Nutrition
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Endothelial dysfunction associated with reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability plays an important role in development of hypertension. Consumption of a diet rich in antioxidants appears to lower the risk for hypertension. Virgin rice bran oil (VRBO) possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. However, to our knowledge, the antihypertensive effect of VRBO has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the antihypertensive effect of VRBO in Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats and its underlying mechanisms. ⋯ The antihypertensive effect of VRBO may be mediated by restoration of hemodynamics, increased NO bioavailability, and alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation. VRBO has an additive effect on antihypertensive medication.
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It is well known that protein malnutrition (PM) states can affect hematopoiesis, leading to severe leukopenia and reduced number of granulocytes, which act as the first line of defense, and are important to the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to elucidate some of the mechanisms involved in the impairment of granulopoiesis in PM. ⋯ This study implies that PM promotes intrinsic alterations to hematopoietic precursors, which result in hematologic changes, mainly neutropenia, observed in peripheral blood in PM states.
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The aim of this study was to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for pregnant women to identify those who are at risk for possible deficiencies in the key nutrients for pregnancy. ⋯ Acceptable agreements were seen for most of the nutrients. Possible deficiencies for key nutrients during pregnancy can be detected by the developed FFQ for Filipino pregnant women living in low-income urban communities with similar profiles.
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Obese Zucker rats display neurochemical modifications in the brain characteristic of dehydration, but are nevertheless hyperphagic. This suggests that the obese animals can be resistant to dehydration-induced anorexia. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis by comparing the effects of dehydration on food intake and feeding pattern between obese and lean Zucker rats. ⋯ Dehydration-induced anorexia is present in both obese and lean Zucker rats; however, obese rats are more resistant to dehydration by preserving their meal size and food intake. These results support a role for feeding-associated dehydration in the pathogenesis of hyperphagia and obesity.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of climate and location while using the multivariate model of malnutrition. ⋯ Nutrition interventions may target hot spot areas that have shown increased risk for overweight and wasting. The strategies to minimize malnutrition should focus on consequences of climate change like high rainfall, length of season, and temperature.