Maillard Reaction Products and Phenolic Compounds from Roasted Peanut Flour Extracts Prevent Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia Via Cholinergic Modulation and Antioxidative Effects in Mice.

Research on the beneficial effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and phenolic compounds derived from roasted peanut flour on the nervous system remains insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 28-day oral administration of defatted peanut extract rich in MPRs and polyphenolic compounds on the cognitive impairments and oxidative injury induced by scopolamine in a mouse model. Light and dark extracts from peanut flour were prepared by heating peanuts at 187°C for two different times (8.6 and 12.7 min) and defatted using soxhlet apparatus. The mice were orally pretreated with either roasted defatted peanuts extracts (100 mg/kg) or donepezil (3 mg/kg) for 21 days. On day 19 and until day 28, mice were injected subcutaneously with water or scopolamine (1 mg/kg body weight) 15 min after roasted defatted peanuts extracts/water feeding. Mice were subsequently subjected to a battery of behavioral tests including open field locomotor activity assay, and Morris water maze test. Brain tissues were collected to measure acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, and oxidative parameters (glutathione and malondialdehyde). Roasted defatted peanuts (light and dark) (100 mg/kg) treatment significantly ameliorated cognitive performance and reversed the oxidative damage when compared with the scopolamine group. These data demonstrate the defatted peanuts extracts exert potent anti-amnesic effects via the modulation of cholinergic and antioxidant activities.

IL-18 variant increases risk of enhanced HBV DNA replication in chronic hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: The outcome ofhepatitis B (HBV) infection is influenced by immune responses and host genetics. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a determinant factor in controlling the balance of Th1/Th2 during antiviral response.Weexamine therole of two functional polymorphisms -607A/C and-137A/C inIL-18 gene with risk of chronic HBV infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genomic DNA isolates were obtained from 200 seropositive cases stratified according to their HBV DNA loads, and 200 blood donorsas a control population. Genotypes of the two polymorphisms were identified by ARMS-PCR method. The -607A allele, the-607AA and -607AC genotypes were associated with increased risk to develop chronic HBV infection (1.98, 5.11 and 3.5-fold risks, respectively). By contrast, the -137C minor allele and CG genotype had protected effects against chronic HBV infection. We found that -607A allele, -607AA and -607AC genotypes were significantly more frequent in patient's group with high HBV DNA levels compared to patient group with low HBV DNA level. Additionally, they were associated with increased 1.72, 6.04 and 3.28-fold risk of high HBV DNA replication. Patients carrying "-607A/-137 C" or "-607A/-137 G" haplotypes presented a high risk to develop chronic HBV infection (OR = 3.27; OR = 4.32, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggest that theIL-18 -607A/C functional polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to enhanced replicative form of HBV DNA in chronic infection.

Anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities of four essential oils against multidrug-resistant bacterial clinical isolates.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria are increasingly reported at the clinical setting. The antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-oxidant activities of four essential oils extracted from Cinnamomum verum, Origanum majorana, Thymus vulgaris, and Eugenia caryophyllata against Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria were evaluated in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 105 multidrug resistant clinical strains. Inhibition diameter zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericide concentration of the oils were determined using agar disc diffusion method and microdilution. The ability of the 4 essential oils to inhibit the production of bacterial biofilms was tested on polystyrene plates, as well as their inhibitory effect on the production of violacein by Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. The anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging method. RESULTS: Essential oils of Cinnamomum verum, Thymus vulgaris and Eugenia caryophyllata showed an important antibacterial activity. The inhibition diameter zone was higher than 20 mm for 90.24 %, 85.71 % and 60.95 % of strains respectively. These essential oils have a remarkable anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities against almost all the species studied. Clove extract revealed the highest anti-oxidant activity (Pourcentage of inhibtion of DPPH = 90.3 %). CONCLUSION: These results supported the use of the 4 essential oils as alternative or complementary agents to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and to prevent biofilm formation and quorum sensing signaling. They might be used as a safe anti-oxidants instead of harmful artificial ones.

Antioxidant Activity Improvement of Apples Juice Supplemented with Chitosan-Galactose Maillard Reaction Products.

Chitosan-galactose Maillard reaction (CG) were prepared by heating at 100 °C for 3 hrs in a model system containing chitosan (CH) and 1%, 1.5% and 2% (w/v) of galactose. The results showed that the absorbance at 294 and 420 nm, the fluorescence intensity and the color differences of CG Maillard reaction products (MRPs) increased significantly with the increase of galactose concentration, which indicated the development of MRPs. In addition, FT-IR analysis showed that the degree of deacetylation of CG-MRPs was reduced with the increasing galactose ratio by the schiff base (-C=N) formation, indicating that the galactose has been attached to the amino group of chitosan. Likewise, the antioxidant activities (DPPH, chelating ability and reducing power) of CG-MRPs were investigated. Notably, the effect of galactose concentration in CG-MRPs was found to enhance the antioxidant activity, indicating that CG-2% exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the range of 0.25-2.0 mg/mL. Furthermore, the apple juice supplemented with CG-MRPs could significantly improve the antioxidant activities, and CG-2% in apple juice showed the better antioxidant capacity at the concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Thus, we conclude that CG-MRPs addition may greatly improve the antioxidant quality of apple juice.

[Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome: a case report]. / Syndrome de Maroteaux-Lamy : à propos d'un cas.

The Maroteaux-Lamy disease, or mucopolysaccharidosis type VI is an inherited metabolic disorder severe and rare. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase B. It is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical, radiological and genetic. We report the case of a Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome of in a child aged 7 years whose diagnosis was suspected clinically by the combination of a dysmorphic syndrome, a failure to thrive not harmonious, hepatomegaly and normal intelligence. Radiological exams have objectified dysostosis multiplex. Biochemical analysis of urine showed the abnormal presence of dermatan sulfate. The determination of leukocyte enzyme activity confirmed the diagnosis by showing arylsulfatase B deficiency. Hence the diagnosis of syndrome Maroteaux-Lamy in its mild form (type B) was selected.

Folate and homocysteine in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Amyloid deposition in the brain is an early event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but a dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier or a disturbance in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine (Hcy) may affect the development of dementia. We investigated if the concentrations of folate and Hcy would be modified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of clinically diagnosed AD patients. METHODS: We included 70 AD patients, 33 patients with another type of dementia (nAD) and 30 age-matched control subjects. Plasma Hcy was assayed as well as Hcy, folate, Aß1-42 and T-tau in CSF. We used ANOVAs for comparison between groups, and then pairwise comparisons by Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni-corrected p values. Correlations were tested with the Spearman's rank test. RESULTS: Levels of Aß1-42, T-tau and folates in CSF were significantly different between groups, but not Hcy. In addition, the average folate in CSF was lower in AD patients compared with controls (18.7 ± 2.4 vs. 20.3 ± 1.7 nmol/l, Bonferroni-corrected p value < 0.02). There was no correlation between Aß1-42 or T-tau and folate or Hcy in CSF, regardless of the group. In the AD group, there was a significant inverse correlation between Hcy and folate in CSF (ρ = -0.63, p < 0.0001), whereas in the nAD group, a significant correlation was found for Hcy between plasma and CSF (ρ = 0.59, p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: The concentration of folate in CSF was found to be decreased in AD patients. These findings support the hypothesis of a possible role of folate in the onset or worsening of AD.

[Primary distal renal tubular acidosis: a case report]. / L'acidose tubulaire rénale distale primitive : à propos d'un cas.

The primary distal renal tubular acidosis is characterized biochemically by the inability of the kidney to produce appropriately acid urine in the presence of systemic metabolic acidosis or after acid loading (e.g. ammonium chloride). It is secondary to defective excretion of H(+) by the cells of the collecting duct. We report the observation of the child MC, 4-year-old, for whom the association of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, a failure to thrive, nephrolithiasis, hypercalciuria, and especially a high urine pH in the presence of metabolic acidosis did evoke diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis. An urine acidification test with ammonium chloride was performed, the urinary pH was always higher than 5.5, thus confirming the diagnosis.

Polymorphism in apoA1 Influences High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels but Is Not a Major Risk Factor of Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) is the major apolipoprotein constituent of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and is involved in reverse cholesterol transport. Variation in the apoA1 gene might influence the function of the protein and, thus, brain cholesterol metabolism, leading to an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AIM: In the current report, we investigated the role of the functional apoA1 polymorphism (-75 G/A) as a genetic risk factor for AD in a Tunisian population. METHODS: 173 AD patients and 150 healthy controls were studied. RESULTS: No association was found between this genetic variation in apoA1 gene and the risk of AD. The presence of the (-75 G/A) A allele appeared, however, to be associated with lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid Aß42 and HDL cholesterol levels in sera. CONCLUSION: Our data support the observation that apoA1 polymorphism influences cholesterol metabolism and Aß42 deposition in the brain.

Analysis of association between bleomycin hydrolase and apolipoprotein E polymorphism in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. Several studies indicate a possible relationship between different genes and Alzheimer's disease. To further investigate, we have analyzed the association between the bleomycin hydrolase (BLMH) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphisms in 93 AD patients and age- and sex-matched 113 controls from the Tunisian population. The frequency of ApoE epsilon 4 allele was found to differ significantly in AD patients compared to the control [29.5% vs. 8.8 (χ (2) = 26, df = 1, p < 0.001)] leading to an increased risk of AD in subjects with this allele (OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.7-6.5; p = 0.001]. This risk was found to decrease from OR = 8.4, CI = 3.3-23; p < 0.001 in subjects less than 75 years old to OR = 1.2, CI = 1.031-14; p = 0.0297 in subjects 75 years and older. No association was observed between carrying the BLMH-G genotype and AD in ε4 negative or positive subjects.

-1154G/A and -2578C/A polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene in Tunisian Alzheimer patients in relation to beta-amyloid (1-42) and total tau protein.

Recent evidences indicate that polymorphisms within the promoter region of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene may elevate the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To further investigate, we have analyzed association between promoter polymorphisms of the VEGF gene in 93 AD patients and age and sex matched 113 controls from Tunisian population. The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of the VEGF (-2578C/A) and (-1154G/A) polymorphisms did not differ significantly between AD and control groups (p>0.05). In the subgroup of ApoE varepsilon4 carriers, the -2578A was observed to be significantly higher in the AD patients than in the control individuals. After adjusting the data by gender, age and the ApoE varepsilon4 status using logistic regression, the -2578A allele was found to increase the risk for sporadic AD by 1.7-fold. The present study provides the evidence that the -2578A allele may be associated with the development of AD in the individuals with ApoE varepsilon4 allele. In addition, AD patients carrying the -2578A allele had lower Abeta42 (p=0.029) levels than those without this allele, particularly in subjects with ApoE varepsilon4 allele.

Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid tau/beta-amyloid(42) ratio as diagnostic markers for Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. Currently, no definitive diagnostic test for AD exists. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of amyloid beta (Abeta1-42) peptides and total tau proteins (T-tau) may serve as biomarkers for AD. AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of CSF Abeta1-42 and T-tau analyses in the diagnosis of AD with Tunisians. METHODS: We focused on three groups originating from Central Tunisian that matched in age (range 48-85): healthy controls (n = 53), AD patients (n = 93) and non-Alzheimer (nAD) dementia (n = 35) patients. Abeta1-42 and T-tau levels were measured in CSF by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The ratio of T-tau/Abeta1-42 at baseline yielded a sensitivity of 85.3% for detection of AD and the specificity was 84.8% to differentiate controls and nAD dementia. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm the use of T-tau/Abeta1-42 ratio in the discrimination of AD patients from all other patients.

CSF beta-amyloid 1-42 and tau in Tunisian patients with Alzheimer's disease: the effect of APOE epsilon4 allele.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. Currently, no definitive diagnostic test for AD exists. An accurate, convenient and objective test to detect AD is urgently needed for efficient drug development and effective clinical use of emerging therapies. The aim of the present work is to investigate the usefulness of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta-amyloid protein (Abeta1-42) and total tau protein (t-tau) analyses in the diagnosis of AD and whether apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4 allele is a factor for AD affecting Tunisian people. Abeta1-42 and t-tau levels were measured in CSF from AD patients (n=73), non-Alzheimer dementia (nAD, n=35) and healthy controls (HC, n=38) by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Abeta1-42 levels were decreased and t-tau increased in AD patients. The combination of Abeta1-42 and t-tau at baseline yielded a sensitivity of 87.4% for detection of AD. The specificities were 97.3% for controls and 82.7% for other dementia. The ApoE epsilon4 allele frequency (29.5%) was significantly higher in the AD patients than in the nAD patients (17.1%) or in the control groups (9.5%). AD patients carrying ApoE epsilon4 allele had lower Abeta1-42 (p<0.001) levels than those without a epsilon4 allele. The combination of t-tau and Abeta1-42 is a robust and reliable assay that may be useful in discriminating cases at risk for AD such as ApoE epsilon4 allele carriers from nAD patients or from age-matched control subjects.