High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based genetic diversity profiling of chilli germplasm for fruit pungency and phytochemical contents.

Chilli peppers are widely consumed for their pungency, as used in flavoring the food and has many pharmaceutical and medicinal properties. Based on these properties an experiment was held using 83 varieties of chilli (Hot pepper and sweet pepper) were grown in suitable environment using Augment Block design and evaluated for fruit pungency and phytochemical contents using high proficiency liquid chromatography. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of traits showed highly significant for all traits except for fruit length and capsaicin contents. The value of Least significant increase (LSI)was ranged 0.27-1289.9 for all traits showed high variation among varieties. Highly significant correlation was found among fruit diameter to fruit weight 0.98, while moderate to high correlation was present among all traits. The most pungent genotype 24,634 was 4.8 g in weight, while the least pungent genotypes i.e. PPE-311 (32.8 g), green wonder (40.67) had higher in weight. The genotypes 24,627, 32,344, 32,368 and 1108 marked as higher number of seeds in their placental region. It was observed that chilli genotype 24,621 had maximum length with considerable high amount of pungency act as novel cultivar. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the high variability of 46.97 for two PCs with the eigen value 2.6 and 1.63 was recorded. Biplot analysis showed a considerable variability for fruit pungency, while huge variability was found for all traits among given varieties. PPE-311, T5 and T3 are found as highly divergent for all traits. The findings of this study are instrumental for selecting parents to improve desirable traits in future chilli pepper breeding programs. It will help plant/vegetable breeders for development of highly nutrient and pungent varieties and attractive for the consumer of food sector.

Nephroprotective and Anti-Diabetic Potential of Beta vulgaris L. Root (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with several complications, including that of kidney disease. Plant-based dietary products have shown promise in mitigating these effects to improve kidney function and prevent tissue damage. This study assessed the possible favorable effects of beetroot extract (BE) in improving kidney function and preventing tissue damage in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced using a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Both control and rats with pre-established T2DM were divided into six groups (each consisting of eight rats). All treatments were given by gavage and continued for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum fasting insulin levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum and urinary albumin, and creatinine and urea levels were measured. Apart from this, glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukine-6 in the kidney homogenates of all groups of rats were measured, and the histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also performed. Results: It was observed that treatment with BE increased body weight significantly (p ≤ 0.05) to be similar to that of control groups. Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels, and lipid profile in the plasma of the pre-established T2DM rats groups decreased to p ≤ 0.05 in the BE-treated rats as the BE concentration increased. Treatment with BE also improved the renal levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, urinary albumin, and serum creatinine and urea levels. Unlike all other groups, only the kidney tissues of the T2DM + BE (500 mg/kg) rats group showed normal kidney tissue structure, which appears to be similar to those found in the kidney tissues of the control rats groups. Conclusion: we found that streptozotocin administration disturbed markers of kidney dysfunction. However, Beta vulgaris L. root extract reversed these changes through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Impact of iodine supplementation and mtDNA mutations on papillary thyroid cancer in saudi women following a vegetarian diet.

This study examined the influence of iodine supplementation and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)  mutations in Saudi vegetarian women with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Blood and tissue samples from PTC-diagnosed women were analyzed for thyroid function, mtDNA mutations, and immunohistological features. Statistical analysis using Sigmastat was employed to compare thyroid hormone levels and mtDNA mutations between groups. Serum total levels of tri-iodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone were significantly different in patients following a vegetarian diet (P<0.05). Patients with PTC showed an increased frequency of mtDNA mutations in the D-loop region, with significantly higher mutation rates observed in patients following a vegetarian diet compared to other PTC patient groups (P<0.001) and controls (P<0.01). Notably, the mutations were predominantly somatic in Group 3 and germline in Groups 1 and 2. The findings suggest a possible link between iodine deficiency and accelerated PTC tumorigenesis. Furthermore, mtDNA mutations may serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of PTC.

The Effect of Food Allergen Exclusion on the Growth of Saudi Children.

With a variety of symptoms that can impede children's development, food allergies are an important public health concern. With the help of information from the King Fahad Medical City Hospital in Riyadh, we looked at how restricting certain foods affected the growth of Saudi children who had food allergies. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire asking about the individuals' demographics and their restricted eating habits was completed by 72 children (48 boys and 24 girls) between the ages of 2 and 14. The sensitivity of six allergens (hen eggs, cow milk, fish, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans), anthropometric indices, specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and sensitivity were examined. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 26, was used to analyze the data. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine the relationships between various category variables. According to the findings, most of the mothers of the children were between the ages of 30 and 40 (80.6%), had a college degree (72.3%), were unemployed (59.7%), and had a monthly family income between 5000 and 15,000 SAR (69.4%). Both sexes had specific IgE antibodies for allergens in classes 2 and 3, with boys having noticeably (p ≤ 0.05) higher quantities than girls. While females were more sensitive to fish and peanuts, boys were more likely than girls to show specific IgE sensitivity to egg white, cow milk, wheat, and soybeans. Both sexes' allergy levels were considerably (p ≤ 0.01) higher in children aged 5.01 to 10 than in other age groups. In terms of classifications of thinness, overweightness, and obesity, boys were slenderer than girls, and a greater percentage of boys than girls were overweight or obese. The exclusion of hen eggs, cow milk, wheat, and peanuts from the diet had a significant and detrimental effect on body mass index (BMI) and height-for-age ratio among children with impaired growth, in contrast to the demographic factors, which had a significant and favorable effect on the growth of other children. In conclusion, restrictions on food allergens impairs growth in Saudi children, particularly boys' growth.

Awareness of Food Allergies and Allergens on the Menus of Restaurants and Cafes among Saudi Female University Students.

Exposure to allergens could be life-threatening for people with food allergies. Restaurants and cafes are challenging environments for accommodating food allergies. This study aimed to measure King Saud University female students' awareness about food allergens on restaurants' and cafes' menus. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 379 students aged 18 years and above. A paper-based questionnaire was used, which comprised 16 questions related to the definition of food allergies, food allergens, and food allergy symptoms; the definition and prevention of cross-contact of food allergies; emergency treatment procedures for food allergies; strategies for the prevention of food allergy reactions; customer expectations towards restaurants; and preventive measures taken for food allergies. The results indicate that the overall average score of food allergen awareness was 10.90, which falls in the higher range. Furthermore, female students in the age groups of 23 to 27 years and 33 to 37 years had higher levels of awareness than female students in the age group of 18 to 22 years. The results also showed that the level of awareness among science college and health college students was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that among humanities college students. Post-graduate students also showed a higher level of awareness of food allergens than bachelor's students. These findings also indicate that listing all allergens in the restaurants and cafes' menus statistically significantly (p < 0.05) increased the level of awareness of female students about food allergens on restaurants' and cafes' menus, compared to restaurants and cafes that do not list all allergens on their menus. In general, female students at King Saud University showed a high level of awareness about food allergies on restaurants' and cafes' menus. The study recommends assessing the impact of awareness of female students with and without food allergies on their practices and behaviors.

Association of CYP2R1 and CYP27B1 genes with the risk of obesity and vitamin D metabolism in Saudi women.

BACKGROUND: Epigenome, genetic variants, and other environmental factors involved in gene regulation are highly inter-dependent in several chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The present study aimed at testing the associations and the mechanism involved in silencing of CYP2R1 gene in normal and obese Saudi women patients. Height, weight, BMI, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, glycemic status, and lipid profile (TG, LDL, HDL, and TC) of CYP2R1 were measured in 100 women (31 normal and 69 obese patients). RESULTS: Our result shows that hypermethylation in site 2 of the CYP2R1 gene with body weight (p < 0.004), BMI (p < 0.002), waist circumference (p < 0.002), total-LDL (p < 0.027), total cholesterol (p < 0.022), and vitamin D (VD) (close to borderline significance p < 0.06) and site 4 of CYP2R1 with LDL (p < 0.041) in the four tested sites among normal and obese women was significantly associated. Moreover, we tested five different CpG sites in the CYP27B1 gene where site 5 correlated significantly with VD levels. CONCLUSION: Our present study clearly indicates that hypermethylation of specific sites in the CYP2R1 and CYP27B1 genes might regulate gene expression with special reference to the risk of obesity and vitamin D metabolism.

Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside Protects RIN-5F Cells from High-Glucose-Induced Toxicity, Improves Glucose Homeostasis in L6 Myotubes, and Prevents Onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (lut-7-O-rutin), a flavonoid commonly present in Mentha longifolia L. and Olea europaea L. leaves has been used as a flavoring agent with some biological activity. The present study is the first attempt to analyze the protective effect of lut-7-O-rutin on high-glucose-induced toxicity to RIN-5F cells in vitro. We found that lut-7-O-rutin improved insulin secretion in both normal and high-glucose conditions in a dose-dependent manner, without toxicity observed. In addition, 20 µmol of lut-7-O-rutin improves insulin sensitization and glucose uptake significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in L6 myotubes cultured in a high-glucose medium. Lut-7-O-rutin has shown a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on glucose uptake in L6 myotubes compared to the reference drug, rosiglitazone (20 µmol). Gene expression analysis confirmed significantly lowered CYP1A, TNF-α, and NF-κb expressions in RIN-5F cells, and increased mitochondrial thermogenesis-related LPL, Ucp-1 and PPARγC1A mRNA expressions in L6 myotubes after 24 h of lut-7-O-rutin treatment. The levels of signaling proteins associated with intracellular glucose uptakes, such as cAMP, ChREBP-1, and AMPK, were significantly increased in L6 myotubes. In addition, the levels of the conversion rate of glucose to lactate and fatty acids were raised in insulin-stimulated conditions; the rate of glycerol conversion was found to be higher at the basal level in L6 myotubes. In conclusion, lut-7-O-rutin protects RIN-5F cells from high-glucose-induced toxicity, stimulates insulin secretion, and promotes glucose absorption and homeostasis via molecular mechanisms.

Effect of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Ketogenesis Metabolic Stimulation and Regulation of NLRP3 Ubiquitination in Obese Saudi Women.

The effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) on anthropometric indices, the lipid profile, and the benefits of the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as an inhibitor of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in obese women were investigated in this study. From January to March 2021, 23 obese adult women (n = 23) with an average age of 35.30 years and BMI of 33.96 kg/m2 followed a KD. Instructions for the KD were given to eligible participants, with a typical plan and a menu for all the main meals, snacks, and drinks permitted over seven days. They were also free to change meals according to their preferences provided that they followed the plan. The participants attended six times throughout the intervention for measurements of their anthropometric indices, BHB levels, interleukin-1beta (1L-1ß) levels, and completion of a questionnaire (pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention). Following the KD caused significant weight loss, a reduction in waist circumference and BHB levels, as well as a reduction in BMI and appetite. Cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased slightly. However, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum increased significantly (p < 0.05), and 1L-1ß decreased significantly (p < 0.0001). The results show that the KD effectively encouraged weight loss and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. Based on the questionnaire results, it was found that a variety of physical symptoms, including overall energy, physical activity, mood, sleep, focus, skin conditions, and menstruation, had significantly improved.

Awareness and usage of nutrition information and effect of sociodemographic characteristics on various aspects of food labels in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Introduction: labels deliver basic product information, health safety and nutritional information. Objectives: this study aims to assess consumers' knowledge, awareness, and practices in relation to food labels and the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on various aspects of food labels in Al-Ahsa. Methods: a random sampling method was used to recruit participants (n = 403) and a validated electronic questionnaire was used to gather data. Results: most of the participants (81.4 %) had moderate knowledge about general nutrition. The majority of them (58.8 %) placed high importance on reading food labels. Participants have positive opinions about the significance of reading food labels, and practice most of its aspects on a "frequent" basis. Lack of time was the main barrier for not utilizing food label information and obesity was the main concern if they did not read food labels. Results also demonstrate significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlations between participants' nutrition knowledge and their rating of the significance and their opinion and practices of reading food labels. Participants' rating of the importance of reading food labels was positively correlated with participants' opinion and practices regarding food label. Results also indicate that participants' sex, age, body mass index, educational level and health status have significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on various aspects of food label under study. Finally, this study suggests some actions are required to enrich the knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the food label among Saudi consumers in Al-Ahsa. Conclusion: this study emphasizes the significance of education and awareness initiatives to empower consumers to understand and use nutrition facts labels in order to make healthy dietary choices.

Introducción: Introducción: las etiquetas contienen la información básica del producto en términos de seguridad para la salud y composición nutricional. Objetivos: este estudio pretende valorar el conocimiento, la concienciación y la práctica de los consumidores saudíes con respecto a las etiquetas de los productos, y el efecto de las características sociodemográficas sobre varios aspectos de dichas etiquetas en la región de Al-Ahsa. Métodos: Se usó el método del muestreo aleatorio para reclutar consumidores saudíes (n=403) en Al-Ahsa y se empleó un cuestionario electrónico validado para recolectar los datos. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes (el 81,4 %) tenían conocimientos moderados acerca de la nutrición en general. La mayor parte de los participantes (58,8 %) le daban mucha importancia a la lectura de la etiqueta alimentaria. Además, los participantes tienen opiniones positivas sobre la importancia de leer las etiquetas de los alimentos y practican la mayoría de los aspectos relacionados con las mismas de forma "frecuente". La falta de tiempo era el principal obstáculo para aprovechar la información nutricional de las etiquetas de alimentos y la obesidad era la principal preocupación en caso de no leerlas. Los resultados muestran también correlaciones positivas significativas (p ≤ 0,01) entre los conocimientos nutricionales de los participantes, su valoración de la importancia que tiene leer las etiquetas alimentarias y las prácticas derivadas de ellas. Además, la valoración que hacen los participantes de leer las etiquetas de los alimentos se correlacionó positivamente con su opinión sobre dichas etiquetas y las prácticas relacionadas con ellas. Los resultados también indican que el sexo, la edad, el índice de masa corporal, el nivel educativo y el estado de salud de los participantes tienen un efecto significativo (p ≤ 0.05) sobre diversos aspectos de la etiqueta alimentaria sometida a estudio. Por último, este estudio sugiere que se precisan algunas acciones para enriquecer el conocimiento, la concienciación y las prácticas concernientes al etiquetado alimentario entre los consumidores saudíes de Al-Ahsa. Conclusión: se resalta la importancia de las iniciativas de educación y concienciación para permitir a los consumidores comprender y usar las etiquetas de datos nutricionales a fin de que puedan elegir una dieta sana.

Nutritional Status of Saudi Children with Celiac Disease Following the Ministry of Health's Gluten-Free Diet Program.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of Saudi children with celiac disease (CD) who followed the Ministry of Health's gluten-free diet (GFD) program. This study involved 66 children with CD (29 boys and 37 girls) from 5 hospitals belonging to the Ministry of Health. Socioeconomic characteristics were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured using a body composition analyzer. Dietary intake was assessed using three 24 h dietary records. The biochemical parameters were determined in the hospitals' laboratories. According to the findings, the majority of respondents had ages ranging from 10 to 13 years, a father and mother with a university education, a high family income, and 5 to 7 family members. Carbohydrates and protein intake for both genders were significantly higher than the DRI's recommended dietary intake. However, the majority of nutrients consumed were at levels significantly lower than the DRI. Both genders had normal anthropometric indices, with girls having at significantly higher indices than boys. The biochemical parameters of both genders were comparable and within the normal range, except for vitamin D, which was below the normal range. The most important factors influencing nutritional status were age for both genders, and family income and number of family members for boys. In conclusion, data obtained for nutrient intake, anthropometric indicators, body composition, and biochemical analysis indicated that CD children following the Ministry of Health GFD program have a generally good nutritional status.

Long-Term Effect of Gluten-Free Diets on Nutritional Status, Body Composition, and Associated Factors in Adult Saudi Females with Celiac Disease.

This cross-sectional study examines the influence of long-term gluten-free diet (GFD) consumption on nutritional status, body composition, and associated factors in adult Saudi females with celiac diseases (CD). Fifty-one patients who have been diagnosed with CD and have been on GFD for more than 1 year were included in this study where data regarding their dietary pattern, as well as a complete analysis of their anthropometric parameters, vitamins B12 and D levels, and complete blood count (CBC), were collected. Data have shown that all included patients showed a reduced intake in all micro and macro-nutrients, as well as vitamin D, folate, calcium, and iron. However, the vast majority of all measured hematological parameters and blood indices were within the expected reference range. In addition, 51%, 43.1%, and 60.8% of the patients showed low waist/hip ratio (WHR), decreased level of total body fat (BF), and decreased level of visceral fat (VF), respectively, whereas 33.3% were slim. The poor educational level and some psychosocial factors were associated with the poor nutritional status of the patients. In conclusion, the GFD-dependent intake by female patients with CD adversely affects their nutritional intake and anthropometric indices and leads to a deficiency in major nutrients, vitamins, and ions.

Beta vulgaris L. (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract Prevents Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Damage in T2DM Rats by Hypoglycemic, Insulin-Sensitizing, Antioxidant Effects, and Upregulation of PPARα.

The present study examined if methanolic beetroot extract (BE) could prevent dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis and damage in a type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model and studied some mechanisms of action. T2DM was induced in adult male Wistar rats by a low single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p) and a high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 5 weeks. Control or T2DM rats then continued on standard or HFDs for another 12 weeks and were treated with the vehicle or BE (250 or 500 mg/kg). BE, at both doses, significantly improved liver structure and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in the livers of T2DM rats. They also reduced body weight gain, serum glucose, insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and serum levels of low-density lipoproteins in T2DM rats. In concomitant, they significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and mRNA of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and SREBP1/2. However, both doses of BE significantly increased hepatic levels of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and mRNA levels of Bcl2 and PPARα in the livers of both the control and T2DM rats. All of these effects were dose-dependent and more profound with doses of 500 mg/kg. In conclusion, chronic feeding of BE to STZ/HFD-induced T2DM in rats prevents hepatic steatosis and liver damage by its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and its ability to upregulate antioxidants and PPARα.

Potential Metabolite Nymphayol Isolated from Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata) Flower Inhibits MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Growth via Upregulation of Cdkn2a, pRb2, p53 and Downregulation of PCNA mRNA Expressions.

Controlled production of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) and stabilization of tumor suppressor genes are the most important factors involved in preventing carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to explore the cyclin dependent apoptotic effect of nymphayol on breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In our previous study, we isolated the crystal from a chloroform extract of Nymphaea stellata flower petals and it was confirmed as nymphayol (17-(hexan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol) using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and mass spectroscopy (MS) methods. The cytotoxic effect of nymphayol on MCF-7 cells were analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cellular and nuclear damage was determined using propidium iodide (PI) and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/ErBr) staining. Tumor suppressor and apoptosis related mRNA transcript levels were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nymphayol potentially inhibits MCF-7 cell viability up to 78%, and the IC50 value was observed as 2.8 µM in 24 h and 1.4 µM in 48 h. Treatment with nymphayol significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the tunnel assay confirmed DNA damage. We found characteristically 76% apoptotic cells and 9% necrotic cells in PI and AO/ErBr staining after 48 h treatment with 2.8 µM of nymphayol. Gene expression analysis confirmed significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased mRNA levels of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (Cdkn2a), retinoblastoma protein 2 (pRb2), p53, nuclear factor erythroid 2-factor 2 (Nrf2), caspase-3, and decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), murine double minute 2 (mdm2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression after 48 h. Nymphayol effectively inhibited breast cancer cell viability, and is associated with early expression of Cdkn2a, pRb2, and activation of p53 and caspases.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihepatotoxic effects of Spirulina platensis against d-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Spirulina platensis has been advocated as safe food for human use by several investigators. In this study its beneficial dietary effect against liver injuries caused by d-galactosamine (d-GalN) was studied ensuring safety to human health using animal model. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced in Wister rats with d-GalN followed by treatment with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and with Spirulina aqueous extract at various concentrations. The effect of Spirulina at different concentrations were tried and compared with BHT treatment. The animals treated with d-GalN on subsequent treatment by supplementation with Spirulina (6, 9%) in the diets, led to significant reversal in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes through hepatocytes by suppression of negative effect. Spirulina aqueous extract at 9% resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of alkaline phosphatase and infalmatory markers TNFα, IL6 and IL1ß and also decreased TBARS, while it showed an increase in oxidative stress marker such as GR, GSH, GST, SOD, GPX and CAT and total protein when compared to the levels recorded with that group treated with d-GalN. Results also indicated that Spirulina aqueous extract at 9% concentration was equally effective in protecting liver damage as it was observed with BHT. Histological studies on liver treated with d-GalN, BHT and Spirulina aqueous extract showed that S. platensis is effective as diet in providing beneficial protective effect. The results obtained in the present study very clearly indicated the positive beneficial protective effect of Spirulina, when used as diet, on the safety and protection of liver from injuries caused by toxicants.

Vitamin D status in relation to age, bone mineral density of the spine and femur in obese Saudi females - A hospital-based study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between Bone mineral density in lumber spine and femoral neck with serum total levels of vitamin D, sun exposure and Consumption of vitamin D Supplement in obese Saudi females aged between 30 and 54 years old. Recent attention to the high prevalence of osteoporosis and its association with low vitamin D levels in adults has raised the importance of vitamin D evaluation. A low level of vitamin D is considered to be one of the most important risk factors for osteoporosis. In this study; 120 obese Saudi females with no diagnosed chronic diseases attending the Outpatient clinic at king Khalid University hospital in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, recruited randomly in period of 12 months. In this study, Serum levels of total Vitamin D were considered to be severe deficient if it was lower than 25 ng/mL, mild to moderate deficient if it was between 25 and 60 ng/mL and optimum level if it was 61-200 ng/mL. The results showed that; sun exposure was significantly affect and Correlate with serum level of Vitamin D in the subjects. In addition, daily consumption of Vitamin D supplement was significantly affect and Correlate with serum level of Vitamin D in the subjects of this study. Moreover, the results showed that; 50% of the age group (40-49 years old) having severe deficiency of Vitamin D. While, 50% of the age group (50-59 years old) having optimal level of Vitamin D. And these results mean that age is not Correlated with vitamin D deficiency in subjects of this study.

The Independent and Combined Effects of Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in Ameliorating Propionic Acid Induced Biochemical Features in Juvenile Rats as Rodent Model of Autism.

Metabolites of proper fatty acids modulate the inflammatory response and are essential for normal brain development; equally, abnormal fatty acid metabolism plays a critical role in the pathology of autism. Currently, dietary supplements are often used to improve the core symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study analyzed the effects of orally supplemented omega-3 (ω-3) and vitamin B12 on ameliorating oxidative stress and impaired lipid metabolism in a propionic acid (PPA)-induced rodent model of autism, together with their effect on the gut microbial composition, where great fluctuations in the bacterial number and strains were observed; interestingly, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 induced higher growth of the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and decreased the survival rates of Clostridia sp. as well as other enteric bacterial strains. Thirty-five young male western albino rats were divided into five equal groups. The first group served as the control; the second group was given an oral neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight/day) for 3 days. The third group received an oral dose of ω-3 (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days after the 3-day PPA treatment. Group four was given an oral dose of vitamin B12 (16.7 mg/kg/day) for 30 days after PPA treatment. Finally, group five was given a combination of both ω-3 and vitamin B12 at the same dose for the same duration after PPA treatment. Biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress and impaired fatty acid metabolism were investigated in the brain homogenates of each group. The effects of the dietary supplements on the gut microbiota were also observed. The PPA-treated autistic model expressed significantly higher levels of lipid peroxides and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and significantly less glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) than the control group. However, a remarkable amelioration of most of the impaired markers was observed with oral supplementation with ω-3 and vitamin B12, either alone or in combination. Our results concluded that impairment at various steps of the lipid metabolic pathways may contribute to the development of autism; however, supplementation with ω-3 and vitamin B12 can result in a positive therapeutic effect.

Roles of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract in Improving the Impact of High Dietary Intake of Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Liver Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, Genotoxicity, DNA Damage, and PCNA Alterations in Male Rats.

It is common for food to be made more palatable through the use of the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate, also known as vetsin powder. The purpose of the study described in this paper was to explore how vetsin-induced hepatic toxicity, DNA fragmentation, damage, and oxidative stress modifications could be mitigated with moringa leaf extract (MLE). To that end, 40 male rats were separated into four groups: normal control, positive control or MLE, vetsin, and vetsin combined with MLE. Results indicated that, compared to the control group, the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), liver malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA damage, injury, PCNA, and P53 expressions were significantly enhanced by the administration of vetsin (P < 0.05). However, the vetsin group had significantly reduced levels of albumin, globulin, total protein, liver glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD), catalase, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activities (P < 0.05) by comparison to control. Meanwhile, modifications in liver functions, oxidative stress, DNA damage, liver injury, and PCNA expression were alleviated when vetsin was administered alongside MLE. The authors conclude that vetsin may have many side effects and that MLE can ameliorate biochemical changes, oxidative stress, hepatic injury, PCNA, and P53 alterations induced by vetsin administration.