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Abstract : Association and Interaction Effect between VEGF Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) Gene Polymorphisms and Dietary Pattern on Blood Lipids in Malaysian Adults
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Abstract: Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and diet are related to blood lipid health. Gene-diet interaction studies can identify the risks. The objectives are to determine associations, and interaction effects between VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms (rs1870377 and rs2071559) and dietary patterns on blood lipids in multi-ethnic Malaysian adults. Methods: Dietary intakes of 509 (153 Malay, 179 Chinese, and 177 Indian) Malaysians were obtained from food frequency questionnaire for the construction of dietary patterns using factor analysis. Anthropometric measurements: body mass index and blood pressure; and biomarkers: glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were determined. Genotyping of rs1870377 and rs2071559 was performed by real-time PCR using Taqman probes. Results: Two major dietary patterns were extracted from all subjects: ‘Vegetables, fruits, and soy diet’ (VFSD), and ‘Rice, egg, and fish diet’ (REFD). There were significant genetic associations for rs2071559 with TG (p=0.048) in Malays, and in Chinese for rs1870377 with TC (p=0.001) and LDL-C (p=0.007), and rs2071559 on LDL-C (p=0.048). The interaction effects of VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms and dietary patterns were significant in Malays between rs2071559 and REFD on TG (p=0.005); and in Chinese between VFSD and rs1870377 on LDL-C (p=0.028) after adjusting for potential confounders. There were no significant genetic or dietary associations on blood lipids in Indians (p>0.05). Conclusion: The significant associations and gene-diet interaction effects between VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms and dietary patterns on blood lipids may pose hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia risks in Malay and Chinese Malaysians. Keywords: Gene-diet interaction, VEGFR-2 gene, Dietary pattern, Blood lipids, Malaysian adults.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Factors Related to Body Mass Index in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis – TOMORROW study
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Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and patient characteristics, lifestyle factors, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related clinical data in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: A total of 171 female outpatients with RA and 170 age-matched females without RA (controls) from the TOMORROW study (UMIN: 000003876) were included in this cross-sectional study. We divided subjects into 3 groups based on BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 and < 25 kg/m2), and overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), and compared RA disease activity, activities of daily living (ADL) assessed by modified health assessment questionnaire (mHAQ) score, energy and nutrient intake, and CVD risk-related clinical data. Results: In patients with RA, mHAQ scores were lower in the normal weight group compared with the underweight and overweight groups (p < 0.05). Disease activity showed a similar trend. Energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake showed a positive correlation with BMI (p < 0.05). Blood pressure, C-reactive protein, uric acid, triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose, immune reactive insulin, HbA1c, and leptin showed a positive correlation with BMI, and adiponectin showed a negative correlation with BMI (p < 0.05). Control subjects showed similar trends. Conclusions: BMI is related to ADL, disease activity, energy, protein and carbohydrate intake, and CVD risk-related clinical data, and might be an indicator of total health status in female patients with RA. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, underweight, obesity, nutrition, cardiovascular disease, lifestyle.Download Full Article |
Abstract : The Effects of GABA, L-Theanine, Passiflora Incarnata and Prunus Cerasus in Reducing the Symptoms of Nervousness in Individuals with Anxiety and/or Depression
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Abstract: Introduction: Affecting more than 21 million American children and adults, anxiety with or without depression is the leading cause of disability in the USA for individuals ages 15 – 44. Treatment, traditionally has been with prescription medication that is addictive, prone to pharmaceutical abuse and if prescribed appropriately, requires intensive physician involvement and monitoring. The utilization of herbal supplementation has been successfully utilized for many years to treat mood disorders, however scientific analysis of benefits has been lacking. The objective of this study is to scientifically analyze the effectiveness of the combination of GABA, L-theanine, passiflora incarnata and prunus cerasus in the treatment of the symptoms associated with Anxiety. Methods: Two cohorts of volunteers received study compound (n=30) or placebo (n=30). Subjects were instructed to take 4 capsules daily for 7 consecutive days. Every participant completed both the HAM-A (Hamilton anxiety scale) and the SAS (Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale). Both scales were completed pre & post study. The Student – T test was performed on all data. Results: HAM-A: Subjects receiving active study compound showed marked improvements in the HAM-A global score. SAS: The Zung SAS symptom scores of all subjects receiving active study compound were markedly improved. There were no side effects reported by any of the study participants. Conclusions: Subjects receiving this unique study compound (GABA, L-theanine, passiflora incarnata and prunus cerasus) received marked improvement in their symptoms of anxiety as demonstrated via two separate and clinically significant assessment tools (HAM-A & Zung SAS) when compared to placebo group. This combination of supplements represents a viable and safe adjunct to the short term treatment of mild to moderate anxiety without the use of prescription medication. Keywords: Anxiety, GABA, L-theanine, passiflora incarnata, prunus cerasus.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Fruit Extract of Benincasa hispida
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Abstract: Benincasa hispida (Ash gourd, family: Cucurbitaceae) is well known for its medicinal property. In the Ayurvedic system, it is used as a rejuvenating agent and in the treatment of nervous disorders. Methanolic and petroleum fruit extracts was subjected to evaluation of phytochemicals and acute oral toxicity study. Further, Anti-inflammatory activity was performed using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay and carrageenan induced paw edema in rat. Oral administration of methanolic extract of concentration (350 mg/kg) significantly reduced the paw edema (P < 0.05) in a dose dependent manner as compared to carrageenan induced rats. Keywords: enincasa hispida, Phytochemicals, Anti-inflammatory, HRBC membrane stabilization, Carrageenan.Download Full Article |
