School closure, COVID-19 and lunch programme: Unprecedented undernutrition crisis in low-middle income countries.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected nearly 70% of children and teenagers around the world due to school closure policies. School closure is implemented widely in order to prevent viral transmission and its impact on the broader community, based on preliminary recommendations and evidence from influenza. However, there is debate with regard to the effectiveness of school closures. Growing evidence suggests that a child's SARS-CoV-2 infection is often mild or asymptomatic and that children may not be major SARS-CoV-2 transmitters; thus, it is questionable if school closures prevent transmission significantly. This question is important as a majority of children in low- and middle-income countries depend on free school meals; unexpected long-term school closure may adversely impact nutrition and educational outcomes. Food insecurity is expected to be higher during the pandemic. In this viewpoint, we argue for a more thorough exploration of potential adverse impacts of school closures in low- and middle-income countries and recommend actions to ensure that the health and learning needs of vulnerable populations are met in this time of crisis.

Diabetes-Specific Complete Smoothie Formulas Improve Postprandial Glycemic Response in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Individuals: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

This study aimed to compare newly developed diabetes-specific complete smoothie formulas with a standard diabetes-specific nutritional formula (DSNF) regarding their effects on glucose homeostasis, insulin levels, and lipid metabolism in obese type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover study with 41 obese T2DM participants to compare two developed diabetes-specific complete smoothie formulas, a soy-based regular smoothie (SM) and a smoothie with modified carbohydrate content (SMMC), with the standard DSNF, Glucerna. Glycemic and insulin responses were assessed after the participants randomly consumed 300 kilocalories of each formulation on three separate days with a 7-day gap between. Postprandial effects on glycemic control, insulin levels, and lipid metabolism were measured. SMMC resulted in a significantly lower glucose area under the curve (AUC0-240) compared to Glucerna and SM (p < 0.05 for both). Insulin AUC0-240 after SMMC was significantly lower than that after SM and Glucerna (p < 0.05). During the diets, the suppression of NEFA was more augmented on SM, resulting in a less total AUC0-240 of NEFA compared to the SMMC diet (p < 0.05). C-peptide AUC0-240 after SMMC was significantly lower than that after Glucerna (p < 0.001). Conversely, glucagon AUC0-240 after SMMC was significantly higher than that after SM and Glucerna (p < 0.05). These results highlight SMMC as the better insulin-sensitive formula, potentially achieved through increased insulin secretion or a direct reduction in glucose absorption. The unique composition of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats from natural ingredients in the smoothies may contribute to these positive effects, making them promising functional foods for managing diabetes and obesity.

Factors influencing optimal diabetes care and clinical outcomes in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multilevel modelling analysis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing levels of poor glycaemic control among Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) motivated us to compare T2DM care between urban and suburban primary care units (PCUs), to identify gaps in care, and to identify significant factors that may influence strategies to enhance the quality of care and clinical outcomes in this population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2160 patients with T2DM treated at four Thai PCUs from 2019 to 2021, comprising one urban and three suburban facilities. Using mixed effects logistic regression, we compared care factors between urban and suburban PCUs. RESULTS: Patients attending suburban PCUs were significantly more likely to undergo eye (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.83, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.72), foot (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI 0.65 to 4.59) and HbA1c (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.30) exams and achieved all ABC (HbA1c, blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) goals (AOR: 2.23, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.83). Conversely, those at an urban PCU were more likely to undergo albuminuria exams. Variables significantly associated with good glycaemic control included age (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.79), T2DM duration (AOR: 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.88), FAACE (foot, HbA1c, albuminuria, LDL-C and eye) goals (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.36) and All8Q (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.41). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly linked with high triglyceride and HbA1c levels (AOR: 5.23, 95% CI 1.21 to 7.61). Elevated HbA1c levels, longer T2DM duration, insulin use, high systolic BP and high lipid profile levels correlated strongly with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and CKD progression. CONCLUSION: This highlights the necessity for targeted interventions to bridge urban-suburban care gaps, optimise drug prescriptions and implement comprehensive care strategies for improved glycaemic control, DR prevention and CKD progression mitigation among in Thai patients with T2DM. The value of the clinical target aggregate (ABC) and the process of care aggregate (FAACE) was also conclusively demonstrated.

Validation of a Thai semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (semi-FFQ) for people at risk of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) are a useful dietary assessment tool to determine relationships between diet and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our purpose was to validate a semiquantitative FFQ (semi-FFQ) for Thais at risk of metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: The researchers identified 345 men and women aged 30-65 years who were eligible for the study. Ninety-four participants were finally enrolled (54 in a "urine-collection not-required" group and 40 in a "urine collection" group). They were asked to maintain a 4-day food record for 4 weeks and partook in a semi-FFQ interview during week 4. Urine samples and biochemical results related to MS were collected. Validation results were associated with three primary nutrients for MS (sugar, fat, and sodium) and biochemical results (blood glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and 24-h urine sodium). RESULTS: The biomarker level of each key MS nutrient significantly increased commensurate with rises in semi-FFQ estimated intakes. Correlation coefficients (r) were as follows: fasting blood glucose, r = 0.221 (fruits) and r = 0.229 (desserts); triglycerides, r = 0.112 (a la carte-dishes); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, r = 0.205 (rice-with-topping dishes); systolic blood pressure, r = 0.272 (snacks) and r = 0.190 (a la carte dishes). Fasting blood glucose was a significant biomarker associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.81). We also found that fat (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.89), sodium (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.05-1.95) and energy (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17) from an a la carte meal were significantly associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Thai food has a unique characteristic since it often pairs various ingredients and seasoning in one menu. This semi-FFQ is a tool that offers relatively valid ranking for intake of energy, nutrients, single foods, and mixed dishes based on Thai menus associated with a risk for developing metabolic syndrome and NCDs. Using this tool could help identify unhealthy dietary patterns and help develop recommendations for people at risk with the goal of preventing NCDs.

Prolonged Egg Supplement Advances Growing Child's Growth and Gut Microbiota.

Protein-energy malnutrition still impacts children's growth and development. We investigated the prolonged effects of egg supplementation on growth and microbiota in primary school children. For this study, 8-14-year-old students (51.5% F) in six rural schools in Thailand were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) whole egg (WE), consuming 10 additional eggs/week (n = 238) (n = 238); (2) protein substitute (PS), consuming yolk-free egg substitutes equivalent to 10 eggs/week (n = 200); and (3) control group (C, (n = 197)). The outcomes were measured at week 0, 14, and 35. At the baseline, 17% of the students were underweight, 18% were stunted, and 13% were wasted. At week 35, compared to the C group the weight and height difference increased significantly in the WE group (3.6 ± 23.5 kg, p < 0.001; 5.1 ± 23.2 cm, p < 0.001). No significant differences in weight or height were observed between the PS and C groups. Significant decreases in atherogenic lipoproteins were observed in the WE, but not in PS group. HDL-cholesterol tended to increase in the WE group (0.02 ± 0.59 mmol/L, ns). The bacterial diversity was similar among the groups. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increased by 1.28-fold in the WE group compared to the baseline and differential abundance analysis which indicated that Lachnospira increased and Varibaculum decreased significantly. In conclusion, prolonged whole egg supplementation is an effective intervention to improve growth, nutritional biomarkers, and gut microbiota with unaltered adverse effects on blood lipoproteins.

Influence of Prolonged Whole Egg Supplementation on Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Product: Implications for Human Health and Gut Microbiota.

The gut microbiota exert a profound influence on human health and metabolism, with microbial metabolites playing a pivotal role in shaping host physiology. This study investigated the impact of prolonged egg supplementation on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In a subset of a cluster-randomized trial, participants aged 8-14 years were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) Whole Egg (WE)-consuming 10 additional eggs per week [n = 24], (2) Protein Substitute (PS)-consuming yolk-free egg substitute equivalent to 10 eggs per week [n = 25], and (3) Control Group (C) [n = 26]. At week 35, IGF-1 levels in WE significantly increased (66.6 ± 27.7 ng/mL, p < 0.05) compared to C, with positive SCFA correlations, except acetate. Acetate was stable in WE, increasing in PS and C. Significant propionate differences occurred between WE and PS (14.8 ± 5.6 µmol/L, p = 0.010). WE exhibited notable changes in the relative abundance of the Bifidobacterium and Prevotella genera. Strong positive SCFA correlations were observed with MAT-CR-H4-C10 and Libanicoccus, while Roseburia, Terrisporobacter, Clostridia_UCG-014, and Coprococcus showed negative correlations. In conclusion, whole egg supplementation improves growth factors that may be related to bone formation and growth; it may also promote benefits to gut microbiota but may not affect SCFAs.

Long-term multiple metabolic abnormalities among healthy and high-risk people following nonsevere COVID-19.

Few studies have identified the metabolic consequences of the post-acute phase of nonsevere COVID-19. This prospective study examined metabolic outcomes and associated factors in nonsevere, RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19. The participants' metabolic parameters, the prevalence of long-term multiple metabolic abnormalities (≥ 2 components), and factors influencing the prevalence were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-onset. Six hundred individuals (mean age 45.5 ± 14.5 years, 61.7% female, 38% high-risk individuals) with nonsevere COVID-19 attended at least one follow-up visit. The prevalence of worsening metabolic abnormalities was 26.0% for BMI, 43.2% for glucose, 40.5% for LDL-c, 19.1% for liver, and 14.8% for C-reactive protein. Except for lipids, metabolic-component abnormalities were more prevalent in high-risk hosts than in healthy individuals. The prevalence of multiple metabolic abnormalities at the 6-month follow-up was 41.3% and significantly higher in high-risk than healthy hosts (49.2% vs 36.5%; P = 0.007). Factors independently associated with a lower risk of these abnormalities were being female, having dyslipidemia, and receiving at least 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings suggest that multiple metabolic abnormalities are the long-term consequences of COVID-19. For both high-risk and healthy individuals with nonsevere COVID-19, healthcare providers should monitor metabolic profiles, encourage healthy behaviors, and ensure complete vaccination.

Immune Response after SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Residual Post-COVID Symptoms.

Many patients develop post-acute COVID syndrome (long COVID (LC)). We compared the immune response of LC and individuals with post-COVID full recovery (HC) during the Omicron pandemic. Two hundred ninety-two patients with confirmed COVID infections from January to May 2022 were enrolled. We observed anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G, surrogate virus neutralization test, T cell subsets, and neutralizing antibodies against Wuhan, BA.1, and BA.5 viruses (NeuT). NeuT was markedly reduced against BA.1 and BA.5 in HC and LC groups, while antibodies were more sustained with three doses and an updated booster shot than ≤2-dose vaccinations. The viral neutralization ability declined at >84-days after COVID-19 onset (PC) in both groups. PD1-expressed central and effector memory CD4+ T cells, and central memory CD8+ T cells were reduced in the first months PC in LC. Therefore, booster vaccines may be required sooner after the most recent infection to rescue T cell function for people with symptomatic LC.

Dynamics of Antibody Responses after Asymptomatic and Mild to Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infections: Real-World Data in a Resource-Limited Country.

The dynamics of humoral immune responses of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. This study prospectively observed changes in anti-receptor binding domain immunoglobulin G (anti-RBD IgG) and neutralizing antibodies against the Wuhan and Delta strains at 1, 3, and 6 months postinfection between October 2021 and May 2022. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, baseline parameters, and blood samples of participants were collected. Of 5059 SARS-CoV-2 infected adult patients, only 600 underwent assessment at least once between 3 and 6 months after symptom onset. Patients were categorized as immunocompetent (n = 566), immunocompromised (n = 14), or reinfected (n = 20). A booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was strongly associated with maintained or increased COVID-19 antibody levels. The booster dose was also more strongly associated with antibody responses than the primary vaccination series. Among patients receiving a booster dose of a mRNA vaccine or a heterologous regimen, antibody levels remained steady or even increased for 3 to 6 months after symptom onset compared with inactivated or viral vector vaccines. There was a strong correlation between anti-RBD IgG and neutralizing antibodies against the Delta variant. This study is relevant to resource-limited countries for administering COVID-19 vaccines 3 to 6 months after infection.

Control and complications of diabetes in urban primary care units in Thailand: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Primary health care system plays a central role in caring for persons with diabetes. Thai National Health Examination Survey (NHES) reports that only 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) achieve optimal glycemic control. We sought to evaluate the quality of diabetic care (QOC), prevalence of microvascular complications, and associated risk factors among T2DM patients treated at primary care units in urban areas in Thailand. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study of 488 T2DM patients aged over 35 years from 25 primary care units in Samutsakhon, Thailand was conducted during February 2018 to March 2019. Clinical targets of care (TOC) and processes of care (POC) were measured to evaluate QOC. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to explore the association between risk factors and glycemic control. RESULTS: 41.2% of women and 44.4% of men achieved hemoglobin A1C (A1C) < 53 mmol/mol, while 31.3% of women and 29.7% of men had poor glycemic control (A1C > 63 mmol/mol). 39 participants (8%) achieved all TOC and 318 participants (65.2%) achieved all POC. Significant risk factors for poor glycemic control included diabetes duration > 6 years (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.20-2.79), being overweight (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.58-4.08), obesity (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.05-2.89), triglycerides > 1.7 mmol/l (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.25-2.78), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 2.6 mmol/l (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.04-2.28). On the other hand, participants aged > 65 years (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.14-0.55) or achieved TOC indicators (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.43-0.89) were significantly associated with glycemic control. Diabetic retinopathy was significantly related to obesity (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.00-4.86), over waist circumference (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI = 0.77-2.31), and diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.48-1.96). CONCLUSION: Access to essential diabetic screening in primary care units is crucial to determine status of disease control and guide disease management. Duration of T2DM, high body mass index, triglyceride and LDL-C were independently associated with poor glycemic control. Obesity was highly associated with diabetes retinopathy. Effort should be taken seriously toward monitoring these factors and providing effective care.

Early antiviral and supervisory dexamethasone treatment improve clinical outcomes of nonsevere COVID-19 patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of early antiviral treatment in preventing clinical deterioration in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infected (COVID-19) patients in home isolation and to share our experiences with the ambulatory management of nonsevere COVID-19 patients. This retrospective study included mild COVID-19 adult patients confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. They received care via an ambulatory management strategy between July 2021 and November 2021. Demographic data, clinical progression, and outcomes were collected. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to illustrate the cohort's characteristic and outcomes of the study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to investigate the associations between clinical factors and disease progression. A total of 1940 patients in the Siriraj home isolation system met the inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 42.1 ±â€…14.9 years, with 14.2% older than 60 years, 54.3% female, and 7.1% with a body weight ≥ 90 kg. Only 115 patients (5.9%) had deterioration of clinical symptoms. Two-thirds of these could be managed at home by dexamethasone treatment under physician supervision; however, 38 of the 115 patients (2.0% of the study cohort) needed hospitalization. Early favipiravir outpatient treatment (≤ 5 days from onset of symptoms) in nonsevere COVID-19 patients was significantly associated with a lower rate of symptom deterioration than late favipiravir treatment (50 [4.6%] vs 65 [7.5%] patients, respectively; P = .008; odds ratio 1.669; 95% confidence interval, 1.141-2.441). The unfavorable prognostic factors for symptom deterioration were advanced age, body weight ≥ 90 kg, unvaccinated status, higher reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold, and late favipiravir treatment. The early delivery of essential treatment, including antiviral and supervisory dexamethasone, to ambulatory nonsevere COVID-19 patients yielded favorable outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

Early diagnosis by antigen test kit and early treatment by antiviral therapy: An ambulatory management strategy during COVID-19 crisis in Thailand.

This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics of patients who registered at the Siriraj Favipiravir Clinic and to share our experiences in this comparatively unique clinical setting. This retrospective study included patients who registered at the Siriraj Favipiravir Clinic during August 11, 2021 to September 14, 2021. Included adult patients were those with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) infection confirmed by antigen test kit (ATK) or real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, no favipiravir contraindication, no prior COVID-19 treatment, and not receiving care from another medical facility. Demographic data and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Of the 1168 patients (mean age: 44.8 ± 16.4 years, 55.7% female) who registered at the clinic, 117 (10%) did not meet the treatment criteria, and 141 (12%) patients did not pick up their medication. One-third of patients had at least 1 symptom that indicated severe disease. Higher proportion of unvaccinated status (56.7% vs 47.5%, P = .005), higher proportion of persons with risk factors for disease progression (37.7% vs 31.3%, P = .028), and longer duration between the date of clinic registration and the date of positive diagnostic test (3 vs 2 days, P = .004) were significantly more commonly observed in the severe disease group compared to the nonsevere disease group. The duration between symptom onset and the date of clinic registration was significantly longer in the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction group than in the ATK group (6 vs 4 days, P < .001). Most patients (90.0%) had completed favipiravir treatment regimen. The improvement and mortality rates were 86.7% and 1.2%, respectively. COVID-19 severity is associated with vaccination status, baseline risk factors, and timing between disease detection and treatment. The use of ATK influences patients to seek treatment significantly earlier in ambulatory setting. Our early diagnosis and antiviral treatment strategy yielded favorable results in an outpatient setting during a COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response against Mild-to-Moderate Breakthrough COVID-19 in Home Isolation Setting in Thailand.

Background: In December 2021, Omicron replaced Delta as the dominant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant in Thailand. Both variants embody diverse epidemiological trends and immunogenicity. We investigated whether Delta and Omicron patients' biological and clinical characteristics and immunogenicity differed post-COVID-19 infection. Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated the clinical outcomes and laboratory data of 5181 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (Delta, 2704; Omicron, 2477) under home isolation. We evaluated anti-receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G (anti-RBD IgG) and surrogate viral neutralizing (sVNT) activity in 495 individuals post-COVID-19 infection during the Delta pandemic. Results: Approximately 84% of all patients received favipiravir. The median cycle threshold (Ct) values were lower for Omicron patients than Delta patients (19 vs. 21; p < 0.001), regardless of vaccination status. Upper respiratory tract symptoms were more frequent with Omicron patients than Delta patients. There were no significant associations between Ct and Omicron symptoms (95% confidence interval 0.98−1.02). A two-dose vaccine regimen reduced hospital readmission by 10% to 30% and death by under 1%. Anti-RBD IgG and sVNT against Delta were higher among older individuals post-COVID-19 infection. Older individuals expressed anti-RBD IgG and sVNT for a more extended period after two-dose vaccination than other age groups. Conclusions: After a full vaccination course, breakthrough mild-to-moderate Delta and Omicron infections have limited immunogenicity. Prior infections exert reduced protection against later reinfection or infection from novel variants. However, this protection may be sufficient to prevent hospitalization and death, particularly in countries where vaccine supplies are limited.

Docosahexaenoic acid: brain accretion and roles in neuroprotection after brain hypoxia and ischemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With important effects on neuronal lipid composition, neurochemical signaling and cerebrovascular pathobiology, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, may emerge as a neuroprotective agent against cerebrovascular disease. This paper examines pathways for DHA accretion in brain and evidence for possible roles of DHA in prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for cerebrovascular disease. RECENT FINDINGS: DHA is a major n-3 fatty acid in the mammalian central nervous system and enhances synaptic activities in neuronal cells. DHA can be obtained through diet or to a limited extent via conversion from its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). DHA attenuates brain necrosis after hypoxic ischemic injury, principally by modulating membrane biophysical properties and maintaining integrity in functions between presynaptic and postsynaptic areas, resulting in better stabilizing intracellular ion balance in hypoxic-ischemic insult. Additionally, DHA alleviates brain apoptosis, by inducing antiapoptotic activities such as decreasing responses to reactive oxygen species, upregulating antiapoptotic protein expression, downregulating apoptotic protein expression, and maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function. SUMMARY: DHA in brain relates to a number of efficient delivery and accretion pathways. In animal models DHA renders neuroprotection after hypoxic-ischemic injury by regulating multiple molecular pathways and gene expression.

NPD1 rapidly targets mitochondria-mediated apoptosis after acute injection protecting brain against ischemic injury.

Mitochondria-related cell death pathways play a major role in ischemic brain injury. Thus, mitochondrial "protective" molecules could be considered for new therapeutic regimens. We recently reported that acute administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) triglyceride lipid emulsion, immediately after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) insult, markedly attenuated brain infarct size. This was associated with an early change of DHA-derived specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) profiles. Specifically, DHA treatment induced a 50% increase of neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) levels in ischemic brain. Based on these findings, we questioned if direct administration of NPD1 after HI injury also affords neuroprotection, and if so, by what mechanisms. Using HI insult to mimic ischemic stroke in neonatal mice, we observed that acute intraperitoneal injection of NPD1 immediately after HI injury prevented the expansion of the ischemic core by ~40% and improved coordination and motor abilities compared to the control group. At 7 days after HI injury, NPD1 treatment decreased ipsilateral hemisphere atrophy and preserved motor functions in wire-holding and bridge-crossing tests compared to control littermates. Brain mitochondria, isolated at 4 h after reperfusion from mice treated with NPD1, showed an increase in the capacity to buffer calcium after HI injury, as result of the preservation of mitochondrial membranes. Further, NPD1 induced a reduction of mitochondrial BAX translocation and oligomerization, attenuated cytochrome C release and decreased AIF nuclear translocation. To confirm whether NPD1 acts as BAX inhibitor, we evaluated NPD1 action co-administrated with a pro-apoptotic agent, staurosporine, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts as in vitro model of apoptosis. NPD1 exposure markedly decreased mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, blocking BAX translocation from cytosol to mitochondria and subsequently reducing caspase-3 activation. Our findings provide novel evidence that the neuroprotective action of NPD1 is elicited rapidly in the first few hours after ischemic injury and is associated with both preserved mitochondrial membrane structure and reduced BAX mitochondrial translocation and activation.

Supplement of three eggs a week improves protein malnutrition in Thai children from rural areas.

BACKGROUND: Protein Malnutrition is one of the most important health indexes that affect children's growth and development. In Thailand National Health Survey 2004, 21.5% of primary school students living in the rural area were below the 90th percentile of the standard weight for age. OBJECTIVE: To compare nutritional status with serum proteins and lipids, and to determine the effect of egg supplement for primary school students aged 6-15 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A randomized experimental study was performed in 417 participants received an addition of either three or ten eggs per week for 12 consecutive weeks to basal diet. RESULTS: The anthropometric and biochemical indexes were measured, 29.1% and 20.8% of whom were Protein Malnutrition according to serum albumin and PreAlbumin's criteria, respectively. Albumin and PreAlbumin levels were positively correlated with Total Cholesterol and LDL-C levels. No difference in any biochemical index has been found between 3 eggs/wk group and 10 eggs/wk group. Besides, due to continuing egg supplement, Total Cholesterol, LDL and ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL level have decreased (p < 0.001) but albumin, PreAlbumin and HDL levels have demonstrated significantly increasing levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Nowadays in rural areas of Thailand there are still primary school students with protein malnutrition especially in rural area. An addition of at least 3 eggs/wk supplements can effectively correct the problem of protein malnutrition among primary school students at risk as shown by biochemical indices, and it benefits the blood cholesterol level as well.

Glycemic control and microvascular complications among type 2 diabetes at primary care units.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the status of disease control and to compare the prevalence of microvascular complications among type-2 diabetes in a primary care setting. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors performed a cross-sectional study of 287 diabetic patients from 13 primary care units in urban areas of Thailand The status of diabetic control was dominantly defined by HbA(1C) (A1C), blood pressure (BP). Screening programs for microvascular complications included retinopathy and nephropathy. Retinopathy used a seven-field stereoscopic retinal photography while nephropathy was defined by a random urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. RESULTS: The AIC of 41.3% of the patients was lower than 7% however 80% of them used only low doses of anti-diabetic drugs. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 28.7% and macroalbuminuria was 5.7%, whereas diabetic retinopathy was 15.1%. In multivariate analyses, nephropathy was significantly related to duration of diabetes > or =4 years (odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8, p < 0.001) and A1C > or =8% (odds ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.8, p < 0.05), while retinopathy was related to duration of diabetes > or =4 years (odds ratio 9.5, 95% CI 1.17-77.8, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that primary care units provides patients with well-controlled diabetes. Nonetheless, those type 2 diabetes patients have significantly higher rates of microvascular complications, despite shorter diabetes duration and lower A1C. Type 2 diabetic patients in primary care unit should be screened for complications and efforts should be done to reach optimal glycemic level, especially for individuals with diabetes > or =4 years.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol changes after continuous egg consumption in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between continuous egg consumption with Thai life-style dietary and serum lipids of healthy young people. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-six participants with an average age of 35 were enrolled. In an experimental method of cholesterol intake, all participants were fed an additional egg per day to their basic diet. This project ran for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The 12-week egg consumption significantly increased serum total cholesterol by 0.27 +/- 0.15 mmol/L (10.43 +/- 5.80 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). The HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) increased significant by 0.55 +/- 0.06 mmol/L (21.80 +/- 2.25 mg/dL) (p < 0.001) while the total cholesterol (TC) decreased as the HDL-c ratio was 0.94 +/- 1.1 (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglyceride levels. The present study showed that small serum LDL-c changed in response to change of egg consumption. Additionally, 12-week egg consumption also resulted in an increasing HDL-c level. CONCLUSION: In the majority of healthy adults, an addition of one egg per day to a normal fat diet could raise HDL-c levels and decreased the ratio of TC toHDL-c. Therefore, egg consumption might benefit blood cholesterol.

Caloric restriction improves glucose homeostasis, yet increases cardiometabolic risk in caveolin-1-deficient mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The plasma membrane protein caveolin-1 (CAV-1) has been shown to be involved in modulating glucose homeostasis and the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Caloric restriction (CR) is widely accepted as an effective therapeutic approach to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the severity of diabetes. Recent data indicate that polymorphisms of the CAV-1 gene are strongly associated with insulin resistance, hypertension and metabolic abnormalities in non-obese individuals. Therefore, we sought to determine whether CR improves the metabolic and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in the lean CAV-1 KO mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Twelve- to fourteen-week-old CAV-1 knockout (KO) and genetically matched wild-type (WT) male mice were randomized by genotype to one of two dietary regimens: ad libitum (ad lib) food intake or 40% CR for 4 weeks. Three weeks following the onset of dietary restriction, all groups were assessed for insulin sensitivity. At the end of the study, all groups were assessed for fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipids, corticosterone levels and blood pressure (BP). Aldosterone secretion was determined from acutely isolated Zona Glomerulosa cells. RESULTS: We confirmed that the CAV-1 KO mice on the ad lib diet display a phenotype consistent with the cardiometabolic syndrome, as shown by higher systolic BP (SBP), plasma glucose, HOMA-IR and aldosterone levels despite lower body weight compared with WT mice on the ad lib diet. CAV-1 KO mice maintained their body weight on the ad lib diet, but had substantially greater weight loss with CR, as compared to caloric restricted WT mice. CR-mediated changes in weight were associated with dramatic improvements in glucose and insulin tolerance in both genotypes. These responses to CR, however, were more robust in CAV-1KO vs. WT mice and were accompanied by reductions in plasma glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR in CAV-1KO but not WT mice. Surprisingly, in the CAV-1 KO, but not in WT mice, CR was associated with increased SBP and aldosterone levels, suggesting that in CAV-1 KO mice CR induced an increase in some CV risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: CR improved the metabolic phenotype in CAV-1 KO mice by increasing insulin sensitivity; nevertheless, this intervention also increased CV risk by inappropriate adaptive responses in the RAAS and BP.

Combined Salt and Caloric Restrictions: Potential Adverse Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that caloric restriction (CR) and salt restriction (ResS) would have similar effects on reducing cardiovascular risk markers and that combining CR and ResS would be synergistic in modulating these markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: To test our hypothesis, rats were randomized into 2 groups: ad libitum liberal salt diet (ad libitum/high-sodium, 1.6% sodium) or ResS diet (ad libitum/ResS, 0.03% sodium). CR was initiated in half of the rats in each group by reducing caloric intake to 60% while maintaining sodium intake constant (CR/high-sodium, 2.7% sodium or CR/ResS, 0.05% sodium) for 4 weeks. CR in rats on a high-sodium diet improved metabolic parameters, renal transforming growth factor-ß and collagen-1α1 and increased plasma adiponectin and renal visfatin and NAD+ protein levels. Although CR produced some beneficial cardiovascular effects (increased sodium excretion and reduced blood pressure), it also was associated with potentially adverse cardiovascular effects. Adrenal zona glomerulosa cell responsiveness and aldosterone levels and activation were inappropriately increased for the volume state of the rodent. Like CR on HS, CR on a ResS diet also produced relative increased zona glomerulosa responsiveness and an increased blood pressure with no improvement in metabolic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that combining CR and ResS may decrease the beneficial effects of each alone. Furthermore, CR, regardless of dietary salt intake, inappropriately activates aldosterone production. Thus, caution should be used in combining ResS and CR because the combination may lead to increased cardiovascular risk.