In Vitro Anticholinesterase and Inhibitory Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Combretum molle (Combretaceae) Leaf on Rabbit Breathing

Purpose: In previous studies, the aqueous extract of Combretum molle was shown to inhibit disturbances of breathing induced by acetylcholine. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of this inhibition. Methods: The aqueous extract of Combretum molle and an anti-asthmatic, salbutamol (reference), were tested at varying concentrations for their inhibitory effects on breathing. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was extracted from rabbit duodenum and its activity determined by Ellman’s assay using acethylthiocholine iodide (ACTH) as substrate. The rate of hydrolysis of acetylcholinesterase was spectrophotometrically monitored at 412 nm. Results: The results indicate that in the presence of C. molle extract, a considerable reduction in the variation of breathing amplitudes occurred. Furthermore, the extract probably contains anti-AChE substances. C. molle exerted non-competitive inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with Michaelis-Menten constant (KM) of 192 μM and velocity at maximal concentration of substrate (Vmax) of 4444 μM/min. Conclusion: These results support the use of C. molle leaf in the Pharmacopoeia of Ivory Coast as an anti-asthmatic, in view of its inhibitory effect on breathing disturbances

Assessments of serum copper and zinc concentration, and the Cu/Zn ratio determination in patients with multidrug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract Background In Côte d’Ivoire, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious public health problem with a prevalence estimated at 2.5% in 2006. Zinc and copper are essential Trace element needed to strengthen the immune system and also useful in the fight against tuberculosis. The Cu / Zn ratio is a good indicator of oxidative stress. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of some trace element and determine the Cu / Zn ratio in patients with multidrug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) before and after second line treatment of TB. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 100 MDR-TB patients after confirmation of their status through the microscopic and molecular diagnosis of resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin by GeneXpert. The concentration level of zinc and copper were determined using flame air / acetylene atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) Type Varian Spectr AA-20 Victoria, Australlia. Results A significant decrease in zinc levels (P < 0.05) and an increased Cu / Zn ratio (P < 0.05) was observed in MDR-TB patients compared to controls TB free. During treatment a significant reduction in Cu / Zn ratio (P < 0.05) was observed compared to the initial result. Conclusions The decrease in serum zinc level and the high Cu / Zn ratio could explain the immune system dysfunction and the high level of oxidative stress in patients with MDR-TB. Therefore the evaluation of the zinc and copper status could represent essential parameters in monitoring of TB second line treatment for better treatment management