Telemedicine as a tool to prevent multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in poor resource settings: Lessons from Nigeria.

Background: This mini review aims to provide an overview of the role of telemedicine in preventing multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Nigeria. The specific objectives include examining the potential benefits of telemedicine, identifying the challenges associated with its implementation, and highlighting the importance of addressing infrastructure limitations and data privacy concerns. Methods: This minireview is based on a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, including scholarly articles, and reports,. A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify relevant publications related to telemedicine and MDR-TB prevention in Nigeria. The selected articles were assessed for their relevance, and key findings were synthesized to provide an overview of the role of telemedicine in addressing the challenges of MDR-TB in Nigeria. Results: The review demonstrates that telemedicine has the potential to significantly contribute to MDR-TB prevention efforts in Nigeria. The benefits of telemedicine include improved access to specialized care, enhanced patient adherence to treatment, and potential cost savings. However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and data privacy concerns need to be addressed for successful implementation. Integrating telemedicine into the healthcare system has the potential to strengthen MDR-TB prevention, particularly in underserved areas, including within Nigeria. Specifically, the integration of telemedicine into the healthcare system can enhance access to specialized care, improve patient adherence, and potentially reduce costs associated with MDR-TB management. Conclusions: Addressing infrastructure challenges, ensuring data privacy and security, and fostering trust among healthcare providers and patients are critical for successful implementation of telemedicine. Further research and policy frameworks are needed to guide the effective implementation and scale-up of telemedicine in MDR-TB prevention efforts in Nigeria.

Ferulic acid interventions ameliorate NDEA-CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via Nrf2 and p53 upregulation and Akt/PKB-NF-κB-TNF-α pathway downregulation in male Wistar rats.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a prevalent form of liver cancer that is life threatening. Many chemically synthesized anti-cancer drugs have various degrees of side effects. Hence, this study investigated the effect of FEAC interventions on NDEA-CCl4-induced HCAR in male Wistar rats. HCAR was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg of NDEA and 0.5 mL/kg CCl4 (as a promoter of HCAR). Following the induction of HCAR, rats were treated differently with two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) of FEAC. HCAR induction was confirmed by the significant elevation of serum levels of ALT, AST, and α-FP. Also elevated significantly were liver levels of Akt/PKB, NF-κB, TNF-α, MDA, GSH, and activities of GST, SOD, and CAT, while levels of liver p53 and Nrf2 were significantly lowered compared with normal rats. Treatment interventions with both 25 and 50 mg/kg of FEAC against the DEN-CCl4-induced HCAR gave comparable effects, marked by a significant reduction in the levels of serum ALT, AST and α-FP, as well as liver levels of MDA, GSH, Akt/PKB, NF-κB, TNF-α, GST, SOD, and CAT, while levels of liver p53 and Nrf2 were significantly elevated compared with normal rats. Put together and judging by the outcomes of this study, FEAC being a potent antioxidant may also be potent against chemical-induced HCAR via upregulation of p53 and Nrf2, as well as downregulation of the Akt/PKB-NF-κB pathway in rats.

Syringic acid demonstrates an anti-inflammatory effect via modulation of the NF-κB-iNOS-COX-2 and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in methyl cellosolve-induced hepato-testicular inflammation in rats.

Syringic acid (SACI) is an emerging nutraceutical and antioxidant used in modern Chinese medicine. It has potential neuroprotective, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-angiogenic properties. Methyl cellosolve (MCEL) has been reported to induce tissue inflammation in the testis, kidney, liver, and lung. This study aimed to investigate the effect and probable mechanism of action of SACI on MCEL-induced hepatic and testicular inflammation in male rats. Compared to the control group, administration of MCEL to rats significantly increased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB in the liver and testis. Additionally, the total mRNA expressions of JAK1 (in the liver only), STAT1, and SOCS1 were significantly increased in both the liver and testis, while testicular JAK1 total mRNA levels were significantly decreased. The expression of PIAS1 protein was significantly higher in the liver and testis. Treatments with SACI at 25 (except liver iNOS), 50, and 75 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB compared to the control group. Furthermore, the total mRNA expressions of JAK1 and SOCS1 in the liver were significantly reduced by all doses of SACI investigated, while the total mRNA levels of liver and testis STAT1 were significantly reduced by 25 and 50 mg/kg of SACI only. In the testis, the mRNA level of SOCS1 was significantly reduced by all doses of SACI compared to MCEL only. Additionally, SACI (at 75 mg/kg) significantly reduced PIAS1 protein expression in the liver, while in the testis, SACI at all investigated doses significantly reduced the expression of PIAS1. In conclusion, SACI demonstrated a hepatic and testicular anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the MCEL-induced activation of the NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in rats.

Effect of syringic acid on steroid and gonadotropic hormones, hematological indices, sperm characteristics and morphologies, and markers of tissue damage in methyl cellosolve-administered rats.

Methyl cellosolve (MTC) is an established gonadotoxic and hematotoxic compound that is commonly and universally utilized in herbicide, liquid soap, stain, dye, paint, and brake fluid manufacturing industries as a solvent. Due to its wide range usage, this study therefore investigated the effect of syringic acid (SYAC) on hematological indices, sperm characteristics and morphologies, and markers of tissue damage in MTC administered male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) rats divided into six groups were used. Rats in group 1 served as control, those in group 2 were administered MTC for 30 consecutive days, those in groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg body weight of SYAC respectively also for 30 consecutive days immediately after each day MTC administrations, while rats in group 6 received 75 mg/kg body weight of SYAC only throughout. Compared with control, administrations of MTC resulted in a significant decrease in spermatozoa count, number of normal and live spermatozoa, Hb count, MCH, MCHC, serum TC, and LH, while number of abnormal spermatozoa, RBC and WBC counts, activities of serum AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, and ADH were significantly increased. Treatments with 25 mg/kg of SYAC significantly reduced the RBC and WBC counts, serum activities of AST, ALT, GGT, and increased TC concentration. Treatments with 50 mg/kg SYAC significantly lowered the number of abnormal spermatozoa, RBC count, activities of serum ALT, AST, LDH, ADH, and increased the number of normal spermatozoa, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, while 75 mg/kg of SYAC significantly decreased the serum activities of AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, ADH, and increased serum TC concentration. Findings from this study have revealed the hepatoprotective effect of SYAC at all doses investigated but did not confer spermatoprotection and hematoprotection against MTC-induced toxicities, and looking at the 3 doses investigated, 50 mg/kg of SYAC yielded the best effect.

Aframomum melegueta secondary metabolites exhibit polypharmacology against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets: in vitro validation of furin inhibition.

COVID-19 pandemic is currently decimating the world's most advanced technologies and largest economies and making its way to the continent of Africa. Weak medical infrastructure and over-reliance on medical aids may eventually predict worse outcomes in Africa. To reverse this trend, Africa must re-evaluate the only area with strategic advantage; phytotherapy. One of the many plants with previous antiviral potency is against RNA viruses is Aframomum melegueta. In this study, one hundred (100) A. melegueta secondary metabolites have been mined and computational evaluated for inhibition of host furin, and SARS-COV-2 targets including 3C-like proteinase (Mpro /3CLpro ), 2'-O-ribose methyltransferase (nsp16) and surface glycoprotein/ACE2 receptor interface. Silica-gel column partitioning of A. melegueta fruit/seed resulted in 6 fractions tested against furin activity. Diarylheptanoid (Letestuianin A), phenylpropanoid (4-Cinnamoyl-3-hydroxy-spiro[furan-5,2'-(1'H)-indene]-1',2,3'(2'H,5H)-trione), flavonoids (Quercetin, Apigenin and Tectochrysin) have been identified as high-binding compounds to SARS-COV-2 targets in a polypharmacology manner. Di-ethyl-ether (IC50 = 0.03 mg/L), acetone (IC50 = 1.564 mg/L), ethyl-acetate (IC50 = 0.382 mg/L) and methanol (IC50 = 0.438 mg/L) fractions demonstrated the best inhibition in kinetic assay while DEF, ASF and MEF completely inhibited furin-recognition sequence containing Ebola virus-pre-glycoprotein. In conclusion, A. melegueta and its secondary metabolites have potential for addressing the therapeutic needs of African population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prospects of nanodentistry for the diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial pathologies and cancers.

Despite the commendable milestones achieved in molecular maxillofacial pathology in the last decade, there remains a paucity of utilization of ancillary nanomolecular tools that complement the omics-based approaches. As the advent of omics science transforms our understanding of tumour biology from a phenomenological to a complex network (systems-oriented) paradigm, several ancillary tools have emerged to improve the scope of individualized medicine. Targeted nano drug delivery systems have significantly reduced toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents in a precise manner. Many conventional cancer therapies are limited in efficacy and this has led to the emergence of nanomedical innovations. Despite the success of nanomedicine, a major challenge that persists is tumour heterogeneity and biological complexity. A good understanding of the interaction between inorganic nanoparticles and the biological systems has led to the development of better tools for individualized medicine. Tools such as the composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles (COINs) and the quantum dots (QD) have significantly improved the identification and quantification of disease biomarkers, histopathological detection methods, as well as improving the clinical translation and utility of these nanomaterials. Nanomedicine has lent credence to several multipronged theranostic applications in medicine, and this has improved the medical practice tremendously. Despite the palpable influence of nanomedicine on the delivery of individualized medical therapies, the term "nanodentistry" remains in the background without much hype, albeit some progress has been made in this area. Hence, this review discusses the potential and challenges of nanodentistry in the diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial pathologies, particularly cancer in resource-limited settings.

Effect of Solanum macrocarpon Linn leaf aqueous extract on the brain of an alloxan-induced rat model of diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon Linn leaf in the brain of an alloxan-induced rat model of diabetes. METHODS: The experimental model of diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan. Rats were then divided into six groups: normal control, diabetes control, diabetes group treated with metformin, and three diabetes groups treated with different concentrations of S. macrocarpon. Rats were sacrificed on day 14 of the experiment and different brain biochemical parameters were assessed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Administration of different doses of S. macrocarpon leaf aqueous extract was associated with significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, neurotransmitters, cholinesterases, cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide compared with diabetes control rats. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased in diabetes rats administered 12.45, 24.9 and 49.8 mg/kg body weight of S. macrocarpon versus diabetes control rats. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extract of S. macrocarpon Linn leaf may be useful in the management of diabetic neuropathy.

Antihyperglycaemia and related gene expressions of aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium leaf in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Context: Gongronema latifolium Benth (Asclepiadaceae) has been highly utilized in controlling diabetes mellitus traditionally in the eastern part of Nigeria. Objectives: Antihyperglycaemic and related gene expressions of aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium leaf in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Forty-eight female Wistar rats were induced intraperitoneally using alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). The rats were separated into six groups (n = 8) as follows: non-diabetic control, diabetic control, diabetic rats administered 5 mg/kg body weight of metformin, and diabetic rats administered 6.36, 12.72 and 25.44 mg/kg body weight (ethnobotanical doses) of G. latifolium orally daily. On the 14th day, the animals were sacrificed and different antihyperglycaemic parameters were evaluated as well as its related gene expressions. Results: Diabetic rats administered three doses of aqueous extract of G. latifolium significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, serum lipid profiles, lipid peroxidation (5.62-1.2 µ/mg protein) levels, as well as gene expression of glucose-6-phosphatase in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the liver glycogen content (16.23-112.5 mg glucose/2 g), antioxidant enzymes activities, glucose transporter (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4) levels and relative gene expression of hexokinase in diabetic rats administered different doses of aqueous extract of G. latifolium. Discussion and conclusions: It can be deduced that the aqueous extract of G. latifolium leaf at these doses may be useful in managing diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Therefore, this extract may be a potent antidiabetic agent in clinical therapy in the future.

Interplay between heat shock proteins, inflammation and cancer: a potential cancer therapeutic target.

The historical relationship between cancer and inflammation has long been evaluated, and dates back to the early work of Virchow (1863), where he hypothesised that chronic inflammation as a direct cause of tissue injury and infection, could actually promote tissue proliferation. At that period in time however, the exact mechanisms that mediated this relationship were little understood. Subsequent studies have since then demonstrated that chronic inflammation plays significant roles in microenvironments, mostly in the progression of tumours, probably, through over-secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and other immune-killing apparatus such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) which cause damage to normal cells leading to DNA damage and increased cellular mutation rates. Recently, the identification of DNA lesion 5-chlorocytosine (5-CIC) created by hypochlorous acid (HOCl) secreted to nullify or kill infectious agents and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated chronic inflammation in the human gut, has become the latest evidence linking inflammation directly to cancer. The key to cellular survival and adaptation under unfavourable or pathological conditions is the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) also called molecular chaperones. These proteins play essential roles in DNA repair processes by maintaining membrane integrity, orderliness and stability of client proteins that play prominent roles in DNA repair mechanisms. More so, HSPs have also been shown to modulate the effects of pro-inflammatory/apoptotic cytokines through the inhibition of cascades leading to the generation of ROS-mediated DNA damage, while promoting the DNA repair mechanism, thus playing prominent roles in various stages of DNA repair and cancer progression. Hence, studies targeting HSPs and their inhibitors in inflammation, DNA damage, and repair, could improve current cancer therapeutic efficiency. Here the focus will be on the relationship between HSPs, inflammation and cancer, as well as roles of HSPs in DNA damage response (DDR).

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): Novel Findings and Future Directions for Food and Drug Discovery.

Phoenix dactylifera is a useful traditional medicinal plant, mainly the fruit is used, which is the edible part of the plant (Ajwa date). It is now considered to be a valuable source of natural medicinal products against various diseases. Phytochemical investigations have shown that the fruit contains anthocyanins, phenolics, sterols, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins. P. dactylifera is considered as a complete diet because it also contains different fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, and steroidal substances. This review highlights the phytochemical composition, nutritional significance, and potential health benefits of P. dactylifera and discusses its potential as a functional food for disease prevention, management, and treatment.

The Effects of Piper Guineense versus Sesamum Indicum Aqueous Extracts on Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidants in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Piper guineense (PG) and Sesamum indicum (SI) have been shown to be rich sources of antioxidants and other health benefits; hence, we evaluated the impact of its consumption in hypercholesterolemic model on lipid metabolism. METHODS: Forty-eight animals were divided into eight groups of six rats each. Rats were given cholesterol (40 mg/0.3ml), PG and SI extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), and Questran (0.26 g/kg) orally, five times a week for 28 days. Lipid profile, hepatic antioxidant status, biomarkers of liver toxicity, and tissue histopathology were examined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Cholesterol feeding caused 100% gain in weight, significantly increased AST, LPO (P=0.41 and 0.002) but significantly decreased SOD (P=0.003) compared to control. CHPG(1)/(2) and CHSI(1)/(2) caused a significant decrease (P=0.01, 0.005, 0.003, and 0.023) in cholesterol-induced body-weight gain and decreased serum total cholesterol by 20-30% compared to untreated-hypercholesterolemic rats. Triglyceride and LDL-c decreased with extract administration and specifically HDL-c increased significantly (P<0.001) by CHSI(1) compared to untreated-hypercholesterol rats. Furthermore, an increase in HDL-c was higher (P=0.04 and 0.002) by SI compared to PG at both doses. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PG and SI exerts a hypolipidemic effect, reduces cholesterol intake induced body weight gain, and increases the body's antioxidant defense system in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

Comparative study on proximate, functional, mineral, and antinutrient composition of fermented, defatted, and protein isolate of Parkia biglobosa seed.

The use of plant-derived foods in the prevention, treatment, and management of metabolic diseases especially diabetes has gained prominence; this has been associated with their physicochemical properties. This study was conducted to compare the proximate, functional, mineral, and antinutrient composition of the fermented seeds, the defatted seeds, and the protein isolate from Parkia biglobosa seeds. The results showed that the fermented, defatted, and protein isolate varied in composition within the parameters studied. The proximate analysis revealed that the protein isolate had the highest ash (6.0%) and protein (59.4%) as well as the lowest fat (5.7%) and moisture (5.1%) content when compared to the fermented and defatted samples. In like manner, the functional properties of the protein isolate were relatively better than those of the fermented and defatted samples, with oil absorption capacity of 4.2% and emulsion capacity of 82%. The magnesium and zinc content of the protein isolate were significantly higher when compared with the fermented and defatted samples, while a negligible amount of antinutrient was present in all the samples, with the protein isolate having the lowest quantity. The overall data suggest that the protein isolate had better proximate, mineral, functional, and antinutrient properties when compared to the fermented and defatted samples. Therefore, the synergistic effect of all these components present in the protein isolate from P. biglobosa seed in association with its low carbohydrate and high protein/ash contents could play a vital role in the management of diabetes and its associated complications.

Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Aframomum melegueta on ethanol-induced toxicity in rats.

In recent years there have been remarkable developments in the prevention of diseases, especially with regards to the role of free radicals and antioxidants. Ethanol-induced oxidative stress appears to be one mechanism by which ethanol causes liver injury. The protective effect of aqueous plant extract of Aframomum melegueta on ethanol-induced toxicity was investigated in male Wistar rats. The rats were treated with 45 % ethanol (4.8 g/kg b.w.t.) for 16 days to induce alcoholic diseases in the liver. The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride were monitored and the histological changes in liver examined in order to evaluate the protective effects of the plant extract. Hepatic malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were determined for the antioxidant status. Chronic ethanol administration resulted in a statistically significant elevation of serum alanine aminotransferases and triglyceride levels, as well as a decrease in reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase which was dramatically attenuated by the co-administration of the plant extract. Histological changes were related to these indices. Co-administration of the plant extract suppressed the elevation of lipid peroxidation, restored the reduced glutathion, and enhanced the superoxide dismutase activity. These results highlight the ability of Aframomum melegueta to ameliorate oxidative damage in the liver and the observed effects are associated with its antioxidant activities.