Toxicological Evaluation of Euphorbia hirta on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) Cells and in Albino Rats

Aim: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo exposure effects of Euphorbia hirta decoction on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cells and in albino rats, respectively. Materials and Methods: Extract of the plant was obtained after boiling and the filtrate dried. In vitro cytotoxic effect was evaluated on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cells by examination of cell morphology under the microscope after exposure to 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml concentrations of extract while the in vivo toxicity on some biochemical; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine and electrolytes), haematological (Full Blood Count) and histological (Liver and Kidney) indices were evaluated after daily oral administration of the extract to four groups (n =8) of albino rats at dose of 0, 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight, respectively for 14 days. Results: In vitro evaluation showed a concentration dependent increase in cytopathic effect (CPE) in BHK-21 cells ranging from dark single particles indicative of early sign CPE at 25 µg/ml to severe CPE and apoptosis at 200 µg/ml. The in vivo evaluation revealed significant increases (p<0.05) in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP with values ranging from 11-15, 22-35 and 168-308 iu/l respectively in serum when compared to the control group. The concentrations of urea (243.71-270.60 mmol/lit) and creatinine (168.07-280.71 µmol/lit) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the test groups compared to the control group. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney revealed varying degrees of alterations (sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, haemorrhage, centrilobular degeneration, tubular necrosis and tubular degeneration). Conclusion: The decoction of Euphorbia hirta is cytotoxic to BHK-21 cells and toxic to the liver and kidney of albino rats at the tested concentrations and dosages respectively. Until safe doses are determined, its uncontrolled consumption should be discouraged.

Birth preparedness, complication readiness and fathers' participation in maternity care in a northern nigerian community

The role of men in maternity care in Africa is understudied, despite their economic dominance and decision making power. In a patriarchal society like northern Nigeria, pregnancy and childbirth are often regarded as exclusively women's affairs. Using data from interviewer administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews; we assessed birth preparedness, complication readiness and male participation in maternity care in Ungogo, a northern Nigerian community. Majority of pregnancies were unplanned (96%). Only 32.1% of men ever accompanied their spouses for maternity care. There was very little preparation for skilled assistance during delivery (6.2%), savings for emergencies (19.5%) or transportation during labour (24.2%). Young paternal age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2-2.6), formal education (AOR=1.9, 95%CI=1.1-3.4) and non-Hausa Fulani ethnicity (AOR=2.3, 95%CI=1.4-3.3) were independent predictors of male participation in maternity care. There is a need to increase involvement of men in their partner's maternity care through peer-led, culturally-sensitive community education and appropriate health system reforms (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:21-32)

The effects of short-term, rapid glycemic control on the peroneal nerve function and serum VCAM-1 and AGE in type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia.

Background : The role of endothelial injury and circulating adhesion molecule in the development and progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the long-term has been established previously. Aims:0 To study the effects of short-term glycemic control using insulin and oral hypoglycemic agent therapy (OHA) on the peroneal nerve function and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Settings and Design : A randomized controlled study involving poorly controlled (HbA1c, 7.5%-11%) type 2 diabetic patients attending the endocrinology outpatient center in a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine patients were randomized to receive insulin (n=15) or OHA (n=14) for 8 weeks. The glycemic variables (HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose [FPG], fructosamine), VCAM-1, serum AGE and the peroneal motor conduction velocity (PMCV) were measured at baseline and at 4-week intervals. Statistical Analysis Used : Paired 't' test or Kruskal Wallis test; and the unpaired 't' test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for within-group and between-group analyses, respectively. Correlation was analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results : Within-group analysis showed significant progressive improvement in HbA1c at weeks 4 and 8 in the insulin group. The PMCV improved significantly in both groups by week 8, and by week 4 (P = 0.01) in the insulin group. PMCV correlated negatively with VCAM-1 (P = 0.031) and AGE (P = 0.009) at week 8. Conclusion : Aggressive glycemic control with insulin improves the peroneal nerve function within 4 weeks. Improvement in the serum VCAM-1 and AGE levels correlated significantly with improvement in peroneal nerve conduction velocity only in the insulin group.