Jirakrit Leelarungrayub

Consumption of star fruit juice on pro-inflammatory markers and walking distance in the community dwelling elderly

PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of star fruit juice supplementation on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), nitric oxide (NO), and 6 min walking distance (6MWD) in a group of elderly individuals. METHODS Twenty-nine individuals (20 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 72.4±8.3 years completed this study. A two-week control period was followed by four weeks of 100g fresh star fruit juice consumption twice per day after meals. RESULTS Plasma TNF-α, IL-23, IL-2, NO and the 6MWD were evaluated twice during the control period (weeks 0 and 2) and once after the star fruit juice consumption (week 6). RESULTS The results showed that all parameters in the blood did not change significantly during the control period. After 4 weeks of star fruit juice consumption, a significant reduction in NO, TNF-α and IL-23 was found; however, there was no change in IL-2. Moreover, the 6MWD increased significantly at week 6, when compared to that at week 0 and 2. Furthermore, the results also showed a significantly positive and negative correlation of NO and TNF-α to the 6MWD, but no correlation of IL-23 and IL-2. CONCLUSION This preliminary study concluded that consumption of star fruit juice at 100g twice daily for one month can significantly depress the pro-inflammation cytokines: TNF-α, IL-23, and NO, while increasing walking distance. Low TNF-α and high NO also present a significant correlation to walking capacity in elderly individuals.

A preliminary study on the effects of star fruit consumption on antioxidant and lipid status in elderly Thai individuals

Objective The aims of this preliminary study were to evaluate the antioxidant and lipid status before and after star fruit juice consumption in healthy elderly subjects, and the vitamins in star fruit extracts. Methods A preliminary designated protocol was performed in 27 elderly individuals with a mean (±SD) age of 69.5±5.3 years, by planning a 2-week control period before 4 weeks of consumption of star fruit twice daily. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, protein hydroperoxide, multivitamins such as l-ascorbic acid (Vit C), retinoic acid (Vit A), and tocopherol (Vit E), and the lipid profile parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were analyzed. Moreover, Vit C, Vit A, and Vit E levels were evaluated in the star fruit extracts during the 4-week period. Results In the 2-week control period, all parameters showed no statistically significant difference; after 4 weeks of consumption, significant improvement in the antioxidant status was observed with increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde and protein hydroperoxide levels, as well as significantly increased levels of Vit C and Vit A, when compared to the two-time evaluation during the baseline periods. However, glutathione and Vit E showed no statistical difference. In addition, the HDL-C level was higher and the LDL-C level was significantly lower when compared to both baseline periods. But the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol showed no difference. Vit C and Vit A were identified in small quantities in the star fruit extract. Conclusion This preliminary study suggested that consumption of star fruit juice twice daily for 1 month improved the elderly people’s antioxidant status and vitamins, as well as improved the lipoproteins related to Vit C and Vit A in the star fruit extract.

Effects of a simple prototype respiratory muscle trainer on respiratory muscle strength, quality of life and dyspnea, and oxidative stress in COPD patients: a preliminary study

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a simple prototype device for training respiratory muscles in lung function, respiratory muscle strength, walking capacity, quality of life (QOL), dyspnea, and oxidative stress in patients with COPD. Methods Thirty COPD patients with moderate severity of the disease were randomized into three groups: control (n=10, 6 males and 4 females), standard training (n=10, 4 males and 6 females), and prototype device (n=10, 5 males and 5 females). Respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure [PImax] and maximal expiratory pressure [PEmax]), lung function (forced vital capacity [FVC], percentage of FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], percentage of FEV1 [FEV1%], and FEV1/FVC), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), QOL, and oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated before and after 6 weeks of training. Moreover, dyspnea scores were assessed before; during week 2, 4, and 6 of training; and at rest after training. Results All parameters between the groups had no statistical difference before training, and no statistical change in the control group after week 6. FVC, FEV1/FVC, PImax, PEmax, QOL, MDA, and NO showed significant changes after 6 weeks of training with either the standard or prototype device, compared to pre-training. FEV1, FEV1%, 6MWD, TAC, and GSH data did not change statistically. Furthermore, the results of significant changes in all parameters were not statistically different between training groups using the standard and prototype device. The peak dyspnea scores increased significantly in week 4 and 6 when applying the standard or prototype device, and then lowered significantly at rest after 6 weeks of training, compared to pre-training. Conclusion This study proposes that a simple prototype device can be used clinically in COPD patients as a standard device to train respiratory muscles, improving lung function and QOL, as well as involving MDA and NO levels.

Changes in oxidative stress from tracheal aspirates sampled during chest physical therapy in hospitalized intubated infant patients with pneumonia and secretion retention

Objective This study aimed to show the changes in oxidative stress and clinical condition from either chest physical therapy (CPT) or CPT with aerosol treatment in infant patients with pneumonia. Methods From 52 intubated patients, three groups were composed: groups A, B, and C comprising 21 patients aged 5.3±0.6 months (CPT program), 20 patients aged 5.6±0.7 months (aerosol treatment before CPT program), and eleven patients aged 5.0±0.35 months (control), respectively. CPT was composed of manual percussion and vibration before suction in a specific position for draining secretion and re-expanding collapsed lungs. Groups A and B received three sessions of treatment three times daily for 6 days, when tracheal aspirates were collected for evaluating oxidative stress markers for the thiol group: vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-malondialdehyde, and hyarulonan. Furthermore, lung injury score and oxygenation index (PvO2/FiO2 ratio) were recorded daily. Results All parameters in group C did not change statistically during study. The thiol group increased significantly in group A after day 4, and increased significantly on days 3 and 6 when compared to day 1 in group B. Vitamin E levels increased significantly on days 3, 5, and 6 in group A, and days 3, 4, and 6 in group B, when compared to day 1. Whereas, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-malondialdehyde adduct showed a significant reduction after day 4 in groups A and B, when compared to day 1. Hyarulonan levels showed a significant reduction after day 3 in group A and on day 2 in group B. In addition, lung injury score decreased slightly and nonsignificantly in groups A and B, whereas the oxygenation index increased significantly after day 4 in group A and on day 6 in group B. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that CPT with or without aerosol treatment possibly reduces oxidative stress and enhances oxygenation status in infant patients.

Effect of Artificial Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This was a descriptive research aiming at investigating the quality of life of the Royal Thai Navy College of Nursing’s (RTNCN) personnel. There were 325 samples which were from the executives, nursing instructors, supporting staff and nursing students in the academic year 2014. The research tool was the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL - BRIEF - THAI) and the reliability of which was tested using the Cronbach’s Alpha with the result at 0.91. The statistics applied in this study were descriptive statistic. The results were as follows: 1) The Quality of Life in the aspects of physical health, psychological state, environment and overview of Quality of Life were mainly at moderate level (66.77, 54.77, 45.54, 75.38 and 57.85 percent respectively); and 2) Analyzing the Mean, it was found that QOL in all aspects of the personnel was at moderate level.

Effects of Banana (Musa Sapientum Linn) Consumption for Physical Strength, Metabolic Response, Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profiles, and Interleukin-23 in Healthy Men: A Preliminary Study

Background : Banana (Musa sapientum L.) is one of the many fruits that is well consumed in many countries having lots of benefits on health; however there are less evidences regarding physical performance, oxidative stress, metabolic, lipid, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four weeks of banana consumption on physical strength, metabolic response, oxidative stress status, lipid profiles, and interleukin-23 in healthy men. Methods : Thirty healthy men were included in two week control and four week consumption periods. The parameters were evaluated by physical strength (back-leg strength, hand grip, and quadriceps strength), metabolic response to a cycling exercise test ((directed oxygen consumption (VO2), exercise time, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ventilatory threshold (VT)), blood antioxidant status ((total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA)), lipid profiles ((triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)), and plasma interleukin-23 (IL-23). These measures were evaluated in two times for 2 weeks before the continuous consumption of pulp from two ripe bananas, morning and evening for 4 weeks. Results : The results showed no statistical difference in parameters over the two week control period. After four weeks of banana consumption, the back strength, exercise time, RER, and VT were significantly improved. TAC and GSH levels were increased and MDA, triglyceride, cholesterol, and IL-23 were reduced significantly when compared to the control period. Conclusion : These preliminary results suggest that banana supplementation involves some physical strength, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and IL-23 levels in healthy human.

Short-Term Pulmonary Rehabilitation for a Female Patient with Chronic Scleroderma under a Single-Case Research Design

Although previously proposed that chronic scleroderma should be cared for clinically and early rehabilitation should be performed in hospital by a chest physical therapist, little evidence is currently available on its benefits. Therefore, this study demonstrated the benefits of short-term pulmonary rehabilitation during hospitalization in a female patient with chronic scleroderma. The aim of rehabilitation was to improve ventilation and gas exchange by using airway clearance, chest mobilization, and breathing-relearning techniques, including strengthening the respiratory system and the muscles of the limbs by using the Breath Max® device and elastic bands. Gross motor function and activities of daily life were regained by balancing, sitting, and standing practices. Data on minimal chest expansion, high dyspnea, high respiratory rate, and low maximal inspiratory mouth pressure were recorded seven days before rehabilitation or at the baseline period. But there was a clinically significant improvement in dyspnea, chest expansion, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure, and respiratory rate, when compared to baseline data, which were recorded by a chest physical therapist during seven days of rehabilitation. Furthermore, physicians decided to stop using a mechanical ventilator, and improvement in functional capacity was noted. Therefore, in the case of chronic and stable scleroderma, short-term rehabilitation during hospitalization for chest physical therapy possibly shows clinical benefits by improving both pulmonary function and physical performance.