ABSTRACT
Background@#One of the therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus involves suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting key enzymes in carbohydrate digestion, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. While such inhibitors are commercially available, some researchers have turned to plants for potentially cheaper and safer alternatives.@*Objectives@#The study aimed to investigate the in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the leaf methanolic extracts of two native Philippine plants Ficus nota Blanco Merr. and Ficus septica Burm F, as well as their effects on postprandial blood glucose levels in a mouse model.@*Methodology@#The in vitro activities of the leaf methanolic extracts were evaluated against porcine pancreatic α-amylase and yeast αglucosidase. The most active extract was partially purified into fractions by sequential solvent partitioning and subjected to in vitro testing. Postprandial antihyperglycemic activity was then assessed in normoglycemic ICR mice. Phytochemical analysis was also performed@*Results@#The most active extract and fraction in vitro were FS-crude and FS-HexF, respectively, having significantly more potent αglucosidase inhibitory activity than the commercial drug acarbose. FS-crude and FS-HexF exhibited strong inhibition of αglucosidase and weak inhibition of α-amylase, which is considered favorable for novel inhibitors as it is hypothesized to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, FS-crude and FS-HexF did not significantly attenuate postprandial blood glucose levels in the oral starch tolerance test. Phytochemical analysis of FS-HexF putatively identified 6-gingerol as one of the possible bioactive components.@*Conclusion@#F. septica could be a potential source of glycoside inhibitors as it showed promising in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. While it did not exhibit significant postprandial antihyperglycemic activity in this study, more robust testing is recommended to make a definitive conclusion.
Subject(s)
Amylases , Glucosidases , Hypoglycemic AgentsABSTRACT
Purpose@#Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus disease (COVID). Transportation barriers made travel to obtain medical care more difficult during the pandemic. Whether these factors led to changes in the distance traveled for radiotherapy and the coordinated location of radiation treatment is unknown. @*Materials and Methods@#We analyzed patients across 60 cancer sites in the National Cancer Database from 2018 to 2020. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed for changes in distance traveled for radiotherapy. We designated the facilities in the 99th percentile or above in terms of the proportion of patients who traveled more than 200 miles as “destination facilities.” We defined “coordinated care” as undergoing radiotherapy at the same facility where the cancer was diagnosed. @*Results@#We evaluated 1,151,954 patients. There was a greater than 1% decrease in the proportion of patients treated in the Mid-Atlantic States. Mean distance traveled from place of residence to radiation treatment decreased from 28.6 to 25.9 miles, and the proportion traveling greater than 50 miles decreased from 7.7% to 7.1%. At “destination facilities,” the proportion traveling more than 200 miles decreased from 29.3% in 2018 to 24% in 2020. In comparison, at the other hospitals, the proportion traveling more than 200 miles decreased from 1.07% to 0.97%. In 2020, residing in a rural area resulted in a lower odds of having coordinated care (multivariable odds ratio = 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.95). @*Conclusion@#The first year of the COVID pandemic measurably impacted the location of U.S. radiation therapy treatment.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Earlier studies reported the anti-inflammatory activity in several species of Piper, and Piper umbellatum Linn. leaves containing some phytochemicals that are potent anti-inflammatory agents. However, there was no thorough investigation on the anti-inflammatory activity of the locally grown P. umbellatum in the Philippines. @*Objective@#The study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Piper umbellatum leaves using in vitro and in vivo assays. @*Methodology@#Crude extracts were obtained from P. umbellatum leaves using polar and non-polar solvents. The anti-inflammatory activities of all crude extracts were determined using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in mice and phytochemical analysis. The crude extract with the highest activity was partially purified using column chromatography. The fractions with similar TLC profile were pooled and tested for antiinflammatory activity. COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibitory activity were determined in pooled fractions that showed initial activity in animal model. @*Results@#Among the crude extracts of P.umbellatum, the crude ethyl acetate extract exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibition on paw edema test with doses of 500 mg/kg bw, 1,000 mg/kg bw and 1,500 mg/kg bw (p<0.05). Among the 20 pooled fractions (PF) collected from the ethyl acetate extract, PF58, PF60 and PF64 had the highest COX-2 enzyme inhibitions of 83.12 %, 84.78% and 77.47%, respectively (p<0.05). PF60 also exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity on paw edema with inhibitions of 62.45% at low dose (250 mg/kg bw) and 76.10 % at high dose (1,000 mg/kg bw) in mice. @*Conclusion@#The ethyl acetate extract of P. umbellatum leaves and its fraction-PF60 exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro and in vivo assays and contained high amounts of total phenolic and total flavonoid.
Subject(s)
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases , Carrageenan , InflammationABSTRACT
Background@#Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are essential enzymes in converting food into energy inside the body. However, the proper management of these enzymes is needed to maintain normal blood glucose levels in the body. Thus, inhibiting these carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes is necessary for managing hyperglycemia and alleviating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus complications. Studies have reported that the Piper species have inhibitory properties on these digestive enzymes. However, the locally cultivated P. umbellatum has not yet been studied. @*Objectives@#The study evaluated the inhibitory potentials of the locally grown P. umbellatum leaf extracts against α-amylase and α-gluiosidase. @*Methodology@#The P. umbellatum leaf extracts were screened for in vitro inhibitory α-amylase and α-glucosidase tests. The most active crude extract was subjected to semi-purification and fractions were subjected to inhibitory enzymatic tests. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted. @*Results@#Among all crude extracts, the KMB-HE exhibited the highest activities comparable to that of the acarbose standard (p>0.05). The KMB-HE showed inhibitions of 81.01%±1.66 and 89.51%±3.03 on α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 250 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, it contained the highest phenolic (195.00 ±3.60 GAE mg/gram) and flavonoid (4.55±0.06 QE mg/gram) contents that may be linked to the observed activities. The semi-purification of KMB-HE collected 24 fractions with PF10 demonstrating inhibitions of 68.07%±13.48 and 74.21%±2.22 in α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Also, the PF10 contained the highest phenolic (204.75±2.42 GAE mg/gram) and flavonoid (4.00±0.07 QE mg/gram) compounds among all the active fractions tested. The PF10 satisfied the recommended criteria for plant natural inhibitors: a moderate-to-low α-amylase and stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. @*Conclusion@#The P. umbellatum exhibited good inhibitory activities on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes. These may lead to further analysis of the P. umbellatum for future development of a safer, locally available natural remedy in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2ABSTRACT
Background@#One of the causes of inflammatory arthritis is excessive production of uric acid or hyperuricemia. It is a painful disease that is treated with a commercial xanthine oxidase inhibitor to decrease uric acid synthesis. However, the treatment is associated with adverse side effects and thus, there is interest in medicinal plants that could have similar therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. There are many reported indigenous plants and trees in the Philippines that are reported to have therapeutic and bioactive compounds. One such plant is Canarium ovatum or locally called pili. This study aimed to determine the antihyperuricemic activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of C. ovatum. @*Objective@#Determine the antihyperuricemic activity of the crude ethanolic extract of C. ovatum leaves and its partially purified fractions through inhibition of xanthine oxidase and its effect on the blood uric acid level of oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. @*Methodology@#The crude ethanol extract from C. ovatum leaves and its partially purified fractions obtained through column chromatography were tested for their in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity by measuring spectrophotometrically the uric acid formation from xanthine as the substrate. The crude ethanol extract and the fraction with the most XO inhibitory activity were then tested for their in vivo XO inhibitory activity in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice by measuring their blood uric acid levels using uric acid test strips. @*Results@#The crude ethanolic extract of C. ovatum leaves at 100ppm showed 83.62±2.05% in vitro inhibition of XO while the most active fraction showed 80.30±4.00% inhibition. Both were comparable (p>0.05) to the positive control, allopurinol, which showed 91.47±5.64% inhibition. In vivo, the crude extract and the fraction that showed the highest XO inhibitory activity at 200 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) respectively reduced the serum uric acid levels of the hyperuricemic mice one hour after induction as compared to the negative control. Moreover, their antihyperuricemic activity were not statistically significant as compared to that of allopurinol (p<0.0001). @*Conclusion@#The crude ethanolic extract of C. ovatum leaves and its most active fraction showed statistically significant in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition and in vivo antihyperuricemic activity. The activities shown by both crude and active fraction were not statistically different from that determined for allopurinol. Therefore, further studies can be conducted to isolate the most active compound and study its pharmacokinetic properties.
Subject(s)
Xanthine Oxidase , Uric Acid , AllopurinolABSTRACT
Background@#Rattan is a member of the Arecaceae family grown in the tropical or subtropical climates. These plants are used as raw materials for furniture-making. In some cases, its shoots are also used as food and may possess bioactive potentials. In this study, rattan root methanolic extracts were screened for phytochemicals and evaluated for antioxidant activities.@*Methodology@#Six (6) methanolic extracts of selected rattan shoots were subjected to in vitro antioxidant assays, which include DPPH, FRAP, metal chelation, superoxide, and nitric oxide. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were also employed. @*Results@#Shoots of Calamus sp. 02 (Bangaw-Bangaw; 85.59±0.430%), C. usitatus (Talola; 82.45±2.215%), and C. spinifolius (Kurakling; 75.54±1.599%) showed the most effective DPP radical inhibition at 66.67μg/mL. Concentration-dependent reducing power (>30% scavenging at 6.64μg/mL) with no-to-low metal chelating activity was also observed in these plant food. C. sp 02 and C. usitatus demonstrated an effective scavenging activity against superoxide anions at 227.3μg/mL. Nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed in all shoots with C. merrilli (Palasan) exhibiting highest at 78.13μg/mL. Qualitative phytochemical analyses showed that rattan shoots all contained reducing sugars, phenolics, terpenoids, and quinone compounds. Quantitative phytochemical analyses revealed that C. sp. 02 (66.024±4.183mg GAE/g) and C. merrilli (1.767±0.056mg QE/g) contained the highest amounts of phenolic and flavonoids, respectively. These phytochemicals present may explain their behavior as antioxidants. @*Conclusion@#The study revealed that different rattan shoots showed different capacities to scavenge particular oxidants. Of these, C. sp. 02, C. spinifolius, and C. merrilli may be considered promising sources of natural antioxidants.
Subject(s)
Phytochemicals , Antioxidants , CalamusABSTRACT
@#Plants have been a major source of natural products for sustaining human health. The use of the different parts of the plant as infusions, decoctions, extracts, and powders are being employed in the treatment of different diseases in humans, plants, and animals. One property of great significance in terms of therapeutic treatments, especially with the emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, is the antimicrobial activity. A new promising source of antimicrobials that demonstrate novel mechanisms of therapeutic strategies is low molecular weight peptides. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of Mimosa pudica crude and partially purified peptide extracts against Gram-negative Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 23355 and Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, and Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 using resazurin colorimetric assay and tricine SDS-PAGE bioautography were reported. M. pudica crude and partially purified extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the bacteria tested. Specifically, the peptide that was partially purified from M. pudica with a molecular weight of 5.14 kDa inhibited the growth of Enterobacter cloacae.
Subject(s)
Antimicrobial PeptidesABSTRACT
Objective: To estimate the serotype and age-specific hospitalization burden associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Anhua county of Hunan province, between October 2013 and September 2016. Methods: We collected hospitalization records of HFMD patients from 6 virological surveillance hospitals, and reimbursement records through new rural cooperative medical system from 23 township health centers to estimate the age-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua. Combined with the results of virological surveillance, the serotype-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua, was estimated. Results: During the three years, it was estimated that 3 541 clinical diagnosed HFMD cases, including 3 146 laboratory-confirmed HFMD cases, were hospitalized in Anhua, but only one was diaguosed as being severe. The estimated average hospitalization rate was 723/100 000(95%CI: 699/100 000-747/100 000) for clinical diagnosed HFMD and 642/100 000 (95%CI: 620/100 000-665/100 000) for laboratory-confirmed HFMD between October 2013 and September 2016. The cases caused by Cox A16 (208/100 000) and Cox A6 (202/100 000) had higher hospitalization rates compared with the cases caused by EV71 (130/100 000), Cox A10 (38/100 000) and other enterovirus (64/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). HFMD-associated hospitalization rates peaked in children aged 1 year (3 845/100 000), and then decreased with age. Compared with the hospitalized HFMD caused by EV71 and Cox A16, Cox A6-associated hospitalizations mainly occurred in younger age groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed a substantial hospitalization burden associated with mild HFMD caused by EV71, Cox A16, Cox A6 and Cox A10, especially in young children, in Anhua.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Infant , China/epidemiology , Enterovirus , Enterovirus A, Human/isolation & purification , Enterovirus Infections/virology , Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/virology , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals/statistics & numerical data , SerogroupABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION@#Medical students are susceptible to depression due to the constant exposure to stressful situations and almost 30% of medical students suffer from depression. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among first- to third-year medical students in a private medical institution.@*METHODS@#A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed on first- to third-year medical students selected through simple random sampling. They were asked to answer the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for the assessment of depression. @*RESULTS@#The prevalence of moderate to severe depression was 19.1%. Almost 15% of the first-year medical students, 23.7% of the second-year medical students and 18.3% of the third-year students were found to have a risk of having depression. Twenty-one percent of the male students and 18.4% of the females were classified to have depression.@*CONCLUSION@#Almost one-fifth of the first- to third-year medical students in the private medical institution have depression. The highest prevalence of having depression was among second-year medical students, males, 20 to 22 years old.
Subject(s)
DepressionABSTRACT
Objective: To study the relations between famine exposure and the risk of chronic diseases as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke in the population of Harbin. Methods: Our data was collected from the baseline survey-the China Kadoorie Biobank project (CKB) in Harbin. Retrospective cohort study design was used. Related risks on chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke, were compared among the famine exposed or non-exposed people, respectively by logistic analysis method. Results: After adjusted for factors as age, sex, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, diet, family history of diseases, it appeared that the factor 'famine exposure' had increased the risks of diseases as obesity (OR=1.204, 95%CI: 1.104-1.313, P<0.01), hypertension (OR=1.315, 95%CI: 1.210-1.429, P<0.01) and coronary heart disease (OR=1.495, 95%CI: 1.369-1.632, P<0.01). The lower the age of population being exposed to famine, the greater the risk of the development of all kinds of chronic diseases. Conclusions: Famine exposure appeared a risk factor for obesity, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. It is of great significance to ensure the life-long nutrition of the people, especially in the early and adolescent stages, to prevent obesity, hypertension, and coronary heart disease in their later lives.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , China/epidemiology , Chronic Disease/epidemiology , Coronary Disease/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Hypertension/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Socioeconomic Factors , Starvation/epidemiologyABSTRACT
@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>INTRODUCTION:</strong> Asthma is an IgE-mediated inflammatory response characterized by hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and reversible airflow obstruction. Currently, asthma affects 12 - 22% of the population in the Philippines. Anecdotal reports showed that yerba buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) are utilized for treating asthma in the folk culture.<br /><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The objective of this study was to determine the effect of combined Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and Oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) leaves extract in asthma-induced mice.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong>This study investigated the anti-asthmatic activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the combined herbs in asthma-induced mice using immunoglobulin E (IgE) as a parameter.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Aqueous- and methanol-treated mice has 50% and 60% reduction in the IgE level, respectively (p = 0.018). The extracts exhibited a significant (p = 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity in mice that further proved its effect on IgE. Moreover, lung histopathology also established the potential effect of the extract through the widening of the alveoli on treated mice.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Combined Yerba Buena and Oregano aqueous and methanol extracts may have a potential health benefit against asthma.</p>
Subject(s)
Micromeria douglasii , Origanum , Immunoglobulin EABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Asthma is an IgE-mediated inflammatory response characterized by hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and reversible airflow obstruction. Currently, asthma affects 12 - 22% of the population in the Philippines. Anecdotal reports showed that yerba buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) are utilized for treating asthma in the folk culture.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of combined Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and Oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) leaves extract in asthma-induced mice.METHODS:This study investigated the anti-asthmatic activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the combined herbs in asthma-induced mice using immunoglobulin E (IgE) as a parameter.RESULTS: Aqueous- and methanol-treated mice has 50% and 60% reduction in the IgE level, respectively (p = 0.018). The extracts exhibited a significant (p = 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity in mice that further proved its effect on IgE. Moreover, lung histopathology also established the potential effect of the extract through the widening of the alveoli on treated mice.CONCLUSION: Combined Yerba Buena and Oregano aqueous and methanol extracts may have a potential health benefit against asthma.
Subject(s)
Mice , Animals , Asthma , Origanum , Methanol , Coleus , Mentha , Philippines , Anti-Asthmatic Agents , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , InflammationABSTRACT
Cancer continues to rise as a contributor to premature death in the developing world. Despite this, little is known about whether cancer outcomes are related to a country's income level, and what aspects of national healthcare systems are associated with improved cancer outcomes. The most recent estimates of cancer incidence and mortality were used to calculate mortality-to-incidence ratio [MIR] for the 85 countries with reliable data. Countries were categorized according to high-income [Gross Domestic Product [GDP] > [dollar sign]15,000] or middle/low-income [GDP < [dollar sign]15,000], and a multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the association between healthcare system indicators and cancer MIR. Indicators study included per capita GDP, overall total healthcare expenditure [THE], THE as a proportion of GDP, total external beam radiotherapy devices [TEBD] per capita, physician density, and the year 2000 WHO healthcare system rankings. Cancer MIR in high-income countries [0.47] was significantly lower than that of middle/low-income countries [0.64], with a p < 0.001. In high-income countries, GDP, health expenditure and TEBD showed significant inverse correlations with overall cancer MIR. A [dollar sign]3040 increase in GDP [p = 0.004], a [dollar sign]379 increase in THE [p < 0.001], or an increase of 0.59 TEBD per 100,000 population [p = 0.027] were all associated with a 0.01 decrease in cancer MIR. In middle/low-income countries, only WHO scores correlated with decreased cancer MIR [p = 0.022]; 12 specific cancer types also showed similar significant correlations [p < 0.05] as overall cancer MIR. The analysis of this study suggested that cancer MIR is greater in middle/low-income countries. Furthermore, the WHO healthcare score was associated with improved cancer outcomes in middle/low-income countries while absolute levels of financial resources and infrastructure played a more important role in high-income countries