Anticancer effect of spices used in Mediterranean diet: preventive and therapeutic potentials
Authors : Wamidh Hadi Talib, Mallak J Alhur, Sumaiah Al.Naimat, Rawand E Ahmad, Arkan Hadi Al-Yasari, Anfal AL-Dalaeen, Samar Thiab and Asma Mahmod
Abstract : Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with almost 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020, so any investigation to prevent or cure this disease is very important. Spices have been studied widely in several countries due to their therapeutic uses. This review highlighted chemo-therapeutic and chemo-preventive effect of ginger, pepper, rosemary, turmeric, black cumin and clove. Moreover, the mechanisms of action for each one of them were figured out such as anti-angiogenesis, antioxidant, altering signaling pathways, induction of cell apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, for several type of cancer.
Keywords : Spices, cell apoptosis, Chemo-prevention, anti-angiogenesis, Ginger
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Healthy Nutritional Behavior during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors : Hayder Al-Domi*, Anfal AL-Dalaeen, Sara AL-Rosan, Nour Batarseh, Hala Nawaiseh
Abstract : Background Ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID- 19) constitutes a major global pandemic health care system challenge. Shortly following the disease outbreak, like SARS-CoV virus, all affected countries are implementing various preventive and control measures to mitigate the spread of the disease. Optimizing public health system during COVID-19 pandemic requires not only advanced medical and biological sciences knowledge, but also all human sciences related to social, as well as nutritional behavior, and lifestyle practices. Aim To investigate the effect of COVID-19- quarantine on healthy nutritional behavior and lifestyle practices among Jordanian population. Methods A cross-sectional study among Jordanian population was conducted using an online questionnaire between March and April 2020. Participants were kindly requested to answer a standardized and validated structured questionnaire. Demographic information (age, gender, place of residence, and occupation), anthropometric data (reported weight and height); dietary habits information (number of meals per day, snakes, water intake), and physical activity behavior were requested. Results A total of 4473 respondents were included in the study; obese (n=1135), normal body weight (n=1561), and underweight (n=116). During COVID-19 quarantine, a significant increase in body weight (12.9% underweight, 28.5% normal body weight, 36.4 % overweight’ and 41.1% of obese, (p<.001) was reported. Moreover, the number of snacks between meals (p<.001), number of main meals (p<.001), and the smoking rate was also increased significantly; however, there was no significant difference regarding physical activity among various weight status groups (p<0.05). Conclusions In this study, we have provided evidence, for the first time, that there were significant negative changes in healthy nutritional behavior among Jordanians during COVID-19 quarantine who encountered significantly increased body weight, appetite, and smoking. Future larger cross-sectional studies are warranted.
Keywords : COVID-19CoronavirusEating habits Lifestyle
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Does obesity put your brain at risk
Authors : Anfal AL-Dalaeen , Hayder AL-Domi
Abstract : Background and aims: The negative impact of obesity on the brain is an issue of increasing clinical interest. Hence, this review summarized evidence linking obesity with brain morphology (gray and white matter volume), brain function (functional activation and connectivity), and cognitive function. Methods: A criticals review of the relevant published English articles between 2008 and 2022, using PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Studies were included if (1) an experimental/intervention study was conducted (2) the experiment/intervention included both high fat diet or body weight, whether it could counteract the negative effect brain morphological or functional change. Critical analysis for a supporting study was also carried out. Results: Brain dysfunction can be recognized as result from neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, change in gut-brain hormonal functionality decrease regional blood flow or diminished hippocampal size and change in gut-brain hormonal functionality; which collectively translate into a cycle of deranged metabolic control and cognitive deficits, often obesity referred as changes in brain biochemistry and brain function. Recently, a few changes in brain structure and functions could be traced back even to obese children or adult. Evidence here suggested that obesity elicits early neuroinflammation effects, which likely disrupt the normal metabolism in hypothalamus, and hippocampus result from brain insulin resistance. The mechanisms of these robust effects are discussed herein. Conclusion: Brain disease is inseparable from obesity itself and requires a better recognition to allow future therapeutic targeting for treatment of obesity. Additional research is needed to identify the best treatment targets and to identify if these changes reversible.
Keywords : Obesity, High fat diet, Brain, Neuroinflammation, Maternal obesity
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Effects of obesity on hippocampus function: Synaptic plasticity hypothesis
Authors : AnfalAL-Dalaeen, MamounAhram, HayderAL-Domi
Abstract : Purpose: Recently, much attention has been devoted to the effects of nutrient-related signals on brain development and functions. Particularly, the dynamics of synaptic gain and loss are fundamental to healthy brain function. Understanding perturbations of these dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is of paramount importance in order to devise preventative strategies. Methods: Scientific studies related to the use of high fat diet (HFD) in adult rodents have been reviewed. A focus has been placed on studies pertinent to the following: (1) the ability of HFD to induce obesity or insulin resistance and (2) alterations in the levels of proteins that are critical for synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus. Studies related to polyphenol or PUFA or studies that used whole brain have been excluded. The effect of obesity on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie hippocampus synaptic plasticity in context of learning, memory and mood have been considered. Key findings: Out of 80 studies, 11 of them fit the criteria. All 11 studies demonstrate induced obesity in association with impairment of memory function and mood change following feeding rodents HFD. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of these robust effects are discussed herein. Conclusion: Studies highlight the importance of HFD, not only in influencing obesity, but also in altering cognitive abilities of organisms through changing synapse plasticity without directly causing a pathologic condition such as diabetes. They also lead to the hypothesis that diet can be utilized in preventing the initiation of AD or, in conjunction with pharmaceutical intervention, in treating of AD or in reducing the progression of the disease.
Keywords : Obesity, Hippocampus, Synaptic plasticity, Glycogen synthase kinase 3 β, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Amyloid precursor protein
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Physical activity, sedentary behaviors and dietary patterns as risk factors of obesity among Jordanian schoolchildren
Authors : Hayder Abdullah Al-Domi, Ahmad Mahmoud Faqih, Ziad W Jaradat, Anfal AL-Dalaeen, Batool Amarneh
Abstract : Objective: To identify certain risk factors associated with childhood obesity related to lifestyle; dietarypatterns, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 977 schoolchildren (473 boys and 449 girls)aged 7e18 years. Children were selected randomly from three main cities in Jordan: Amman, Irbid, and Mafraq by using multistage cluster sampling method. Sedentary behaviors, physical activity and child eating behaviors were measured by using validated questionnaires. Overweight and obesity were defined by International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. Results: Sedentary activities increase the risk of overweight among schoolchildren by 2-fold [RR(Relativerisk) ¼ 2.0, 95% CI(Confidence interval) (1.1e3.6), p ¼ 0.02]. Whereas, sedentary activities for less than 3 increased the risk of overweight by 0.8-fold [RR ¼ 0.8, 95%CI (0.6e1.3), P ¼ 0.388], Schoolchildren who spent<30 min/day in exercising decreased the risk of overweight by 0.5-fold [RR ¼ 0.5, 95% CI (0.2e1.0),P ¼ 0.06)]. Both Students who ate one meal daily and daily ate snacks from schools cafeterias had a higher tendency to be obese [(RR ¼ 1.8, 95%CI (0.5e5.9), P ¼ 0.368], and [RR ¼ 1.5, 95%CI (0.9e2.5),P ¼ 0.169] respectively.Conclusions: Physical activity, eating meals regularly and homemade food, all together play a significant role in decreasing obesity among Jordanian schoolchildren, thus a national policy that promoting active living and healthy eating among schoolchildren is warranted
Keywords : Schoolchildren, Sedentary behaviors, Physical activity, Obesity, Overweight
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Advanced Glycation End Products: Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes and its Complications
Authors : Anfal Al-Dalaeen Hayder Al-Domi
Abstract : Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance and failure of pancreatic β-cell leading to chronic hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia causes dysfunctions in multiple organs or tissues, which not only decrease life quality and expectancy, but are also becoming a problem regarding the fi nancial burden for healthcare systems. Therefore, the continually increasing of diabetes worldwide, understanding the pathophysiology, the main risk factors, and the underlying molecular mechanisms may establish a basis for prevention and therapy. In this regard, research was performed revealing further evidence of formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are a complex and heterogeneous group of modifing ed proteins and/or lipids with damaging potential, is one contributing factor. However, it has been reported that AGEs increase the level of reactive oxygen species formation and impair antioxidant systems, on the other hand the formation of some AGEs is induced per se under oxidative conditions. However, the role of AGEs in the pathogenesis of T2DM and diabetic complications if they are causal or simply an effect is only partly understood. This review will highlight the mechanisms
Keywords : Diabetes, Advance Glycation Products; Insulin Resistance; Β-Cell Dysfunction; Diabetic Complications; Infl ammation; Oxidative Stress
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Factors Associated with Obesity among School Children inAmman, Jordan Authors Al- Dalaeen AM & Al-Domi HA
Authors :
Abstract : Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity, sedentary behaviour, television (TV) watching, small screen recreation (SSR), and perinatal life influences (breast-feeding, birth weight) among Jordanian school children. Methods: A total of 117 school children (56 obese and 61 normal weight) aged between 11 and 15 years were selected by using multistage cluster sampling method. Parents were requested to complete the first part of a questionnaire on family background, while the second part on adolescent sedentary behaviour was completed by the participants in the school. Anthropometric data were collected, and presence of fat mass (%FM) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Sedentary behavior (hours/day) was significantly higher in obeseschool children compared to normal weight (4.43±0.60, 3.29±0.68, respectively; P <0.05), and positively associated with BMI (r=0.270, P<0.05). Normal weight children spent less time on watching TV (hours/day) compared to obese children (2.01±0.10, 2.34±0.16, respectively; P<0.05), and spent 2.55±1.6 (hours/day) in small screen recreation (SSR) compared to 3.89±1.0 (hours/day) of obese children. Both watching TV and SSR was significantly associated with BMI (r=0.260, r=0.201, respectively; P<0.05). Duration of exclusive breastfeeding (months) was significantly higher in normal weight than obese children (7.70±3.01, 5.05±2.01, respectively; P<0.05), and negatively associated with BMI (r=-0.254) and %FM (r =-0.330). Conclusion: Sedentary behaviour and watching TV were important risk factors for obesity among 11-15 years old Jordanian school children. A national policy promoting active living and reducing sedentary behaviour among school children is recommended
Keywords : Birth weight, breastfeeding, obesity, school children, sedentary behaviour
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Evaluation of Oxidant-antioxidant Status in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors : Anfal M. Al-Dalaeen and Hayder A. Al-Domi
Abstract : Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between endogenous antioxidants and oxidative stress and selected risk factors in obese children without co-morbidities. Methodology: A total of 121 school children (58 obese and 63 normal weight), aged between 10 and 15 years old were recruited from public schools in Amman, Jordan. Levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was used as a biomarker for oxidative stress were measured. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and lipids levels were determined in serum and anthropometric parameters were also measured. Results: The SOD activity was significantly higher in obese children relative to normal weight (190.5±39.5 and 144.1±44.8, respectively; p0.05). Meanwhile, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were significantly correlated with SOD activity (r = 0.330). The MDA levels were significantly higher in obese children relative to normal weight children (4.62±1.15 vs 3.58±0.64, respectively; p
Keywords : Antioxidant enzymes, obesity, oxidant stress, school children
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