Influences of Curcuma Longa (turmeric) supplemented diet on the expression of defensive and destructive factors in indomethacin-induced ulcerated Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) L. has been recognized as a plant with high medicinal value and it has been used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Different studies have shown that turmeric has both therapeutic and preventive effects on peptic ulcer. However, there are controversial reports about the anti-ulcerogenic potential of turmeric. Some studies also suggested that turmeric could be ulcerogenic when consumed in large quantity with no mention of the concentration at which this could take place. AIM: This study examined the influences of different concentration of turmeric rhizome powder supplemented diet on the gene expressions of both anti-ulcer and ulcer biomarkers in indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats. METHODS: The study was conducted through prophylactic treatment of test groups with turmeric at different percentage (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) for 28 days. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into seven groups namely A, B, C, D (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% groups respectively), E (standard drug group (STD)), F (ulcerogenic group) and G (normal control group (CTL)). At the end of 28 days, rats were fasted overnight and ulcer was induced in all the groups except group G by oral administration of 60mg/kg b.w (body weight) of indomethacin. The expression of defensive (Cyclo-oxygenase-1, MUCIN, and Hyme-oxygenase-1) and destructive factors (Pepsin) were then analyzed. RESULTS: Results showed that consumption of TRPSD at 1-5% increased the gene expression of protective factors when compared with animals in group F. Furthermore, Prophylactic treatment of test groups with TRPSD at 1%-5% significantly suppressed the gene expression of pepsin in comparison with animals in group F. However, TRPSD consumption at 10% down-regulated the gene expression of those protective factors. Similarly, at 10%, pepsin gene expression was not suppressed when compared with animals in group F. Conclusively, TRPSD could be gastro protective at 1%-5%. However, these potentials were abrogated in animals in group D indicating the ulcerogenic potential of turmeric at this concentration (10%) and its capability to enhance ulcerogenic action of indomethacin. CONCLUSION: Turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) have anti-ulcerogenic potential and gastro-protective effect when consumed in appropriate concentration. Consumption of TRP at 10% concentration could enhance ulcerogenic action of indomethacin (NSAIDs) thus predisposing to ulcer. Effects of turmeric rhizome powder supplemented diet (TRPSD) on the mRNA expression of protective agents (cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1), mucin, and inducible heme-oxygenase (HO-1)) and destructive factor (pepsin), in indomethacin-induced ulcerated Wistar rats were explored in this paper. These were determined by prophylactic treatment of test groups with turmeric at different levels (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) for 28 days. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into seven groups namely A, B, C, D (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% groups respectively), E (standard drug group (STD)), F (ulcerogenic group) and G (normal control group (CTL)). The rats were fasted overnight and ulcer was induced in all the groups except group G by oral administration of 60mg/kg b.w (body weight) of indomethacin. The expression of defensive (Cyclo-oxygenase-1, MUCIN, and Hyme-oxygenase-1) and destructive factors (Pepsin) were then analyzed. Results showed that consumption of TRPSD at 1%-5% increased the gene expression of protective factors when compared with animals in group F. Furthermore, Prophylactic treatment of test groups with TRPSD at 1%-5% significantly suppressed the gene expression of pepsin in comparison with animals in group F. However, TRPSD consumption at 10% down-regulated the gene expression of those protective factors. Similarly, at 10%, pepsin gene expression was not suppressed when compared with animals in group F. Conclusively, TRPSD could be gastro protective at 1%-5%. However, these potentials were abrogated in animals in group D indicating the ulcerogenic potential of turmeric at this concentration (10%) and its capability to enhance ulcerogenic action of indomethacin.

Defensive potential and deleterious impact of turmeric (Curcuma longa) L rhizome powder supplemented diet on antioxidant status of indomethacin-induced ulcerated wistar rats.

Effects of various concentration of turmeric (Curcuma longa [C longa]) rhizome powder (TRP) supplemented diet on the antioxidant status of selected organs (stomach, liver, kidney, and heart) of indomethacin (Indo)-induced ulcerated wistar rats were investigated in this study. The rats were fed with different percentages of TRP supplemented diet (1% [A], 2% [B], 5% [C], and 10% [D]) for 28 days. It was observed from the results that animals fed on 10% turmeric rhizome supplemented and those in the ulcerogenic group had significant reduction in kidney, cardiac gluthione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and gastric GSH when compared with normal control animals and other pre-treated groups. However, a significant increase was observed in gastric, hepatic, cardiac, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX); kidney and hepatic SOD; cardiac, kidney, hepatic, and gastric CAT of animals pre- treated with TRP supplemented diet (1%-5%) compared with ulcerogenic group. Also, a significant reduction was observed in GPX of animals fed with 10% TRP supplemented diet in comparison with ulcerogenic group. Consumption of TRP in the diet, therefore, should be lesser than 10% of the whole recipe for it to be potent in enhancing antioxidant defensive mechanism of the aforementioned organs and thereby prevent oxidative stress related diseases. It may reduce antioxidant present in those organs which can lead to increase availability of free radical and expose the organs to oxidative stress-related diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Inclusion of turmeric rhizome powder in daily diet has been globally well accepted due to the knowledge of its medicinal values. Nonetheless, the extent at which it should be consumed has been controversial and unclear. Little or no effort has been put in place to educate the populace on the quantity of concentration of C. longa powder which should be in whole recipe or ingredients. Therefore, if turmeric rhizome powder should be included in diet because of its nutritional and medicinal values, this should be with caution and from the results of this study, the concentration should not be up to 100g/kg w/w of the entire recipe.

Feasibility of genetic testing for cancer risk assessment programme in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: A high frequency of BRCA mutations has been established in Nigerian breast cancer (BC) patients. Recently, patients' and first-degree relatives' interest have been raised on cancer genetic risk assessment through our awareness activities in Nigeria. This led to the emergence of nurse-led cancer genetic counselling (CGC) and testing aimed at providing standard-of-care for individuals at increased risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. METHODS: In June 2018, CGC and testing of patients with BC and ovarian cancer (OC) commenced in collaboration with Color Genomics Inc. for a 30-panel gene testing. Previously trained nurses in CGC at the University College Hospital, Ibadan offered genetic counselling (GC) to willing patients with BC and gynaecological cancer in four out-patient oncology clinics and departments for the pilot study. Consultation consisted of CGC, patient's history, pedigree and sample collection for genetic testing (GT). RESULTS: Forty-seven patients - 40 with BC, five with OC and two with endometrial cancer received GC, and all chose to undergo GT. The average age at testing was 48.2 ± 12.1 years. Eight women reported a known family cancer history and there were more perceived benefits than barriers to GT with the patients experiencing the desire for none of their relative to have cancer. Results revealed no mutations in 27 (57.4%), 16 (4.0%) variants of unknown significance and 4 (8.5%) pathogenic mutations. CONCLUSION: Personalised cancer care utilises GC and testing for cancer risk assessment towards prevention and early detection in high risk women. The study indicates the necessity of expanded cancer genetic services for integration into patient care and cancer prevention.

Curcumin Improves Biomolecules Associated with Renal Function and Attenuates Oxidative Injury and Histopathological Changes in Potassium-Induced Toxicity in Rats' Kidney.

The protective effect of curcumin on potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced renal damage was investigated in vivo. Treatment with KBrO3 (20 mg/kg bw) caused a significant increase in arginase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in rats' kidney. However, oral administration of curcumin (20 mg/kg bw) caused a significant reduction in ADA and arginase activities in KBrO3 + CUR group. Furthermore, nitric oxide level was significantly low in KBrO3 group compared with the control. After treatment with curcumin in KBrO3 + CUR group, nitric oxide levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). Determination of some kidney biomarkers revealed elevated levels of creatinine, serum urea, and electrolytes (Na+ and Cl-) in KBrO3-treated rats. Curcumin effectively reduced the levels of these renal function parameters in KBrO3 + CUR groups and were not significantly different from the control. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities as well as glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly low with concomitant higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) after treatment with KBrO3. Curcumin caused a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPX activities including GSH levels with lower production of MDA in kidney homogenates of rats in KBrO3 + CUR. Curcumin ameliorated corpuscular degeneration in the kidney tissue and exhibited protection against tubular necrosis. These results revealed the protective effect of curcumin against KBrO3-induced renal toxicity by preventing degradation of ADA and arginine, improving antioxidant status and histopathological changes in rats' kidney.

Starch composition, glycemic indices, antioxidant properties and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes activities of African star apple fruit parts.

BACKGROUND: African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) is a traditonal fruit, which is predominant in tropical regions with the fruit parts consumed by the populace and used in folklore to manage diabetes. However, the likely activity mechanism is still undetermined. The current study examined and compared the inhibitory abilities of African star apple fruit parts on selected key enzymes related to diabetes mellitus in the pancreas tissue of rat. METHODS: Inhibitory effect of aqueous extract (1:10 w/v) of African star apple fruit parts (pulp, cotyledon, seed coat and pulp coat) on the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, as well as their starch composition, phenolic constituents, estimated glycemic index, and antioxidant properties were assessed. RESULTS: The fruit parts showed low sugar, eGI, amylose, and amylopectin contents. The analysis also showed that the fruit parts inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities and exhibited antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the fruit parts contain high concentrations of beta-amyrin acetate, eleagine, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, skatole, stigmasterol and tetrahydro - 2- methylharman as revealed by HPLC-DAD. CONCLUSION: The fruit part low estimated glycemic indices, strong antioxidant properties, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities exhibited might be related to the bioactive compounds contained in the extract. This could also be a potential mechanism for the use in the prevention and management of type-2 diabetes. Nevertheless, the African star apple pulp coat displayed the highest property in comparison to other parts of the fruit.

African star apple fruit pulp-supplemented diet modulates fertility-related biomolecules in the testis and epididymis of high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

This study evaluated the modulatory effect of African star apple fruit (ASAF) pulp inclusive diet on biomolecules associated with reproductive function in the testis and epididymis of high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. The rats were divided into seven groups: control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with metformin, diabetic rats served with diet having 5 and 10% ASAF, respectively, and control rats served with diet containing 5%, and 10% ASAF respectively for 14 days. There were noticeable decrease in sperm parameters, reproductive hormone, glycogen, nitric oxide, total thiol, nonprotein thiol levels, and testicular 3ß- and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities and concomitant increase in cholesterol, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde levels, and arginase activity compared to the control. Nevertheless, ASAFs reversed all these parameters toward the control levels. Therefore, these findings suggest that ASAF pulp-supplemented diet might be an active approach in controlling male reproductive dysfunction induced by diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results suggest that ASAF pulp-supplemented diet might be an active approach in controlling male reproductive dysfunction induced by diabetes through alterations in the levels of blood glucose, glycogen, cholesterol, nitric oxide, reproductive hormones, activities of steroidogenic enzymes, arginase, and sperm characteristics as well as the antioxidant status in the testes and epididymis.

Knowledge of Genetic Counseling Among Patients With Breast Cancer and Their Relatives at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

Breast cancer prevalence continues to increase globally, and a significant proportion of the disease has been linked to genetic susceptibility. As we enter the era of precision medicine, genetics knowledge and skills are increasingly essential for achieving optimal cancer prevention and care. However, in Nigeria, patients with breast cancer and their relatives are less knowledgeable about genetic susceptibility to chronic diseases. This pilot study collected qualitative data during in-depth interviews with 21 participants. Of these, 19 participants were patients with breast cancer and two were relatives of patients with breast cancer. Participants were asked questions regarding their knowledge of breast cancer, views on heredity and breast cancer, and views on genetic counseling. Participants' family histories were used as a basis with which to assess their hereditary risk of breast cancer. Participant responses were audio recorded and transcribed manually. The study evaluated patients' and relatives' knowledge of genetic counseling and the use of family history for the assessment of familial risk of breast cancer. This will serve as a guide to the processes of establishing a cancer risk assessment clinic.

Food Value of Two Varieties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Commonly Consumed in Nigeria.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a well-known and widely used herb, which contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health-promoting properties. The proximate, mineral, antinutrient, amino acid, and phytochemical components of two varieties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) were investigated. Amino acid composition was determined using standard analytical techniques. The results obtained in percentages in the two varieties of ginger (white and yellow types) were crude fibre (21.90, 8.30), fat (17.11, 9.89), carbohydrate (39.70, 58.21), crude protein (12.05, 11.65), ash (4.95, 7.45) and moisture (3.95, 4.63) contents respectively. Elemental analysis revealed that potassium (0.98 ppm and 1.38 ppm) is the most abundant, while copper (0.01 ppm) is the least. Phytochemical screening indicated that they are both rich in saponins, anthraquinones, phlobatannin and glycosides. Also, the antinutrient constituents of white ginger were lower than yellow ginger, although the levels of the antinutrient constituents in the two varieties are saved for consumption. The essential amino acids in the two varieties were almost the same, with Leu being the most abundant in both. The two ginger varieties were adequate only in Leu, Phe + Try, and valine based on FAO/WHO provisional pattern. Overall, the findings indicate that the two varieties of ginger are good sources of nutrients, mineral elements, amino acid, and phytochemicals which could be exploited as great potentials for drugs and/or nutritional supplements.

Effect of low-zinc status and essential fatty acids deficiency on the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in liver and serum of albino rats.

The effects of dietary deficiencies of zinc and essential fatty acids (EFAs) or both on aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were investigated in young growing rats. Four groups of albino rats were fed diets deficient in either EFA (4% hydrogenated coconut oil) or zinc (6 ppm) or both. The control diet was adequate in EFA (4% soybean oil) and zinc (100 ppm). The feeding trial lasted eight weeks and the activities of AST and ALT were determined in the liver and serum. EFA deficiency had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on liver AST. However, zinc and the double deficiencies depressed AST activity in the organ. Deficiencies of EFA, zinc and their combination depressed ALT activity in the liver significantly (p < 0.05) with a concomitant increase recorded in the serum. The data suggested alteration in endothelial permeability of the plasma membrane and thus leakage of membrane constituents in the tissue studied. It is therefore considered that these deficient diets may affect liver tissue negatively in view of the role of these enzymes in amino acid metabolism.