Nucleobindin-1 has high sequence similarity to nucleobindin-2, which encodes the anorectic and metabolic peptide, nesfatin-1. We previously reported a nesfatin-1-like peptide (NLP), anorectic in fish and insulinotropic in mice islet beta-like cells. The main objective of this research was to determine whether NLP is a metabolic regulator in male Wistar rats. A single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of NLP (100 μg/kg BW) decreased food intake and increased ambulatory movement, without causing any change in total activity or energy expenditure when compared to saline-treated rats. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of NLP (100 μg/kg BW) using osmotic mini-pumps for 7 days caused a reduction in food intake on days 3 and 4. Similarly, water intake was also reduced for two days (days 3 and 4) with the effect being observed during the dark phase. This was accompanied by an increased RER and energy expenditure. However, decreased whole-body fat oxidation, and total activity were observed during the long-term treatment (7 days). Body weight gain was not significantly different between control and NLP infused rats. The expression of mRNAs encoding adiponectin, resistin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) were significantly upregulated, while leptin and peptide YY mRNA expression was downregulated in NLP-treated rats. These findings indicate that administration of NLP at 100 μg/kg BW reduces food intake and modulates whole body energy balance. In summary, NLP is a novel metabolic peptide in rats.

The multifunctional biological actions of nesfatin-1 propelled this peptide as a therapeutic target, and as a potential biomarker of diseases. However, a better and comprehensive understanding of tissue specific effects of nesfatin-1 is critical prior to exploring its possible use in the detection and treatment of diseases.

Context: Cucumis prophetarum Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) fruit is used for inflammatory-related problems and is proved to be possessing anticancer and hepatoprotective effects. Objective: The present investigation was to study the effect of different fractions of C. prophetarum on antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. Materials and methods: Aqueous crude extract (CE) of C. prophetarum fruits was fractionated into water soluble fraction 1 (F1), chloroform fraction 2 (F2), basic fraction 3 (F3), and neutral fraction 4 (F4) by acid-base extraction. CE and its fractions at different doses (0.02-0.1 mg/mL) were subjected to antidiabetic (a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibition assays) and antioxidant (DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging (SO) and metal chelation) evaluation. Results: F1 exhibited effective antidiabetic activity (p50.05) with an IC 50 value of 20.6 and 59.9 mg/mL. The activity decreased in the order of CE4F44F34F2, according to a-amylase assay, which were the same, with the exception of the rank order of F4 and CE, as the a-glucosidase assay. Furthermore, F1 (IC 50 ¼ 73 mg/mL) showed better reducing ability than CE4F44F24F3 (IC 50 ¼ 78-272 mg/mL), according to the DPPH assay. In SO and metal chelation assays, F1 showed the highest activity (IC 50 ¼ 101 and 147 mg/mL), respectively; the activity decreased in the order of CE4F44F34F2 (IC 50 ¼ 126-469 mg/mL) for SO and 194-944 mg/mL for metal chelation assay. Conclusion:The results indicate that F1 possesses potent in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant activities.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus is a rapidly growing and challenging health issue of the 21st century. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major risk factor for obesity and hypertension (HTN). The prevalence of HTN and obesity in T2D patients is not well documented in the country of Yemen. AIM: The focus of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Yemen.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Dhamar city hospitals. Patients diagnosed with diabetes (300 males and females: 30 years old and/or above) visiting an endocrinology and diabetes clinic in Dhamar city hospital for the first time were examined and evaluated for blood glucose levels, mode of treatment, duration of the disorder and body mass index. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using pretested questionnaires. Ethical approval was obtained from corresponding ethical committees from Dhamar University and hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 version.RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and/or obesity in T2D was 60.67%, and hypertension was 35.66%. The occurrence of T2D was predominant in females (56.33%), patients with an age over 50 years (61%), and rural dwellers (74%). The mode of treatment was mainly through oral antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic agents (79.3%). A large population (66.3%) showed poor control of blood glucose levels ranging from more than 131 to 500 mg/dL and the type of work these patients were involved in was mostly physically inactive (64%). The body mass index revealed that more than 35% were found to be overweight and 23% to be obese. Patients with hypertension and undergoing treatment for the same showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in blood glucose level compared to those who were not diagnosed with HTN.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity, HTN, and poor glycemic control in patients with T2D is high, especially in females.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract