The benefits of a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) in the management of diabetes have been reported, but the contribution of polyphenol-rich citrus fruit has not been studied widely. Here, we report the sub-study findings of a previously conducted MedDiet intervention clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), where we aimed to measure the diet intervention effects on plasma citrus bioflavonoids levels and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We analysed plasma samples from 19 (of original 27) participants with T2DM who were randomly assigned to consume the MedDiet intervention or their usual diet for 12 weeks and then crossed over to the alternate diet. Compared with baseline, MedDiet significantly increased levels of the citrus bioflavonoids naringin, hesperitin and hesperidin (by 60%, 58% and 39%, respectively, p < 0.05) and reduced plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (by 49%, p = 0.016). Oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreased by 32.4% (p = 0.128). Usual diet did not induce these beneficial changes. The reduced inflammatory profile of T2DM participants may, in part, be attributed to the anti-inflammatory actions of citrus bioflavonoids. Together with indications of improved oxidative stress, these findings add to the scientific evidence base for beneficial consumption of citrus fruit in the MedDiet pattern.
Background:Copper (Cu) is essential both for its role in antioxidant enzymes, like Cu/zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin, as well as its role in lysyl oxidase, essential for the strength and integrity of the heart and blood vessels. With such a central role in cardiovascular health, Cu has been generally overlooked in the debate over improving our cardiovascular health. Cu deficiency has produced many of the same abnormalities present in cardiovascular disease. It seems almost certain that Cu plays a large role in the development of this killer disease, not because of its excess in the diet, but rather its deficiency.Aim:This study was undertaken to investigate the cardiovascular effects of Cu deficiency on the activity of SOD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without diabetic nephropathy.Materials and Methods:Fifty-five patients with T2DM were recruited in this study which were divided into two subgroups based on the presence of microalbuminuria, the first group (microal buminuric group, n = 31) had a microalbuminuria between 30 and 299 μg/mg. The second group (normoal buminuric group, n = 29) had an albumin level less than 30 μg/mg. The two diabetic groups were compared to the control group (n = 37).Results:The results of our study showed a significant reduction in the levels of SOD enzyme associated with an increased urinary Cu excretion in microalbuminuric group compared to the control group at P < 0.05.Conclusions:The current study illustrates that the regulation of the blood concentrations of Cu may be a potential therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
This study aimed to explore refugee women's experiences of interpreters in healthcare in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine women who arrived in NZ as refugees. Analysis involved a 'text in context' approach. An iterative and interpretive process was employed by engaging with participant accounts and field notes. The various meanings behind participants' experiences were unpacked in relation to the literature and the broader socio-cultural contexts in which these experiences occurred. Findings highlighted issues with professional and informal interpreters. These issues included cost, discrepancies in dialect, translation outside appointments, and privacy. Findings indicate ethical and practical implications of using interpreters in healthcare for refugee women. A step to achieving equitable healthcare for refugee women in New Zealand entails putting in place accessible and robust communicative infrastructure.
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