Outcomes of a food voucher program and factors associated with the recovery rate of children with moderate acute malnutrition in Far North Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Research on moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is limited, despite its high prevalence. This study examined outcomes of bi-weekly locally available foods provided via a food voucher program (FVP) on nutritional recovery [mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ≥ 125 mm] from MAM (defined as MUAC between 115 and 124 mm) and identified the factors associated with recovery rate in Kaélé health district, Far North Region of Cameroon. METHODS: This was a prospective study with 474 MAM children aged 6-59 months. Food voucher distribution and MUAC screening were conducted at 6 bi-weekly visits or until the child was recovered. Time to recovery was evaluated with multivariate Cox proportional regression hazard models with associations quantified using adjusted hazard ratio (aHR). The trend for MUAC, including its determinants, was examined with multivariate linear mixed effect models. RESULTS: The recovery rate was 78.3% by 6 weeks after the first food basket; 3.4% remained MAM, and 5.9% were transferred for treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM defined as MUAC < 115 mm). Boys were 34% more likely to recover from MAM than girls [aHR = 1.34, 95%CI (1.09, 1.67)]. Children aged 24-53 months were 30% more likely to recover than those aged 6-11 months [aHR = 1.30, 95%CI (0.99, 1.70)]. A one unit increase in weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) was associated with 1.89-fold greater likelihood of recovery [aHR = 1.89, 95%CI (1.66, 2.14)]. Male children had on average 1.82 mm greater increase in MUAC than female children (p < 0.001). One unit increase in WHZ was associated with 3.42 mm increase in MUAC (p = 0.025). Children aged 12-23 and 24-53 months had 1.03 mm and 2.44 mm, respectively, greater increase in MUAC over the program than children aged 6-11 months (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The recovery rate of MAM children treated with the FVP met the Sphere standards for targeted supplementary feeding programs (> 75%). Child's WHZ, gender and age were significant factors associated with MUAC increase and recovery from MAM in the FVP. These findings indicate the FVP approach shows promise as an effective alternative treatment for MAM with consideration of associated factors and merits further evaluation.

Clinical characteristics and classification of Cameroonians with obesity and metabolically normal phenotype in the West region of Cameroon.

The objective of this study was to classify and suggest an adequate definition of the metabolically normal phenotype among Cameroonians with obesity in the western Region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Cameroon Region from August 2016 to August 2017. A total of 324 subjects with BMI >27 kg/m2, aged of 20 years and older, and not treated for cardiometabolic diseases were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical parameters of the subjects were collected. Four definitions of metabolic status were tested to suggest the definition that best identifies the subjects with obesity but metabolically normal phenotype (MNO) in the study. The prevalence of the MNO phenotype varied from 2.50% to 29.60% according to the definitions used. According to the individual definitions, the prevalence of the MNO phenotype was 29.60% according to Hinnouho, 16.00% according to Mbanya, 7.40% according to Meigs and 2.50% according to Widman. Markers of inflammatory profile (high sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), carbohydrate homeostasis (fasting glucose and homeostasis model assessment), markers of lipid profile (total cholesterol and triglyceride), systolic blood pressure, nitric oxide, adiposity indices (Waist circumference and waist to hip ratio) were significantly lower in MNO subjects for the majority of definitions (p < 0.05). The modified Hinnouho definition showed better specificity (60.90%) and sensitivity (12.10%) for an area under the ROC curve of 0.98. The degree of agreement was low between the different pairs of definition of the MNO phenotype (Kappa< 0.61). There is poor agreement between the different definitions of the MNO phenotype among Cameroonians with obesity. Therefore, the adoption of a universal definition of MNO phenotype should be proposed to facilitate the management of metabolic health in people with obesity.

Malnutrition, Eating Habits, Food Consumption, and Risk Factors of Malnutrition among Students at the University of Maroua, Cameroon.

Methods: Three hundred and thirty students of both sexes, aged between 17 and 35 years old, were recruited from January to February 2018. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and BMI) were measured, and an eating and lifestyle questionnaire was administered to each participant, as well as a 24-hour dietary recall. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.95 ± 3.67 years and BMI was 22.19 ± 2.78 kg/m2. Approximately 6.1% were underweight, 12.1% overweight, and 0.9% obese, and all age groups were affected. Concerning eating habits, low protein, fruit, and vegetable consumption were recorded among students. Cereals were the main source of carbohydrates consumed. Besides, 6% of them had a low dietary intake, 21% had a poorly diversified diet, and 2% were highly food insecure. The students' daily macronutrient intake was within the recommended reference values, except for carbohydrates, which exceeded and represented 62.69± 13.84% of daily energy intake. Also, only 32.2% of respondents had adequate energy intake. A poorly diversified diet was associated with a high incidence of overweight. Conclusions: Both forms of malnutrition are indeed present among the students of the University of Maroua, and nutritional education for this young segment of the population will be essential to prevent complications associated with malnutrition in the working life.

Lipomodulatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of a polyherbal formulation based on garlic and avocado seed extracts on high fat high sucrose diet fed rats.

Objective: To determine antioxidant potentials of Allium sativum and Persea americana seeds extracts and three formulation-based extracts in vitro, and to evaluate the effects of the best formulation on oxidative stress and dyslipidemia on rats fed with high fat and high sucrose diet (HFHSD). Methods: Aqueous extracts of Allium sativum, Persia. americana and three formulations were mixed at various portions (A. s/P. a; w/w): F (1:1), F (3: 1), and F(1:3). They were then tested for their antioxidant potentials in vitro using FRAP, DPPH and NO radicals to identify the best formulation. Four hundred (400) mg/kg b.w. of formulation F(1:1) were administered once daily for 21 days to rats previously fed with HFHSD for 8 weeks. Standard diet, vitamin E, and Atorvastatin were used as controls. After 21 days, body weight, blood glucose, lipid markers, activities of transaminases and markers of the antioxidant systems were assessed. Results: The Formulation F(1:1) showed the best in vitro activity with IC50 values of 6.5 and 2.23 mg/mL respectively for FRAP and DPPH- radical scavenging capacity. HFHSD caused a depletion of antioxidants associated with an increase of pro-oxidants and all the lipid markers except HDL-c Treatment with F(1:1) significantly increased TAC, SOD, and catalase activities, while MDA, protein carbonyls, and NO levels decreased (p < 0.05). Formulation F(1:1) decreased triglycerides (119.88 ± 4.25 mg/dL) and LDL-c (3.78 ± 0.66 mg/dL) levels and significantly increased the HDL-c level: (108.07 ± 6.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, Formulation F(1:1) significantly caused weight loss (2.31%), reduced blood glucose levels (27.38%) and ALT activity. Conclusion: The formulation F(1:1) could be a good candidate for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, dyslipidemia and features of metabolic syndrome.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of hydroethanolic extract of the fruit of Baillonella toxisperma in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective: This work evaluated the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of pulp extracts of B. toxisperma fruits in rats. Methods: The regulatory ability of the extract on the secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells (oral glucose tolerance test), and digestion and/or absorption of carbohydrates (starch and sucrose) were evaluated on normal Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and the animals were treated by the administration of a single daily dose of 400 mg/kg BW of extract. The effect of the extract on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats was monitored 30 min, 2 h, and 5 h after administration, and on the 7th and 14th days of treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, liver was preserved for the determination of glycogen content. The serum was prepared and markers for nephro and hepatotoxicity were assessed, as well as cardiovascular risk. Results: The hydroethanolic extract of B. toxisperma fruits significantly reduced glucose concentrations after administration of starch and sucrose in normoglycemic rats by limiting the glycemic peak (increasing of 19.67% vs 27.88% for positive control and 35.96% vs 43.97% for positive control, for starch and sucrose respectively). No effect was observed after glucose administration. B. toxisperma fruits significantly decreased glucose levels by 14.5% and 54.23% respectively 30 min after administration and 7th days of treatment respectively. The extract decreased plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats; it also decreased the cardiovascular risk through the reduction of Cardiac Risk Ratio, Atherogenic Coefficient, and non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. The extract also promoted renal function but not structural integrity of the liver. Conclusions: This study suggests that the hydroethanolic pulp extracts of B. toxisperma fruits are good antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties agents and could be a potential source of compounds for diabetes management.

Passiflora edulis seed oil from west Cameroon: Chemical characterization and assessment of its hypolipidemic effect in high-fat diet-induced rats.

In this study, the in vivo hypolipidemic effect of west Cameroonian Passiflora edulis variety seed oil (PE) was assessed in female and male Wistar rats. The chemical properties of the oil were evaluated through the determination of the peroxide, iodine, and thiobarbituric acid values, as well as its fatty acid composition using gas chromatography. Results showed that the oil extraction yield was 19.90% and its quality indexes were as follows: peroxide value = 2.10 ± 0.20 meq O2/kg; thiobarbituric acid value = 0.25 ± 0.00 ppm; and iodine value = 97.40 ± 0.45 g I2/100 g. Its fatty acid composition showed that it contains about 84.88% of unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid being the most represented (68.39%), followed by oleic acid (14.31%). The administration of this oil resulted in a significant reduction (p < .05) in the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in rats. The PE groups showed a significant increase (p < .05) in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared with untreated male rats. A similar trend was observed with female rats for triglycerides, but lowest values were observed with olive oil at 1 ml. This study suggests that P. edulis seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, which might be responsible for its hypolipidemic effect comparable to that of olive oil.

Relationship between malaria, anaemia, nutritional and socio-economic status amongst under-ten children, in the North Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment.

BACKGROUND: Despite malaria, malnutrition and anaemia being major public-health challenges in Cameroon, very little has been reported on the interaction between these interconnected health determinants. This study therefore sought to investigate the relationship between malaria, anaemia, nutritional and socio-economic status amongst under-ten children living in six localities within two health districts in the North Region of Cameroon. METHODS: Accordingly, a cross- sectional survey was conducted during the peak malaria season in November 2014, in Pitoa and Mayo-Oulo Health Districts. Three hundred and sixty eight children aged 6months-10 years were enrolled. Structured questionnaires were used to assess socio-economic status. Anthropometric indices were taken using standard methods and nutritional status assessed by calculating Height for Age (HA), Weight for Age (WA) and Weight for Height (WH) z-scores to determine stunting, underweight and wasting respectively. Finger-prick blood samples were used to prepare thin and thick blood smears for microscopy. Whole blood was collected to determine the PCV and blood spots on filter paper were used to extract plasmodium DNA for speciation by PCR. RESULTS: Overall prevalence rates of malaria, malnutrition and anaemia were 32.9%, 54.1% and 20.6% respectively. Stunting, underweight and wasting were detected in 56.9%, 63.5% and 34.8% of the children respectively. There was a significant association between malaria and malnutrition [OR = 1.89, (95% CI: 1.12-3.19); (p = 0.017)]. Malnutrition was also strongly associated with malaria status [OR = 2.07, (95% CI: 1.22-3.53); (p = 0.007)]. The prevalence rates of mild, moderate and severe anaemia were 8.1%, 9.2% and 3.3% respectively. Both malaria status and anaemia correlated with development index [OR = 0.75, (95% CI: 0.58-0.99); (p = 0.042)] and [OR = 1.45, (95% CI: 1.05-2.00); (p = 0.023)] respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings show a synergistic relationship between malaria and malnutrition. Effective collaboration between malaria control and nutrition intervention programmes is essential for proper case management and improved socio-economic status.

The Use of a Stem and Leaf Aqueous Extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to Reduce Body Fat and Other Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Participants.

BACKGROUND: Previous work had shown the ability of an aqueous leaf and stem extract of Cissus quandrangularis (300 mg of CQR, CQR-300) to improve components of metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight individuals. OBJECTIVE: This small pilot study aimed to confirm the efficacy of CQR-300 in reducing the percentage body fat measured using two different methods-bioelectrical impedance assay versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DESIGN: The study was an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial on 67 individuals who were requested by a dietary counselor to maintain their normal exercise and dietary routines. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, placebo (32 participants) and the CQR-300 group (35 participants), and received 300 mg of corn starch or CQR-300 daily. METHODS: Body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance using a TANITA impedance meter and by DEXA, with blood samples taken at baseline and at 8 weeks for the measurement of lipid parameters. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, participants of the placebo group showed a 1.05% decrease in body fat as determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, but no difference using DEXA. In the same time period, the CQR-300 group had an 8.9% and 12.8% decreases in the body fat as measured by impedance and DEXA, respectively. These values were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the placebo. Compared with the placebo, the CQR-300 group demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, as well as leptin levels. On the contrary, there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION: CQR-300 administered as a single 300 mg dose daily was effective in reducing body fat as well as improving blood parameters associated with MS.

Effect of cooking treatments on the phytochemical composition and antidiabetic potential of Vernonia amygdalina.

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of domestic culinary treatment on phytochemical contents (phenolic content and dietary fiber), and the antidiabetic potential of Vernonia amygdalina in type 2 diabetic rats. The culinary forms implied boiling leaves of V. amygdalina directly and eliminating the leaves' bitterness before boiling. Seventy wistar rats were artificially induced with type 2 diabetes using streptozotocin and high-fat diet. They then received by oral intubation powders of different culinary forms of leaves extract or suspensions of V. amygdalina at a dose of 500 mg /kg for a period of 4 weeks. The crude fiber, total phenol contents and the DPPH scavenging ability of these culinary forms were also measured and the results showed that values of these parameters were higher in the unwashed form than the washed form. The washed and unwashed forms of V. amygdalina significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the blood glucose, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, transaminases, urea and creatine levels. Aqueous extract has the highest ability to reduce the blood glucose level (75.76%) followed by the unwashed form (61.17%) which was greater than that of the washed form. Also, these forms significantly increased serum HDL cholesterol and total protein level, with the highest activity obtained with the unwashed form. Washing the V. amygdalina leaves (that consists of multiple trituration of leaves with water) contributes to the reduction of antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.

Prevalence and Identification of Serum Markers Associated with Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B in Pregnant Women in Yaounde, Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women and identify markers associated with vertical transmission of HBV. METHODS: Prospective and cross-sectional study over 10 months on 298 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Cité Verte and Efoulan District hospitals in Cameroon. A dry tube blood collection was performed on all pregnant women and babies born to HBsAg-positive mothers. Serum from the women was used to test for HBsAg through immunochromatography and then confirmed by ELISA. The test for HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb and dosage of transaminases were performed on the serum of HBsAg-positive women. Only HBsAg was tested in babies within 24 hours after birth. RESULTS: HBsAg was present in 23 (7.7%) mothers while 275 (92.3%) tested negative. Due to loss to follow-up, we assessed vertical transmission in 20 babies born to20 mothers. In all, eight babies tested HBsAg-positive; six mothers tested positive with HBeAg; 10 mothers with HBeAb and two were simultaneously infected with HBV and HIV. CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: HBeAg and increase in liver transaminases were serum markers associated with the vertical transmission of HBV while HBeAb and anti-HIV therapy were protective markers. There is need to systematically screen all pregnant women for hepatitis B, follow up those that are positive, and administer a dose of gammaglobulin anti-HBs to their children to reduce the risks of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC) and curb mortality and morbidity due to viral hepatitis B.

Lipid-lowering properties of protein-rich mucuna product

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of protein-rich mucuna product (PRMP) on lipid parameters of hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: Hyperlipidemia was induced in male rats for 3 weeks through high-fat diet. After induction, 30 hyperlipidemic rats were divided into five groups of six rats: control group (CG) received casein and four groups received PRMP as protein source at different proportions: 8.2, 16.4, 24.6, and 32.8 % corresponding, respectively, to 25, 50, 75, and 100 %substitution of casein in the diet for 3 weeks. Lipid and oxidative stress parameters of rats were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in food intake and body weight loss among the experimental groups. The concentrations of the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower in groups fed on PRMP 50, 75, and 100 % than in the CG group (p< 0.05). Histological analysis of the liver revealed that animals fed on PRMP diets presented a lower level of steatosis than the CG group. The most significant reduction of lipid parameters was obtained when PRMP was used as unique source of protein (PRMP 100 %). PRMP also influenced oxidative stress parameters as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that PRMP exerts hypolipidemic effect; it has a metabolic effect on endogenous cholesterol metabolism and a protector effect on the development of hepatic steatosis. Our results also suggest that PRMP could manage metabolic diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Metabolic effects of quail eggs in diabetes-induced rats: comparison with chicken eggs.

BACKGROUND: Quail eggs as a food item have recently been introduced into the diet of some Cameroonians. These eggs are being sold in local markets, but with many unfounded health claims. One claim is that quail eggs can reduce blood glucose levels in diabetics. It was therefore necessary to evaluate the effect of consuming quail eggs on blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress parameters in diabetes-induced rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats weighing, on average, 250 g were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group 1 consisted of rats with normal blood glucose, and the other three groups (2, 3, and 4) consisted of diabetes-induced rats achieved by intravenous injection of streptozotocin. During 16 days, rats in groups 1 and 2 received distilled water; and rats in groups 3 and 4 received quail and chicken eggs, respectively, with gastroesophageal probe at a dose of 1 mL/200 g body weight. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined in all the groups on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 17th days after induction of diabetes. On the 17th day, the fasting rats were sacrificed, and blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: In 17 days, the consumption of quail and chicken eggs had no effect on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats. Total cholesterol levels were higher in groups 3 (75.59 mg/dL) and 4 (59.41 mg/dL) compared to group 2 (55.67 mg/dl), although these differences were not significant (all p>0.05). Triglyceride levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in groups 3 (106.52 mg/dL) and 4 (109.65 mg/dL) compared to group 2 (65.82 mg/dL). Quail eggs had no effect on oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, and catalase). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of quail eggs by diabetic rats at the tested dose had no effect on blood glucose level and oxidative stress parameters and may have a negative effect on lipid profile.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and thinness in Cameroon urban children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity in Cameroon children ranging from 8 to 15 years old using several published references as evaluation tools. METHODS: A stratified sample was used with eleven schools randomly selected, and data from 2689 children (52.2% girls) ranging from 8 to 15 years were analyzed. Weight and height were recorded and BMI was calculated. BMI cutoffs used to define nutritional status grades included two international and three national published indices which were compared to our database-derived cutoffs. RESULTS: A prevalence of 9.5% thinness and 12.4% overweight including 1.9% obesity according to international references was detected. A 2.2% low-weight-for-age, 5.7% low-height-for-age, and 5.2% low-weight-for-height were identified. Overall, there were significant differences using calculations based on our database versus published reference values and between boys versus girls. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity is similar to that of other leading-emerging countries reported within the last decade, yet it is still lower than prevalence in developed countries. Ethnic background and social environment have impact on prevalences, highlighting the importance of evaluating the Cameroon population based on locally derived database.

Protective effects of stem bark of Harungana madgascariensis on the red blood cell membrane.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a condition that has multiple origins. One such origin is the destruction of red blood cells' (RBCs) membrane induced by free radicals. Treatment of anemia could therefore be enhanced by the use of free radicals' scavengers potentially found in some medicinal plants. In this study, the protective effect of Harungana madagascariensis on the RBCs' membrane physiology was investigated in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: In vitro hemolytic anemia was induced by incubation of fresh human RBCs with carbontetrachloride (CCl4) in Olive oil (Oo). Relaxation times of protons excited at 20 MHz (Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence) in the absence or presence of paramagnetic Mn2+ ions (T2i for "extracellular" water and T2a for "intracellular" water, respectively) were determined at several temperatures (25-37°C) via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) on a Bruker Minispec spectrometer. Water exchange times (Te) were consequently calculated using the Conlon-Outhred equation: 1/Te = (1/T2a) - (1/T2i). Morphological characteristics (mean cell volume, V, and cell surface area, A) were determined by photonic microscopy and the RBCs' diffusional water permeability (Pd) was calculated as Pd = (1/Te)*(Va/A), where Va is the aqueous volume in the RBC and is about 0.7 of the cell volume (V). The activation energy of the diffusional process (Ea) for the respective temperature range was estimated using the Arrhenius modified equation k = A(T/T0)n*e-Ea/RT. Inhibition of the water diffusion induced by incubation with para-chloro-mercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) at 25, 30 and 37°C was calculated as I(%) = [(Pd control - Pd sample)/Pd control]*100.To investigate the protective influence of the extract on the RBC membrane, inhibition of the water permeability was evaluated on membranes pre-incubated with the Harungana madagascariensis extract. Male rats were used in in vivo investigations. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and cholesterol in the RBC membrane were estimated by induction of lipid peroxidation while the antioxidant properties of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the membrane were evaluated in regard to their antioxidant properties on the membrane. RESULTS: T2a significantly decreased at each temperature. Te results were higher in both RBCs and RBCs + extract groups incubated with PCMB compared to non-incubated controls, but differences were not statistically significant. A high percentage (73.81 ± 7.22) of RBCs pre-incubated with the extract presented the regular biconcave shape. Inhibition by PCMB of the RBCs' membrane water permeability was increased at 30°C and decreased in the presence of extract (25°C and 37°C), while Ea decreased from 30.52 ± 1.3 KJ/mol to 25.49 ± 1.84 KJ/mol. Presence of the Harungana madagascariensis extract normalized the SOD and CAT activities as well as the MDA and membrane cholesterol concentrations altered by the CCl4-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Harungana madagascariensis could protect the RBCs' membrane through its antioxidative properties.

Evaluation of some selected blood parameters and histopathology of liver and kidney of rats fed protein-substituted mucuna flour and derived protein rich product.

This comparative study reports the nutritional and toxicological characteristics of Mucuna pruriens flour and a protein-rich product developed from it. The protein-rich mucuna product (PRMP) was obtained by the three steps procedure: protein solubilization, heat-coagulation and sieving. Three weeks rats (n=6 per group) were fed for 28 days on standard protein-substituted rat feed with mucuna flour or PRMP. The experimental design was a factorial design with three mucuna accessions (Velvet, Black and White) and two treatments (flour and PRMP). The protein content ranged 27.2-31.5 g/100 g for flour and 58.8-61.1% for PRMP. Processing flour into PRMP led to a significant (p<0.05) reduction of tannins (50%), total polyphenols (50%) and trypsin inhibitors (94%). The rats fed PMRP diets witnessed weight gain similar to casein, while those fed mucuna flour lost weight. The levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol observed in animals groups fed mucuna flour and PRMP were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the control group. In addition lymphocytes, granulocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit of rats fed mucuna flour were significantly (p<0.05) lower than values in other rats groups. Kidneys glomerular sclerosis and high creatinine levels were observed in group fed mucuna flour. PRMP then represents a good alternative of using mucuna proteins for human nutrition.

The use of LeptiCore in reducing fat gain and managing weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: LeptiCore is a proprietary combination of various ingredients which have been shown to have properties which could be beneficial to weight loss in obese and overweight human subjects. This study evaluates the effect of Lepticore on bodyweight as well as parameters associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 92 obese (mean BMI > 30 kg/m2) participants (37 males; 55 females; ages 19-52; mean age = 30.7). The participants were randomly divided into three groups: placebo (n = 30), LeptiCore formula A (low dose) (n = 31) and LeptiCore formula B (high dose) (n = 31). Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals with 300 ml of water. None of the participants followed any specific diet nor took any weight-reducing medications for the duration of the study. A total of 12 anthropomorphic and serological measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed statistically significant differences on all 12 variables by week 8. These included four anthropomorphic variables (body weight, body fat, waist and hip size) and eight measures of serological levels (plasma total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, serotonin, leptin, C-reactive protein). The two active groups also showed significant intra-group differences on all 12 variables between study onset and week 8. CONCLUSION: The LeptiCore formulation at both the low and high dosages appears to be helpful in the management of fat gain and its related complications. The higher dosage resulted in significantly greater reductions in body weight and triglyceride, blood glucose, and C-reactive protein levels, as well as increased serotonin levels.

Phellodendron and Citrus extracts benefit joint health in osteoarthritis patients: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this clinical study was to assess the potential benefit of a dietary supplement, NP 06-1, on joint health in overweight and normal weight adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis. METHODS: An 8-week placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted with four groups comparing the effects of NP 06-1 to placebo on overweight and normal weight subjects diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the knee. NP 06-1 (a combination of two botanical extracts; Phellodendron amurense bark and Citrus sinensis peel) or matching placebo were given in a dose of two capsules (370 mg each) twice daily. The outcome measures were the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) for joint pain and movement as well as biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]). RESULTS: Eighty (80) subjects were enrolled and 45 subjects completed the study. No serious adverse events were reported. The mean total LAI scores at baseline for the four groups ranged from 11.4 to 12.4 (SD 1.2 to 2.4). Treatment for 8 weeks resulted in a statistical improvement in the LAI score in the overweight treatment group compared to placebo (6.3 +/- 2.3 vs 11.8 +/- 1.5; p < 0.0001). At 8 weeks, a similar result was observed in the normal weight groups (7.7 +/- 1.4 vs 9.9 +/- 0.9; p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in CRP levels with treatment in the overweight treatment group at 8 weeks (-0.62 +/- 0.2; 49%) compared to baseline (p < 0.001) and to placebo (p < 0.001). For the normal weight participants, there were significant reductions in CRP compared to baseline, but not to the matched placebo group. Both overweight and normal weight treatment groups lost a significant amount of weight compared to their placebo groups. The overweight treatment group lost an average of 5% body weight after 8 weeks. There was no significant change in ESR in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, NP 06-1 had beneficial effects on symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee as measured using LAI scores and had anti-inflammatory effects as measured using CRP. Administration of NP 06-1 was also associated with weight loss, which may have been a contributing factor to the other benefits.

IGOB131, a novel seed extract of the West African plant Irvingia gabonensis, significantly reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight humans in a randomized double-blind placebo controlled investigation.

BACKGROUND: A recent in vitro study indicates that IGOB131, a novel seed extract of the traditional West African food plant Irvingia gabonensis, favorably impacts adipogenesis through a variety of critical metabolic pathways including PPAR gamma, leptin, adiponectin, and glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the effects of IGOB131, an extract of Irvingia gabonensis, on body weight and associated metabolic parameters in overweight human volunteers. METHODS: The study participants comprised of 102 healthy, overweight and/or obese volunteers (defined as BMI > 25 kg/m2) randomly divided into two groups. The groups received on a daily basis, either 150 mg of IGOB131 or matching placebo in a double blinded fashion, 30-60 minutes before lunch and dinner. At baseline, 4, 8 and 10 weeks of the study, subjects were evaluated for changes in anthropometrics and metabolic parameters to include fasting lipids, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and leptin. RESULTS: Significant improvements in body weight, body fat, and waist circumference as well as plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and leptin levels were observed in the IGOB131 group compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Irvingia gabonensis administered 150 mg twice daily before meals to overweight and/or obese human volunteers favorably impacts body weight and a variety of parameters characteristic of the metabolic syndrome. This is the first double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial regarding the anti-obesity and lipid profile modulating effects of an Irvingia gabonensis extract. The positive clinical results, together with our previously published mechanisms of gene expression modulation related to key metabolic pathways in lipid metabolism, provide impetus for much larger clinical studies. Irvingia gabonensis extract may prove to be a useful tool in dealing with the emerging global epidemics of obesity, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and their co-morbid conditions.

Inhibition of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract (OB131) on adipogenesis as mediated via down regulation of the PPARgamma and leptin genes and up-regulation of the adiponectin gene.

BACKGROUND: Endeavors to manage obesity have been heavily reliant on controlling energy intake and expenditure equilibrium, but have failed to curtail the overweight and obesity epidemic. This dynamic equilibrium is more complex than originally postulated and is influenced by lifestyle, calorie and nutrient intake, reward cravings and satiation, energy metabolism, stress response capabilities, immune metabolism and genetics. Fat metabolism is an important indicator of how efficiently and to what extent these factors are competently integrating. We investigated whether an Irvingia gabonensis seed extract (IGOB131) would provide a more beneficial comprehensive approach influencing multiple mechanisms and specifically PPAR gamma, leptin and adiponectin gene expressions, important in anti-obesity strategies. METHODS: Using murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes as a model for adipose cell biology research, the effects of IGOB131 were investigated on PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and leptin. These adipocytes were harvested 8 days after the initiation of differentiation and treated with 0 to 250 microM of IGOB131 for 12 and 24 h at 37 degree C in a humidified 5 percent CO2 incubator. The relative expression of PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and leptin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was quantified densitometrically using the software LabWorks 4.5, and calculated according to the reference bands of beta-actin. RESULTS: The IGOB131 significantly inhibited adipogenesis in adipocytes. The effect appears to be mediated through the down-regulated expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR gamma) [P less than 0.05] and adipocyte-specific proteins (leptin) [P less than 0.05], and by up-regulated expression of adiponectin [P less than 0.05]. CONCLUSION: IGOB131 may play an important multifaceted role in the control of adipogenesis and have further implications in in-vivo anti obesity effects by targeting the PPAR gamma gene, a known contributory factor to obesity in humans.

An open label study to determine the effects of an oral proteolytic enzyme system on whey protein concentrate metabolism in healthy males.

BACKGROUND: Current research suggests that protein intake of 1.5 - 2.8 g/kg/day (3.5 times the current recommended daily allowance) is effective and safe for individuals trying to increase or maintain lean muscle mass. To achieve these levels of daily protein consumption, supplementing the diet with processed whey protein concentrate (WPC) in liquid form has become a popular choice for many people. Some products have a suggested serving size as high as 50 g of protein. However, due to possible inhibition of endogenous digestive enzymes from over-processing and rapid small intestine transit time, the average amount of liquid WPC that is absorbed may be only 15 g. The combined effect of these factors may contribute to incomplete digestion, thereby limiting the absorption rate of protein before it reaches the ceacum and is eliminated as waste. The purpose of this study was to determine if Aminogen(R), a patented blend of digestive proteases from Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae, would significantly increase the in-vivo absorption rate of processed WPC over control values. It also investigated if any increase would be sufficient to significantly alter nitrogen (N2) balance and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels over control values as further evidence of increased WPC absorption rate. METHODS: Two groups of healthy male subjects were assigned a specified balanced diet before and after each of two legs of the study. Subjects served as their own controls. In the first leg each control group (CG) was dosed with 50 g of WPC following an overnight fast. Nine days later each test group (TG) was dosed following an overnight fast with 50 g of WPC containing either 2.5 g (A2.5) or 5 g (A5) of Aminogen(R). Blood samples were collected during each leg at 0 hr, 0.5 hr, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 3.5 hr and 4 hr for amino acid (AA) and CRP analyses. The following 18 AAs were quantified: alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine. Urine was collected for 24 hours from 0 hr for total N2 analysis. Results are expressed as means +/- SEM. All significance and power testing on results was done at a level of alpha = 0.05. Area under the concentration time curve (AUC) was calculated using the trapezoidal rule. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA-1) was done between CGs, between TGs and between time points. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA-1-RM) was done to compare CGs and TGs. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA-2) was performed on total serum amino acid (TSAA) levels, urine N2 levels and CRP levels between each CG and TG. RESULTS: After baseline subtraction the mean AUC was significantly (p