), using healthy human volunteers and Type 2 diabetic patients on diet control at a dose of 50 mg/kg/body weight, followed by a glucose load. The possible hypoglycaemic mechanisms were evaluated using rats, by examining intestinal glucose absorption and serum levels of insulin, glucokinase (GK) and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK). The P.o and P.c showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels of healthy volunteers and reduced the postprandial serum glucose levels and increased the serum insulin levels (P < 0.05) of Type 2 diabetic patients. The P.o and P.c increased the intestinal absorption of glucose but simultaneously reduced the serum glucose levels (P < 0.05) in rats. Both mushrooms reduced the serum GSK and promoted insulin secretion while P.c increased serum GK (P < 0.05). The hypoglycaemic activity of P.o and P.c makes mushrooms beneficial functional foods in diabetes mellitus. The mechanism of hypoglycaemic activity of P.o and P.c is possibly by increasing GK activity and promoting insulin secretion and thereby increasing the utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues, inhibiting GSK and promoting glycogen synthesis.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Various Fractions from Residues of Blumea balsamifera

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antihyperglycemic activities of various fractions from the residues of Blumea balsamifera (BB), and to properly utilize the waste resource. MethodsThe antihyperglycemic activities were evaluated by the suppression on serum glucose level in vivo and α-glucosidase inhibition assay in vitro. The high-, mid-, and low-dose (1, 0.5, and 0.25 g/kg of the herb) fractions were ig given to mice for 8 d. The serum glucose was monitored at 1 and 12 h after feeding. ResultsThe fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels of mice treated with high-dose petroleum ether fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, butyl alcohol fraction, methanol fraction, and water extract from BB were 4.45, 4.39, 4.43, 4.15, 3.74 mmol/L and 6.98, 6.23, 6.45, 6.26, 5.88 mmol/L, respectively, while those in vehicle control group were 5.63 and 7.50 mmol/L. There are four different inhibiting manners by the results of α-glucosidase inhibition assay. ConclusionThe residues of BB have anti-diabetes activities after steam distillation.

Xanthones as α-glucosidase inhibitors from the antihyperglycemic extract of Securidaca inappendiculata

Context: Securidaca inappendiculata Hassk. (SI) is used to cure fractures and rheumatoid arthritis in China. Also, it is a potential antidiabetes drug; however, there are no reports on this.Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activities of fractions and compounds from SI, and attempt to explore the mechanism.Materials and methods: Antihyperglycemic activities were evaluated by the suppression on serum glucose levels in vivo and α-glucosidase inhibition assays in vitro. Fractions were given to mice by gastric intubation for 8 d. The high, medium, and low doses of fractions were equal to 10, 5, and 2.5 g/kg of the herb [SID (dichloromethane fraction) and SIE (ethyl acetate fraction) were doubled]. The serum glucose was monitored at 1 and 12 h after feeding. The silica gel and LH-20 chromatography were used to isolate active compounds. Structure–activity relationship analysis was based on IC50s and structures.Results: The IC50s of SID, SIE, SIA (acetone fraction), SIM (methanol fraction), and acarbose were 712, 446, 1123, 1418, and 735 μg/mL. The postprandial and fasting serum glucose levels of SID, SIE, SIA, and SIM (high dose) were 5.5, 5.9, 6.2, 6.3 and 3.7, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 mmol/L, while those of vehicle control were 7.5 and 5.6 mmol/L. Eleven xanthones isolated all exhibited inhibitory activities, mainly in a non-competitive reversible manner. The IC50s varied from 3.2 to 77.3 μg/mL. Structure–activity relationship analysis exhibited free hydroxyls contributed the most importance to the activity.Conclusion: The results indicated that xanthones from SI were powerful agents for antidiabetes.

A micro- and macro-scale approach to probe the dynamics of sol–gel transition in cereal β-glucan solutions varying in molecular characteristics

Cereal β-glucans are known to display functional properties with health benefits, such as reduction of plasma cholesterol and of postprandial serum glucose levels in humans and animals; such effects have been lately attributed to viscosity and gelation potential of these water soluble fibres. The local dynamics of β-glucan solutions differing in molecular size and the molar ratio of trimers to tetramers (DP3/DP4) chain segments, which undergo gelation upon ageing, was investigated. Confocal microscopy, particle tracking microrheology and conventional bulk shear rheological measurements have been employed to study the microstructure and mechanical properties of the polysaccharide networks on various length scales. The structural features of β-glucans, such as molecular weight and ratio of DP3/DP4, were found to be important determinants of their gelling properties and microstructure. For the β-glucan gels cured at 25 °C both the microrheology and the bulk rheology revealed that with decreasing molecular weight and increasing DP3/DP4 molar ratio the gelation time decreased, while the gelation rate increased along with the storage modulus. In all samples studied, particulate clusters of β-glucan assemblies were generated with size ∼1–15 μm and the clusters were eventually interconnected to expand over the available space to form an elastic network. The pore size and the structural entities were found to increase in size at lower values of the DP3/DP4 molar ratio and with preparations of high molecular weight. The size and the compactness of the structural entities seem to play an important role in the network reinforcement. The embedded tracer particles were found to experience relatively homogeneous microenvironments at DP3/DP4 ∼2.1, reflecting a rather slow rate of chain aggregates structuring. The behaviour of the polysaccharide network dynamics at a microscopic level does not always seem to match the overall bulk macroscopic response.

Study of the Hypoglycemic Effect of Tamarindus indica Linn. Seeds on Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Model Rats

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the Tamarindus indica Linn seed in normal (non-diabetic), type-I and type-II model rats and to investigate their effect on gastrointestinal motility and intestinal glucose absorption. Methodology: T. indica seed powder was used at a dose of 1.25g/kg bw/10 ml water. Male Long-Evans rats (160-210g body weight) were used for the experiment. Experiments were done in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic model rats with a single feeding in different prandial states and blood was collected. An intestinal perfusion technique was used to study the effects of T. indica seed powder on intestinal glucose absorption in normal and type-II model rats. Gut motility was evaluated using barium sulfate milk. Glucose was measured by Glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) method. Result: The screening results showed that T. indica seed powder had no effect on fasting or postprandial serum glucose level of normal and type-I diabetic rat. The seed powder also showed no hypoglycemic effect in the fasting state and no antihyperglycemic effect in type-II model rats when fed simultaneously with oral glucose load, but it exhibited significant antihyperglycemic effect when the seed powder was fed 30 minutes prior to the glucose load at 105 minutes (p&lt;0.03). Glibenclamide significantly lowered postprandial serum glucose levels of non-diabetic and type-II diabetic model rats (p&lt;0.02-0.001). T. indica exerted inhibition on glucose absorption in type-II rats during the whole perfusion period when compared with control. On the other hand, T. indica seed powder significantly inhibited the gastrointestinal motility in type-II rats. Conclusion: The present data suggest that T. indica possesses antihyperglycemic properties in type-II rats which are at least partly due to its inhibitory effect on intestinal glucose absorption. This effect cannot be attributed to the acceleration of intestinal transit.

Weight status among young males in Upper Egypt

Background: Obesity is a common health problem, with increasing prevalence world-wide. The metabolic changes of obesity can induce serious health problems and increase the risk for many diseases. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study to determine the body weight disorders, socio-demographic profile and associated medical conditions among young male adults in the Upper Egypt. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Qena University Hospital from 1 st August 2011 to 31 st August 2012, with a total number of 500 male subjects ranging from 18 to 30 years old. All individuals participating in the study were submitted to the followings: Filling a predesigned data collection sheet including: Demographic and socioeconomic data, family history of obesity, full clinical examination and laboratory investigations: Fasting glucose level for all participants and post-prandial serum glucose level for subjects with history of diabetes mellitus (DM) or have a risk factor of DM. Results: About 6% of subjects found to be obese with body mass index above 30. Middle social class was found to comprise most individuals with normal weight (69.6%). On the other hand, more than half of the underweights (57.9%) and 41.9% of obese subjects were from low social class. Most of youth of high social class were either normal (46.7%) or over weight and none of them were underweight (P < 0.001). About 3% and 6.5% of obese persons were found to be diabetics and hypertensive respectively. There was a significant association between obesity and the presence of family history of obesity (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity was similar among young males from different places in the Upper Egypt with being more prevalent among low social classes.

Oral Hypoglycemic Activity of Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and P. cystidiosus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

This study investigates the oral hypoglycemic activity of Pleurotus ostreatus (P.o.) and P. cystidiosus (P.c.) mushrooms on normal and alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Different doses (250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg/kg/body weight) of suspensions of freeze-dried and powdered (SFDP) P.o. and P.c. were administered to normal rats, and postprandial serum glucose levels were measured. Optimal time of activity was investigated using the dose 500 mg/kg. Hypoglycemic effect of a single dose of SFDP P.o. and P.c. (500 mg/kg) were investigated using diabetic male and female rats at different stages of estrous cycle and compared with metformin and glibenclamide. Chronic hypoglycemic activity of SFDP P.o. and P.c. (500 mg/kg) was studied using serum glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Maximally effective dose of SFDP P.o. and P.c. was 500 mg/kg. The highest reduction in the serum glucose level was observed 120 minutes after administration of mushrooms. A single dose of P.o. and P.c. significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the serum glucose levels of male diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic activity in female rats was highest in proestrous stage. The hypoglycemic effect of P.o. and P.c. is comparable with metformin and glibenclamide. Daily single administrations of P.o. and P.c. to diabetic rats exert apparent control on the homeostasis of blood glucose. SFDP P.o. and P.c. possessed marked and significant oral hypoglycemic activity. This study suggests the consumption of P.o. and P.c. mushrooms might bring health benefits to mankind as it shows hypoglycemic activity in rats.

Evaluation of insulin sensitivity status in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective To identify the risk arising from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which would help the clinician to make early interventions. Methods Fasting and postprandial serum glucose and serum insulin levels were estimated in 26 cases of PCOS and 26 healthy women were selected as controls. Calculation of quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) in all the subjects was utilized to analyze its sensitivity and reliability. Also body mass index and waist circumference in all these subjects were measured as obesity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Results Hyperglycemia was observed in 11% of the cases and hyperinsulinemia was a consistent feature in 46% of the patients. The postprandial insulin levels in cases were statistically significant ( P=0.006). Sensitivity to insulin as indicated by QUICKI in the postprandial state was less in cases than in controls ( P=0.13). The BMI was markedly raised in 15% and moderately raised in about 38% of the cases ( P=0.024). Waist circumference was significantly raised in about 61% of the cases (>80 cm) ( P<0.001). Conclusions Our study indicates that QUICKI, BMI and waist circumference are simple, quick and may act as early markers in identifying the risks of developing metabolic syndrome. Obesity, being a consistent finding in most cases suggested its key role in the pathogenesis of PCOS.