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Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important cereal grains that is popularly consumed globally as a staple food. A number of rice dishes are prepared and consumed in Oman. Representative samples of four different types of cooked rice dishes (White rice, Brown rice, Kabuli rice, and Biryani rice) and two traditional dishes (Arsiya and Harees) were collected from local restaurants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate composition, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of these dishes. The results indicated significant (P

Traditional salted Thunnus albacares and Scomberoides commersonianus processed with a thyme and other additives recipe were microbiologically and physiochemically characterized to evaluate its safety, quality and storage stability at 23 ± 2°C with a reference to the bacterial floral composition and halophilic bacterial floral types and its potential. This study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, 15 kg of Thunnus albacares and Scomberoides commersonianus each were bought from local markets and characterized, whereas, in the second stage, 20 kg of Scomberoides commersonianus were stored at 23 ± 2°C for 10 weeks and its storage stability was evaluated. Total aerobic mesophilic bacterial and moderate halophilic bacterial counts were log 2.0 ± 0.78 - 2.4 ± 0.44 CFU/g and log 1.8 ± 0.11 - 2.5 ± 0.53 CFU/g. Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria and yeasts and molds counts were < log 1 CFU/g. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was not detected. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. methylotrophicus were the most dominant halophilic bacteria among the flora. Most of the Bacillus species showed antimicrobial, amino decarboxylation and lipolytic activities. Water activity, peroxide value and acid value were 0.79 ± 0.00 - 0.85 ± 0.00, 2.8 ± 1.4 - 5.6 ± 1.4 meq/kg fat and 2.3 ± 0.62 - 3.2 ± 1.1. Tyramine, histamine, cadaverine and putrescine were found in trace amounts. Salted fish product,s characteristics did not change significantly during storage except NaCl content and colour value a. In conclusion, traditional salted Thunnus albacares and Scomberoides commersonianus were found to be microbiologically safe with good quality and storage stability of 10 weeks.

Although cancer is still one of the most significant global challenges facing public health, the world still lacks complementary approaches that would significantly enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. One of the essential strategies during cancer treatment is following a healthy diet program. The ketogenic diet (KD) has recently emerged as a metabolic therapy in cancer treatment, targeting cancer cell metabolism rather than a conventional dietary approach. The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat and very-low-carbohydrate with adequate amounts of protein, has shown antitumor effects by reducing energy supplies to cells. This low energy supply inhibits tumor growth, explaining the ketogenic diet’s therapeutic mechanisms in cancer treatment. This review highlights the crucial mechanisms that explain the ketogenic diet’s potential antitumor effects, which probably produces an unfavorable metabolic environment for cancer cells and can be used as a promising adjuvant in cancer therapy. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid background for researchers and physicians to design new combination therapies based on KD and conventional therapies.

Background:The use of plant for medicinal purposes has a long history worldwide. There is a lack of research that identifies the antidiabetic effect of edible Omani wild plants. Oxidative stress mediates the pathogenesis of diabetes and it has been suggested that natural antioxidants might be considered as an effective intervention for combating diabetes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential properties of two edible Omani wild plants (Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata) or their mixture in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-seven male Sprague Dawley rats, weighting 250–300 grams, were allocated into 5 groups: non-diabetic (9 rats/group), diabetic group (7 rats/group), and three diabetic groups that received oral feeding of either Pteropyrum scoparium, Oxalis corniculata, or their mixture (7 rats/group). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection dose of STZ drug, 50 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the experimental trial, after 8 weeks, all rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed; blood glucose was measured, meanwhile pancreatic tissues were dissected and homogenized for the biochemical assessment of oxidative stress markers (glutathione, GSH, and total antioxidant capacity, TAC). Results: STZ resulted in hyperglycemia and oxidative stress (GSH depletion and TAC impairment) in diabetic group as compared to non-diabetic group. Meanwhile the concomitant treatment of diabetic groups with the two wild the edible Omani plants or their mixture have shown a protective effect against the STZ-induced hyperglycemia, but with no effect on oxidative stress. It was noted that for the final boy weight, the improvement was not significant as well. Histopathological examination of the pancreatic tissues showed that the STZ injection lead to pathological changes associated with diabetes in the pancreatic tissues of all diabetic groups. Conclusion: Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata combated the STZ-induced hyperglycemia with no effect on oxidative stress. Also, there was no synergistic effect of Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata on hyperglycemia or oxidative stress.

Insufficient physical activity is considered a strong risk factor associated with non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physical (in)activity behavior in 10 Arab countries before and during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study using a validated online survey was launched originally in 38 different countries. The Eastern Mediterranean regional data related to the 10 Arabic countries that participated in the survey were selected for analysis in this study. A total of 12,433 participants were included in this analysis. The mean age of the participants was 30.3 (SD, 11.7) years. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between physical activity levels and the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, watching TV, screen time, and computer usage. Physical activity levels decreased significantly during the lockdown. Participants' country of origin, gender, and education were associated with physical activity before and during the lockdown (p < 0.050). Older age, watching TV, and using computers had a negative effect on physical activity before and during the lockdown (p < 0.050). Strategies to improve physical activity and minimize sedentary behavior should be implemented, as well as to reduce unhealthy levels of inactive time, especially during times of crisis. Further research on the influence of a lack of physical activity on overall health status, as well as on the COVID-19 disease effect is recommended. 2022 by the authors. Scopus

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disability and death in many countries. Together with CVD, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for more than 80% of all premature non-communicable disease deaths. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on CVD and its risk factors, including T2DM, has been a constant topic of interest. Notwithstanding, despite the large body of evidence, scientists are concerned about the challenges and difficulties of the application of MedDiet. This review aims to explore the motivations and challenges for using MedDiet in patients with CVD and T2DM. Design: An electronic search was conducted for articles about MedDiet published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2021, particularly on CVD and T2DM patients. From a total of 1536 studies, the final eligible set of 108 studies was selected. Study selection involved three iterations of filtering. Results: Motivation to apply MedDiet was driven by the importance of studying the entire food pattern rather than just one nutrient, the health benefits, and the distinct characteristics of MedDiet. Challenges of the application of MedDiet include lacking universal definition and scoring of MedDiet. Influences of nutritional transition that promote shifting of traditional diets to Westernized diets further complicate the adherence of MedDiet. The challenges also cover the research aspects, including ambiguous and inconsistent findings, the inexistence of positive results, limited evidence, and generalization in previous studies. The review revealed that most of the studies recommended that future studies are needed in terms of health benefits, describing the potential benefits of MedDiet, identifying the barriers, and mainly discussing the effect of MedDiet in different populations. Conclusions: In general, there is consistent and strong evidence that MedDiet is associated inversely with CVD risk factors and directly with glycemic control. MedDiet is the subject of active and diverse research despite the existing challenges. This review informs the health benefits conferred by this centuries-old dietary pattern and highlights MedDiet could possibly be revolutionary, practical, and non-invasive approach for the prevention and treatment CVD and T2DM.

Purpose The objective of this study is to expand the understanding of the family influence on children's nutrition and physical activity patterns in Oman. Design and methods A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. We recruited 204 dyads (a mother with a child) conveniently. Research data were collected in public cycle one schools, nongovernmental community centers, and home visits from five provinces in Oman. Study measures included a general information survey, anthropometric measurements, electronic children and family nutrition and physical activity questionnaires, and a single-day dietary recall for children. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were used. Results Children's nutrition intake was significantly associated with parental education level, family income, and family nutrition and physical activity patterns, while children's physical activity patterns were significantly associated with maternal BMI and parental education level. Conclusions Children's nutrition and physical activity patterns are associated with maternal BMI, family's sociodemographic characteristics, and family's nutrition and physical activity pattern. Practice implications Family is a key element in shaping and influencing children's lifestyle-related behaviors. School-health programs that actively involve the families hold promise in promoting children's nutrition and physical activity pattern. Future research should be directed toward understanding the moderating and mediating factors.

Recently, nanoencapsulation was introduced as an efficient and promising approach for the protection, delivery, and site-specific liberation of the nutraceuticals and bioactive ingredients. Food proteins are attractive materials for developing nanocarriers to protect and deliver bioactives due to their unique functional and biological properties. Food proteins extracted from animals and plants have the ability to form different nanostructures including nanoparticles, hollow particles, nanogels, nanofibrillar aggregates, electrospun nanofibers, nanotubular structures, and nanocomplexes. These nanostructured food proteins have been widely used as nanocarriers for the biologically active compounds and drugs. The release of bioactive compounds from nanocarriers depends mainly on pH as well as swelling and the degradation behavior of nanostructure in the simulated physiological conditions. This review presents the applications of the nanostructured food proteins for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. The major techniques for the fabrication of nanocarriers are described. The encapsulation, protection, and release of bioactive compounds in different nanostructured food proteins were also discussed.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Leaves of basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) are often used for medicinal purposes because of their bioactive constituents, yet the antioxidant properties of this plant are not fully studied in the field of diabetes. The present study investigated the antioxidant property and anti-diabetic effect of two basil cultivars of Ocimum basilicum, 'Italian Genovese' and 'Thyrsiflora', in a Streptozotocin (STZ) rat model of diabetes . MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10/group) were divided into 6 groups: Three non-diabetic and three diabetic groups that either did not receive any supplementation or were supplemented with the leaves extract of one or the other cultivar. After 13 weeks of feeding, all rats were sacrificed, pancreatic tissues were homogenized and used for evaluating oxidative DNA damage and dichlorofluorescein fluorescence (DCF) assay. Blood was collected for the measurements of glucose and insulin. RESULTS The STZ caused oxidative stress in the diabetic group as evidenced by an increase in oxidative DNA damage and also caused DCF production in pancreatic tissues as compared to non-diabetic groups, (p

In a cross-sectional study, we determined the dietary patterns and nutritional status of Omani school students (12-15 years), and their association with student’s academic performance. A study questionnaire, including a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, was used to collect data. Results indicated that 36% of Omani school students regularly consumed breakfast, whereas only 21.7% had daily 3 meals. Similarly, 30.5% of students consumed fruits ≥ 2 serving/day, 26.6% consumed vegetables ≥ 3 serving/day, and 49.8% consumed fish ≥ 2 serving/week. Significant differences were observed regarding breakfast consumption among genders, regular intake of daily 3 meals, fruits, fish, avoiding soft drinks, nutritional knowledge, total energy and macronutrient intake. Based on BMI, 12.3 % of students were overweight, and 26.1% were obese. The students did not have enough nutritional knowledge and showed unhealthy dietary patterns indicated by their mediocre Omani Diet Scores. Daily energy and macronutrient intakes in males were significantly higher than females. Only fish intake, avoiding soft drinks, waist to height ratio (WHtR), and nutritional knowledge score showed significant associations with student’s academic performance. Healthy dietary patterns and improved nutritional status of school students showed a positive association with their academic performance, suggesting that more focus should be placed in developing healthy dietary patterns.

Objective: To assess the role of various dietary and lifestyle modifications in the secondary prevention of biomarkers of plaque recurrence in Omani coronary revascularized patients.Methods: Seventy-two patients, from the outpatient cardiology clinic of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent. In a questionnaire-based study, we collected data about four lifestyle modifications; physical activity, weight reduction, dietary intake and healthy eating patterns and smoking or non-smoking status, in personal interviews. A modified previously validated study questionnaire, which comprised of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, was used to assess the demographic information, eating patterns, diet quality index score, and daily dietary intake of study participants. The data about patient’s baseline characteristics, revascularization information and biochemical laboratory tests was harvested from the SQUH’s electronic record system. The statistical analysis of data was made using R-studio v.7 and Microsoft excel v.7.Results: The males had higher educational level as compared to females and were more active than females. The data indicated that 16% males and females were diabetic, 10% males and 21% females were hypertensive, and 30% males and 42% females had both diabetes and hypertension. Forty eight percent males and 63% females had body mass index (BMI) >30. However, no significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the BMI, diabetes and hypertension status in males and females. Both genders had poor nutritional knowledge. Although the LDL-C and HDL-C values in males and females differed, they were within the normal therapeutic limits. The HbA1c and C-reactive protein values were above the normal ranges with no significant (P < 0.05) difference in both males and females. The average daily energy intake in males (2694 kcalories) was significantly higher compared to females (1603 kcalories). The proportionate contribution of energy from macronutrients was within the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges. Omani diet score for males (75.5) and females (74.6) didn’t differ significantly (P < 0.05), indicating their adherence to healthy dietary patterns.Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary and lifestyle modifications play significant role in the secondary prevention of biomarkers of plaque recurrence in Omani coronary revascularized patients. Behavioral counseling to promote healthy modifications in dietary and lifestyle factors are therefore recommended in the secondary prevention of risk of plaque recurrence.

Cancer is second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in year 2018, from which 70% death occurred in low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization estimates that there will be 20 million new cases and 12 million deaths from cancer alone by the year 2020 [1]. Furthermore, the WHO reported that in Western countries, the rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased dramatically as compared to other types of cancers, and this increase was attributed to westernization in food choices and dietary pattern as well as adopting a sedentary lifestyle [1, 2]. CRC is the third most common cancer and a major cause of cancer mortality and over 1.8 million cases were reported during 2018. Although the introduction of colonoscopy techniques has made it easier to diagnose CRC at an early stage, in most of the cases it can occur due to sporadic tumorigenesis via the adenoma-carcinoma sequence [3, 4]. Chronic inflammation is implicated in causing cancer and the process can take years to develop CRC [5]. An early screening will therefore allow in making an advance action plan for CRC diagnosis, which will not only help to reduce health cost for secondary treatments but will also support to improve the efficiency of country’s work force. Although the CRC cases in the USA have dropped by 30% during the last decade, the CRC cases in the Arab world have increased [6, 7]. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, and cancers [8]. HHcy induces cancer by cellular oxidative stress, through oxidant-mediated responses, and epigenetic modifications such as alterations of DNA methylation and their regulatory role in gene expression. High levels of plasma homocysteine levels have been observed in cancer patients, indicating its association with venous and arterial thrombosis [9]. Venous thromboembolism is the second most common cause of death in cancer patients [10].

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing amino acid, which is produced during the metabolism of methionine. Impairment in one carbon metabolism (OCM) is believed to be responsible for elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels or hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), which is considered as an independent risk factor of coronary artery disease (CAD). There are multifactorial causes of HHcy including the genetic factors, polymorphisms of key OCM enzymes, particularly in case of nutritional deficiencies of certain B-vitamins (folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and B12), disease state, smoking and drugs. The association between plasma homocysteine levels and cardiovascular disease risk has spawned attention to develop strategies to lower plasma homocysteine levels that may improve the vascular disease-associated morbidity and mortality. The data derived largely from observational and cross-sectional studies as well as from some clinical trials indicate that elevated levels of circulating homocysteine (>12 μM/L) are cytotoxic and can cause vascular damage, increase the risk for developing atherothrombotic CAD, peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Understanding the cellular mechanisms by which homocysteine promotes the oxidative stress-induced vascular dysfunction, has provided sufficient evidence to conduct clinical trials to lower homocysteine levels with B-vitamins as a novel therapeutic approach to patients with cardiovascular diseases. This chapter reviews the scientific evidence about the potential causes of hyperhomocysteinemia and its link as a risk factor in the pathobiology of CAD and the role of B-vitamin supplementation in the prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia-associated CAD.

When it comes to food, there has been a noticeable increase in the consumption of snacks, fast food, sweets, meat, milk products and savory. This increase is met by a decrease in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. This change is moving forward towards transforming the lifestyle, and several surveys showed that the increase in consumption of fats and carbohydrates as well as other mentioned products lead to high calorie intake which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) [1]. It also noted that this risk is transferred to an earlier age as it is now including preadolescents as well as the late adulthood stage, this will increase the incidence of T2DM unless a health program is developed to combat this risk [2].

The significance of elevated blood homocysteine (Hcy) in clinical practice is a serious subject for researchers and is considered as a marker of certain diseases [1]. Hcy, is a sulfur containing, non-proteinogenic amino acid required for the growth of cells and tissues [2, 3]. It is produced exclusively from methionine (Met), an essential amino acid obtained from diet [4]. Hcy is normally present in human plasma at lower concentrations. The normal range is reported to be 5–15 micromol/L [5]. The level could be affected by health-related behaviours, including diet, excessive coffee intake, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and sedentary lifestyle [6, 7]. Total plasma Hcy could be in the form of free Hcy, protein-bound Hcy, oxidized forms of Hcy, and Hcy-thiolactone [3]. This is used as a predictive risk factor for stroke progression, cardiovascular disorders, test for vitamin B12 deficiency, and screening for inborn errors of Met metabolism. An increase of Hcy is referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) which is a sensitive marker of folate and vitamin B 12 deficiency and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), pregnancy complications, cognitive impairment, stoke, and other diseases [8–10]. Plasma levels between 15 and 30 micromol/L are referred as mild HHcy, whereas levels between 31 and 100 micromol/L are moderate HHcy and levels above 100 micromol/L are described as severe HHcy [11]. There are also other studies which report that HHcy are associated with atherosclerosis, thrombosis, birth defects, osteoporosis, diabetes, and renal disease [2]. It is also reported to be highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. There are several risk factors that could lead to HHcy- the main cause being insufficient intake of vitamin B group especially folic acid (B9), pyridoxine (B6), or B12 (cyanocobalamin), and several polymorphisms involved in methionine (Met) metabolism [9]. This could also lead to high excretion of Hcy (oxidized Hcy) in urine (homocystinuria) [12]. The relation between HHcy and morphological changes in the organs are extremely important to improve the diagnostic methods and to develop effective treatment.

Inflammation is a natural clinical repair response of body’s immune system to protect its tissues from various noxious stimuli that continues to remodel throughout the lifecycle because of interactions between genes, lifestyles, and environments. There is a link between inflammation, elevated plasma homocysteine levels and cardiometabolic diseases. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed through which homocysteine can modulate the inflammatory response, though the exact mechanism is not clearly understood. The serum homocysteine concentration is considered as an independent risk factor for many disease conditions including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Epidemiological evidence indicates that moderate consumption of anthocyanins is associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, a clear relationship between anthocyanin and homocysteine has not yet been developed. Anthocyanins are water soluble blue, red, and purple pigments, present in the vacuolar sap of the epidermal tissues of plant parts. As therapeutic agents, they are well-accepted in folk medicine worldwide and are linked to a myriad of health benefits. Anthocyanins impart an amazing role in lessening inflammation in body tissues. The molecular mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory activities include inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenase and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase, inhibition of NF-kB and activating protein-1 (AP-1) and activation of phase II antioxidant detoxifying enzymes, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2. This chapter discusses the interrelationship between hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation and anthocyanins, as well as the mechanisms of action and anti-inflammatory role of anthocyanins in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.

Background In the past infectious diseases affected the quality of lifestyle during home confinement. The study conducted examines the influence of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on lifestyle, mental wellbeing, nutritional status, and sleeping pattern. Method An online multicategorical questionnaire was distributed to collect demographic information combined with the following tools: Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), WHO-5 wellbeing score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A snowball non-discriminate sampling procedure was conducted to collect data from people attending or working at higher institutions from March 1, 2020 to April 24, 2020. A total of 1723 completed responses (917 males, 37.4 ±13.4 years old and 806 females 32.2 ± 11.5 years old) were collected. Results The female participants had significantly lower mental health scores than males (53.9% vs. 46.1%). The mental wellbeing scores were higher among participants with medium and high physical activity (PA) levels (p < 0.00). Additionally, the mental wellbeing scores were significantly improved by dietary quality and it’s sleeping score (p < 0.001). However, PA was by far the major determinant of the mental health scores. Conclusion Factors such as PA, diet, and sleeping patterns were associated with mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 confinement among Arab participants.

Curcumin has a wide spectrum of biological, pharmaceutical, and antioxidant effects in cancer experimental models. Nitrosamine is commonly used as an experimental oxidizing agent which induces gastric oxidative stress and gastric carcinogenesis in rats. We examined the antioxidant potential effect of curcumin against nitrosamine-induced gastric oxidative stress in rats. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rats/group). The control group was fed a standard diet and received a single dose of normal saline, the nitrosamine-treated group was fed a standard diet and received an intraperitoneal injection of nitrosamine at a single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). The other two groups received a daily dose of curcumin (200 mg/kg b.w.) via intra-gastric intubation in the presence or absence of nitrosamine injection. After 16 weeks, all rats were sacrificed, and the gastric tissues were dissected for histopathological examination and for biochemical measurements of oxidative stress indices. Our results showed that nitrosamine causes oxidative stress in gastric tissues as evidenced by glutathione depletion, increased level of lipid peroxides, nitric oxide release, impairment of total antioxidant capacity, DNA oxidative damage, and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase). Histopathological findings revealed abnormal gastric architecture in association with nitrosamine injection compared to the non-treated control group. Curcumin significantly suppressed the gastric oxidative damage associated with nitrosamine treatment and mitigated its histopathological effect. These results suggest that curcumin, as an antioxidant, has a therapeutic effect against oxidative stress-mediated gastric diseases.

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with depletion of the major intracellular antioxidant glutathione, and oxidative stress is emerging as an etiological mechanism for colon cancer. Azoxymethane (AOM), a potent carcinogen, induces colon cancer in rats by causing pathophysiological changes and oxidative stress. We investigated the synergistic effect of folate and vitamin B12 supplementation against AOM-induced carcinogenesis and oxidative stress in rat colon. Adult male rats were distributed into four groups: 1) Basal diet only; 2) AOM injection (15 mg/kg once per week in weeks 5 and 6); 3) Folate and vitamin B12 supplemented diet; 4) Folate and B12 diet with AOM injection. After 16 weeks, rats were sacrificed, colon tissue dissected, indicators of oxidative stress were measured, and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes were evaluated. AOM-injected rats showed oxidative stress, evident by glutathione depletion, oxidation of cellular proteins, and DNA oxidative damage. AOM increased mucosal levels of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Bax and caused ultrastructure changes in colonic cell organelles. Folate and vitamin B12 supplementation decreased the level of oxidative stress and ameliorated the cytotoxic effects of AOM. In this in vivo experimental model of colon cancer, folate and vitamin B12 supplementation combats carcinogen-induced oxidative stress.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. CRC vary on the basis of both the biologic features of the disease and its associated lifestyle characteristics. The risk of CRC increases with several modifiable factors including obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in red or processed meat, heavy alcohol consumption, and possibly inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. We aimed to establish a baseline data for dietary and lifestyle characteristics of Omani adults diagnosed with CRC. Methods: A Case control study conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, a referral hospital for CRC patients in Oman, and included 279 subjects (109 diagnosed CRC cases and 170 matched controls). All study subjects were recruited on volunteer basis and personally interviewed for preset questions related to sociodemographic data, anthropometric assessment, dietary intake and physical activity. Results: There was no significant difference between cases and controls regarding smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and dietary fiber intake. However the enrolled cases were more overweight (OR =3.27. 95% CI: 1.91, 7.27), and, had a higher caloric (p =0.001) and macronutrient intake (carbohydrate: p = 0.001; protein: p = 0.017; saturated fat: P = 0.034) than the controls. In addition, the dietary pattern of the cases was characterized by a trend towards low vegetables and fruits intake. Conclusion: CRC maybe prevented through dietary management of high risk groups. This primary prevention approach will ultimately reduce the burden of CRC in Oman.

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetes and hyperglycaemia. The protective effects of natural extracts against diabetes are mainly dependent on their antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) exerts beneficial health effects in several diseases including diabetes; however, the mechanism has not been elucidated yet. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential hypoglycaemic and antioxidant properties of aqueous broccoli extracts (BEs) in diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) drug was used as a diabetogenic agent in a single intraperitoneal injection dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The blood glucose level for each rat was measured twice a week. After 8 weeks, all animals were fasted overnight and sacrificed; pancreatic tissues were homogenized and used for measuring oxidative DNA damage, biochemical assessment of glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as well as histopathological examination for pancreatic tissues was examined. Diabetic rats showed significantly higher levels of DNA damage, GSH depletion, and impaired TAC levels in comparison to non-diabetics (P

Purpose. Evidence from industrialized/developed countries showed that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have significantly dropped due to the widespread use of colonoscopy. In Arab countries, however, the CRC had been reported to have increased. Despite the concerted effort in the primary prevention and widespread use of colonoscopy, to our knowledge, there have been no reports of the prevalence rate of CRC among colonoscopy recipients from Oman. This study aims to explore the CRC prevalence estimates over selected sociodemographic characteristics among colonoscopy-recipients at a tertiary hospital in Oman over five years of follow-up. The regional variations in Oman were also examined in this study. Methods. This hospital-based cross-sectional study reviewed reports of colonoscopies performed over 5-years of retrospective follow-up at a tertiary hospital in Oman. CRC prevalence estimates were calculated over age, gender, governorate, and time of follow-up. Results. A total of 442 CRC cases were enumerated among 3701 colonoscopies, with an overall CRC prevalence estimate of 11.9 per 100 colonoscopies (95% CI: 10.9, 13.0). Gender-specific CRC prevalence was higher among males compared with females (13.3 vs. 10.5). Age-specific CRC prevalence increased with advancing age, from 2.8 among those less than 40 years of age to 26.5 among aged 70 years or more. Regional CRC prevalence was highest among residents in Batinah Governorate. Over the 5-years of follow-up, there was a slow rise in CRC prevalence with an annual increment of 0.59%. Conclusion. The study provides supportive evidence for a steady increase in CRC prevalence over age categories and years of follow-up and depicted the variations of gender-specific CRC prevalence estimates over increasing age categories. The study calls for timely formulation and adoption of national CRC screening programs centered on the colonoscopy use as primary prevention and maximizing its utilization and efficiency.

As a major neurodevelopmental disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses deficits in communication and repetitive and restricted interests or behaviors in childhood and adolescence. Its etiology may come from either a genetic, epigenetic, neurological, hormonal, or an environmental cause, generating pathways that often altogether play a synergistic role in the development of ASD pathogenesis. Furthermore, the metabolic origin of ASD should be important as well. A balanced diet consisting of the essential and special nutrients, alongside the recommended caloric intake, is highly recommended to promote growth and development that withstand the physiologic and behavioral challenges experienced by ASD children. In this review paper, we evaluated many studies that show a relationship between ASD and diet to develop a better understanding of the specific effects of the overall diet and the individual nutrients required for this population. This review will add a comprehensive update of knowledge in the field and shed light on the possible nutritional deficiencies, metabolic impairments (particularly in the gut microbiome), and malnutrition in individuals with ASD, which should be recognized in order to maintain the improved socio-behavioral habit and physical health.

D4 dopamine receptor (D4R) activation uniquely promotes methylation of plasma membrane phospholipids, utilizing folate-derived methyl groups provided by methionine synthase (MS). We evaluated the impact of D4R expression on folate-dependent phospholipid methylation (PLM) and MS activity, as well as cellular redox and methylation status, in transfected CHO cells expressing human D4R variants containing 2, 4, or 7 exon III repeats (D4.2R, D4.4R, D4.7R). Dopamine had no effect in non-transfected CHO cells, but increased PLM to a similar extent for both D4.2R- and D4.4R-expressing cells, while the maximal increase was for D4.7R was significantly lower. D4R expression in CHO cells decreased basal MS activity for all receptor subtypes and conferred dopamine-sensitive MS activity, which was greater with a higher number of repeats. Consistent with decreased MS activity, D4R expression decreased basal levels of methylation cycle intermediates methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), as well as cysteine and glutathione (GSH). Conversely, dopamine stimulation increased GSH, SAM, and the SAM/SAH ratio, which was associated with a more than 2-fold increase in global DNA methylation. Our findings illustrate a profound influence of D4R expression and activation on MS activity, coupled with the ability of dopamine to modulate cellular redox and methylation status. These previously unrecognized signaling activities of the D4R provide a unique link between neurotransmission and metabolism.

In this study, the retention of vitamin C in fresh broccoli stored at different temperatures (i.e. chiller, room, cooking, and roasting or baking; 5-120°C) was investigated. The thermal stability of vitamin C in broccoli was analysed at 5, 20, 45, 60, 70, 80, 110, and 120°C. The vitamin C content was measured by the indophenol titration method. Vitamin C was affected negatively at all stored temperatures. The degradation of vitamin C was modelled by first-order reaction kinetics and the reaction rate constants were observed as 9.03×10 -8 and 5.65×10 -3 s -1 when stored at 5°C and 120°C, respectively. The activation energy was estimated as 74.2 kJ/mol within the temperature range used in this study. The lowest decay of vitamin C was observed during the chilling condition. The data on retention of vitamin C in broccoli could be used to determine their stability, when stored as raw, and when heated at different temperatures.

Four types of fibers (i.e. defatted, F1; residue after alkaline digestion, F2; precipitated fibers at pH 5.5, F3; and pH 1.5, F4) were prepared from date-pits. The date-pits were first defatted and then digested by an alkaline solution. The fibers F2 showed the highest amount of cellulose (i.e. 46.0 g/100 g sample), while fibers F3 and F4 showed the lowest amount of cellulose (i.e. F3, 9.3 g/100 g sample). The visual structures of the fibers were determined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Fibers F1 (i.e. defatted date-pits) showed that lignin was coated over holocellulose, however alkaline digestion clearly showed lignin-coating was removed and fibers (F2) contained two main types of structural matrix (i.e. micro-size trapezoidal particles were embedded in nano-size fine interconnected fibers). Fibers F3 showed highly porous particles, while F4 showed that spherical particles were imbedded in an interconnected fiber matrix. Infrared Fourier Transform (FTIR) peaks within the wave number 500-4000 cm−1 showed different molecular structures of the fibers. X-ray (XRD) patterns showed different crystallinity of the fibers. The crystallinity of the F2 and F4 were 76.7 and 95.5%, respectively and fibers F3 was mainly amorphous in nature.