Effects of emulsified and non-emulsified palm tocotrienol on bone and joint health in ovariectomised rats with monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis.

Postmenopausal women are susceptible to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Tocotrienol, a bone-protective nutraceutical, is reported to prevent osteoarthritis in male rats. However, its efficacy on joint health in oestrogen deficiency has not been validated. Besides, data on the use of emulsification systems in enhancing bioavailability and protective effects of tocotrienol are limited. Ovariectomised adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old) were treated with refined olive oil, emulsified (EPT, 100 mg/kg/day with 25% vitamin E content), non-emulsified palm tocotrienol (NEPT, 100 mg/kg/day with 50% vitamin E content) and calcium carbonate (1% w/v in drinking water) plus glucosamine sulphate (250 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. Osteoarthritis was induced with monosodium iodoacetate four weeks after ovariectomy. Baseline control was sacrificed upon receipt, while the sham group was not ovariectomised and treated with refined olive oil. EPT and NEPT prevented femoral metaphyseal and subchondral bone volume decline caused by ovariectomy. EPT decreased subchondral trabecular separation compared to the negative control. EPT preserved stiffness and Young's Modulus at the femoral mid-shaft of the rats. Circulating RANKL was reduced post-treatment in the EPT group. Joint width was reduced in all the treatment groups vs the negative control. The EPT group's grip strength was significantly improved over the negative control and NEPT group. EPT also preserved cartilage histology based on several Mankin's subscores. EPT performed as effectively as NEPT in preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in ovariectomised rats despite containing less vitamin E content. This study justifies clinical trials for the use of EPT in postmenopausal women with both conditions.

Serum Metabolomic Alteration in Rats with Osteoarthritis Treated with Palm Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Alone or in Combination with Glucosamine Sulphate.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition with limited disease-modifying treatments currently. Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) has been previously shown to be effective against OA, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. This study aims to compare serum metabolomic alteration in Sprague-Dawley rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA which were treated with palm TRF, glucosamine sulphate, or a combination of both. This study was performed on thirty adult male rats, which were divided into normal control (n = 6) and OA groups (n = 24). The OA group received intra-articular injections of MIA and daily oral treatments of refined olive oil (vehicle, n = 6), palm TRF (100 mg/kg, n = 6), glucosamine sulphate (250 mg/kg, n = 6), or a combination of TRF and glucosamine (n = 6) for four weeks. Serum was collected at the study's conclusion for metabolomic analysis. The findings revealed that MIA-induced OA influences amino acid metabolism, leading to changes in metabolites associated with the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan as well as alterations in the metabolism of phenylalanine, tryptophan, arginine and proline. Supplementation with glucosamine sulphate, TRF, or both effectively reversed these metabolic changes induced by OA. The amelioration of metabolic effects induced by OA is linked to the therapeutic effects of TRF and glucosamine. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are direct or indirect in nature.

Targeting dopamine transporter to ameliorate cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the pathologic deposition of amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to neuronal damage and defective synapses. These changes manifest as abnormalities in cognition and behavior. The functional deficits are also attributed to abnormalities in multiple neurotransmitter systems contributing to neuronal dysfunction. One such important system is the dopaminergic system. It plays a crucial role in modulating movement, cognition, and behavior while connecting various brain areas and influencing other neurotransmitter systems, making it relevant in neurodegenerative disorders like AD and Parkinson's disease (PD). Considering its significance, the dopaminergic system has emerged as a promising target for alleviating movement and cognitive deficits in PD and AD, respectively. Extensive research has been conducted on dopaminergic neurons, receptors, and dopamine levels as critical factors in cognition and memory in AD. However, the exact nature of movement abnormalities and other features of extrapyramidal symptoms are not fully understood yet in AD. Recently, a previously overlooked element of the dopaminergic system, the dopamine transporter, has shown significant promise as a more effective target for enhancing cognition while addressing dopaminergic system dysfunction in AD.

The effects of E'Jiao on body composition, bone marrow adiposity and skeletal redox status in ovariectomised rats.

Background: Menopause is accompanied by increased oxidative stress, partly contributing to weight gain and bone marrow adiposity. Traditional Chinese medication, E'Jiao, has been demonstrated to reduce excessive bone remodelling during oestrogen deprivation, but its effects on body composition and bone marrow adiposity during menopause remain elusive. Objective: To determine the effects of E'Jiao on body composition, bone marrow adiposity and skeletal redox status in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Methods: Seven groups of three-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were established (n=6/group): baseline, sham, OVX control, OVX-treated with low, medium or high-dose E'Jiao (0.26, 0.53, 1.06 g/kg, p.o.) or calcium carbonate (1% in tap water, ad libitum). The supplementation was terminated after 8 weeks. Whole-body composition analysis was performed monthly using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Analysis of bone-marrow adipocyte numbers and skeletal antioxidant activities were performed on the femur. Results: Increased total mass, lean mass, and bone marrow adipocyte number were observed in the OVX control versus the sham group. Low-dose E'Jiao supplementation counteracted these changes. Besides, E'Jiao at all doses increased skeletal catalase and superoxide dismutase activities but lowered glutathione levels in the OVX rats. Skeletal malondialdehyde level was not affected by ovariectomy but was lowered with E'Jiao supplementation. However, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma protein expression was not affected by ovariectomy or any treatment. Conclusion: E'Jiao, especially at the low dose, prevented body composition changes and bone marrow adiposity due to ovariectomy. These changes could be mediated by the antioxidant actions of E'Jiao. It has the potential to be used among postmenopausal women to avoid adiposity.

The Osteogenic Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cement Doped with Synthetic Materials: A Structured Narrative Review of Preclinical Evidence.

Bone grafting is commonly used as a treatment to repair bone defects. However, its use is challenged by the presence of medical conditions that weaken the bone, like osteoporosis. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is used to restore bone defects, and it is commonly available as a bioabsorbable cement paste. However, its use in clinical settings is limited by inadequate mechanical strength, inferior anti-washout characteristics, and poor osteogenic activity. There have been attempts to overcome these shortcomings by adding various natural or synthetic materials as enhancers to CPC. This review summarises the current evidence on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of CPC after doping with synthetic materials. The incorporation of CPC with polymers, biomimetic materials, chemical elements/compounds, and combination with two or more synthetic materials showed improvement in biocompatibility, bioactivity, anti-washout properties, and mechanical strength. However, the mechanical property of CPC doped with trimethyl chitosan or strontium was decreased. In conclusion, doping of synthetic materials enhances the osteogenic features of pure CPC. The positive findings from in vitro and in vivo studies await further validation on the efficacy of these reinforced CPC composites in clinical settings.

The Mechanism of Kelulut Honey in Reversing Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is composed of central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension that increase an individual's tendency to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless bee species has a rich phenolic profile. Recent studies have demonstrated that KH could suppress components of MetS, but its mechanisms of action are unknown. A total of 18 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control rats (C group) (n = 6), MetS rats fed with a high carbohydrate high fat (HCHF) diet (HCHF group) (n = 6), and MetS rats fed with HCHF diet and treated with KH (HCHF + KH group) (n = 6). The HCHF + KH group received 1.0 g/kg/day KH via oral gavage from week 9 to 16 after HCHF diet initiation. Compared to the C group, the MetS group experienced a significant increase in body weight, body mass index, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum triglyceride (TG) and leptin, as well as the area and perimeter of adipocyte cells at the end of the study. The MetS group also experienced a significant decrease in serum HDL levels versus the C group. KH supplementation reversed the changes in serum TG, HDL, leptin, adiponectin and corticosterone levels, SBP, DBP, as well as adipose tissue 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ßHSD1) level, area and perimeter at the end of the study. In addition, histological observations also showed that KH administration reduced fat deposition within hepatocytes, and prevented deterioration of pancreatic islet and renal glomerulus. In conclusion, KH is effective in preventing MetS by suppressing leptin, corticosterone and 11ßHSD1 levels while elevating adiponectin levels.

Honey and Alzheimer's Disease-Current Understanding and Future Prospects.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a leading cause of dementia, has been a global concern. AD is associated with the involvement of the central nervous system that causes the characteristic impaired memory, cognitive deficits, and behavioral abnormalities. These abnormalities caused by AD is known to be attributed by extracellular aggregates of amyloid beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Additionally, genetic factors such as abnormality in the expression of APOE, APP, BACE1, PSEN-1, and PSEN-2 play a role in the disease. As the current treatment aims to treat the symptoms and to slow the disease progression, there has been a continuous search for new nutraceutical agent or medicine to help prevent and cure AD pathology. In this quest, honey has emerged as a powerful nootropic agent. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the high flavonoids and phenolic acids content in honey exerts its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review summarizes the effect of main flavonoid compounds found in honey on the physiological functioning of the central nervous system, and the effect of honey intake on memory and cognition in various animal model. This review provides a new insight on the potential of honey to prevent AD pathology, as well as to ameliorate the damage in the developed AD.

Methods of the Dehydration Process and Its Effect on the Physicochemical Properties of Stingless Bee Honey: A Review.

Stingless bee honey (SLBH) has a high moisture content, making it more prone to fermentation and leading to honey spoilage. Dehydration of SLBH after harvest is needed to reduce the moisture content. This review compiles the available data on the dehydration methods for SLBH and their effect on its physicochemical properties. This review discovered the dehydration process of vacuum drying at 60 °C and 5% moisture setting, freeze-drying at −54 °C and 5% moisture setting for 24 h, and using a food dehydrator at 55 °C for 18 h could extract >80% water content in SLBH. As a result, these methods could decrease moisture content to <17% and water activity to <0.6. These will prevent the fermentation process and microorganism growth. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents remain within the permissible standard of <40 mg/kg. The total phenolic content increased after dehydration by these methods. Therefore, dehydration of SLBH is recommended to increase its benefits.

Comparable Benefits of Stingless Bee Honey and Caffeic Acid in Mitigating the Negative Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on the Brain.

There is mounting evidence that metabolic syndrome (MetS) contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Honey, which has been used for generations, is high in antioxidants and has been demonstrated to benefit the brain and mental health by reducing oxidative stress and boosting cognitive outcomes. Honey from the stingless bees of Heterotrigona itama has been found to have higher phenolic content compared to other types of honeys. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of stingless bee honey (SBH) supplementation and to compare it with a pure form of antioxidant, caffeic acid (CA), on MetS parameters and inflammatory markers in the brains of MetS-induced rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were divided equally into groups of control, high-carbohydrate high-fructose (HCHF) diet (MetS), HCHF + SBH supplemented (1 g/kg) (SBH), and HCHF + CA supplemented (10 mg/kg) (CA) groups. The total duration for SBH and CA supplementation was eight weeks. The HCHF diet was found to promote hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, and to increase brain TNF-α levels. Supplementation with SBH and CA significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the hyperglycemic and hypertensive effects of the HCHF diet. Although both supplemented groups showed no significant changes to serum HDL or TG, SBH significantly reduced (p < 0.05) brain TNF-α levels and increased (p < 0.05) brain BDNF levels. Immunohistochemistry investigations of neurogenesis (EdU) and apoptosis (TUNEL) on the cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) areas of the hippocampus showed no changes with SBH and CA supplementation compared to the control. These findings suggest that SBH and CA have the potential to mitigate HCHF-induced MetS effects and possess neuroprotective abilities.

Caffeic Acid on Metabolic Syndrome: A Review.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors that may lead to a more sinister disease. Raised blood pressure, dyslipidemia in the form of elevated triglycerides and lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, raised fasting glucose, and central obesity are the risk factors that could lead to full-blown diabetes, heart disease, and many others. With increasing sedentary lifestyles, coupled with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers of people affected with MetS will be expected to grow in the coming years. While keeping these factors checked with the polypharmacy available currently, there is no single strategy that can halt or minimize the effect of MetS to patients. This opens the door for a more natural way of controlling the disease. Caffeic acid (CA) is a phytonutrient belonging to the flavonoids that can be found in abundance in plants, fruits, and vegetables. CA possesses a wide range of beneficial properties from antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antianxiolytic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review discusses the current discovery of the effect of CA against MetS.

Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spilanthes acmella and Its Health Beneficial Effects: A Review.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two common risk factors of various life-threatening disease pathogenesis. In recent years, medicinal plants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were extensively studied for their potential role in treating and preventing diseases. Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella), which has been traditionally used to treat toothache in Malaysia, contains various active metabolites responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic bioactivities. These bioactivities were attributed to bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, flavonoids, and alkamides. The review focused on the summarization of in vitro and in vivo experimental reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of S. acmella, as well as how they contributed to potential health benefits in lowering the risk of diseases that were related to oxidative stress. The molecular mechanism of S. acmella in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory targets, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transcription factors of the nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were discussed. Besides, the antioxidant potential of S. acmella was measured by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide anion radical scavenging (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays. This review revealed that S. acmella might have a potential role as a reservoir of bioactive agents contributing to the observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health beneficial effects.

The Mechanism of Honey in Reversing Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of five risk factors comprising central obesity, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension, which predispose a person to cardiometabolic diseases. Many studies reported the beneficial effects of honey in reversing metabolic syndrome through its antiobesity, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, and hypotensive actions. This review aims to provide an overview of the mechanism of honey in reversing metabolic syndrome. The therapeutic effects of honey largely depend on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of its polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Polyphenols, such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid, are some of the phenolic acids known to have antiobesity and antihyperlipidaemic properties. They could inhibit the gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 and its target lipogenic enzyme, fatty acid synthase (FAS). Meanwhile, caffeic acid and quercetin in honey are also known to reduce body weight and fat mass. In addition, fructooligosaccharides in honey are also known to alter lipid metabolism by reducing FAS activity. The fructose and phenolic acids might contribute to the hypoglycaemic properties of honey through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B insulin signalling pathway. Honey can increase the expression of Akt and decrease the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B. Quercetin, a component of honey, can improve vasodilation by enhancing nitric oxide production via endothelial nitric oxide synthase and stimulate calcium-activated potassium channels. In conclusion, honey can be used as a functional food or adjuvant therapy to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Bone Anabolic Effects of Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson.

Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson [Asteraceae] (B. acmella) is an important medicinal plant native to Brazil, and it is widely known as a toothache plant. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities of B. acmella and few studies on the stimulatory effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion from bone cells; however, there is no study on its antioxidant and anabolic activity on bone cells. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. acmella using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LCTOFMS) along with the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum colorimetric methods. The extracts of B. acmella leaves were used to scavenge synthetic-free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The bone anabolic effects of B. acmella extracts on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoium bromide (MTT) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, Sirius-red and ALP at 7 and 14 days, and Alizarin Red S at 14 and 21 days. Comparatively, ethanol extract of B. acmella (BaE) contributed higher antioxidant activities (IC50 of 476.71 µg/ml and 56.01 ± 6.46 mg L-ascorbic acid/g against DPPH and FRAP, respectively). Anabolic activities in bone proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were also higher in B. acmella of ethanol (BaE) than aqueous (BaA) extracts. Positive correlations were observed between phenolic content (TPC and TFC) to antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP) and anabolic activities. Conversely, negative correlations were present between phenolic content to antioxidant (DPPH) activity. These potential antioxidant and bone anabolic activities in BaE might be due to the phytochemicals confirmed through GCMS and LCTOFMS, revealed that terpenoids of α-cubebene, cryophyllene, cryophyllene oxide, phytol and flavonoids of pinostrobin and apigenin were the compounds contributing to both antioxidant and anabolic effects in BaE. Thus, B. acmella may be a valuable antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis agent. Further study is needed to isolate, characterize and elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and bone anabolic effects.

Biochemical and histopathological assessment of liver in a rat model of metabolic syndrome induced by high-carbohydrate high-fat diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress status, antioxidants capacity, and presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in an animal model of MetS induced by high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. Male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups, assigned for two different types of diet (standard rat pellet or HCHF diet) for 20 weeks. Liver was excised, weighed, and subjected to lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO·) production, antioxidants activity, and histological assessment. The HCHF rats had higher lipid peroxidation and NO· level but lower enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels than the normal animals. Histological evaluation revealed higher lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, NAFLD activity score, and lipid accumulation in the liver of HCHF group. In conclusion, the HCHF diet causes an increase in oxidative stress, depletion of antioxidants capacity, NAFLD, and liver injury. The induction of oxidative stress may be partially responsible for the development of NAFLD in MetS. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The prevalence of MetS is estimated to increase rapidly with the escalating levels of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A suitable animal model of MetS that best mimicked the human disease state with known underlying mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of MetS is indispensable to search for potential adjunct therapies and drug targets. Thus, our current study elucidated the involvement of oxidative stress in linking MetS and NAFLD which might resemble the pathogenesis of MetS among Southeast Asian population.

Development of Osteoporosis Screening Algorithm for Population Aged 50 Years and above in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Background: The current osteoporosis screening instruments are not optimized to be used among the Malaysian population. This study aimed to develop an osteoporosis screening algorithm based on risk factors for Malaysians. Methods: Malaysians aged ≥50 years (n = 607) from Klang Valley, Malaysia were interviewed and their bone health status was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device. The algorithm was constructed based on osteoporosis risk factors using multivariate logistic regression and its performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: Increased age, reduced body weight and being less physically active significantly predicted osteoporosis in men, while in women, increased age, lower body weight and low-income status significantly predicted osteoporosis. These factors were included in the final algorithm and the optimal cut-offs to identify subjects with osteoporosis was 0.00120 for men [sensitivity 73.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 54.1%-87.7%), specificity 67.8% (95% CI = 62.7%-85.5%), area under curve (AUC) 0.705 (95% CI = 0.608-0.803), p < 0.001] and 0.161 for women [sensitivity 75.4% (95% CI = 61.9%-73.3%), specificity 74.5% (95% CI = 68.5%-79.8%), AUC 0.749 (95% CI = 0.679-0.820), p < 0.001]. Conclusion: The new algorithm performed satisfactorily in identifying the risk of osteoporosis among the Malaysian population ≥50 years. Further validation studies are required before applying this algorithm for screening of osteoporosis in public.

The Performance of a Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound Device, CM-200, in Stratifying Osteoporosis Risk among Malaysian Population Aged 40 Years and Above.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is widely used in osteoporosis screening, but the cut-off values for risk stratification remain unclear. This study validates the performance of a calcaneal QUS device (CM-200) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference and establishes a new set of cut-off values for CM-200 in identifying subjects with osteoporosis. METHODS: The bone health status of Malaysians aged ≥40 years was assessed using CM-200 and DXA. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and the optimal cut-off values for risk stratification of CM-200 were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's index (J). Results: From the data of 786 subjects, CM-200 (QUS T-score <-1) showed a sensitivity of 82.1% (95% CI: 77.9-85.7%), specificity of 51.5% (95% CI: 46.5-56.6%) and AUC of 0.668 (95% CI: 0.630-0.706) in identifying subjects with suboptimal bone health (DXA T-score <-1) (p < 0.001). At QUS T-score ≤-2.5, CM-200 was ineffective in identifying subjects with osteoporosis (DXA T-score ≤-2.5) (sensitivity 14.4% (95% CI: 8.1-23.0%); specificity 96.1% (95% CI: 94.4-97.4%); AUC 0.553 (95% CI: 0.488-0.617); p > 0.05). Modified cut-off values for the QUS T-score improved the performance of CM-200 in identifying subjects with osteopenia (sensitivity 67.7% (95% CI: 62.8-72.3%); specificity 72.8% (95% CI: 68.1-77.2%); J = 0.405; AUC 0.702 (95% CI: 0.666-0.739); p < 0.001) and osteoporosis (sensitivity 79.4% (95% CI: 70.0-86.9%); specificity 61.8% (95% CI: 58.1-65.5%); J = 0.412; AUC 0.706 (95% CI: 0.654-0.758); p < 0.001). Conclusion: The modified cut-off values significantly improved the performance of CM-200 in identifying individuals with osteoporosis. Since these values are device-specific, optimization is necessary for accurate detection of individuals at risk for osteoporosis using QUS.

Recent Advances in Nanoencapsulation Systems Using PLGA of Bioactive Phenolics for Protection against Chronic Diseases.

Plant-derived polyphenolic compounds have gained widespread recognition as remarkable nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of various disorders, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neoplastic diseases. Evidence from the epidemiological studies has suggested the association between long-term consumption of diets rich in polyphenols and protection against chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the applications of these phytochemicals are limited due to its low solubility, low bioavailability, instability, and degradability by in vivo and in vitro conditions. Therefore, in recent years, newer approaches have been attempted to solve the restrictions related to their delivery system. Nanoencapsulation of phenolic compounds with biopolymeric nanoparticles could be a promising strategy for protection and effective delivery of phenolics. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most successfully developed biodegradable polymers that has attracted considerable attention due to its attractive properties. In this review, our main goal is to cover the relevant recent studies that explore the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic superiority of the advance delivery systems of phenolic compounds using PLGA-based nanoparticles. A summary of the recent studies implementing encapsulation techniques applied to polyphenolic compounds from plants confirmed that nanoencapsulation with PLGA nanoparticles is a promising approach to potentialize their therapeutic activity.

The Beneficial Effects of Stingless Bee Honey from Heterotrigona itama against Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions including central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that increases the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless honey bees has stronger antioxidant properties compared to other honey types and may be a functional food against MetS. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of KH in preventing metabolic changes in rats with MetS induced by high-carbohydrate and high-fat (HCHF) diet. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control (C), HCHF diet-induced MetS (S), and MetS supplemented with KH (K) groups. The K group was given KH (1 g/kg/day) for eight weeks. Compared to the control, the S group had significant higher omental fat mass, serum triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressures, adipocyte area, and adipocyte perimeter (p < 0.05). KH supplementation significantly prevented these MetS-induced changes at week 16 (p < 0.05). Several compounds, including 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, coumaric and caffeic acids, had been detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis that might contribute to the reversal of these changes. The beneficial effects of KH against MetS-induced rats provide the basis for future KH research to investigate its potential use in humans and its molecular mechanisms in alleviating the disease.

The performance of osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians (OSTA) in identifying the risk of osteoporosis among Malaysian population aged 40 years and above.

The concordance between osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians (OSTA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was fair in the study. Modification of OSTA cutoff values improved its sensitivity to identify subjects at risk for suboptimal bone health (osteopenia/osteoporosis) and osteoporosis. PURPOSE: Osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians (OSTA) is a convenient screening algorithm used widely to identify patients at risk of osteoporosis. Currently, the number of studies validating OSTA in Malaysian population is limited. This study aimed to validate the performance of OSTA in identifying subjects with osteoporosis determined with DXA. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 786 Malaysians in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Their bone health status was assessed by DXA and OSTA. The association and agreement between OSTA and bone mineral density assessment by DXA were determined by Pearson's correlation and Cohen's kappa, respectively. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for OSTA. RESULTS: OSTA and DXA showed a fair association in the study (r = 0.382, κ = 0.159, p < 0.001). OSTA (cutoff < - 1) revealed a sensitivity of 32.3%, specificity of 92.3%, and AUC of 0.618 in identifying subjects with suboptimal bone health. The sensitivity of OSTA (cutoff < - 4) in determining subjects at risk of osteoporosis was better among women (sensitivity = 20%) than men (sensitivity = 0%). Modified OSTA cutoff values improved the sensitivity of OSTA in identifying subjects with suboptimal bone health (men = 81.0% at cutoff 3.4, women = 82.8% at cutoff 2.0) and osteoporosis (men = 81.8% at cutoff 1.8, women = 81.3% at cutoff 0.8). CONCLUSION: OSTA with its original cutoff values is ineffective in identifying individuals at risk for osteoporosis. Adjusting the cutoff values significantly increases the sensitivity of OSTA, thus highlighting the need to validate this instrument among the local population before using it for osteoporosis screening clinically.

The Effects of Vitamin E from Elaeis guineensis (Oil Palm) in a Rat Model of Bone Loss Due to Metabolic Syndrome.

The beneficial effects of vitamin E in improving components of MetS or bone loss have been established. This study aimed to investigate the potential of palm vitamin E (PVE) as a single agent, targeting MetS and bone loss concurrently, using a MetS animal model. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The baseline group was sacrificed upon arrival. The normal group was given standard rat chow. The remaining three groups were fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet and treated with tocopherol-stripped corn oil (vehicle), 60 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg PVE. At the end of the study, the rats were evaluated for MetS parameters and bone density. After euthanasia, blood and femurs were harvested for the evaluation of lipid profile, bone histomorphometric analysis, and remodeling markers. PVE improved blood pressure, glycemic status, and lipid profile; increased osteoblast surface, osteoid surface, bone volume, and trabecular thickness, as well as decreased eroded surface and single-labeled surface. Administration of PVE also significantly reduced leptin level in the HCHF rats. PVE is a potential agent in concurrently preventing MetS and protecting bone loss. This may be, in part, achieved by reducing the leptin level and modulating the bone remodeling activity in male rats.