Efecto de dosis aguda de alcohol sobre las características bioquímicas del síndrome X en distintas categorías de bebedores nigerianos hombres y mujeres en aparente buen estado de salud

Background: «Syndrome X», known since the 1980’s is a disease condition precipitated by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes glucose and insulin to accumulate in the blood. Syndrome X is characterized by abnormal values of triacylglycerol (TAG), blood pressure (BP), glucose and HDL-cholesterol-all risk factors for heart disease. Insulin resistance may be exacerbated by bad diet, poor lifestyle, absence of physical activity, genetic predisposition and being overweight. However, recent reports have shown that poor lifestyle is likely to be the main cause rather than bad diet or being overweight. Even though heavy consumption of alcohol could be regarded as a poor lifestyle, its relationship to the biochemical features and symptoms of syndrome X in both genders is yet to be properly documented among Nigerian drinkers of alcohol. Methods: To establish a baseline information on the relationship between alcohol consumption and Syndrome X among Nigerians, two hundred and seventy-four consenting individuals in apparent good health and who were either light (53 male, 44 female), moderate (51 male, 42 female) or heavy (46 male, 38 female) drinkers of alcohol were selected. They had no personal or familial history of CHD, stroke, cancer or related diseases. The drinkers were tested using an acute dose (1 g ethanol/kg body weight) of alcohol. Results: Results show that the administered acute dose (1 g ethanol/kg body weight) increased serum glucose, (p>0.05), TAG (p<0.05) and BP (p<0.05) (some biochemical risk factors of Syndrome X) in both genders irrespective of the drinking category. However, alcohol-induced changes were highest among the female heavy drinkers. Thus, observations from this study suggest that heavy consumption of alcohol by especially the female folk could alter the pathways that metabolize carbohydrates and lipids and this may increase the risk of Syndrome X. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, it would be reasonable to conclude that heavy consumption of alcohol by Nigerian women especially may be yet another predisposing lifestyle to Syndrome X. The incidence of Syndrome X among drinkers of alcohol should be further investigated in order to provide clues to the underlying molecular mechanisms. This is important in order to strategize therapeutic approaches, since individuals with the disease may not recognize it. Antecedentes: Desde la década de 1980 se conoce el síndrome X, entidad patológica que se precipita por la resistencia a la insulina. A su turno, esta resistencia hace que la glucosa y la insulina se acumulen en la sangre. El síndrome X se caracteriza por valores anormales de triacilglicerol (TAG), presión sanguínea (PS), glucosa y colesterol de alta densidad (HDL), que son todos elementos de riesgo para enfermedades cardíacas. La resistencia a la insulina se puede aumentar por malos hábitos dietéticos, falta de actividad física, predisposición genética y sobrepeso. Sin embargo, varios informes recientes demostraron que un estilo de vida poco saludable puede ser también una causa principal del síndrome, quizá más que los malos hábitos dietéticos o el sobrepeso. Aunque el consumo alto de alcohol se podría considerar como un estilo de vida poco saludable, su relación con los factores bioquímicos y los síntomas del síndrome X, en ambos géneros, aún no se ha documentado de manera precisa entre los nigerianos consumidores de alcohol. Métodos: Establecer una información de base acerca de las relaciones entre consumo de alcohol y síndrome X para 264 nigerianos en aparente buen estado de salud que participaron de modo voluntario en el estudio. Aunque todos consumían alcohol, entre ellos había consumidores ligeros (53 hombres, 44 mujeres); consumidores moderados (51 hombres, 42 mujeres); y consumidores pesados (46 hombres, 38 mujeres). Ninguno tenía historia familiar de enfermedad cardíaca coronaria (ECC), accidentes cerebro-vasculares, cáncer, y otras enfermedades relacionadas. A todos se les examinó con una dosis de prueba (1 g de etanol/kg peso corporal) de alcohol. Resultados: Se comprobó que la dosis de prueba administrada (1 g de etanol/kg peso corporal) aumentó los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa (p>0.05) y TAG (p<0.05), así como la PS (p<0.05), factores de riesgo para el Síndrome X en ambos géneros, sin tener en cuenta la categoría del consumidor. Sin embargo, los cambios inducidos por el alcohol fueron más altos en las mujeres de consumo pesado. Así, pues, las observaciones de este estudio sugieren que el consumo alto de alcohol, sobre todo en las mujeres, puede alterar las vías del metabolismo de carbohidratos y lípidos y de esta manera aumentar el riesgo del síndrome X. Conclusiones: Con base en la evidencia disponible, es razonable concluir que el consumo elevado de alcohol especialmente en las mujeres nigerianas puede ser otro estilo de vida poco saludable que predispone al síndrome X. La incidencia del síndrome X entre los consumidores de alcohol se debería investigar más a fin de suministrar sugerencias e indicios acerca de los mecanismos moleculares subyacentes. Esto es importante para diseñar estrategias en los manejos terapéuticos, pues los individuos con la enfermedad no la pueden reconocer

Antibody And Complement Levels In Patients With Burkitt's Lymphoma

The concentration of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and complement (C3 and C4) were measured in fifty-seven (57) Nigerian children with Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), and in twenty-eight (28) apparently healthy control subjects, using the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) technique. The sera analyzed were obtained from the four clinical stages of BL. There were high titres of IgA (stage I: n=22; 667.27 \ub1 509.16; stage II:n=11; 616.82 \ub1 408.55; stage III: n=20; 695.65 \ub1 699.93 and stage IV: n=4, 485.75 \ub1 289.90); IgG (stage I: n=22, 260.59 \ub1 232.56; stage II:n=11 195.18 \ub1 102.86;stage III:n=20, 309.65 \ub1 276.43; stage IV:n=4, 244.85 \ub1 400.107). IgM (stage I:n=22, 253.55 \ub1 104.99, stage:II n=11, 217.82 \ub1 77.8; stage III:n=20, 419.20 \ub1 74.21, stage IV:n=4, 233.35 \ub1 108.84). These values are significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than the values for the control subjects (IgA, 330.11\ub1260.55; IgG, 288.29 \ub1 346.95, IgM, 201.82 \ub1 64.132). Higher complement titres were also observed in the various clinical stages of BL C3 (stage:In=22, 177.25 \ub1 5172; stage II:n=11, 197.36 \ub1 65.40; stage III:n=20, 190.05 \ub1 60.91; stage IV:n = 4, 142.25 \ub1 81.40); C4 (stage I:n=22,288.68 \ub1 181.84, stage II:n=11, 207.91 \ub1 67.64; stage III:n=20,243.30 \ub1 164.70, stage IV:n=4, 331.75 \ub1 275.59). The complement values for control subjects were significantly lower than the BL patients; (C3:157.04\ub1 37.76; C4 256.39 \ub1 181.93). These results show relative higher immnoglobulins and complement responses in Nigerian children with BL

Antibody and complement levels in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma

The concentration of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and complement (C3 and C4) were measured in fifty-seven (57) Nigerian children with Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), and in twenty-eight (28) apparently healthy control subjects, using the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) technique. The sera analyzed were obtained from the four clinical stages of BL. There were high titres of IgA (stage I: n=22; 667.27 ± 509.16; stage II:n=11; 616.82 ± 408.55; stage III: n=20; 695.65 ± 699.93 and stage IV: n=4, 485.75 ± 289.90); IgG (stage I: n=22, 260.59 ± 232.56; stage II:n=11 195.18 ± 102.86;stage III:n=20, 309.65 ± 276.43; stage IV:n=4, 244.85 ± 400.107). IgM (stage I:n=22, 253.55 ± 104.99, stage:II n=11, 217.82 ± 77.8; stage III:n=20, 419.20 ± 74.21, stage IV:n=4, 233.35 ± 108.84). These values are significantly higher (

α - Amylase activity in the saliva and plasma of habitual alcohol drinkers

This study reports on the influence of habitual alcohol drinking on α-amylase activity in individuals yet to manifest any physical or clinical sign associated with such drinking habit. α-Amylase activity was determined in saliva and plasma samples from randomly selected volunteers. Twenty-five male heavy drinkers and equivalent number of sex, age and weight-matched non-drinkers, all in apparent good health were enlisted for the study after obtaining their consent. Mean α-amylase activity in saliva and plasma was significantly higher (p<0.05) in habitual drinkers (185.0±6.0 IU/L; 113.5 ± 4.0 IU/L) than in non-drinking controls (144.0 ± 8.0 IU/L; 72.5±3.5 IU/L). Significant increase in both saliva and plasma α-amylase activity could be used in the early diagnosis of heavy alcohol drinking

Neuroprotective aftermath of Monodora myristica and Glycyrrhiza glabra against cassava diet containing vacuum gas oil induced brain injury in Wistar rats

Vacuum gas oil (VGO) is a hydrocarbon combination formed during crude oil extraction, and its consumption may have neurological repercussions. This study investigated the neuroprotective properties of Monodora myristica and Glycyrrhiza glabra in rats given cassava flour diet containing vacuum gas oil (CFD-VGO). Thirty rats were separated into six groups and treated as follows: Group 1 severed as normal control. Group 2 were fed CFD-VGO only. After a normal diet was given to groups 3, 4, and 5, M. myristica, G. glabra, and M. myristica plus G. glabra extracts were administered. Group 6, 7, 8 and 9 were given CFD-VGO and then treated with M. myristica extract, G. glabra extract, M. myristica plus G. glabra extracts and 2-methyl cellulose respectively. The rats were euthanized using carbon dioxide after experimental period of 28 days. The brain was excised for biochemical assays. The results showed that the concentration of the assessed 16 PAHs in CFD-VGO using GC-MS was 53.38 ppm. Significant (p < 0.05) increase were observed in malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (T.Chl), triacylglycerol (TAG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and decrease in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and ATPases in the brain rats fed with CFD-VGO. On the other hand, administration of M. myristica and G. glabra extract effectively restored altered antioxidants, ATPases, and lipids in brain of rats fed with cassava diet containing VGO

Efecto de dosis aguda de alcohol sobre las características bioquímicas del síndrome X en distintas categorías de bebedores nigerianos hombres y mujeres en aparente buen estado de salud

Background: «Syndrome X», known since the 1980's is a disease condition precipitated by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes glucose and insulin to accumulate in the blood. Syndrome X is characterized by abnormal values of triacylglycerol (TAG), blood pressure (BP), glucose and HDL-cholesterol-all risk factors for heart disease. Insulin resistance may be exacerbated by bad diet, poor lifestyle, absence of physical activity, genetic predisposition and being overweight. However, recent reports have shown that poor lifestyle is likely to be the main cause rather than bad diet or being overweight. Even though heavy consumption of alcohol could be regarded as a poor lifestyle, its relationship to the biochemical features and symptoms of Syndrome X in both genders is yet to be properly documented among Nigerian drinkers of alcohol. Methods: To establish a baseline information on the relationship between alcohol consumption and Syndrome X among Nigerians, two hundred and seventy-four consenting individuals in apparent good health and who were either light (53 male, 44 female), moderate (51 male, 42 female) or heavy (46 male, 38 female) drinkers of alcohol were selected. They had no personal or familial history of CHD, stroke, cancer or related diseases. The drinkers were tested using an acute dose (1 g ethanol/kg body weight) of alcohol. Results: Results show that the administered acute dose (1 g ethanol/kg body weight) increased serum glucose, (p>0.05), TAG (p<0.05) and BP (p<0.05) some biochemical risk factors of Syndrome X in both genders irrespective of the drinking category. However, alcohol-induced changes were highest among the female heavy drinkers. Thus, observations from this study suggest that heavy consumption of alcohol by especially the female folk could alter the pathways that metabolize carbohydrates and lipids and this may increase the risk of Syndrome X. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, it would be reasonable to conclude that heavy consumption of alcohol by Nigerian women especially may be yet another predisposing lifestyle to Syndrome X. The incidence of Syndrome X among drinkers of alcohol should be further investigated in order to provide clues to the underlying molecular mechanisms. This is important in order to strategize therapeutic approaches, since individuals with the disease may not recognize it.Antecedentes: Desde la década de 1980 se conoce el síndrome X, entidad patológica que se precipita por la resistencia a la insulina. A su turno, esta resistencia hace que la glucosa y la insulina se acumulen en la sangre. El síndrome X se caracteriza por valores anormales de triacilglicerol (TAG), presión sanguínea (PS), glucosa y colesterol de alta densidad (HDL), que son todos elementos de riesgo para enfermedades cardíacas. La resistencia a la insulina se puede aumentar por malos hábitos dietéticos, falta de actividad física, predisposición genética y sobrepeso. Sin embargo, varios informes recientes demostraron que un estilo de vida poco saludable puede ser también una causa principal del síndrome, quizá más que los malos hábitos dietéticos o el sobrepeso. Aunque el consumo alto de alcohol se podría considerar como un estilo de vida poco saludable, su relación con los factores bioquímicos y los síntomas del síndrome X, en ambos géneros, aún no se ha documentado de manera precisa entre los nigerianos consumidores de alcohol. Métodos: Establecer una información de base acerca de las relaciones entre consumo de alcohol y síndrome X para 264 nigerianos en aparente buen estado de salud que participaron de modo voluntario en el estudio. Aunque todos consumían alcohol, entre ellos había consumidores ligeros (53 hombres, 44 mujeres); consumidores moderados (51 hombres, 42 mujeres); y consumidores pesados (46 hombres, 38 mujeres). Ninguno tenía historia familiar de enfermedad cardíaca coronaria (ECC), accidentes cerebro-vasculares, cáncer, y otras enfermedades relacionadas. A todos se les examinó con una dosis de prueba (1 g de etanol/kg peso corporal) de alcohol. Resultados: Se comprobó que la dosis de prueba administrada (1 g de etanol/kg peso corporal) aumentó los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa (p>0.05) y TAG (p<0.05), así como la PS (p<0.05), factores de riesgo para el Síndrome X en ambos géneros, sin tener en cuenta la categoría del consumidor. Sin embargo, los cambios inducidos por el alcohol fueron más altos en las mujeres de consumo pesado. Así, pues, las observaciones de este estudio sugieren que el consumo alto de alcohol, sobre todo en las mujeres, puede alterar las vías del metabolismo de carbohidratos y lípidos y de esta manera aumentar el riesgo del síndrome X. Conclusiones: Con base en la evidencia disponible, es razonable concluir que el consumo elevado de alcohol especialmente en las mujeres nigerianas puede ser otro estilo de vida poco saludable que predispone al síndrome X. La incidencia del síndrome X entre los consumidores de alcohol se debería investigar más a fin de suministrar sugerencias e indicios acerca de los mecanismos moleculares subyacentes. Esto es importante para diseñar estrategias en los manejos terapéuticos, pues los individuos con la enfermedad no la pueden reconocer

Nauclea latifolia aqueous leaf extract eliminates hepatic and cerebral Plasmodium berghei parasite in experimental mice

Objective: To assess the effects of hot water leaf extract of Nauclea latifolia (N. latifolia) on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation values and parasite levels in hepatic and brain tissue of experimental mice (BALB/c) infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) malaria. Methods: Forty nine mice were divided into seven groups (n = 7) and used for the study. Group A (control) were given 0.2 mL/kg phosphate buffer saline; Group B mice were infected with P. berghei and treated with phosphate buffer saline. Groups C and D mice were also infected but treated with 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract respectively. Groups E and F mice were not infected, but received 200 and 300 mg/kg of leaf extract respectively. Group G mice were infected and treated with chloroquine (5 mg/kg). Liver and brain tissues of mice were prepared for both biochemical assay and microscopic examination. Results: Results showed that P. berghei malaria infection induced oxidative stress in both liver and brain tissues as evidenced by the significant (P < 0.05) decrease in antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase. These reductions perhaps caused compromise in membrane integrity as indicated by the significant increase in lipid peroxidation product malondialdhyde. Malaria parasites were also identified in these tissues. However, N. latifolia treatment eliminated the parasites in tissues and protected them from oxidative damage even better than chloroquine treatment did, whose anti-malarial potency also cleared tissue parasites. The measurement of protection by N. latifolia against damage was strengthened by the insignificant micro structural alterations. Conclusions: The bioactive phytochemical(s) in N. latifolia should be structured and the mechanism(s) of its antimalarial tendency should be further investigated

Impact of generic antimalarial or Phyllanthus amarus and vitamin co-administration on antioxidant status of experimental mice infested with Plasmodium berghei

Oxidative stress is a key factor in malaria pathogenesis, particularly, malaria induced anaemia and pathological changes in some organs in the body. This research aimed at investigating the effect of Phyllanthus amarus seed extract (PASE), chloroquine (CLQ), and artesunate (ATS) used alone and co-administered with vitamin A, B, C, or E on oxidative stress in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. A total of eighty (80) adult albino male mice infected with P. berghei (NK 65 strain) were randomly allotted to 16 treatment groups, mice in another group (17th group) were uninfected; n = 5. Of the treatment groups, fifteen were administered sole generic antimalarials/PASE and combined vitamins A, B, C or E orally for 5 days. Biochemical assay for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were carried out on the serum. Assay for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were carried out on homogenised liver and brain. Treatment with PASE, CLQ and ATS combined with vitamin A, B, or E respectively, demonstrated significant increase in the serum levels of GPx and GR concentration. Treatment with PASE/ATS alone and in combination with vitamin A, B, C, and E significantly increased the liver GPX, SOD, and CA levels with significant decrease in liver MDA levels. Treatment with PASE/CLQ alone and in combination with vitamin A, B, C, and E significantly increased the brain GPX, GR and SOD levels with significant decrease in brain MDA levels. PASE showed enhanced antioxidant capacity in plasmodiasis solely or combined with vitamins A, B and E. Furthermore the co-administration of generic agent like artesunate with vitamins A, B, and E enhanced the antimalarial activity and treatment outcome as shown by the antioxidant effects. However, co-administration with vitamin C may be counter-productive

Safety and antimalarial therapeutic index of alkaloid-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. &amp; Thonn. in mice

Background: Malaria fever is known to cause around one million passings per annum. This life-threatening infection is predominant in most part of Africa. Malaria vaccinations are challenging in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. Drugs derived from plants have been utilized customarily to treat malaria. In this manner, assurance of the harmfulness and antimalarial capacity of plant derived drugs can demonstrate to be the source of novel lead compound to control malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and antimalarial therapeutic index of alkaloid-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus in mice. Methods: Thirty rats (n = 5/group) were used for the oral acute toxicity study and administered with varying doses (0, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg b.wt) of alkaloid-rich extract of P. amarus. The oral acute toxicity was carried out according to OECD guidelines.After 21 days of monitoring, serum liver function tests and liver histology were performed using documented methods. The antimalarial index was determined using median effective dose (ED50) of thirty five mice divided into 7 groups (n = 5). Results: showed that up to the highest dose (5000 mg/kg), there were no biochemical derangements in liver function. Physical signs of toxicity were also not observed. Antimalarial activity indices showed high potency with therapeutic index of 30.13. Conclusion: Alkaloid-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus is therefore, non-toxic with reputable antimalarial activity. The active alkaloid(s) deserve further study as source for possible development of new and more potent antimalarial agent