New Emirates Medical Journal - Online First

The study investigated the impact of incorporating fruits or fruit juices into the diets of prediabetic individuals to mitigate oxidative stress. Previous research presented divergent approaches, making replication of findings challenging. This study aimed to evaluate whether advising the consumption of two low-calorie fruits daily could improve oxidative stress, glycemic control, and anthropometric measurements in prediabetic individuals.

An open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical college hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Thirty participants, aged 40-70 years, with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, were recruited through screening of first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group, which consumed two low-calorie fruits daily or a wait-list control group. The inclusion criteria were adults aged 40-70 years with prediabetes. Exclusion criteria included a history of diabetes, chronic diseases, normal glucose tolerance, smoking, alcohol use, recent antioxidant/vitamin use, and participation in dietary trials within the past year. Outcomes included plasma vitamin C levels and blood pressure, oxidative stress markers, glycemic parameters, and anthropometric measures. Over three months, measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

The mean age of participants was 43.1 ± 10.1 years in the intervention group and 44.7 ± 9.6 years in the control group. The intervention group demonstrated a significant 15% increase in plasma vitamin C levels [mean change: 4.0 µmol/L; p = 0.021; 95% CI: 1.2–6.8], whereas the control group experienced a 9% decrease. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the intervention group [mean change: -3.0 mmHg; p = 0.04; 95% CI: -4.5 to -1.5], while the control group showed an increase. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of oxidative stress markers, glycemic parameters, or anthropometric measures.

Overall, our study provided insights into the effects of incorporating low-calorie fruits into the diet of individuals with prediabetes. While improvements in vitamin C levels and systolic blood pressure were observed, there were no significant changes in oxidative stress, glycemic status, anthropometry, and other antioxidant measures. These findings contribute to the existing literature on the potential benefits of fruit consumption in individuals with prediabetes, highlighting the importance of vitamin C as a biomarker and its potential role in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular benefits. This study also highlights plasma vitamin C as a promising biomarker for assessing the effects of fruit supplementation. Additionally, this study suggests that broader dietary and lifestyle modifications may be necessary to achieve comprehensive metabolic improvements, particularly in prediabetic individuals.

Cardiomyopathies are a broad range of cardiac illnesses defined by mechanical and/or electrical dysfunction and abnormal ventricular hypertrophy or dilatation. Cardiomyopathies are classified into two categories: either primarily related to myocardial disease or secondary to other systemic or organ disorders, including the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones have been linked to a wide range of significant effects on the cardiovascular system.

We experienced a case of a 37-year-old male who presented with symptoms of heart failure and was discovered to have dilated cardiomyopathy. The echocardiography study revealed significant left ventricular global hypokinesia and severely depressed left ventricular systolic function. The laboratory testing confirms the presence of severe normocytic, normochromic anemia with severe hypothyroidism.

The present case illustrates that hypothyroidism should be addressed systematically by healthcare providers when dilated cardiomyopathy is identified, and thyroid function testing should be regularly performed.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent cancer in Algeria, where it ranks as the most common cancer of the aerodigestive tract in men, with an incidence rate of 5.1 cases per 100,000 persons per year. The etiology of NPC is multifactorial. Thus, this research aims to identify specific dietary risk factors prevalent in the western Algerian region.

We conducted a case-control study comprising 120 incident cases of histologically confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma, carefully matched with 120 controls.

Nasopharyngeal cancer, more common in males (average age 45.2 ± 2.5 years), is linked to consuming traditionally preserved foods (khlii, salted fats, boiled milk, processed meats), elevating NPC risk. Significant associations include hot chili peppers, citrus fruits, and dried vegetables, while increased fruit and coffee intake reduces risk. High-temperature cooking and fried food show a strong link. Multivariate analysis identifies hot chilli, citrus fruits, fresh fruits, and coffee as the key factors significantly associated with NPC.

This research provides essential insights for implementing primary prevention measures to combat nasopharyngeal carcinoma effectively. By identifying specific dietary risk factors prevalent in the western Algerian region, healthcare authorities can focus on targeted interventions to reduce the burden of NPC in this population.

Fetal neurons are sensitive to ischemia which could happen secondary to acute maternal blood loss. The damage to the fetal brain with loss of brain neurons in early gestation leads to encephalomalacia. We describe here a case report of fetal encephalomalacia secondary to acute maternal blood loss.

A 23-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman sustained a forearm laceration at 18 weeks of gestation. Her hemoglobin dropped to 7.9 mg/dL. A surgical laceration repair was completed, and she was transfused with blood. At the OB visit the following week, her fetal US showed abnormal brain, evident by the increased size of the lateral ventricles. A follow-up MRI at 30 weeks of gestation confirmed fetal encephalomalacia. A complete investigation, including free cell maternal DNA for chromosomal anomalies, TORCH infection, and Covid PCR, all were negative.

We concluded from the case that any history of significant acute maternal blood loss that required blood transfusion should necessitate a fetal ultrasound to look for fetal well-being, especially for any brain structural changes in the developing brain.