Effects of the Methanol Extract of Basella alba L (Basellaceae) on Steroid Production in Leydig Cells

In this study, Leydig cells were purified from 70 day-old Sprague Dawley male rats and incubated with 10 and 100 μg/mL of methanol extract of Basella alba (MEBa) for 4 hours followed by the evaluation of cell viability, steroid (testosterone and estradiol) production, and the level of aromatase mRNA. Results showed that MEBa did not affect Leydig cell viability. At the concentration of 10 μg/mL, MEBa significantly stimulated testosterone and estradiol production (p < 0.01 and p < 0.03, respectively), and enhanced aromatase mRNA level (p < 0.04). These observations suggest that MEBa directly stimulated testosterone, estradiol and aromatase mRNA levels in isolated Leydig cells

Effect of Solubilizers on the Androgenic Activity of Basella Alba L. (Basellaceae) in Adult Male Rats

Purpose: Solubilizers play an important role in dissolution of pharmacological ingredients and should properly dissolve the active principle(s) while preserving its activities. This study investigated the effect of starch, gelatin, methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 in the preservation of the androgenic activity of the methanol extract Basella alba (MEBa). Methods: Different groups of male albino rats were orally given the MEBa (1 mg/kg) dissolved into either 1% gelatin (1% gel), %1 methylcellulose (1% MC) and 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 (1% PVP 10000) or 2% starch solution (2% SS) for 30 days. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and serum testosterone and creatinine levels as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity determined. Vital and reproductive organs were dissected out and weighed, while liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione levels were determined. Results: Different treatments did not affect the animal body and organ weights. The MEBa stimulatory effect on testosterone production was preserved with 2% SS and 1% PVP 10000 as vehicles. Increased liver glutathione and TBARS levels were also observed in the animals fed with the MEBa dissolved in 2% SS and 1% Gel, respectively, while other biochemical parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion: Starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 stand as good preservation agents for MEBa androgenic activity, with starch exhibiting additional antioxidant activity through increase of glutathione levels

Study of the toxicity of agropesticides used in Djutitsa (West Cameroon) on male reproductive function and protective effect of medicinal plant extracts

L’impact de l’utilisation des agropesticides sur la fonction de reproduction mâle est évalué chez des agriculteurs de Djutitsa (Ouest Cameroun). Le pesticide le plus utilisé par ces agriculteurs est testé in vivo sur la fonction de reproduction du rat mâle, ex vivo et/ou in vitro sur la stéroïdogenèse Leydigienne afin d’évaluer son implication dans les déséquilibres observés chez les agriculteurs. Ensuite, l’effet protecteur des extraits de Carpolobia alba et Basella alba contre les effets délétères dudit pesticide est évalué in vivo chez des rats mâles, ainsi que leur influence sur la production de la protéine de transport des stéroïdes (SHBG) par les cellules HepG2. Les résultats montrent que les agriculteurs utilisent 25 agropesticides et présentent des symptômes liés à une protection inadéquate. De plus, ils présentent une diminution de la testostérone avec une élévation de l’androstènedione sériques comparé au groupe témoin non exposé (P < 0,05) et ces déséquilibres androgéniques sont accompagnés de difficultés de reproduction. Le manèbe est l’agropesticide le plus utilisé et perturbe chez le rat mâle la stéroïdogenèse Leydigienne (à travers l’inhibition de la CYP11A1) et la fertilité. Cette fertilité est améliorée/rétablie lorsque le pesticide est concomitamment administré avec l’un des extraits, suggérant ainsi l’effet protecteur desdits extraits qui est imputable à leur activité androgénique également démontré chez les rats. Toutefois, ces extraits et le manèbe n’affectent pas la production de la SHBG in vitro. Ces résultats soulignent l’altération de la fonction de reproduction mâle par les agropesticides et l’effet bénéfique des plantes médicinalesThe effect of agropesticides use on male reproductive function was evaluated in male farmers in Djutitsa (West Cameroon). The most frequently used agropesticide by farmers was selected and tested in vivo on the reproductive function of male rats, ex vivo and/or in vitro on Leydig cells steroidogenesis, in order to evaluate its implication in disorders observed in farmers. The ability of 2 Cameroonian medicinal plants (Carpolobia alba and Basella alba) to prevent pesticide-induced toxicity was also investigated in vivo in male rats. Furthermore, both extracts and selected pesticide were tested on the release of a steroid transporter protein (SHBG) by HepG2 cells. The results showed that farmers used 25 agropesticides and presented symptoms related to inadequate protection. Moreover, they had lower serum testosterone and higher androstenedione levels compared to a control group with no history of agropesticide exposure (P < 0.05), and these androgenic imbalances were accompanied by difficulties of reproduction. Maneb was the most common ingredient, and its administration to male rats resulted in decrease/alteration of Leydig cells steroidogenesis (through inhibition of CYP11A1) as well as fertility. The latter fertility was improved/restored when maneb was coadministrated to rats with any of the plant extracts, suggesting their protective effect that may be attributed to their proven androgenic activity. However maneb and the plant extracts did not affect SHBG release by HepG2 cells. These results highlight agropesticides deleterious effect on male reproductive function, which may be prevented by the investigated plant extract

Abnormal Levels of Liver Enzymes and Hepatotoxicity in HIV-Positive, TB, and HIV/TB-Coinfected Patients on Treatment in Fako Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon

Hepatotoxicity is historically the 3rd most common reason for drug withdrawal and toxicity-related discontinuation of treatment. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and the onset of hepatotoxicity and at evaluating the relationship of some risk factors for hepatotoxicity among Human Immunodeficiency Virus- (HIV-) positive, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/TB patients on treatment. This was a prospective follow-up study involving 125 participants from the HIV/AIDS and TB treatment centres in three hospitals in Fako Division of Cameroon. These TB and HIV patients were initiated on RHEZ (R = Rifampicin, H = Isoniazid, E = Ethambutol, and P = Pyrazinamide) and TELE (efavirenz/tenofovir/lamivudine), respectively, and followed up for 12 weeks between September 2018 and November 2019. The levels of liver enzymes (transaminases, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and unconjugated/total bilirubin) were measured spectrophotometrically using serum. The Chi-squared (χ2) test was used to assess the association between risk factors and hepatotoxicity, while the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test was used to determine the occurrence of hepatotoxicity in the different groups. We followed the general study population for a total person time of 6580 person-days, with an incidence rate and cumulative incidence of 8 cases per 1000 person-days (53/6580 person-days) and 42.4% (53/125), respectively (95% confidence interval), recorded after 12 weeks of follow-up of all the participants. The onset of hepatotoxicity in the total study population was statistically significant (χ2=9.5334; p=0.022979; CI=95%), with the majority observed at week eight of follow-up. Also, the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity with respect to HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB patients, respectively, at 95% confidence interval were: 8 cases per 1000 person-days (32/3843 person-days) and 32/76 (42.1%), 6 cases per 1000 person-days (12/1932 person-days) and 12/32 (37.5%), and 11 cases per 1000 person-days (9/805 person-days) and 9/17 (52.9%). This study shows that the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity in HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB patients on treatment were high in Fako Division, Cameroon. Also, it is very important to check these patients’ liver function especially within the first 12 weeks of treatment

Evaluation of the Effects of Agro Pesticides Use on Liver and Kidney Function in Farmers from Buea, Cameroon

Agro pesticides are increasingly used worldwide to increase crop production. However, health hazards resulting from human exposure to these chemicals, especially from agricultural areas of developing countries have been a growing concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure to agro pesticides on the health of farmers in the Buea subdivision, which is one of the major agrarian areas in Cameroon. The study was transversal and involved 90 participants including 58 farmers using pesticides and a reference population of 32 men not involved in occupational use of agro pesticides. The participants were interviewed on agro pesticide use and their health status. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from the participants and used for the assessment of biochemical markers of the liver (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and the kidney (creatinine and uric acid) function. Results revealed that farmers frequently used insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in their farming activities. Farmers reported several acute health symptoms related to pesticides use with the common ones being skin rash, eye irritation, and face burn. When compared to the reference population, the farmers showed significantly elevated (p<0.01) alanine aminotransferase activity. However, other parameters investigated were not affected significantly. These results suggested that farmers were exposed to 3 different classes of agro pesticides, which induced eye and skin affections. Pesticides exposure resulted in alterations of the liver function hence the increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Therefore, there is a need to sensitize the farmers on toxicity and liver alteration potential of agro pesticides and the importance of appropriate protective equipment that may minimize exposure

Momordica foetida (Cucurbitaceae) prevents behavioral impairment, motor incoordination and brain oxidative stress induced by subchronic exposure to Parastar pesticide formulation

Background: Parastar is an agricultural insecticide formulation composed of two active ingredients; a pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin and a neonicotinoid imidachloprid used in Cameroon for vegetable protection. Previous studies showed reprotoxicity and neurotoxicity of this pesticide formulation. Momordica foetida Schumach. Et Thonn is a medicinal plant with potent antioxidant properties used traditionally in Cameroon for the treatment of several aliments. As farmers are currently exposed to Parastar pesticide formulation, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of M. foetida on behavioral impairment, motor incoordination and brain oxidative stress induced by subchronic administration of Parastar. Methods: The study was carried out using 40 Wistar male rats, divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each. The groups received a vehicle (distilled water; 10 mL/kg), Parastar alone (6.23 mg/kg), or concomitantly with M. foetida methanol extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 60 days. The animals were submitted to behavioural tests including, beam walking test, open field test and forced swimming test. At end of the treatment, oxidative stress parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity were assessed in brain of each animal. Results: Parastar induced motor dysfunctions, anxiogenic like and depressive-like behaviours in the animals. The Parastar -induced alterations in behavior were all prevented by M. foetida extract. The plant extract alleviated Parstar-induced oxidative stress and alteration of cholinesterase activity, especially at the dose 100mk/kg. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that, M. feotida methanol extract may prevent anxiety-like behavior, depressive-like behavior, motor incoordination induced by Parastar, possibly through it antioxidant properties and the preservation of acetylcholinesterase activity. Keywords: acetylcholinesterase, &nbsp;Momordica foetida, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, Parastar, rat

Filaricidal properties of Lantana camara and Tamarindus indica extracts, and Lantadene A from L. camara against Onchocerca ochengi and Loa loa.

Ivermectin is the only drug currently recommended for the treatment of onchocerciasis, the second leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. This drug kills only the first stage larvae-microfilariae (mf) of Onchocerca volvulus and is to be used cautiously in areas where Loa loa is prevalent because of severe adverse events observed with coinfected patients.This study investigated the anti-filarial activities of two Cameroonian medicinal plants, Lantana camara and Tamarindus indica locally used to treat onchocerciasis. Twelve (12) extracts were prepared and tested in vitro on the bovine model parasite, O. ochengi as well as L. loa mf. Both mf and adult male worm viabilities were assessed by motility scoring, while adult female worm viability was determined biochemically by standard MTT/formazan colorimetry. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity were determined respectively, in monkey kidney epithelial cells and in BALB/c mice. Pure compounds were isolated by LC/MS using a bio-assay guided strategy. All the extracts showed 100% activity at 500 μg/mL against O. ochengi adult worms and mf. The highest activity against O. ochengi was observed with the hexane extract of L. camara leaves (LCLhex), with IC50 of 35.1 μg/mL for adult females and 3.8 μg/mL for the mf. Interestingly, this extract was more active against O. ochengi mf than L. loa mf. Further studies on the extracts led to the isolation of lantadene A from the methylene chloride extract of L. camara leaves, with IC50s of 7.85 μg/mL for adult males, 10.38 μg/mL for adult females, 10.84 μg/mL for O. ochengi mf and 20.13 μg/mL for L. loa mf.We report for the first time the anti-onchocercal activities of these locally consumed medicinal plants and lantadene A, a potential lead for further development as an onchocerciasis cure

High C-reactive proteins levels, rheumatoid anemia, alpha-1 globulin deficiency, and hypergammaglobulinemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients from yaounde, Cameroon

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoantibodies-mediated disease affecting 0.5%–1% of the population worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate variations of protein profiles and hematological parameters of patients in Yaounde Central Hospital. Methods: The study was conducted from January to November 2017. RA cases were recruited based on the identification of established diagnosis from registers of patients of participating rheumatologists. Healthy volunteers visiting the hospital were also included as a control population. All participants were aged 15 years and above. Whole blood collected from each participant was assayed for hematological parameters. In addition, serum from each participant was assayed for the level of C-reactive proteins (CRPs) using a plate agglutination technique whereas plasma was used for protein profile through a conventional electrophoretic migration of proteins on cellulose acetate gel. Results: Overall, 22 RA patients and 10 controls were recruited and consisted, respectively, in 5 males and 17 females and 2 males and 8 females. Our study revealed that 59.09% (13/22) of patients presented high levels of CRP compared to 10% in the control group. The mean value of red blood cells was 4.38 × 106/μl and 4.698 × 106/μl, respectively, in the RA and the control groups. The mean hemoglobin value was significantly reduced in the RA group (11.07 mg/dl vs. 12.73 mg/dl, P = 0.0192), thus revealing anemia in patients. Nearly 54.5% of patients presented hypoalbuminemia compared to 20% in the control group (P = 0, 1241). A deficiency of α1-globulin was observed in 54.5% of patients while that of control group was 30%. Furthermore, 72% of the patient presented hypergammaglobulinemia compared to 30% in the control group (P = 0.0494). Conclusion: This study revealed that RA patients present a normochromic and normocytic anemia, a decreased albumin and alpha 1 globulin, a significant elevation of gamma-globulins compared to the control population