Subcellular Localization of Glutathione Peroxidase, Change in Glutathione System during Ageing and Effects on Cardiometabolic Risks and Associated Diseases

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is a selenoprotein with biological properties that allow the detoxification of endogenous or exogenous reactive oxygen species as well as the elimination of xenobiotic compounds in the cells. Due to its isoform activities and pathophysiological functions, GPx holds the status of a redox system (GSH/GSSG) in the glutathione (GSH) system to prevent oxidative damage of cellular constituents. As such, the GPx is the first line of defense against free radicals. Its deficiency causes oxidative stress that not only promotes the oxidation of proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) but also leads to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and metabolic alterations, which expose to high risk for cardiometabolic disorders due to cardiovascular and degenerative diseases especially when associated with aging. This work presents a review of different studies done on the localization of GPx in subcellular organelles, activity changes during cellular aging, their effects on cardiometabolic risks, and associated diseases

Traditional Foods as Putative Sources of Antioxidants with Health Benefits in Konzo

Konzo is a toxico-nutritional neurological disease associated with oxidative damage induced by cyanide poisoning through the ingestion of poorly processed bitter cassava. Dietary uses and patterns, determined using food frequency questionnaires, structured interviews and direct observation in consenting households to Kahemba, the rural area most affected by konzo in the world, showed that the diet of affected population is not varied and largely dependent on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) products. Commonly consumed foodstuffs include herbal teas, mushrooms, spices, vegetables and yams. Phytochemical composition of extracts revealed that they contained flavonoids and phenolic acids as major compounds. All extracts of investigated traditional foods at the concentration range of 0.25–20 μg/mL, displayed high radical scavenging and cellular antioxidant activities using lucigenin on equine neutrophils, related to their phenolic content. The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Manihot glaziovii exhibited the highest antioxidant activity among vegetables. Lippia multiflora is the most active of the herbal teas, Auricularia delicata of mushrooms, Dioscorea alata of yams and Ocimum basilicum of spices. Traditional foods showed more efficient effects on extracellular ROS production and MPO activity. Traditional foods have interesting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and could putatively be used as functional foods or nutraceuticals in the prevention of oxidative damage associated with konzo

LES ENJEUX DU CONTROLE SANITAIRE DANS LES DIFFERENTS PORTS DU KONGO CENTRAL, CAS DE PORT DE SOCOPE, MATADI BEACH, BOMA ET MUANDA

Les enjeux du contrôle sanitaire des navires dans les ports du Kongo central fournit des indications quant à la préparation et mise œuvre de l’inspection, les informations à renseigner concernant les certificats et la mise en application des mesures de santé publique entrant dans les champs d’application du règlement sanitaire international. Le contrôle sanitaire de navire relève  une grande importance pour le risque de la propagation des maladies à potentiel épidémiologique. Malgré les contrôles et livraison de la libre pratique s’effectue dans nos diffèrent port du Kongo central, sa relève beaucoup d’insuffisances sur les résultats de l’enquête de notre travail sur les enjeux du contrôle sanitaire dans les ports du Kongo Central. Depuis 2005 où le règlement sanitaire international a été mis en vigueur jusqu’à nos jours, le contrôle sanitaire parait encore méconnu par les agents du PNHF enquêtés qui est mieux indiquée pour la mise en œuvre.Les enjeux du contrôle sanitaire des navires dans les ports du Kongo central fournit des indications quant à la préparation et mise œuvre de l’inspection, les informations à renseigner concernant les certificats et la mise en application des mesures de santé publique entrant dans les champs d’application du règlement sanitaire international. Le contrôle sanitaire de navire relève  une grande importance pour le risque de la propagation des maladies à potentiel épidémiologique. Malgré les contrôles et livraison de la libre pratique s’effectue dans nos diffèrent port du Kongo central, sa relève beaucoup d’insuffisances sur les résultats de l’enquête de notre travail sur les enjeux du contrôle sanitaire dans les ports du Kongo Central. Depuis 2005 où le règlement sanitaire international a été mis en vigueur jusqu’à nos jours, le contrôle sanitaire parait encore méconnu par les agents du PNHF enquêtés qui est mieux indiquée pour la mise en œuvr

Congolese Traditional Foods as Sources of Antioxidant Nutrients for Disease Prevention

Oxidative stress, characterized by excessive production of reactive species, is involved in several chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, chronic obstructive pulmonary, sickle cell, chronic kidney, neurodegenerative, and cancer. The negative impact of ROS and RNS, produced by endogenous and exogenous processes, is neutralized by antioxidant defenses. Given the importance of oxidative stress to human health, the use of antioxidants as therapy directs medical research toward the specificity of antioxidants causing each disease. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and phytoceuticals, the consumption of which reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. Flora of African countries is endowed with plant species that would make a putative source for new antioxidants. This article reports antioxidant activities of traditional foods from Democratic Republic of the Congo. Further studies are needed to ensure mechanisms of their functionality in the human body

Selenium content, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-sickling activities of Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild) P.G. Waterman (Rutaceae)

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify bioactive compounds, to determine the mineral content and to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-sickling activities of different parts of Zanthoxylum gilletii.Methods: Phytochemical composition was evaluated by general tests as well as chromatographic technics (TLC and HPLC), the mineral micronutrient content was quantified by spectroscopy ICP-OES. The antioxidant activities of the infusions extracts from leaves, stem bark and root bark of Z. gilletii were evaluated using ABTS an DPPH assays, the antibacterial activity against four bacteria strains using the micro-dilution method; and the anti-sickling activity was assessed by the Emmel test.Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols such as anthocyanins and flavonoids (stem bark) while stem and root barks contained tannins. Alkaloids were found in the leaves, saponins in leaves, stem and root barks. Leaves and root bark also contained triterpenoids and steroids, while only stem bark contained quinonic derivatives. For phenolic acids and flavonoids, stem and root barks could contain luteolin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and only stem bark could contain rutin. Mineral analysis revealed the presence of macronutrients and micronutrients including calcium, iron, zinc and selenium. All aqueous extracts displayed high ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging activities at the concentration range of 1–25 ug/mL. The in vitro Emmel test showed that the aqueous extracts of the different parts had anti-sickling properties at the concentration of 10.42 µg/mL, 20.83 µg/mL, 83.30 µg/mL for the stem bark, the leaves and the root bark respectively. The stem bark was the most active extract. The results of antibacterial activity test indicated that the all extracts exhibited the highest activity against Staphyloccocus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Stem barks showed moderate activity against P. aeruginosa and root barks against S. aureus and Enterococcus spp respectively.Conclusions: The bioactivities of the different parts could be attributed to alkaloids, phenolic compounds and terpenes. Stem bark showed the best antioxidant, antibacterial and anti sickling activities. Z. gilletii contains the phytochemicals that validate its use in Traditional Medicine for the management of sickle cell disease

Antioxidant potentiality of three herbal teas consumed in Bandundu rural areas of Congo.

peer reviewedThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cellular antioxidant activities of Lantana montevidensis, Lippia multiflora, and Ocimum gratissimum leaves often consumed as herbal teas in a rural area of Bandundu severely affected by konzo, which is related to oxidative damage. Consequently, dietary supplements with proven antioxidant potentialities could be of real interest to promote in this area. Phytochemical screening by TLC and HPLC-DAD of extracts revealed the presence of verbascoside as a major phenolic compound. Verbascoside in L. montevidensis and O. gratissimum is reported here for the first time. All extracts displayed high ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging activities at the concentration range of 1-40 mug mL-1 according to order: L. multiflora > O. gratissimum > L. montevidensis. L. multiflora showed the best cellular antioxidant activity using DCFH-DA on HL-60 monocytes assay at 1-20 mug mL-1. These herbal teas may be used as nutraceuticals for their potent antioxidant activity

Prunella vulgaris L. seeds: a promising source of lipids, proteins, and original phenolic compounds presenting high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Description of the subject. Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) is an edible herb used in Europe and Asia as herbal tea, food, dietary supplement or medicinal plant since several centuries. Although the composition and properties of the aerial parts are well documented in the literature, Prunella vulgaris seeds have never been investigated. Objectives. The aim of this work was to characterize the composition of these seeds to assess not only their nutritional potential (protein, lipid and minerals content), but also their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential as well as their specialized metabolites composition. Method. The protein, lipids and mineral content were determined. The phenolic compounds were isolated; elucidation of their structures was done by means of HR-MS and one- and two-dimensional NMR analysis. They were then evaluated for their biological activity, together with seed extracts. Results. Omega-3 rich oil and an interesting amino acids profile were detected in the seeds as well as the presence of a high content of polyphenolic compounds, including two structurally new compounds (phenylpropane derivatives) which were isolated and structurally characterized. The two compounds described here for the first time, were named amolsamic acids A&B. The seeds and amolsamic acids showed an interesting antioxidant potential, and a strong anti-inflammatory activity on neutrophils, MPO and HRP models. Conclusions. These findings highlight the real health promoting potential of P. vulgaris seeds and make them a good candidate as super-food or food supplement

Microscopic Characteristics , Chromatographic Profiles and Inhibition of Peroxidase Activity of the Leaves of Manihot esculenta and Manihot glaziovii , Consumed as Traditional Vegetables

peer reviewedMethanolic extracts from the leaves of Manihot esculenta (Two cultivars) and Manihot glaziovii, consumed as traditional vegetables in DR. Congo was chemically characterized by Thin layer Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. In vitro biochemical activities of extracts against Radical Oxidative Species (ROS) production were assessed in cellular models, on enzymes, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) involved in inflammation. The microscopic analysis of the powder of leaves showed that each species displays specific and discriminating botanical microscopic features. Varieties of M. esculenta had a chemical fingerprint different from M. glaziovii. The majority of compounds were polyphenols, repre- sented mainly by rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, amentoflavone, phenolic acids such as gallic acid. All extracts exhibited high cellular antioxidant activity in the range of 0.1 to 10 $\mu$g·mL−1 using lucigenin with neutrophils, but a moderate cellular antioxidant activity ranging between 10 and 100 $\mu$g·mL−1 with DCFDA on HL60 monocytes. Extracts from Manihot leaves showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on the production of extracellular ROS, on HRP and myeloperoxidase activity. Cellular antioxidant activities, the inhibitory effect on HRP of extracts from M. glaziovii, M. esculenta cultivar Mwambu were significantly higher, but their inhibitory effect on the activity of MPO was lower than those of M. esculenta cultivar TEM 419. The biological activities of Manihot esculenta and Manihot glaziovii were well correlated to their phytochemicals that could justify their traditional use as vegetables, potential functional foods or nutraceutical resources and medicines

Capacités antioxydantes et analyse phytochimique des aliments traditionnels de Kahemba: perspectives de valorisation dans la lutte contre le konzo

Konzo is a neurological toxico-nutritional disease associated with oxidative damage induced by cyanide poisoning through the ingestion of poorly processed bitter cassava. The global burden of the disease may therefore have been underestimated, which raises serious concerns for the public health of millions of people for whom cassava is the main subsistence crop. Konzo is a permanent and irreversible condition with no treatment available. Improved processing methods to remove cyanogens from cassava prior to human consumption and enhancement of human cyanide detoxification capabilities perhaps through dietary supplementation may be critical to the prevention of the disease. The promotion of traditional foods with potential health benefits may be useful in konzo-affected areas. The aim of this study was to identify traditional foods commonly consumed in the konzo affected area of Kahemba, to determine their chemical composition and to evaluate their antioxidant and their anti-inflammatory activities. Dietary uses and patterns were determined using food frequency questionnaires, structured interviews and direct observation in 30 consenting households (13 with at least one child affected by konzo). Phytochemical composition of extracts was investigated by thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and unknown metabolites were identified with spectroscopic techniques. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated by using classical cell-free system assay (ABTS and DPPH) but also on cellular (HL-60 cells and equine neutrophils) and enzymatic (myeloperoxidase) models used to study inflammation. The diet of the population of Kahemba city is not varied and largely dependent on cassava (Manihot esculenta) products. Commonly consumed foodstuffs include herbal teas, mushrooms, spices, vegetables and yams. Phytochemical analysis revealed the dominance of flavonoids and phenolic acids in vegetables, while herbal teas, mushrooms and yams are rich in phenolic acids. Caffeoyl-hydroxycitric acid was found to be a major phenolic acid from Hibiscus acetosella and neochlorogenic acid the major phenolic acid from Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa. Verbascoside is the main phenolic acid found in extracts of herbal teas and Sesamum angustifolium. All extracts at the concentration range of 0.25–20 µg/mL, displayed high cellular antioxidant activities using lucigenin on equine neutrophils, related to their phenolic content. The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Manihot glaziovii exhibited the highest antioxidant activity among vegetables. Lippia multiflora is the most active of the herbal teas, Auricularia delicata of mushrooms, and Dioscorea alata of yams. All plant extracts and isolated phenolic acids exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MPO activity at the concentration range of 0.1–20 µg/mL. Dichloromethane extracts showed a stronger inhibition of MPO in comparison to methanolic extracts. Biodiversity of the flora of Kahemba constitutes an unexploited reservoir of traditional food resources which have considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. However, in vitro findings, such as the antioxidant activities we have measured, are of uncertain relevance to the in vivo situation in healthy humans. Further studies are needed to evaluate the in vivo activity of these traditional foods and particularly in their cooked forms. This could lead to the valorization of traditional foods as food supplements with high antioxidant capacity and high quality protein. This may provide benefits to protect the population of Kahemba against oxidative damage under different conditions, including konzo/Le konzo est une maladie neurologique toxico-nutritionnelle associée à des dommages oxydatifs induits par l'intoxication au cyanure suite à la consommation de manioc amer insuffisamment traité. Le fardeau mondial de la maladie peut donc avoir été sous-estimé, ce qui soulève de sérieuses inquiétudes pour la santé publique de millions de personnes pour lesquelles le manioc est la principale culture de subsistance. Le konzo est une affection permanente et irréversible sans traitement disponible jusqu’à ce jour. L’amélioration des méthodes de transformation pour éliminer les cyanogènes du manioc avant la consommation humaine ainsi que l’amélioration des capacités de détoxification du cyanure par l’organisme humain par le biais de supplémentations alimentaires sont donc dès lors essentielles pour prévenir le konzo. La promotion d'aliments traditionnels présentant des potentiels thérapeutiques pour la santé peut ainsi être utile dans les zones touchées par le konzo.Le but de cette étude était d'identifier les aliments traditionnels couramment consommés dans la zone de Kahemba qui est sévèrement affectée par le konzo, de déterminer leur composition chimique en polyphénols et d'évaluer leurs activités antioxydantes et anti-inflammatoires.Les habitudes et les régimes alimentaires ont été déterminés sur base des questionnaires de fréquence de consommation, d'entretiens structurés et d'observation directe dans 30 ménages consentants (13 avec au moins un enfant affecté par konzo). La composition phytochimique des extraits a été déterminée par chromatographie sur couche mince, chromatographie liquide haute performance (CLHP-DBD) et les métabolites inconnus ont été identifiés par des techniques spectroscopiques. Les propriétés antioxydantes et anti-inflammatoires ont été évaluées par des tests chimiques in vitro (ABTS et DPPH), mais aussi sur des modèles cellulaires (HL-60 et neutrophiles équins) et enzymatiques (myéloperoxydase : MPO) utilisés pour étudier l'inflammation.L’alimentation de la population de Kahemba est peu variée et est largement dépendante du manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Les autres aliments couramment consommés comprennent quelques légumes, des plantes à tisanes, des champignons, des épices et des ignames. L'analyse phytochimique a révélé la présence abondante de flavonoïdes et d’acides phénols dans les légumes, tandis que les plantes à tisanes, les champignons et les ignames se sont montrés riches en acides phénols uniquement. L’acide caffeoyl-hydroxycitrique a été trouvé comme étant l’acide phénol majoritaire d’Hibiscus acetosella et l'acide néochlorogénique, celui d’Hibiscus cannabinus et d’Hibiscus sabdariffa. Concernant les plantes à tisanes et le Sesamum angustifolium (légume), c’est le verbascoside qui est l'acide phénol majoritaire. Tous les extraits seléctionnés ont exhibé des activités antioxydantes cellulaires élevées dans une gamme de concentration allant de 0,25 à 20 μg / mL. Ces activités corrélaient avec leur teneur en composés phénoliques. Les feuilles de Manihot esculenta et Manihot glaziovii ont présenté les plus fortes activités antioxydantes parmi les légumes. Lippia multiflora était la plus active des plantes à tisanes ; Auricularia delicata des champignons et Dioscorea alata des ignames. Tous les extraits et les acides phénols isolés présentaient un effet inhibiteur dose- dépendant sur l'activité de la MPO dans une gamme de concentration allant de 0,1 à 20 μg / mL. Les extraits au dichlorométhane ont montré une inhibition plus forte de la MPO comparés aux extraits méthanoliques. La biodiversité de la flore de Kahemba constitue un réservoir inexploité d’aliments traditionnels aux potentiels antioxydants et anti-inflammatoires considérables. Cependant, les résultats in vitro, tels que les activités antioxydantes que nous avons évaluées, sont d'une pertinence incertaine pour la situation in vivo chez les humains en bonne santé. D'autres études sont nécessaires pour évaluer l'activité in vivo de ces aliments traditionnels et en particulier sous leurs formes cuites. Cela pourrait conduire à la valorisation des aliments traditionnels en tant que compléments alimentaires à haute capacité antioxydante et protéines de haute qualité. Les activités biologiques des différents aliments pourraient offrir des bénéfices thérapeutiques pour protéger la population de Kahemba contre les dommages oxydatifs dans différentes conditions, y compris le konzo

Chemical Fingerprint and Anti-Sickling Activity of Rosmarinic Acid and Methanolic Extracts from Three Species of Ocimum from DR Congo

peer reviewedThe aim of this study was to characterize the polyphenolic composition by determination of chemical fingerprints of Methanolic extracts of Ocimum canum Sims, Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. from Democratic Republic of Congo and to compare their antisickling activity of that of rosmarinic acid, the major compound to those of methanolic extracts. Phytochemical analysis performed by TLC and HPLC analysis, showed that rosmarinic acid is the most abundant phenolic acid in these Ocimum species according to the following order O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims. Methanolic extracts of these three species and pure rosmarinic acid showed significant antisickling activities with minimal concentration of normalization values of 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.26 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.05 mg/mL for rosmarinic acid, O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims methanolic extracts respectively. The antisickling activity order is the same as that of the rosmarinic acid content, indicating that this polyphenolic acid would be among the main active molecules in these extracts