Association between handgrip strength and metabolic syndrome in relation to gender and adiposity among middle aged and older Saudi populations.

AIM: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and handgrip strength (HGS) with respect to sex and adiposity in Saudi men (n = 287) and women (n = 268). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometry, body composition, HGS, and blood biochemistry were measured. The average age of the study population was 57.65 ± 9.3 years (men = 55.1 ± 9.3 years, women = 60.4 ± 9.3 years). We report that HGS/body mass index (BMI), HGS/weight, and HGS/fat (%) were significantly higher in controls than in patients with MetS in men but not in women. According to the ROC analysis, relative HGS (RHGS) was higher than HGS alone in the association with MetS, which was significant for men (p < 0.01). At lower quartiles of HGS, the probability of MetS was higher in women, and the same was found in men in the lower quartiles of HGS/%Fat. Multinomial regression revealed significant associations between age and adiposity and MetS in men and HGS in women. Additionally, the linear regression of age, HGS, and weight exhibited significant associations between HGS with WC in both sexes. CONCLUSION: A higher risk of MetS in the lower quartiles of HGS was found in women, and adiposity moderated the relationship between HGS and MetS in men.

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.

Fabrication of hierarchical flower-like WO3 nanoparticles for effective metal ions sensing and catalytic degradation of organic dyes.

In this work, we report on the synthesis of flower-like tungsten oxide nanoparticles (WO3 NPs) using a simple precipitation method. This paper reports a simple method for synthesizing flower-like WO3 NPs, which can be used for environmentally treating hazardous organic pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation of model artificial Orange II and Congo red was assessed under natural sunlight irradiation. The surface morphologies, crystallinity, and binding energy of the synthesized WO3 NPs were determined. The synthesized WO3 NPs exhibited good photodegradation percentages of approximately Orange II (97.6%) and Congo red dye (98.2%) after 120 min of irradiation. Furthermore, the WO3 NPs maintained their degradation ability for up to three cycles. In addition, WO3 NPs were examined in different metal ions sensing (Hg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+) in an aqueous solution. The results showed that the WO3 NPs exhibited excellent Cd2+ ion sensing. Based on the investigations, WO3 NPs proved to be an efficient photocatalyst and hold promise as the best material for future applications in preventing water pollution.

Effects of Antioxidant Combinations on the Renal Toxicity Induced Rats by Gold Nanoparticles.

This study investigated some possible mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxic effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in rats and compared the protective effects of selected known antioxidants-namely, melanin, quercetin (QUR), and α-lipoic acid (α-LA). Rats were divided into five treatment groups (eight rats per group): control, AuNPs (50 nm), AuNPs + melanin (100 mg/kg), AuNPs + QUR (200 mg/kg), and AuNPs + α-LA (200 mg/kg). All treatments were administered i.p., daily, for 30 days. AuNPs promoted renal glomerular and tubular damage and impaired kidney function, as indicated by the higher serum levels of creatinine (Cr), urinary flow, and urea and albumin/Cr ratio. They also induced oxidative stress by promoting mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mtPTP) opening, the expression of NOX4, increasing levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and suppressing glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). In addition, AuNPs induced renal inflammation and apoptosis, as evidenced by the increase in the total mRNA and the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of NF-κB, mRNA levels of Bax and caspase-3, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Treatment with melanin, QUR, and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) prevented the majority of these renal damage effects of AuNPs and improved kidney structure and function, with QUR being the most powerful. In conclusion, in rats, AuNPs impair kidney function by provoking oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by suppressing antioxidants, promoting mitochondrial uncoupling, activating NF-κB, and upregulating NOX4. However, QUR remains the most powerful drug to alleviate this toxicity by reversing all of these mechanisms.

Concomitant Sub-Chronic Administration of Small-Size Gold Nanoparticles Aggravates Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage, Hyperlipidemia, and Hepatic Steatosis.

This study examined the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced liver damage and steatosis in rats and tested its effect mechanism. Wistar male rats were divided into four groups (each of eight rats) as control, AuNPs (50 µL of 10 nm), DOX (15 mg/kg; 3 mg/kg/week), and DOX + AuNPs-treated rats. DOX is known to induce fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in treated rats. Individual treatment of both DOX and AuNPs also promoted liver damage, increased circulatory levels of ALT and AST, and stimulated serum and liver levels of TGs, CHOL, LDL-c, and FFAs. They also stimulated MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6, reduced GSH, SOD, HO-1, and CAT, upregulated mRNA levels of Bax and caspases-3 and -8 and downregulated mRNA levels of Bcl2 in the livers of rats. However, while DOX alone reduced hepatic levels of PPARα, both AuNPs and DOX stimulated mRNA levels of SREBP1, reduced the mRNA, cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2, and increased mRNA, cytoplasmic, and nuclear levels of NF-κB. The liver damage and the alterations in all these parameters were significantly more profound when both AuNPs and DOX were administered together. In conclusion, AuNPs exaggerate liver damage, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in DOX-treated rats by activating SREBP1 and NF-κB and suppressing the Nrf2/antioxidant axis.

Esculeoside A Decreases Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Streptozotocin-Treated Rats by Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Apoptosis: Impressive Role of Nrf2.

Background and Objectives: This experiment evaluated the preventative influence of the tomato-derived Esculeoside A (ESA) on diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ). It also examined whether the activation of Nrf2 signaling affords this protection. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar control nondiabetic rats and rats with T1DM (STZ-T1DM) were given either carboxymethylcellulose as a vehicle or ESA (100 mg/kg) (eight rats/group) orally daily for 12 weeks. A group of STZ-T1DM rats was also treated with 100 mg/kg ESA and co-treated i.p. with 2 mg/kg (twice/week), brusatol, and Nrf2 inhibitors for 12 weeks. Results and Conclusions: Treatment with ESA prevented the gain in heart weight and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and improved the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function (LV) in the STZ-T1DM rat group. Likewise, it reduced their serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), as well as their LV mRNA, cytoplasmic total, and nuclear total levels of NF-κB. ESA also reduced the total levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukine-6 (IL-6), Bax, cytochrome-c, and caspase-3 in the LV of the STZ-T1DM rats. In parallel, ESA enhanced the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of Nrf2 and the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and heme oxygenase-1, but decreased the mRNA and cytoplasmic levels of keap-1 in the LVs of the STZ-T1DM rats. Interestingly, ESA did not affect the fasting insulin and glucose levels of the diabetic rats. All of these beneficially protective effects of ESA were not seen in the ESA-treated rats that received brusatol. In conclusion, ESA represses diabetic cardiomyopathy in STZ-diabetic hearts by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant/NF-κB axis.

Protective effect of eriodictyol against hyperglycemia-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats entails antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activating Nrf2.

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves cellular activation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Eriodictyol is a citrus-derived flavonoid with multiple pharmacological and protective effects in various conditions. The protective role of Eriodictyol against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy is less investigated. The current research aimed to explore the role of eriodictyol in protecting against DN prompted by streptozotocin in male rats and investigate some possible mechanisms of action. Diabetes was brought about in rats by an i.p injection of a lone dose (65 mg/kg). Five groups of rats were included (n = 8 each) as control (non-diabetic), eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally), STZ-diabetic, STZ + eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally) + ML385 (30 µg/kg, i.p.). Kidney histology and the levels of some markers of kidney function, renal oxidative stress, and renal inflammation were analyzed in all groups of rats. Treatment with eriodictyol prevented the damage in the renal glomeruli and tubules and reduced renal immune cell infiltration in STZ-treated animals. It also spiked urinary creatinine excretion and reduced urine volume and urinary levels of albumin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and nephrin in these diabetic rats. In addition, eriodictyol stimulated the nuclear protein accumulation of Nrf2 and boosted the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and catalase (CAT) in the diabetic rat kidneys. In concomitance, it reduced the nuclear levels of NF-κB and levels of interleukine-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and attenuated the reduction in renal ATP levels and the increase in the mitochondria transition pore opening (mtTPT). However, the administration of eriodictyol did not affect rats' body weights and fasting glucose and insulin levels but significantly reduced serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and oxidized LDL-c (ox-LDL-c). In conclusion, eriodictyol prevents STZ-induced nephropathy by a hypolipidemic effect and concomitant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activating Nrf2/NF-κB/antioxidant axis.

Camel milk protein hydrosylate alleviates hepatic steatosis and hypertension in high fructose-fed rats.

CONTEXT: Camel milk is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus hypertension and other metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the antisteatotic and antihypertensive effects of camel milk protein hydrolysate (CMH) in high fructose (HF)-fed rats and compared it with the effects afforded by the intact camel milk protein extract (ICM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 8 each) as 1) control, 2) ICM (1000 mg/kg), 3) CMH (1000 mg/kg), 4) HF (15% in drinking water), 5) HF (15%) + ICM (1000 mg/kg), and 6) HF (15%) + CMH (1000 mg/kg). All treatments were given orally for 21 weeks, daily. RESULTS: Both ICM and CMH reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and serum levels of ALT and AST, angiotensin II, ACE, endothelin-1, and uric acid in HF-fed rats. In addition, both ICM and CMH reduced hepatic fat deposition in the hepatocytes and reduced hepatocyte damage. This was associated with an increase in the hepatic activity of AMPK, higher PPARα mRNA, reduced expression of fructokinase C, SREBP1, SREBP2, fatty acid synthase, and HMG-CoA-reductase. Both treatments lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the effects of CMH on all these parameters were greater as compared to ICM. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study encourage the use of CMH in a large-scale population and clinical studies to treat metabolic steatosis and hypertension.

Ellagic acid protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in streptozotocin-diabetic rats by activating AMPK.

CONTEXT: Ellagic acid (EA) is used in traditional medicine to treated hyperlipidaemia. OBJECTIVE: This study examined if AMPK mediates the anti-steatotic effect of ellagic acid (EA) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (130 ± 10 g) were divided into 6 groups (n = 8 rats/group) as control, control + EA, control + EA + CC an AMPK inhibitor), T1DM, T1DM + EA, and T1DM + EA + CC. The treatments with EA (50 mg/kg/orally) and CC (200 ng/rat/i.p.) were given the desired groups for 12 weeks, daily. RESULTS: In T1DM-rats, EA reduced fasting glucose levels (44.8%), increased fasting insulin levels (92.8%), prevented hepatic lipid accumulation, and decreased hepatic and serum levels of total triglycerides (54% & 61%), cholesterol (57% & 48%), and free fatty acids (40% & 37%). It also reduced hepatic levels of ROS (62%), MDA (52%), TNF-α (62%), and IL-6 (57.2%) and the nuclear activity of NF-κB p65 (54%) but increased the nuclear activity of Nrf-2 (4-fold) and levels of GSH (107%) and SOD (87%). Besides, EA reduced downregulated SREBP1 (35%), SREBP2 (34%), ACC-1 (36%), FAS (38%), and HMG-CoAR (49%) but stimulated mRNA levels of PPARα (1.7-fold) and CPT1a (1.8-fold), CPT1b (2.9-fold), and p-AMPK (4-fold). All these events were prevented by the co-administration of CC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings encourage the use of EA to treat hepatic disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to validate its potential in clinical medicine.

Evaluation of nutritional status of foreign students at King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and associated risk factors among foreign students residing at King Saud University for different periods and to explore its correlations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the spring semester of 2018. A total of 400 male students aged 18-35 years had participated in the current study after signing a written consent form according to Helsinki Declaration. SETTING: A structural questionnaire was used to collect data on daily food intake and habits and socio-economic characteristics. Nutrients of food intake were assessed using the Esha programme and compared with that of dietary requirement intake (DRI). A body composition analyser was used to measure body fat (BF), visceral fat (VF) and BMI. Spearman correlation coefficients and simple regression analysis were performed to determine associations between variables. PARTICIPANTS: Foreign students residing for different periods (<6 months: 200 students and >6 months: 200 students) were used as subjects. RESULTS: The students who stayed <6 months consumed lower level of some nutrients than that of the DRI compared with those stayed >6 months. Overweight and obesity were more common among students who stayed >6 months with high values of BF and VF. Several risk factors were positively or negatively correlated with the students' nutrition proxies. CONCLUSION: Most of the students who stayed >6 months are suffered from overweight. Some independent variables were found to be significantly correlated with the students' nutrition proxies either positively or negatively.

Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation and Adipokine Levels in Maturing Adipocytes by Bauhinia rufescens (Lam.) Stem Bark Extract Loaded Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles.

The present study reports a cost-effective, environmentally friendly method to increase the bioavailability and bio-efficacy of B. rufescens stem bark extract in the biological system via functional modification as B. rufescens stem bark nanoparticles (BR-TO2-NPs). The biosynthesis of BR- -NPs was confirmed by UV-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction analyses. The shifts in FT-IR stretching vibrations of carboxylic and nitro groups (1615 cm-1), the O-H of phenolics or carboxylic acids (3405 cm-1), alkanes, and alkyne groups (2925 and 2224 cm-1) of the plant extract and lattice (455) indicated successful biosynthesis of BR- -NPs. Compared with the stem bark extract, 40 ng/dL dose of BR- -NPs led to a reduction in adipogenesis and an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis-related gene expressions, adiponectin-R1, PPARγC1α, UCP-1, and PRDM16, in maturing-adipocytes. This confirmed the intracellular uptake, bioavailability, and bio-efficiency of BR-TiO2-NPs. The lipid-lowering capacity of BR-TiO2-NPs effectively inhibited the metabolic inflammation-related gene markers, IL-6, TNF-α, LTB4-R, and Nf-κb. Further, BR-TiO2-NPs stimulating mitochondrial thermogenesis capacity was proven by the significantly enhanced CREB-1 and AMPK protein levels in adipocytes. In conclusion, BR-TiO2-NPs effectively inhibited lipid accumulation and proinflammatory adipokine levels in maturing adipocytes; it may help to overcome obesity-associated comorbidities.

2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid attenuates the carbon tetra chloride-induced hepatotoxicity and its lipid abnormalities in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanism.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Liver inflammation stimulates various inflammatory cytokines and initiates injury through oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to curtaile the liver injury through natural principles such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA). METHODS: The current study examines the hepatoprotective and lipid lowering effect of HMBA against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4)-mediated liver toxicity in male Wistar rats. RESULTS: The hepatoprotective effects of HMBA against CCl4-induced liver damage, were evident from low serum transaminases activities, reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation and collagen content, restoration of total glutathione, and recouping of the inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10, and IL-6 levels. Further it was found that the treatment of HMBA, significantly lowered (P<0.01) the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids in serum and liver. To investigate the mechanism behind the hepatoprotective and lipid lowering effect, the activities of heme oxygenase (HO1), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured and expression levels were quantified through western blot following HMBA administration. The results showed that HMBA administration significantly decreased the activity of HO1 (P<0.001), and increased the activity of MPO (P<0.001); further similar finding was observed in western analysis. The hepatoprotective, lipid lowering and shifting key defensive enzyme activities are similar to that of standard drug such as N-acetylcysteine. CONCLUSION: HMBA is competent of shielding liver from CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, and this is associated with the lipid lowering, inflammatory cytokine restoration and induction of defensive enzyme activities.

Nimbolide attenuate the lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and antioxidant in primary hepatocytes.

Nimbolide is a bioactive compound found in Azadirachta indica. This work was devised to investigate the potential effects of nimbolide on intracellular lipid deposition and its associated redox modulation in primary hepatocytes (Heps). Lipid accumulation was induced in Heps by supplementing 1 mM oleic acid for 24 h which was marked by significant accumulation of lipids. The results demonstrated that nimbolide can decrease intracellular cholesterol, free fatty acids and triglycerides. Nimbolide may also improve hepatocytes function through its antioxidant effects by inhibiting oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation by curtailing the reactive oxygen species levels. Further it also restore the mitochondrial potential, improving the endogenous antioxidant levels such as GSH and antioxidant enzyme activities. Nimbolide increased (P < 0.05) liver X receptor-α (LXRα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP1c) gene expression in Heps. The biological significance of nimbolide may involve hypolipidemic effect, lipid peroxidation inhibition, DNA damage inhibition, ROS inhibition, restoring mitochondrial function, increases in GSH and SOD & CAT activities, and direct regulation of LXRα, PPARγ and SREBP1c gene expression. Nimbolide may be used as effective lipid lowering compound and lipid deposition-induced Heps changes.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among police officers in Riyadh City and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of overweight and obesity and increases in associated diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in the Saudi population, no studies have addressed the spread of obesity among Saudi police officers. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associations with biochemical parameters among the police in Riyadh. METHOD: The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 160 police officers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profiles and fasting blood sugar levels were measured for all individuals. RESULTS: According to the results, the average body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 ± 5.1, indicating an increase in overweight in this population and 66.9% were overweight or obese. Moreover, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 119.5 and 79.4 mmHg, respectively, within normal limits. The mean total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels were 187.5, 43.9, 119.5 and 124.5 mg/100 ml, respectively. DISCUSSION: These BMI and biochemical findings suggest a high proportion of overweight and obese individuals in the sample population, as well as an increase in the proportion of individuals with high levels of biochemical indicators who are therefore susceptible to heart disease and diabetes. CONCLUSION: The study recommends using preventive programs to combat obesity and overweight and related diseases and conducting further studies using measures other than BMI.

Phloretamide Protects against Diabetic Kidney Damage and Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats by Attenuating Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia, Suppressing NF-κß, and Upregulating Nrf2.

Potent hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects were recently reported for the apple-derived phenolic compound phloretamide (PLTM). The renoprotective effects of this compound are yet to be shown. This study aimed to examine the potential of PLTM to prevent diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and to examine the possible mechanisms of protection. Non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic male rats were treated orally by gavage with either the vehicle or with PTLM (200 mg/kg; twice/week) for 12 weeks. PTLM significantly increased urine volume and prevented glomerular and tubular damage and vacuolization in STZ-diabetic rats. It also increased creatinine excretion and reduced urinary albumin levels and the renal levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and nephrin in the diabetic rats. PTLM also prevented an increase in the nuclear levels of NF-κß, as well as the total levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), caspase-3, and Bax in the kidneys of diabetic rats. These effects were associated with reduced serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In both the control and diabetic rats, PTLM significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose and enhanced the renal mRNA and cytoplasmic levels of Nrf2, as well as the levels of Bcl2, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). However, PTLM failed to alter the cytoplasmic levels of keap1 in diabetic rats. In conclusion, PTLM prevents renal damage and dysfunction in STZ-diabetic rats through its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, as well as through its antioxidant potential, which is mediated by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant axis.

A Comparative Study of Food Intake and Adipose Tissue Distribution in Saudi Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent disorder that affects reproductive-aged women and has reproductive, metabolic, and psychosocial effects. This research was intended to investigate the comparison between food intake and adipose tissue distribution in Saudi women suffering from PCOS and a control group. To determine the sociodemographic variables, a case-control study was performed with patients from King Fahad Medical City's Reproductive Endocrine and Infertility Medicine Department (REIMD). The case-control study comprised 42 PCOS patients (PCOS-Ps) and 63 as a control group, all aged 20-45 years. Three-day records were collected from participants to estimate the nutrient intake of cases and controls. A body composition analyzer was used to measure body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF), and visceral fat (VF). Biochemical measurements were taken to determine the lipid profile, total testosterone, and serum vitamin D-25-OH. The women's frequency distribution based on sociodemographic characteristics revealed significant differences within and between the groups. The variations in dietary intake between the PCOS-P and control groups were primarily in terms of total calories, carbohydrates, niacin, and folate, all of which were significantly higher in the PCOS-P group. Dietary fiber, unsaturated fat, vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium, on the other hand, were significantly higher in the control group. A majority of both groups had significantly higher BMI (overweight or obese) and higher BF, but normal VF. According to the findings, testosterone levels in PCOS-Ps were significantly higher than in the control group, but vitamin D-25-OH and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly lower. Age, monthly income, cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and testosterone were the fundamental causes impacting women's anthropometric indices. In conclusion, although both groups were overweight or obese, and differences in calorie and nutrient intake, HDL-C, testosterone, and vitamin D-25-OH levels were observed. The study advises such population groups to limit their consumption of foods high in calories.

Phloretamide Prevent Hepatic and Pancreatic Damage in Diabetic Male Rats by Modulating Nrf2 and NF-κB.

This study examined the effect of phloretamide, a metabolite of phloretin, on liver damage and steatosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats. Adult male rats were divided into two groups: control (nondiabetic) and STZ-treated rats, each of which was further treated orally with the vehicle phloretamide 100 mg or 200 mg. Treatments were conducted for 12 weeks. Phloretamide, at both doses, significantly attenuated STZ-mediated pancreatic ß-cell damage, reduced fasting glucose, and stimulated fasting insulin levels in STZ-treated rats. It also increased the levels of hexokinase, which coincided with a significant reduction in glucose-6 phosphatase (G-6-Pase), and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (PBP1) in the livers of these diabetic rats. Concomitantly, both doses of phloretamide reduced hepatic and serum levels of triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (CHOL), serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and hepatic ballooning. Furthermore, they reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), mRNA, and total and nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, but increased mRNA levels, total and nuclear levels of Nrf2, as well as levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), catalase (CAT), and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the livers of diabetic rats. All of these effects were dose-dependent. In conclusion, phloretamide is a novel drug that could ameliorate DM-associated hepatic steatosis via its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Mechanisms of protection involve improving the ß-cell structure and hepatic insulin action, suppressing hepatic NF-κB, and stimulating hepatic Nrf2.

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.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Gender Differences in Calorie Labeling Policy among Students: Dietary Habits, Nutritional Knowledge and Awareness.

Calorie labels may be the most important predictor of dietary choices among college students. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed calorie labels on the menus of restaurants and cafes. The current study looked at how the calorie labeling policy affects Saudi male and female students' dietary habits, nutritional knowledge, and awareness. The study included 802 students (360 males and 442 females) from Saudi Arabia's King Saud University, ranging between 18 and 35 years. Between December 2020 and October 2021, a cross-sectional, electronic, approved and validated survey was conducted to collect data on gender socio-demographic variables, food habits, and nutritional knowledge and awareness, in accordance with the food policy stated. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The Likert scale was used to determine the level of awareness and the food habit scores, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to determine the differences between the males and females. Spearman's correlation coefficient and simple regression analysis were performed to determine the association between the demographic factors and nutritional knowledge and the awareness of males and females. The results demonstrated that, with the exception of living situations, males and females differed significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in their socio-demographic characteristics. When asked about their food habits after the implementation of calorie labeling, the majority of respondents (>50%) gave negative responses, with a significant difference observed between maintaining body weight (p ≤ 0.05) and gaining weight (p ≤ 0.01). According to the Likert scale, there was a significant difference between males and females in terms of knowledge (p ≤ 0.01) and awareness (p ≤ 0.05). An average of 80.53% of males had very high knowledge (4.07) and 65.65% had medium level (3.24) awareness of calorie labeling, while 83.73% of females had very high knowledge (4.17) and 66.50% had medium level (3.32) awareness of calorie labeling. The socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were significantly and positively or negatively associated with calorie label utilization and varied between respondents, according to the Spearman correlation coefficients (r) and simple linear regression analysis. The number of factors that negatively impacted the males' knowledge and awareness was greater than that of the females. In conclusion, among college students, there were numerous gender differences in the demographic and social characteristics. The respondents' knowledge was insufficient, with females outperforming males.

Saudi date cultivars' seed extracts inhibit developing hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet.

This research aim was to assess the impact of the seed extracts of the date cultivars (Qatara, Barhi, and Ruthana) on rat's liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation triggered by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). The experimental design was based on random partitioning into two groups; one that received the standard diet and another that received the HFD diet. The HFD rats were orally administered Lipitor or date seed extracts at 300 or 600 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Accordingly, feeding rats HFD significantly increased body and liver weights, hepatic and serum lipid levels, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver function enzymes, and inflammation markers, and decreased oxidative stress enzymes. Oral administration of Barhi and Ruthana date seed extracts significantly decreased body and liver weights. Serum and liver total cholesterol TC, Triglycerides TGs, and free fatty acids FFAs were also decreased as were AST, ALT, MAD, leptin, and CRP, with a concomitant increase in SOD, GSH, and CAT. Furthermore, similar to Lipitor, oral administration of the extracts reduced inflammation markers such as TNF-α, serum CRP, IL-6, IL-1ß, and leptin while increasing IL-10 and adiponectin levels. Histological observation revealed that extract administration improved hepatocyte and parenchymal structures and decreased lipid deposition. In conclusion, both Barhi and Ruthana seed extracts showed strong hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects against HFD-induced liver steatosis. And date seeds have other beneficial potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases, which can be studied in the future.