Role of hypovitaminosis D in the incidence and complications of diabetes mellitus in rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus continues to be a public health concern. Vitamin D had sparked widespread interest in the pathogenesis and prevention of diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D [deficiency and treatment] with alteration in fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance in alloxan injected rat

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out using 40 male albino rats [Sprague Dawley] weighing 150+/-10g. Animals were randomly divided into three groups; first group fed standard diet as a negative control group. Diabetic group injected subcutaneously by alloxan, and fed on standard diet. The third group fed standard diet without vitamin D for two weeks. After that glucose and insulin were determined in each rat of all groups to insure alteration in fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance, Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] was calculated. Then the third group was divided to two subgroups. The first subgroup fed basil diet with required vitamin D; while the second subgroup fed standard diet with double dose vitamin D. At the end experiment [4 weeks], glucose, insulin, lipid profile, liver and renal functions were determined in blood and serum, while [HOMA-IR] and LDL were calculated for normal, diabetic group and both treatment subgroups

Results: Vitamin D deficiency group had the nearest results to the diabetic group injected with alloxan group in: insulin, glucose and HOMA-IR. Other groups had lower level than the other two groups in the same parameter. Our data explained the improvement in glucose level after feeding with vitamin D. Diabetic group injected with alloxan had increased in liver enzymes, renal function and lipid profile compared with other groups and showed variable changes in histopathological examination

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency status is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes associated complications

Turmeric may protect cells from oxidative stress by acrylamide in-vivo

Turmeric is a perennial herb; the rhizome is the portion of the plant that is used medicinally. It is the source of the spice turmeric with characteristic yellow color. Acrylamide is found in some foods that are cooked at high temperatures. It appears to be formed as a by product of the Maillard reaction. Maillard reaction is a type of non -enzymatic browning, which involves the reaction of simple sugars [carbonyl groups] and amino acids. Only the acrylamide monomer is toxic. Present work is focused on turmeric's antioxidant activity against acrylarnide toxicity. Rats were divided into three groups [7 rats/ group]. Group A served as negative control that was fed on standard diet [commercial diet] for 11 days. Group B was fed for 11 days on standard diet containing 0.34g acrylamide / kg diet as a positive control. Group C received standard diet with turmeric [0.5%] and same concentration 0.34g acrylamide/ kg diet for 11 days as a protective group. Results revealed that kidney, brain and lung tissues were disturbed when rats were fed on acrylamide diet. Turmeric had ameliorated the antioxidant status in these organs. It is concluded that turmeric as a natural antioxidant has protected from acrylamide toxicity

Relation between some nutrients intake and nutritional anemia among physically handicapped children in Egypt

The most common cause of anemia is a deficiency of iron, although not necessarily a dietary deficiency of total iron intake. Deficiencies of folates [or folic acid], vitamin B[12] and protein may also cause anemia. Ascorbic acid, vitamin E, copper and pyridoxine are also needed for production of red blood cells [erythrocytes]. Vitamin A deficiency is also associated with anemia. The disability defined as a limitation of the variety of movement that can interfere with the acquisition of independence as well as hamper the child's ability to interact with the environment. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of anemia and to evaluate the relation between some nutrients intake and nutritional anemia in physically handicapped children in Egypt. This study included 126 [62 boys and 64 girls] physically Handicapped aged from 6-