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This study aimed to examine the hepatic and anti-steatotic protective effects of methanolic extract from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flowers (SFFE), using a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. First, T2DM was induced in some rats by feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, followed by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Experimental groups included the following five groups (n = 8 in each): control, control + SFFE, T2DM, T2DM + SFFE, and T2DM + SFFE + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor, 2 mg/kg, i.p.). SFFE was administered at a concentration of 300 mg/kg, and all experiments concluded after 8 weeks. Treatments with SFFE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, free fatty acids (FFAs), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both the control and T2DM rats, but they failed to reduce fasting insulin levels in these groups. SFFE treatments also improved the liver structure and reduced hepatocyte vacuolization and hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM rats, in addition to increasing the hepatic mRNA levels of keap1 and the cytoplasmic levels and nuclear activities of Nrf2 in both the control and T2DM rats. SFFE also stimulated the expression levels of PPARα and CPT-1 but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), mRNA levels of SREBP1, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase in both the control and T2DM rats; meanwhile, it reduced hepatic mRNA and the nuclear activities of NF-κB and increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 in the livers of both groups of treated rats. Furthermore, SFFE suppressed the levels of caspase-3, Bax, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the T2DM rats. Treatment with brusatol prevented all of these effects of SFFE. In conclusion, SFFE suppresses liver damage and hepatic steatosis in T2DM through Nrf2-dependent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study compared the ability of Liquorice roots aqueous extract (LRE) and its ingredient, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), in alleviating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis and examined if this effect involves activation of AMPK. Materials and methods: Control or HFD-fed rats were treated with the vehicle, LRE (200 mg/kg), or ISL (30 mg/kg) for 8 weeks orally. Results: ISL and LRE reduced HFD-induced hyperglycaemia, improved liver structure, lowered serum and hepatic lipids, and attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation. In the control and HFD-fed rats, ISL and LRE significantly stimulated the muscular and hepatic mRNA and protein levels of AMPK, improved oral glucose tolerance, reduced hepatic mRNA levels of SREBP1/2, and upregulated hepatic levels of PPARα and Bcl2. These effects were comparable for ISL and LRE and were prevented by co-administration of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Discussion and conclusion: ISL and LRE provide an effective theory to alleviate hepatic steatosis through activating AMPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with several complications, including that of kidney disease. Plant-based dietary products have shown promise in mitigating these effects to improve kidney function and prevent tissue damage. This study assessed the possible favorable effects of beetroot extract (BE) in improving kidney function and preventing tissue damage in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced using a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Both control and rats with pre-established T2DM were divided into six groups (each consisting of eight rats). All treatments were given by gavage and continued for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum fasting insulin levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum and urinary albumin, and creatinine and urea levels were measured. Apart from this, glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukine-6 in the kidney homogenates of all groups of rats were measured, and the histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also performed. Results: It was observed that treatment with BE increased body weight significantly (p ≤ 0.05) to be similar to that of control groups. Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels, and lipid profile in the plasma of the pre-established T2DM rats groups decreased to p ≤ 0.05 in the BE-treated rats as the BE concentration increased. Treatment with BE also improved the renal levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, urinary albumin, and serum creatinine and urea levels. Unlike all other groups, only the kidney tissues of the T2DM + BE (500 mg/kg) rats group showed normal kidney tissue structure, which appears to be similar to those found in the kidney tissues of the control rats groups. Conclusion: we found that streptozotocin administration disturbed markers of kidney dysfunction. However, Beta vulgaris L. root extract reversed these changes through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a variety of symptoms that can impede children's development, food allergies are an important public health concern. With the help of information from the King Fahad Medical City Hospital in Riyadh, we looked at how restricting certain foods affected the growth of Saudi children who had food allergies. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire asking about the individuals' demographics and their restricted eating habits was completed by 72 children (48 boys and 24 girls) between the ages of 2 and 14. The sensitivity of six allergens (hen eggs, cow milk, fish, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans), anthropometric indices, specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and sensitivity were examined. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 26, was used to analyze the data. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine the relationships between various category variables. According to the findings, most of the mothers of the children were between the ages of 30 and 40 (80.6%), had a college degree (72.3%), were unemployed (59.7%), and had a monthly family income between 5000 and 15,000 SAR (69.4%). Both sexes had specific IgE antibodies for allergens in classes 2 and 3, with boys having noticeably (p ≤ 0.05) higher quantities than girls. While females were more sensitive to fish and peanuts, boys were more likely than girls to show specific IgE sensitivity to egg white, cow milk, wheat, and soybeans. Both sexes' allergy levels were considerably (p ≤ 0.01) higher in children aged 5.01 to 10 than in other age groups. In terms of classifications of thinness, overweightness, and obesity, boys were slenderer than girls, and a greater percentage of boys than girls were overweight or obese. The exclusion of hen eggs, cow milk, wheat, and peanuts from the diet had a significant and detrimental effect on body mass index (BMI) and height-for-age ratio among children with impaired growth, in contrast to the demographic factors, which had a significant and favorable effect on the growth of other children. In conclusion, restrictions on food allergens impairs growth in Saudi children, particularly boys' growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to allergens could be life-threatening for people with food allergies. Restaurants and cafes are challenging environments for accommodating food allergies. This study aimed to measure King Saud University female students' awareness about food allergens on restaurants' and cafes' menus. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 379 students aged 18 years and above. A paper-based questionnaire was used, which comprised 16 questions related to the definition of food allergies, food allergens, and food allergy symptoms; the definition and prevention of cross-contact of food allergies; emergency treatment procedures for food allergies; strategies for the prevention of food allergy reactions; customer expectations towards restaurants; and preventive measures taken for food allergies. The results indicate that the overall average score of food allergen awareness was 10.90, which falls in the higher range. Furthermore, female students in the age groups of 23 to 27 years and 33 to 37 years had higher levels of awareness than female students in the age group of 18 to 22 years. The results also showed that the level of awareness among science college and health college students was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that among humanities college students. Post-graduate students also showed a higher level of awareness of food allergens than bachelor's students. These findings also indicate that listing all allergens in the restaurants and cafes' menus statistically significantly (p < 0.05) increased the level of awareness of female students about food allergens on restaurants' and cafes' menus, compared to restaurants and cafes that do not list all allergens on their menus. In general, female students at King Saud University showed a high level of awareness about food allergies on restaurants' and cafes' menus. The study recommends assessing the impact of awareness of female students with and without food allergies on their practices and behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) on anthropometric indices, the lipid profile, and the benefits of the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as an inhibitor of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in obese women were investigated in this study. From January to March 2021, 23 obese adult women (n = 23) with an average age of 35.30 years and BMI of 33.96 kg/m2 followed a KD. Instructions for the KD were given to eligible participants, with a typical plan and a menu for all the main meals, snacks, and drinks permitted over seven days. They were also free to change meals according to their preferences provided that they followed the plan. The participants attended six times throughout the intervention for measurements of their anthropometric indices, BHB levels, interleukin-1beta (1L-1β) levels, and completion of a questionnaire (pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention). Following the KD caused significant weight loss, a reduction in waist circumference and BHB levels, as well as a reduction in BMI and appetite. Cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased slightly. However, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum increased significantly (p < 0.05), and 1L-1β decreased significantly (p < 0.0001). The results show that the KD effectively encouraged weight loss and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. Based on the questionnaire results, it was found that a variety of physical symptoms, including overall energy, physical activity, mood, sleep, focus, skin conditions, and menstruation, had significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to inhibit HT-115 human colorectal cancer cell proliferation using ononitol monohydrate (OMH), a bioactive principle isolated from Cassia tora (L.). The cytotoxicity of OMH has been assayed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), cell and nuclear morphology, and apoptosis mechanisms have been analyzed using real-time PCR. Higher doses of OMH potentially inhibit 84% of HT-115 cell viability; we observed that the IC50 level was 3.2 µM in 24 h and 1.5 µM in 48 h. The treatment with 3.2 µM of OMH for 48 h characteristically showed 64% apoptotic cells and 3% necrotic cells, confirmed by propidium iodide and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/ErBr) staining. We found the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) in the control HT-115 cells, which was directly associated with colorectal tumorigenesis. However, 3.2 µM of OMH treatment to HT-115 cells for 48 h significantly reduced inflammatory genes, such as TNF-α/IL-1β and COX-2/PGE-2. The downregulation of COX-2 and PGE-2 was more significant with the 3.2 µM dose when compared to the 1.5 µM dose of OMH. Additionally, the protein levels of COX-2 and PGE-2 were decreased in the 3.2 µM OMH-treated cells compared to the control. We found significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased mRNA expression levels of tumor-suppressor genes, such as pRb2, Cdkn1a, p53, and caspase-3, and decreased Bcl-2, mdm2, and PCNA after 48 h was confirmed with apoptotic stimulation. In conclusion, the antiproliferative effect of OMH via the early suppression of protumorigenic inflammatory agents TNF-α/IL-1β, COX-2/PGE-2 expression, and the increased expression levels of tumor-suppressor genes Cdkn1a and pRb2, which enhanced the activation of Bax and p53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive storage of lipids in visceral or ectopic sites stimulates adipokine production, which attracts macrophages. This process determines the pro- and anti-inflammatory response regulation in adipose tissue during obesity-associated systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to identify the composition of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) seed extract and to determine its bio-efficacy on adipocyte thermogenesis or fatty acid oxidation and inhibition of lipid accumulation and adipokine secretion. Ocimum basilicum L. seed methanol extract (BSME) was utilized to analyze the cytotoxicity vs. control; lipid accumulation assay (oil red O and Nile red staining), adipogenesis and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-related gene expression vs. vehicle control were analyzed by PCR assay. In addition, vehicle control and BSME-treated adipocytes condition media were collected and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage to identify the macrophage polarization. The results shown that the active components present in BSME did not produce significant cytotoxicity in preadipocytes or macrophages in the MTT assay. Furthermore, oil red O and Nile red staining assay confirmed that 80 and 160 μg/dL concentrations of BSME effectively arrested lipid accumulation and inhibited adipocyte maturation, when compared with tea polyphenols. Gene expression level of adipocyte hyperplasia (CEBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenesis (LPL)-related genes have been significantly (p ≤ 0.05) downregulated, and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-associated genes (PPARγc1α, UCP-1, prdm16) have been significantly (p ≤ 0.001) upregulated. The BSME-treated, maturing, adipocyte-secreted proteins were detected with a decreased protein level of leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and STAT-6, which are associated with insulin resistance and macrophage recruitment. The "LPS-stimulated macrophage" treated with "BSME-treated adipocytes condition media", shown with significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in metabolic-inflammation-related proteins—such as PGE-2, MCP-1, TNF-α and NF-κB—were majorly associated with the development of foam cell formation and progression of atherosclerotic lesion. The present findings concluded that the availability of active principles in basil seed effectively inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage polarization, and the inflammation associated with insulin resistance and thrombosis development. Ocimum basilicum L. seed may be useful as a dietary supplement to enhance fatty acid oxidation, which aids in overcoming metabolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Beetroot is one of the most consumable plants across the world. Previous studies have shown many health benefits of beetroot, with evidence of having potent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The data obtained from this study further confirmed this effect in streptozotocin-diabetic animals. They showed the ability of methanolic beetroot extract to prevent the associated hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, steatosis, and dyslipidaemia. However, the protection mechanisms involve, at least, upregulation of endogenous antioxidants, anti-apoptotic Bcl2, and PPARα. The present study examined if methanolic beetroot extract (BE) could prevent dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis and damage in a type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model and studied some mechanisms of action. T2DM was induced in adult male Wistar rats by a low single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p) and a high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 5 weeks. Control or T2DM rats then continued on standard or HFDs for another 12 weeks and were treated with the vehicle or BE (250 or 500 mg/kg). BE, at both doses, significantly improved liver structure and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in the livers of T2DM rats. They also reduced body weight gain, serum glucose, insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and serum levels of low-density lipoproteins in T2DM rats. In concomitant, they significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and mRNA of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and SREBP1/2. However, both doses of BE significantly increased hepatic levels of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and mRNA levels of Bcl2 and PPARα in the livers of both the control and T2DM rats. All of these effects were dose-dependent and more profound with doses of 500 mg/kg. In conclusion, chronic feeding of BE to STZ/HFD-induced T2DM in rats prevents hepatic steatosis and liver damage by its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and its ability to upregulate antioxidants and PPARα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: labels deliver basic product information, health safety and nutritional information. Objectives: this study aims to assess consumers’ knowledge, awareness, and practices in relation to food labels and the effect of sociodemo)graphic characteristics on various aspects of food labels in Al-Ahsa. Methods: a random sampling method was used to recruit participants (n = 403) and a validated electronic questionnaire was used to gather data. Results: most of the participants (81.4 %) had moderate knowledge about general nutrition. The majority of them (58.8 %) placed high impor)tance on reading food labels. Participants have positive opinions about the significance of reading food labels, and practice most of its aspects on a “frequent” basis. Lack of time was the main barrier for not utilizing food label information and obesity was the main concern if they did not read food labels. Results also demonstrate significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlations between participants’ nutrition knowledge and their rating of the significance and their opinion and practices of reading food labels. Participants’ rating of the importance of reading food labels was positively correlated with participants’ opinion and practices regarding food label. Results also indicate that participants’ sex, age, body mass index, educational level and health status have significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on various aspects of food label under study. Finally, this study suggests some actions are required to enrich the knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the food label among Saudi consumers in Al-Ahsa. Conclusion: this study emphasizes the significance of education and awareness initiatives to empower consumers to understand and use nutrition facts labels in order to make healthy dietary choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction: labels deliver basic product information, health safety and nutritional information. Objectives: this study aims to assess consumers' knowledge, awareness, and practices in relation to food labels and the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on various aspects of food labels in Al-Ahsa. Methods: a random sampling method was used to recruit participants (n = 403) and a validated electronic questionnaire was used to gather data. Results: most of the participants (81.4 %) had moderate knowledge about general nutrition. The majority of them (58.8 %) placed high importance on reading food labels. Participants have positive opinions about the significance of reading food labels, and practice most of its aspects on a "frequent" basis. Lack of time was the main barrier for not utilizing food label information and obesity was the main concern if they did not read food labels. Results also demonstrate significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlations between participants' nutrition knowledge and their rating of the significance and their opinion and practices of reading food labels. Participants' rating of the importance of reading food labels was positively correlated with participants' opinion and practices regarding food label. Results also indicate that participants' sex, age, body mass index, educational level and health status have significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on various aspects of food label under study. Finally, this study suggests some actions are required to enrich the knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the food label among Saudi consumers in Al-Ahsa. Conclusion: this study emphasizes the significance of education and awareness initiatives to empower consumers to understand and use nutrition facts labels in order to make healthy dietary choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled production of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) and stabilization of tumor suppressor genes are the most important factors involved in preventing carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to explore the cyclin dependent apoptotic effect of nymphayol on breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In our previous study, we isolated the crystal from a chloroform extract of Nymphaea stellata flower petals and it was confirmed as nymphayol (17-(hexan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol) using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and mass spectroscopy (MS) methods. The cytotoxic effect of nymphayol on MCF-7 cells were analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cellular and nuclear damage was determined using propidium iodide (PI) and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/ErBr) staining. Tumor suppressor and apoptosis related mRNA transcript levels were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nymphayol potentially inhibits MCF-7 cell viability up to 78%, and the IC50 value was observed as 2.8 µM in 24 h and 1.4 µM in 48 h. Treatment with nymphayol significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the tunnel assay confirmed DNA damage. We found characteristically 76% apoptotic cells and 9% necrotic cells in PI and AO/ErBr staining after 48 h treatment with 2.8 µM of nymphayol. Gene expression analysis confirmed significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased mRNA levels of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (Cdkn2a), retinoblastoma protein 2 (pRb2), p53, nuclear factor erythroid 2-factor 2 (Nrf2), caspase-3, and decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), murine double minute 2 (mdm2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression after 48 h. Nymphayol effectively inhibited breast cancer cell viability, and is associated with early expression of Cdkn2a, pRb2, and activation of p53 and caspases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]