Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

253-261

Authors: Diksa Devi Tacouri, Deena Ramful-Baboolall, Daneshwar Puchooa

Objective: To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities along with phytochemical screening of organic and aqueous extracts of spices used in Mauritian foods. Methods: Antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was evaluated in terms of total antioxidant capacity, total phenol content and total flavonoid content. The antimicrobial activity of the spices was determined by the agar well diffusion method against a gram positive and a gram negative bacteria. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening were carried out by standard biochemical assays. Results: All six spices were found to possess alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and phenols. Total phenolic content of the extracts varied between 177 and 1 890 mg GAE/g DW while the total flavonoid content varied between 2.8 and 37.6 mg QE/g DW. All six spices were found to possess strong antioxidant properties as well. Highest value was obtained for cinnamon [(24.930依0.198) µmol Fe2+/g DW] whilst turmeric showed the lowest antioxidant activity [(5.980±0.313) µmol Fe2+/g DW] (P<0.05). All extracts showed promising activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The size of the inhibition zones ranged between (11.20±0.23) mm to (26.10±2.09) mm (P<0.05) with turmeric and cinnamon being the most effective against Staphylococcus aureus while garlic was least effective against both E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusions: The present study reveals the presence of potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in the extracts of the spices which could be further exploited.

267-270

Authors: Gloria Baaba Aubyn, Daniel Nii Aryee Tagoe

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vaginal infections and associated lifestyles of students visiting the University of Cape Coast Hospital. Methods: Fifty female students presenting with clinical symptoms of vaginitis were sampled. One hundred samples made up of 50 urine and 50 higher vaginal swabs (HVS) were obtained from patients and questionnaire administered. Samples were wet prepared, examined microscopically, and cultured on blood and chocolate agars for 24 h at (35±2) °C. Colonial morphology, Gram reactions and biochemical tests were used for the identification of isolates. Results: There were high percentages of pus cells (64%), epithelial cells (62%) and yeast cells (56%) in all urine samples. Bacterial isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (28%) and (22%), Klebsiella spp. (6%) and (4%) in urine and HVS samples respectively; Escherichia coli in urine (18%) and Candida in HVS (16%). The overall prevalence of vaginitis was 66%, including bacterial vaginosis 28%, Candida infection 22% and co-infection of bacterial and Candida 16%. Lifestyle data showed all sampled students were sexually active, 48% used contraceptives, 54% used antimicrobial agents, and 92% prefered wearing of trousers and shorts. Conclusions: The present study indicates prevalence of vaginal infection among female students, which strongly correlates with student lifestyle. Education on lifestyle modifications will go a long way in reducing the prevalence of vaginitis.

277-285

Authors: Hefnawy Taha M. Hefnawy, Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan

Objective: To study the protective effects of the ethanolic extract of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) leaves against the toxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in reproductive system of rats. Methods: Lettuce leaves were dried and extracted with ethanol (plant: solvent, 1:10, w/v). The extract was filtered and evaporated to yield dried lettuce extract. Animals were divided into seven groups and treated with CCl4 and different concentrations of lettuce extract. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected and centrifuged for serum separation. Body weights, testis size, histopathology of testis and liver, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrite level, and serum hormones were determined. Results: Oxidative stress induced by CCl4 (2 mL/kg body weight) in rat decreases the increase in body weight and relative testis weight. It also markedly increases the level of TBARS and nitrites along with corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes in testis (i.e., CAT, POD, SOD and GSH-Px). Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone was decreased while estradiol and prolactin were increased during CCl 4 treatment. Histopathology of CCl4-treated rats indicated the partial degeneration of germ and leydig cells along with deformities in spermatogenesis. Supplementation of lettuce extract (100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight orally) once a week for 10 weeks results in decrease of TBARS and nitrite, while increase in antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH contents. Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, histology, body weight and relative testis weight was also concomitantly restored to near normal level by lettuce extract supplementation to CCl4-intoxicated rat. Conclusions: The results clearly demonstrate that lettuce extract treatment augments the antioxidants defense mechanism against CCl4-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical mediated diseases.

294-300

Authors: Omonhinmin A Conrad, Agbara I Uche

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical profile and potential anti-oxidant properties of Dacryodes edulis and Ficus exasperata. Methods: Six groups of Albino rats were intoxicated with tetrachloromethane (CCl4) for 2 d, prior to 7 d administration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg ethanol extracts of plants and three control remidies which is Tween 80 (placebo), CCl4 (negative control) and vitamin E (positive control). Tissue homogenates were employed in assessing the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activities. Results: Phytochemical profiling of the plants showed the presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, except alkaloids and terpenoids in F. exasperata and cardiac glycosides in D. edulis. Generally, significantly different values (P<0.05) were recorded for blood than for liver homogenates. Elevated MDA levels were observed for the CCl4 treated group (negative control). However, lower MDA levels comparable to vitamin E (positive control) were recorded for all D. edulis and the 200 mg/kg F. exasperata pre-treatments. CAT levels were significantly (P<0.05) raised in the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg pretreatments for blood and the 200 mg/kg pretreatments for liver, than for Vit E. CCl4 reduced GSH levels were reversed significantly (P<0.05) in blood by D. edulis and by the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg F. exasperata pretreatments in blood and liver tissues. The mean dose-dependent analysis shows increasing fall in MDA levels with dosage. Conclusions: The plant extracts exhibited dose-dependent oxidative stress suppressive action. This may justify their use for the traditional preparation of anti-malarial remedies.

308-313

Authors: Trishna Debnath, Sa Ra Park, Da Hey im, Jeong Eun Jo, Beong Ou Lim

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of distilled water extract of fresh Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) rhizome. Methods: The extracts were tested for antioxidant activity by using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), and hydroxyl (OH•) radicals scavenging activity. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined in H2O2 treated chang liver cells. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) protein expression in a lipopolysaccharide stimulated Raw 264.7 murine macrophages cell line. Results: P. sibiricum water extracts scavenged DPPH, OH• radicals and decreased the level ROS. The extracts reduced NO reduction and inhibited the expression of iNOS and TNF-α proteins. Conclusions: The findings indicate that water extracts of P. sibiricum could be considered as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents for food and drug industries.

320-322

Authors: Coulibaly-Kalpy Julien, Goualie Bernadette, Kouassi Kan Stephane, Koffi Kouadio Stephane Kra Guy Forget, Faye-Kette Hortense, Fantodji Agathe, Dosso Mireille

Objective: To investigate the presence of Campylobacter spp. in feces of grasscutter farming in Côte d'Ivoire and then to see the possibility for grasscutter meat consumption to constitute a risk for people. Methods: Standard methods of microbiology were used for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. The identification of the bacteria was performed by biochemical and molecular tests. Results: A total of 138 feces samples were collected from 52 paddocks on an experimental farm and a family farm in Abidjan. Of the 138 samples analyzed, three from the experimental farm were positive for Campylobacter with a prevalence of 2.18%. All the strains isolated was identified as Campylobacter coli. Conclusions: The presence of Campylobacter coli, a pathogenic bacterium, in cane rats whose meat is highly valued by Ivorians could pose a risk to consumer’s health.

324-326

Authors: Vania Giacomet, Francesca Penagini, Paola Erba, Francesca Di Nello, Pilar Nannini, Stefania Pisanelli, Giulia R mponi, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by larvae of Taenia solium. It represents the most common cause of neurological disease in children living in developing countries. In recent years, NCC is increasingly being diagnosed also in high-socioeconomic countries, mainly due to the high rate of immigration. We describe a case of a 14-year-old Ecuadorian boy living in Italy, who experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and was diagnosed with NCC. The boy was successfully managed with anticonvulsant, anticysticercal and anti-inflammatory treatment. With the present case we would like to emphasize the importance of considering NCC as a possible cause of non febrile seizures in children living in developed countries, particularly in those immigrated from an endemic region or had a long-term stay in an area of high prevalence.

331-336

Authors: Jigar Katwala, Ananda K Kumar, Jaykumar J Sejpal, Marcelle Terrence, Manish Mishra

Histamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter in central nervous system. It plays an important role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Antidepressant with sleep-promoting effects, for example, doxepin, promotes sleep not through a sedative action but through resynchronisation of circadian cycle. The stimulation of the H1 receptor is thought to play an important role in mediating arousal. Doxepin has a high affinity for the H1 receptor, making it a selective H1 antagonist at low dose and it has been shown to display sedating properties. Compared to other sedative antidepressant, low dose doxepin is the only tricyclic drug which has been evaluated by well-designed, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled studies in both adult and elderly patients. Doxepin is not designated as controlled substance/unscheduled drugs and thus may be of special advantage to use in patients with a history of substance abuse. Hence, welldocumented therapeutic efficacy, tolerability and lack of important adverse effects make the low dose doxepin as a unique, rational drug for the treatment of insomnia in adult and elderly patients.