Mango Modulates Blood Glucose Similar to Rosiglitazone without Compromising Bone Parameters in Mice Fed High Fat Diet
Pages 115-126
Edralin A. Lucas, Angela Brown, Wenjia Li, Sandra K. Peterson, Yan Wang, Penny Perkins-Veazie, Stephen L. Clarke and Brenda J. Smith
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2012.02.02.1
Published: 05 June 2012

Abstract: Both consumption of high-fat diet and one of the commonly used pharmacological therapies for modulating blood glucose, rosiglitazone, are associated with negative effects on bone. Previously, we reported that a diet supplemented with freeze-dried mango modulated blood glucose similar to rosiglitazone in mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. This study examined the effects of the addition of freeze-dried mango pulp or rosiglitazone to a HF diet on bone parameters in mice. Six week old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into one of five dietary treatment groups (n=8-9 mice/group): control (9.5% calories from fat), HF (58.9% calories from fat), HF+1% or 10% mango (w/w), and HF+rosiglitazone (50 mg/kg diet) for eight weeks. Bone parameters were assessed via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and micro-computed tomography. Both the HF and HF+rosiglitazone groups had lower whole body, tibial, and vertebral bone mineral density compared to the HF+1% mango group. Trabecular bone volume, number, and separation as well as bone strength were also compromised by HF+rosiglitazone while the mango diets maintained these bone microarchitecture parameters to that observed in the control group. These results suggests that addition of mango to the diet may provide an alternative approach to modulating blood glucose without negatively affecting skeletal health, though human studies are needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, the bioactive component(s) in mango and the mechanisms by which it modulates blood glucose and exerts potentially osteoprotective benefits warrants further investigation.

Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Blood Pressure in Subjects with Pre-Hypertension
Pages 155-159
M. Robinson, B. Lu, I. Edirisinghe and C.T. Kappagoda
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2012.02.02.6
Published: 05 June 2012

Abstract: Pre-hypertension affects approximately 31% of the adult population of the United States over the age of 18 years. It is defined in the 7^th report of the Joint National Committee (JNC - 7) on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure as a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg. JNC-7 also recommended that individuals considered to be prehypertensive require health-promoting lifestyle modifications to prevent cardiovascular disease. This study was undertaken to determine whether a grape seed extract (GSE) which is a nutraceutical containing vasodilator phenolic compounds lowers blood pressure in subjects with pre-hypertension. The subjects were randomized into a placebo or an experimental group (GSE at a dose of 300 mg/day) and treated for 8 weeks. Serum lipids and blood glucose were measured at the beginning of the study and at the end. The blood pressure was recorded using an ambulatory monitoring device at the start of the treatment period and at the end. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower after treatment with GSE. Treatment with the placebo had no effect on blood pressure. There were no significant changes in serum lipids or blood glucose values. These findings suggest that GSE could be used as a nutraceutical in a lifestyle modification program for patients with pre-hypertension.