Effets du décocté de Biophytum petersianum Klotzsh (Oxalidaceae), sur le calcium libre intracellulaire dans les cellules musculaires

L’effet de décocté de Biophytum petersianum, Klotzsh, (Oxalidaceae), a été étudié sur la variation du calcium libre intracellulaire dans les cellules musculaires squelettiques de rat en culture primaire, dans les lignées cellulaires sans dystrophine (SolC1) et avec dystrophine exprimée (SolD5). Cette plante est utilisée dans la pharmacopée traditionnelle pour traiter l’hypertension artérielle au Togo. Le calcium est responsable dela contraction des cellules musculaires squelettique, lisse et cardiaque. Son augmentation dans les cellules cardiaque et/ou lisse entraîne l’hypertension artérielle chez les hommes. Les résultats montrent que le décocté de cette plante entraîne une diminution du taux de calcium libre intracellulaire de base dans les cellules musculaires. Cette diminution partiellement réversible est dose et temps dépendants. La diminution du taux de calcium libre intracellulaire dans les lignées cellulaires SolC1 et SolD5 ainsi que dans les cellules musculaires squelettiques en culture primaire est similaire. Ce qui montre que l’effet est indépendant de la dystrophine, une protéine membranaire dont l’absence ou le dysfonctionnement induit une élévation du taux de calcium libreintracellulaire.Mots clés : hypertension, Biophytum petersianum, calcium libre intracellulaire, rapport de fluorescence

Effet de l’extrait semi-éthanolique des feuilles de Trema guineensis (Celtidacea) sur la musculature lisse du rat Wistar

L’effet de l’extrait semi-éthanolique de Trema guineensis (Celtidacea) a été étudié sur la musculature lisse du rat Wistar. En effet, sur l’aorte isolée du rat précontracturée avec deux agents contracturants: la noradrénaline (N-adr) (1 µM), et le chlorure de potassium (KCl) (60 mM); l’extrait provoque une relaxation dose–dépendante. Cet effet est aussi important en présence de la N-adr qu’en présence du KCl. L’action de l’extrait sur l’aorte isolée serait due au blocage des canaux calciques. Sur l’iléon isolé de rat précontracturé à la métacholine (MTC) (40 mM), Trema guineensis (Celtidacea) provoquerait une relaxation dose-dépendante. L’extrait aurait une action sur les canaux calciques. En outre, cette solution semi-éthanolique aurait une action similaire (diminution de la contracture) à celle de l’atropine sur l’iléon de rat précontracturé à la MTC. Sur l’utérus isolé de rat, l’extrait appliqué aux doses 4, 6 et 8 mg/ml réduit la fréquence et l’amplitude des contractions de base. Ces résultats montrent que l’extrait de Trema guineensis (Celtidacea) a un effet vasodilatateur sur les structures musculaires lisses, ce qui pourrait expliquer son utilisation dans les cas d’hypertension artérielle, la toux, ou pour ses vertus diurétiques.Mots clés: Trema guineensis; muscles lisses; canaux calcique

Effects of pollution on oxidative stress in aquatic species: case of the fish Sarotherodon melanotheron in Bè Lagoon (Lomé)

This study aimed to assess heavy metals accumulation and oxidative stress biomarkers in the fish Sarotherodon melanotheron from a site receiving discharges from industrial and harbor activities (Bè Lagoon) and a reference or control site in Lake Togo, Togo. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) targeting four heavy metals (lead, cadmium, copper and nickel) in the waters of Bè Lagoon showed levels of about 2.58 ± 0.11 μg/l, 1.03 ± 0.15 μg/l, 1.71 ± 0.17 μg/l and 3.03 ± 0.07 μg/l respectively for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu. In water of the control site, only Cu and Ni were detected at lower levels: 1.54 ± 0.22 μg/l for Ni and 0.89 ± 0.18 μg/l for Cu. Furthermore, in tissues (liver, muscle and gills) of the fish, the heavy metal contents are found in larger samples of the Bè Lagoon. Among the biological parameters (oxidative stress biomarkers), the catalase activity (P < 0.0001 in liver and P < 0.005 in gill) was found to be significantly higher in the fish collected from Bè lagoon when compared with control site. These changes in biomarkers response at the subcellular level therefore indicate an impact on the biology of the fishes living in Bè lagoon.Keywords: Bè lagoon, catalase activity, Lake Togo, MDA, pollution

Contamination of boreholes water by 76 pesticides molecules in the cotton zone of Kérou

Analysis campaign of underground water was done in 2010 on five boreholes water samples situated in agricultural cotton zone. The obtained results showed the presence of various active matters of at least 76 residues of pesticides, especially insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, with accumulated contents which could average 0.350 or 350 ƒÊg/L per borehole. Indeed, all the prospected boreholes were contaminated. Every molecules of pesticides analyzed were present with at least 1 ƒÊg/L, some molecules concentration such as: aldrine (7 } 0.7 ƒÊg/L), dieldrin (2 } 0.7 ƒÊg/Ls), phorate (7 } 2 ƒÊg/L) and terbufos (7 } 1 ƒÊg/L), highly exceeded maximum residue limits. The most affected zones of the contamination of the underground water by pesticides were those areas where the cotton faming is practiced.Keywords: Kerou, cotton farming, water of boreholes, pesticides

Étude de l’oestrus et de la fertilité après un traitement de maîtrise des cycles chez les femelles zébus

La recherche a visé à établir les taux de réponse et conception des animaux synchronisés au Crestar® associé à la PMSG. 39 femelles zébus (Bos indicus) Goudali et Azawak constitué de vaches et de génisses ont été utilisées dans l’étude. L’insémination artificielle a été faite de façon systématique 48 heures après l’arrêt du traitement. Le diagnostic de gestation a été déterminé 60 jours après insémination par palpation rectale. Le taux global de l’oestrus induit a été de 94,87%. La parité et la race de femelles n’ont eu aucun effet significatif sur la réponse de l’oestrus. Le délai d’apparition de l’oestrus a été de 30,11 ± 6,24 heures et 32,76 ± 4,75 heures après la fin du traitement respectivement pour les femelles zébus Goudali et Azawak. La durée moyenne de l’oestrus a été de 12,20 ± 1,30 heures (n = 5). Le taux global de fertilité a été de 41,03%. La parité et la race de femelles n’ont eu aucun effet significatif sur la fertilité.Mots clés: Insémination artificielle, Crestar, taux de gestation, synchronisation, Nige

Effects of Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) on rat parturition

The leaves of Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) are used by traditional healers in some parts of Africa to treat dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage. All experiments are performed on albino wistar mature and immature rats. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Spondias mombin Linn on rat parturition in order to determine its action on labor time, uterus and sex steroids organs weight and coagulation time. Hydro-ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaves were given daily by oral route to female rats from 19th day of pregnancy, at doses of 100; 250 and 500 mg/kg. The dose 250 mg/kg reduced significantly (P < 0,05) labor time. To explore estrogenic activity of the extract, the dose of 250 mg/kg, given daily by oral route to immature female rats for 7 days, induced vaginal opening and the increase in uterus and ovarian weight. The extract at 100 mg/ml was reduced the coagulation time. These results suggest that the leaves hydro-ethanolic extract of S. mombin contain one or more principles which reduced labor time, induced vaginal opening, increased uterus and ovarian weight and reduced coagulation time.Keywords: Spondias mombin, labor time, vaginal opening, uterus, ovarian, coagulation time

Acute and Sub-chronic (28-day) Oral Toxicity Studies of Hydroalcohol Leaf Extract of Ageratum conyzoides L (Asteraceae)

Purpose: Ageratum conyzoides is an annual herbaceous plant commonly used in African traditional medicine as a purgative, antipyretic, anti-ulcer and wound dressing agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of A. conyzoides leaves in Wistar rats. Methods: In the acute test, the limit test dose of 5000 mg/kg was administered to Wistar rats and then observed individually 1 h post-dosing, and at least once daily for 14 days. Sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated after administering daily oral doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body wt., for 28 days to the rats, Biochemical and haematological assessments as well as body and relative organ weights of the rats were carried out. Results: The limit dose of 5000 mg/kg did not cause any mortality or signs of acute toxicity in the rats tested during the observation period. In the sub-chronic tests, the results did not show any treatment–related abnormalities in terms of haematological and biochemical parameters. However, urea was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the group treated with 500 mg/kg of A. conyzoides extract. The weekly body and organ weight of the rats showed no significant differences between the control and the rats treated with the extract except for liver where there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in rats that received 1000 mg/kg, i.e., 3 ± 0.2 g as against 2.5 ± 0.1 g for the control. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the hydroalcohol extract of A. conyzoides is relatively safe when administered orally in rats.Keywords: Ageratum conyzoides, Acute and sub-chronic toxicity, Biochemical parameters, Haematological analysis, Wistar rats

Influence of Moringa oleifera leaves on atherogenic lipids and glycaemia evolution in HIV-infected and uninfected malnourished patients

Objectives: The study evaluated mineral composition of “Togolese ecotype” of Moringa oleifera leaves and its effect on anthropometric parameters, atherogenic lipids and glycaemia during nutritional recovery in HIV negative and HIV positive malnourished patients after daily use of the leaves powder. Methodology and results: Patients aged from 12 months to 8 years, consumed every day for 15 weeks the leaves powder. Results showed that powder is rich in proteins, micronutrients and induced BMI increase in both patients (p C 0.001). Biochemical parameters determination showed decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol (p C 0.01), atherogenicity index (AI) correlated with HDL-cholesterol increase (p C 0.001) in HIV negative. Increase in triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, AI (p C 0.001) correlated with HDLcholesterol decrease (p C 0.001) is observed in HIV positive. Total cholesterol decreased more in HIV positive asymptomatic and increased in patients treated with ARV drugs (p C 0.0001). Glycaemia level is decreased in both patients of the study. Conclusion and application of findings: This study confirms higher concentrations of proteins, micronutrients, hypolipidemic potential and hypocholesterolemic activity of M. oleifera leaves. This explained nutritional recovery and reduction of atherogenic lipids. Positive effect of the powder on cholesterol metabolism is due to beta-sitosterol, bioactive phytoconstituent of the leaves which fixed LDL particles and thought to be through the lowering significantly of their plasma concentrations. Reduction of glycaemia in both patients confirms also hypoglycemic properties of leaves with high concentration of polyphenols and antioxydants. The lowering of atherogenic risk and glycaemia after regular consumption of M. oleifera leaves powder is more significant in HIV negative than HIV positive patients. Results of this study bring information which will make it possible to pediatrics and nutritionists to adapt better use of M. oleifera leaves to combat malnutrition and the follow-up of HIV positive persons and in particular those on antiretroviral treatment. Key words: Moringa oleifera, malnutrition, atherogenic lipids, glycaemia, HIV/AIDS

Effect of Dietary Intake of Fermented Seeds of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth (African Locust Bean) on Hypertension in Bogou and Goumou-kope Areas of Togo

Purpose: To identify the possible effect of the consumption of fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa (Jack) Benth, Mimosaceae (African locust bean) by humans on the prevention of hypertension.Methods: Two types of populations in Togo were identified and compared: one type was in a region (Bogou) where the condiment (Parkia biglobosa seeds) is highly consumed and the other people do not eat it at all (Goumou-kope). Anthropometrical, clinical and biochemical analyses were investigated in both target groups.Results: Significantly decreased blood pressure and heart beat were detected in the group of people living in Bogou&rsquo;s region when compared to the non-consumption group of Goumou-kope (p &lt; 0.001). Magnesium level was significantly increased in the Bogou group compared to that in the second group (p &lt; 0.0001). Lower levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (91&plusmn; 36 vs. 110 &plusmn; 44 mg/dL, p = 0.01), triglycerides (111 &plusmn; 6 vs. 129 &plusmn; 6 mg/dL, p = 0.028), and higher levels of high density lipoproteincholesterol (63 &plusmn; 2 vs. 48 &plusmn; 3 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001) were observed in subjects who regularly consummed P. biglobosa fermented seeds. Furthermore, plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower in Bogou group than in Goumou-kope (68 &plusmn; 16 vs. 76 &plusmn; 15 mg/dL (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa exert an anti-hypertension effect.Keywords: Blood minerals, Plasma lipids, Antihypertensive, Parkia biglobosa seed

Effect of mancozeb-treated lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on wistar rat liver

Vegetable contamination by pesticides presents current problem of public health. Previous studies have shown that 60% vegetables sampled collected in Lomé (Togo) have pesticide residues exceeding the tolerable limits. Because mancozeb, ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate, is mainly used, more than five times, during the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), the aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the potential effect of mancozeb-treated lettuce on the rat liver physiology. Mancozeb-treated lettuce and two doses of mancozeb were administered during 28 days to rats. Along the study, animal behavior was assessed, and at the end of administration, some hepatic enzymes such as transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were studied. The decrease in rat body weight was noted and animals have soft feces. Plasmatic concentrations of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin are increased in rats administered with mancozeb-treated lettuce. The plasmatic concentration of total protein is not decreased significantly. Those results indicate that lettuce collected directly from gardens, without washing or less washed, are not fit for human consumption.Keywords: Lettuce, mancozeb, toxicity, liver, pesticide residues, public healt