Bruguiera gymnorhiza (BG) has potential as a functional food because of its dietary fibre content and bioactive components such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. However, it is not studied in the context of diet-related disease prevention. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Bruguiera gymnorhiza fruit flour (BGF) on satiety hormone, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, body weight, and caecum SCFA levels in diet-induced obese rats. A total of 28 obese male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (K1) was given a standard chow, group 2 (K2) standard chow + orlistat, group 3 (P1) standard chow + BGF 2 g/200 g BW/day, and group 4 (P2) standard chow + BGF 4 g/200 g BW/day for 28 days. The levels of GLP-1, PYY, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL, IL-6, TNF-α, and body weight were measured before and after the intervention; meanwhile, the caecum SCFA levels were assessed only after the intervention. In this study, BGF intervention increased the dose-dependent plasma GLP-1 and PYY levels (P < 0.000). In addition, BGF intervention also decreased lipid profiles (TC & TG) (P < 0.000, respectively) and systemic inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, acetate, propionate, and total SCFA concentrations were higher in the BGF intervention group (P2) compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The SCFA levels were associated with satiety hormones, lipids, and systemic inflammation (P < 0.05). The BGF intervention improved satiety hormone, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, and SCFA levels.

(1) Background: Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during pregnancy is an important issue due to its possible adverse health effects on fetus. To contribute the development of assessment system of Hg exposure through fish consumption and health effects on children, we examined the hair Hg levels in pregnant women and birth weight and length. (2) Methods: In 2018, a cohort study was conducted on 118 pregnant women-infant pairs from six community health centers in the northern coastal area in Central Java Indonesia. Data on mothers’ characteristics during pregnancy, birth outcomes, and fish consumption were collected. Total Hg concentrations were determined from hair samples. (3) Results: The median (min-max) of the maternal hair Hg level was 0.434 (0.146–8.105) µg/g. Pregnant women living in lowland areas, near the sea, showed higher hair Hg concentration and fish consumption than those in highland areas {[0.465 (0.146–8.105) vs. 0.385 (0.150–1.956) µg/g; p = 0.043] and [(85.71 (0–500.0) vs. 49.76 (0.0–428.57) g/day; p < 0.01], respectively}. The maternal hair Hg level had no association with baby’s birth weight and length. (4) Conclusions: The median maternal hair Hg is at a low level and had no association with infant birth weight and length in this study subjects.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an age‑related disease associated with cerebral inflammation and Alzheimer's disease. Garcinia mangostana pericarp (GMP) possesses antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic and anti‑inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GMP extract on cerebral inflammation in Wistar rats with T2DM by examining the expression levels of glial nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB), interleukin (IL)‑6, tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A total of 36 8‑10‑week‑old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and provided a standard diet (normal control; C1), high‑fat diet (HFD) with 200 g/kg GMP extract BW/day (GMP control; C2), HFD with streptozotocin‑nicotinamide (diabetic control; C3), and HFD with 100 (M1), 200 (M2) or 400 g/kg body weight (BW)/day (M3) GMP extract for Wistar rats with diabetes. GMP extract was administered for 8 weeks after induction of T2DM was confirmed. Glial NF‑κB activity was assessed by immunohistochemical staining, and by measuring IL‑6 levels, TNF‑α levels and SOD activity in the serum using ELISA. BW significantly increased following HFD treatment. After 7 weeks, the BW remained significantly higher compared with the normal control and GMP extract‑treated groups, but decreased continuously in the T2DM groups. Glial NF‑κB immunoreaction in the hippocampal region was significantly higher in the diabetic Wistar rats compared with the normal control Wistar rats, and 200 g/kg BW/day GMP significantly reduced its activity. The T2DM Wistar rats showed significantly higher expression levels of serum IL‑6 and TNF‑α and lower activity of SOD compared with the normal control Wistar rats. Meanwhile, rats in GMP groups M1, M2 and M3 exhibited significant reductions in the levels of IL‑6 and TNF‑α expression, and increases in SOD activity. GMP extract treatment effectively reduced hippocampal NF‑κB, IL‑6 and TNF‑α levels and increased antioxidant SOD activity. These results suggest that GMP extract prevents cerebral inflammation in T2DM Wistar rats.