Antioxidant Sirt1/Akt axis expression in resveratrol pretreated adipose-derived stem cells increases regenerative capability in a rat model with cardiomyopathy induced by diabetes mellitus.

High-glucose (HG) suppresses mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions, resulting in a decrease in cardiac regenerative capability for MSC in diabetes mellitus (DM). Resveratrol enhances MSC functions under stress. This study explores if cardiac regenerative capability can be enhanced in MSCs pretreated with resveratrol in DM rats receiving MSCs. In vitro evidence confirms that HG decreases MSCs capability through suppression of survival markers, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) axis, and expression of apoptotic markers. All of these markers are improved when MSCs are cocultured with resveratrol. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into Sham, DM (DM rats), DM rats with autologous transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (DM + ADSC), and DM rats with resveratrol pretreated ADSC (DM + RSVL-ADSC). Compared to the Sham, DM induces pathological pathways (including fibrosis, hypertrophy, and apoptosis) and suppresses survival as well as the AMPK/Sirt1 axis in the DM group. DM + ADSC slightly improves the above pathways whereas DM + RSVL-ADSC significantly improves the above pathways when compared to the DM group. These results illustrate that resveratrol pretreated with MSCs may show clinical potential in the treatment of heart failure in patients with DM.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 mediates apoptosis inhibition through reducing mitochondrial ROS and activating Bcl-2 in gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer A549 cells.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In this study, we used lung adenocarcinoma cells as a model, as lung adenocarcinoma has the highest mortality rate among all lung cancers. For the past few years, medical treatments or lung cancer have been limited because of chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of the development of drug resistance in lung cancer is urgent. Gemcitabine is widely prescribed in the chemotherapeutic treatment of lung cancers. In this study, we developed gemcitabine-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549-GR) from the A549 cell line. The results showed that apoptotic protein expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were reduced in A549-GR cells compared to A549 cells. Interestingly, we found that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) translocated to the nucleus and mitochondria to affect the apoptotic pathway and ROS generation, respectively. Furthermore, treatment with STAT3 small interfering RNA diminished the increase in ROS production, proliferation and antiapoptotic proteins in A549-GR cells. Taken together, the study demonstrated that STAT3 acts as an essential regulator and moderates apoptosis through two major mechanisms to induce gemcitabine resistance in cells; and these findings provide a potential target for the treatment of gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer.

Calmodulin/CaMKII-γ mediates prosurvival capability in apicidin-persistent hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ERK1/2/CREB/c-fos signaling pathway.

Calmodulin (CaM), a Ca2+ binding protein, plays a critical role in cancer initiation and progression through binding and activating numerous target proteins, including Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) family proteins. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of CaM/CaMKs on the survival capability of liver cancer cells is unclear, and this study investigates this mechanism in apicidin-persistent HA22T cells. CaM level was upregulated, especially in the cytosol, in apicidin-persistent HA22T cells than in parental HA22T cells and was positively associated with cell proliferation and migration capacity of apicidin-persistent HA22T cells. Further, the expression of CaM-activated CaMKs-dependent signaling cascades, including CaMKK2, CaMKIV, CaMKII-γ, and p-CaMKII was observed in apicidin-persistent HA22T cells, which were transiently activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase oncogenic signaling, such as CREB, ERK1/2, and c-fos. Furthermore, a specific CaM inhibitor trifluoperazine reduced the levels of p-CREB, p-ERK1/2, and c-fos in apicidin-persistent HA22T cells than in parental HA22T cells. Additionally, inhibition of CaM also suppressed CaM-induced Bcl-XL (an antiapoptotic protein) expression in apicidin-persistent HA22T cells. Our finding emphasizes an essential role of CaM/CaMKs in augmentation of the survival capability of apicidin-persistent liver cancer cells and suggests that CaM inhibition significantly attenuates CaM-induced tumor growth and abrogates antiapoptotic function and also offers a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

SENP1 participates in Irinotecan resistance in human colon cancer cells.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Chemoresistance has always been a problem encountered in its treatment. It is known that SUMOylation may regulate protein stability and decomposition, and even affect the protein translocation and posttranslational modification in cells. Sentrin-specific protease 1 (SENP1) is involved in the maturation of SUMO protein, and on the other hand, plays a role in deSUMOylation, which dissociates the target protein from SUMO and prevents further degradation of the target protein. In this study, we established an Irinotecan (CPT-11) resistant human colon cancer LoVo strain (LoVoR-CPT-11 ) to investigate the role of SENP1 in the development of drug resistance in colorectal cancer. The abundant accumulation of SENP1 and HIF-1α proteins and the increase of SUMO pathway enzymes were observed in LoVoR-CPT-11 cells while the protein markers of proliferation, angiogenesis, and glycolysis were upregulated. Knockdown of SENP1 reduced the migration ability and trigged re-sensitivity of LoVoR-CPT-11 cells to CPT-11 treatment. The analysis of SENP1 and HIF-1α gene expressions from TCGA/GTEx datasets using the GEPIA web server showed a positive correlation between SENP1 and HIF-1α in colorectal cancer patients and the high expression of these two genes might predict a poor outcome clinically. In conclusion, SENP1 might play an important role in CPT-11 resistance in colorectal cancer. Targeting SENP1 to reduce the resistant property could be considered in prospective clinical studies.

Seven traditional Chinese herbal extracts fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus provide anti-pigmentation effects by regulating the CREB/MITF/tyrosinase pathway.

Skin pigmentation is resulted from several processes, such as melanin synthesis transportation and abnormal melanin accumulation in keratinocytes. Various studies have suggested that seven traditional Chinese herbal extracts from Atractylodes macrocephala, Paeonia lactiflora, Bletilla striata, Poria cocos, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Ampelopsis japonica and Tribulus terrestris (which we collectively named ChiBai), show several protective effects toward skin-related diseases. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a lactic acid bacterium, has been reported to treat skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. In this study, the broth produced by the cofermentation of ChiBai with Lactobacillus rhamnosus was studied for its effects on skin pigmentation through in vitro and in vitro experiments. In the in vitro experiments, we found that the fermented broth of ChiBai (FB-ChiBai) suppressed alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F0 murine melanoma cells without any cytotoxicity at a concentration of 0.5%. FB-ChiBai significantly attenuated melanin production, tyrosinase activities and melanogenesis-related signaling pathways. Treatment with FB-ChiBai also reduced the nuclear translocation and promoter binding activities of MITF. In the in vivo experiments, FB-ChiBai was topically applied to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6J nude mice and concurrently irradiated with UVB, three times a week for 8 weeks. The results indicated that FB-ChiBai alleviated UVB-induced hyperpigmentation by reducing epidermal hyperplasia and inhibiting the CREB/MITF/tyrosinase pathway. In conclusion, our data indicated that the anti-melanogenic effects of FB-ChiBai are mediated by the inhibition of CREB/MITF/tyrosinase signaling pathway. The findings suggest that FB-ChiBai can protect against UV-B irradiation and that it might be used as an agent in cosmetic products to protect against UVB-induced hyperpigmentation.

D-galactose-induced toxicity associated senescence mitigated by alpinate oxyphyllae fructus fortified adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

This study addresses the effect of D-galactose-induced toxicity associated senescence mitigated by alpinate oxyphyllae fructus (AOF; Alpinia oxyphylla Miq) extracts fortified with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in rats. Male 18 week-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used in this study. We analyzed cardiac fibrosis by Masson's trichrome staining. The tissue sections were dyed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Tissue sections were stained for the restoration of Nrf2 expression in treatment groups by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis showed that AOF with ADMSCs could significantly reduce aging-induced oxidative stress in D-galactose-induced aging rat hearts by inducing Nrf2 pathway. Reduction in ROS resulted in the suppression of inflammatory signals (p-NF-κB and IL-6). Histopathological studies were showed an increased interstitium and collagen accumulation in aging-induced heart sections. However, AOF and ADMSCs treated hearts were recovered from cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, hypertrophy and fibrosis associated markers were also significantly reduced (P < .05) in treatment groups. We speculate that ADMSCs might activate certain paracrine factors, which could target the upstream activator of aging associated cardiac complications and AOF might provide homing for these stem cells.

Dehydrocrenatidine inhibits head and neck cancer cells invasion and migration by modulating JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 pathway and decreases MMP-2 expression.

Head and neck cancer is associated with poor prognosis because of its highly metastatic nature. For the better management of head and neck cancer patients, it is very important to diagnose the cancer at an early stage, as well as to prevent the rapid spread of cancer either through direct invasion or lymphatic metastasis. In present study, the effect of dehydrocrenatidine, which is a beta-carboline alkaloid found in the medicinal plant Picrasma quassioides, on human head and neck cancer metastasis was investigated. The study results revealed the treatment of FaDu, SCC9, and SCC47 cells with 5, 10, and 20 µM of dehydrocrenatidine significantly decreased the motility, migration, and invasion of head and neck cancer cells. Moreover, the dehydrocrenatidine treatment significantly decreased the expression of MMP-2 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2. Additional experiments revealed that the cotreatment of dehydrocrenatidine with either ERK1/2 or JNK1/2 inhibitor caused further reduction in cancer cell motility and migration compared to that in dehydrocrenatidine treatment alone. Moreover, similar trend was observed in case of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 phosphorylation and MMP-2 expression after the cotreatment. Taken together, the mechanism by which dehydrocrenatidine can decrease the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2, follow decrease the expression of MMP-2 and inhibits head and neck cancer cells invasion and migration. This present study identifies dehydrocrenatidine as a potent antimetastatic agent that can be used clinically to improve head and neck cancer prognosis.

Extracts of Jasminum sambac flowers fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus inhibit H2 O2 - and UVB-induced aging in human dermal fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a crucial factor that leads to skin photoaging and results in increased DNA damage, oxidative stress, and collagen degradation. Jasmine flowers have been utilized as a traditional medicine in Asia to treat various diseases, including dermatitis, diarrhea, and fever. Furthermore, the fermented broth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been reported to exert protective effects on the skin. In the present study, jasmine flower extract was fermented with L. rhamnosus. We investigated the antioxidant and collagen-promoting effects on UVB/H2 O2 -induced HS68 dermal fibroblast cell damage. The results indicated that treatment with the fermented flower extracts of Jasminum sambac (F-FEJS) could enhance the viability of HS68 cells. Furthermore, the UVB/H2 O2 -induced excessive production of reactive oxygen species, degradation of collagen, activation of MAPKs, including P38, ERK, and JNK, and premature senescence were remarkably attenuated by F-FEJS in dermal fibroblast cells. The nuclear accumulation of p-c-jun, which is downstream of MAPK, and the inactivation of p-smad2/3, which is one of the crucial transcription factors that enhance collagen synthesis, were reversed in response to F-FEJS treatment in UVB/H2 O2 -exposed cells. Notably, the expression of antioxidant genes, such as HO-1, and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 were further enhanced by F-FEJS in UVB/H2 O2 -treated cells. Interestingly, the F-FEJS-induced increase in ARE luciferase activity indicated the activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that F-FEJS can effectively ameliorate UVB/H2 O2 -induced dermal cell aging and may be considered a promising ingredient in skin aging therapy.

PlatyphyllenoneExerts Anti-Metastatic Effects on Human Oral Cancer Cells by Modulating Cathepsin L Expression, MAPK Pathway and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

Advanced-stage oral cancers with lymph node metastasis are associated with poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Although recent advancement in cancer treatment has effectively improved the oral cancer prognosis, the majority of therapeutic interventions are highly expensive and are associated with severe sideeffects. In the present study, we studied the efficacy of a diarylheptanoid derivative, platyphyllenone, in modulating the metastatic potential of human oral cancer cells. Specifically, we treated the human oral cancer cells (FaDu, Ca9-22, and HSC3) with different concentrations of platyphyllenone and measured the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The study findings revealed that platyphyllenonesignificantly inhibited the motility, migration, and invasion of human oral cancer cells. Mechanistically, platyphyllenone reduced p38 phosphorylation, decreased ß-catenin and Slug, increased E-cadherin expression, and reduced cathepsin L expression, which collectively led to a reduction in cancer cell migration and invasion. Taken together, our study indicates that platyphyllenone exerts significant anti-metastatic effects on oral cancer cells by modulating cathepsin L expression, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.

Effects of phytochemicals on cellular signaling: reviewing their recent usage approaches.

Most of the previous studies in last three decades report evidence of interactions between the different phytochemicals and the proteins involved in signal transduction pathways using in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses. However, extrapolation of these findings for clinical purposes has not been that fruitful. The efficacy of the phytochemicals in vivo studies is limited by parameters such as solubility, metabolic degradation, excretion, etc. Various approaches have now been devised to circumvent these limitations. Recently, chemical modification of the phytochemicals are demonstrated to reduce some of the limitations and improve their efficacy. Similar to traditional medicines several combinatorial phytochemical formulations have shown to be more efficient. Further, phytochemicals have been reported to be even more efficient in the form of nanoparticles. However, systematic evaluation of their efficacy, mode of action in pathway modulation, usage and associated challenges is required to be done. The present review begins with basic understanding of how signaling cascades regulate cellular response and the consequences of their dysregulation further summarizing the developments and problems associated with the dietary phytochemicals and also discuss recent approaches in strengthening these compounds in pharmacological applications. Only context relevant studies have been reviewed. Considering the limitations and scope of the article, authors do not claim inclusion of all the early and recent studies.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate preconditioned Adipose-derived Stem Cells confer Neuroprotection in aging rat brain.

Aging is the most important current issue and is usually accompanied by complications, such as cardiovascular disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, which are the leading causes of death worldwide and the second major cause of death in Taiwan. In this study, we have investigated the protective effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and the role of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in enhancing this effect in aging cerebral cortex of rats. Further, we attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanism through which EGCG influences the protective effects of ADSC. ADSCs, co-cultured with EGCG, were injected into 20-month-old Wistar rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the cerebral cortex revealed noticeable neurogenic activity and visible improvements in the integrity of the pre-frontal cortex tissue, compared to that in rats treated with ADSCs alone. Western blot analysis confirmed that ADSC, co-cultured with EGCG, enhanced cell survival via the p-Akt pathway and improved mitochondrial biogenesis via the SIRT-1 pathway. Moreover, it increased the available brain-derived neurotrophic factor to a higher degree than that in the ADSC group. Furthermore, western blotting showed that EGCG improved the antioxidant activity of the ADSCs in the cortex tissues via the Nrf-2 and HO-1 pathway. Based on these findings, we propose that this variation in stem cell treatment may facilitate functional recovery and enhanced neuroprotection in aged brains.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorhiza) inhibits Leu27 IGF-II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cells.

In this study, we used ICI 182 780 (ICI), an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, to investigate the estrogenic activity of Danshen, and to further explored whether Danshen extract can block Leu27IGF-II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. We first used an IGF-II analog Leu27IGF-II, which specifically activates IGF2R signaling cascades and induces H9c2 cardiomyoblast cell hypertrophy. However, Danshen extract completely inhibited Leu27IGF-II-induced cell size increase, ANP and BNP hypertrophic marker expression, and IGF2R induction. We also observed that Danshen extract inhibited calcineurin protein expression and NFAT3 nuclear translocation, leading to suppression of Leu27IGF-II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, the anti-Leu27IGF-II-IGF2R signaling effect of Danshen was totally reversed by ICI, which suggest the cardio protective effect of Danshen is mediated through estrogen receptors. Our study suggests that, Danshen exerts estrogenic activity, and thus, it could be used as a selective ER modulator in IGFIIR induced hypertrophy model.

Bioactive peptides attenuate cardiac apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rat hearts through activation of autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway.

Alcalase potato protein hydrolysate (APPH) might have a very important role in therapeutic effects. This study aims to examine the beneficial effects of bioactive peptides (DIKTNKPVIF [DI] and IF) from APPH supplement in the regulation of cardiac apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We have investigated ejection fraction, fractional shortening, Tunel assay, apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway marker expression to show the efficacy of bioactive peptides in an SHR model. Bioactive peptides significantly upregulate ejection fraction and fractional shortening in SHR rats. SHR rats exhibited higher protein expression of apoptotic markers such as BAD, cytochrome c, and caspase 3. Finally, the bioactive peptides upregulate survival proteins (p-AKT/p-PI3K), autophagy (Beclin1/LC3B), and mitochondrial biogenesis (p-AMPKα/SIRT1/PGC1α/p-Foxo3a/Nrf2/CREB) marker expressions compared with the SHR groups. In summary, the bioactive peptides protect the heart tissues through the activation of autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway and thereby attenuate cardiac apoptosis in a spontaneously hypertensive rat model.

Dipeptide IF prevents the effects of hypertension-induced Alzheimer's disease on long-term memory in the cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions; it can damage blood vessels and rupture blood vessels can trap in small vessels. This blockage can prevent blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain cells and can result in Alzheimer's disease (AD). HTN- and AD-mediated long-time memory loss and its treatment remain poorly understood. Plant-derived natural compounds are alternative solutions for effectively treating diseases without any side effects. This study revealed that bioactive peptides extracted from potato hydrolysis suppress HTN-mediated long-term memory (LTM) loss and cell apoptosis, thus improving memory formation and neuronal cell survival in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) rat model. SHR rats were treated with bioactive peptide IF (10 mg/kg orally) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (5 mg/kg orally). In this study, we evaluated the molecular expression levels of BDNF-, GluR1-, and CREB-mediated markers protein expression in 24-week-old SHR rats. The study result showed that HTN-induced AD regulated long-term memory (LTM) loss and neuronal degeneration in the SHR animals. The bioactive peptide-treated animals showed an elevated level of survival proteins. Bioactive peptide IF activate CREB-mediated downstream proteins to regulate synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival in the SHR rat model.

Resveratrol enhances therapeutic effect on pancreatic regeneration in diabetes mellitus rats receiving autologous transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells.

Pancreatic damage is the major causative agent in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Several strategies have been suggested to regenerate pancreatic functions, such as stem cell transplantation and administration of active components isolating from natural herbals. This study aims to investigate if the synergistically protective effect on damaged pancreatic tissues can be observed in STZ-induced DM rats with autologous transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) coupling with oral administration of resveratrol. Pathological conditions can be recognized in DM rats with pancreatic damage, including reduction of islet size, suppression of survival markers, downregulation of AMPK/Sirt1 axis, and activation of apoptotic signaling. Autologous transplantation of ADSC slightly improves pancreatic functions, whereas autologous transplantation of ADSC coupling with oral administration of resveratrol significantly improves pancreatic functions in DM rats. We suggest that oral administration of resveratrol may enhance the therapeutic effect on DM patients receiving autologous transplantation of ADSC.

Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Physical Exercise in Neurodegeneration.

Physical exercise (PE) improves physical performance, mental status, general health, and well-being. It does so by affecting many mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level. PE is beneficial for people suffering from neuro-degenerative diseases because it improves the production of neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and hormones. PE promotes neuronal survival and neuroplasticity and also optimizes neuroendocrine and physiological responses to psychosocial and physical stress. PE sensitizes the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and central nervous system (CNS) by promoting many processes such as synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. Overall, it carries out many protective and preventive activities such as improvements in memory, cognition, sleep and mood; growth of new blood vessels in nervous system; and the reduction of stress, anxiety, neuro-inflammation, and insulin resistance. In the present work, the protective effects of PE were overviewed. Suitable examples from the current research work in this context are also given in the article.

Deep breathing exercises in easing educational stress among Indian high school students.

In this educational landscape, the pervasive issue of stress among higher secondary students has emerged as a serious matter. Acknowledging the challenges posed by educational stress, this research explores holistic and accessible interventions, with a focus on the promising avenue of deep breathing exercises known for their effectiveness in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The study employs a quasi-experimental design, comparing an experimental group engaged in daily deep breathing exercises with a control group following a regular routine. Sixty higher secondary students in Visnagar participate through purposive sampling, adhering to specific inclusion criteria. The intervention includes a pre-tested questionnaire to assess stress levels, the implementation of daily deep breathing exercises in the experimental group, and a post-intervention stress level reassessment in both groups. The findings reveal a notable reduction in stress levels post-intervention, particularly in the experimental group practicing deep breathing exercises. Statistically significant reductions in mean stress scores underscore the effectiveness of this intervention, with the experimental group demonstrating a significantly lower mean stress score compared to the control group. This study contributes vital insights into stress management strategies for higher secondary students, highlighting the efficacy of incorporating deep breathing exercises into their routine. The observed reductions in stress levels emphasize the potential benefits of practical stress reduction techniques within the educational milieu.

Exploring eating behaviors, knowledge and attitudes of adolescent Indian girls.

Data on the eating behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of adolescent girls in Visnagar, India, focusing on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases [NCDs] and their association with dietary practices is of interest. Adolescence, a crucial developmental phase, sets the foundation for lifelong health habits, necessitating an understanding of the determinants influencing eating behaviors. The research aims to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices [KAP], providing insights for culturally sensitive public health strategies. Through structured questionnaires and Likert scales, data were collected from a purposive sample of adolescent girls [ages 12-18] in a selected school. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were employed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, considering demographic variables. Non-significant associations were found between these variables and demographics. The mean knowledge score was 25.11, reflecting a moderate level, while the mean attitudes score was 99.54, indicating generally positive attitudes. Adolescent girls demonstrated an overall mean behaviour score of 110.93, with a positive correlation [0.72] between knowledge and behaviors and a stronger correlation [0.99] between attitudes and behaviors. Findings highlight the universal importance of knowledge in influencing eating behaviors and emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions considering regional influences. The study contributes valuable insights into the interplay of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to eating disorders in adolescent girls, serving as a foundation for targeted public health strategies.

Effect of aerobic exercise on anthropometric parameters among Indian primary school children.

Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with significant implications for long-term health. This study addresses the rising rates of obesity among school-age children (10-12 years) and investigates the effectiveness of aerobic exercise interventions in improving anthropometric parameters, specifically focusing on BMI and mid-arm circumference (MAC). The study emphasizes the role of schools in shaping children's behaviors and aims to contribute empirical evidence to inform health promotion strategies for this demographic. The research employs a quasi-experimental design, involving 60 school-age children in Visnagar, Gujarat, India. The 12-week aerobic exercise intervention, conducted three times a week, comprises activities like running, jumping jacks, and dance routines. Data collection includes sociodemographic information, BMI, and MAC measurements. The study design, participant criteria, and intervention details are carefully outlined. Socio-demographic variables such as age and monthly family income significantly influence BMI, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in interventions. Pretest results show 80% of children classified as overweight, reducing to 58.3% post-intervention. The mean BMI significantly decreases from 24.41 to 22.84 (p < 0.05), indicating the positive impact of aerobic exercise. The study also explores the association between BMI, MAC, and socio-demographic variables through chi-square tests. Data shows the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-age children and demonstrates the effectiveness of a 12-week aerobic exercise program in improving BMI. Findings align with existing literature on the positive impact of physical activity on weight management in children.

Knowledge, attitudes and demographic effect on menopausal experiences among Indian rural women.

The menopausal experiences of women in selected rural areas of Visnagar, addressing a research gap within cultural and socio-economic landscapes is of interest. The global aging trend was reflected in the 26% representation of women aged 50 and over in the study. Employing a cross-sectional design, 200 menopausal women were sampled through stratified random sampling, emphasizing demographic diversity. Results from a structured Knowledge Questionnaire and a Likert Scale for Attitude revealed that women generally possessed commendable knowledge (mean score 10.94) and positive attitudes (mean score 28.66) toward menopause. Significant associations between age, education, occupation, and income with knowledge and attitudes were uncovered through chi-square tests. This study underscored the need for tailored interventions in rural settings, considering the influence of cultural, regional, and demographic factors on menopausal experiences. The findings contributed to bridging the research gap and emphasized the importance of individualized approaches for promoting the well-being of menopausal women in rural communities.