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INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a significant health concern characterized by weak and porous bones, particularly affecting menopausal women aged 50 and above, leading to increased risk of hip fractures and associated morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a study to assess the efficacy of single-strain versus mixed-strain probiotic supplementation on bone health using an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model of induced bone loss. The probiotics evaluated were Lactobacillus helveticus (L. helveticus), Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), and a combination of both. Rats were divided into five groups: SHAM (Control negative), OVX (Control positive), OVX +L. helveticus, OVX + B. longum, and OVX + mixed L. helveticus and B. longum. Daily oral administration of probiotics at 10^8-10^9 CFU/mL began two weeks post-surgery and continued for 16 weeks. RESULTS: Both single-strain and mixed-strain probiotic supplementation upregulated expression of osteoblastic genes (BMP- 2, RUNX-2, OSX), increased serum osteocalcin (OC) levels, and improved bone formation parameters. Serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) levels and bone resorption parameters were reduced. However, the single-strain supplementation demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the mixed-strain approach. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with B. longum and L. helveticus significantly reduces bone resorption and improves bone health in OVX rats, with single-strain supplementation showing greater efficacy compared to a mixed-strain combination. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic intervention for osteoporosis, warranting further investigation in human studies.
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Densidade Óssea , Fêmur , Lactobacillus helveticus , Osteoblastos , Ovariectomia , Probióticos , RNA Mensageiro , Animais , Probióticos/farmacologia , Probióticos/administração & dosagem , Feminino , Ratos , Osteoblastos/metabolismo , Fêmur/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/genética , Suplementos Nutricionais , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Bifidobacterium longum , Osteoporose/metabolismo , Osteocalcina/sangue , Osteocalcina/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Subunidade alfa 1 de Fator de Ligação ao Core/metabolismo , Subunidade alfa 1 de Fator de Ligação ao Core/genéticaRESUMO
Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) is a toxic compound commonly found in some crops with an adverse health effect on human and animals. Some beneficial microorganisms (or probiotics) such as lactic acid bacteria have shown the ability to reduce the bioavailability of aflatoxins and its intestinal absorption. However, the dose and duration of aflatoxins exposure and probiotic treatment can influence the ability of probiotics to remove aflatoxins. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS) induction in an acute exposure to AFB1 in rats. Experimentally, Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: AFB1 only (n = 9); AFB1 treated with LcS (n = 9); and control (no AFB1 exposure) (n = 6) groups. The blood AFB1 level of rats treated with LcS was slightly lower than the untreated AFB1 induced rats (11.12 ± 0.71 vs 10.93 ± 0.69 ng g-1). Also, LcS treatment slightly moderated the liver and kidney biomarkers in AFB1 induced rats. However, a trend for a significant difference was only observed in ALT of AFB1 induced rats treated with LcS compared to their counterparts (126.11 ± 36.90 vs 157.36 ± 15.46, p = 0.06). Rats' body weight decreased in all animals force-fed with AFB1 with no significant difference between LcS treatment compared to the counterpart. In conclusion, this experiment indicated that probiotic LsC was able to slightly ameliorate the adverse effect of an acute exposure to AFB1 in rats. However, future studies with longer probiotics treatment or higher probiotics dose is required to confirm these findings.
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Aflatoxinas , Lacticaseibacillus casei , Probióticos , Administração Oral , Aflatoxinas/efeitos adversos , Animais , Humanos , Lacticaseibacillus casei/química , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
Human exposure to aflatoxin is through the diet, and probiotics are able to bind aflatoxin and prevent its absorption in the small intestine. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a fermented milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) (probiotic drink) to prevent aflatoxin absorption and reduce serum aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct (AFB1-lys) and urinary aflatoxin M1 concentrations. The present study was a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study with two 4-week intervention phases. In all, seventy-one subjects recruited from the screening stage were divided into two groups--the Yellow group and the Blue group. In the 1st phase, one group received probiotic drinks twice a day and the other group received placebo drinks. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline, 2nd and 4th week of the intervention. After a 2-week wash-out period, the treatments were switched between the groups, and blood and urine samples were collected at the 6th, 8th and 10th week (2nd phase) of the intervention. No significant differences in aflatoxin biomarker concentrations were observed during the intervention. A within-group analysis was further carried out. Aflatoxin biomarker concentrations were not significantly different in the Yellow group. Nevertheless, ANOVA for repeated measurements indicated that AFB1-lys concentrations were significantly different (P=0·035) with the probiotic intervention in the Blue group. The 2nd week AFB1-lys concentrations (5·14 (SD 2·15) pg/mg albumin (ALB)) were significantly reduced (P=0·048) compared with the baseline (6·24 (SD 3·42) pg/mg ALB). Besides, the 4th week AFB1-lys concentrations were significantly lower (P<0·05) with probiotic supplementation than with the placebo. Based on these findings, a longer intervention study is warranted to investigate the effects of continuous LcS consumption to prevent dietary aflatoxin exposure.
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Aflatoxinas/metabolismo , Exposição Ambiental/prevenção & controle , Fermentação , Contaminação de Alimentos , Lacticaseibacillus casei , Leite/microbiologia , Probióticos , Adulto , Aflatoxina B1/sangue , Aflatoxina M1/urina , Animais , Bebidas , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Estudos Cross-Over , Dieta , Método Duplo-Cego , Exposição Ambiental/análise , Feminino , Humanos , Lisina/sangue , Malásia , Masculino , Adulto JovemRESUMO
This study investigated the determinants of overweight/obesity in adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 1157 adolescents. Weight and height were measured. Information on socio-economic status (SES), dietary intakes, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Binary and multivariate binary logistic regressions were used to obtain the relationships and odds-ratios, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among adolescents in low- or high-income families, adolescents whose mothers worked out of home, adolescents whose parents were both overweight, adolescents who watched a lot of TV or had excessive energy intake, adolescents with lower physical activity or lower intake of dietary fibre, those who skipped breakfast ≥ 4 times per week, and those with low and high fat intake. However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only energy intake was associated with increased odds and vegetables and fibre intake were associated with a reduction in the odds of being overweight (all p<0.05). Adolescents from middle SES showed a lower risk of overweight/obesity than low and high SES due to better dietary intakes and less sedentary behaviours. Therefore, in overweight/obesity prevention programs, adolescents with determined risk factors from families with low and high SES should receive attention.
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Comportamento Alimentar , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Sobrepeso/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Comportamento do Adolescente , Índice de Massa Corporal , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Gorduras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Fibras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Ingestão de Energia , Feminino , Humanos , Irã (Geográfico)/epidemiologia , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Atividade Motora , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Comportamento Sedentário , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Televisão , VerdurasRESUMO
A few studies in animals and a study in humans showed a positive effect of probiotic on bone metabolism and bone mass density. Most of the investigated bacteria were Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The positive results of the probiotics were supported by the high content of dietary calcium and the high amounts of supplemented probiotics. Some of the principal mechanisms include (1) increasing mineral solubility due to production of short chain fatty acids; (2) producing phytase enzyme by bacteria to overcome the effect of mineral depressed by phytate; (3) reducing intestinal inflammation followed by increasing bone mass density; (4) hydrolysing glycoside bond food in the intestines by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These mechanisms lead to increase bioavailability of the minerals. In conclusion, probiotics showed potential effects on bone metabolism through different mechanisms with outstanding results in the animal model. The results also showed that postmenopausal women who suffered from low bone mass density are potential targets to consume probiotics for increasing mineral bioavailability including calcium and consequently increasing bone mass density.
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Densidade Óssea/efeitos dos fármacos , Probióticos/farmacologia , Animais , Cálcio da Dieta/farmacologia , HumanosRESUMO
Aflatoxins are carcinogens that can contaminate food and affect various body organs especially liver and kidney. When consumed, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is partially metabolised into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is excreted in the urine.Breast milk may also contain AFM1 due to maternal dietary intake from contaminated food. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the levels of AFM1 in both urine and breast milk among breastfeeding mothers (n = 256). The mother's demographic information was collected during recruitment. Mothers were then scheduled for an appointment to provide a morning urine sample along with five to ten mL samples of breast milk. AFM1 levels in both samples were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman's rho and Chi-square were used to determine the associations between mean levels of AFM1 in urine and breast milk. Findings show 68.0% of urine samples were contaminated with AFM1 (mean levels = 0.08 ± 0.04 ng/mL), while 14.8% of breast milk samples had AFM1 (mean levels = 5.94 ± 1.81 ng/kg). Urine AFM1 levels were not significantly associated with AFM1 levels in breast milk (p > 0.05). This study can act as a baseline for future research examining long-term aflatoxin exposure among both mothers and infants.
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OBJECTIVE: Several studies indicated that techniques to change body weight and appearance were prevalent and different among adolescents. The aim of the study, therefore, was to assess differences in frequency and type of body change techniques used among adolescents by sex and body weight status. METHODS: A sample of 758 adolescents aged 12-18 years were recruited from private and public schools in Tehran. Information about socio-demographic background and body change techniques were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A high percentage of adolescents used body change techniques frequently to alter their body appearance. Girls changed normal eating pattern significantly (p=0.007) to lose weight more frequently than boys while boys used this method significantly (p=0.01) to gain weight more frequently than girls. Overweight/obese adolescents exercised significantly to change muscle size (p=0.03) and changed normal diet to lose weight (p<0.001) more frequently than normal weight adolescents. The relation between sex and body weight status with body change techniques (p<0.0) implied that male and female adolescents especially overweight/obese adolescents were frequently trying to change their body appearance. CONCLUSION: Significant differences existed in using body change techniques according to sex and body weight status and these should be considered in obesity prevention programs for adolescents.
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Peso Corporal , Comportamento Alimentar/psicologia , Adolescente , Comportamento do Adolescente , Imagem Corporal , Índice de Massa Corporal , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Dieta , Exercício Físico , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Irã (Geográfico) , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Obesidade/prevenção & controle , Prevalência , Instituições Acadêmicas , Fatores Sexuais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Aumento de Peso , Redução de Peso , População BrancaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Geriatric malnutrition in hospitals is common and can be affected by many things, including poor satisfaction toward hospital foodservice. Hospital foodservice plays an important role in a patient's recovery process by providing adequate nutrients. On top of that, patients' foodservice satisfaction can easily be afflicted by the quality of food served and the overall foodservice experience. Furthermore, malnutrition can occur from poor foodservice quality, especially among geriatric patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Malaysian Geriatric Patients' Hospital Foodservice Protocol (MYGERYFS). METHODS: The protocol comprises 3 phases. Phase One is a cross-sectional study that took place at public hospitals with geriatric wards in the Klang Valley. Univariate data from Phase One were analyzed descriptively. Pearson correlation and chi-square were conducted to find factors associated with foodservice satisfaction. Phase Two involves the collaboration of health care professionals in the geriatric field. In Phase Three, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of the MYGERYFS protocol in a hospital among 60 geriatric patients. These patients will be randomized into control and intervention groups, respectively. Intervention care will be done to ensure the safety of the protocol. RESULTS: Data collection for Phase One of the study has been completed. A total of 233 geriatric respondents with the mean age of 71.39 (SD 7.99) years were gathered. Approximately 51.5% (n=120) of the respondents were female, while 48.5% (n=113) were male, with a mean BMI of 24.84 (SD 6.05) kg/m2. Their mean energy and protein intakes were 1006.20 kcal (SD 462.03 kcal) and 42.60 (SD 22.20) grams, respectively. Based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment, older patients who scored 12-14 (normal) were 27.9% (n=65), those who scored 8-11 (at risk) were 54.9% (n=128), and those who scored 0-7, which is the lowest (malnutrition), were 17.2% (n=40) of the study population. Hence, most patients were at risk of malnutrition. Although a majority of the patients claimed to have good foodservice satisfaction 26.2% (n=61), they also experienced at least 3 barriers during mealtimes. It was found that dietary intake and mealtime barriers were significantly associated with the respondent's foodservice satisfaction. Data for Phase Two and Phase Three are yet to be collected and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: This study protocol could potentially benefit the hospital foodservice system and aid in improving geriatric nutritional status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04858165; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04858165. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/42496.
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Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically suffer from congenital deformities, such as scoliosis and contractures, therefore, it is a challenge to measure the stature of CP children. Studies have suggested that predictive equations based on tibia length (TL) may be used as an alternative method in measuring the actual height or stature. The present study aimed to develop and validate predictive equations based on TL for CP children in Malaysia across all five levels of gross motor functions (GMFCS I to V) through a cross-sectional study. All subjects were recruited from Hospitals and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in the central and southern regions of Malaysia. Two predictive equation models were developed using multiple linear regression. For Model 1, the predictive equation was developed based on TL. On the other hand, Model 2 was developed based on TL with age was included. A flexible Seca measuring tape was used to measure the stature and TL. CP children aged 2-18 years were classified into the equation development group (EDG), n 177 and the validation group (VG), n 139. Model 1, Height = 32â 3 + 3â 14 (TL), demonstrated a strong correlation with the actual height (R2 0â 834), small SEE (1â 42), and high intra correlation coefficient (0â 929). The findings suggested that Model 1 was more accurate in estimating the height of CP children aged 2-18 years. This model was shown to suit the Malaysian population and applicable across all GMFCS levels.
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Paralisia Cerebral , Adolescente , Estatura , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos Transversais , HumanosRESUMO
Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome, which is a worldwide concern within the field of geriatrics due to the aggravating effect on the physical and mental functions of the elderly. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of the frailty syndrome among urban-living community-dwelling elderly in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 community-dwelling elders. Frailty status was assessed using the Fried phenotype criteria. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (M-GDS-14), whereas the functional abilities and cognitive status were measured using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (Lawton IADL) scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-M), respectively. Malnutrition risk was observed through the abridged version (Short Form) of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the significant predictors of the frailty syndrome. Three hundred and one elderly persons engaged in this study, with a mean age of 67.08 ± 5.536 ranging between 60 to 84 years old. The prevalence values of frailty and pre-frail were 15.9% and 72.8%, respectively, in which women appeared to be at a higher risk of frailty. The multivariate model revealed that frailty could be predicted from an increase in age, lower household income, being at risk of malnutrition, wasting (low skeletal muscle mass), and high serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. A holistic approach is suggested for managing the frailty syndrome as it involves a decline in the multiple components of the geriatric syndrome.
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Fragilidade , Vida Independente , Atividades Cotidianas , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Idoso Fragilizado , Fragilidade/epidemiologia , Avaliação Geriátrica , Humanos , Malásia/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estado NutricionalRESUMO
Studies have been carried out on the association between frailty and malnutrition, but the similarities and divergence of the relationship remain debatable. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of malnutrition risk and frailty as well as the overlapping constructs. The associations that emerged were assessed independently of other risk factors. A total of 301 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 66.91 ± 5.59 years old were randomly recruited. Fried Criteria and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used to assess frailty status and malnutrition, respectively. Other related nutritional assessments were assessed (body mass index (BMI), circumference measures, body fat % and skeletal muscle mass). The prevalence of frailty was 14.6% and prefrail was 59.7%; 29.6% were at risk of malnutrition, and 3.3% were malnourished. Malnutrition risk was significantly associated with a higher number of chronic diseases, BMI, circumference of mid-upper arm (MUAC), and calf, (CC)and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and frailty, whereas frailty was significantly associated with higher number of chronic diseases, SMM and malnutrition. Frailty syndrome can be predicted with increasing age, body fat, lower skeletal muscle and malnutrition. Those who were frail were found to be five times more likely to be at risk of malnutrition. Results suggested that frailty and malnutrition shared considerable overlap, which emphasised the interrelated but discrete concepts. Therefore, the assessment of malnutrition is imperative and could be used as a practical implication in assessing frailty syndrome.
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Fragilidade/etiologia , Vida Independente , Desnutrição/complicações , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Composição Corporal , Constituição Corporal , Feminino , Previsões , Fragilidade/epidemiologia , Humanos , Malásia/epidemiologia , Masculino , Desnutrição/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Avaliação Nutricional , Prevalência , Risco , Fatores de Risco , Sarcopenia/epidemiologia , Sarcopenia/etiologiaRESUMO
Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle have been linked to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases. This study's purpose was to determine physical activity levels and sedentary behaviours among primary healthcare workers in Perak, Malaysia, as well as associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 health clinics in Perak, Malaysia, to determine physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours and factors associated with physical inactivity among primary healthcare workers. Each respondent completed a self-administered questionnaire relating to socio-demographic characteristics, including anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage, and the English and Malay version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. A total of 261 primary healthcare workers participated in this study; 45.6% were classified as physically inactive, spending a median of five hours daily engaged in sedentary behaviours. In terms of metabolic equivalent min per week, male workers had significantly higher physical activity than females. Self-reported health status and longer sitting times were significantly associated with physical inactivity. Logistic regression showed that poor health status was 1.84 times less likely to be associated with physical activity (p = 0.036, Confidence Interval = 1.04-3.24). Due to the high prevalence of physical inactivity, action is needed to increase physical activity among healthcare workers.
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Exercício Físico , Pessoal de Saúde , Comportamento Sedentário , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Atividades de Lazer , Malásia , Masculino , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Aflatoxin is a food contaminant and its exposure through the diet is frequent and ubiquitous. A long-term dietary aflatoxin exposure has been linked to the development of liver cancer in populations with high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in foods. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a biomarker of aflatoxin exposure, with the dietary intake among adults in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, Malaysia. Certain food products have higher potential for aflatoxin contamination and these were listed in a Food Frequency Questionnaire, which was given to all study participants. This allowed us to record consumption rates for each food product listed. Concomitantly, urine samples were collected, from adults in selected areas in Hulu Langat district, for the measurement of AFM1 levels using an ELISA kit. Of the 444 urine samples collected and tested, 199 were positive for AFM1, with 37 of them exceeding the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.64 ng/mL. Cereal products showed the highest consumption level among all food groups, with an average intake of 512.54 g per day. Chi-square analysis showed that consumption of eggs (X² = 4.77, p = 0.03) and dairy products (X² = 19.36, p < 0.01) had significant associations with urinary AFM1 but both food groups were having a phi and Cramer's V value that less than 0.3, which indicated that the association between these food groups' consumption and AFM1 level in urine was weak.
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Aflatoxina M1/urina , Dieta , Contaminação de Alimentos , Adolescente , Adulto , Aflatoxina M1/efeitos adversos , Biomarcadores/urina , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Dieta/efeitos adversos , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Malásia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recomendações Nutricionais , Medição de Risco , Urinálise/métodos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
A microscale built environment was the focus in this cross-sectional study which aimed to investigate the associations between platescapes, foodscapes, and meal energy intake among subjects. A total of 133 subjects (54 male, 79 female) with mean age 36.8 ± 7.3 years completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, platescapes, and foodscape preferences. For platescapes, a plate mapping method was used, where subjects were required to place various sizes of food models on two different sized plates (23 cm and 28 cm) based on their preferences. For foodscape preferences, subjects were given a 23-cm plate and various food models differentiated by shapes and colours. Then, 24-h daily recalls (for one weekday and one weekend day) were obtained using interviews. Significant differences were observed in meal energy intake (p < 0.05) between males (1741 ± 339 kcal) and females (1625 ± 247 kcal) and also between age groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) in terms of subjects’ meal energy intake when comparing 23-cm plates (419 ± 124 kcal) and 28-cm plates (561 ± 143 kcal). The bigger plate (28 cm) (p < 0.01) was significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy intakes, but this was not so for the 23-cm plate. There were significant differences in subjects’ meal energy when comparing white rice and multicoloured rice (p < 0.0001), unicoloured and multicoloured proteins (p < 0.0001), and unicoloured and multicoloured vegetables (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference found between round- and cube-shaped proteins (p < 0.05). The colours of rice (p < 0.01), protein (p < 0.05), and vegetables (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy. Only the shape of carrots in vegetables (p = 0.01) was significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy. Subconsciously, platescapes and foodscapes affect an individual’s energy intake, and thus these elements should be considered in assessing one’s dietary consumption.
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Ingestão de Alimentos , Ingestão de Energia , Comportamento Alimentar , Empregados do Governo/psicologia , Refeições , Tamanho da Porção , Percepção de Tamanho , Percepção Visual , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Estudos Transversais , Meio Ambiente , Feminino , Humanos , Malásia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valor Nutritivo , Recomendações Nutricionais , Autorrelato , Fatores Sexuais , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Synbiotics approach complementarily and synergistically toward the balance of gastrointestinal microbiota and improvement in bowel functions. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to examine the effects of a synbiotics supplement among constipated adults. A total of 85 constipated adults, diagnosed by Rome III criteria for functional constipation were randomised to receive either synbiotics (n = 43) or placebo (n = 42) once daily (2.5 g) in the morning for 12 weeks. Eight times of follow-up was conducted every fortnightly with treatment response based on a questionnaire that included a record of evacuation (stool frequency, stool type according to Bristol Stool Form Scale), Patients Assessment on Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM), and Patients Assessment on Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). There were no significant differences in stool evacuation, but defecation frequency and stool type in treatment group were improved tremendously than in placebo group. While the treatment group was reported to have higher reduction in severity of functional constipation symptoms, the differences were not statistically significant. Dietary supplementation of synbiotics in this study suggested that the combination of probiotics and prebiotics improved the functional constipation symptoms and quality of life although not significant. This was due to the high placebo effect which synbiotics failed to demonstrate benefit over the controls.
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Constipação Intestinal/terapia , Defecação , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Motilidade Gastrointestinal , Intestinos/microbiologia , Intestinos/fisiopatologia , Simbióticos/administração & dosagem , Adulto , Constipação Intestinal/diagnóstico , Constipação Intestinal/microbiologia , Constipação Intestinal/fisiopatologia , Método Duplo-Cego , Feminino , Humanos , Malásia , Masculino , Avaliação de Resultados da Assistência ao Paciente , Qualidade de Vida , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica , Simbióticos/efeitos adversos , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: Osteoporosis is one of the major health concerns among the elderly population, especially in postmenopausal women. Many menopausal women over 50 years of age lose their bone density and suffer bone fractures. In addition, many mortality and morbidity cases among the elderly are related to hip fracture. This study aims to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus helveticus (L. helveticus) on bone health status among ovariectomized (OVX) bone loss-induced rats. METHODS: The rats were either OVX or sham OVX (sham), then were randomly assigned into three groups, G1: sham, G2: OVX and G3: OVX+L. helveticus (1 mL of 108-109 colony forming units). The supplementation was force-fed to the rats once a day for 16 weeks while control groups were force-fed with demineralized water. RESULTS: L. helveticus upregulated the expression of Runx2 and Bmp2, increased serum osteocalcin, bone volume/total volume and trabecular thickness, and decreased serum C-terminal telopeptide and total porosity percentage. It also altered bone microstructure, as a result increasing bone mineral density and bone strength. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that L. helveticus attenuates bone remodeling and consequently improves bone health in OVX rats by increasing bone formation along with bone resorption reduction. This study suggests a potential therapeutic effect of L. helveticus (ATCC 27558) on postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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Proteína Morfogenética Óssea 2/metabolismo , Subunidade alfa 1 de Fator de Ligação ao Core/metabolismo , Lactobacillus helveticus/metabolismo , Osteoporose Pós-Menopausa/prevenção & controle , Animais , Densidade Óssea/efeitos dos fármacos , Remodelação Óssea/efeitos dos fármacos , Reabsorção Óssea , Osso e Ossos/metabolismo , Feminino , Humanos , Ovariectomia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Regulação para CimaRESUMO
Sexual dimorphism in immune response is widely recognized, but few human studies have observed this distinction. Food with endo-immunomodulatory potential may reveal novel sex-biased in vivo interactions. Immunomodulatory effects of Carica papaya were compared between healthy male and female individuals. Volunteers were given fixed meals supplemented with papaya for 2 days. Changes in blood immune profiles and hormone levels were determined. In females, total natural killer (NK) cell percentages decreased (12.7 ± 4.4 vs 14.6 ± 5.8%, p = 0.018, n = 18) while B cells increased (15.2 ± 5.5 vs 14.5 ± 5.0, p = 0.037, n = 18) after papaya consumption. Increased 17ß-estradiol (511.1 ± 579.7 vs 282.7 ± 165.0 pmol/l, p = 0.036, n = 9) observed in females may be crucial to this change. Differentiation markers (CD45RA, CD69, CD25) analyzed on lymphocytes showed naïve (CD45RA+) non-CD4+ lymphocytes were reduced in females (40.7 ± 8.1 vs 46.8 ± 5.4%, p = 0.012, n = 8) but not males. A general suppressive effect of papaya on CD69+ cells, and higher percentage of CD69+ populations in females and non-CD4 lymphocytes, may be relevant. CD107a+ NK cells were significantly increased in males (16.8 ± 7.0 vs 14.7 ± 4.8, p = 0.038, n = 9) but not females. Effect in females may be disrupted by the action of progesterone, which was significantly correlated with this population (R = 0.771, p = 0.025, n = 8) after papaya consumption. In males, total T helper cells were increased (33.4 ± 6.4 vs 32.4 ± 6.1%, p = 0.040, n = 15). Strong significant negative correlation between testosterone and CD25+CD4+ lymphocytes, may play a role in the lower total CD4+ T cells reported in males. Thus, dissimilar immune profiles were elicited in the sexes after papaya consumption and may have sex hormone influence.
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BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to identify dietary patterns and evaluated their association with biochemical blood profiles and body weight among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 400 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tehran from March to August 2013. Biochemical blood profiles, socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, and dietary data were obtained. Dietary data from food frequency questionnaire were used to derive dietary patterns. Factor analysis was conducted to ascertain the dietary patterns, and analysis of covariance was fitted to assess the relation between blood profiles, body weight and adherence to dietary patterns. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns by factor analysis were identified, Vegetable & Poultry, Western and Semi-healthy. After control for potential confounders, body mass index (b = -0/03, p < 0.05) were negatively associated with vegetable and poultry dietary pattern. Conversely, total cholesterol (b = 0.004, p < 0.01) and fasting blood glucose (b = 0.014, p < 0.05) were positively associated with western dietary pattern. A dietary pattern labeled as semi-healthy pattern was found to be positively related to HDL-cholesterol (b = 0.006 p < 0.01). Associations between semi-healthy pattern, LDL-cholesterol (b = -0.120 p < 0.05) and waist circumference (b = -0.020, p < 0.05) were negative. CONCLUSION: Adherence to Vegetable & Poultry dietary pattern was favorably related to body weight, semi healthy related to lower LDL and higher HDL cholesterol whereas western related to higher fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol. Further studies are necessary to confirm the benefits of the dietary patterns for diabetes.
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BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight are major public health problems. Various factors, such as daily nutritional habits, physical inactivity, and genetic, are related to the prevalence of obesity. Recently, it was revealed that the gut microflora may also play an important role in weight management. Thus, this study aimed to determine the anti-obesity effects of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) compared with those of orlistat in an animal model fed a high-fat diet (HFD). DESIGN: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups fed various diets as follows: a standard diet group, HFD group, HFD supplemented with LcS (108109 colony-forming units (HFD-LcS) group, and HFD group treated with Orlistat (10 mg/kg body weight)). After 15 weeks, the weights of organs, body weight, body fat mass and serological biomarkers were measured. In addition, histological analysis of the liver and adipose tissue was performed. RESULTS: Body weight, body mass index, fat mass, leptin and glucose levels were lower, and high-density lipoprotein and adiponectin levels were higher in the HFD-LcS and HFD-orlistat groups than in the HFD group. In addition a significant difference in body fat mass was observed between HFD-LcS group with HFD-orlistat group (19.19±5.76 g vs. 30.19±7.98 g). Although the interleukin-6 level was significantly decreased in the HFD-LcS and HFD-orlistat groups compared with the HFD group, no significant change was observed in other inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that LcS supplementation improves body weight management and the levels of some related biomarkers. In addition, LcS supplementation showed a better result in fat mass and alanine aminotransferase reduction than Orlistat. Further studies are needed to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of LcS, with a longer period of supplementation.
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Probiotics are live microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host, when administered in adequate amounts. Mostly, probiotics affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the host and alter the composition of gut microbiota. Nowadays, the incidence of hip fractures due to osteoporosis is increasing worldwide. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats have fragile bone due to estrogen deficiency and mimic the menopausal conditions in women. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) on bone mass density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone remodeling, bone structure, and gene expression in OVX rats. The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (sham, OVX, and the OVX group supplemented with 1 mL of B. longum 10(8)-10(9) colony forming units (CFU)/mL). B. longum was given once daily for 16 weeks, starting from 2 weeks after the surgery. The B. longum supplementation increased (p < 0.05) serum osteocalcin (OC) and osteoblasts, bone formation parameters, and decreased serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and osteoclasts, bone resorption parameters. It also altered the microstructure of the femur. Consequently, it increased BMD by increasing (p < 0.05) the expression of Sparc and Bmp-2 genes. B. longum alleviated bone loss in OVX rats and enhanced BMD by decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation.