Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of hypertension in the Maritime region of Togo

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in modern societies and there is evidence that its incidence and severity are increasing. This survey was conducted to investigate the plants used by the Togolese traditional healers to treat the disease.Method: From January to June 2016, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with traditional healers (TH) in the southern region of Togo. The importance of the plants was assessed by the calculation of the use value (UV).Results: In Total, 128 TH male and female were interviewed and 116 plants species belonging to 46 families were identified as treating hypertension. The most represented families were: Fabaceae with 16 species followed by Euphorbiaceae and Rutaceae contributing with 8 and 6 species respectively. Based on the calculated use values the most important species were Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum. Et thonn. (UV = 0.47); Crateva religiosae G.Forst. (UV = 0.47), Boerhavia diffusa Engelm. &A.Gray L. (UV = 0.47), Xylopia athiopica A. Rich. (UV = 0.42), Mangnifera indica L. (UV = 0.38). The leaves and the roots were the parts of plant predominantly used to prepare the recipes, mainly decoctions administrated by oral route. Clinical manifestations such as dizzy spells, swarming, loss of consciousness, severe headache, severe anxiety and shortness of breath, nosebleed, and fear of heights were used by TH to diagnose the disease.Conclusion: This study showed initial evidence of the use of plant materials by Togolese TH to treat hypertension. These results constitute a database for pharmacological screenings with the aim of developing new therapies.Key words: Hypertension, traditional medicine, ethnobotanical survey, medicinal plants, Togo

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN THE MARITIME REGION OF TOGO

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in modern societies and there is evidence that its incidence and severity are increasing. This survey was conducted to investigate the plants used by the Togolese traditional healers to treat the disease. Method: From January to June 2016, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with traditional healers (TH) in the southern region of Togo. The importance of the plants was assessed by the calculation of the use value (UV). Results: In Total, 128 TH male and female were interviewed and 116 plants species belonging to 46 families were identified as treating hypertension. The most represented families were: Fabaceae with 16 species followed by Euphorbiaceae and Rutaceae contributing with 8 and 6 species respectively. Based on the calculated use values the most important species were Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum. Et thonn. (UV = 0.47); Crateva religiosa G.Forst. (UV = 0.47), Boerhavia diffusa Engelm. &A.Gray L. (UV = 0.47), Xylopia aethiopica A. Rich. (UV = 0.42), Mangnifera indica L. (UV = 0.38). The leaves and the roots were the parts of plant predominantly used to prepare the recipes, mainly decoctions administrated by oral route. Clinical manifestations such as dizzy spells, swarming, loss of consciousness, severe headache, severe anxiety and shortness of breath, nosebleed, and fear of heights were used by TH to diagnose the disease. Conclusion: This study showed initial evidence of the use of plant materials by Togolese TH to treat hypertension. These results constitute a database for pharmacological screenings with the aim of developing new therapies

Impact of helminth infections on female reproductive health and associated diseases

A growing body of knowledge exists on the influence of helminth infections on allergies and unrelated infections in the lung and gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa. However, the bystander effects of helminth infections on the female genital mucosa and reproductive health is understudied but important considering the high prevalence of helminth exposure and sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this review, we explore current knowledge about the direct and systemic effects of helminth infections on unrelated diseases. We summarize host disease-controlling immunity of important sexually transmitted infections and introduce the limited knowledge of how helminths infections directly cause pathology to female reproductive tract (FRT), alter susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and reproduction. We also review work by others on type 2 immunity in the FRT and hypothesize how these insights may guide future work to help understand how helminths alter FRT health

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF PLANTS USED TO TREAT ASTHMA IN THE MARITIME REGION IN TOGO

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in modern society and it is evident that its incidence and severity are increasing, however very little is known about the plants used in the management of the disease. This study therefore aimed to document the plants usage in the Togolese traditional medicine to treat asthma. Methodology: From January to June 2015, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with traditional healers (THs) in the southern region of Togo. The importance of the plants species was assessed by the calculated use values. Results: In Total, 121 THs (92 males and 29 females) were interviewed and 98 plants species belonging to 54 families were identified as curing asthma. The most represented families were: Leguminosae with 7 species followed by Euphorbiaceae and Rutaceae contributing with 6 and 5 species respectively. Based on the calculated use values the most important species were Carcica papaya L., Cataranthus roseus L., Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Piper guineense Thonn., Eucalyptus citriodora Hook., Eucalyptus globules Labill. and Euphorbia hirta L. The leaves and the root were the parts predominantly used to prepare the formulations, mainly decoctions, administrated by oral route. Clinical manifestations such as wheezing (91.74%), difficulty as speaking or coughing (73.55%), dyspnea (66.94%), dry cough (52.89%), sweating and increased heart rate (52.07%) were used by TH to diagnose the disease. Conclusion: This study showed initial evidence of the use of plant materials by Togolese TH to heal asthma. These results could be a starting point for laboratory screenings

Molecular characterization of high-risk humanpapillomavirus genotypes in women with or without cervical lesions at VIA/VILI in Kara, Togo

Background: Persistent infection with high-risk (HR) papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes plays a central role in the pathogenesis of invasive cervical cancer. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of HR-HPV among women with or without cervical lesions at VIA/VILI in Togo. Methods: Cervical samples were collected from 238 women with or without cervical lesions at VIA / VILI and[c3] DNA [c4]was extracted and analyzed by real-time multiplex PCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to determined risk factors associated with HPV infection. inPietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA / LABIOGENE) in Burkina Faso. Results: The age of the women ranged from 17 to 61 years old, and most were married (73.5%). The prevalence of HRHPV was 35.71% and this was higher in the age range 35-39 years. The six most common genotypes were HPV 31 (18.7%), HPV 52 (13.82%), HPV 68 (13.01%), HPV 66 (9.76%), HPV 58 (8.13%) and HPV 56 (8.13%). Genotypes HPV 18 (4.07%)and HPV 16 (0.81%) were less frequent.[c5] Married or living with a partner was associated with HPV infection ( OR=2,17, IC [1.20-3.91], p<0,009). Conclusion: This study allowed characterizing for the first time in Togo, HR-HPV genotypes. This will help mappingHR-HPV genotypes circulating in West Africa. Keywords: Human papillomavirus; High-risk; Genotyping; Kara; Togo

Hyperreactive onchocerciasis is characterized by a combination of Th17-Th2 immune responses and reduced regulatory T cells

<div><p>Clinical manifestations in onchocerciasis range from generalized onchocerciasis (GEO) to the rare but severe hyperreactive (HO)/sowda form. Since disease pathogenesis is associated with host inflammatory reactions, we investigated whether Th17 responses could be related to aggravated pathology in HO. Using flow cytometry, filarial-specific cytokine responses and PCR arrays, we compared the immune cell profiles, including Th subsets, in individuals presenting the two polar forms of infection and endemic normals (EN). In addition to elevated frequencies of memory CD4⁺ T cells, individuals with HO showed accentuated Th17 and Th2 profiles but decreased CD4⁺CD25^hiFoxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. These profiles included increased IL-17A⁺, IL-4⁺, RORC2⁺ and GATA3⁺CD4⁺ T cell populations. Flow cytometry data was further confirmed using a PCR array since Th17-related genes (IL-17 family members, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-22) and Th2-related (IL-4, IL-13, STAT6) genes were all significantly up-regulated in HO individuals. In addition, stronger <i>Onchocerca volvulus</i>-specific Th2 responses, especially IL-13, were observed <i>in vitro</i> in hyperreactive individuals when compared to GEO or EN groups. This study provides initial evidence that elevated frequencies of Th17 and Th2 cells form part of the immune network instigating the development of severe onchocerciasis.</p></div

Blood Safety: On-Site Verification Of The Screening Of HIV, HBV And HCV By Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) Kits From Bio-Rad Laboratories At The “Centre National De Transfusion Sanguine” (CNTS) Of Lomé In Togo

Background: Blood transfusion improves health and saves lives. Safe blood must be ensured for our populations. Quality assurance is a process that includes a set of coordinated activities in order to achieve the quality objective. Compliance with the quality management rules of medical biology laboratories requires verification of methods prior to their use. This study aimed to verify the on-site verification of the performance of the Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method performed at the serology laboratory of the CNTS of Lomé. Methods: The performance of ELISA method performed at the serology laboratory of CNTS for the diagnosis of HIV, Hepatitis B and C with Bio-Rad Genscreen ULTRA-HIV Ag-Ac, Bio-Rad Monolisa-HBs Ag ULTRA and Bio-Rad Monolisa HCV Ag-Ac ULTRA V2 kits respectively was evaluated on repeatability, reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity according to COFRAC's SH GTA 04 reference. Results: The evaluation of the repeatability and reproducibility of each kit used in the laboratory resulted in compliant Coefficients of Variation (CV) with manufacturers’ ones. Sensitivities obtained with Bio-Rad Monolisa HCV Ag-Ac ULTRA V2, Bio-Rad Monolisa HBs Ag ULTRA and Bio-Rad Genscreen ULTRA HIV Ag-Ac kits were 94.59%, 98.08% and 100% respectively. For specificity tests, we found 86.49% with BIO-Rad Genscreen ULTRA-HIV Ag-Ac kit, 94.34% with Bio-Rad Monolisa HCV Ag-Ac ULTRA V2 kit and 97.37% with Bio-Rad Monolisa-HBs Ag ULTRA. Conclusion: In general, results were compliant except HIV diagnosis specificity. This study appears as a contribution to the establishment of a verification file for ELISA method used at the serology laboratory of CNTS of Lomé

Distinct Schistosoma mansoni-Specific Immunoglobulin Subclasses Are Induced by Different Schistosoma mansoni Stages&mdash;A Tool to Decipher Schistosoma mansoni Infection Stages

Despite the existence of an effective medication against schistosomiasis, the disease remains a major health problem in affected areas, especially for those lacking appropriate sanitary facilities. Moreover, treatment cannot prevent re-infection since it is only effective on adult schistosome worms. Previous retrospective studies in the Sudan have discovered unique immuno-epidemiological profiles in uninfected individuals and those positive for Schistosoma mansoni via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) but egg-negative and those with eggs in their stool. Expanding on these data, serum samples from these individuals were further investigated for the presence of cercarial (SmCTF)-specific antibodies, which would indicate immune responses at the early stages of infection. Indeed, SmCTF IgG1, 2, 3 and 4 levels were significantly elevated in SmPCR+ individuals when compared to egg+ patients. Following multivariable regression analysis, including SmCTF-specific Igs, Schistosoma egg antigen (SEA)-specific and Schistosoma worm antigen (SWA)-specific immunoglobulins revealed a specific immunoglobulin (Ig) profile of individuals presenting different states of infection, which may be a useful future tool in order to identify egg&minus; individuals and thereby prevent unnecessary treatments