The effect of genistein on IGF-1, PlGF, sFLT-1 and fetoplacental development.

The mechanisms by which genistein, a phytoestrogen, affects fetoplacental development adversely are still poorly understood. It is reported that genistein ingestion modulates thyroid functions, leptin hormone, C-reactive protein, and thyroxin kinase activities. In this study, we evaluated changes in serum and placental insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1), placental growth factor (PIGF), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) in pregnant rats exposed to genistein using ELISA. According to the treatments, Rats were divided into control, 2 mg genistein, and 4 mg genistein groups. Genistein groups were administered with the doses orally from gestational day (GD) one onwards until sacrifice, while the control group received an equal volume of distilled water the vehicle. At GD-12, GD-16, and GD-20, serum samples and placenta homogenates were prepared from maternal blood samples and the placenta and were analysed to determine the concentration of IGF-1, sFLT-1, and PIGF. Serum IGF-1 and PIGF were both increased in all genistein groups at GD-12 and GD-16, and at GD-20 in the 4 mg group. However, serum IGF-1and PIGF levels were decreased in the placenta from all genistein groups at GD-20. Placenta sFLT-1 levels increased at both GD-16 and GD-20 in genistein-treated rat serum. An initial decrease in placental sFLT-1 at GD-12 was followed by an increase at GD-16 and finally a decrease at GD-20 in all genistein-treated rats. The sFL-1/PlGF ratio in placenta samples of genistein-exposed rats was decreased at GD-16 and increased at GD-20, while the reverse was recorded in the serum sample at the same gestational periods. The fetoplacental growth disruption mechanism of genistein can be partly explained by its interference with placental growth factor signalling.

Gram-negative bacilli are a major cause of secondary pneumonia in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Background: This study was aimed at describing the profile of bacterial aetiology of secondary pneumonia in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. Methods: A 22-month analysis of patients with PTB and secondary bacterial pneumonia was conducted. Data on isolates recovered and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile were recorded. Results: Of the 141 patients, there were 79 (56%) males and the mean age was 35.98±15.93. Gram-negative bacilli were isolated with equal frequency as Streptococcus pneumoniae (63 [44.7%]). Most of the isolates tested were sensitive to levofloxacin, ceftriaxone or chloramphenicol. Conclusion: Gram-negative bacilli are a major cause of pneumonia in patients with PTB on treatment.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Invasive Pneumococcal Isolates in North West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: An alarming increase in infections due to penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci (PNSP) has been documented in nearly all countries. Increasingly, PNSP are also resistant to other antibiotics, and a growing number of clinical failures following the use of these agents have been reported. AIMS: To determine the resistance pattern of pneumococcal isolates from patients with invasive pneumococcal infection in North West Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study clinical specimens were obtained from patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP), meningitis and bacteraemia over a 2 year period. Pneumococcus strains were identified. Isolates were tested against a panel of antibiotics using E-test strips, and interpreted according to the CLSI criteria. 0.06 µg/ml was used as break point for penicillin. Analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics; relationships determined using chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests, with P < 0.05 regarded as significant. RESULTS: Total number of isolates was 132. Twenty-two (16.7%) of the isolates were fully sensitive to penicillin while 73 (55.3%) and 37 (28.0%) were intermediately and fully resistant, respectively. One hundred and twenty-seven (96.2%) of the isolates were fully resistant to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. Eleven (8.5%) were fully resistant to amoxicillin and 104 (78.8%) and 17 (12.9%) were intermediately resistant and fully susceptible. One hundred and six (80.3%) of the isolates were fully susceptible to chloramphenicol. Resistance to penicillin was shown to infer resistance to other antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal resistance is common in North West Nigeria. Ceftriaxone retains excellent activity against most of the invasive isolate, while trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole is almost uniformly resistant.

Anti-Trypanosomal potential of momordica balsamina Linn Fruit Pulp extract against Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection

The search for new trypanocides has not been keenly pursued due to high cost of design and development with no promise of financial returns. Momordica balsamina fruit pulp extract was screened for antitrypanosomal activity in experimental T. brucei brucei infection in rabbits. The extract was administered prior to parasite inoculation; 24 hours post parasite inoculation and on establishment of infection. The treatment was by oral administration of the extract at 500 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Parasitaemia was monitored daily while body weight and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined before commencement of studies and subsequently at weekly intervals for 28 days. TThe result showed a significant (P0.05) delay in the establishment of T. b. brucei infection in rabbits treated at 24 hours post parasite inoculation. Packed cell volume also increased significantly (P0.05) in all treated groups when compared to the untreated group (control). This was less in the group treated on establishment of infection. Administration of the extract to the curative group resulted in body weight gain. The other groups suffered weight loss. The infected but not treated group died at day 39 post infection while those treated before parasite inoculation; 24 hours post parasite inoculation; and on the establishment of infection survived for 45 days;53 days; and 61 days respectively. We conclude that M. balsamina pulp extract reduces anaemia in experimentally infected rabbits