1.Herbal Medicine from Single Clove Garlic Oil Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Oxidative Status in High Fat Diet Mice
Siti Nur Arifah ; Mochammad Fitri Atho&rsquo ; illah ; Betty Lukiati ; Sri Rahayu Lestar
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2020;27(1):46-56
Introduction: High fat diet (HFD) can cause lipid accumulation and contribute to various
metabolic disorders. Single clove garlic oil (SCGO) has advantages over regular garlic due to its
higher amounts of organosulfide compounds in particular. This study aimed to determine the
ability of SCGO extract to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve oxidative status by modulating
expression of tumour necrosis factor α and superoxide dismutase in mice fed a HFD.
Methods: Twenty-four adult male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups: i) normal diet;
ii) positive control diet; iii) negative control diet; and iv) HFD with SCGO at 12.5 mg/kg body weight
(mg/kg BW); v) HFD with SCGO at 25 mg/kg BW, vi) HFD with SCGO at 50 mg/kg BW. Liver weight
and morphology, spleen weight, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumour necrosis
factor α (TNF-α), TNF-α expression in the aorta and lipid profiles were assessed at the end of the
experimental period.
Results: SCGO treatment was associated with significant decreases in liver and spleen
weight as well as amelioration of hepatic steatosis. SCGO treatment also decreased TNF-α levels
and expression. Serum levels of SOD in the SCGO groups were significantly increased compared
with the negative control group. Lipid profiles were improved in the SCGO treatment groups
compared with the negative control group.
Conclusion: SCGO as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative
disorders caused by HFD.
2.Stability of lactoferrin and lysozyme in human milk at various temperatures and duration of storage
Kasiati ; Sumirah Budi Pertami ; Agus Setyo Utomo ; Siti Nur Arifah
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2021;27(No.2):271-278
Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the first six months, is essential for infants as it provides nutrition and protection against various diseases. Colostrum, which is found in the first breast milk produced, contains various protective factors, such as lactoferrin and lysozyme. Human milk can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or kept frozen. Several factors affect the stability of the bioactive content in human milk, such as temperature and storage time. The aim of this study was to measure the stability of lactoferrin and lysozyme levels in human milk during the first six hours (h) at different temperatures and compare it with that of frozen human milk. Methods: Human milk samples were obtained from 11 breastfeeding mothers using certain criteria. The human milk was stored at room temperature and 4°C for 1, 3, and 6 h and classified as never frozen, while frozen human milk was stored at -20°C for 1, 3, and 6 days. Measurement of the lactoferrin and lysozyme levels was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results showed that storage at room temperature significantly reduced lactoferrin and lysozyme levels. Lactoferrin levels in frozen human milk did not significantly decrease during the first six days. Meanwhile, the lysozyme levels in frozen human milk decreased significantly. Conclusion: The levels of lactoferrin and lysozyme in frozen human milk stored for the first six days were more stable than those stored at room temperature and 4°C in the first 6 h.