Nutrition
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The aim of this study was to determine the association between iron parameters and inflammation in obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ⋯ Elevated hsCRP and hepcidin levels, and increased gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, and TLR-2/4 in patients with diabetes, obesity, or both exacerbate and perpetuate the insulin resistance and inflammatory state.
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Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system can lead to the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. Endogenous endocannabinoids act on two cannabinoid receptor subtypes, type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), to exert their biological actions. The aim of this study was to determine whether CB1 and CB2 receptors modulate feeding behavior. ⋯ We demonstrated that the endogenous CB2 receptor plays a role in inhibiting food intake in the satiated state, whereas the CB1 receptor promotes food intake in the fasted condition. The induction of feeding by central acyl ghrelin is a CB1 receptor-dependent mechanism. Differentially nibbling CB1 and CB2 receptor subtypes may provide a new avenue to treating eating and metabolic disorders.
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Transgenic (Tg) mice, which possess an amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene mutation, develop extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) deposition in the brain, and severe memory and behavioral deficits with age. These mice serve as an important animal model for testing the efficacy of novel drug candidates for the treatment and management of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several reports have suggested that oxidative stress is the underlying cause of Aβ neurotoxicity in AD. Pomegranates contain very high levels of antioxidants and several medicinal properties that may be useful for improving quality of life in individuals with AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Omani pomegranate extract on memory, anxiety, and learning skills in an AD mouse model possessing the double Swedish APP mutation (APPsw/Tg2576). ⋯ Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with pomegranates may slow the progression of cognitive and behavioral impairments in AD.
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The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism of action of vitamin K1 against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. ⋯ This work shows, to our knowledge for the first time, the mechanism of action of vitamin K1 against type 1 diabetes and the possible therapeutic use of this vitamin in stimulating islet cell proliferation/regeneration.
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Bone protective effects of withaferin A (WFA) from leaves of Withania somnifera (L.) were evaluated in preventive model of Balb/c mice with 17 β-estradiol (E2) and alendronate (ALD). ⋯ It is surmised that WFA in preclinical setting is effective in preserving bone loss by both inhibition of resorption and stimulation of new bone formation before onset of osteoporosis with no uterine hyperplasia.