The question of the early diagnosis of asymptomatic and subpatent malaria in pregnancy: Implications for diagnostic tools in a malaria endemic area.

Objectives: Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) is a major healthcare challenge in low-income countries with high malaria endemicity. Early but accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is the hallmark of preventing disease progression/adverse outcomes in the mother, foetus and neonates. We assessed the comparative diagnostic performance of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT), microscopy and PCR for malaria diagnosis in pregnant women for early detection of asymptomatic malaria in pregnant women. Study design: Five hundred and twenty Pregnant women attending study clinics within Ikene and Remo North LGAs with gestational age between 16 and 29 weeks, willing and consented; were enrolled into the study. Blood samples collected via venepuncture were screened for malaria using microscopy, mRDTs kits, and PCR techniques on their first visit (V1) and at delivery. The parasite positivity rates, sensitivity and specificity were calculated and compared for each technique using PCR as the standard. Data was entered into REDCap® online database and analysis done using Stata and MedCalc®. Results and conclusions: Average age of enrolled women was 28.8 years and mean gestational age was 21.0 weeks. The parasite positivity rates were 4.3%, 8.8% and 25.0% for microscopy, mRDT and PCR at V1 and was 2.4%, 3.4% and 43.4% at delivery, respectively. Sensitivity for microscopy and mRDT was 11.2% and 30.3% respectively at V1, while specificity was 98.2% and 98.5%. At delivery, the sensitivity reduced to 1.6% and 4.9%; while specificity was 96.9% and 97.6% respectively. Only 2.3% cases correlated with all three diagnostic methods. Our data showed a decrease in sensitivity of the diagnostic methods as pregnancy progressed, which may be due to very low parasitaemia, but high specificity. Our study demonstrated a high rate of subpatent parasitaemia amongst pregnant women. This finding therefore raises the question of the effect of subpatent parasitaemia on the health of the mother and foetus.

Vinpocetine prevents rotenone-induced Parkinson disease motor and non-motor symptoms through attenuation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and α-synuclein expressions in rats.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Epidemiological reports showed a significant association between environmental toxicants-induced gut dysbiosis and PD. Neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased cerebral blood flow are hallmarks of PD. This study sought to evaluate the protective ability of vinpocetine (VIN), a neuroprotectant, on rotenone (ROT) (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor) induced PD in rats. Sixty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) and treated orally as follows; group 1: vehicle (10 ml/kg); group 2: rotenone (10 mg/kg) + vehicle; group 3-5: vinpocetine (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) + rotenone (10 mg/kg), respectively, or group 6: vinpocetine 20 mg/kg before behavioural assay for motor symptoms (fore-limb hanging test and open field test) and non-motor symptoms (working memory and learning capabilities in Y-maze/Morris water maze tasks, anxiety in hole board test and gut motility with intestinal transit time). Following treatment for 28 days, biochemical assays and immunostaining was performed. We examined the effect of vinpocetine on rotenone-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. The pretreatment of rats with vinpocetine reversed rotenone-induced locomotor deficit, motor incoordination, cognition deficits and gut dysfunction. In addition, rotenone-induced a significant increase in the level of interleukin-6 and tumor necrotic factor-α, oxidative stress markers, cholinergic signalling, gut dysfunction and haematologic dysfunctions which were attenuated by vinpocetine administration. Immunostainings showed that rotenone-induced dopamine neuron loss, microglia reactivity, astrocytes activation, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and α-synuclein (SNCA) expressions which were attenuated by vinpocetine administration. Findings from this study revealed a neuroprotective effect of vinpocetine on rotenone-induced PD through anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Neuroprotective potential of plant derived parenchymal stem cells extract on environmental and genetic models of Parkinson disease through attenuation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor features. The current treatment regimen for PD are dopamine enhancers which have been reported to worsen the disease prognosis after long term treatment, thus, the need for better treatment options. This study sought to investigate the protective action of Double Stem Cell® (DSC), a blend of stem cells extracts from Swiss apples (Malus Domestica) and Burgundy grapes (Vitis vinifera) on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinsonism in mice and genetic model of PD in Drosophila melanogaster. Male albino mice were pretreated with MPTP (4 × 20 mg/kg, i.p., two hourly in 8 h), twelve hours before administration of DSC (8, 40, or 200 mg/kg, p.o.). Thereafter, behavioural, biochemical and immunohistochemical assays were carried out. The impact of vehicle or DSC supplementation on α-synuclein aggregation was evaluated in Drosophila melanogaster using the UAS-Gal4 system, female DDC-Gal4 flies were crossed with male UAS-α-synuclein, the progenies were examined for fecundity, locomotion, memory, and lifespan. MPTP-induced motor deficits in open field test (OFT), working memory impairment (Y-maze test (YMT)) and muscle incoordination (rotarod test) were ameliorated by DSC (8, 40 or 200 mg/kg) through dose-dependent and significant improvements in motor, cognitive and motor coordination. Moreso, MPTP exposure caused significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities (glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in the midbrain which were attenuated by DSC. MPTP-induced expression of microglia (iba-1), astrocytes (glia fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP) as well as degeneration of dopamine neurons (tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons) in the substantia nigra (SN) were reversed by DSC. Supplementation of flies feed with graded concentration of DSC (0.8, 4 or 20 mg/ml) did not affect fecundity but improved climbing activity and lifespan. Findings from this study showed that Double Stem Cell improved motor and cognitive functions in both mice and Drosophila through attenuation of neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Morin ameliorates rotenone-induced Parkinson disease in mice through antioxidation and anti-neuroinflammation: gut-brain axis involvement.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting both motor and non-motor functions. It is well reported that the neuropathological process leading to PD starts from the gut before spreading to the CNS affirming the role of environmental toxicants such as rotenone. Morin (3, 5, 7, 2', 4'-pentahydroxyflavone) possesses neuroprotective and anti-oxidant activities which could be beneficial in PD. This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative influence of morin on rotenone-induced PD in mice. Male albino mice (18-23 g) were randomly divided into groups (n = 15) and treated for 28 consecutive days as follows: group 1: normal saline (10 ml/kg, p.o); group 2: rotenone (1 mg/kg, p.o, 0.5%w/v in CMC); groups 3-5: morin (5, 20 or 80 mg/kg, i.p.) + rotenone (1 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively, group 6: morin (20 mg/kg only, i.p.). Behavioural tasks were carried out weekly 1 h after treatments. Mice were euthanized on day 28 and discreet brain regions were assayed for oxidative stress parameters and immunohistochemical analysis. Morin reversed rotenone-induced behavioural deficits (motor incoordination, working memory deficit and depressive-like behaviour). Moreso, rotenone-induced lipid peroxidation (MDA), with a concomitant decrease in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities in discreet regions of the brain were attenuated by the pre-treatment of mice with morin. Rotenone caused significant increase in the expression of iba-1, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and α-synuclein with a decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons (TH) expression which were ameliorated by the pretreatment of mice with morin. Furthermore, rotenone-induced colon necrosis was reversed by morin administration. This study lend credence to the neuroprotective action of morin on rotenone-induced PD through enhancement of antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa.

The progression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in Africa has so far been heterogeneous, and the full impact is not yet well understood. In this study, we describe the genomic epidemiology using a dataset of 8746 genomes from 33 African countries and two overseas territories. We show that the epidemics in most countries were initiated by importations predominantly from Europe, which diminished after the early introduction of international travel restrictions. As the pandemic progressed, ongoing transmission in many countries and increasing mobility led to the emergence and spread within the continent of many variants of concern and interest, such as B.1.351, B.1.525, A.23.1, and C.1.1. Although distorted by low sampling numbers and blind spots, the findings highlight that Africa must not be left behind in the global pandemic response, otherwise it could become a source for new variants.

Immunovirological treatment outcomes after 2 years of antiretroviral therapy in children living with the human immune deficiency virus in Lagos Nigeria

Background/objective: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine assessment of antiretroviral treatment outcomes to detect treatment failure early and prevent the development of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to describe treatment outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) over 2 years in children living with the human immune deficiency virus enrolled in the paediatric HIV clinic at the Lagos UniversityTeaching Hospital (LUTH). Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of antiretroviral treatment outcomes in 278 children receiving antiretroviral therapy at the paediatric HIV clinic of LUTH. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from clinical records of pediatric patients who received antiretroviral therapy for 2 years ( from November 2015 to December 2017) . Virological failure was defined as viral load > 400 copies/ml and immunological failure was defined as a CD4 count <100 cells/mm3 or CD4 % <15% after receiving antiretroviral agents for 12 months. Data was analysed using graph pad prism version 5.0.Results: After 12 months on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 101 (36%) had virological failure while 14 (5%) and 36 (13%) failed immunologically [CD4 count <100 cells/mn3 and CD4 <15% respectively]. Virological blips were observed at 24 months in 6.1% of patients while immunovirological discordance occurred in 30% of patients (poor virological clearance despite good immunological recovery) . High baseline viral load (>5000 copies/ml), poor adherence (<95%) and low baseline CD4 counts (101-249 cells/mn3) were significantly associated with virological failure, while low baseline CD4 counts (<350 cells/mn3) and poor adherence (<95%) were significantly associated with immunologic failure.Conclusion: The treatment outcomes observed in this study are similar to those reported in earlier studies. At 1 and 2 years of antiretroviral therapy , there was immune restoration however 101 (36%) and 87 (31%) respectively had virological failure despite good adherence to therapy and good Immunological restoration. This calls for early initiation and switch to second and third line drugs

Antinociceptive and anti-arthritic effects of aqueous whole plant extract of Trianthema portulacastrum in rodents: Possible mechanisms of action.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae) is used in traditional African Medicine for the treatment of various illnesses including dropsy, inflammation and rheumatism. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to investigate the anti-nociceptive and anti-arthritic properties of the aqueous whole plant extract of Trianthema portulacastrum (AETP), possible mechanisms of action and characterize some of the active constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice. The carrageenan test was used to induce a transient inflammation while arthritis was induced with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. On completion of CFA-induced arthritis macroscopic observations, the rats were euthanized to isolate the spleen, liver and limbs for estimation of oxidative stress and histological analysis. RESULTS: AETP (10, 50, or 250 mg/kg; p.o.) produced significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent inhibition (41.10, 50.40, and 67.10%, respectively) of writhing response elicited by acetic acid. Also, increased pain threshold of supraspinally mediated nociceptive behaviour, with peak maximum possible effect (MPE) obtained at 250 mg/kg (22.98%; 30 min post-treatment). However, the pre-treatment of mice with Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or naloxone reversed AETP-induced antinociception. In another experiment, AETP produced time course inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema with peak effect (50.60%) at 250 mg/kg as well as significant reduction in CFA-induced arthritis by 58.56%, on day 27 and arthritic index (26.84%). Similarly, AETP attenuated CFA-induced MDA generation and deficit in antioxidant enzyme activities. Histological analysis of rat joints revealed a reduction in the synovial hyperplasia and mononuclear infiltration induced by CFA in AETP treated groups. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study showed that T. portulacastrum possesses anti-nociceptive action through nitrergic and opioidergic signalling as well as anti-arthritic effect through enhancement of antioxidant defense system and inhibition of release or actions of inflammatory mediators.

The relationship between zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine plasma drug levels and antiretroviral treatment outcomes in Nigeria children living with HIV

Plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals are significant and important determinants of treatment failure and toxicity. The relationship between antiretroviral pharmacokinetic exposures and immunovirological outcomes has not been extensively studied in our setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between antiretroviral plasma concentrations and virological and immunological treatment outcomes in children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) A retrospective collection of demographic, clinical , laboratory data and a prospective determination of plasma drug concentrations in 120 children aged 2-14 years after two years of receiving fixed dose zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine tablets using a simple, rapid, sensitive and validated method of high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection for simultaneous quantification of zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine in human plasma. All analyses were performed using graph pad prism version 5.0. A perfect agreement (p<.001) was found between nevirapine drug levels and prescriptionrefill visit adherence records (Kappa 0.093). Plasma zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine concentrations were not statistically associated with virological success (Viral load <400copies/µl ) and immunological success (CD4 cells >100 cells/mm3). At 2 years zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine therapeutic levels, zidovudine supra therapeutic levels ,and nevirapine subtherapeutic levels were respectively significantly associated with immunologic success (CD4%>15 %). Low nevirapine levels can be used to identify those that require adherence counseling. Despite good virological and immunological outcomes, plasma concentrations of zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine were not significantly associated with virological and immunological outcomes (Absolute CD4 counts) but was significantly associated with immunological outcomes (CD4%). Plasma drug levels may be good surrogates of adherence but not of treatment outcomes. Monitoring CD4% remains important to optimize paediatric HIV treatment

Antidepressant Effect of Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae): Involvement of Cholinergic, Monoaminergic and L-arginine-nitric Oxide Pathways.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported antidepressant effect of Cnestis ferruginea (CF) in behavioral models of depression. Due to the promise shown by this extract, this study was carried out to investigate the contribution of monoaminergic, cholinergic and nitrergic systems to the antidepressant-like effect elicited by CF. METHODS: Male albino mice were pretreated with monoaminergic or cholinergic receptor antagonists, L-arginine or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) (at doses reported to block the in vivo effect of the agonists), 15 min before oral administration of CF (100 mg/kg), 1 h later, the forced swim test (FST) in mice was carried out. RESULTS: CF treatment produced significant changes in the duration of swimming (F(5,42)=9.86, P<0.001), climbing behaviour (F(5,42)=4.51, P=0.004) and mean time spent immobile (F(5,42)=11.55, P<0.001) vs. vehicle-treated control. Co-administration of CF with fluoxetine or imipramine potentiated their effect. However, pretreatment of mice with reserpine (F(1,16)=119.20, P<0.001), prazosin (F(1,16)=68.98, P<0.001), sulpiride (F(1,16)=15.46, P<0.01), RS 127445 ((F(1,20)=8.22, P<0.01), SB 399885 ((F(1,20)=38.44, P<0.001), atropine (F(1,16)=53.77, P<0.001), or L-arginine (nitric oxide precursor) (F(1,16)=10.35, P<0.01) prevented CF-induced antidepressant-like effect in mice. In addition, pretreatment of mice with L-NNA (10 mg/kg) augmented the effect of CF. CONCLUSION: C. ferruginea exerts its antidepressant-like action through interaction with α-adrenoceptor, dopamine D2, 5-HT2B, 5-HT6 and muscarinic cholinergi1c receptors as well as L-arginine-nitric oxide systems. C. ferruginea could be used as adjuvant with conventional antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder.

A Prospective Study of Spectrum, Risk Factors and Immediate Outcome of Congenital Anomalies in Bida, North Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Congenital disorders are structural, metabolic, behavioral and functional disorders that are present at birth. Their manifestations are protean ranging from mild anomalies to life-threatening conditions. AIM: The objectives of this study were to describe the congenital anomalies in children seen at Federal Medical Center, Bida over a 12 month period, determine possible factors associated with these anomalies; and their short term outcome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Children with clinically recognized congenital malformations were recruited consecutively over a 12 month period and socio-demographic, etiologic and other relevant clinical data were obtained. A detailed examination was also performed and abnormalities documented. The data was analyzed using Epi-info version 6 (Atlanta, USA). The Chi-square was used to identify significant differences for categorical variables. Mid-P and Fisher's exact tests were utilized as appropriate. A P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A total of 46 children with congenital anomalies were seen during the study period, all which were recruited into the study. The hospital based prevalence amongst neonates was 111/1000 neonates. The most common system affected was the digestive system(50.0%) followed by the central nervous system and head and neck anomalies. There was no significant difference in distribution of anomalies amongst the various ethnic groups. About 22% of families were consanguineous, all being first cousins and 8.7% of mothers were greater than 35 years of age. The case fatality rate for congenital malformations was 2.2%, while 60.9% were referred to other hospitals for further care. CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated a wide variety of congenital anomalies in Bida, North-Central Nigeria with the digestive system anomalies being the most frequent. The findings of this study strengthen the need for empowerment of the institution in appropriate management of these disorders.

Prescribing Pattern of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs at the Outpatient Pharmacy Department of a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID), are among the most widely used and misused of all drugs. Though they provide symptomatic relief from pain and swelling in chronic joint diseases, they may cause renal impairment, especially in combination with other nephrotoxic agents. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prescription pattern of NSAID in the Out-patient Pharmacy Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria. DESIGN: A total of 3800 prescriptions containing NSAIDs were analyzed for information on drug name, the number of NSAIDs per prescription, the presence of ACE inhibitors and diuretics alongside NSAIDs and NSAIDs prescribed in generic or brand names. RESULTS: The results showed that Aspirin was the most frequently prescribed NSAID (62.2%) and 68.4% of the NSAIDs prescriptions studied were written in generic names. The total number of drugs per prescription was in most cases 3 or greater (84.6%). There were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) associations between the individual NSAID prescribed and whether they were prescribed in generics or brand names; individual NSAID prescribed and the frequency of co-prescription with an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic; types of NSAID prescribed and the cost in Naira. CONCLUSION: Though most of the prescribers complied with WHO standard in their prescriptions vis a vis generic prescription, avoidance of polypharmacy and avoidance of drug interactions and contraindications, there is obvious need for interventional measures or strategies to improve rational prescribing for some of the prescribers tailored towards rational prescription and use of drugs.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Haematological and Oxidative Stress Levels in Commercial Photocopier Operators In Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Human exposure to hazardous substances in the environment has been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Photocopying machines have become a cheap source of self-employment in Nigeria. For obvious reasons the highest level of patronage is encountered in the campuses of educational institutions. However, the persons who operate the machines are always exposed to possible hazards associated with the job without protective devices. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the levels of oxidative stress, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and haematological parameters in blood samples of photocopier operators. METHODS: The experimental procedure involved 50 consented subjects selected based on some criteria. The haematological parameters, oxidative stress and PAH levels were determined using standard methods. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) in the haematological parameters between the test subjects and the controls. However, there were duration on the job (yrs) dependent significant decrease in the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the photocopier operators compared with the controls (> 5 years p≤ 0.0001; 4-5 years p≤0.001). The level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was significantly decreased across all lengths of duration on the job compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study revealed increased level of oxidative stress in photocopier operators with no significant change in haematological parameters. The health implication of operating photocopiers call for quick health education and intervention tailored to monitoring and guiding the photocopier operators. This will help to prevent or manage continuous exposure to the hazards of photocopying machines.

Effects of ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides on antioxidant enzymes and biochemical parameters in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lecaniodiscus cupanioides is widely used in West African folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, fevers and bacterial infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the potential toxic effects of the ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (LC) on antioxidant enzymes in selected organs and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crude ethanolic extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides dried leaves was prepared. A 90-day sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted using albino rats. Reconstituted Lecaniodiscus cupanioides was administered at a dosage of 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg (high dose) with a control group receiving 10 ml/kg orally. Histopathological studies of major organs and blood chemistry analysis were performed on blood obtained via cardiac puncture after euthanization. Selected organs (liver, kidney and brain) were harvested for antioxidant and histopathological assessments. RESULTS: The extract produced significant (p<0.05) increases in the weights of liver, kidney and brain at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg compared to the control. Biochemical analysis showed significant increase in Alanine transferase (ALT) at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg. Assay for antioxidant enzymes showed a reversible decrease in the activity of Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione (GSH) with an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg Lecaniodiscus cupanioides. Histopathological study showed reversible congestion in the brain, liver, and kidney at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Findings in this study reveal that the ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides has the potential for inhibiting in vivo antioxidant enzymes activity and causing hepatotoxicity after prolonged exposure.

Glucose utilization and anti-oxidative mechanisms of the aqueous hunteria umbellata seed extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In South-west Nigeria, water decoctions of Hunteria umbellata seeds are highly valued by traditional healers in the local management of diabetes mellitus, obesity and hyperlipidemia. Previous studies hypothesized one of the antihyperglycemic mechanisms of the aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata (HU) to be mediated probably via increased peripheral glucose utilization. The present study, therefore, was designed at evaluating the peripheral glucose utilization and anti-oxidative mechanisms of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of HU in alloxan-induced diabetic rats in Groups IV-VI rats as well as in the control groups (Groups I-III). Experimental type 1 DM was induced in male Wistar rats through intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate in cold 0.9% normal saline after which the diabetic rats were orally treated with 50-200 mg/kg of HU for 14 days. Effects of HU on the rat body weight, percentage body weight changes and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were determined on days 1 and 15 of the experiment. Also, on day 15 of the experiment, HU effect on serum insulin, liver enzyme markers, proteins, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase as well as on hepatic tissue oxidative stress markers, liver glycogen and glucose-6-phosphatase were determined after sacrificing the rats under diethyl ether anesthesia. Results showed that oral treatments with 50-200 mg/kg of HU caused significant (p<0.0001) improvements in the weight loss caused by alloxan-induced diabetes, while causing significant (p<0.05, p<0.001 and p<0.0001) dose-related reductions in the FBG levels despite causing non-significant (p>0.05) alterations in the serum INS levels in the treated rats. Also, repeated oral treatment with HU caused significant (p<0.0001) reversal in the decrease and increase in the hepatic glycogen levels and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, respectively, caused by alloxan-induced diabetes. Similar significant (p<0.0001) and complete reversal effects were recorded in the serum hepatic enzyme markers, total protein, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase as well as on hepatic tissue oxidative stress markers such as superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) of HU-treated rats when compared to that of untreated alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In conclusion, results of this study showed HU treatment to significantly ameliorate the hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats which was mediated via increased hepatic glycogen deposit, decreased hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity and improvement in antioxidant/free radicals scavenging activities.

Prescribing Pattern of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs at the Outpatient Pharmacy Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Nigeria

Background: Non-steroidal Anti- inflammatory Drugs (NSAID); are among the most widely used and misused of all drugs. Though they provide symptomatic relief from pain and swelling in chronic joint diseases; they may cause renal impairment; especially in combination with other nephrotoxic agents.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prescription pattern of NSAID in the Out-patient Pharmacy Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Nigeria.Design: A total of 3800 prescriptions containing NSAIDs were analyzed for information on drug name; the number of NSAIDs per prescription; the presence of ACE inhibitors and diuretics alongside NSAIDs and NSAIDs prescribed in generic or brand names. Results: The results showed that Aspirin was the most frequently prescribed NSAID (62.2) and 68.4 of the NSAIDs prescriptions studied were written in generic names. The total number of drugs per prescription was in most cases 3 or greater (84.6). There were statistically significant (p ? 0.05) associations between the individual NSAID prescribed and whether they were prescribed in generics or brand names; individual NSAID prescribed and the frequency of co-prescription with an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic; types of NSAID prescribed and the cost in Naira. Conclusion: Though most of the prescribers complied with WHO standard in their prescriptions vis a vis generic prescription; avoidance of polypharmacy and avoidance of drug interactions and contraindications; there is obvious need for interventional measures or strategies to improve rational prescribing for some of the prescribers tailored towards rational prescription and use of drugs

Evaluation of amentoflavone isolated from Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) on production of inflammatory mediators in LPS stimulated rat astrocytoma cell line (C6) and THP-1 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cnestisferruginea (CF) Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) is a shrub widely used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of various psychiatric illness and inflammatory conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of amentoflavone isolated from methanolic root extract of CF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory cascade of events associated to the oxidative and nitrative stress, and TNF-α production in rat astrocytoma cell line (C6) and human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1), respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat astrocytoma cells (C6) were stimulated with LPS (10µg/ml) alone and in the presence of different concentrations of amentoflavone (0.1-3µg/ml) for 24h incubation period. Nitrite release, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced-glutathione (GSH) in C6 cells were estimated; while the TNF-α level was estimated in THP-1 cell lysate. In vivo analgesic activity was evaluated using mouse writhing and hot plate tests while the anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using carrageenan-induced oedema test. RESULTS: LPS (10µg/ml) significantly (P<0.05) stimulated C6 cells to release nitrite, ROS, MDA, and TNF-α generation while GSH was down regulated in comparison to control. However, amentoflavone significantly (P<0.05) attenuated nitrite, ROS, MDA and TNF-α generation and also up regulated the level of GSH. Amentoflavone per se did not have any significant effect on C6 and THP-1 cells. Amentoflavone (6.25-50mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) reduced number of writhes and also increase pain threshold in hot plate test. It produced time course significant (P<0.05) decrease in oedema formation in rodents. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings in this study demonstrate the anti-neuroinflammatory and antinoceptive effects of amentoflavone which may suggest its beneficial roles in neuroinflammation associated disorders.

The antidiarrhoeal activity of the aqueous root extract of Aristolochia ringens (Vahl.) Aristolochiaceae.

BACKGROUND: Aristolochia ringens, an ornamental plant native to tropical America that now grows in a number of African countries has been reported to be used in African traditional medicine for the management of snake bite venom, gastrointestinal disturbances, rheumatoicd arthritis and insomnia among others. OBJECTIVE: Based on its use in traditional African medicine, the antidiarrhoeal activity of the aqueous root extract of Aristolochia ringens (AR) was evaluated to determine the pharmacological basis of its use in the management of diarrhoea. METHODS: Normal and castor oil (CO) induced intestinal transit, castor oil induced diarrhoea, gastric emptying and enteropooling models were carried out in mice and rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity tests were also carried out. RESULTS: AR (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent and significant decrease in normal and castor oil-induced intestinal transit compared to the vehicle group. This effect was significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited by pilocarpine (10 mg/kg, s.c.), phentolamine and propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) respectively but neither significantly inhibited by yohimbine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) nor significantly enhanced by isosorbide dinitrate (150 mg/kg, p.o.). AR produced a dose-dependent and significant increase in the latency of diarrhoeal onset. AR also reduced the diarrhoeal score, number and weight of wet stools. The in vivo antidarrhoeal index (ADI(in vivo)) of 81.79 produced by AR (400 mg/kg) is comparable to the 86.85 ADI(in vivo). produced by morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.). AR also reduced the gastric enteropooling and emptying effects of castor oil. Preliminary screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins and alkaloids. In the acute toxicity study, no mortality was observed with AR administered orally up to 10,000 mg/kg, but an LD50 of 407.38 mg/kg was obtained with the intraperitoneal route of administration in mice. CONCLUSION: Results show that the aqueous root extract of Aristolochia ringens possesses antidiarrhoeal activity possibly mediated by its non selective action on adrenoceptors in the GIT and physiological antagonism of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The novel antihyperglycaemic action of Hunteria umbellata seed fractions mediated via intestinal glucose uptake inhibition.

The present study evaluated the antihyperglycaemic effect and mechanism of action of fractions of the aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata (K. Schum.) Hallier f. (HU) in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. HU was partitioned in chloroform, acetyl acetate and butan-1-ol to give chloroform fraction (HU c), ethyl acetate fraction (HU e), butanol fraction (HU b) and the "residue" (HU m), respectively. 200 mg/kg of each of these fraction dissolved in 5% Tween 20 in distilled water was investigated for its acute oral hypoglycaemic effects in normal rats over 6 hours while its repeated dose antihyperglycaemic effect was evaluated in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats over 5 days. In addition, 50 mg/kg of the crude alkaloid fraction (HU Af) extracted from HU was evaluated for its possible antihyperglycaemic activity in alloxaninduced hyperglycaemic rats using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) over 6 hours. Using the solvent system, distilled water-butanol-ammonium hydroxide (2:15:1, v/v/v), HU b was chromatographed and stained with Dragendorff's reagent for confirmatory qualitative analysis for alkaloids. Results showed that oral pre-treatment with 200 mg/kg of HU e, HU b and HU m resulted in a significant (p<0.05, p<0.001) time dependent hypoglycaemic effect, with the butan-1-ol fraction HU causing the most significant (p<0.001) hypoglycaemic effect. In the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats, repeated oral treatment with 200 mg/kg of same HU fractions for 5 days resulted in significant (p<0.05) decreases in the fasting blood glucose concentrations with the most significant (p<0.01) antihyperglycaemic effect also recorded for HU b. Similarly, oral pretreatment with 50 mg/kg of HU Af significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001) attenuated an increase in the post-absorptive glucose concentration at 1(st) - 6(th) h in the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic OGTT model. In addition, alkaloid was present in most of the separated spots on the TLC plate. In conclusion, results of this study showed that HU contains a relative high amount of alkaloids which could have accounted for the antihyperglycaemic action of HU that was mediated via intestinal glucose uptake inhibition.

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.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of DAS-77 (a herbal preparation).

BACKGROUND: DAS-77 is a traditional herbal preparation composed of the young callous bark of mango (Mangifera indica Linn., Anacardiaceae) and the dried root of pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn., Caricaceae). This phytomedicine is claimed to have beneficial effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhoea. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antidiarrhoeal effect of DAS-77 using standard pharmacological models. METHODS: Normal and castor oil-induced intestinal transit, and castor oil-induced diarrhoea tests wore carried out in mice while intestinal fluid accumulation and gastric emptying tests were carried out in rats. Acute toxicity test and preliminary phytochemical analysis were also conducted. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study revealed that DAS-77 had no significant inhibitory effect on normal intestinal transit, castor oil-induced diarrhoea, intestinal fluid accumulation and gastric emptying. However, the inhibitory effect of DAS-77 was significant (p<0.001) relative to control in the castor oil-induced intestinal transit test. Peak effect was produced at the dose of 100 mg/kg (p.o.). The effect of DAS-77 in this respect was reversed by pilocarpine and propranolol, but not by phenoxybenzamine. DAS-77 did not produce any mortality given p.o. up to 10 g/kg, indicating the relative safety of the preparation. The i.p. LD50 was estimated to be 1122 mg/kg. The remedy was found to contain saponins, tannins, phenols and alkaloids. CONCLUSION: Findings in this study suggest that DAS-77 possesses antidiarrhoeal activity due to the inhibition of intestinal motility possibly mediated by muscarinic and alpha adrenergic receptors.