Combination of aqueous extracts of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and some calcium channel blockers synergistically improves CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats.

In the present study, special attention was drawn to CCl4-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and how the nephrotoxicity could be treated or prevented by administration of aqueous extracts of Curcuma longa (AECL) alone or in combination with some calcium channel blockers. Thirty (30) male albino wister rats were grouped according to their weight into 6 groups (A-F) of 5 rats per group. Rats in groups A-D received CCl4 (0.4ml/kg b.wt, i.p) for 3 days. Group B received AECL (200mg/kg, oral), Group C received AECL and nifedipine (1mg/100g of rat, i.p), Group D received AECL and amlodipine (1mg/100g of rat, i.p), and group E received AECL alone with no CCl4 challenge for 3 days. No treatment was administered to group F (Normal control). Serum renal biochemical parameters; MDA level and SOD activity in the kidney homogenates were measured. CCl4 administration to the rats resulted to acute kidney injury with significantly increased Urea, Creatinine, K+ and MDA levels and decreased SOD activity (p<0.05, p<0.01 or p<0.001). The 3 days daily administration of AECL alone or plus nifedipine or amlodipine resulted in the attenuation of the CCl4-induced kidney injury with significantly decreased Urea, Creatinine, K+ and MDA levels and increased SOD activity (p<0.05. p<0.01). Histopathological results showed a concomitant association with the biochemical findings. This study shows that the combination of the extract and some calcium channel blockers is synergistically nephroprotective and can be used to prevent acute renal injury.

Predictors of poor glycemic control in adult with type 2 diabetes in South-Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The study investigated predictors of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: Data on demographics, anthropometric and clinical parameters were collected in a cross-section survey from 140 adults with T2DM, using standard tools/instruments. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was assessed as a measure of glycemic control. RESULTS: Majority (83.3%) had poor glycemic control status of which about 95% constitute the elderly. The elderly (OR= 5.90, 95% Cl: 1.66-20.96) were more likely associated with poor glycemic control than the non-elderly (p = 0.006). Adjustment for significant predictor variables: Age, waist-hip ratio (WHR), Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and Systolic blood pressure (SBP), although attenuated the odds (OR= 5.00, 95% CI: 1.19-20.96) of poor glycemic control, it still remained significantly (p = 0.028) higher in the elderly. Patients outside tight FPG control significantly (p = 0.001) showed poor glycemic cotrol than those within tight FPG (OR= 17.39, 95%Cl: 5.83-51.90), even with attenuated OR (OR= 10.85, 95%Cl: 3.10-37.96) and (OR=12.08, 95%Cl: 3.64-40.09) when non-significant and significant predictor variables were accounted for, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age, WHR, FPG, and SBP were significantly associated with differences in glycemic control. The elderly and FPG outside tight control showed significantly increased odds of poor glycemic control status.

Ranula: Current Concept of Pathophysiologic Basis and Surgical Management Options.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus opinion on a definitive surgical management option for ranulas to curtail recurrence, largely from the existing gap in knowledge on the pathophysiologic basis. AIM: To highlight the current scientific basis of ranula development that informed the preferred surgical approach. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Public Tertiary Academic Health Institution. METHOD: A 7-year 7-month study of ranulas surgically managed at our tertiary health institution was undertaken-June 1, 2008-December 31, 2015-from case files retrieved utilising the ICD-10 version 10 standard codes. RESULTS: Twelve cases, representing 0.4 and 1.2% of all institutional and ENT operations, respectively, were managed for ranulas with a M:F = 1:1. The ages ranged from 5/12 to 39 years, mean = 18.5 years, and the disease was prevalent in the third decade of life. Main presentation in the under-fives was related to airway and feeding compromise, while in adults, cosmetic facial appearance. Ranulas in adults were plunging (n = 8, 58.3%), left-sided save one with M:F = 2:1. All were unilateral with R:L = 1:2. Treatment included aspiration (n = 2, 16.7%) with 100% recurrence, intra-/extraoral excision of ranula only (n = 4, 33.3%) with recurrence rate of 50% (n = 2, 16.7%), while marsupialisation in children (n = 1, 8.3%) had no recurrence. Similarly, transcervical approach (n = 5, 41.7%) with excision of both the ranula/sublingual salivary gland recorded zero recurrence. Recurrence was the main complication (n = 4, 33.3%). CONCLUSION: With the current knowledge on the pathophysiologic basis, extirpation of both the sublingual salivary gland and the ranula by a specialist surgeon is key for a successful outcome.