mangosteen

BACKGROUND
Formalin is a xenobiotic that is now commonly used as a preservative in the food
industry. The liver is an organ that has the highest metabolic capacity as compared
to other organs. Mangosteen or Garcinia mangostana Linn (GML) peel contains
xanthones, which are a source of natural antioxidants. The purpose of this study was
to evaluate the effect of mangosteen peel extract on formalin-induced liver cell
mortality rate and p53 protein expression in Wistar rats.
METHODS
Eighteen rats received formalin orally for 2 weeks, and were subsequently divided
into 3 groups, consisting of the formalin-control group receiving a placebo and
treatment groups 1 and 2, which were treated with mangosteen peel extract at doses
of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW/day, respectively. The treatment was carried out for 1
week, and finally the rats were terminated. The differences in liver cell mortality rate
and p53 protein expression were analyzed.
RESULTS
One-way ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in liver cell mortality rate
among the three groups (p=0.004). The liver cell mortality rate in the treatment group
receiving 400 mg/kgBW/day extract was lower than that in the formalin-control
group. There was no p53 expression in all groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Garcinia mangostana Linn peel extract reduced the mortality rate of liver cells in rats
receiving oral formalin. Involvement of p53 expression in liver cell mortality in rats
exposed to oral formalin is presumably negligible.

Migrain

BACKGROUND
Migraine is a primary headache causing substantial disability in patients. The
prevalence of migraine in women is still high. Menarche, menstruation, pregnancy,
menopause, and the use of hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement
treatment may influence migraine occurrence. The aim of this study was to
determine the major determinants of migraine in adult women aged 25-65 years.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 2,747 women from the baseline study Cohort Study of
Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases. The dependent variable was
migraine based on the diagnosis of health providers or symptoms. Independent
variables were demographic (age, marital status, education) and behavioral
(smoking, diet, and stress) characteristics, metabolic disorders (obesity,
hypertension, dyslipidemia), and hormonal factors (contraception and hormone
therapy). Data were collected through interviews (characteristics, health and
hormonal status, diet), measurement (anthropometrics, blood pressure), and health
examination (blood specimens, neurology). Data were analyzed by chi-square test
and multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS
Migraine in adult women was found in 710 cases (25.8%) with symptoms of
worsening with activity (15%), nausea and vomiting (13%), and
photophobia/phonophobia (4.1%). The main determinant of migraine in adult women
was stress with a 2.47-fold risk [95% CI = 2.07 to 2.95] as compared with no stress,
after controlling for smoking, menstruation and hormonal drug consumption.
CONCLUSION
Stress is a major determinant of migraine in adult women, therefore health programs
should be instituted through health promotion, prevention and education to control
stress.