Loa loa Alben Trial data

Loiasis is a parasitic infection endemic in the African rain forest caused by the filarial nematode Loa loa. Loiasis can be co-endemic with onchocerciasis and/or lymphatic filariasis. Ivermectin, the drug used in the control of these diseases, can induce serious adverse reactions in patients with high L loa microfilaraemia (LLM). A drug is needed which can lower LLM below the level that represents a risk so that ivermectin mass treatment to support onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis elimination can be implemented safely. Sixty men and women from a loiasis endemic area in Cameroon were randomized after stratification by screening LLM (≤30000, 30001-50000, >50000) to three treatment arms: two doses albendazole followed by 4 doses matching placebo (n = 20), six doses albendazole (n = 20) albendazole or 6 doses matching placebo (n = 20) administered every two months. LLM was measured before each treatment and 14, 18, 21 and 24 months after the first treatment. Monitoring for adverse events occurred three and seven days as well as 2 months after each treatment. None of the adverse events recorded were considered treatment related. The percentages of participants with ≥ 50% decrease in LLM from pre-treatment for ≥ 4 months were 53%, 17% and 11% in the 6-dose, 2-dose and placebo treatment arms, respectively. The difference between the 6-dose and the placebo arm was significant (p = 0.01). The percentages of participants with LLM < 8100 mf/ml for ≥4 months were 21%, 11% and 0% in the 6-dose, 2-dose and placebo treatment arms, respectively. The 6-dose regimen reduced LLM significantly, but the reduction was insufficient to eliminate the risk of severe and/or serious adverse reactions during ivermectin mass drug administration in loiasis co-endemic areas

Effect of Two or Six Doses 800 mg of Albendazole Every Two Months on Loa loa Microfilaraemia: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Loiasis is a parasitic infection endemic in the African rain forest caused by the filarial nematode Loa loa. Loiasis can be co-endemic with onchocerciasis and/or lymphatic filariasis. Ivermectin, the drug used in the control of these diseases, can induce serious adverse reactions in patients with high L loa microfilaraemia (LLM). A drug is needed which can lower LLM below the level that represents a risk so that ivermectin mass treatment to support onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis elimination can be implemented safely. METHODOLOGY: Sixty men and women from a loiasis endemic area in Cameroon were randomized after stratification by screening LLM (≤ 30000, 30001-50000, >50000) to three treatment arms: two doses albendazole followed by 4 doses matching placebo (n = 20), six doses albendazole (n = 20) albendazole or 6 doses matching placebo (n = 20) administered every two months. LLM was measured before each treatment and 14, 18, 21 and 24 months after the first treatment. Monitoring for adverse events occurred three and seven days as well as 2 months after each treatment. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: None of the adverse events recorded were considered treatment related. The percentages of participants with ≥ 50% decrease in LLM from pre-treatment for ≥ 4 months were 53%, 17% and 11% in the 6-dose, 2-dose and placebo treatment arms, respectively. The difference between the 6-dose and the placebo arm was significant (p = 0.01). The percentages of participants with LLM < 8100 mf/ml for ≥ 4 months were 21%, 11% and 0% in the 6-dose, 2-dose and placebo treatment arms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/ SIGNIFICANCE: The 6-dose regimen reduced LLM significantly, but the reduction was insufficient to eliminate the risk of severe and/or serious adverse reactions during ivermectin mass drug administration in loiasis co-endemic areas

Aqueous Extract of Sorindeia Juglandifolia Leaves Protects Methotrexate-Induced Liver and Kidney Damage in Rat

Introduction: Liver and kidney affection is a life-threatening disease caused by factors including drug-based treatment. Treatment based on methotrexate could result in liver and kidney damages. The study evaluates the preventive effects of Sorindeia juglandifolia leaves on methotrexate-induced liver and kidney impairment in rat. Methods: Healthy rats divided into 6 groups daily received distilled water, methotrexate (20 mg/kg), sub-cutaneous injection of L-carnitin (500 mg/kg) and methotrexate and the plant extract doses of 150, 250 and 350 mg/kg and methotrexate for 10 days. During treatment, body weight was recorded. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed; venous blood were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Liver and kidney were collected for oxidative markers and histological examination. Results: The consecutive treatment of animals with plant extract and methotrexate showed a significant prevention of the body weight decrease and enhancement of the relative weight of liver and kidney. Sorindeia. juglandifolia extract also protected from the significant increase in transaminase activities, bilirubin and protein level, hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic index, and in the kidney from hypercreatininemia and the increase in serum urea level. The extract prevented the decrease of sodium level and glomerular filtration. Plant extract improved reactive oxygen species detoxification agents and protected from the histological disorganization of the liver and kidney tissues, observed in the MTX control. Conclusion: Sorindeia juglandifolia leaves extract expressed hepatorenal protective properties and could be useful to prevent liver and kidney damage induce by methotrexate

Prevalence and intensity of human soil transmitted helminth infections in the Akonolinga health district (Centre Region, Cameroon): Are adult hosts contributing in the persistence of the transmission?

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are among the most prevalent afflictions of the developing world, with approximately 2 billion people infected worldwide. Heavily infected individuals suffer from severe morbidity that can result in death. These parasitic diseases also impair physical and mental growth in childhood, thwart educational advancement, and hinder economic development. Periodic deworming with Albendazole or Mebendazole of high-risk groups (school-age children, preschool children, and pregnant women) can significantly lower the levels of infections below the threshold associated with morbidity. However, an important proportion of the population (adults) is excluded from this high-risk group treatment based-strategy, and might lead to the persistence of these diseases in endemic areas despite the repeated treatments. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of this neglected at-risk group in the spread and persistence of STH in Cameroon. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Akonolinga health district (Centre Region, Cameroon) to assess the prevalence and intensity of these helminth infections. Stool samples were collected from males and females, aged 18 years and over, and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. Results: A total of 334 patients, among which 181 (54.2%) females and 153 (45.8%) males, were examined. The STH of major concern was found in this group of individuals, with overall prevalence equal to 18.0% (95% CI: 14.2–22.4) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 43.7% (95% CI: 38.5–49.1) for Trichuris trichiura, and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.1–10.8) for Necator americanus. Conclusion: This study reveals that STH infections are prevalent in adults in the Akonolinga health district, with moderate to high risk and light intensity of infection. These infected adults might constitute a potential parasite reservoir and a source of dissemination and persistence of these infections, highlighting the need to really take into account this neglected group of individuals in the mass treatment policy

Pre-treatment LLM, month of start and end of sustained (≥ 4 months) decrease in LLM by ≥ 50% from pre-treatment LLM, to < 8100 mf/ml or < 30000 mf/ml by treatment arm for participants with a sustained decrease by ≥ 50%.

<p>Pre-treatment LLM, month of start and end of sustained (≥ 4 months) decrease in LLM by ≥ 50% from pre-treatment LLM, to < 8100 mf/ml or < 30000 mf/ml by treatment arm for participants with a sustained decrease by ≥ 50%.</p

Proportion of participants with sustained (≥ 4 months) decrease in LLM by ≥ 50% from pre-treatment value and to < 8100 mf/ml.

<p>Proportion of participants with sustained (≥ 4 months) decrease in LLM by ≥ 50% from pre-treatment value and to < 8100 mf/ml.</p

Hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of Pterocarpus santalinoides stem barks aqueous extract on oxidized palm oil and sucrose-induced hypertensive rats

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of the stem barks aqueous extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (AEPS) on oxidized palm oil and sucrose-induced hypertensive rats.Methods: Hypotensive effects of AEPS, were evaluated in Wistar rats by intravenous injection of the extract (5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg). The arterial pressure and heart rate were directly recorded. The action mechanism through which the extract exhibits hypotensive effect was performed. Antihypertensive effects of AEPS were evaluated by administrating the enriched diet in oxidized palm oil and sucrose (DOS) concomitantly with AEPS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) during 8 weeks.Results: AEPS provoked a significant immediate decrease of mean blood pressure and heart rate. Atropine and reserpine, reduced significantly (p &lt; 0.01) the hypotensive effect of P. santalinoides. The enriched diet in oxidized palm oil and sucrose significantly increased the blood pressure and heart rate (p &lt; 0.001) by the increase (p &lt; 0.001) of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and a decrease of HDL-cholesterol. DOS also increased the liver (AST and ALT) and kidney (urea, creatinine) marker levels. The activity of SOD, catalase and MDA levels were significantly increased. The AEPS prevented the increase (p &lt; 0.001) in blood pressure and heart rate. The Lipid profile, liver and kidney functions and oxidative stress markers were also improved.Conclusion: Pterocarpus santalinoides exhibits a hypotensive activity through muscarinic cholinergic receptors and sympatic central nervous system. It also prevents DOS-induced hypertension by attenuating hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, liver and kidney damages initiated by DOS.