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

Effects of the aqueous extract of Pycnanthus angolensis (Myristicaceae) on male rat sexual behavior and nitric oxide release

Erectile dysfunction is a major public health problem leading to harmful consequences for couples. Hence the need to find adequate treatments using medicinal plants such as Pycnanthus angolensis, a Cameroonian plant used to treat erectile dysfunction. The effects of aqueous extract of Pycnanthus angolensis wood were evaluated on male rat sexual behavior and nitric oxide release. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 each that included a group receiving orally: distilled water (10 ml/Kg BW), plant extract treatment (43 or 86 or 172 mg/kg BW). Sexual behaviors were monitored on days 1, 4, 7, and 14 by pairing male rats to receptive females and nitric oxide levels were assessed in penile homogenate. At the end of the 14 days of treatment, rats were killed and sexual organs weighed. No significant effect was observed on sexual organs weights. When administered at a dose of 43 mg/Kg, body weight; the plant extract significantly increased (p<0.05) the sexual performance as well as the libido of male rats. Nitric oxide release was significantly increased (p<0.05) in that group of extract-treated rats, while compared to the control group. The study demonstrates that Pycnanthus angolensis is a medicinal plant which can enhance the sexual behaviors of male rat. Hence, it can be used for the management of erectile dysfunction, mainly at a dose of 43 mg/Kg, body weight

Studies on dyeing and bacterial resistance of Dacryodes macrophylla extract on woollen fabric

The dyeing of wool fabric using a natural dye extracted from Dacryodes macrophylla has been studied using both conventional as well as ultrasonic dyeing methods. Natural dye was extracted using water as solvent by Soxhlet extraction method. The extracted color was characterized by spectroscopic studies like UV/Visible and further tested for antimicrobial activity (against Vibrio cholerae (MTCC3906), Salmonella enterica serotype typhi (MTCC733), Shigella flexneri (MTCC1457), Escherichia coli (MTCC119), Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC657) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96). It was observed that the water extract of D. macrophylla showed antimicrobial activities against S. enterica. The effect of mordants on the dyeing outcome in terms of colour depth as well as fastness properties of the dyeing was investigated.&nbsp; It has been found that employing all the three techniques of dyeing i.e., conventional dyeing at 100 oC and 80 oC as well as ultrasonicated dyeings conducted at 80 oC, the mordanted samples were deeper in depth than their unmordanted counterparts. The results of fastness properties of the dyed fabrics were fair to good. Depths of the shade and fastness properties in case of ultrasonic dyeing were found to be better compared to conventional dyeing. Dacryodes macrophyllaextract&nbsp; was found to enhance microbial resistance of wool as well as was itself as a good source of coloration. These textiles dyed with the natural dyes can be very useful in developing clothing for infants, elderly and infirm people to protect them against common infections

Determination of multiple mycotoxins levels in poultry feeds from Cameroon

For the first time in Cameroon, this paper reports on multiple mycotoxins occurrences in poultry feeds. Twenty feed samples collected from different poultry farms were analyzed for 320 fungal metabolites by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results showed feeds contamination by 68 metabolites including 18 mycotoxins/metabolites currently regulated in the European Union such as fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2, and B3; deoxynevalenol (DON); and beta-zearalenol recovered in all samples. FB1 reported highest FB mean level of 468 (range 16-1930) μg kg－1. Levels of DON and ZEN were mostly concentrated in feeds from western-highlands conversely for FBs and aflatoxins concentrations in Yaounde. Aflatoxin B1 mean level of 40 μg kg－1 exceeded the worldwide permitted limit for aflatoxins in feed and generally inversely proportional to weight gain in chicken

Importance of biochemical analysis of the liver function in the management of disease progression in people living with HIV/AIDS and co-infected by HIV and hepatitis B virus in Cameroon

Liver diseases in HIV infected persons can occur due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infections, chronic alcoholism, and hepatic tuberculosis as well as antiretroviral drugs. Coinfection by HIV and HBV is frequently encountered with negative impact on HIV progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of biochemical analysis of the liver function in the management of disease progression in people living with HIV/AIDS and co-infected by hepatitis B virus in Cameroon. Serum of 75 patients positive for HIV was screened for HBsAg by immunochromatographic test in Yaoundé central hospital, from November 2015 to February 2016. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, CB, TB and γ-GT), as well as CD4 T cell level determination were assessed following the standard procedures. A second blood sample was taken from HIV mono-infected and HIV/HBV co-infected after three months. The socio-demographic data was also collected. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.1 statistical software and p&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) was identified in 12 patients out of 75 HIV-positive patients for a HIV/HBV co-infection prevalence of 16%. Study participants with HIV/HBV co-infection have a high ALT mean level (p&lt;0.05), than HIV mono-infected participants and the difference was statistically significant. Analysis using the second blood sample carried out 3 months later, showed significant elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, conjugated bilirubin and total bilirubin, (46.66±33.42 IU; 148.48±40.65 IU; 153.68±65.82 IU; 0.149±0.028 mg/dl; 0.75±0.089 mg/dl), while the γ-GT remained stable over time. No statistically significant CD4 count mean difference was observed between HIV mono-infected and HIV/HBV co-infected participants. The first blood sample showed significant elevation of ALT in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in the Yaoundé Central hospital. High levels of liver enzymes were seen in co-infection during the second blood sampling, hence there is a necessity of careful monitoring of these patients for better care.Keywords: co-infection, HBV, HIV, CD4 T cells, liver enzyme

Importance of biochemical exploration of the liver in the control of disease progression in people living with HIV/AIDS and coinfected by HIV and Hepatitis C virus in Cameroon.

Viral infection continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world in particular those caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the biochemical exploration of the liver function in the control of disease progression in people living with HIV/AIDS and co-infected by HIV and hepatitis C virus. Sera from 75 patients positive for HIV were screened for HCV antibody by immuno-chromatographic test in Yaoundé central hospital, from November 2015 to February 2016. The biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, CB, TB, γ-GT, ALP and creatinin), as well as CD4 T cell level determination were assessed following standard procedures. A second blood sample was taken from HIV mono-infected and HIV/ HCV co-infected after three months. Socio-demographic data were also collected. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.1 statistical software and p&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Amongst 75 study patients, 10 (13.3%) were HIV/HCV co-infected. The results obtained showed that, the activity of γ-GT was significantly higher (P &lt;0.0001) in HIV/HCV co-infected patients compared to HIV mono-infected patients. The concentration of total bilirubin was also significantly higher in HIV/HCV co-infected patients (P = 0.015). Biochemical analysis using the second blood sample carried out 3 months later, after first sample, showed a significant increase of creatinin observed in HIV monoinfected patients, but no significant increase of some biochemical parameters (ALT, Creatinin, total Bilirubin, conjugated Bilirubin) was observed in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. In HIV / HCV co-infected patients, the first blood sample showed a significant increase of γ-GT (118.36±75.95 IU) compared to HIV mono-infected patients, in the Yaoundé Central Hospital. From this observation, hepatic damage should be evaluated by analyzing biochemical parameters.Key words: Liver enzyme, Co-infection, HIV, HCV, contro

A prominent role of Hepatitis D Virus in liver cancers documented in Central Africa

Abstract Background Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest cancers in Central Africa, a region with the unusual peculiarity to be hyperendemic for infections with Hepatitis B, C and D viruses. However, data estimating the respective proportions of HCC cases attributable to these viruses are still limited in this area. The current study was undertaken to determine the role of these viruses in HCC compared to non-HCC Cameroonian patients. Methods A case–control study was conducted in the Gastroenterology Unit of Central Hospital of Yaounde in collaboration with Centre Pasteur of Cameroon. Blood samples of all HCC cases (n = 88) and matched control individuals without known liver disease (n = 85) were tested for serological markers of Hepatitis B, C and D viral infections using commercially available enzyme immune-assay kits. Hepatitis B and C viral loads were quantified for positive patients by real-time PCR using commercial kits. Results The mean age was 46.0 ± 18 and 42.1 ± 16 years old for HCC-patients and controls, respectively for a 2.3 Male/Female sex ratio. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to HCV and antibody to HDV were significantly higher in HCC patients (65.90, 20.26 and 26 % respectively) than in control patients (9.23, 4.62 and 1 %) (P < 2.5 10−5). The risk factors analysis showed that both HBV and HCV infections were strongly associated with HCC development in Cameroon with crude odds ratios of 15.98 (95 % CI 6.19-41.25) and 7.33 (95 % CI 2.09-25.77), respectively. Furthermore, the risk of developing HCC increased even more significantly in case of HBV and HDV co-infections with the odd ratio of 29.3 (95 % CI, 4.1-1231). HBV-DNA level was significantly higher in HBsAg-positive HCC-patients than in HBsAg-positive controls with (6.3 Log IU/mL and 5.7 Log IU/mL) respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion HBV and HCV infections are the mains factors of HCC development in Cameroon. Our results show that patients co-infected with HDV are at very high risk to develop HCC. An active surveillance program of patients and, foremost, an easier access to antivirals and primary prevention measures are crucial steps to reduce the incidence of HCC in this country. Due to the lack of truly efficient antiviral therapy, the fate of HDV-infected patients remains, however, particularly worrying

Hepatitis E virus infection as a promoting factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in Cameroon: Preliminary Observations

Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in patients with chronic hepatitis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to assess its potential consequences for disease progression. Methods: We conducted a prospective case-control study on patients with HCC hepatitis B or C related and non-HCC patients including patients with CLD and patients without clinical evidence of liver disease. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM were tested by ELISA using commercially available kits. Liver damage was assessed by alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, platelets and prothrombin measurements. Results: We observed a significant anti-HEV IgG carriage in HCC patients compared to non-HCC subjects with CLD (41.8% vs 12.6%; P = 9.1 E-6; OR = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.3-10.6). HCC patients with HEV infection display more profound alterations of circulating liver enzymes, platelets count and prothrombin time than HCC patients without sero-reactivity to HEV. Conclusion: Overall, this study indicates a high prevalence of HEV infection in Cameroonian patients with CLD and HCC. These data suggest either that patients with liver tumors are more susceptible to hepeviral infection or that, in a tropical context, HEV might promote the progression of liver diseases towards tumor. Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatitis E, Seroprevalence, Anti-HEV IgG, Anti-HEV Ig

The role of hepatitis C virus genotypes and core mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma in Cameroon

International audienceBackground: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is known to be an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Cameroon. However, the effect of HCV-related factors on HCC development still remains unknown in the Central Africa. In this study, we investigated the role of HCV genotypes and core mutations in HCC development in Cameroonian patients.Methods: A case-control study was conducted using patients with HCV-related HCC and matched controls individuals with chronic HCV infection but without HCC. HCV genotypes and mutations were determined using a hemi-nested amplification and sequencing analysis focus on the core and NS5B HCV regions.Results: We identify HCV genotype 1, 2 and 4 in both groups. Interestingly, genotype 4 was significantly more prevalent in HCC patients (53.3%). Overall, distribution of genotypes was very different between cases and controls (P = 4.2 E-7). The risk factors analysis showed that infection with HCV-4 is strongly associated with HCC development with odd ratio, 95% confidence interval and p-values of 7.4 (95% CI: 2.08-26.6; P = .001). Furthermore, the risk of developing HCC increased even more significantly in case of infection with HCV subtype 4f with the odd ratio of 20.8 (95% CI, 4.1-66.8; P < .001). Mutations K10R, T72E, K74R and G77A were significantly more frequent in patients with HCC. Remarkably, HCV-4f isolates from HCC patients carried significantly more mutations when compared to controls with HCV-4f or others genotypes (P = .0001).Conclusions: Our results indicate that patients infected with HCV-4f or with selected variants affecting HCV core gene are at increased risk to develop HC