The myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cardiac architecture, ventricular compliance, and cell-matrix signaling. Because dietary lipid quality can influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic regulation, it may also affect myocardial ECM homeostasis. This exploratory study assessed whether different lipid-enriched diets modified myocardial ECM-related transcript expression in healthy rats. Forty rats were allocated to five groups (n = 8 per group) and received for 12 weeks either a control diet or diets enriched with crude palm oil, refined palm oil, olive oil, or lard. Myocardial tissue was collected at sacrifice, RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed into complementary DNA, and relative expression of elastin, vimentin, myonectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and the apelin receptor (APJ) was assessed by polymerase chain reaction using ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0 (Rplp0) as the reference gene. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for elastin, vimentin, MMP-2, myonectin, or APJ expression (all p > 0.05), although slight non-significant qualitative fluctuations were observed for myonectin and APJ in some lipid-fed groups. Overall, the findings indicate that under the specific conditions of this 12-week experiment in healthy rats, the tested dietary lipids did not measurably disrupt myocardial ECM-related gene expression. Because the study was limited to transcript-level assessment and did not include protein, histological, or functional validation, the biological interpretation should remain restricted to early molecular observations under non-pathological conditions.
Moringa oleifera is generally considered to have numerous therapeutic properties in traditional Ivorian medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and blood glucose regulation in rats of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was performed using the standard staining and precipitation method. The toxicity study was conducted in accordance with OECD 423, by administering a single dose of the extract at 5,000 mg/kg body weight. The antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activities of Moringa oleifera extract were evaluated by administering a single dose of 75 mg/kg μg, 150 mg/kg μg, 300 mg/kg μg, 600 mg/kg μg, and 1200 mg/kg μg of aqueous Moringa oleifera extract to normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals. The effects of the different Moringa oleifera extracts on rats were monitored for 120 minutes. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract is rich in secondary compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, tannins, and saponins. Moringa oleifera extract is non-toxic, with an LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight. Aqueous Moringa oleifera extract administered to normoglycemic rats did not induce hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Aqueous Moringa oleifera extract significantly reduced anhydrous glucose-induced hyperglycemia in hyperglycemic rats, from 170 mg/dL to approximately 78 mg/dL. These results confirm the regulatory properties of Moringa oleifera on blood glucose levels in Wistar rats.
Faced with the increasing effects of climate change, the development of resilient plants adapted to arid environments, such as Jatropha curcas , is a strategic priority to meet the energy needs of drylands. This plant is used for its valuable oil content and its ability to offer an alternative to fossil fuels in the context of global warming. In Africa, traditional vegetable oil extraction often involves the use of plants in the manufacturing process. This study is devoted to a mechanical pressing of Jatropha curcas seeds, harvested in the Fatick region of central Senegal, in order to optimize its oil, using a screw press at 50°C. After hulling, washing and drying, the seeds were carefully selected and introduced into a twin-screw extruder. After 24 hours of settling, the Jatropha oil was filtered and then stored in clean, dry containers. The extraction rate obtained, estimated at 10.86%, reveals that this technique is significantly less productive than chemical extraction by Soxhlet, which achieves a yield of approximately 25%. However, its main advantage lies in the superior quality of the oil produced: it is completely free of chemical residues, making it particularly suitable for sensitive applications. Indeed, this oil can be used directly, without a refining step, as biofuel in diesel engines, and it is also a prime raw material for soap manufacturing.
Introduction: The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is acknowledged as the gold standard for assessing insulin sensitivity, as it provides the glucose clearance rate (Kg) from the bloodstream. The ICARUS panel expert protocol for the implementation of the IVGTT involves the administration of a high dose of glucose over a brief bolus period, which is risky and may result in discomfort. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a heparin-assisted IVGTT with a lower glucose infusion rate and to determine the glucose clearance rate from blood (Kg) for healthy black African adults using a modified ICARUS protocol. Methods: In a modified ICARUS protocol, heparin was administered to six healthy black African volunteers to prevent clotting in an indwelling catheter. Then, an infusion of 0.33 g/kg glucose was administered over 5–10 min instead of the usual 0.50 g/kg over 3 min. Blood sampling was performed every 5–10 min for up to 95 min. Blood glucose levels were determined using the glucose oxidase method. Timed blood glucose curves were plotted, and the following parameters were determined: area under the curve (AUC), baseline return time, and glucose clearance rate (Kg). Results: No bleeding symptoms or other adverse events were observed. The blood glucose peak ranged from 9.4 to 15.3 mmol/L. The baseline returned time ranged from 45 to 55 minutes. Kg ranged from 1.6 to 2.7, depending on the amount of infused glucose. The AUC varied with the amount of infused glucose and infusion duration. The Staub effect was not observed in this study. The features of the curves were all plausible compared to those obtained in healthy subjects using the original Icarus protocol. Conclusion: Under our experimental conditions, we achieved IVGTT using a heparin-assisted IVGTT protocol with reduced glucose infusion rates, and determined the glucose clearance rate. This protocol is feasible and can potentially be used to assess insulin sensitivity. The protocol can be applied on a larger scale to determine its statistical features.
In traditional medicine, the leaves of Capparis sepiaria and Maerua angolensis , known as kal-yanga and Zilogo respectively in the local Moore language, are used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed firstly to evaluate in vivo the ability of the extracts to reduce gastric acidity and secondly to determine the contents of bioactive compounds potentially responsible for this effect. The pylorus ligation model in rats was used to assess the plant extracts effect on gastric acidity. Total phenolics were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, while the flavonoid, condensed tannin, and hydrolysable tannin contents were determined by the aluminum trichloride, vanillin and sodium iodate method respectively. The best gastric acid-reducing activity equal to 32.88 milliequivalent of hydrogen ions per liter (mEq H+/L) was obtained with the Maerua angolensis leaves extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg.w.c., compared to the effect of the reference substance, omeprazole (24.88 mEq H+/L) used at 150 mg/kg.w.c. Quantification of the compounds potentially responsible for this activity showed high levels of total phenolic (637.80 mg GAE/g) and tannins (209.27 ± 45.94 mg CE/g; 175.08 ± 11.42 mg TAE/g) condensed and hydrolysable respectively for Capparis sepiaria , and a high level of total flavonoids (53.35 ± 3.10 mg QE/g) for Maerua angolensis . These two plants represent important sources for the development of new improved traditional medicines or nutraceuticals for the management of gastroduodenal ulcers.
The green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles via plant extracts is an environmentally friendly, simple, inexpensive, and rapid, method for synthesizing nanoparticles for biological applications. In this study, Zanthoxylum chalybeum bark extracts were used to explore the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The CuO NPs were successfully synthesized from an aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum chalybeum stem bark and characterized. The morphological, optical, and structural characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV‒visible spectrophotometer, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Nanocrystalline CuO NPs, with an average crystalline size of 18.26 nm and a band gap energy of 1.45 eV, were confirmed via XRD and UV‒vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The SPR (surface plasmon resonance) peak was identified at wavelength of 529 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of various functional groups that trigger the synthesis of CuO NPs. Morphological studies via SEM revealed spherical nanoparticles. Antifungal evaluation of the Candida albicans fungal strain and antibacterial evaluation of four bacterial strains ( Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) revealed greater potency of the green-synthesized CuO NPs than the Zanthoxylum chlamydium extracts and erythromycin (positive control). The green-synthesized CuO NPs obtained may be used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent for various therapeutic uses in medicine.
Diabetes is a major public health problem, and dietary fat intake plays a significant role in its incidence and progression. The impact of palm oil consumption on lipid and lipoprotein profiles remains controversial, particularly among diabetic patients. This study aimed to assess the influence of palm oil consumption on serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Abidjan. A cross-sectional study including diabetic patients categorised according to the frequency and form of palm oil consumption was conducted in which total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol (HDL-c), LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) and the atherogenic index were measured and compared between the different groups. The chi-squared test was used with a significance level of p value <0.05. No statistically significant differences were observed between frequent and occasional patient consumers in terms of total cholesterol (p=0.799), triglycerides (p=0.579), HDL-cholesterol (p=0.840), LDL-cholesterol (p=0.116) and atherogenic index (p=0.588). Similarly, the form of palm oil consumed did not significantly influence lipid and lipoprotein profiles. Palm oil consumption, regardless of frequency or form, does not significantly alter the lipid and lipoprotein profile of type 2 diabetic patients. These findings suggest that palm oil intake, within habitual dietary patterns, may not be a primary determinant of dyslipidemia in this population.
Background: Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in children in endemic regions. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and predictive indicators of hypoglycemia in children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Urban Community Health Center of Anonkoua-Kouté in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Thirty-eight Black African children aged 3-14 years with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were included. Parasitemia, leukocyte count, blood hemoglobin concentration, and glycemia were also evaluated. The Spearman coefficient was used to analyze non-parametric distributions. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the parasitemia threshold for optimal prediction of hypoglycemia risk. Results: The prevalence of hypoglycemia was 34.2%, with a mean blood glucose level of 4.17 mmol/l. An inverse correlation was observed between glycemia and parasitemia. ROC curve analysis demonstrated an optimal hypoglycemic risk with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 68% for a parasitemia threshold of 3,725/µL. No statistically significant associations were identified between glycemia and leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, or patient age. Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of hypoglycemia in children with uncomplicated malaria, which was associated with elevated parasitemia levels. The importance of this factor in clinical settings arises from its potential impact on patient management and development of treatment strategies. The identified parasitemia threshold may serve as a critical indicator for evaluating treatment efficacy and assessing potential complications of malaria. Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger multisite studies and to explore additional confounding factors.
Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as wild mango, "Peke" or "Mawiki" in the Republic of Congo, is a tropical forest plant also found wild in savannahs. Belonging to the Irvingiaceae family, it is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as hernias, infertility, and dysentery. In Congo, outside of the main departments where it is found, the plant remains little known to the population and has so far been subject to low consumption. The objective of this study was to promote the value of Irvingia gabonensis kernels. A series of analyses were conducted to assess their nutritional potential. These analyses allowed us to determine that the almonds of the fruit of Irvingia gabonensis are rich in carbohydrates (50.41%), fat (39.2%), and a little less in proteins (8.33%), with a water content of 2.5%. The analysis of the chemical indices of the oil gave us respectively 4.84 mg KOH/g for the Acid Index, 196.32 mg KOH/g for the Saponification Index, 0.75 meq of O /Kg for the Peroxide Index, 4.1 for the Iodine Index and 191.48 for the Ester Index. The ash content was estimated at 2.06%. Among the minerals identified are Phosphorus: 1.39%, Sodium: 0.04%, Calcium: 0.10%, Magnesium: 0.19%, and Potassium: 0.33%. The calculated energy value is 587.76 Kcal / 100g.
Beeswax is one of the best valued bee products and its demand is high these times in the world market. Adulteration of beeswax with inexpensive materials has become a challenge for its quality and marketing. The objective of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of adulterated beeswax and then identify better methods to detect adulterated beeswax. In this paper, the properties of beeswax-adulterant mixtures, such as beeswax with candle, beeswax with animal tallow, beeswax with soap, beeswax with maize flour, beeswax with lime stone, beeswax with salt, and beeswax mixed with powder of “kocho” in different ratios were prepared based on previous survey study results and quality parameters were analyzed using the official methods. The results indicated that the density of beeswax adulterated with different adulterants such as soap, animal tallow, limestone, “kocho”, salt, candle and maize flour for different proportions were significantly different at p<0.05. Parameters such as acid value of animal tallow, saponification point, ratio number and ester value of maize flour, ratio number, acid value and saponification point of “kocho”, melting and saponification point of candle, ash content of lime stone, melting point, ash value and saponification point for salt, and ash content and ratio number for soap were found to be better methods to identify beeswax adulterated with the respective adulterants mentioned above. It is important to characterize beeswax quality parameters using more sensitive analytical instruments. Pure beeswax is important for bee’s colony health and to attract good market.
New sources of carbohydrates obtained from local agro-food by-products were tested in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus fry. Five (5) iso-protein (40%) and iso-energy 17 kJ/g feeds were composed with stale bread flour (SB), cassava peelings (CP), cassava chips (CC), cassava couscous made with fermented and steamed cassava (Attiéké) dried (AD), and corn flour dust (CFD). A commercial Rahanan fish feed with 40% protein was used as a control. The feeding tests were carried out in an aquarium containing 50 liters of water with Oreochromis niloticus fry weighing 4.37±0.87 g at a density of one fish per liter for 21 days. The effects of the feeds on growth, survival, and costs were calculated. At the end of the experiment, the survival rate ranged from 98% to 100%. The control commercial feed resulted in the highest growth in Oreochromis niloticus fry compared to the compound feeds. The daily weight gain values were 0.53±0.01 g/d (control), 0.42±0.01 g/d (SB), 0.42±0.012 g/d (CP), 0.39±0.005 g/d (AD), 0.36±0.005 g/d (CFD), and 0.35±0.004 g/d (CC). The SB, CP, and AD compound feeds provided better growth in Oreochromis niloticus fry compared to CFD and CC feeds. Using compound feeds made from flours of local agro-food by-products reduces the feeding cost for Oreochromis niloticus fry by half compared to the imported extruded, granulated, floating control feed. These results confirm that flours from stale bread, cassava peelings, and cassava couscous (dry Attiéké) can serve as sources of carbohydrates in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus fry.
Introduction: During HIV infection, the virus and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment generate oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to determine the level of oxidative stress based on changes in CD4+ T-cell counts and the age of people living with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire using the copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio. Methodology: 254 people (127 HIV-infected individuals on ARV and 127 controls) were recruited for this study. CD4 counts were performed by flow cytometry (FacsCalibur). The COBAS Integra 400 Plus was used to measure biochemical parameters. Serum copper and zinc levels were determined by air/acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Varian AA20 Pattern®, France). The Cu/Zn ratio was obtained by dividing the copper concentration by the zinc concentration. Results: Among HIV+ patients, the average age was 32 ± 0.50 years, with Cu/Zn ratios greater than 2 in 31.4% of females and 80.7% of males. A positive correlation (r = 0.190; p = 0.032) was found between the Cu/Zn ratio and age. For CD4+ counts below 200 cells/mm3, high Cu/Zn ratios were observed in females (1.75 ± 0.49) and males (1.91 ± 0.19). Conclusion: High levels of oxidative stress associated with progression of the inflammatory process with age were observed in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, particularly those with CD4+ T-cell counts < 200 cells/mm3. It would be interesting to consider the Cu/Zn ratio, oxidative stress levels, age and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts when treating people living with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire. However, this study should be supplemented by an assessment of the Cu/Zn ratio in relation to the different types of ARVs prescribed to patients.
Bacground: Nauclea latifolia is a medicinal plant used in Côte d'Ivoire as a remedy for tooth decay, dental pain and mouth sores. Its consumption can be toxic. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the renal, hepatic and myocardial effects, in order to prevent toxicity. Materials and methods: Phytochemistry was carried out by phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography. Acute and sub-acute toxicity tests were carried out in accordance with OECD protocols 423 and 407 respectively. Blood samples were taken on days 14 and 28 for analysis of biochemical parameters. Urea was determined using the enzymatic method described by Tietz. Creatinine was determined using the method of Jaffé. Total plasma protein concentration called the “biuret method” developed by Kronh. Alanine aminotransferase activity was determined according to the method recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC). Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) activity was determined according to the method of ECCLS. Results: Phytochemistry showed the qualitative and expressive presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids and saponosides. For acute toxicity, somnolence was reported. No mortality or morbidity was observed. The LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg. Blood results showed no temporal disturbance in the functioning of biochemical markers of kidney, liver and heart, but some marginal variations were observed. Conclusion: The non-toxic effect revealed is proportional to the dose and active substances of the aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia stem bark. This experiment would enable us to formulate improved traditional medicines to help treat oral cavity disorders.
Introduction: Fructosamine is a stable ketoamine, formed by the reaction between glucose and the amino group of proteins (mainly albumin, but also globulins and lipoproteins). It indicates average blood glucose concentrations of 2 to 3 weeks for monitoring and controlling diabetes. However, studies on fructosamine based on the characteristics of Burkinabè are still rarely documented. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to investigate the fructosamine profile in regular blood donors from the town of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). Material and methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a collection period from 10 August 2024 to 10 September 2024. The study population consisted of fasting adult regular blood donors from Burkina Faso residing in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, collected at the Bobo-Dioulasso Regional Blood Transfusion Centre. Fructosamine was determined by the colorimetric method using the Cobas® 6000 analyser. The data were analysed using R studio 4.3.3 software so that medians were calculated and reference values were determined at the 2.5 thand 97.5 thpercentile. Results-discussion: A total of 60 regular blood donors, equally distributed by gender, were selected. The mean age of the regular blood donors was 28.28±7.72 years (min = 19 years and max=52 years) while the mean number of donations was 6.97±8.50 (min=2 and max=61). Median fructosamine values were 272.5 µmol/L while the 2.5 thand 97.5 thpercentiles were 247.9 µmol/L and 314.77 µmol/L. The fructosamine ranges in our study population were higher than the reference values proposed by the reagent kit manufacturer and those proposed in the literature. There was no significant difference between the mean fructosamine concentrations according to sex, according to the age groups 19 to 36 and 37 to 55 and according to BMI (normal, overweight, obese). Conclusion: In a context of limited resources, this study contributes to providing reference ranges with a view to improving the control and monitoring of diabetes mellitus in Burkinabe subjects.
Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, optimization of therapeutic protocols in maxillofacial surgery represents a major challenge faced with resource constraints, limited access to advanced imaging technologies, and complexity of pathologies. Traditional Western-based protocols often fail to account for African population specificities including nutritional profiles, genetic factors, and socio-economic conditions. Biochemical monitoring using accessible bone metabolism markers offers a promising solution for improving treatment outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the contribution of biochemical monitoring in therapeutic protocol optimization and propose a cost-effective application framework specifically adapted to the African healthcare context, with particular emphasis on Cameroon and similar resource-limited settings. Methods: Systematic literature review including studies from 2020-2025 on biochemical markers utilization (alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus) in mandibular bone healing monitoring. Search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and African Journals OnLine databases. Twenty-three studies were included following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on biomarker validation, clinical efficacy, and feasibility in African contexts. Results: Studies demonstrate significant correlations between biochemical markers and bone mineral density (r=0.8-1.0, p<0.001). The Cameroon study shows perfect correlation (r=1.0) between alkaline phosphatase and bone mineral density. Monitoring integration allows 25% reduction in healing time (14.2±3.1 vs 18.7±4.8 weeks) and 40% decrease in post-operative complications (12.3% vs 20.8%). Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals additional monitoring costs of 8,500 FCFA per patient, offset by savings of 95,000 FCFA through complication reduction. Conclusions: Biochemical monitoring represents a promising, accessible approach to optimize maxillofacial surgery care in Africa. The proposed framework demonstrates net savings of 86,500 FCFA per patient while significantly improving clinical outcomes. Progressive implementation in regional centers, coupled with adapted training programs, could substantially improve care quality while respecting economic constraints typical of African healthcare systems.
Vitamin D has been recognized for several decades as an important player in bone metabolism. Beyond these classic effects on mineral metabolism, it has numerous extra-osseous effects, including effects on the cardiovascular system. Indeed, several clinical studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular mortality. The general objective is to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and lipid parameters in patients at Fann University Hospital. Included in this study were 214 patients who came to the laboratory and whose vitamin D dosage was requested between December 2023 and April 2024. Lipid profile parameter dosages were performed with the Architect Ci4100 and vitamin D with Iflash 3000. Correlations between vitamin D levels and blood lipids were assessed by descriptive statistical analysis and Spearman's correlation test. The mean age of our population was 60±17 years and the sex ratio was 0.51. The distribution of patients according to the lipid profile showed that 72.42% of the subjects had a lipid abnormality with a predominance of hypo HDL-cholesterolemia (39.71%). Our study showed a positive and significant correlation between low vitamin D levels and low HDL-cholesterol levels. In contrast, no strong link was found with the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol. These results highlight the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in patients with dyslipidemia, and pave the way for future research on the potential role of vitamin D in cardiovascular risk management.
Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeeping in Nadhi-Nono district, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 200 beekeeper households selected from a total of 800 households engaged in honey production. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions, focusing on factors affecting honey production, as well as the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households. Data were analyzed by SPSS V. 25 utilizing both qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics. Result: The results indicated that 95% of beekeepers were male, while only 5% were female. Beekeeping in the area follows three main systems: traditional, transitional, and modern frame hive production. Traditional hives produced an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually, with 60% of beekeepers relying on this method. The primary honey harvesting season occurs from November to December (85% of beekeepers), with a secondary season from February to April (15%). Key challenges affecting honey production included honey bee diseases (40%), pests and predators (25%), forage shortages (15%), water scarcity (10%), colony absconding (7%), and pesticide and herbicide misuse (3%). The study emphasizes the need for targeted training and education on honey storage, hive management, seasonal practices, and colony care, particularly during critical periods like dearth seasons and cold weather. Both public and private service providers are encouraged to support beekeepers in improving productivity and sustainability. Conclusion: The Nadhi-Nono district shows high potential for honey production, predominantly using traditional methods. Knowledge transfer within families sustains traditional practices, while literate beekeepers adopt transitional and modern systems. Marketing remains informal, with prices driven by honey color and harvest timing.
Background: Cleistopholis patens leaves are used to treat stomach disorders in Nigeria. This research investigated the gastroprotective and antigastric ulcer effects of the methanol fraction of Cleistopholis patens leaves (MFCPL) in rats. Methods: In vitro experiments involved DPPH-radical scavenging and H+/K+-ATPase inhibitory activities. Two ulcer models, diclofenac sodium (DS) (using 50 mg/kg b.w. DS orally) and acidified ethanol (AE) (using 0.3 M HCl + 60% ethanol orally), were used. The experimental rats (n=24) were grouped into 6 of 4 groups for each of the DS and AE ulcer models. In the DS model, group 1 served as the normal group, whereas group 2 was ulcer-induced without treatment. Group 3 received 20 mg/kg b.w. omeprazole, whereas groups 4, 5 and 6 received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. MFCPL, respectively, for 14 days. For the AE ulcer model, 7 days after pretreatment with MFCPL, all groups except group 1 received acidified ethanol and were sacrificed after 1 hr. The ulcer indices, gastric mucosa morphology and serum antioxidant status of the rats were evaluated. Additionally, GC‒MS analyses of MFCPL were carried out. Results: The MFCPL had H+, K+-ATPase-inhibiting and DPPH-radical-scavenging activities, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 50.10 ± 10.52 μg/ml and 16.72 ± 2.47 μg/ml, respectively. Compared with the ulcer control, the administration of MFCPL led to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total ulcer counts and gastric volumes with high pH. Compared with those in the control group, the number of gastric lesions in the treated group was markedly lower than that in the control group. The antioxidant status of the treated rats improved. GC‒MS analyses of the MFCPL revealed 20 bioactive compounds. Conclusion: MCPL has an antigastric ulcer effect attributable to its H+/K+-ATPase inhibition and antioxidant activities due to its rich bioactive components and hence can be used to manage ulcers and their associated biochemical aberrations.
The assessment of the nutritional status of the hospitalized person is often considered secondary to the pathologies justifying hospitalization. A multicenter study conducted in six Belgian hospitals showed a risk of malnutrition in just over one in five patients. This malnutrition during hospitalization is more frequent in the elderly and those with chronic pathologies. However, malnutrition is a very serious prognostic factor for hospitalized people because it multiplies the risk of infectious pathologies by two to six and the duration of hospitalization by two to four. This study is part of the promotion of better holistic care at the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO University Hospital Center (YO UHC) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which includes the assessment of the nutritional status of hospitalized people. A descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aims over a period of nine (09) months was conducted. The study population consisted of people aged 50 and over in outpatient or hospitalized patients, recruited in the internal medicine department of YO UHC. Study variables included anthropometric parameters, blood count, specific nutritional and inflammatory proteins such as transthyretin, albumin, orosomucoid and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as nutritional indexes such as the Body Mass Index (BMI), the Mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and the Prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI). Statistical analysis was performed using Epi info version 7.2.1.0. Were included 102 individuals consisted of 42 men and 60 women with a male/female sex ratio of 0.7. The mean age was 63±9 years with extremes ranging from 50 to 72 years. The mean values of the various anthropometric parameters were significantly lower in hospitalized patients compared to outpatients (p<10-3) with 50% of hospitalized patients having a BMI<21 kg/m2. The mean value of the MNA score was 13.67±4.83 in hospitalized patients compared to 21.57±3.24 in outpatients (p<10-4). The mean values of nutritional proteins were significantly lower in hospitalized patients with 55.9% having albuminemia <35 g/L and 47% having transthyretin <200 mg/L. For inflammatory proteins, the mean values were significantly higher in hospitalized patients with 29.4% having CRP >20 mg/L. The combined assessment reports that 50% of hospitalized patients had a PINI>1, of which approximately 15% had a vital risk (PINI>30). The results show a high frequency of protein-energy malnutrition accompanied by inflammatory syndrome in hospitalized people. Therefore, it is important to monitor the nutritional status of hospitalized people in order to avoid complications and an increase in the length of hospitalization.
Introduction-Mandibular bone healing is a complex and crucial process in maxillofacial surgery. This study aims to explore the relevance of serum biochemical markers in monitoring mandibular bone healing in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods-An experimental study was carried out in 24 Wistar rats for three months, from February to April 2024, to demonstrate the relevance of serum biochemical markers (alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus) in monitoring mandibular bone healing. Biochemical assays were performed weekly and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were taken every two weeks. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software, and correlation was assessed using Pearson's coefficient (r). Results-In female rats with dental extraction, alkaline phosphatase showed a strong positive correlation with dental BMD (r=1.0 at week 4), while phosphorus exhibited a perfect negative correlation (r=-1.0) at the same timepoint. In males, alkaline phosphatase and calcium demonstrated strong positive correlations with dental BMD (r=0.8 and r=0.9 respectively during week 4). In rats with symphyseal drill holes, both genders showed moderate to strong positive correlations between alkaline phosphatase/calcium and symphyseal BMD (r=0.6-0.8), with phosphorus showing variable correlations across weeks. Conclusion-Biochemical markers such as alkaline phosphatase and calcium, together with bone mineral density measurements, offer effective monitoring of bone healing and could optimize clinical protocols for patients with bone problems.
