Serum Glucose Levels Research Articles

Developing Topics.

Alzheimer's disease is a brain ailment that causes cell degradation and is the leading cause of dementia, which is defined by a deterioration in thinking and independence in routine everyday activities. Insulin possesses neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects indicating a permissive function for insulin in cognition. Defective insulin signaling promotes Aβ aggregation and accelerates Aβ formation in the brain. Based on this evidence, Alzheimer's is also defined as diabetes of the brain or Type 3 Diabetes. Diabetes was induced in mice by Alloxan (100mg/kg) and sucrose 35% solution. Glucose level was monitored, and test drugs were given accordingly. Behavioral models employed in the current study were elevated plus maze, morris water maze, actophotometer, and novel object recognition test. Biochemicals performed were all mitochondrial complexes, glutathione level, protein carbonyl level, lipid peroxidase, and acetylcholinesterase activity. Histopathological evaluation of the hippocampal region was carried out under a bright field microscope. Alloxan administration produced significant hyperglycemia characterized by a significant increase in serum glucose level as compared to the naïve. During the acquisition test (learning), alloxan-treated mice significantly delayed the escape latency period to reach the submerged platform as compared to the naïve group. However, quercetin and naringenin administration significantly improved memory performance. In novel object recognition, alloxan treated spent more time near the familiar object, and the treatment group spent more time near the novel object. Alloxan treatment also disrupted the mitochondrial levels and lowered the antioxidant enzyme levels, whereas the treatment group significantly reversed the changes. In the present study, alloxan administration caused significant impairment in cognitive behavior as evidenced by the Morris water maze (MWM) test, increased fasting blood glucose oxidative stress [through alteration of endogenous antioxidant markers i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and oxidative stress markers i.e. reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein carbonyls levels] and increased acetylcholinesterase activity in different areas of the brain (frontal cortex and hippocampus). Administration of quercetin and naringenin in different doses significantly reversed alloxan administration-induced behavioral, biochemical, and cellular alteration in both the frontal cortex as well as in hippocampus.

Особливості ліпідного та вуглеводного обмінів у пацієнтів з гастроезофагеальною рефлюксною хворобою на тлі цукрового діабету 2-го типу залежно від наявності ожиріння

Особливості ліпідного та вуглеводного обмінів у пацієнтів з гастроезофагеальною рефлюксною хворобою на тлі цукрового діабету 2-го типу залежно від наявності ожиріння

Genetic Polymorphism of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Gene (ESRα) and Its Effect on Production and Biochemical Traits of White Quails

This study was conducted in the poultry field of Animal Production Department - College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk for the period from 28/3/2022 to 15/1/2023, to determine the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of alpha estrogen receptor gene (ESRα) and evaluation of some productive and biochemical traits of white Japanese quail, One-day-old quails were obtained from Animal Production Department - College of Agriculture, and they were reared for 35 days until reaching age of sexual maturity. Then they were randomly distributed to 30 families, with male and female for each family. The birds were fed on a diet with 20% crude protein and 2850 k.cal/kg metabolism energy of feed. At the end of the experiment, the female of each family was slaughtered and DNA was extracted from liver by using kit to determine the polymorphism of the length restriction fragment (RFLP) for estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESRα) and evaluation of some productive and biochemical traits by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and the use of the restriction enzyme (EcoRI) and electrophoresis to determine the length of bundles of ESRα gene. The results of the study showed that the CC genotype resulting from the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of estrogen receptor alpha (ESRα) gene had a significant effect on egg production of white Japanese quail compared with CT and TT genotypes, and CC and TT genotypes were superior to CT genotypes in estrogen level, while CC and CT genotypes were superior to the TT genotype in glucose level in blood serum of female white Japanese quail. The study recommended to selection CC and TT genotypes of estrogen receptor alpha (ESRα) gene because it is positively and significantly associated with egg production of white Japanese quail.

Comparison of lifestyle and nutritional status between women with and without metabolic syndrome.

Amidst the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the greatest health problems. Lifestyle factors and bad habits are responsible for the emergence and development of MetS. The aim of the study was to compare and check whether women with MetS adhered to a healthy diet and had a healthier lifestyle than women without MetS, and to compare the impact of women's lifestyles on their nutritional status. The study included 167 women aged 20-78. As per guidelines, all tests required fasting. Comparisons of individual quantitative variables between groups were made using the Student's t-test for independent variables or the Mann-Whitney U-test. The relationship between quantitative variables was verified with the Spearman correlation coefficient. All statistical tests were based on a significance level of p<0.05. Women with MetS were more likely to have bad habits such as smoking, adding sugar to beverages and adding salt to food on the plate, while alcohol consumption was more common in women without MetS, but there was a statistically significant positive correlation between alcohol consumption and HDL-cholesterol levels in both groups. Women with MetS showed statistically significantly higher body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences (p<0.001), a statistically significant positive relationship between adding sugar to beverages and triglyceride levels (r=0.2699, p=0.015). In women without MetS, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between HDL-cholesterol levels and cigarette smoking (r= 0.2709, p=0.014). Women with MetS had statistically significantly higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean serum levels of total cholesterol (p<0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p=0.007), triglycerides (p<0.001) and glucose (p<0.001) than women without MetS. Nutritional errors were shown in both groups, including deficiencies in calcium, folates, iron, vitamin D and excessive sodium and phosphorus intake. Therefore, it is important to prevent the onset of MetS components and to educate and assist professionals in setting realistic goals individually adapted to each patient.

Pancreatic steatosis is an independent risk factor for post-transplant diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant patients.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is associated with an increased risk of post-transplant cardiovascular diseases, and several risk factors of PTDM have been shown in the literature. Yet, the relationship between hepatic and pancreatic steatosis with post-transplant diabetes mellitus remains vague. We aimed to evaluate pancreatic steatosis, a novel component of metabolic syndrome, and hepatic steatosis association with post-transplant diabetes mellitus in a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted on kidney transplant recipients. We have performed a single-center retrospective cohort study involving all kidney transplant recipients. We have utilized pretransplant Fibrosis-4, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, and abdominal computed tomography for the assessment of visceral steatosis status. We have included 373 kidney transplant recipients with a mean follow-up period of 32 months in our final analysis. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus risk is associated with older age (p<.001), higher body-mass index (p<.001), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-fibrosis score (p=.002), hepatic (p<.001) or pancreatic (p<.001) steatosis on imaging and higher pre-transplant serum triglyceride (p=.003) and glucose levels (p=.001) after multivariate analysis. Our study illustrates that recipients' pancreatic steatosis is an independent predictive factor for post-transplant diabetes mellitus including in kidney transplant patients.

Evaluation of Some Biochemical Parameters in Iraqi Diabetic Patients

High blood sugar occurs in diabetes mellitus when either the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This study aims to evaluate some biochemical variables in patients with type 2 diabetes and their relationship to exacerbating the disease condition. Seventy patients with diabetes mellitus and fifty healthy individuals were included as normal controls for this study. Blood analysis was carried out for all of them which include serum glucose, lipid profile, urea, creatinine and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) levels. This study included the verification of some biochemical variables by measuring their levels in diabetics and healthy people. As the levels of all the variables under study increased in diabetics except for high-density lipoproteins, its level decreased compared to the results obtained for the same variables in healthy people.

Preconception Stress and Pregnancy Serum Glucose Levels Among Women Attending a Fertility Center.

The association between women's stress and pregnancy glucose levels remain unclear, specifically when considering the preconception period as a sensitive window of exposure. We investigated whether preconception perceived stress was associated with glucose levels during pregnancy among women attending a fertility center (2004-2019). Before conception, women completed a psychological stress survey using the short version of the validated Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4), and blood glucose was measured using a 50-gram glucose load test during late pregnancy as a part of screening for gestational diabetes. Linear and log-binomial regression models were used to assess associations of total PSS-4 scores with mean glucose levels and abnormal glucose levels ( ≥ 140 mg/dL), adjusting for age, body mass index, race, smoking, education, physical activity, primary infertility diagnosis, number of babies, and mode of conception. Psychological stress was positively associated with mean abnormal glucose levels. The adjusted marginal means (95% CI) of mean glucose levels for women in the first, second, and third tertiles of psychological stress were 115 (110, 119), 119 (115, 123), and 124 (119, 128), and mg/dL, respectively (P for trend = .007). Also, women in the second and third tertiles of psychological stress had 4% and 13% higher probabilities of having abnormal glucose compared with women in the first tertile of psychological stress (P trend = .01). These results highlight the importance of considering preconception when evaluating the relationship between women's stress and pregnancy glucose levels.

Comparative analysis of glucose and fructose tolerance in two marine fishes: effects on insulin secretion and acute hypoxia tolerance

Carbohydrates are a common and economical energy source in animal feeds. However, most fish show a persistent postprandial hyperglycemia after intake of a high-carbohydrate diet. Unfortunately, the mechanism of glucose metabolism in fish is still unclear. In the present study, tiger puffer (Takifugu rubripes) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were intraperitoneally injected or orally administered with glucose or fructose (500 mg/kg body weight) to evaluate the ability of fish to utilize carbohydrates. Afterwards, serum glucose, fructose, pyruvate, insulin levels, and acute hypoxia tolerance were measured. Our results showed increased serum glucose level and then decreased post intraperitoneal injection with glucose, and reached a peak after 0.5 hours in turbot and 1 hour in tiger puffer. Tiger puffer had significantly lower liver glycogen, serum glucose, fructose, pyruvate, and insulin contents than turbot. Glucose and fructose only induced insulin secretion in turbot, but did not change serum insulin level in tiger puffer. Glucose was a stronger stimulator of insulin than fructose in the two marine species. Both intraperitoneal injection and oral fructose intake increased serum glucose level, while intraperitoneal or oral glucose also increased serum fructose level. Intraperitoneal injection of glucose promoted absorption and utilization of glucose in the blood more effectively than oral glucose intake. In addition, turbot and tiger puffer were intolerant to acute hypoxia, whereas supplementation with glucose or fructose improved hypoxia tolerance in the two marine fishes by activating anaerobic glycolysis. Taken together, our results provide important scientific information for understanding the mechanism for glucose and fructose utilization and improving hypoxia tolerance in fish.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Orally Delivered Insulin Nanoparticles Compared to Subcutaneous Recombinant Human Soluble Insulin in Hyperglycemic Male Rats

Background: Insulin is available as an injectable drug and remains the mainstay of therapy. Researchers have attempted to develop an oral formulation of insulin, particularly utilizing nanoparticles (NPs). Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of insulin-loaded D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS)-emulsified PEG-capped PLGA NP in comparison to insulin-loaded PLGA NP and subcutaneous (SC) insulin in an in vitro and in vivo diabetic rat model. Methods: Two biocompatible and biodegradable NPs were used, in which 20 IU/kg of recombinant human soluble insulin was incorporated. NP1 was PLGA-loaded with human insulin, while NP2 was PLGA-PEG-TPGS-loaded with human insulin. The physical characteristics of the NPs were examined in an in vitro and in vivo study on a hyperglycemic rat model for a 24-hour duration. Results: For the first 3 hours, SC insulin showed a better reduction in serum glucose levels (SG) compared to both NP1 and NP2. A smooth, sustained reduction in SG was observed and maintained till the end of 24 hours with both NPs. NP1 maintained SG reduction for 6 hours before experiencing an increase, while NP2 demonstrated superior sustained reduction in SG beyond the 12-hour evaluation period. Conclusions: PLGA-PEG-TPGS NP can act as a potential carrier for oral insulin delivery and maintain good glycemic control for up to 24 hours.

Proportion of Gestational Diabetes among pregnant women attending hospitals and Immediate Complication of Neonate in River Nile State 2018

: There is international increasing of gestational diabetes, gestational diabetes is metabolic disorder during pregnancy and the main clinical feature is high level of serum glucose; that have adverse effect on the neonate. The aim of study is assessment of the proportion of gestational diabetes, and the main immediate neonatal complication in River Nile State Sudan 2018. Methodology: Hospital based cross-sectional study design, was conducted in River Nile State between March – August 2018. Four hospitals were selected randomly from 7 locality hospitals. Sample size was 384 women attended delivery room in hospitals. Data was entered and analysis by SPSS program. Result: Sample consisted of 384 delivery women, the main women age was 21-30 years, and the prevalence of gestational diabetes was 8.07%. The commons immediate neonatal complication was jaundice 68.4% of neonate of gestational diabetes mother (p-value 0.01), hypoglycemia 4.4 % (p-value 0.01), and respiratory distress was 5.5% (p-value 0. 01). Septicemia and congenital malformation were insignificant. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of gestational diabetes in River Nile State. Gestational diabetes has significant immediate complications in neonate.

Effect of short- versus long-term serum glucose levels on early ischemic water homeostasis and functional outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke.

In ischemic stroke, the impact of short- versus long-term blood glucose level (BGL) on early lesion pathophysiology and functional outcome has not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the effect of long-term blood glucose (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) versus serum BGL on early edema formation and functional outcome. Anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy after multimodal computed tomography (CT) on admission were analyzed. Endpoints were early ischemic cerebral edema, measured by quantitative net water uptake (NWU) on initial CT and functional independence at Day 90. A total of 345 patients were included. Patients with functional independence had significantly lower baseline NWU (3.1% vs. 8.3%; p < 0.001) and lower BGL (113 vs. 123 mg/dL; p < 0.001) than those without functional independence, while HbA1c levels did not differ significantly (5.7% vs. 5.8%; p = 0.15). A significant association was found for NWU and BGL (ß = 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.006-0.03; p = 0.002), but not for HbA1c and NWU (ß = -0.16, 95% CI -0.53-0.21; p = 0.39). Mediation analysis showed that 67% of the effect of BGL on functional outcome was mediated by early edema formation. Aggravated early edema and worse functional outcome was associated with elevated short-term serum BGL, but not with HbA1c levels. Hence, the link between short-term BGL and early edema development might be used as a target for adjuvant therapy in patients with ischemic stroke.

Chronic consumption of imbalance diets high in sucrose or fat induces abdominal obesity with different pattern of metabolic disturbances and lost in Langerhans cells population

AimObesity is a worldwide health issue, associated with development of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of consumption of two hypercaloric diets on metabolic disturbance and beta cells damage. Main methodsMale Wistar rats were subjected to twelve months consumption of three diets: a Control balanced diet (CTD, carbohydrates 58 %, proteins 29 %, lipids 13 %) and two hypercaloric diets, high in sucrose (HSD, carbohydrates 68 %, proteins 22 %, lipids 10 %) or high in fat (HFD, carbohydrates 31 %, proteins 14 %, lipids 55 %). Serum levels of glucose, triglycerides and free fatty acids were measured after zoometric parameters determination. Antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress-marker were measured in pancreas tissue among histological analysis of Langerhans islets. Key findingsAlthough diets were hypercaloric, the amount of food consumed by rats decreased, resulting in an equal caloric consumption. The HSD induced hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia with higher levels in free fatty acids (FFA, lipotoxicity); whereas HFD did not increased neither the triglycerides nor FFA, nevertheless the loss of islets' cell was larger. Both diets induced obesity with hyperglycemia and significant reduction in Langerhans islets size. SignificanceOur results demonstrate that consumption of HSD induces more significant metabolic disturbances that HFD, although both generated pancreas damage; as well hypercaloric diet consumption is not indispensable to becoming obese; the chronic consumption of unbalanced diets (rich in carbohydrates or lipids) may lead to abdominal obesity with metabolic and functional disturbances, although the total amount of calories are similar.

Antioxidant and Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Solanum Nigrum Extract in Experimental Diabetes Model

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic non-commu¬nicable disease; it is globally considered the fifth cause of death and it has attained worldwide epidemic pro¬portions. In our study, we aimed to investigate the diabetic effects of Solanum nigrum extract using the control group (C), diabetes group (D), groups given the Solanum nigrum extract (SN) and diabetes group + Solanum nigrum extract (D+SN). Our results observed the biological effectiveness of Solanum nigrum extract on glucose levels, significant increase serum glucose level group (D) (663±21.8 mg/dL) in comparison with C (131±9.8 mg/dL) were recorded. However, there were no significant difference in glucose level between C group (131±9.8 mg/dl) and SN group (196.14±12.1 mg/dL). Moreover, glucose level of D+SN group (484.8±40.0 mg/dL) was significantly higher than C (131±9.8 mg/dl), D (663±21.8 mg/dl) and SN groups (196.14±12.1 mg/dL). Total antioxidant status (TAS) level in D group (1.85±0.15.7) was significant when compared C group (1.28±0.17). Significant differences were observed between D group and D+SN group (1.54±0.07). However, TAS levels showed no significant difference in both SN (1.27±0.10) and D+SN (1.54±0.07) groups in comparison to the control group. Total oxidant status (TOS) level in D group (6.30±1.41) was given significant differences in comparison with control C (3.87±0.34), SN (4.87±0.80) group and D+SN (4.14±0.34) groups. In contrary, there were no significant differences between all of C, SN, D+SN groups. As a result, we can say that the Solanum nigrum plant extract is effective on diabetes, but it cannot lower the glucose level to normal levels, it needs to be investigated in future studies and its effects at different doses by different extraction methods.

A rat study on the PTEN expression in ovarian tissue in PCOS and folliculogenesis

The objective of this investigation was to examine alterations in PTEN expression within ovarian tissue in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The analysis also encompassed the examination of PTEN alterations in the ovarian tissue throughout the process of folliculogenesis in rats with normal ovulatory cycles. The study involved 12 adult female Sprague‒Dawley rats randomly assigned to the letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group as part of an animal-based research endeavour. The sections derived from the ovaries were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for PTEN. The evaluation of PTEN staining levels in ovarian tissues was conducted using electron microscopy. Follicle counts, as well as hormonal and biochemical analyses (serum luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, oestradiol levels and serum glucose, triglyceride, HDL and LDL-cholesterol levels), were conducted to provide evidence of the manifestation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. The number of primordial and Graafian follicles in the PCOS group decreased significantly, and the number of primary, secondary and antral follicles increased significantly. PTEN expression was found to be significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group in the primordial follicle oocyte cytoplasm, primordial follicle granulosa cells, primary follicle oocyte cytoplasm, primary follicle granulosa cells, antral follicle oocyte cytoplasm, antral follicle granulosa cells, and corpus luteum (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.018, respectively). In the non-PCOS group, a time-dependent comparison of the amount of oocyte cytoplasm and PTEN staining in granulosa cells of the oocytes at different stages of development was performed. While the follicles were developing from the primordial follicle to the primary and antral follicle, the amount of PTEN staining in the oocyte cytoplasm decreased, whereas the PTEN activity in the granulosa cells increased as the oocyte developed (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The current investigation demonstrated changes in PTEN expression in ovarian tissue throughout the course of normal folliculogenesis, as well as in instances of disrupted folliculogenesis, with a focus on rats with PCOS.

Bone marrow stem cell-derived β-cells: New issue for diabetes cell therapy

This investigation aimed to establish the promising role of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) growing from bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in relieving hyperglycemia induced in rats. BM-MSCs were differentiated into IPCs using three different protocols. The efficiency of BM-MSCs differentiation into IPCs in vitro was confirmed by detecting IPCs specific gene expression (Foxa-2, PDX-1 and Ngn-3) and insulin release assay. The in vivo study design included 3 groups of male Wistar rats; negative control group, diabetic group and IPCs-transfused group (5 ×106 cells of the most functional IPCs/rat). One month after IPCs infusion, serum glucose, insulin, c-peptide and visfatin levels as well as pancreatic glucagon level were quantified. Gene expression analysis of pancreatic Foxa-2 and Sox-17, IGF-1 and FGF-10 was done. Additionally, histological investigation of pancreatic tissue sections was performed. Our data clarified that, the most functional IPCs are those generated from BM-MSCs using differentiation protocol 3 as indicated by the significant up-regulation of Foxa-2, PDX-1 and Ngn-3 gene expression levels. These findings were further emphasized by releasing of a significant amount of insulin in response to glucose load. The transplantation of the IPCs in diabetic rats elicited significant decline in serum glucose, visfatin and pancreatic glucagon levels along with significant rise in serum insulin and c-peptide levels. Moreover, it triggered significant up-regulation in the expression levels of pancreatic Foxa-2, Sox-17, IGF-1 and FGF-10 genes versus the untreated diabetic counterpart. The histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue almost assisted the biochemical and molecular genetic analyses. These results disclose that the cell therapy holds potential to develop a new cure for DM based on the capability of BM-MSCs to generate β-cell phenotype using specific protocol.

(E)-3-(4-(tert-Butyl)Phenyl)-N-Isobutyl-2-Methylacrylamide Suppresses Adipogenesis in High-Fat-Fed Mice

Obesity is caused by excessive adipogenesis and leads to metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and degenerative arthritis. Therefore, there is an ever-increasing need to identify new anti-obesity compounds. In this study, the anti-obesity effects of (E)-3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-N-isobutyl-2-methylacrylamide (BPIMA) were evaluated using pre-adipocytes and a high-fat-fed C57BL/6J mouse model. As the results, BPIMA effectively inhibited adipocyte differentiation (64.3% at 40 μM) without exhibiting any cytotoxicity. Additionally, BPIMA decreased the protein levels of PPARγ, FAS, C/EBP, and SREBP in 3T3-L1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In C57BL/6J mice, a significant decrease in body weight, adipose tissue, and fatty liver was observed in the BPIMA-treated high-fat group compared to that observed in the vehicle-treated high-fat group; the serum levels of total cholesterol and glucose also significantly decreased in the BPIMA-treated high-fat group. Moreover, the weight and fat level of liver and serum AST, ALT activity in the BPIMA-treated high-fat group were similar to low fat diet-control group. These findings show that BPIMA may be a potential anti-obesity compound.

Orbital floor defect caused by invasive aspergillosis: a case report and literature review.

Fungal sinusitis is relatively rare, but it has become more common in recent years. When fungal sinusitis invades the orbit, it can cause proptosis, chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, retroorbital pain, and vision impairment. We present a case of an extensive orbital floor defect due to invasive fungal sinusitis. A 62-year-old man with hypertension and a history of lung adenocarcinoma, presented with right-side facial pain and swelling. On admission, the serum glucose level was 347 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c was 11.4%. A computed tomography scan and a Waters' view X-ray showed right maxillary sinusitis with an orbital floor defect. On hospital day 3, functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed by the otorhinolaryngology team, and an aspergilloma in necrotic inflammatory exudate obtained during exploration. On hospital day 7, orbital floor reconstruction with a Medpor Titan surgical implant was done. In principle, the management of invasive sino- orbital fungal infection often begins with surgical debridement and local irrigation with an antifungal agent. Exceptionally, in this case, debridement and immediate orbital floor reconstruction were performed to prevent enophthalmos caused by the extensive orbital floor defect. The patient underwent orbital floor reconstruction and received intravenous and oral voriconazole. Despite orbital invasion, there were no ophthalmic symptoms or sequelae.

A Synergistic Botanical Composition Increases Resting Energy Expenditure and Reduces Adiposity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Objective An imbalance between dietary energy intake and energy expenditure may result in body fat gain or obesity. Increasing resting energy expenditure (REE) is an attractive strategy for managing body fat gain. The objective of the current study was to generate proof-of-concept data on a synergistic composition (LN19183) of Citrus aurantifolia fruit rind (CA) and Theobroma cacao seed (TC) extracts to increase REE and reduce body fat gain in a high-fat diet (HFD)–fed rats. Method In in vitro cell-based experiments, CA, TC, or LN19183 were tested for fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) production from 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) and beta3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) protein expressions in LN19183-treated 3T3-L1 lysates were also tested. The 56-day in vivo study in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (age: 12–14 weeks; body weight [b.w.]: 115–197 g) contained 2 phases of 28 days each of induction and supplementation. Seven rats received a regular rodent diet (RD) over 56 days. In the induction phase, 21 rats received HFD; in the supplementation phase, the obese rats (n = 7) received either HFD alone or in concurrence with a daily oral dose of either 100 or 250 mg/kg b.w. of LN19183 for 28 days. Results In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, LN19183 synergistically increased FGF-21 production and dose-dependently increased β3-AR and UCP-1 protein expression. In HFD-fed rats, both doses of LN19183 supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the body weight gain, total fat mass, and liver weight and increased (p < 0.05) REE. High-dose LN19183 also significantly (p < 0.05) increased fat oxidation and UCP-1 protein expression in white fat tissue and reduced liver triglyceride (TG) level. LN19183-supplemented groups substantially reduced serum TG and glucose levels compared to the HFD rats. Conclusions LN19183 reduces body fat mass and weight gain via increased REE and fat oxidation in HFD-fed obese rats.

Cardiac and Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery Among Obese Patients in a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital: A 6-month Prospective Cohort Study.

Obesity is known to be associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction due to its effect on blood pressure and glucose tolerance. We aimed to investigate whether weight loss after bariatric surgery might improve diastolic dysfunction through in-depth echocardiographic examination. We recruited twenty-eight patients who were about to undergo bariatric surgery by purposive sampling. They underwent echocardiography at baseline and 6 months after surgery with a focus on diastolic function measurements and global longitudinal strain (GLS). They also had fasting serum lipid and glucose measurements pre- and post-surgery. The mean weight loss after surgery was 24.1 kg. Out of the 28 subjects, fifteen (54%) initially had diastolic dysfunction before surgery. Only two had persistent diastolic dysfunction 6 months after surgery. The mean indexed left atrial volume 6 months post-surgery was 27.1 from 32 ml/m2 prior to surgery. The average E/e' is 11.78 post-surgery from 13.43 pre-surgery. The left ventricular GLS became (-)25.7% after surgery from (-)21.2% prior to surgery. Their post-surgery fasting serum lipid and glucose levels also showed significant improvement. Our study reinforced the existing evidence that bariatric surgery significantly improved echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function and left ventricular global longitudinal strain, along with various metabolic profiles.

Experimental and hypothetical appraisal on inhibition of glucose-induced glycation of bovine serum albumin by quercetin

BackgroundThe specificity of protein functions depends on its folding ability into a functional structure. Protein folding is an essential systemic phenomenon that prevents incorrect folding which could result in harmful aggregation. This harmful aggregation of proteins causes neurodegenerative diseases and systemic amyloidosis. Experimental and theoretical approaches were used in this study to explicate the probable mechanisms of action of quercetin in inhibition of glucose-induced glycation through estimations of percentage glycated protein, inhibited induced protein aggregation, and unoxidized bovine serum albumin thiol groups and assessments of molecular interactions of quercetin with the structures of bovine serum albumin, amyloid beta-peptide (1–42) and 3D amyloid-beta (1–42) fibrils retrieved from the protein databank (http://www.rcsb.org). ResultsThe results showed quercetin inhibited the formation of glycated protein, protein aggregation, and thiol oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner where 200 μg/ml showed the highest inhibition while 50 μg/ml depicted the least inhibition in all the studied assessments. From the docking analysis, it was observed that quercetin had a significantly higher binding affinities − 8.67 ± 0.09 kcal/mol, − 5.37 ± 0.05 kcal/mol and − 5.93 ± 0.13 kcal/mol for the bovine serum albumin, amyloid beta-peptide (1–42) and 3D amyloid-beta (1–42) fibrils respectively compared to the glucose, the inducer. Quercetin and glucose interacted with amino acid residues at the BSA subdomain IIA thus providing a clue that quercetin may impose its inhibition through the binding domain. Also, it is important to mention that the phytochemicals shared a similar interaction profile as that of glucose with the amyloid-beta. ConclusionsThese findings established the beneficial effects of quercetin as a potential agent that could alleviate hyperglycaemic-initiated disorders associated with elevated serum glucose levels.