Background: Solanum anomalum Thonn. ex Schumach. (family Solanaceae ) is a shrub with edible fruit consumed locally for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Objective: To evaluate the leaf extract of Solanum anomalum for analgesic properties in mice. Method: The ethanol leaf extract of Solanum anomalum (70-210 mg/kg) was evaluated for analgesic activity against nociception in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced hind paw licking and thermally-induced pain models. Results: The leaf extract significantly inhibited nociception in all the models tested in a dose-dependent fashion. Conclusion: The leaf extract possesses analgesic activity which confirms its use in traditional medicine in the treatment of pains. Keywords : Solanum anomalum , analgesic, medicinal plant Published : May, 2020
Background : Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative malignancy caused by infection with human herpes virus -8 (HHV-8). The tumour has four subtypes including Classic KS, African- endemic, Iatrogenic and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS. AIDS- related KS is the most common malignancy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and has variable clinical presentation with diverse distribution of lesions. Objective : To assess the pattern of distribution of KS lesions in patients with AIDS-related KS at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods : We carried out a descriptive study on patients with HIV infection with histological diagnosis of KS. The study commenced upon approval by KNH-University of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee. Following consent, clinical and demographic data was obtained from participants through verbal interviews and from medical records using a data capture form. Follow up was until 10 weeks. Management of patients was at the discretion of the attending clinician. Data was analyzed by a statistician using Instat Biostatistics program. Results Seventy-four participants aged between 13 to 55 years were enrolled into the study. Males were 42 (56.7%) and females 32 (43.2%). Mean age was 36.8 years. The distribution of KS lesions was variable. We demonstrate high predilection of lesions for skin and lymph nodes at 62.6%. Other sites were involved were the oral cavity 14.9%. Twenty-eight (38%) of the participants had multifocal lesions with a male predominance in skin and viscera with male to female ratio of skin 1.8:1 and viscera 7:1 respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrate reduced male: female ratio and multifocal distribution of AIDS-related KS lesions with predominance in skin and lymph nodes and male predominance in visceral lesions. Future studies should aim to determine what favours increase in, KS in women and visceral lesions in males among patients with HIV infection. Keywords : Kaposi’s Sarcoma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Background : The Ilkisonko Maasai are a Kenyan pastoralist community that uses indigenous plants for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to validate the use of plants for medicinal purposes by the Ilkisonko Maasai through testing for anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema assay. Methodology : The methanol extracts (400 mg/kg body weight) of Rhus natalensis (bark), Acacia drepanolobium (bark), Acacia nilotica (bark), Acacia reficiens (bark), Acacia robusta (bark), Grewia villosa (bark), Ximenia americana (bark and leaves) and Rhus vulgaris (leaves) were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy using the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema assay. Diclofenac (20 mg/kg body weight) was used as the positive control and paw volume was measured by a plethysmometer. Results : The maximum percentage inhibition (PI) of the extracts was observed as Grewia villosa (58.6% at 24 h), Rhus vulgaris (57.8% at 24 h), Acacia nilotica (55.5% at 1 h), Ximenia americana (54.5% at 1 h), Acacia drepanolobium (50.9% at 24 h), Acacia reficiens (47.6% at 1 h), Rhus natalensis (43.8% at 24 h) and Acacia robusta (37.4% at 24 h) ( p < 0.05 for all PI). Diclofenac (20 mg/kg) showed a steady increase in PI from 1 h to 4 h with a maximum PI of 66.2% ( p < 0.05) at 4 h and the lowest PI of 14.3% at 24 h. Conclusion : All extracts of the plants assessed exhibited anti-inflammatory activity at early phase of inflammation. Additionally, extracts of five plants, namely Rhus natalensis , Acacia drepanolobium , Acacia robusta , Grewia villosa and Rhus vulgaris showed anti-inflammatory activity at both early and late phases of inflammation. There is need for further studies to identify phytochemicals with active anti-inflammatory activity. Key words - Ilkisonko Maasai, carrageenan, inflammation, Rhus , Acacia , Grewia and Ximenia
Background Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is necessary for positive treatment outcomes. The objectives of this study were to determine adherence levels and their determinants in persons living with HIV on second line therapy. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken at a HIV clinic within Kenyatta National Hospital in October, 2017. Data were collected through interviews and application of the Morisky Medication Adherence and then analyzed in R. Results One hundred and ten patients were enrolled; 46 (41.8%) males and 64 (58.2%) females. The mean age was 39.8 years (± 11.8). Most participants, 96 (87.3%), had moderate adherence while 14 (12.7%) had low adherence. None were highly adherent. Age (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI; 1.04, 1.19) and depression (aOR =0.17, 95% CI 0.04, 0.64) were independently associated with adherence. Conclusion None of the treatment experienced patients on second line regimens were highly adherent to therapy. Younger patients and those with depression require additional adherence counselling.
Background: The effectiveness of antihypertensive medicines depends on whether the patient uses the drugs as instructed by the health care provider. Failure to adhere to therapy may lead to uncontrolled blood pressure and possibly preventable complications. The factors which may impact on adherence to medicines among patients in rural health facilities have not been adequately documented. Objective: To determine the predictors of non- adherence to antihypertensive therapy in Murang’a South Sub-county Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. One hundred and sixty-seven adult hypertensive patients who were on therapy at Murang’a South Sub-county Hospital were included. Participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a researcher administered questionnaire. Analysis was carried out using STATA version 14 statistical software and p</=0.05 was considered statistically significant. Permission to conduct the study was granted by the Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi Ethical and Research committee and the management of the hospital. Results: There was female predominance (124, 74.3%).One hundred and twelve (67.5%) participants were adherent to medications. The independent predictors of non-adherence were; lack of finances (p=0.000), inadequate knowledge on treatment (p=0.005), long duration of treatment (p=0.001), forgetfulness (p=0.003), side effects of drugs (p=0.019) and fear of dependence (p=0.008). Conclusion : Patient factors were major contributors to non- adherence. Clinicians should be encouraged to provide adequate counseling to improve adherence. Keywords: adherence, antihypertensive therapy, predictors
Background: Contraceptive security is crucial in ensuring access to family planning services and improving the contraceptive prevalence rate. This requires proper forecasting and procurement of contraceptives. It is therefore important to study consumption patterns and apply forecasting techniques so as to adjust for any changes in the choice of contraceptives over a given time period. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to analyze trends, identify any seasonal or cyclic patterns in consumption of contraceptives, compare service point and consumption data, forecast consumption for six months and determine optimal models for forecasting contraceptives. Methods: Data on consumption of implants, injectables, pills, and Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) were extracted from the Kenya District Health Information System for the years 2014-2018. An exploratory analysis was done and the data decomposed to evaluate the trends and seasonal components. Service point and consumption data of contraceptives were compared. Short-term forecasting using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and the Exponential Smoothing (ES) models was done. The optimal model for forecasting was determined and the models validated using actual facility consumption data for 2018. Results: The consumption of pills, injectables, and IUCDs declined while that of implants increased significantly across the 4 years. There were differences in the data reported for consumption and service point data for injectables, implants, and IUCDs. The ES models recorded the least error when forecasting consumption of all contraceptives except for one-rod implants in which the ARIMA model had the least errors. Conclusion: There was a general shift towards the use of long-acting reversible methods especially implants in Kenya. The difference in the reporting of consumption and service point data for injectables, implant, and IUCDs showed gaps in the documentation and reporting of contraceptives. The ETS models were generally superior to the ARIMA models for predicting consumption of contraceptives. Keywords: Contraceptives, consumption, forecasting, time series, trends
Background: Andropogon gayanus is widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as postpartum pain, bronchitis and oedema. Objective: This study evaluated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol root extract of A. gayanus in experimental rodents. Methods: Phytochemical screening tests and acute toxicity studies were carried out. Analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced writhing response and hot plate test in mice, formalin-induced pain and carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats were evaluated at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract. Results: Oral median lethal dose was >5000 mg/kg in both mice and rats. The extract significantly ( p <0.01) decreased the number of writhing movements at all tested doses. It also significantly ( p <0.05) increased the mean reaction times. A significant ( p <0.05) decrease in mean pain scores was also observed in both phases of the formalin test at 1000 mg/kg. The extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly ( p <0.05) reduced the oedema at the 1 st hour, while at the 5th hour, all doses tested significantly reduced the oedema. Conclusion: The methanol root extract of Andropogon gayanus possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Keywords: Andropogon gayanus , Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Pain
Background : The use of liquid herbal preparations in the treatment and management of human diseases has long been practiced before the advent of chemotherapy and is a fundamental component of the African traditional healthcare system. Objectives : The objective of this study is to analyze the bacteriological profile and in vitro antibacterial activities of selected indigenous liquid herbal products sold in Abia State, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 315 bacterial strains were isolated from 150 therapeutic liquid herbal preparations (LHPs) sold in different parts of Abia State. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from these products; the isolates were evaluated for total aerobic plate count, Gram’s reaction, biochemical reaction. Antibacterial activity was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and inhibitory zone diameter (IZD).The MBC, MIC and invitro antibacterial activities of LHPs were carried out against 3 test clinical bacterial isolates; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , using agar well diffusion methods. Results : The number of isolates obtained in this study were; 100 (31.4%), 84 (26.7%) 131 (41.6%) from Umuahia, Ohafia and Aba respectively. The genera isolated included Salmonella, Bacillus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas . Out of 150 LHPs processed, 20 showed no bacterial growth. Different concentrations of these LHPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activities. MIC for LHPs with antibacterial activities range from 6.25-100%. MBC ranged from 12.5-100%, while IZD had range of 6-20mm. Conclusion : The study revealed that some tested liquid herbal preparations were grossly contaminated with bacteria while some had antibacterial activities. Key words : Liquid herbal preparations, Antibacterial activity
Back ground: The practice of traditional medicine to treat wound and bleeding disorders in Ethiopia is based on use of numerous herbs. In Ethiopia, the traditional healers use the leaves of Brucea antidysenterica and Croton marcostachyus for wound healing purposes. But no scientific study is reported on the in vivo evaluation of the pharmacological effect of the two selected plants collected locally from Zegie and around Lake Tana monasteries, Northwest Ethiopia. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wound healing effects of Brucea antidysenterica and Croton marcostachyus on a mouse model. Methods: 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml of Brucea antidysenterica and 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml of Croton marcostachyus leaf aqueous extract solutions were applied on the 1.5cm inflicted wound on the trunk part of the mice of different groups. The degree of wound healing as a percentage was calculated from the wound diameter for each experimental animal. Result: The aqueous extract 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml of Brucea antidysenterica and Croton marcostachyus achieved a relatively higher degree of wound healing percent compared to the control group. Moreover, the 100mg/ml aqueous leaf extract of Croton marcostachyus and Brucea antidysenterica have shown higher degree of wound healing percent compared to the 50mg/ml concentrations of the two plants. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the aqueous extracts of Brucea antidysenterica and Croton marcostachyus possess excellent wound healing potential. Hence, the results of the current study support the traditional use of leaf extracts of Croton marcostachyus and Brucea antidysenterica as remedies for wound healing. Further studies are required to isolate the active compounds and determine safety margin of the plant extracts. Key words: Wound healing, Brucea antidysenterica , Croton marcostachyus
Background: Rapid parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs necessitate continuous search for new drugs. Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. (Rubiaceae) is one of the several plants utilized in South-East Nigeria for treatment of malaria fever. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate antimalarial and antioxidant potentials of leaf extract of F. cienkowskii . The phytochemical profile and toxic heavy metal content were also evaluated. Methodology: Antimalarial activity of crude leaf extract of F. cienkowskii (100 – 400 mg kg -1 ) was assessed against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei (NK65) using suppressive and curative test models. Chloroquine 10 mg kg -1 was used as positive control. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods. The presence of heavy metals in the raw material was evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique and modified Lorke’s method was employed to test for oral acute toxicity. Results: The results showed that the test plant exhibited antimalarial activities in both models in a dose-dependent manner. The comparison analysis showed that at 400 mg kg -1 , the suppressive and curative effects were 93.44% and 72.47% respectively. All the animal groups that received test extract lived longer and weight loss was prevented compared to the negative control group. The test extract exhibited antioxidant potential in DPPH scavenging and FRAP assays compare with Vitamin C. All the tested heavy metals were present but within permissible range. Acute toxicity study of extract revealed no immediate adverse effect(s). Conclusion: These results support the traditional use of F. cienkowskii in management of malaria fever. Key Words : Fadogia cienkowskii, Plasmodium berghei, antimalarial, heavy metals, antioxidant
Background Zea mays L. (Poacae), also called maize or corn, is used for its nutritive value. Parts of the plant such as maize grains, leaves, cornsilks, stalk, and inflorescence are also employed in ethnomedicine Warm tea made from the husk and leaf is taken in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, depression and other diseases. Objective: Evaluation of antidepressant activity of the leaf extract was carried out to ascertain its ethnomedicinal uses. Method: The ethanol leaf extract of Zea mays (170 - 510 mg/kg) was investigated for antidepressive activity in open field, force swimming, and tail suspension tests using Swiss albino mice. Results: The extract was found to significantly (p<0.05-0.01) increase the frequency of line crossing, rearing and walling activities of mice in open field test. The extract also decreased significantly (p<0.05-0.001) duration of immobility time of mice in force swimming and tail suspension tests. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that leaf extract of Z. mays has antidepressant activity and this lay credence to its use in ethno-medicine for the treatment of depression. Keywords: Zea mays, antidepressant, CNS stimulant
Background : Depression is one of most costly psychiatric illnesses all over the world that afflicts roughly 21% of the world population. Moringa oleifera has been used in traditional folk medicine for treating neurologic disorders and plays a key role in memory, mood elevation, response to stimulus such as stress and pleasure which are common in depression. Crude ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera has been scientifically evaluated to have antidepressant activity. Objective : This work evaluated the antidepressant activities of ethyl-acetate and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera ethanol leaf extract in mice. Methodology : Ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera was partitioned with ethyl-acetate and water to obtain two fractions. Preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were carried out on both fractions. Antidepressant activity of both fractions at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg was evaluated using tail suspension (TST), forced swim (FST), and locomotor activity tests in mice. Results : Glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids were detected in both fractions, while the interperitoneal median lethal dose was estimated to be 1,131.4 mg/kg in mice for the two fractions. The ethyl-acetate and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera leaf extract significantly ( p <0.05) reduced the immobility time of mice compared to the normal saline treated group in the tail suspension test. In the forced swim test, ethyl-acetate fraction (EF) at the tested doses significantly ( p <0.05) reduced the immobility time compared to the normal saline treated group, while the aqueous fraction (AF) at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced a significant ( p <0.05) decrease in the immobility time. In the open field test (locomotor activity test), both fractions did not produce statistically significant difference in the mean number of squares crossed by mice compared to control. Conclusion : This study shows that ethyl-acetate and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera ethanol leaf extract possess antidepressant activity without altering motor activity in mice tail suspension and forced swim tests, buttressing the potential of Moringa oleifera in the management of depression in the nearest future. Keywords: Antidepressant, tail suspension, forced swim, Open field, Moringa oleifera .
Background: Musa paradisiaca peel is used in folklore for the treatment of inflammation and pains without any scientific evidence. Objective: The present study, therefore, evaluated the safety, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the methanolic extract of M. paradisiaca peel. Methods: The methanolic extract of M. paradisiaca was administered orally in three different doses; 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg to Sprague Dawley rats. The anti-inflammatory effect of M. paradisiaca peel was tested in egg albumin-induced paw edema and compared to ibuprofen (25 mg/kg). The analgesic effect was evaluated using formalin-induced paw licking and acetic acid-induced writhing and compared to indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Also, after 21 days of extract administration rats were sacrificed serum was extracted from blood and evaluated for liver, renal function indices and lipid profile. Kidney and liver were excised and weighed. Results: The methanolic extract of M. paradisiaca produced analgesia and decreased inflammation significantly (p 0.05) effects on organ weight, serum alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, conjugated bilirubin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total protein, albumin, and serum electrolytes when compared to control. Conclusion: This study observed that the methanolic extract of M. paradisiaca peel has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and may be safe with use. Key words: Musa paradisiaca, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, toxicity, rats
Background: There is a growing awareness in correlating phytochemical compounds with their biological activities. Folk medicines suggest that Bulccholzia coriacea is effective in the management of bacterial infections. Objectives: This research was aimed at investigating the phyto-composition and antimicrobial activities of Bulccholzia coriacea ethanol seed extract. Methods: Phyto-composition of Bulccholzia coriacea seeds were determined using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) technique. Clinical isolates; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia , Streptococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans were used to test for the antimicrobial activities of Bulccholzia coriacea seeds following disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. Results: Gas chromatogram reveal six peaks depicting different phyto-constituents with Oleic acid (75.57%) highest peaked. Candida albican, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus had the same minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 6.25mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 12.5mg/ml. Conclusion: Findings from this study supports the claims of local people who use B. coriacea seeds for the management of infectious diseases. Keywords : Phyto-composition; antimicrobial; Buchholzia coriacea
Background: Panicum maximum is used in Ibibio ethnomedicine for the treatment of various diseases including central nervous system disorders. Objective: To investigate the in vivo antidepressant activity of Panicum maximum . Methods: The ethanol leaf extract of Panicum maximum (48 -144 mg/kg) was investigated for antidepressant activity in in Swiss albino mice using open field, force swimming and tail suspension tests. Results: The extract was found to significantly (p<0.05-0.01) increase the frequency of line crossing, rearing and walling activities of mice in open field test. The extract also decreased significantly (p<0.05-0.001) duration of immobility time of mice in force swimming and tail suspension tests. Conclusion: The leaf extract of P. maximum has antidepressant activity and this supports its use in ethnomedicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Keywords : Panicum maximum, antidepressant, CNS stimulant
Background: The commonly acceptable knowledge that herbal medications have little or no toxicity and are absolutely safe makes people consume them indiscriminately. All parts of Mucuna pruriens have been reported to possess valuable medicinal properties, but its potential toxicity on vital organs remains unexplored. Objective: To determine the deleterious effect of Mucuna pruriens on the Kidney of Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats . Methodology: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into four groups of five rats per group. Group I served as control and received distilled water and groups II-IV received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract respectively for 2 weeks. The animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for kidney function test and the kidneys were excised via ventral laparatomy. The right kidney was fixed for histological studies while the left kidney was analysed for biochemical markers of oxidative stress Results: Lipid peroxidation increased significantly while superoxide dismutase and glutathione recorded a significant decrease in activities when the treated groups were compared to control. Creatinine decreased significantly and urea increased significantly when treated groups were compared to control. Histological sections showed degenerative changes and tubular necrosis in the kidney at higher doses. Conclusion: Mucuna pruriens causes degenerative changes in glomerular epithelia and reduced urea clearance possibly by an oxidative stress mechanism. Keywords: Kidney, Mucuna pruriens , superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatinine, urea.
Background: Hypertensive patients are particularly at risk of drug-drug interactions resulting from the concomitant use of multiple drugs to control their blood pressure. The presence of comorbidities and advancing age are also likely to contribute to the use of many drugs, further increasing this risk. Drug related problems such as drug interactions in the management of hypertension increase morbidity and mortality but there are limited published data to characterize them especially among the African population. Objective: To identify and characterize potential drug interactions among adult hypertensive patients attending Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done among 313 adult patients between May to July 2016 at Kenyatta National Hospital. Ethical approval was sought from the institutional review board. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics and current prescriptions were extracted from patient records into predesigned data collection forms. Potential drug interactions were identified using an online Drug Interactions Checker . Results: There was female predominance at 60.7% and the mean age of the study population was 55.2 years (SD 15.9). The mean number of drugs per prescription was 5.93 (SD 2.24). The prevalence of potential drug interactions was 92.7%. There was an average of 3.5 drug interactions per prescription. Majority (79.2%) of the potential drug interactions were categorized as moderate while major and minor interactions accounted for 4.1% and 16.8%, respectively. The most prevalent interacting drug pair was enalapril and furosemide (15.3 %). The most frequent major interaction found was between enalapril and spironolactone, which is associated with hyperkalaemia. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of potential drug interactions. Prescribers should be encouraged to be vigilant during the management of hypertensive patients to avoid overt drug interactions which may compromise treatment outcomes and increase the health care costs. Keywords: Drug interactions, hypertension, prescriptions, Kenya
Background : Pregnancy could be associated with renal physiologic changes; hence the use of atazanvair/ritonavir (ATV/r) in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) could be of safety concern due to its nehprotoxic potential. Objective: The present study was aimed at assessing the renal profile of atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) in pregnant albino rats. Methods : Thirty six pregnant albino rats were randomized into six groups (A-E) of n=6. Rats in groups A and B were treated with water and normal saline as placebo and solvent control respectively. Rats in groups C-F were orally treated daily with 4.28/1.43, 8.57/2.86, 17.1/5.7 and 34/11.4 mg/kg of ATV/r for 16 days. Rats were weighed, sacrificed and blood was collected and serum extracted. The serum was evaluated for creatinine (Cr), urea (U), uric acid (UA), total protein (TP), albumin (Ab), potassium (K + ), sodium (Na + ), chloride ( Cl - ) and bicarbonate (HCO 3 - ). Kidneys were harvested, weighed and evaluated for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Kidneys were also evaluated for histological damage. Results : ATV/r-treated groups did not show significant (p> 0.05) changes in the body weight, kidney weight and serum electrolytes, however; serum levels of Cr, U, UA were significantly (p< 0.05) increased whereas Ab and TP were significantly (p< 0.05) decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Kidney SOD, CAT, GSH and GPX levels were significantly (p< 0.05) decreased whereas MDA levels were significantly (p< 0.05) increased in a dose dependent manner in ATV/r-treated rats. Varying degrees of histological damage were observed in the kidneys of ATV/r treated rats. Conclusion : This study observed dose-dependent nephrotoxic effects in ATV/r-treated pregnant albino rats. Keywords: Atazanavir/ritonavir; Kidney, Toxicity, Pregnant; Rats
Background: Zea mays husk is used in Ibibio traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments including diabetes mellitus, malaria and ulcer. Objective: To investigate the antiulcerogenic potential of husk extract of Zea mays . Methods: Ethanol husk extract of Zea mays (187-784 mg/kg) was evaluated for antiulcerogenic activity against indomethacin, ethanol and histamine-induced ulcers in rats. Results: The husk extract was found to significantly (p<0.05 -0.001) inhibit ulcers induced by indomethacin, ethanol and histamine in a dose-dependent fashion. Conclusion: These results suggest that the husk extract of Zea mays possess antiulcerogenic potentials which are due to the activities of the phytochemical constituents. Keywords : Zea mays , husk, antiulcer, gastrointestinal system.
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are prone to bacterial infection and this forms the major cause of hospital admission among patients with diabetes. Local bacterial sensitivity patterns to antimicrobials used to treat the infections is necessary in guiding drug selection for prompt management of the diabetic foot infections. Objective: To determine the etiology and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of bacteria that infects diabetic foot ulcers at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology : A cross- sectional study was carried out on 75 adult diabetic patients attending Kenyatta National Hospital. The patients were selected by convenient sampling and data obtained via a questionnaire and antimicrobial susceptibility determination of bacteria from the diabetic foot ulcers using disk diffusion method. Results : A total of 85 bacterial isolates were identified with Staphylococcus aureus (37.3%), Proteus spp ( 21.3%) and Klebsiella spp (14.7%) as the most prevalent organisms. Among the Staphylococcus aureus , 39.3% were methicillin resistant. All the bacteria were sensitive to imipenem. Gram positive and negative bacteria were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam, respectively. Varied sensitivities to commonly used antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanate, meropenem, clindamycin, ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam and ciprofloxacin to different isolates are reported. Conclusion: In Kenyatta National Hospital, diabetic foot ulcers are infected with both gram negative and positive bacteria that are highly sensitive to imipenem. This study recommends the initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy with imipenem for moderate to severe diabetic foot infections as culture and sensitivity tests to determine more specific antimicrobials are awaited. Key words: Antimicrobial, Antimicrobial susceptibility, Diabetic foot ulcers.
