Exploration of Gut Microbiome Research in Africa: A Scoping Review.

The crucial role of the gut microbiome in various diseases has led to increased interest in interventions and therapeutics targeting the human microbiome. Accordingly, the current scoping review analyzed the diseases and interventions involved in gut microbiome research in Africa. The electronic databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 2021. This study identified 48 studies involving 7073 study participants. Of the 48 studies, 20 (42%) used interventions to modulate gut microbiota, whereas the remaining 28 (58%) did not. Out of the total African countries, only 13% were involved in intervention-based gut microbiome research, whereas a larger proportion of 67% were not involved in any gut microbiome research. The interventions used in gut microbiome research in Africa include supplements, natural products, educational approaches, associated pathogens, albendazole, fresh daily yogurt, iron-containing lipid-based nutrient supplements, fecal microbiota transplant, and prophylactic cotrimoxazole. This scoping review highlights the current state of gut microbiome research in Africa. The findings of this review can inform the design of future studies and interventions aimed at improving gut health in African populations.

Two manual therapy techniques for management of lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Evidence has shown that spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and progressive inhibition of neuromuscular structures (PINS) are individually effective in the management of lumbar radiculopathy. However, previous evidence reported data for only a short-term study period and did not investigate the effect of the combined manual therapy techniques. OBJECTIVES: To compare the combined effects of two manual therapy techniques (SMWLM and PINS) with the individual techniques alone (SMWLM or PINS) in the management of individuals with lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy secondary to disc herniation were randomly allocated into three groups: 20 participants each in the SMWLM, PINS, and combined SMWLM + PINS groups. Each group attended two treatments per week for 30 min each, for three months. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately posttreatment, and then at three, six, and nine months follow-up using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Rolland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI). RESULTS: Between-groups analyses using a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant interactions between groups and follow-up times for all outcomes (p=0.001). Participants receiving combined SMWLM + PINS treatment experienced greater improvement in leg pain, back pain, disability, and sciatica at all timelines (immediately posttreatment, and three, six, and nine months follow-up) than the participants receiving SMWLM or PINS alone (p<0.05). However, participants receiving SMWLM alone showed better improvement than the participants receiving PINS alone at all timelines (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A combined SMWLM + PINS treatment protocol showed greater improvement than the individual techniques alone in the management of individuals with LR in this study.

Effect of Co-administration of Glibenclamide and Aqueous Calyx Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on Oxidative Stress Markers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The hyperglycaemia of diabetes mellitus (DM) induces oxidative stress which damages the tissues. Glibenclamide, an oral hypoglycaemic drug used in the treatment of DM has associated side effects. Natural products are considered safe in the treatment of chronic diseases. Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) is a plant that has demonstrated antidiabetic activity. We aimed to determine the potential benefits of co-administration of HS and glibenclamide in ameliorating oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.  A total of 25 male albino Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups: control (Non-DM), diabetic (DM), diabetic treated with 600µg/kg BW of glibenclamide (DM + GLIB), diabetic treated with 500mg/kg BW of HS (DM + HS), diabetic treated with both 600µg/kg BW of glibenclamide and 500mg/kg BW of HS (DM + GLIB + HS). The interventions were administered for a period of 28 days. The Non-DM rats were significantly heavier (p<0.01) compared to rats in the other treatment groups. Glibenclamide or HS alone and in combination, significantly lowered (p < 0.001) the final fasting blood glucose concentration of the rats in the respective treatment groups. HS and a combination of HS+ GLIB resulted in increased (p<0.05) serum activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase compared to the DM untreated rats.  The serum level of malondialdehyde was significantly lowered (p=0.000) in rats that received a combination of HS + GLIB compared to the DM untreated rats. Coadministration of HS + GLIB showed beneficial regeneration of islet-cells in the pancreas. Co-administration of HS + GLIB appears to be more beneficial in the treatment of DM and associated oxidative stress than when given as single agents. Thus, a case for their incorporation as a combined therapy for DM should be considered.