Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces tea improves physical fitness of healthy adults.

Roselle calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a plant that contains anthocyanin and flavonoids, which function as exogenous antioxidants for the human body to counteract excess oxidative stress. Roselle has anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. The present study evaluated roselle to see whether it affects physical fitness. The components of physical fitness include strength, balance, right and left hand grip, vertical jump and VO2max (maximum oxygen consumption). A total of 30 subjects received 200 ml rosella tea for 30 days every morning and evening. Every week, subjects were assessed for physical fitness. Data analysis used paired t and Wilcoxon test according to the normality test results. The results showed significant improvements in strength (from 24.9 to 27.3 kg; P=0.025), balance (from 23.3 to 42.2 sec; P=0.004), right (from 31.8 to 35.1 kg; P<0.0001) and left hand grip (from 29.8 to 31.6 kg; P=0.020), vertical jump (from 38.6 to 41.1 m/sec; P=0.008) and VO2max (from 31.1 to 34.3 ml/kg/min; P=0.014). This demonstrated that roselle significantly improved six parameters of physical fitness and may be used as a supplement to improve physical fitness without severe side effects.

Combination Effect of Rotator Cuff Repair with Secretome-hypoxia MSCs Ameliorates TNMD, RUNX2, and Healing Histology Score in Rotator Cuff Tear Rats.

Objectives: In order to treat a rat model of rotator cuff rupture, this work concentrated on the expression of TNMD and RUNX2, followed by rotator cuff repair and secretome-hMSCs. Methods: A total of thirty 10-weeks-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into five groups randomly, RC on week 0, lesion treated with a rotator cuff repair and saline (RC + NaCl group, n = 6) for 2 and 8 weeks, and lesion treated with a rotator cuff repair and secretome-hMSCs (RC + secretome-hMSC group, n = 6) for 2 and 8 weeks. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle-tendon units were obtained for histological and biomechanical investigation at 0, 2 and 8 weeks following injury. Results: The findings showed that, in comparison with the RC + NaCl group, secretome-hMSCs significantly improved tendon repair by upregulating TNMD and RUNX2 expression and histology score. Conclusion: Combining Secretome-hypoxia MSCs with RC healing may help rats with rotator cuff tears.

Effect of Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on HIF-1α, VEGF, and Angiogenesis in the Healing Process of Post-Tooth Extraction Sockets in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) exposure on the expression of hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) messenger RNA (mRNA), vascular endothelial growth factor-a (VEGF-a) mRNA, and angiogenesis after tooth extraction in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were performed the removal of the maxillary left first molar, and then they were randomly divided into 9 groups, namely: 4 groups that were exposed to IHH for 30 minutes every day in the Hypobaric Chamber at an altitude of 18,000 feet, with 1 time hypobaric hypoxia (HH), 3 times HH, 5 times HH, and 7 times HH; 4 normoxia groups that were terminated on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after tooth extraction; and the 1 control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction measured the molecular changes in the socket tissue after tooth extraction in rats to evaluate the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and VEGF mRNA. Histological changes with hematoxylin and eosin staining were noted to evaluate the amount of angiogenesis in the socket after tooth extraction. Molecular and histological parameters were calculated at the end of each experiment on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 after tooth extraction, which exhibited the improvement phase of the wound-healing process. RESULTS: Increases in the expression of HIF-1α mRNA, VEGF mRNA, and angiogenesis were found in the IHH group compared with the normoxia group and the control group. The expression of HIF-1α mRNA increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the group after one time HH exposure on day 1, then decreased in the IHH group (three times HH exposure, five times HH exposure, and seven times HH exposure) approaching the control group. The expression of VEGF mRNA and angiogenesis began to increase after one time HH exposure on day 1, and increased again after three times HH exposure on day 3, then increased even more after five times HH exposure on day 5, and increased very significantly (**p < 0.05) after seven times HH exposure on day 7. It showed that repeated or intermittent exposure to HH conditions induced a protective response that made cells adapt under hypoxia conditions. CONCLUSION: IHH exposure accelerates the socket healing of post-tooth extraction, which is proven by changes in HIF-1α mRNA expression and increase in VEGF mRNA expression as stimuli for angiogenesis in post-tooth extraction sockets under hypobaric hypoxic condition, which also stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, thereby increasing blood supply and accelerating wound healing.

Differences Interval Training and Continuous Training on Endorphin Level and Anxiety Degrees in SECABA Rindam III Siliwangi Student Soldiers with Moderate Anxiety.

Background: Endorphin is a biological change in molecular physiology that is commonly connected with anxiety. An increase in the level of anxiety is caused by both an increase and a decrease in the number of endorphins that are present in the brain; however, up until this point, it has never been reported that there is a relationship between the level of anxiety and the influence of interval training. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of training interval on endorphin level and anxiety degrees of secaba student soldiers with moderate degrees of anxiety. Methods: The subject of the study was a student soldier of Secaba Rindam III Siliwangi with moderate anxiety. The subject of the study gets information about the objectives and procedures of the study. Subjects who are willing to participate in the study sign informed consent. The next step was that group 1 was given an interval training treatment 3 times a week for 12 weeks and group 2 was given continuous training treatment. Results: The results showed that there was a difference where interval training is better than continuous training against increasing endorphin levels (30.9111.733 vs. 39.6519.956; p=0.043). The degree of anxiety decreased significantly after being given interval training treatment (64.64±3.671 vs. 29.50±4.165; p=0.0001). Similarly, there was a significant difference (p=0.027; p<0.05) where the treatment in the interval training group was better than that of the continuous training group against a decrease in the degree of anxiety. Conclusion: Interval training can increase endorphin levels in Secaba Rindam III Siliwangi Student Soldiers with Moderate Anxiety and Interval Training can lower the Degree of Anxiety in Secaba Rindam III Siliwangi Student Soldiers with Moderate Anxiety.

Effect of Moderate Intensity Continuous Training and Slow Type Interval Training to Gene Expression of TGF-ß in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model Wistar Rats.

Background: Physical exercise is a process of increasing contraction of skeletal muscles involving several organ systems to increase energy formation and it is one of the pillars for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (TDM2). T2DM affects the expression of the TGF-ß gene. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of moderate intensity continuous training and slow interval training in expression of TGF-ß gene in wistar rats T2DM model. Methods: A moderate intensity continuous training physical activity given to the diabetic rat group in the form of running on a treadmill with a running speed of 20 m/min for 30 minutes while the slow type interval training physical activity given to the diabetic rat group was in the form of running on a treadmill with a running speed of 20 m/minute for 10 repetition sessions, with a duration of 2 minutes per session with interspersed active breaks for 1 minute. TGF-ß gene expression was measured using real-time methods. Results: The results in the continuous group, TGF-ß significant decreased p < 0.05. In the interval group, TGF- ß insignificant decreased p > 0.05. Moderate intensity continuous training was insignificantly better at decreasing the expression of the TGF-ß genes. Conclusion: This research concluded that there is an effect of moderate intensity continuous training and slow interval training on the expression of TGF-ß genes in wistar rats T2DM.

Anti-Aging Activity of Andaliman (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC) Fruit Ethanol Extract on Brain Weight and p16INK4a Expression of Hippocampus in Aging Model Rats.

Background: Physiological aging and due to oxidative stress in long term will have an impact on cellular response disorders, can caused aging of hippocampus and senility. Brain weight is known to decrease with age and p16INK4a as aging biomarkers have been investigated. Andaliman is one of typical herbal plants from North Sumatra has been widely used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Objective: This study was evaluated effect of andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) fruit ethanol extract (AEE) on brain weight and p16INK4a expression in aging model rats. Methods: This study was carried out experimentally of 24 male wistar rats. The treatment group consisted of 4 groups; KN= negatif control (normal), KP= positif control (aging model rat), P1 and P2= aging model rat + AEE at dose 150 and 300mg/kgbw, respectively. The aging model rats were D-galactose-induced at dose of 150mg/kgbw for 8 weeks. Brain weigth were recorded by digital scales. p16INK4a expression using immunohistochemical methods. The data analysis with Anova test. Results: This study showed differences brain weight between groups (p=0.523). Brain weight in P1 (1.34±0,06) and P2 (1.30±0.09) tendency increased than KP (1.29±0.62). The p16INK4a expression between groups significant difference (p=0.041), continued with post hoc Least Significant Difference (LSD) showed p16INK4a expression in KN significant decreased than KP (p=0.027). Likewise, p16INK4a expression in P2 was significant decreased than KP (p=0.010). Conclusion: Andaliman ethanol extract at a dose 300mg/kgbw for 8 weeks was improved aging process caused D-galactose induced.

Exercise Intensity Alter Insulin Receptor Gene Expression in Diabetic Type - 2 Rat Model.

AIM: To analyse the differential expression of the insulin receptor (IR) gene between moderate continuous and severe continuous training in the T2DM rat model. METHODS: This was an experimental study. Healthy male Wistar was used in this study, which divided into sedentary, moderate continuous training, and severe continuous training. Treated groups were assigned to run on the treadmill three times a week for eight weeks consequently. RESULTS: The result shown that expression of mRNA IR gene in treated groups decline compared to control. There was a difference mRNA IR gene expression after eight weeks of exercise between MCT and control, SCT and control so are MCT and SCT. IR expression on skeletal muscle in treated groups was different compared with control. The distribution of IR on skeletal muscles in treatment groups was significantly increased compared control, but there was no significant difference distribution between MCT and SCT. HOMA-IR post-test in SCT was lower than MCT but FBG post-test lower in MCT than SCT. CONCLUSION: The intensity of exercise makes a difference in IR gene expression between moderate continuous training and severe continuous training after eight weeks of assigned exercise in T2DM rat models.

The effect of red-fleshed pitaya ( Hylocereus polyrhizus) on heat shock protein 70 and cortisol expression in strenuous exercise induced rats.

Background: Oxidative stress from exercise can contribute to damaging cells, increasing heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and suppressing the immune system in the body. This research aimed to determine the antioxidant potential of red-fleshed pitaya extract on HSP70 and cortisol expression in rats which were subjected to strenuous exercise. Methods: The subjects of this research were 32 Sprague Dawley male rats, aged 3 months, with an average weight of 200 g. Red-fleshed pitaya extract was obtained from methanol extraction process; a maceration technique was performed and the extract was concentrated using an air-drying method. Rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 were subjected to strenuous exercise and treated with distilled water only; while Groups 2, 3 and 4 were subjected to strenuous exercise and treated with 100 mg/kg body weight, 200 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight of red-fleshed pitaya extract, respectively. Strenuous exercises in rats was performed by intense swimming of 20 min/day, 3 days a week for 3 weeks. HSP70 expression and cortisol were measured with Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: There was a significant reduction of HSP70 (p=0.000) and cortisol expression (p=0.000) between the groups. Also, there was a significant difference in the average decreasing of HSP70 expression between group 4 and either groups 1 or 2 (p=0.000). However, a significant difference between groups 4 and 3 was not observed (p=0.813). Lastly, a significant difference was found in the average decrease of cortisol expression between groups 4 and 1 (p=0.000), 2 (p=0.000), and 3 (p=0.000) respectively. Conclusion: Red-fleshed pitaya is potential to be utilized as antioxidant to decrease the HSP70 and cortisol expression.

Nutmeg Extract Increases Skeletal Muscle Mass in Aging Rats Partly via IGF1-AKT-mTOR Pathway and Inhibition of Autophagy.

The sarcopenic phenotype is characterized by a reduction of muscle mass, a shift in fiber-type distribution, and reduced satellite cell regeneration. Sarcopenia is still a major challenge to healthy aging. Traditional Indonesian societies in Sulawesi island have been using nutmeg for maintaining health condition during aging. Interestingly, nutmeg has been known to stimulate peroxisome proliferator activated receptors γ (PPARγ) which may contribute to myogenesis process in cardiac muscle. There is limited information about the role of nutmeg extract into physiological health benefit during aging especially myogenesis process in skeletal muscle. In the present study, we want to explore the potential effect of nutmeg in preserving skeletal muscle mass of aging rats. Aging rats, 80 weeks old, were divided into two groups (control and nutmeg). Nutmeg extract was administered for 12 weeks by gavaging. After treatment, rats were anaesthesized, then soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were collected, weighted, frozen using liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C until use. We observed phenomenon that nutmeg increased a little but significant food consumption on week 12, but significant decrease in body weight on weeks 10 and 12 unexpectedly increased significantly in soleus muscle weight (p<0.05). Nutmeg extract increased significantly gene expression of myogenic differentiation (MyoD), paired box 7 (Pax7), myogenin, myosin heavy chain I (MHC I), and insulin-like growth factor I (p<0.01) in soleus muscle. Furthermore, nutmeg increased serine/threonine kinase (AKT) protein levels and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), inhibited autophagy activity, and stimulated or at least preserved muscle mass during aging. Taken together, nutmeg extract may increase muscle mass or prevent decrease of muscle wasting in soleus muscle by partly stimulating myogenesis, regeneration process, and preserving muscle mass via IGF-AKT-mTOR pathway leading to inhibition of autophagy activity during aging. This finding may reveal the potential nutmeg benefits as alternative supplement for preserving skeletal muscle mass and preventing sarcopenia in elderly.