[Prevalence of malnutrition and absolute and functional iron deficiency anemia in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis Algerian patients]. / Prévalence de la malnutrition et de l'anémie avec carence en fer absolue et fonctionnelle dans l'insuffisance rénale chronique chez des patients non dialysés et hémodialysés de la ville d'Alger (Algérie).

In chronic kidney disease, anemia and malnutrition coupled with inflammation as malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrom are common and considered as morbidity-mortality factors. The link between these two factors has been described at length in the literature highlighting an association of malnutrition with iron deficiency considered itself as one of the causes of anemia in chronic kidney disease (non-dialysis and hemodialysis). Our study aims to know the prevalence of these two factors in a population of chronic kidney disease (non-dialysis and hemodialysis) of Algiers and to highlight the possible associations between them. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a multicentre, cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out over a period of 6months (August 2018 to January 2019). Anemia and malnutrition were assessed by various biological and clinical tools such as the malnutrition inflammation score and the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism criteria. Statistical tests were performed on the R studio software, considering P<0.05 as a statistically significant value. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine patients on chronic kidney disease were included (90 non dialysis and 119 hemodialysis). The median age was 70 (IQR=16) for non dialysis and 56 (IQR=16.5) for hemodialysis. The prevalence of anemia was 66.66% (n=60) in non dialysis and 70.58% (n=84) in hemodialysis. Absolute iron deficiency anemia was higher in non dialysis (48.33%; n=29) while functional iron deficiency anemia was higher in hemodialysis (34.52%; n=29). The prevalence of malnutrition by malnutrition inflammation score was relatively low. Only functional iron deficiency anemia was associated with malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia was higher in Algerian chronic kidney disease (non-dialysis and hemodialysis) unlike malnutrition which remains associated with functional iron deficiency anemia.

Spirulina reduces diet-induced obesity through downregulation of lipogenic genes expression in Psammomys obesus.

The present study evaluates the protective effect of spirulina against diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in Psammomys obesus, an animal model of metabolic syndrome. Psammomys obesus lives on a low-energy diet, in order to remain healthy. However, under a standard laboratory chow diet (SLCD), this animal exhibits insulin resistance, which occurs as a result of obesity. Psammomys obesus was maintained on SLCD, in order to evaluate the effect of spirulina on obesity development with a particular focus on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the mRNA expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines. After 12 weeks of treatment with spirulina, there was a significant reduction in body weight gain, plasma glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels. There was also a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and inflammation. Spirulina improved insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid metabolism. These findings highlight the positive effect of spirulina on weight maintenance.

Effects of colocynth alkaloids and glycosides on Wistar rats fed high-fat diet. A biochemical and morphological study.

INTRODUCTION: In traditional medicine, Citrullus colocynthis is used to treat diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which can appear when a diet rich in vegetable fats, such as palm oil, is continuously consumed. Such high-fat diets are chronic stressors of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The objective of our study was to analyze and evaluate the effects of colocynth total alkaloids and glycosides on metabolic, hormonal, and structural disorders of the adrenal medulla in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty six Wistar rats were distributed as follows: six control animals received a standard laboratory diet; twenty experimental rats received the standard laboratory diet supplemented with palm oil - the high-fat diet (HFD). After seven months of this diet, the HFD group was subdivided into rats treated for the next 2 months with either alkaloid extract (HFD-ALk group) or ethanol extract of glycosides (HFD-GLc) or animals on HFD only. Plasma metabolites and ACTH concentrations were measured by standard methods. Sections of adrenal medulla were stained by Heidenhain-Azan method and Sudan Black. RESULTS: The adrenal medulla of the HFD rats showed prominent structural changes, such as hypertrophy of chromaffin and ganglion cells, vacuolation, inflammatory foci, and fibrosis. The biochemical and hormonal parameters were significantly improved in the HFD rats treated with alkaloid and glycoside extracts of Citrullus colocynthis. Moreover, the morphological changes of the adrenal medulla were attenuated in HFD-ALk and HFD-Glc rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that phytotherapy using Citrullus colocynthis alkaloids may correct metabolic and hormonal perturbations as well as adrenal medulla structure of rats maintained on HFD.