Protective Effects of Annona Muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) Leaf Aqueous Extract on Serum Lipid Profiles and Oxidative Stress in Hepatocytes of Streptozotocin-Treated Diabetic Rats

Extracts from various morphological parts of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) are widely used medicinally in many parts of the world for the management, control and/or treatment of a plethora of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effects of A. muricata leaf aqueous extract (AME) in rat experimental paradigms of DM. The animals used were broadly divided into four (A, B, C and D) experimental groups. Group A rats served as ‘control’ animals and received distilled water in quantities equivalent to the administered volumes of AME and reference drugs'' solutions intraperitoneally. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Groups B and C rats by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg kg⁻¹). Group C rats were additionally treated with AME (100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, p.o.) as from day 3 post STZ injection, for four consecutive weeks. Group D rats received AME (100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ p.o.) only for four weeks. Post-euthanization, hepatic tissues were excised and processed biochemically for antioxidant enzymes and lipid profiles, such as catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively. Treatment of Groups B and C rats with STZ (70 mg kg⁻¹ i. p.) resulted in hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinaemia, and increased TBARS, ROS, TC, TG and LDL levels. STZ treatment also significantly decreased (p<0.05) CAT, GSH, SOD, GSH-Px activities, and HDL levels. AME-treated Groups C and D rats showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in elevated blood glucose, ROS, TBARS, TC, TG and LDL. Furthermore, AME treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) antioxidant enzymes'' activities, as well as serum insulin levels. The findings of this laboratory animal study suggest that A. muricata extract has a protective, beneficial effect on hepatic tissues subjected to STZ-induced oxidative stress, possibly by decreasing lipid peroxidation and indirectly enhancing production of insulin and endogenous antioxidants.     

Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Nigerian Polyherbal Tonic Tea (PHT) Extract in Rodents

The study investigated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of a Nigerian Polyherbal Health Tonic tea aqueous extract (PHT) in rodents of both sexes. 100 – 500 mg kg⁻¹ of the aqueous extract was administered via the intra-peritoneal (i.p.) and oral (p.o.) routes to 5 groups of mice using tail immersion, tail clip, formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing tests of experimental nociceptive models. Each of the models showed that PHT possesses a significant (p<0.05) anti-nociceptive effects which were peripherally and centrally mediated as both the early and late phases of pain significantly (p<0.05) were inhibited. However, the peripherally mediated analgesic effect of PHT, although similar to that of aspirin but was found to be more potent than aspirin. In assessing its anti-inflammatory potentials, 300 – 1340 mg kg⁻¹ PHT was also administered via oral and intraperitoneal routes, which, significantly (p<0.05) reduced the volume of carrageenan-induced oedema. Although, PHT administered via i.p. route was more effective than the oral but there was barely any difference between the percentage inhibition of oedema volume at both 600 and 1340 mg kg⁻¹ given orally. PHT anti-inflammatory effect was elucidated to be significantly (p<0.05) mediated via histaminergic, serotonergic, bradykinin and prostaglandin inhibition. PHT was also shown to be more protective than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in the castor oil-induced diarrhea model, which suggests the involvement of other mechanisms. Thus, lending supports to its folkloric use in pain and swelling management.     

Absence of Organ Specific Toxicity in Rats Treated with Tonica, an Aqueous Herbal Haematinic Preparation

The sub-chronic toxicity of Tonica, an aqueous herbal haematinic prepared from the stem barks of Khaya senegalensis, Mitragyna stipulosa and Kigelia africana, was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats at 28, 280 and 560 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, representing the normal human dose, 10x and 20x that dose, respectively for 6 weeks. The growth rate of animals over the period of treatment and certain serum biochemical and haematological indices as well as urinalysis and weight of selected organs at termination, were determined. Results show that the extract did not affect the weight gain of the animals with time or the mean wet weights of selected organs. Although there were slight but insignificant (p>0.05) elevations in WBC (16–27%) and PLT (8–11%) counts in Tonica-treated animals compared to controls at 10x and 20x the normal dose, most serum biochemical, haematological and urinalysis data indicated no significant differences (p>0.05) between tests and control rats. There were also no changes in the morphology of liver, kidney, lung and heart tissues as a result of Tonica treatment. These findings suggest that Tonica is safe at the dosage regimens administered to the animals in this study, and there appears to be no overt organ specific toxicity associated with it.     

Hypoglycemic Effect of Treculia Africana Decne Root Bark in Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The solvent partitioned purified fractions of the hydro-acetone root bark extract of the African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) were evaluated for hypoglycemic activities in normal and diabetic albino rats. Fasting blood glucose levels were estimated by the use of a glucometer at pre-determined intervals after oral administration of the test extracts/fractions. Results revealed that the test fractions have only a slight effect on blood sugar level of normal rats. On short term and chronic administration in diabetic rats however, diethyl ether-soluble (DEF) and the water-soluble (WSF) fractions significantly reduced the fasting blood sugar levels (p<0.05) at differing rates when compared with the control group of animals. The diethyl ether soluble fraction (10 mg kg⁻¹ dose level) was found to exhibit the highest activity giving 69.4% reduction in blood sugar level (at 240 hours) which was in comparable range with the reference standard glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg⁻¹) which reduced blood sugar levels by 65.8% below the initial baseline values.     

Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of Drymaria Cordata (Linn.) Willd (Caryophyllaceae) Extract

Drymaria cordata (Linn.) Willd (Caryophyllaceae) is an herbaceous plant widely used in traditional African medicine (TAM) for the treatment of diverse ailments including painful and febrile conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the analgesic and antipyretic properties of the whole plant extract of D. cordata. The acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and tail clip tests were used to evaluate analgesic activity while the 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-, d-amphetamine-, and yeast-induced hyperthermia tests were used to investigate antipyretic activity in rodents. D. cordata (100, 200, and 400 mg kg⁻¹, p.o) produced significant (p<0.05) analgesic activity in the mouse writhing, formalin (second phase), and tail clip tests. The effects of D. cordata were generally comparable to those of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 100 mg kg⁻¹, p.o) and morphine (2 mg kg⁻¹, s.c). Also, D. cordata produced significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of temperature elevation in the 2,4-DNP and yeast-induced hyperthermia models with peak effects produced at the dose of 400 mg kg⁻¹. The effect at this dose was comparable to that of ASA in the two models. In the d-amphetamine method, D. cordata produced significant (p<0.05) dose- and time-dependent reduction of temperature elevation with peak effect produced at the dose of 200 mg kg⁻¹. The effect of the extract at this dose was greater than that of ASA. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the aqueous whole plant extract of Drymaria cordata possesses analgesic and antipyretic properties mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms.     

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Effects of Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam. Leaf Extracts Against Chronic Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat Liver

Chronic alcohol ingestion is known to increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby leading to liver damage. Antioxidant enzymes act individually or in combination to reduce or counter the effect of these ROS. Chronic administration of alcohol at (40% v/v, 1ml/100g), for 6 weeks showed a significant (p<0.05) elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB). There was also a significant (p<0.05) decreased levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase compared to control rats. Pre-treatment of rats with 200, 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana or 100 mg/kg silymarin resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decreased levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB with levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase showing a significant (p<0.05) increase compared to group administered alcohol only. Histopathology of rat liver administered with alcohol only resulted in severe necrosis, mononuclear cell aggregation and fatty degeneration in the central and mid zonal areas which was a characteristic of a damaged liver. Pre-treatment with the aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana or silymarin reduced the morphological changes that are associated with chronic alcohol administration. The presence of tannins, saponins and phenolic compounds observed in the plant extract could be responsible for the observed effects of decreasing the levels of injured tissue marker and lipid peroxidation.     

The Effects of Crude Aqueous and Alcohol Extracts of Aloe Vera on Growth and Abdominal Viscera of Suckling Rats

The gastrointestinal tract of neonates is sensitive to dietary manipulations. When nursing mothers use Aloe vera, their babies are at risk of indirect exposure to Aloe vera via breast feeding or directly as health supplements. The effects of orally administered extracts of Aloe vera in unweaned rats were investigated. Six day old Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with aqueous or alcohol extracts of Aloe vera (low dose 50mg. kg⁻¹ or high dose 500mg. kg⁻¹) daily for eight days. All data were expressed as mean ± SD and analyzed by one way ANOVA. Pups receiving high doses of either extract had a significantly higher body mass gain than the group receiving lower dose (p < 0.05). Tibial length was significantly increased in the high dose aqueous extract group (15–26 %). The differences in growth could not be attributed to circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 as the levels were not significantly different. The caecum was significantly enlarged in the rats that received the high doses of both extracts. Although, there was no significant difference in the non-fasting plasma concentration of glucose and triglycerides, the hepatic lipid and glycogen content were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for the high dose aqueous extract group. The plasma alanine transaminase was not affected by the treatments, however the high doses of the extracts significantly increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity. Short term administration of Aloe vera extracts resulted in growth promotion, enhanced hepatic storage of metabolic substrates, increased ALP possibly in relation to bone growth and caused hypertrophy of the caecum of neonatal rats. These effects need to be explored further to enhance animal production and health.     

Role of Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium) Extract on Oxidative Stress in Ameliorating Lead Induced Haematotoxicity

Effects of ROS generation have been postulated to be major contributors to lead-exposure related disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) on oxidative stress in rats protractedly exposed to lead. Aqueous extract of wormwood plant was administered orally (200 mg.kg⁻¹ body weight). Plasma vitamin C, E and non-protein thiol concentrations, red blood cells (RBC) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione levels and haemolysis test were evaluated. In addition, RBC antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase were also estimated. After 11-weeks, significant decreases of plasma vitamin C, E, non protein-thiol (NP-SH) and RBC-reduced glutathione levels were observed in Pb compared to control group (−32.9%, −57.1%, −53.1%, −33.9%, respectively); superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, uric aminolevulinic acid and haemolysis test significantly increased in Pb compared to control group (+64.3%, +40.3%, +145%, +44.3%, respectively). In our investigation, after 4-weeks of treatment all treated groups did not show any difference compared to the control group, except for glutathione peroxidase and RBC-superoxide dismutase activity (−15.7% and +16.4%, respectively). The findings of this study suggest that wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) extract restored the enzymes activities perturbed by exposure to lead, and had a protective role against lipid peroxidation     

Anthelmintic Efficacy of Nauclea Latifolia Extract Against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Direct effects of Nauclea latifolia extracts on different gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep is described. In vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to determine possible anthelmintic effect of leaf extracts of Nauclea latifolia toward different ovine gastro intestinal nematodes. A larval development assay was used to investigate in vitro, the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of N. latifolia towards strongyles larvae. The development and survival of infective larvae (L₃) was assessed and best-fit LC₅₀ values were computed by global model of non-linear regression analysis curve-fitting (95% CI). Twenty sheep harbouring naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes were treated with oral administration of ethanolic extracts at a dose rate of 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500mg/kg to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, in vivo.The presence of the extracts in the cultures decreased the survival of larvae. The LC₅₀ of aqueous and ethanolic extract were 0.704 and 0.650 mg/ml respectively and differ significantly (P<0.05, paired t test). Faecal egg counts (FEC) on day 12 after treatment showed that the extract is effective, relative to control (1-way ANOVA, Dunnett''s multiple comparison test), at 500mg/kg against Haemonchus spp, Trichostrongylus spp (p<0.05), Strongyloides spp (P < 0.01); at 250mg/kg against Trichuris spp (P < 0.01) and ineffective against Oesophagostomum spp (p>0.05). The effect of doses is extremely significant; the day after treatment is sometimes significant while interaction between dose and day after treatment is insignificant (2-way ANOVA).N. latifolia extract could therefore find application in the control of helminth in livestock, by the ethnoveterinary medicine approach.     

Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum (Labiate) in Rodents

The aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum was investigated for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats. The models used to study the effect on nociception are the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test, hot- plate method in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated employing the formalin-induced hind-paw oedema in rats. The extract caused a significant (p<0.05), dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate method. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effect which was significant (P<0.001) at all the three doses. The intraperitoneal LD₅₀ value of the extract was 1264.9mg/kg body weight in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The results suggest the extract contained pharmacologically active principles, and supports the local application of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts and Topical Products of the Stem Bark of Spathodea Campanulata for Wound Healing

The antibacterial activity of the aqueous, ethanol, methanol and petroleum ether Soxhlet extracts of sundried stem bark of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) was investigated by testing the extracts against B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanol extract was determined against the four bacteria strains and C. albicans using the broth dilution method. Four topical products were prepared by incorporating the methanol extract of S. campanulata (20 % w/w) into aqueous cream, soft paraffin, emulsifying ointment and simple ointment bases and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial efficacy. The effect of storage time on the activity of the methanol extract of S. campanulata and S. campanulata extract incorporated in aqueous cream base was also investigated. The methanol and ethanol extracts showed good activity while the aqueous and petroleum ether extracts exhibited little activity. The methanol extract showed the best antibacterial activity. The MIC of the methanol extract of S. campanulata was: C. albicans (45 – 50 mg/ml), B. subtilis and E. coli (50 – 55 mg/ml), P. aeruginosa (60 – 65 mg/ml), S. aureus (145 – 150 mg/ml). Antimicrobial activity of S. campanulata in the topical bases was in the order: aqueous cream > emulsifying ointment > simple ointment > white soft paraffin. Antimicrobial activity of S. campanulata in aqueous cream decreased (p < 0.05) upon storage at room temperature for 6-months. The antifungal activity of the methanol extract of S. campanulata was reduced (p < 0.05) upon storage while antibacterial activity was largely unaffected.     

Effects of the Aqueous and Hexane Extracts of Mondia Whitei on the Sexual Behaviour and Some Fertility Parameters of Sexually Inexperienced Male Rats

The effects of Mondia whitei Hook (Skeels) were studied on the sexual behaviour and some fertility parameters of sexually inexperienced male rats. Animals were orally administered 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of body weight (b.w) of either the aqueous or the hexane extracts of Mondia whitei whilst the control group received 10 mL/kg b.w of 0.3% Tween 80 once/day for 14 days. Their sexual behaviour was monitored on days 0, 1, 7 and 14 days of treatment and 14 days post-treatment. Some fertility parameters (index libido, quantal pregnancy, fertility index) of the treated rat were evaluated on day 13 of treatment by pairing it overnight with two proestrus females. Results showed that Mondia whitei extracts significantly (p<0.001) reduced the mount latency and the hexane extract was found to be more efficient than the aqueous extract. The treatment had no significant effect (p>0.05) on intromission, ejaculation and erection. The fertility of the animals remained unaffected. It''s concluded that Mondia whitei had sexual enhancement of the sexually inexperienced male rats.     

Spasmogenic effect of the Aqueous Extract of Tamarindus Indica L. (Caesalpiniaceae) on the Contractile Activity of Guinea-Pig Taenia Coli

The effect of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica (AETI) was studied on the guinea pig taenia coli, due to its use for treatment of constipation in traditional medicines. AETI, at concentrations ranging from 10⁻⁸ mg/ml to 10⁻² mg/ml, increased the spontaneous contractile activity of guinea pig taenia coli in a dose-dependent manner (EC50= 4×10⁻⁶ mg/ml). This activity was unaffected by atropine. In high K⁺, Ca²⁺-free solution containing EDTA, AETI as well as acetylcholine, used as a control, induced tonic contraction. These results suggest that the plant extract exert a spasmogenic effect that would not involve cholinergic mechanism of action. However, these active principles could mobilize both extra cellular calcium and intracellular calcium from internal stores.     

The T/G 13915 variant upstream of the lactase gene (LCT) is the founder allele of lactase persistence in an urban Saudi population

Background

The prevalence of lactase persistence is high in Saudi Arabia.

Objective

To identify a DNA variant for the lactase persistence/non‐persistence trait in adult Arabs in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We sequenced DNA from 432 anonymous neonatal blood donors from five different regions of Saudi Arabia to cover the 400 bp region surrounding the previously identified lactase persistence/non‐persistence variant C/T−13910 residing in intron 13 of the MCM6 gene.

Results

Two anonymous blood donors carried the C/T−13910 genotype. One variant, T/G −13915, residing 5 bp upstream of the C/T−13910 variant, was present in 332 of 432 (76.9%) of the neonatal samples, compatible with previous prevalence figures of lactase persistence in urban Saudi populations. Determination of disaccharidase activities in 25 intestinal biopsy samples showed a highly significant correlation between lactase activity and the T/G−13915 genotypes (p<0.001; Fisher exact test) as well as between the L:S ratio and the aforementioned genotypes (p<0.001; Fisher exact test).

Conclusion

The T/G−13915 variant is the founder mutation of lactase persistence in an urban Saudi population. The results obtained here have implications for genetic testing of adult‐type hypolactasia and to analysis of human evolution, the origin of cattle domestication and migrations of the populations in the Arabian peninsula.     

Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Free Radical Metabolism of Liver in Mice During Endurance Exercise

This study investigated the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on Free Radical Metabolism of Liver in mice during endurance exercise. Forty-eight mice were divided into the quiet group and the exercised group. And the two groups were both grouped again, including the control group and the drug-treated group. After exhaustive exercise, the exercised groups were subdivided into the immediate group and the recovery group. The swimming time to exhaustion significantly prolonged in the exercised drug-treated group as compared with the exercised control group (P <0.05); The SOD activity of drug-treated groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the control groups and MDA content was significantly lower (P <0.05). The SOD activity and MDA content of exercised control groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the quiet control group. The SOD activity and MDA content of exercised drug-treated groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the quiet drug-treated group. The results indicated that Ginkgo biloba extract can obviously increase the body''s endurance exercise capacity in mice and delay fatigue; Ginkgo biloba extract can help to increase the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue, reduce the lipid peroxidation injury in liver tissue caused by free radicals, improve athletic ability, and promote the recovery process after exercise in mice.     

Influence of preoperative serum N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide on the postoperative outcome and survival rates of coronary artery bypass patients

BACKGROUND:

The N-terminal fragment of pro-brain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an established biomarker for cardiac failure.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the influence of preoperative serum NT-proBNP on postoperative outcome and mid-term survival in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS:

In 819 patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery preoperative serum NT-proBNP levels were measured. NT-proBNP was correlated with various postoperative outcome parameters and survival rate after a median follow-up time of 18 (0.5–44) months. Risk factors of mortality were identified using χ², Mann–Whitney test, and Cox regression.

RESULTS:

NT-proBNP levels >430 ng/ml and >502 ng/ml predicted hospital and overall mortality (p<0.05), with an incidence of 1.6% and 4%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed decreased survival rates in patients with NT-proBNP >502 ng/ml (p = 0.001). Age, preoperative serum creatinine, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, low left ventricular ejection fraction and BNP levels >502 ng/ml were isolated as risk factors for overall mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, including the known factors influencing NT-proBNP levels, identified NT-proBNP as an independent risk factor for mortality (OR = 3.079 (CI = 1.149-8.247), p = 0.025). Preoperative NT-proBNP levels >502 ng/ml were associated with increased ventilation time (p = 0.005), longer intensive care unit stay (p = 0.001), higher incidence of postoperative hemofiltration (p = 0.001), use of intra-aortic balloon pump (p<0.001), and postoperative atrial fibrillation (p = 0.031)

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative NT-proBNP levels >502 ng/ml predict mid-term mortality after isolated CABG and are associated with significantly higher hospital mortality and perioperative complications.     

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cymbopogon Citratus Aqueous Extract Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Liver Injury in Male Rats

Background

Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) a tropical perennial herb plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten either fresh with food or dried in tea or soft drink has been reported to possess a number of medicinal and aromatic properties. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of C. citratus aqueous extract against liver injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), in male rats.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five different groups of five animals in each group; (1) Control. (2) Received H₂O₂ (0.5%) with drinking water. (3), and (4) received H₂O₂ and C. citratus (100 mg·kg⁻¹ b wt), vitamin C (250 mg·kg⁻¹ b wt) respectively. (5), was given C. citratus alone. The treatments were administered for 30 days. Blood samples were collected and serum was used for biochemical assay including liver enzymes activities, total protein, total bilirubin and malonaldehyde, glutathione in serum and liver homogenates. Liver was excised and routinely processed for histological examinations.

Results

C. citratus attenuated liver damage due to H₂O₂ administration as indicated by the significant reduction (p<0.05), in the elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, TB, and MDA in serum and liver homogenates; increase in TP and GSH levels in serum and liver homogenates; and improvement of liver histo-pathological changes. These effects of the extract were similar to that of vitamin C which used as antioxidant reference.

Conclusion

C. citratus could effectively ameliorate H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and prevent liver injury in male rats.     

Statin therapy blunts inflammatory activation and improves prognosis and left ventricular performance assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging in subjects with chronic ischemic heart failure: results from the Daunia Heart Failure Registry

BACKGROUND:

A limited number of studies have used Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on left ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure. In this work, we aimed to determine whether statin administration influenced prognosis, inflammatory activation and myocardial performance evaluated by Tissue Doppler Imaging in subjects enrolled in the Daunia Heart Failure Registry, a local registry of patients with chronic heart failure.

METHODS:

This study retrospectively analyzed 353 consecutive outpatients with chronic heart failure (mean follow-up 384 days), based on whether statin therapy was used. In all patients, several Tissue Doppler Imaging parameters were measured; circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and C-reactive protein were also assayed.

RESULTS:

Statin administration in 128 subjects with ischemic heart disease was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events (rehospitalization for HF 15% vs. 46%, p<0.001; ventricular arrhythmias 5% vs. 21%, p<0.01; cardiac death 1% vs. 8%, p<0.05), lower circulating levels of IL-6 (p<0.05) and IL-10 (p<0.01), lower rates of chronic heart failure (p<0.001) and better Tissue Doppler Imaging performance (E/E'' ratio 12.82±5.42 vs. 19.85±9.14, p<0.001; ET: 260.62±44.16 vs. 227.11±37.58 ms, p<0.05; TP: 176.79±49.93 vs. 136.7±37.78 ms, p<0.05 and St: 352.35±43.17 vs. 310.67±66.46±37.78 ms, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Chronic ischemic heart failure outpatients undergoing statin treatment had fewer readmissions for adverse events, blunted inflammatory activation and improved left ventricular performance assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging.     

Natural coagulation inhibitors and active protein c resistance in preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION:

The etiology of preeclampsia is not fully established. A few studies have shown a relationship between natural coagulation inhibitors and preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of natural coagulation inhibitors and active protein C resistance (APC‐R) in preeclampsia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We studied 70 women with preeclampsia recruited consecutively and 70 healthy pregnant and 70 nonpregnant women as controls. Plasma protein C (PC), free protein S (fPS), antithrombin III (ATIII) and APC‐R were evaluated.

RESULTS:

ATIII values were found to be significantly lower in preeclamptic patients than in the control groups (p< 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between the healthy pregnant and nonpregnant women groups (p = 0.141). The fPS values of the preeclamptic and healthy pregnant groups were lower than that of the nonpregnant group (p< 0.001), and the fPS value of the preeclamptic pregnant women was lower than that of healthy pregnant women (p<0.001). The PC value of the preeclamptic pregnant women was lower than that of the control groups (p< 0.001). The PC value of the healthy pregnant women was lower than that of the nonpregnant women (p< 0.001). The mean APC activity values were lower in the preeclamptic patients than that of the control groups (p< 0.001, p< 0.001). The APC‐R positivity rates of the preeclamptic groups were higher than that of the control groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrated that ATIII, fPS, PC values and APC resistance were lower and APC‐R positivity was higher in preeclamptic women than in normal pregnant and nonpregnant women.     

Antidepressant Properties of Aqueous Macerate from Gladiolus Dalenii Corms

Background

Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel (Iridaceae) has been used for the treatment of depression and psychotic disorders in African traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the aqueous extract from the corm of Gladiolus dalenii and its possible mechanisms of action.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the antidepressant properties of G. dalenii corm aqueous extract in mice, using the open field, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests. Spontaneous locomotor activity of mice given various doses of G. dalenii extract (per os) was determined in the open field, whereas immobility was evaluated in the other two tests.

Results

Extract maximal effect was observed at 15 mg/kg, as mice displayed a marked reduction in immobility time in both the forced swimming test (80%) and the tail suspension test (66%). In further studies aimed at investigating the mechanism of action of G. dalenii extract, the latter significantly antagonized the effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 75 mg/kg) at both the doses 15 mg/kg (p<0.001) and 150 mg/kg (p=0.004). A significant reduction in immobility time was also observed following treatment with combinations of a sub-effective dose of extract (7.5 mg/kg) with either the NMDA receptor antagonist D-(−)-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (D-AP7, 50 mg/kg, P< 0.001), the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (5 and 10 mg/kg, P< 0.001and P< 0.001 respectively), and the multi-target antidepressant imipramine (5 and 10 mg/kg, P< 0.001 and P< 0.001 respectively). Moreover, neither G. dalenii extract alone nor its combinations with NMDA ligands imipramine and fluoxetine enhanced mouse spontaneous locomotor activity.

Conclusion

Altogether, these results suggest that G. dalenii has antidepressant properties, probably mediated through interactions with NMDA, serotonin and/ or noradrenergic systems, and may justify its use in traditional medicine.