Cu, Ni, and Zn effects on basic physiological and stress parameters of Raphidocelis subcapitata algae

Abstract Objectives The current study evaluates the protective role of aqueous extract of Sterculia tragacantha leaf (AESTL) on pancreatic gene expressions (insulin, PCNA, PDX-1, KI-67 and GLP-1R) and oxidative stress parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetes mellitus was induced into the experimental Wistar animals via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight) and 5% glucose water was given to the rats for 24 h after induction. The animals were categorized into five groups of 10 rats each as follows normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats administered AESTL (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) and diabetic rats administered metformin (200 mg/kg) orally for two weeks. Thereafter, the animals were euthanized, blood sample collected, pancreas harvested and some pancreatic gene expressions (such as insulin, PCNA, PDX-1, KI-67, and GLP-1R)s as well as oxidative stress parameters were analyzed. Results The results revealed that AESTL significantly (p<0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose level, food and water intake, and lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats administered different doses of AESTL showed a substantial upsurge in body weight, antioxidant enzyme activities, and pancreatic gene expressions (insulin, PCNA, PDX-1, KI-67, and GLP-1R). Conclusions It can therefore be concluded that AESTL has the ability to protect the pancreas during diabetes mellitus conditions.

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Effects of a novel mobile health intervention compared to a multi-component behaviour changing program on body mass index, physical capacities and stress parameters in adolescents with obesity: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-02781-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

A. Stasinaki ◽

D. Büchter ◽

C.-H. I. Shih ◽

K. Heldt ◽

S. Güsewell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Body Mass ◽

Body Fat ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Health Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Physical Capacities ◽

Stress Parameters

Abstract Background Less than 2% of overweight children and adolescents in Switzerland can participate in multi-component behaviour changing interventions (BCI), due to costs and lack of time. Stress often hinders positive health outcomes in youth with obesity. Digital health interventions, with fewer on-site visits, promise health care access in remote regions; however, evidence for their effectiveness is scarce. Methods This randomized controlled not blinded trial (1:1) was conducted in a childhood obesity center in Switzerland. Forty-one youth aged 10–18 years with body mass index (BMI) > P.90 with risk factors or co-morbidities or BMI > P.97 were recruited. During 5.5 months, the PathMate2 group (PM) received daily conversational agent counselling via mobile app, combined with standardized counselling (4 on-site visits). Controls (CON) participated in a BCI (7 on-site visits). We compared the outcomes of both groups after 5.5 (T1) and 12 (T2) months. Primary outcome was reduction in BMI-SDS (BMI standard deviation score: BMI adjusted for age and sex). Secondary outcomes were changes in body fat and muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis), waist-to-height ratio, physical capacities (modified Dordel-Koch-Test), blood pressure and pulse. Additionally, we hypothesized that less stressed children would lose more weight. Thus, children performed biofeedback relaxation exercises while stress parameters (plasma cortisol, stress questionnaires) were evaluated. Results At intervention start median BMI-SDS of all patients (18 PM, 13 CON) was 2.61 (obesity > + 2SD). BMI-SDS decreased significantly in CON at T1, but not at T2, and did not decrease in PM during the study. Muscle mass, strength and agility improved significantly in both groups at T2; only PM reduced significantly their body fat at T1 and T2. Average daily PM app usage rate was 71.5%. Cortisol serum levels decreased significantly after biofeedback but with no association between stress parameters and BMI-SDS. No side effects were observed. Conclusions Equally to BCI, PathMate2 intervention resulted in significant and lasting improvements of physical capacities and body composition, but not in sustained BMI-SDS decrease. This youth-appealing mobile health intervention provides an interesting approach for youth with obesity who have limited access to health care. Biofeedback reduces acute stress and could be an innovative adjunct to usual care.

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