Search

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by excessive glutamate in the central nervous system leads to neurodegeneration. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. has been reported to possess neuroprotective properties. We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of A. lebbeck leaf extracts on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis linked to ER stress using human microglial HMC3 cells. A. lebbeck leaves were extracted using hexane (AHE), mixed solvents, and ethanol. Each different extract was evaluated for cytotoxic effects on HMC3 cells, and then non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extracts were pretreated with the cells, followed by glutamate. Our results showed that AHE treatment exhibited the highest protective effect and was thus selected for finding the mechanistic approach. AHE inhibited the specific ER stress proteins (calpain1 and caspase-12). AHE also suppressed the apoptotic proteins (Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3); however, it also increased the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Remarkably, AHE increased cellular antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx). To support the activation of antioxidant defense and inhibition of apoptosis in our HMC3 cell model, the bioactive phytochemicals within AHE were identified by HPLC analysis. We found that AHE had high levels of carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein) and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol). Our novel findings indicate that AHE can inhibit glutamate-induced neurotoxicity via ER stress and apoptosis signaling pathways by activating cellular antioxidant enzymes in HMC3 cells, suggesting a potential mechanism for neuroprotection. As such, A. lebbeck leaf might potentially represent a promising source and novel alternative approach for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

This study investigated alpha-glucosidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activities of Sa-med mushroom powder. Healthy snack had been developed by varying 3 levels of Sa-med mushroom powder at 10, 12 and 14 % (w/w) and determined its physico-chemical properties and sensory evaluation. The results showed that anti-alpha-glucosidase activity and anti-angiotensin-converting activities of Sa-med mushroom powder were at 59 and 93 %, respectively. As the results of healthy snack, lightness (L*) and extended ratio were decreased, but redness (a*) and bulk density were increased with higher amounts of Sa-med mushroom powder in the formulation (p < 0.05). However, hardness and crispiness were not significantly different. For sensory evaluation, healthy snack with 14 % Sa-med mushroom powder had the highest overall liking score of 7.6 (like moderately to like very much). Finally, the nutritional values of developed snack revealed that protein and fiber were increased by 3 and 18 times, while carbohydrate was decreased by 15 %. In addition, the mushroom snack could be claimed as a “source of protein”, “high fiber” and “low sodium”. This snack also had phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities and alpha-glucosidase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activities. According to consumer acceptability test (n = 300), the acceptability level was 95 %, in which around 64 % of the subjects were interested in buying the product.

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a remarkable flavonoid exhibiting many health-promoting activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nevertheless, chrysin has been addressed regarding its limited applications, due to low bioaccessibility. Therefore, to improve chrysin bioaccessibility, a colloidal delivery system involving nanoemulsion was developed as chrysin nanoemulsion (chrysin-NE) using an oil-in-water system. Our results show that chrysin can be loaded by approximately 174.21 µg/g nanoemulsion (100.29 ± 0.53% w/w) when medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil was used as an oil phase. The nanocolloidal size, polydispersity index, and surface charge of chrysin-NE were approximately 161 nm, 0.21, and −32 mV, respectively. These properties were stable for at least five weeks at room temperature. Furthermore, in vitro chrysin bioactivities regarding antioxidant and anti-AD were maintained as pure chrysin, suggesting that multistep formulation could not affect chrysin properties. Interestingly, the developed chrysin-NE was more tolerant of gastrointestinal digestion and significantly absorbed by the human intestinal cells (Caco-2) than pure chrysin. These findings demonstrate that the encapsulation of chrysin using oil-in-water nanoemulsion could enhance the bioaccessibility of chrysin, which might be subsequently applied to food and nutraceutical industries.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of death. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed the consumption of fruits and vegetables because they are rich in phytochemicals that sustainably ameliorate the occurrence of NCDs. Thai food contains many spices and vegetables with recognized health benefits. Quality control of plant samples encountered a bottleneck in the field and comparative studies of plant control origins including species or cultivar identification, growing area and appropriate harvesting time are limited. To address this issue, all plant samples used in this study were cultivated and controlled by the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand. The samples were phytochemically screened and determined their health-promoting bioactivities via antioxidant activities and inhibition of NCD-related enzymes including lipase (obesity), α-amylase and α-glucosidase (diabetes), angiotensin-converting enzyme (hypertension), as well as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and β-secretase (Alzheimer’s disease). The non-enzymatic reaction toward glycation was also evaluated. The results showed that Senegalia pennata subsp. insuavis (Lace) Maslin, Seigler &amp, Ebinger, Citrus hystrix DC. and Solanum melongena ‘Kermit’ extracts exhibited high antioxidant activities. Moreover, Citrus hystrix DC. extract was a potent inhibitor against lipase, angiotensin-converting enzyme and butyrylcholinesterase, while Coriandrum sativum L. and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC. were potent anti-diabetic agents and Senegalia pennata subsp. insuavis (Lace) Maslin, and Seigler &amp, Ebinger was a potent anti-glycation agent. Our data provide a comparative analysis of ten vegetables to encourage healthy food consumption and development to control NCDs in Thailand in the future.

Organic acids had various health benefits such as citric acid can inhibit stone formation and break up beginning of small kidney stone. On the other hand, some organic acid showed negative health effects such as oxalic acid acts as anti-nutrients and can cause kidney stone. Most of Thai indigenous plants had sour taste; however general people believed that sour taste of plants could contain high ascorbic acid. In addition, there is limit report of organic acids and ascorbic acid in Thai indigenous plants. This study determined organic acids, ascorbic acid, pH, and total acidity in indigenous plants. Forty samples of 29 types of indigenous plants were analyzed. Results showed that young leaves of Cratoxylum formosum found the highest succinic acid (2454 ± 91 mg/100g fresh weight, FW) and high ascorbic acid (142 ± 35 mg/100g FW). Fruits of Antidesma ghaesembilla had high citric acid levels (5161 ± 109 mg/100g FW) but contained very low ascorbic acid (2 mg/100g FW). The sum of organic acids had significant and inverse correlations with pH (r = -0.680) and positive with total acidity (r = 0.672) but was not significantly correlated for ascorbic acid (r = 0.536). The sour taste of plants could derive from the sum of organic, citric, and formic acids, but not other organic and ascorbic acids. Against traditional belief, plants having a strong sour taste may not contain significantly high amounts of ascorbic acid.

The genus Kadsura comprises woody vine plants belonging to the family Schisandraceae. Species are found mostly in Northern Thailand and widely consumed by the local population. Occurrences of these wild fruits are rare as they only grow naturally in forest areas. Nutritive values of Kadsura spp. remain unclear, leading to improper management for food applications. Nutritional composition of Kadsura spp. was evaluated to promote sustainable conservation. Nutritive values in different fruits parts (exocarp, mesocarp, seed and core) of two Kadsura species as Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm. and Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib, from Chiang Rai Province, Thailand were assessed. When comparing nutritional contents based on per 100 g dry weight, results suggested that K. coccinea exhibited higher carbohydrate (1–2 times), sugar (1–2 times) and vitamin C (3–4 times) contents than K. heteroclita, while the latter possessed higher fat (1–2 times), protein (1.6–1.9 times), and dietary fiber (1.5–1.8 times) contents. Considering each fruit part, the mesocarp (the only edible fruit part) and exocarp of both species provided high dietary fiber (11.6–20.9% recommended dietary fiber) and vitamin C (as high as 73% recommended per day) but were low in energy (30–40 kcal/100 g fresh weight), protein (0.6–1.2% recommended per day), fat (0.5–1.8% recommended per day) and sugar (2.4–5.4% recommended per day). Interestingly, seed contained higher energy (1–2 times), protein (2–3 times) and fat (4–50 times) than the other fruit parts. Results support the potential consumption of Kadsura spp. as a healthy fruit that can be used for future food applications. Seed and exocarp from Kadsura spp. also showed potential for new product development., Food analysis, Nutrition, Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm., Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib, Conservative plant, Fruit parts, Nutritive values.

Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by chronic neuron loss and cognitive problems. Aggregated amyloid beta (A&beta, ) peptides, a product of cleaved amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1), have been indicated for the progressive pathogenesis of AD. Currently, screening for anti-AD compounds in foodstuffs is increasing, with promising results. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the extraction conditions, phytochemical contents, and anti-AD properties, targeting A&beta, peptides of Morus cf. nigra &lsquo, Chiang Mai&rsquo, (MNCM) both in vitro and in vivo. Data showed that the aqueous extract of MNCM contained high amounts of cyanidin, keracyanin, and kuromanin as anthocyanidin and anthocyanins. The extract also strongly inhibited cholinesterases and BACE-1 in vitro. Moreover, MNCM extract prevented A&beta, induced neurotoxicity and promoted neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells. Interestingly, MNCM extract reduced A&beta, 1&ndash, 42 peptides and improved locomotory coordination of Drosophila co-expressing human APP and BACE-1, specifically in the brain. These findings suggest that MNCM may be useful as an AD preventive agent by targeting A&beta, formation.

This experiment determined the effects of various drying methods on the physicochemical properties and γ-oryzanol and tocol contents of parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR) flour. Physicochemical properties associated with each processing technique were related to the possible applications such as crispiness, solubility, dispersability and colour of the final products. All attributes were in the acceptable range (4 out of 5). PGBR is the source of healthy flour, as it contains high γ-oryzanol and moderate tocol contents. Extrusion, drum drying and spray drying reduced the γ-oryzanol and tocol contents to 7.7, 17.2 and 26.8 mg/100 g DW for γ-oryzanol and 2.2, 23.5 and 49.9 μg/g DW for tocols, respectively. The moisture content of all end products was compiled with dried flour. The pasting temperature of drum-dried flour was compatible with the commercial product. Based on the household processing method, steaming retained the highest amount of γ-oryzanol (26.9 mg/100 g DW) and tocols (9.9 μg/g DW). This indicated that boiling and frying of PGBR flour decreased the γ-oryzanol and tocol contents. This study showed the possible applications of PGBR flour as the potential source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, a healthy product with good consumer acceptability could be achieved using PGBR flour.

Adenia viridiflora Craib. is an indigenous edible plant that became an endangered species due to limited consumption of the local population with unknown reproduction and growth conditions. The plant is used as a traditional herb, however, its health applications lack scientific-based evidence. A. viridiflora Craib. plant parts (old leaves and young shoots) from four areas as Kamphaeng Phet (KP), Muang Nakhon Ratchasima (MN), Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima (PN), and Uthai Thani (UT) origins were investigated for phenolic compositions and in vitro health properties through the inhibition of key enzymes relevant to obesity (lipase), diabetes (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), Alzheimer’s disease (cholinesterases and β-secretase), and hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme). Phenolics including p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, naringenin, and apigenin were detected in old leaves and young shoots in all plant origins. Old leaves exhibited higher total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs), leading to higher enzyme inhibitory activities than young shoots. Besides, PN and MN with higher TPCs and TFCs tended to exhibit greater enzyme inhibitory activities than others. These results will be useful to promote this plant as a healthy food with valuable medicinal capacities to support its consumption and agricultural stimulation, leading to sustainable conservation of this endangered species.

This study identified nutrients, fatty acids, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of two popular varieties (Mon-thong, Cha-ni) and two indigenous varieties (Kra-dum and Kob-ta-kam) of durian. Each of variety was collected from 3 gardens in Nonthaburi province, Thailand. At optimal ripeness, the edible part was separated, homogenised or freeze dried, as fresh or dry samples for further analysis using standard methods. All durian varieties contained a considerable amount of dietary fibre (7.5-9.1g/100g dry matter, DM) and high amounts of carbohydrate and sugar (62.9-70.7g and 47.9-56.4g/100g DM respectively). Cha-ni, Kra-dum and Kob-ta-kam varieties had monounsaturated (MUFA) (6.1-7.8g/100g DM)>saturated (SFA) (4.2-5.7g/100g DM)>polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (0.8-1.5g/100g DM), whereas the Mon-thong variety had SFA>MUFA>PUFA (5.1, 4.0, 1.1g/100g DM, respectively). The Kob-ta-kam variety showed greater potential for health benefits in terms of carotenoids and β-carotene (2248μg and 1202μg/100g DM respectively). Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were not significantly different among each variety, though the Cha-ni variety had the lowest. This study provides data on nutrients, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of indigenous and popular durian varieties that could be used for consumer education as well as for incorporation into the food composition databases.

Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. To fight the disease, natural products, including mulberry, with antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities against key enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1)) are of interest. However, even in the same cultivars, mulberry trees grown in different populated locations might possess disparate amounts of phytochemical profiles, leading to dissimilar health properties, which cause problems when comparing different cultivars of mulberry. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory activities against AChE, BChE, and BACE-1, of twenty-seven Morus spp. cultivated in the same planting area in Thailand. The results suggested that Morus fruit samples were rich in phenolics, especially cyanidin, kuromanin, and keracyanin. Besides, the aqueous Morus fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activities, both in single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms, while strong inhibitory activities against AD key enzymes were observed. Interestingly, among the twenty-seven Morus spp., Morus sp. code SKSM 810191 with high phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and in vitro anti-AD properties is a promising cultivar for further developed as a potential mulberry resource with health benefits against AD.

This study determined the nutritional potential of Thai indigenous fruits in terms of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. Three indigenous fruits were collected at two conservation areas in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. The results showed that Phyllanthus emblica L. exhibited the highest levels of vitamin C (575±452mg/100g), total phenolics (TP) (3703±1244mGAE/100g), and antioxidant activities, as measured by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC assays. Compared to the other two fruits, Antidesma velutinosum Blume contained higher levels of most nutrients and dietary fibre (15.6±5.9g/100g), as well as carotenoids (335±98μg/100g) and phytosterols (22.1±3.9mg/100g). Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz was high in total phenolics (3178±887mGAE/100g) and antioxidant activity. Moreover, high correlations were found between TP and antioxidant activities (r>0.9). These Thai indigenous fruits are potentially good sources of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. Conservation and utilisation should be promoted for food security and consumption as part of a healthy diet.

The absorbability of calcium from ivy gourd, a green leafy vegetable (Coccinia grandix Voigt.) and winged bean young pods (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus [L] DC) were measured in 19 healthy adult women aged 20 to 45 y, in a 3-way, randomized-order, crossover design with an average calcium load of 100 mg and milk as the referent. The test meals were extrinsically labeled with 44Ca and given with rice as breakfast after an overnight fast. Absorption of calcium was determined on a blood sample drawn 5 h after ingestion of the test meal. Fractional calcium absorption (X+/- SD) was 0.391 +/- 0.128 from winged beans, 0.476 +/- 0.109 from ivy gourd, and 0.552 +/- 0.119 from milk. The difference in fractional calcium absorption for these 2 vegetables was significant (P < 0.05) and the fractional calcium absorption from these 2 vegetables were both significantly lower than from milk. The difference was partly accounted for by the phytate, oxalate, and dietary fiber content of the vegetables. However, calcium bioavailability of these 2 vegetables, commonly consumed among Thais, was relatively good compared to milk (71% to 86% of milk) and could be generally recommended to the public as calcium sources other than milk and Brassica vegetables.

The effects of simvastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), on oxidative stress resistance and the protective effects of coenzyme Q (CoQ) were investigated. When simvastatin was administered orally to mice, the levels of oxidized and reduced CoQ(9) and CoQ(10) in serum, liver, and heart, decreased significantly when compared to those of control. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances induced by Fe(2+)-ascorbate in liver and heart mitochondria also increased significantly with simvastatin. Furthermore, cultured cardiac myocytes treated with simvastatin exhibited less resistance to oxidative stress, decreased time to the cessation of spontaneous beating in response to H(2)O(2) addition, and decreased responsiveness to electrical field stimulation. These results suggested that oral administration of simvastatin suppresses the biosynthesis of CoQ, which shares the same biosynthesis pathway as cholesterol up to farnesyl pyrophosphate, thus compromising the physiological function of reduced CoQ, which possesses antioxidant activity. However, these undesirable effects induced by simvastatin were alleviated by coadministering CoQ(10) with simvastatin to mice. Simvastatin also reduced the activity of NADPH-CoQ reductase, a biological enzyme that converts oxidized CoQ to the corresponding reduced CoQ, while CoQ(10) administration improved it. These findings may also support the efficacy of coadministering CoQ(10) with statins.

Parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR) of Khao Dawk Mali 105 variety was produced by steaming germinated paddy rice, which is well-known for its nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we determined the in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of PGBR in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced oxidative stress in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, (weight 200-250 g) were randomly divided into (1) control, (2) CCl(4), (3) white rice (WR)+CCl(4), (4) brown rice (BR)+CCl(4), and (5) PGBR+CCl(4) groups. PGBR, BR, and WR diets were produced by replacing corn starch in the AIN76A diet with cooked PGBR, BR, and WR powders, respectively. All rats except the control group were gavaged with 50% CCl4 in olive oil (v/v, 1 mL/kg) twice a week for 8 weeks. CCl(4)-treated rats exhibited significant liver injury, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage, as well as obvious changes to liver histopathology compared to control. In addition, CCl(4) treatment decreased the activities of CYP2E1 and antioxidant enzymes: glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and glutathione (GSH) content. However, the PGBR+CCl(4) group exhibited less liver injury, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage, as well as better antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH content. Furthermore, PGBR inhibited degradation of CYP2E1 in CCl(4)-induced decrease of CYP2E1 activity. These data suggest that PGBR may prevent CCl(4)-induced liver oxidative stress and injury through enhancement of the antioxidant capacities, which may be due to complex actions of various bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, γ-oryzanol, tocotrienol, and GABA.

Parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR) has been suggested as a functional food because it is relatively rich in a number of nutrients and health promoting compounds. Here we compared the bioaccessibility of several of the bioactive compounds in cooked PGBR and brown rice (BR) by simulating oral, gastric and small intestinal digestion. The uptake and retention of bioactive compounds from a bioaccessible fraction also was determined using Caco-2 human intestinal cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of the bioaccessible fraction from digested BR and PGBR was then assessed with Caco-2 cells that were activated with H2O2 + IL-1β. PGBR had a higher content of GABA, γ-oryzanol, γ-tocotrienol, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid than BR. The amounts of these compounds transferred to the aqueous fraction during digestion and the quantities accumulated by Caco-2 cells were proportional to those in cooked PGBR and BR. The anti-inflammatory activity of the bioaccessible fraction from digested BR and PGBR was then assessed for Caco-2 cells that were activated with H2O2 + IL-1β. Pre-treatment of the cells with the bioaccessible fractions from PGBR and BR suppressed the secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 and the ROS content in activated cells. Inhibitory activities were attenuated to a greater extent after cells had been pre-exposed to the bioaccessible fraction from digested PGBR compared to BR. These results suggest that digested PGBR contains and delivers greater amounts of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity to absorptive epithelial cells than digested BR.

Chili and turmeric are common spices in indigenous diets in tropical regions. Being rich in phenolic compounds, they would be expected to bind iron (Fe)(3) in the intestine and inhibit Fe absorption in humans. Three experiments were conducted in healthy young women (n = 10/study) to assess the effect of chili and turmeric on Fe absorption from a rice-based meal containing vegetables and iron fortified fish sauce in vivo. Iron absorption was determined by erythrocyte incorporation of stable isotope labels ((57)Fe/(58)Fe) using a randomized crossover design. Addition of freeze-dried chili (4.2 g dry powder, 25 mg polyphenols as gallic acid equivalents) reduced Fe absorption from the meal by 38% (6.0% with chili vs. 9.7% without chili, P = 0.0017). Turmeric (0.5 g dry powder, 50 mg polyphenols as gallic acid equivalents) did not inhibit iron absorption (P = 0.91). A possible effect of chili on gastric acid secretion was indirectly assessed by comparing Fe absorption from acid soluble [(57)Fe]-ferric pyrophosphate relative to water soluble [(58)Fe]-ferrous sulfate from the same meal in the presence and absence of chili. Chili did not enhance gastric acid secretion. Relative Fe bioavailability of ferric pyrophosphate was 5.4% in presence of chili and 6.4% in absence of chili (P = 0.47). Despite the much higher amount of phenolics in the turmeric meal, it did not affect iron absorption. We conclude that both phenol quality and quantity determine the inhibitory effect of phenolic compounds on iron absorption.

This study was conducted to determine soluble and total oxalate contents in common vegetables, cereal grains and legume seeds and the effect of household cooking on these substances. Each food sample was randomly purchased from three main representative markets in metropolitan area of Bangkok, Thailand. Soluble and total oxalates were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The limit of quantitation for the oxalates was 3 mg/100 g. All studied vegetables contained relatively small amounts of total oxalate (

Few data exist on the ability of postmenopausal women to absorb calcium from diets habitually low in calcium.The objective of this study was to evaluate fractional calcium absorption from a green leafy vegetable vs. milk in relation to vitamin D status.We measured fractional calcium absorption from both a dairy- and plant-based source in 19 postmenopausal Thai women (aged 52-63 y) with low calcium consumption (350 ± 207 mg/d) in relation to serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Fractional calcium absorption was measured using a triple stable calcium isotope method based on isotope recovery in a 28-h urine collection. Two extrinsically labeled test meals were ingested in random order: a green leafy vegetable (cassia) ingested along with ⁴³Ca or a glass of milk containing ⁴⁴Ca. Women received intravenous ⁴²Ca with the first test meal.In 19 postmenopausal women studied (mean age, 56.9 ± 3.4 y), ~95% were 25(OH)D sufficient (≥20 μg/L). Serum 25(OH)D status was positively correlated with fractional absorption from both cassia (P = 0.05, R² = 0.21) and milk (P = 0.03, R² = 0.26). Fractional calcium absorption from cassia was significantly lower than that measured from milk (42.6% ± 12.3% vs. 47.8% ± 12.8%, P = 0.03), but true calcium absorption did not significantly differ (120 ± 35 mg/d vs. 135 ± 36 mg/d). Serum PTH was significantly inversely associated with serum 25(OH)D (P = 0.006, R² = 0.37) even though PTH was not elevated (65 pg/mL).These findings suggest that vitamin D status is an important determinant of calcium absorption among Thai women with low calcium intakes, and cassia may be a readily available source of calcium in this population. Furthermore, these data indicate that serum 25(OH)D concentrations may affect PTH elevation in postmenopausal women with low calcium intakes.

Objective: To develop and validate sex-specific equations for predicting percentage body fat (%BF) in rural Thai population, based on BMI and anthropometric measurements. Research Methods and Procedures: %BF (DXA; GE Lunar Corp., Madison, WI) was measured in 181 men and 255 women who were healthy and between 20 and 84 years old. Anthropometric measures such as weight (kilograms), height (centimeters), BMI (kilograms per meter squared), waist circumference (centimeters), hip circumference (centimeters), thickness at triceps skinfold (millimeters), biceps skinfold (millimeters), subscapular skinfold (millimeters), and suprailiac skinfold (millimeters) were also measured. The sample was randomly divided into a development group (98 men and 125 women) and a validation group (83 men and 130 women). Regression equations of %BF derived from the development group were then evaluated for accuracy in the validation group. Results: The equation for estimating %BF in men was: %BF(men) = 0.42 × subscapular skinfold + 0.62 × BMI − 0.28 × biceps skinfold + 0.17 × waist circumference − 18.47, and in women: %BF(women) = 0.42 × hip circumference + 0.17 × suprailiac skinfold + 0.46 × BMI − 23.75. The coefficient of determination (R2) for both equations was 0.68. Without anthropometric variables, the predictive equation using BMI, age, and sex was: %BF = 1.65 × BMI + 0.06 × age − 15.3 × sex − 10.67 (where sex = 1 for men and sex = 0 for women), with R2 = 0.83. When these equations were applied to the validation sample, the difference between measured and predicted %BF ranged between ±9%, and the positive predictive values were above 0.9. Discussion: These results suggest that simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive anthropometric variables may provide an accurate estimate of %BF and could potentially aid the diagnosis of obesity in rural Thais.

The measurement of biochemical markers of bone turnover is essential in the study of skeletal metabolism in health and diseases. Due to variations in the rate of bone growth in different age groups and possible ethnic differences, age-specific reference ranges for biochemical markers should be established in a particular pediatric population. In this study, biochemical markers of bone formation, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and osteocalcin (OC) in healthy Thai children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years were evaluated in relation to their ages and pubertal development. Serum BAP levels in boys increased with age and peaked at about 12 to 13 years. In contrast, there was a progressive decline of serum BAP levels with advancing age in girls older than 9 years. Serum OC also increased with age and reached a peak at ages 12 and 13 years in girls and boys, respectively. In addition, both serum BAP and OC levels also varied with pubertal stages. The BAP levels in boys increased sharply at pubertal stage 3 and decreased at pubertal stage 5. In girls, the BAP levels showed a fairly constant high level up to stage 3, followed by a remarkable decrease thereafter. The OC levels in boys increased sharply at pubertal stage 4 and decreased thereafter. In girls, OC started to increase at pubertal stage 3 with no subsequent changes. The levels of serum BAP and OC were higher in boys than in girls at pubertal stages 3 to 5 and at stages 2, 4, and 5, respectively. Moreover, only serum BAP level showed significant positive correlation with height velocity in both genders. In multiple regression analyses, gender, age, and pubertal stage were consistently correlated with both serum BAP and OC levels. In summary, male and female adolescents have different patterns of changes in biochemical markers of bone formation.

To identify genetic variations associated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppression after long-term calcium supplementation.For high throughput SNP screening, subjects consisted of 171 postmenopausal women without osteoporosis at the lumbar spine. A separate group of 19 premenpausal women were recruited for calcium absorption study. Postmenopausal women in the screening group were given 500 mg/day calcium supplementation.Bangkok, Thailand.Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at baseline and 2 years after calcium supplementation. High throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) screening was performed by comparing estimated allele frequencies derived from hybridization signal intensities of pooled DNA samples on Affymetrix's 10K SNP genotyping microarrays based responsiveness in PTH after calcium supplementation. Genotyping of SNP rs1112482 in malic enzyme gene (ME1) gene, a SNP among those with highest odds ratio of being related to PTH suppression after calcium, was performed in all postmenopausal subjects in the screening group and premenopausal women in the calcium absorption study group in which fractional calcium absorption was assessed by stable isotope dilution. Data were expressed as mean +/- SEM.PTH significantly decreased after 2 years of calcium supplementation (4.7 ± 1.9 vs. 4.4 ± 1.6 pmol/L, P0.01). There was a significant increase in lumbar spine BMD (1.03 ± 0.01 vs. 1.01 ± 0.01 g/cm2, P0.001) but not femoral neck BMD. In 108 subjects whose PTH levels decreased after calcium, the suppression of PTH was higher in those with at least one C allele in rs1112482 of ME1 gene (-26.3 ± 2.1 vs. -16.9 ± 1.4%, P0.001). Fractional calcium absorption also tends to the higher in subjects in the calcium absorption study group with at least one C allele (n = 6) compared to those without the C allele (n = 13) (58.0 ± 4.9 vs. 49.3 ± 2.8%, P = 0.054).Cytosolic malic enzyme 1 gene polymorphism is associated with the degree of suppression of parathyroid hormone after long-term calcium supplementation. The effect is probably mediated through an increase in intestinal calcium absorption.

Background A worldwide secular trend towards earlier onset of puberty in girls has been noted during recent years. However, the data on sexual maturation of boys are relatively scarce and normative data of sexual maturation in Thai boys are still lacking. Aim To determine the age of secondary sexual maturation in normal Thai boys. Methods Three hundred healthy urban boys aged 9-18 years were recruited during January 1997 to December 1999. Genital and pubic hair maturity staging was determined using the method of Marshall and Tanner. Testicular size was assessed by Prader orchidometer. Probit analysis was used to analyze the onset of puberty (gonadarche) and pubarche. Results Median (range) ages of the onset of puberty and pubarche were 10.8 (9.5-12) and 12.4 (10.9-13.9) years, respectively. Conclusion The age of onset of genital development in boys living in Bangkok seems to be slightly earlier than that of boys in other countries. However, the onset of pubic hair development is comparable.

Previous surveys suggested that young children in Northeast Thailand may benefit from vitamin A and/or zinc supplementation. One hundred thirty-three children aged 6-13 y with marginal plasma retinol (less than 1.05 mumol/L) and Zn (less than 12.2 mumol/L) concentrations participated in a double-blind study. They were randomly assigned and supplemented with either zinc (25 mg/d), vitamin A (1500 RE/d), zinc plus vitamin A, or placebo for 6 mo. Biochemical indices of vitamin A (plasma vitamin A, retinol-binding protein) and zinc status (plasma zinc, alkaline phosphatase) increased significantly. The children had adequate liver stores of vitamin A (relative dose response less than 20%). Zinc supplementation resulted in an improvement in vision restoration time (VRT) in dim light (dark adaptometry). Vitamin A and zinc synergistically normalized conjunctival epithelium as measured by conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). Both functional indices, VRT and CIC, showed significant correlations with plasma zinc and vitamin A, respectively. The data suggest that functional improvements in populations with suboptimal vitamin A and zinc nutriture can be accomplished by supplementation with less than two times the recommended dietary allowance of these nutrients.

Spices and herbs are extensively used in indigenous diets in tropical regions where prevalence of iron deficiency is still high. They are rich in polyphenolic compounds that are expected to inhibit iron absorption by forming iron complexes in the intestine, making dietary iron less available for absorption. The effects of six spices and herbs (chili pepper, garlic, 'Pak kyheng' (Thai leafy vegetable), shallot, tamarind, turmeric) and one mixture of spices (curry paste) on iron availability were determined by measuring the percentage dialyzable iron after addition of spices and herbs to a rice meal after simulated digestion. All tested spices and herbs contained from 0.5 to 33 mg polyphenol per meal and were potent inhibitors of iron availability (20-90%), reducing iron availability in a dose-dependent manner--with the exception of tamarind, which at 11 mg polyphenol per meal enhanced iron availability. Our findings demonstrate that culinary spices and herbs can play an important role in iron nutrition.

To investigate the relative contribution of dietary calcium intake on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical bone turnover markers in rural Thai women.A cross-sectional investigation was designed in 255 rural Thai women. Usual dietary calcium intake was determined by 3-day food records and quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. BMD was measured by DXA. The three markers for bone turnover event: serum total alkaline phosphatase, serum N-mid osteocalcin and type I collagen C-telopeptide, including serum calcium and were determined in 125 women in the present study.An average daily calcium intake in the present study was 265 mg/day. Two hundred and thirty three out of 255 women (87%) consumed dietary calcium less than half of the recommended value and only 3% of women (n = 7) had calcium intake800 mg/day. After controlling certain parameters: age and body mass index, women who consumed higher amount of dietary calcium had significantly higher BMD at all sites. Moreover highly increased bone turnover markers were observed in those with lowest quartile calcium intake. Women with osteopenia and osteoporosis were older, lower BMI, consumed less calcium and had significantly higher values of all biochemical bone turnover markers than those who had normal BMD.The present study showed that a habitual diet of the rural Thai population might not provide enough calcium as needed for bone retention and for prevention of bone loss in the following years. Modification of eating pattern by promotion of increased consumption of locally available calcium rich food may be beneficial for prevention of osteoporosis among this population.

The present study examined the amount and relative contribution of calcium from the habitual diet among rural Thais.Calcium intake was assessed using 3-day food records and interviewer-administered quantitative food-frequency questionnaire, containing 73 food items.The authors recruited 436 healthy participants (181 men and 255 women), between 20 and 85 years of age. Averaged daily calcium intake among men and women were 378.6 and 265.6 mg, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of men and eighty seven percent of women had less dietary calcium intake than half of the recommended level (400 mg/day) whereas only 6 and 3% had an intake more than 800 mg/day. The major food sources of dietary calcium was glutinous rice (32 percent) followed by small animals with edible bones (31 percent) and fresh and fermented fish (20 percent). Dairy products and vegetables constituted only 8 and 5% of dietary calcium, respectively.The habitual diet among rural Northeast Thais does not meet the recommended calcium intake level. To promote more consumption of dairy products and locally-available calcium-rich foods would be beneficial to prevent osteoporosis among this population.

The objective of this study was to develop cut-off values and evaluate the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) in the definition of obesity in the Thai population. A cross-sectional, epidemiologic study in 340 men and 507 women aged 50 +/- 16 yr (mean +/- SD; range: 20-84 yr), were sampled by stratified clustering sampling method. Body composition, including percentage body fat (%BF), was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar Corp, Madison, WI). BMI was obtained by dividing weight (in kg) by height (in m2). The "golden standard "for defining obesity was %BFor =25% in men and %BFor =35% in women. The %BF-based prevalence of obesity in men and women was 18.8% and 39.5%, respectively. However, using the BMI cut-off ofor =30, only 2.9% of men and 8.9% of women were classified as obese. In the cubic regression model, BMI was a significant predictor of %BF, such that in men a BMI of 27 kg/m2 would predict a %BF of 25%, and in women a BMI of 25 kg/m2 would correspond to a %BF of 35%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BMI was approximately 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82-0.92) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.90) in men and women, respectively. In conclusion, for the Thai population, BMI is a reasonably useful indicator of obesity; however, the cut-off values of BMI for diagnosing obesity should be lowered to 27 kg/m2 in men and 25 kg/m2 in women.

Background The incidence of fractures in rural populations is lower than in urban populations, although the reason for this difference is unclear. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the difference in bone mineral density (BMD), a primary predictor of fracture risk, between urban and rural Thai populations. Methods Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar, Madison, WI) in 411 urban and 436 rural subjects (340 men and 507 women), aged between 20 and 84 years. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height. Results After adjusting for age and body weight in an analysis of covariance model, femoral neck BMD in rural men and women was significantly higher than those in urban men and women (P < 0.001), but the difference was not observed at the lumbar spine. After stratifying by sex, age group, and BMI category, the urban-rural difference in femoral neck BMD became more pronounced in men and women aged 2. Conclusions These data suggest that femoral neck BMD in rural men and women was higher than their counterparts in urban areas. This difference could potentially explain part of the urban-rural difference in fracture incidence.

While the urban-rural difference in bone mineral density (BMD) has been shown in some, but not all, Western populations, such a difference and the reason for the difference is largely unknown, particularly in developing countries. This cross-sectional, epidemiologic study was designed to examine the hypothesis that differences in measures of body composition such as lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) contribute to the urban-rural difference in BMD. Lean mass, fat mass, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were measured by DXA (GE Lunar Corp, Wis.) in 411 urban (Bangkok city) and 436 rural (Khon Kaen province) Thai subjects, aged 20-84 years. Rural men and women had significantly higher LM and lower FM than their urban counterparts. In multiple linear regression analysis, age, LM, menopausal status (in women) and residence were independent determinants of BMD. After adjusting for age, menopause and LM, rural subjects were found to have significantly higher femoral neck BMD, but not lumbar spine BMD, than urban subjects. Furthermore, to alleviate the potential effect of multicolinearity of LM and FM, each rural subject was matched with each urban subject for FM and age, which resulted in 46 pairs of men and 91 pairs of women. In this matched-pair analysis, the femoral necks in rural men and women were, respectively, 7.3+/-2.1% (mean+/-SE; P

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of modifiable risk factors on bone mineral density in postmenopausal Thai women. Dietary calcium intake (g/day), energy expenditure (kcal/day), and sunlight exposure (h/day) were assessed in 129 rural Thai women aged 63 years (range 50 to 84 years). Bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal radius were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The average dietary calcium intake was 236 +/- 188 g/day (mean +/- SD), while the energy expenditure was 2,118 +/- 656 kcal/day with 1.1 +/- 1.7 h of sunlight exposure. In multiple linear regression analysis, dietary calcium intake, energy expenditure, and years since menopause were significant and independent predictors of BMD at various sites. The three factors together accounted for between 35% and 45% of the variance of BMD. The prevalence of osteoporosis (defined as BMD T-scoresor =-2.5) was 33% at the femoral neck, 42% at the lumbar spine, and 35% at the distal radius. The risk of osteoporosis was higher in women with lower dietary calcium intake (or =138 mg/day; prevalence rate ratio [PRR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 1.9), lower energy expenditure (or =1,682 kcal; PRR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.3), and greater years since menopause (or =6 years; PRR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.8). The population attributable risk fraction of osteoporosis risk due to the three factors was 70%. These results suggest that in the Thai population, low dietary calcium intake and low physical activity together with advancing years since menopause were independent risk factors for low BMD.

Recent studies in the USA and Hong Kong demonstrated the onset of puberty in girls has shifted toward a younger age. Based upon previous studies on variations of pubertal maturation in Thai girls, the secular trend has also moved toward an earlier age. The latest study in 1995 revealed the mean age of menarche was 12.3 years.To identify the onset of puberty, menarche and pubarche in female children and adolescents in 2 Bangkok schools.Three hundred school girls aged 9-19 years were enrolled in the study. Data were collected from January 1997 through December 1999. Assessment of pubertal staging by Tanner's criteria was performed by a trained pediatrician. All were in good physical health and had normal height and weight. The median ages of thelarche, menarche and pubarche were estimated by probit analysis. All other parameters were expressed as mean +/- SD.The median ages of thelarche and pubarche were 9.4 and 11.1 years, respectively. Two hundred and twenty one girls had experienced menstruation. The median age of menarche was 11.2 years, whereas, the mean age was 12.1 years. Most girls reached near final adult height after 14 years old.The secular trend in decline of the ages of thelarche (or puberty) and menarche was observed in Bangkok girls. Further study in a larger population including a younger age group is required to define the current reference interval of onset of puberty.