The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome

AIM: Once considered a problem of developed countries, obesity and obesity-related complications (such as metabolic syndrome) are rapidly spreading around the globe. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of metabolic syndrome, particularly weight loss and central obesity. METHODS: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 123 overweight and obese persons (47.2% male; 52.8% female; ages 19–50). The 92 obese (BMI >30) participants were randomized into three groups; placebo, formulation/no diet, and formulation/diet (2100–2200 calories/day). The 31 overweight participants (BMI = 25–29) formed a fourth (no diet) treatment group. All participants received two daily doses of the formulation or placebo and remained on a normal or calorie-controlled diet for 8 weeks. RESULTS: At the end of the trial period, statistically significant net reductions in weight and central obesity, as well as in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein were observed in participants who received the formulation, regardless of diet. CONCLUSION: Cissus quadrangularis formulation appears to be useful in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome

Anti-inflammatory, anthropometric and lipomodulatory effects Dyglomera® (aqueous extract of Dichrostachys glomerata) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome

Background: Increased visceral fat, dyslipidemia and increased markers of inflammation and coagulation are cardiovascular risk factors commonly encountered in obese people with metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have shown that ground Dichrostachys glomerata (DG), a spice used in Western Cameroon, can have beneficial effects on inflammation and various other cardiovascular disease risk factors. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Dyglomera®, an aqueous extract of DG (standardized to NLT 10% polyphenols) on certain anthropometric, biochemical (including pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states) and hemodynamic parameters in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 116 males and 202 females aged between 24 and 58 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and placebo. Capsules containing the active treatment (200 mg Dyglomera®) or placebo (200 mg maize powder) were administered 30–60 minutes before lunch and dinner throughout the study period. Various biochemical (namely, blood glucose, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic markers), anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters were measured at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.Results: At the end of the study, the Dyglomera® group showed statistically significant differences in all 16 parameters compared to baseline values. Changes in BMI and waist circumference were accompanied by changes in biochemical parameters, with the exception of adiponectin levels which were not correlated to waist circumference and PAI-1 values. The results confirm the hypothesis that Dyglomera®, the aqueous extract of DG, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in obese human subjects

The effects of ProAlgaZyme novel algae infusion on metabolic syndrome and markers of cardiovascular health

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X, is characterized by a set of metabolic and lipid imbalances that greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The syndrome is highly prevalent in the United States and worldwide, and treatments are in high demand. ProAlgaZyme, a novel and proprietary freshwater algae infusion in purified water, has been the subject of several animal studies and has demonstrated low toxicity even with chronic administration at elevated doses. The infusion has been used historically for the treatment of several inflammatory and immune disorders in humans and is considered well-tolerated. Here, the infusion is evaluated for its effects on the cardiovascular risk factors present in metabolic syndrome in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 60 overweight and obese persons, ages 25–60. All participants received four daily oral doses (1 fl oz) of ProAlgaZyme (N = 22) or water placebo (N = 30) for a total of 10 weeks, and were encouraged to maintain their normal levels of physical activity. Blood sampling and anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning of the study period and after 4, 8 and 10 weeks of treatment. Eight participants did not complete the study.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ProAlgaZyme brought about statistically significant (p < 0.001) reductions in the following: weight, body fat, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and fasting blood glucose levels, accompanied by a significant (p < 0.001) increase in HDL-cholesterol levels over the 10-week study period. The infusion was well-tolerated and no side effects were noted.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>ProAlgaZyme (4 fl oz daily) consumption resulted in significant reductions in weight and blood glucose levels, while significantly improving serum lipid profiles and reducing markers of inflammation, thus improving cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese subjects over a course of 10 weeks with an absence of adverse side effects.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>US ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00489333</p

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Effect of cooking treatments on the phytochemical composition and antidiabetic potential of Vernonia amygdalina

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of domestic culinary treatment on phytochemical contents (phenolic content and dietary fiber), and the antidiabetic potential of Vernonia amygdalina in type 2 diabetic rats. The culinary forms implied boiling leaves of V. amygdalina directly and eliminating the leaves’ bitterness before boiling. Seventy wistar rats were artificially induced with type 2 diabetes using streptozotocin and high‐fat diet. They then received by oral intubation powders of different culinary forms of leaves extract or suspensions of V. amygdalina at a dose of 500 mg /kg for a period of 4 weeks. The crude fiber, total phenol contents and the DPPH scavenging ability of these culinary forms were also measured and the results showed that values of these parameters were higher in the unwashed form than the washed form. The washed and unwashed forms of V. amygdalina significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the blood glucose, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, transaminases, urea and creatine levels. Aqueous extract has the highest ability to reduce the blood glucose level (75.76%) followed by the unwashed form (61.17%) which was greater than that of the washed form. Also, these forms significantly increased serum HDL cholesterol and total protein level, with the highest activity obtained with the unwashed form. Washing the V. amygdalina leaves (that consists of multiple trituration of leaves with water) contributes to the reduction of antidiabetic and antioxidant properties

The use of LeptiCore® in reducing fat gain and managing weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: LeptiCore(® )is a proprietary combination of various ingredients which have been shown to have properties which could be beneficial to weight loss in obese and overweight human subjects. This study evaluates the effect of Lepticore(® )on bodyweight as well as parameters associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 92 obese (mean BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) participants (37 males; 55 females; ages 19-52; mean age = 30.7). The participants were randomly divided into three groups: placebo (n = 30), LeptiCore(® )formula A (low dose) (n = 31) and LeptiCore(® )formula B (high dose) (n = 31). Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals with 300 ml of water. None of the participants followed any specific diet nor took any weight-reducing medications for the duration of the study. A total of 12 anthropomorphic and serological measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed statistically significant differences on all 12 variables by week 8. These included four anthropomorphic variables (body weight, body fat, waist and hip size) and eight measures of serological levels (plasma total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, serotonin, leptin, C-reactive protein). The two active groups also showed significant intra-group differences on all 12 variables between study onset and week 8. CONCLUSION: The LeptiCore(® )formulation at both the low and high dosages appears to be helpful in the management of fat gain and its related complications. The higher dosage resulted in significantly greater reductions in body weight and triglyceride, blood glucose, and C-reactive protein levels, as well as increased serotonin levels

Evaluation of pharmacological management of acute hypertensive heart failure in two Reference Hospitals of Yaoundé: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Heart failure is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa with hypertension being one of its main drivers. We aim to assess the pharmacologic management of acute heart failure secondary to hypertensive heart disease in two reference hospitals of Yaoundé.Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study spanning from January 2017 to December 2018. It was carried out in the cardiology units of the Yaoundé Central hospital and General hospital. Patients’ medical records were used for data collection. We included all patients aged 18 years or more, who were admitted for acute heart failure secondary to hypertensive heart disease and who had two-dimensional echocardiography with reduced ejection fraction and/or signs of diastolic dysfunction.Results: We found 159 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 69.5 ± 12.9 years with a sexratio of 0.73. There was a greater proportion of patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction&nbsp; compared to those who had mid-range or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Almost all 157 (98.7%) ofthe patients were treated with diuretics (loop diuretics and/or thiazides) and 15 (9.4%) with vasodilators (nitrates). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were administered to 100 (62.9%) patients and angiotensin II receptor blockers to 16 (10.1%) patients. None of them have received an inotropic agent. The inhospital dead rate was25 (15.7%) and there was no significant difference between those who received diuretics alone or in combination with vasodilators.Conclusion: Loop diuretics are the first-line drugs used for treatment of acute hypertensive heart failure in Yaoundé. Only a few patients were treated with vasodilators. More multicenter research with bigger samples sizes are needed to determine the optimal treatment for the management of acute HF in Sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: pharmacologic management, acute heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, Yaoundé French abstract: Evaluation du traitement pharmacologique de l’insuffisance cardiaque d’origine hypertensive dans deux hôpitaux de référence de Yaoundé : une étude transversaleIntroduction. L’insuffisance cardiaque est une cause majeure de morbi-mortalité cardiovasculaire en Afrique subsaharienne dont l’hypertension artérielle constitue une des principales causes. Nous avons voulu évaluer le traitement pharmacologique de l’insuffisance cardiaque congestive due à la cardiopathie hypertensive chez des patients Camerounais. Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale rétrospective menée à l’hôpital central et l’hôpital général de Yaoundé sur la période allant de Janvier 2017 à Décembre 2018. Les données sociodémographiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques ont été collectées dans les dossiers médicaux des patients. Nous avons inclus des patients âgés d’au moins 18 ans, admis pour prise en charge d’une insuffisance cardiaque congestive sur cardiopathie hypertensive et ayant une échocardiographie bidimensionnelle avec une diminution de la fraction d’éjection et/ou une dysfonction diastolique. Résultats : Nous avons retrouvé des dossiers de 159 patients remplissant les critères d’inclusion. L’âge moyen des patients était de 69,5 ± 15,9 ans avec un sex-ratio de 0,73. La plus grande proportion des patients avait une fraction d’éjection préservée 72 (45,3%). La quasi-totalité des patients 157 (98,7%) était traitée avec des diurétiques (de l’anse et/ou thiazidiques) et 15 (9,4%) avec des vasodilatateurs (dérivés nitrés). Aucun patient n’avait reçu d’inotrope. Les inhibiteurs de l’enzyme de conversion ont été prescrits chez 100 (62,9%) patients et le antagoniste des récepteurs de l’angiotensine II chez 16 (10,1%) patients. La mortalité hospitalière était de 25 (15,7%) et il n’y avait aucune différence significative entre les patients traités par diurétiques seuls ou en combinaison avec les vasodilatateurs. Conclusion : Les diurétiques de l’anse représentent le traitement de première ligne de l’insuffisance cardiaque congestive à Yaoundé. Très peu de patients ont été traités avec des vasodilatateurs. Des études ultérieures multicentriques portant sur un plus grand échantillonnage sont nécessaires afin de mieux préciser le traitement optimal de prise en charge de l’insuffisance cardiaque congestive en Afrique Sub-Saharienne. Mots clés : traitement pharmacologique, insuffisance cardiaque aigue, cardiopathie hypertensive, Yaoundé