Effect of fresh pomegranate juice on the level of melatonin, insulin, and fasting serum glucose in healthy individuals and people with impaired fasting glucose.

Pomegranate juice (PGJ) is rich in unique bioactive compounds that can be used in the management of various diseases/disorders such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of fresh PGJ on levels of melatonin, insulin, and fasting blood glucose in people with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). The study was a randomized clinical trial in which 28 participants (10 males, 18 females) with IFG were recruited from Irbid Central Laboratory and the Diabetes Clinic of the University Hospital at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Blood specimens from each participant were collected before (-5 min), and 1 and 3 hr after PGJ administration at 1.5 ml/kg of the body weight, and melatonin, insulin, and glucose were measured. People with IFG, but not healthy individuals, had significant antihyperglycemic response (p < .0001) to PGJ 3 hr after ingesting the juice. This response was not correlated with the age of participants (p = .4287). In addition, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was significantly decreased (p < .0001) among people with IFG 3 hr after ingesting the juice. Moreover, 1 hr after PGJ administration, decreases in melatonin and increases in insulin were significantly observed among healthy (p = .0284, p = .0017) and IFG (p = .0056, p = .0007) individuals, respectively. In conclusion, fresh PGJ lowers melatonin, increases the level of insulin, and ameliorates insulin resistance in people with IFG.

Short-term Effect of Fresh Pomegranate Juice on Serum Cortisol and Thyroxine in Patients with type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The effect of pomegranate juice on type 2 diabetic conditions has been determined in various occasions. However, such an effect on cortisol and thyroxine hormones, which are major controllers of energy metabolism, is not yet revealed. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we intended to measure the short-term effect of fresh pomegranate juice on serum cortisol and thyroxine in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 89 fasted patients with type 2 diabetes were supplemented with fresh pomegranate juice at a dose of 1.5 mL kg-1. Blood specimens were then collected before and at 1 and 3 hours after juice administration. Serum cortisol and thyroxine were assessed using commercial chemiluminescent-immunoassay kits. RESULTS: Serum cortisol, but not thyroxine, was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in patients with type 2 diabetes after ingesting fresh pomegranate juice. In addition, no significant correlation (r2 = 0.00003, P = 0.9569) was observed between cortisol response to fresh pomegranate juice and the level of fasting serum glucose in the recruited patients. Moreover, no significant difference (P = 0.9118) in cortisol response to fresh pomegranate juice was found between recruited males and females. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, fresh pomegranate juice decreased serum cortisol, 1 hour after juice ingestion, but not serum thyroxine 3 hours after juice ingestion, in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, cortisol response to fresh pomegranate juice was found not to be affected by patients' gender and the level of fasting serum glucose.

Association of adiponectin with hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients: the gender effect.

Adiponectin is an adipokine involved in the regulation of body metabolism and immune response. Circulating levels and/or activity of adiponectin were reported to influence susceptibility to several diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. In this study, serum adiponectin levels and the association of adiponectin gene (ADIPQO) single-nucleotide polymorphism (G276T SNP) with hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients were examined. Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 449) were recruited and divided into two groups, normotensive (n = 199) and hypertensive (n = 250). Results demonstrated that serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in normotensive subjects compared with hypertensive subjects (P < .05). When these results were compared according to gender, only female hypertensive diabetic patients showed significantly higher levels of adiponectin (P < .05). In addition, no significant difference in the genotypes and alleles frequencies of ADIPQO G276T SNP was observed between the two groups (P > .05). In conclusion, high circulating levels of adiponectin were found to be associated with hypertension only in type 2 diabetic female patients which might indicate a gender preference.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Levels as Indicator for the Efficacy of Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (α1-AT) is a member of the serine protease inhibitors (serpins) family. Liver cells are the major source of synthesis and secretion of (α1-AT) into the blood. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that α1-AT is expressed and secreted by many types of malignant cells. Studies have indicated that serum levels of (α1-AT) increase in a good number of malignant diseases. In addition, a significant correlation between serum levels and cancer stage has also been reported. In this work we aimed to test how α1-AT levels behave at the third week after treatment with chemotherapy. METHODS: The α1-AT blood levels were measured using commercially available radial immunodiffusion kit (Kent Laboratory Inc, Bellinham, Washigton) following manufacturer instructions. RESULTS: The α1-AT blood levels were significantly decreased after treatment compared with those before the treatment started. The mean difference (before - after) treatment was 127.82 and 137.37 mg/dL with 95% CI of difference 109.06 - 146.57 and 116.08 - 158.65 mg/dL in lung and prostate cancer respectively. When we compared these levels according to the stage of cancer, we found that the mean difference (before - after) treatment was also highly significant as indicated by P-value and the 95% CI of these differences. CONCLUSION: Obtained data strongly indicate the value of testing α1-AT blood levels as one of the important indicators for the efficacy of cancer treatment.

The importance of alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) and neopterin serum levels in the evaluation of non-small cell lung and prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Increased serum levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) and neopterin were observed in many diseases including different types of cancer. The aim of this work is to determine alpha1-AT and neopterin serum levels in newly diagnosed untreated non-small cell lung and prostate cancer patients and to test their relation to cancer staging. METHODS: Radial Immunodiffusion and ELISA methods were used to determine alpha1-AT and neopterin serum levels, consequently. RESULTS: alpha1-AT and neopterin mean serum levels were found to be elevated in non-small-cell lung and prostate cancer patients. In non-small cell lung cancer patients alpha1-AT was 454.5+/-129.2 mg/dL (p<0.0005) and neopterin was 7.9+/-4.2 ng/mL (p<0.0005). In prostate cancer patients alpha1-AT was 462.7+/-116.9 mg/dL (p<0.0005) and neopterin was 8.1+/-3.1 ng/mL (p<0.0005). These elevated levels were significantly correlated with the stage of cancer. The mean serum level of alpha1-AT in stages I, II, III, and IV among non-small cell lung cancer patients were 305.1, 453.6, 490.3 and 616.0 mg/dL respectively, and the mean serum levels for neopterin were 4.0, 7.0, 8.1 and 14.9 ng/mL, correspondingly. The mean serum level of alpha1-AT in stages A, B, C, and D among prostate cancer patients were 342.9, 418.5, 467.8 and 593.5 mg/dL respectively and the mean serum levels for neopterin were 4.9, 6.6, 8.7 and 11.6 ng/mL, correspondingly. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above mentioned findings alpha1-AT and neopterin serum levels should be considered in the follow up as well as in the prognosis of cancer patients.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) plasma levels in lung, prostate and breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) is one of the most important extra-cellular serine protease inhibitors. Elevation of alpha1-AT serum levels have been observed in the course of a large number of malignant diseases. In this study, using Radial Immunodiffusion Method, we studied the serum levels of alpha1-AT in lung, prostate and breast cancer patients. RESULTS: Lung and prostate cancer patients have shown a significant elevation in alpha1-AT serum levels compared with those of healthy controls (P-value = 0,0001, 0,003 respectively). On the other hand, breast cancer patients did not show a significant change in these levels. Serum levels of alpha1-AT were 261.7 +/- 107.26, 222.7 +/- 87.30 and 183.8 +/- 45.05 mg/dl of lung, prostate and breast cancer patients, respectively, while those of healthy controls were 163.9 +/- 23.2 mg/dl in males and 186.13 +/- 39.81 mg/dl in females. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrated that alpha1-AT plasma levels might be an alarming factor to be considered in the diagnosis as well as in the follow up of cancer cases.

Relationship between alpha-1 antitrypsin deficient genotypes S and Z and lung cancer in Jordanian lung cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) is a secretory glycoprotein produced mainly in the liver and monocytes. It is the most abundant serine protease inhibitor in human plasma. It predominantly inhibits neutrophil elastase thus, it prevents the breakdown of lung tissue. The deficiency of alpha1-AT is an inherited disorder characterized by reduced serum level of alpha1-AT. Protease inhibitors Z (PiZ) and protease inhibitors S (PiS) are the most common deficient genotypes of alpha1-AT. The aim of this study is to test the relationship between alpha1-AT deficient genotypes S and Z and lung cancer in Jordanian lung cancer patients. METHODS: We obtained the samples used in this study from 100 paraffin embedded tissue blocks of the lung cancer patients from Prince Iman Research Center and Laboratory Sciences at King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan. Analyses of the Z and S genotypes of alpha1-AT were performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques at Jordan University of Science and Technology during 2003 and 2004. RESULTS: We demonstrated that all lung cancer patients were of M genotype, and no Z or S genotypes were detected. CONCLUSION: There is no relationship between alpha1-AT deficient genotypes S and Z and lung cancer in patients involved in this study.

Antiandrogenic activity of Ruta graveolens L in male Albino rats with emphasis on sexual and aggressive behavior.

BACKGROUND: The Ruta graveolens L. is currently used by the Jordanian population systemically for its antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, and analgesic effects and externally for its antirheumatic effect. OBJECTIVE: To study plant effects on the reproductive system and fertility using adult male albino rats with special emphasis on the aggressive behavior and sex behavior. The aqueous extracts of Ruta graveolens L. solution was fed orally to male albino rats at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight for 60 days. RESULTS: This dose induces a significant decrease in the weight of reproductive organs (P<0.01) when compared to controls. The sperm motility and density in cauda epidydimides and testicular ducts were significantly decreased (P<0.01). A significant decreased (P<0.001) in spermatogenesis activity is observed in somniferous tubule. Treated rats testicular cell population showed a decrease in number of spermatocytes and spermatids (P<0.001) when compared to controls. Serum hormonal assay indicated a decrease in testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone levels in treated rats. A decrease in number of female rats impregnated by males receiving treatment was observed and demonstrated by a decrease in the implantation sites and viable fetuses number (P<0.01). The ingested extract also suppresses the sexual behavior in adult male rats expressed by a prolongation of first mount time, increase in intromission latency, decrease in intromissions number, and prolongation of the post-ejaculatory interval. This led to reduction of the ejaculation time and increase of the post ejaculatory intervals. Ingestion of R. graveolens markedly abolished aggressive behavior parameters in adult male treated rats namely, a suppression in lateralization, boxing bouts and ventral presenting postures. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extracts of Ruta graveolens L might have adverse effects on territorial aggression and sexual behavior in male albino rats.

Precocious puberty with congenital hypothyroidism.

Precocious puberty associated with profound hypothyroidism is a rare condition. It is usually characterized by breast development, vaginal bleeding, lack of pubic hair and delayed bone age. Multicystic ovaries in profound hypothyroid patients with precocious puberty have been rarely described. Vaginal bleeding in adolescent girls should be considered as a clinical significance particularly when it is prolonged or heavy, whereas vaginal bleeding in younger girls, regardless of its duration and quantity is always of clinical importance. Bleeding in such patients could be caused by local causes such as vulvar or vaginal lesions, or it could be from the endometrium, which is usually a sign of systemic hormonal disturbance [1]. In this report a rare case of vaginal bleeding, large, multicystic ovaries, precocious puberty and delayed bone age in a 7 years old girl with profound hypothyroidism is described.

Effect of fasting during the month of Ramadan on serum levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in people living in the below sea level environment in the Jordan Valley.

OBJECTIVES: To study a possible effect of Ramadan fasting on luteinizing hormone and testosterone in people of the Jordan Valley. METHODS: A comparative study (n=40) of serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) between people living in the Jordan Valley (JV), n=20, 360 meters below sea level, and those living in Ramtha City (RC), n=20, 600 meters above sea level, was conducted in December, 1998. A similar study (n=40) was also done during January 1999 in fasting people during the month of Ramadan. RESULTS: Serum levels of LH in non-fasting people of the JV were statistically similar to those in people of RC. There was also no difference in serum levels of T between non-fasting people of the JV and those in RC. Serum levels of LH in fasting people of the JV were statistically indifferent from those fasting in RC. Serum T levels in fasting people of the JV, on the other hand, were higher than those in fasting people of RC (76+/-18.3 ng/ml compared to 62.7+/-24.2 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: It is probably the environmental factors such as the higher barometric pressure of the JV compared to that at above sea level that play a role in higher serum levels of T in people of the JV. Other factors, such as genetic background and/or the cultural and nutritional characteristics of the people of the JV, may also contribute to this difference in serum T levels.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotypes in patients with lung, prostate and breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of Alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) phenotypes in Jordanian patients with lung, prostate and breast cancer to find a prevalent phenotype that could be recommended for the early diagnosis of cancer. METHODS: This study was conducted at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, during the period May 2001 to May 2002. Alpha1-AT phenotypes for 83 Jordanian cancer patients distributed as follows, 25 lung cancer, 25 prostate cancer and 33 with breast cancer, were tested using isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis and immunofixation techniques. RESULTS: Isoelectric focusing results demonstrated that 96% of lung cancer patients were of PiMM phenotype and 4% of PiFM phenotype. All prostate cancer patients (100%) were found to be of PiMM phenotype. Phenotypes of breast cancer patients were 94% PiMM, 3% PiFM and 3% PiMS. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that there were no significant differences in the distribution of alpha1-AT phenotypes among Jordanian patients with lung, prostate and breast cancer and they matched those reported for healthy individuals. Thus, we cannot recommend a given alpha1-AT phenotype for early diagnosis of the above mentioned types of cancer.

Blood lead levels and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in battery factory workers in Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate blood lead levels in workers of lead acid battery factories and the relationship between those levels and the activity of y-glutamyl transferase (y-GT). METHODS: Samples of blood were collected during the period from July 2001 to August 2001 from 95 workers of the 2 lead-acid battery factories in Amman, Jordan. They were categorized into 2 groups based on the nature of their work: direct (high exposure) and indirect contact (low exposure) groups. Lead concentration in whole venous blood and y-GT activity was measured. RESULTS: Mean blood lead levels were 51.4 +/- 1.8 and 23.9 +/- 3.8 ug/dl for both direct and indirect groups. y-Glutamyl transferase mean activity was found to be 29.2 +/- 2.6 U/L for direct and 23 +/- 5.7 U/L for indirect contact groups. Fifty healthy individuals were selected as controls. Their mean blood lead levels and y-GT mean activity were 12.3 +/- 0.5 ug/dl and 25.6 +/- 1.2 U/L. As results indicated, no significant relation was found between lead blood levels and y-GT activity (p=0.303) or between lead blood levels and duration of exposure in both direct and indirect groups (p=0.61). However, significant relation was found between lead blood levels and type of work (p value approached zero) and between lead blood levels and duration of exposure in those workers with lead blood levels exceeding 20 ug/dl and employed for more than one year (p value approached zero). CONCLUSION: Lead blood levels among workers in lead acid battery factories in Jordan are high. In most cases, they are higher than the limit permitted by the World Health Organization. Therefore, good protection measures should be taken in such factories to avoid the negative impact of high lead blood levels on the health of workers.

Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol in people living in an environment below sea level (Jordan Valley) during fasting in the month of Ramadan.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol in athletic students living in the Jordan Valley (JV) and compare them to those living at above sea level in Ramtha City (RC). METHODS: Sample collection and measurements were done in November 1998 from non-fasting and in December 1998 from fasting people. RESULTS: ACTH levels in non-fasting subjects in the JV were 36 +/- 4 IU/ml compared to 43 +/- 3 IU/ml for those in RC. Cortisol levels were 483 +/- 76 (JV) and 539 +/- 89 nmol/l (RC). Fasting led to an increase in ACTH (49 +/- 6 (JV) and 58 +/- 5 IU/ml (RC)) and cortisol levels (637 +/- 101 (JV) and 805 +/- 72 nmol/l (RC)). CONCLUSION: Fasting increases ACTH and cortisol levels in an altitude-independent fashion.