Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with a Focus on Lupus Nephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting mostly women of child-bearing age. Immune dysfunction in SLE results from disrupted apoptosis which lead to an unregulated interferon (IFN) stimulation and the production of autoantibodies, leading to immune complex formation, complement activation, and organ damage. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe complication of SLE, impacting approximately 30% to 40% of SLE patients. Recent studies have demonstrated an alteration in mitochondrial homeostasis in SLE patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes significantly to SLE pathogenesis by enhancing type 1 IFN production through various pathways involving neutrophils, platelets, and T cells. Defective mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria, exacerbates this cycle, leading to increased immune dysregulation. In this review, we aim to detail the physiopathological link between mitochondrial dysfunction and disease activity in SLE. Additionally, we will explore the potential role of mitochondria as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SLE, with a specific focus on LN. In LN, mitochondrial abnormalities are observed in renal cells, correlating with disease progression and renal fibrosis. Studies exploring cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a biomarker in SLE and LN have shown promising but preliminary results, necessitating further validation and standardization. Therapeutically targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in SLE, using drugs like metformin or mTOR inhibitors, shows potential in modulating immune responses and improving clinical outcomes. The interplay between mitochondria, immune dysregulation, and renal involvement in SLE and LN underscores the need for comprehensive research and innovative therapeutic strategies. Understanding mitochondrial dynamics and their impact on immune responses offers promising avenues for developing personalized treatments and non-invasive biomarkers, ultimately improving outcomes for LN patients.

Biotinidase deficiency: What have we learned in forty years?

BACKGROUND: Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder that was first described in 1982. Forty years after its first description, we compiled available clinical data on BD with the aim of generating a more comprehensive picture of this condition. METHODS: A systematic search strategy was performed in relevant databases without limits for publication date or languages. We screened 3966 records and included 144 articles reporting individuals with BD and their clinical presentation as well as the outcomes, when available. RESULTS: This study included 1113 individuals with BD. More than half (51.5%) of these individuals were diagnosed by newborn screening, 43.3% in presence of clinical symptoms and 5.2% due to family screening. We grouped symptomatic individuals into four main clinical presentations: neonatal-onset (<1 month; 7.9%), early childhood-onset (<2 years; 59.2%), juvenile-onset (2-16 years; 25.1%) and adult-onset (>16 years; 7.7%). BD affected five main organ systems: nervous system (67.2%), skin (53.7%), eye (34.4%), auditory (26.9%) and respiratory system (17.8%). Involvement was mainly multisystemic (82.2%) of individuals, whereas isolated system presentation was seen in only 17.2% of individuals. When reported, metabolic acidosis was present in 42.4% of symptomatic individuals and characteristic abnormal organic acid metabolites were found in 57.1%. Biotin treatment led to clinical stability or improvement in 89.2% of individuals. 1.6% of reported individuals with BD died due to non-availability of treatment or late diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Newborn screening has had a major positive impact on the outcome of many individuals with BD. However, undiagnosed and non-treated BD remains a health concern. Given the risk of mortality or complications associated with late or missed diagnosis if newborn screening is not available, a trial of biotin should be considered in undiagnosed infants and adults exhibiting suspected clinical signs. Enzymatic activity and/or analysis of genetic variants can readily confirm the diagnosis of BD.

[Is ketogenic diet effective against cancer ?] / Le régime cétogène : efficace contre le cancer ?

The ketogenic diet, which consists of reduced carbohydrate intake and increased fat intake, is a recognized treatment option for children with intractable epilepsy. This diet is now receiving renewed interest from physicians and researchers because of its potential therapeutic effect in other diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome or cancer. Since cancer is one of the major public health challenges, complementary approaches to improve the efficacy of standard anti-cancer therapies are the subject of much research. This article reviews the place of the ketogenic diet as a complementary therapy in cancer, the scientific evidence and possible practical aspects of such an approach.

Le régime cétogène vise à réduire l'apport nutritionnel d'hydrates de carbone en augmentant les lipides. Ce régime est une option thérapeutique reconnue, en particulier chez les enfants souffrant d'épilepsie réfractaire. Il fait aujourd'hui l'objet d'un regain d'intérêt de la part des médecins et des chercheurs, en raison de son potentiel effet thérapeutique dans d'autres pathologies comme certaines maladies neurodégénératives, le syndrome métabolique ou même le cancer. Le cancer étant l'un des grands défis de santé publique, les approches complémentaires pour améliorer l'efficacité des thérapies anticancéreuses standards font l'objet de nombreuses recherches. Cet article fait le point sur la place du régime cétogène comme thérapie complémentaire dans le cancer, les évidences scientifiques et les éventuels aspects pratiques d'une telle approche.

Overweight and obesity in adult patients with phenylketonuria: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Excess weight is a rising concern in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). It is commonly observed in children and adolescents with PKU; but data on adults are inconsistent. This review aims to summarize available data on excess weight in adult PKU individuals. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of literature in English, from inception to October 2021, on PubMed and Embase to identify articles on overweight and obesity in adult PKU patients. Prevalence of overweight and obesity, body mass index (BMI) and gender differences were the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Of 260 articles identified, only 8 fulfilled quality criteria for inclusion after screening of titles, abstracts and full texts. The mean BMI of adult PKU patients in these studies ranged from 26 ± 5.4 to 30.3 ± 1.8 kg/m2. When compared to matched controls, adult PKU patients had higher BMI and higher prevalence of obesity. However, results were inconsistent when PKU adults were compared to the general population. The prevalence of obesity in the included studies varied widely between 4.5% up to 72% in individual studies. Obesity was 2-3 times more frequent in female PKU patients. CONCLUSIONS: Excess weight is frequent in adult PKU patients, especially in females, even if the difference with the general population is debatable. The heterogeneity of the studies makes it difficult to interpret the results and the factors that contribute to obesity. Content of the diet, psychological status, diet-associated disordered eating, patient's social environment and lifestyle are listed as potentials contributors to excess weight in PKU adult population. Further studies are needed to better elucidate this question. In the meantime, weight control and healthy eating habits should be considered in the management and follow-up of these patients.

[Chronic Fatigue: When to Suspect an Inherited Metabolic Disease?] / Chronische Müdigkeit: Wann liegt der Verdacht auf eine erbliche Stoffwechselerkrankung vor?

Chronic Fatigue: When to Suspect an Inherited Metabolic Disease? Abstract. Chronic fatigue is a non-specific symptom, frequent in outpatient adults' consultations. Persistent physical fatigue of unknown etiology should prompt the search for rare diseases including inherited metabolic disorder (IMD) after elimination of common causes. The main characteristic of chronic fatigue in IMD is its dynamic nature, worsened by circumstances leading to an increased metabolism such as physical exertion, cold, fasting or infection. IMD leading to chronic fatigue are metabolic myopathies, in particular glycogen storage disease affecting muscle, fatty acid oxidation disorders and mitochondrial diseases. The diagnosis is confirmed by specific biochemical and/or molecular analyzes with multidisciplinary management.

[Chronic Fatigue: When to Suspect an Inherited Metabolic Disease?] / Fatigue chronique: quand suspecter une maladie héréditaire du métabolisme?

Chronic Fatigue: When to Suspect an Inherited Metabolic Disease? Abstract. Chronic fatigue is a non-specific symptom, frequent in outpatient adults' consultations. Persistent physical fatigue of unknown etiology should prompt the search for rare diseases including inherited metabolic disorder (IMD) after elimination of common causes. The main characteristic of chronic fatigue in IMD is its dynamic nature, worsened by circumstances leading to an increased metabolism such as physical exertion, cold, fasting or infection. IMD leading to chronic fatigue are metabolic myopathies, in particular glycogen storage disease affecting muscle, fatty acid oxidation disorders and mitochondrial diseases. The diagnosis is confirmed by specific biochemical and/or molecular analyzes with multidisciplinary management.

Résumé. La fatigue chronique est un symptôme peu spécifique, fréquent en consultation ambulatoire de l'adulte. Une fatigue physique persistante, d'étiologie indéterminée après élimination des causes courantes, doit faire évoquer des maladies rares telles que les erreurs innées du métabolisme (EIM). La principale caractéristique de la fatigue chronique dans les EIM est son caractère dynamique, aggravée par les situations entrainant une augmentation du métabolisme telles que l'effort physique, le froid, le jeûne ou un stress biologique. Devant de tels indices cliniques, il est important d'entreprendre une démarche diagnostique orientée permettant d'identifier les patients susceptibles d'avoir une EIM afin de les orienter vers un centre spécialisé. Les EIM entrainant une fatigue chronique sont les myopathies métaboliques, notamment les glycogénoses musculaires, les troubles de la béta-oxydation des acides gras et les maladies mitochondriales. Des analyses biochimiques et/ou moléculaires spécifiques permettent de poser le diagnostic et de mettre en place une prise en charge pluridisciplinaire.

Adiponectin levels and its relation with insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in a group of sub-Saharan African women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Low levels of adiponectin have been reported in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In sub-Saharan Africa, little data are available on the topic. We aimed to investigate the levels of adiponectin and its relation with insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS in Yaoundé, Cameroon. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 32 women presenting PCOS and 32 controls matched for age and Body Mass Index. For each participant, adiponectin levels were measured. We estimated insulin sensitivity using Homeostasis model index (HOMA-IR) and insulin secretion with C-peptide levels. RESULTS: Women with PCOS had higher insulin secretion levels than controls (C-peptide: 4.98 ± 3.83 vs 3.25 ± 1.62 mUI/l; p = 0.02). Also, the HOMA-IR index was higher compared to that of women without PCOS (1.15 ± 0.90 vs 0.77 ± 0.38; p = 0.03) suggesting greater insulin resistance. The median [25th-75th percentile] values of adiponectin concentrations were similar between the two groups (22.68 [21.72-23.41] µg/ml vs 22.03 [21.40-22.93] µg/ml; p = 0.1). There was no association between insulin sensitivity and adiponectin levels in the PCOS group. PCOS is not associated with changes in adiponectin in a population of sub-Saharan African women. Further studies are needed to shed more light on this condition.

Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in a Group of Sub-Saharan African Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Studies report high levels of inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reflecting chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammation is thought to be associated with insulin resistance. We aim to evaluate inflammatory markers [high sensitivity C reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6] and insulin resistance in women with PCOS in Yaoundé, Cameroon. METHODS: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study including 32 women with PCOS aged between 18 and 44 years and 32 controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index calculated using C peptide levels was used to evaluate insulin resistance. Serum levels of high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured. Comparisons were made using the Student's T-test and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test). RESULTS: We found that the median [25th-75th percentile] level of hsCRP was significantly higher in women with PCOS compared to the controls (0.63 [0.32-3.81] mg/L vs. 0.47 [0.15-1.04] mg/L; p=0.01), while IL-6 levels were not different (8.61 [4.1-33.79] pg/mL for PCOS vs. 8.80 [5.28-38.85] pg/mL for controls; p=0.51). We noted that women with PCOS had a higher HOMA-IR index (1.15±0.90 vs. 0.77±0.38; p=0.03). However, there was no correlation between hsCRP level and the HOMA-IR index (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.10; p=0.62). CONCLUSION: PCOS is associated with an increased level of hsCRP and insulin resistance in Cameroonian women. This exploratory study provides baseline evidence for larger-scale studies.

Classical homocystinuria, is it safe to exercise?

Background Cystationine ß-synthase (CBS) deficiency is a genetic disorder characterized by severe hyperhomocysteinemia and thrombotic complications. In healthy individuals, physical exercise may result in a transient increase in plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) raising the possibility that exercise might be detrimental in CBS deficiency. Our main objective was to determine plasma tHcy kinetics in response to physical exercise in homocystinuria patients. Methods Six adult patients (2 males, 4 females) with homocystinuria and 6 age- and gender-matched controls completed a 30-min aerobic exercise of moderate-intensity with fixed power output (50 W for women and 100 W for men). Blood samples were drawn before, immediately, 180 min and 24 h after exercise. tHcy levels were determined by standard procedures; substrate oxidation and energy expenditure were measured using indirect calorimetry. Results Acute exercise was well tolerated and safe in patients and controls. During the exercise bout, heart rate and energy expenditure increased equally in both groups. tHcy levels were higher in patients compared to controls at all time points (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect of exercise on tHcy levels at any time point (p = 0.36). Although two patients with partial pyridoxine responsiveness presented higher homocysteine responses, their highest value remained below 55 µmol/l. Conclusions Overall metabolic responses to acute exercise were similar between homocystinuria patients and controls; specifically, exercise did not significantly change tHcy concentrations. Moderate physical exercise was well tolerated without any adverse event in our cohort of patients. Further studies are needed to identify the effects of different intensities and modes of exercise in larger cohorts of CBS patients with different levels of pyridoxine responsiveness.

Prevalence and determinants of masked hypertension among obese individuals at the Yaoundé Central Hospital: a cross-sectional study in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of masked hypertension in obese patients in Yaounde. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study from January to September 2017 at the National Obesity Center of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Masked hypertension was defined when the mean 24 h SBP was greater than or equal to 130 mmHg and/or the mean 24 h DBP was greater than or equal to 80 mmHg with normal office blood pressure (SBP/DBP) <140/90 mmHg. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of masked hypertension with associated factors. RESULTS: Among the 90 participants included, 67.8% were females. The mean age (±SD) was 46 (±8) years. The mean clinical measurements were 120 ± 9.4 mmHg and 75.5 ± 7.9 mmHg, respectively, for the SBP and the DBP. On 24 h ambulatory measurement, the mean was 123.9 ± 14.4/74.7 ± 8.9 mmHg, respectively, for the SBP/DBP. The prevalence of masked hypertension was 33.3%. Masked hypertension was significantly associated with high-normal office blood pressure [odds ratio (OR) = 2.90, P = 0.02] and to dyslipidemia (OR = 3.60, P = 0.01), but not to the male sex, diabetes, physical activity, and tobacco/alcohol. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the prevalence of masked hypertension is high and that physicians should consider ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for obese individuals with high-normal office blood pressure or dyslipidemia.

Leptin and psychiatric illnesses: does leptin play a role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain?

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain is the most prevalent somatic adverse event occurring in patients treated by antipsychotics, especially atypical antipsychotics. It is of particular interest because of its repercussion on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality especially now that the use of second-generation antipsychotics has been extended to other mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder. The mechanism underlying antipsychotics-induced weight gain is still poorly understood despite a significant amount of work on the topic. Recently, there has been an on-going debate of tremendous research interest on the relationship between antipsychotic-induced weight gain and body weight regulatory hormones such as leptin. Given that, researchers have brought to light the question of leptin's role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Here we summarize and discuss the existing evidence on the link between leptin and weight gain related to antipsychotic drugs, especially atypical antipsychotics.

Reassessing the Role of Diacylglycerols in Insulin Resistance.

Skeletal muscle (SM) insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the burden of obesity, particularly because it leads to glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. Among the mechanisms thought to link IR to obesity is the accumulation, in muscle cells, of different lipid metabolites. Diacylglycerols (DAGs) are subject of particular attention due to reported interactions with the insulin signaling cascade. Given that SM accounts for the majority of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, this review integrates recent observational and mechanistic works with the sole focus on questioning the role of DAGs in SM IR. Particular attention is given to the subcellular distributions and specific structures of DAGs, highlighting future research directions towards reaching a consensus on the mechanistic role played by DAGs.

Short-term effects of perindopril-amlodipine vs perindopril-indapamide on blood pressure control in sub-Saharan type 2 diabetic individuals newly diagnosed for hypertension: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Poor blood pressure (BP) control contributes to complications in sub-Saharan African (SSA) type 2 diabetic individuals. Experts have advocated the use of combination therapies for effective BP control in these patients. The suggested combinations should include a RAAS antagonist and either a CCB or a thiazide diuretic; however, their efficacy is yet to be established in SSA. We investigated the short-term effects of two combination therapies on BP control in SSA type 2 diabetic individuals. This was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at the Yaoundé Central Hospital (Cameroon) from October 2016 to May 2017. We included type 2 diabetic patients, newly diagnosed for hypertension. After baseline assessment and 24-hour ABPM, participants were allocated to receive either a fixed combination of perindopril + amlodipine or perindopril + indapamide for 42 days. Data analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. We included fifteen participants (8 being females) in each group. Both combinations provided good circadian BP control after 6 weeks with similar efficacy. Twenty-four-hour SBP dropped from 144 to 145 mm Hg vs 128 to 126 mm Hg with perindopril-amlodipine and perindopril-indapamide, respectively (P = 0.003 for both groups). Twenty-four-hour DBP dropped from 85 to 78 mm Hg (P = 0.013) vs 89 to 79 mm Hg (P = 0.006) in the same respective groups. No significant adverse effect was reported. A fixed initial combination of perindopril-amlodipine or perindopril-indapamide achieved similar effective BP control after 6 weeks in SSA type 2 diabetic individuals with newly diagnosed hypertension. Therefore, these combinations can be used interchangeably in this indication.

Glycemic control and correlates in a group of sub Saharan type 1 diabetes adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the prevalence of glycemic control and related factors in a population of Sub-Saharan African T1D patients. We carried out a cross-sectional study including children and adolescents from seven different centers of the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) program. All children enrolled in the program where recruited after parental consent. Diabetes history, daily practice anthropometrics parameters and HbA1c were assessed for each participant. RESULTS: We enrolled 95 children adolescents, aged from 06 to 19 years. The mean HbA1c was 9.2 ± 2.5% and 67.4% of participant had poor glycemic control. There was an association between study level of the patients (p = 0.03), healthy eating habits (p < 0.001), diabetes duration (p < 0.001) and level of glycemic control on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, diabetes diagnosed for more than 2 years was associated to a good control compared to those with diagnosis that is more recent. Glycemic control of adolescents with type1 diabetes remain very poor in Cameroon despite the implementation of free diabetes care through the program CDiC.

Heart rate variability in hyperthyroidism on sub Saharan African patients: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine heart rate variability in freshly diagnosed untreated hyperthyroidism patients. We enrolled 10 patients (9 females) and 10 matched controls for sex and age. Each eligible patient underwent five different tests according to Ewing battery tests for cardiac autonomic dysfunction assessment. HRV was assessed during each maneuver and on 24 h using a continuous electrocardiogram with automatic estimation of SDNN, RMSSD, LF HF and HF/LH ratio. Results of tests were compared between hyperthyroidism patients and matched controls using the non-parametric test of Mann-Whitney. RESULTS: Heart rate was significantly higher in patients with thyrotoxicosis (82.91 ± 10.99 vs 67.04 ± 6.80; 0.006) compared to their controls. On time-domain analysis, there was a trend towards reduction in SDNN (39.52 vs. 63.75; p = 0.2) as well as the RMSSD (30.44 vs 64.03; p = 0.09) in patients with hyperthyroidism. The frequency-domain analysis showed non-significant higher values for the LF (43.87 vs 38.85 ± 12.85; p = 0.8) and lower for the HF (32.54 vs 43.39; p = 0.3). Test's results were mostly impaired in hyperthyroid patients and all patients presented abnormal results for parasympathetic activity. Untreated and recently diagnosed hyperthyroidism is associated to an altered parasympathetic activity in sub Saharan African patients.

Prevalence and determinants of comprehensive eye care in a group of patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional study in a sub-Saharan African setting.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the determinants of comprehensive eye examination in diabetes patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the eye department of the Douala General Hospital. Adult patients with diabetes were consecutively interviewed on the history of their diabetes. Main outcomes were a first ever comprehensive eye examination including fundoscopy, and diagnosis-to-fundoscopy time. RESULTS: 52 patients were included of whom 59.6% were males with a mean age of 55.9 ± 10.9 years. 51.9% have had counselling on the risk of visual impairment and blindness due to diabetes, and 61.5% [95% CI 47-74.7] have had a comprehensive eye examination. Of those with a first ever fundoscopy, only 21.9% had the test performed within 1 year of diagnosis. Thus, after an average of 10 years of the diagnosis of diabetes, 13.5% (7/52) of patients have had a comprehensive eye examination within 1 year of diagnosis. Only dose with duration of diabetes of more than 10 years were 7-24 times more likely to have a comprehensive eye examination. In summary, patients with diabetes in this low-income setting do not receive a comprehensive eye care as recommended. Most patients will get an eye examination at least 10 years after the diagnosis of diabetes.

Effect of propranolol on heart rate variability in hyperthyroidism.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the effect of propanolol on heart rate variability (HRV) in hyperthyroidism before antithyroid treatment. This was a before and after study, on ten patients presenting overt hyperthyroidism naïve to treatment. In each patient, a resting electrocardiogram was done followed by estimation of cardiac autonomic dysfunction during five maneuvers (Ewing battery tests). Long term HRV measurement was done using 24 h ambulatory electrocardiographic recording. This automatically provided estimation of HRV using SDNN and RMSSD index, LF, HF, and HF/LF ratio. After baseline investigations, 40 mg of propanolol was given twice a day for 3 days and same parameters were measured after 72 h of treatment. RESULTS: Our patients were aged 40 ± 10 years. Propanolol significantly reduced RR and HR interval (669 ms vs 763 ms and 91 vs 79 bpm; p < 0.01). QT and PR space were significantly extended (360 vs 384 ms and 133 vs 172 ms; p = 0.01). It increases QRS complex and blood pressure response to sustained handgrip but failed to modify previously decreased heart response to deep breathing. HRV parameters such as SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF and sympathovagal balance estimate by HF/LF ratio remained unchanged. Although a significant reduction in heart excitability, propanolol failed to restore a good sympathovagal balance in hyperthyroidism. Trial registration NCT03393728 "Retrospectively registered".

Effects of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on glycated haemoglobin on type 2 diabetes patients (PARODIA 1 study): a randomized controlled trial in a sub-Saharan Africa population.

BACKGROUND: There is a burglar association between diabetes and periodontitis. Many studies has shown that periodontitis treatment can help improving glycemic control in diabetes patients but little evidence of non-surgical treatment benefit is available in sub Saharan african diabetes patients. We aimed to assess the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) of chronic periodontitis on glycaemic control in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) in a sub-Saharan Africa urban setting. METHODS: A total of 34 poorly controlled T2D patients with chronic periodontitis aged 51.4 ± 8.8 years (mean ± SD), with known duration of diabetes of 55.5 ± 42.6 months, and HbA1c of 9.3 ± 1.3% were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group (Group 1, n = 17) received immediate ultrasonic scaling, scaling and root planning along with subgingival 10% povidone iodine irrigation, whereas the control group (Group 2, n = 17) was assigned to receive delayed periodontal treatment 3 months later. Pharmacological treatment was unchanged and all participants received the same standardized education session on diabetes management and dental hygiene. The primary outcome was the 3-month change in HbA1c from baseline. Plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) were also assessed prior to, at 6 and 12 weeks after enrolment. RESULTS: Two subjects in each group were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed on thirty patients (15 per group). Non-surgical periodontal treatment with education for better dental hygiene (group 1) significantly improved all periodontal parameters whereas education only (group 2) improved only the plaque index among all periodontal parameters. Immediate non-surgical periodontal treatment induced a reduction of HbA1c levels by 3.0 ± 2.4 points from 9.7 ± 1.6% at baseline to 6.7 ± 2.0% 3 months after NSPT, (p ˂ 0.001) but the change was not significant in group 2, from mean 8.9 ± 0.9% at baseline vs 8.1 ± 2.6% after 3 months (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: Non-surgical periodontal treatment markedly improved glycaemic control with an attributable reduction of 2.2 points of HbA1c in poorly controlled T2D patients in a sub Saharan setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02745015 Date of registration: July 17, 2016 'Retrospectively registered'.

Fixed-dose combination therapy to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries: feasibility and challenges.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a major concern in low- and middle-income countries, which bear about 80% of the cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Curbing the burden of CVD implies the management and control of many cardiovascular risk factors that act synergistically to increase cardiovascular mortality. Such actions may require expensive polymedications in a context of limited resources. Therefore, alternative solutions for CVD prevention in low- and middle-income countries are urgently needed. In this context, the concept of a fixed-dose combination therapy, a polypill composed of drugs known to effectively treat or prevent CVD, has been proposed as a scalable strategy to overcome nonadherence to polymedications and reduce costs. While this has recently been approved in more than 30 countries across America and Europe, there is a crucial need to analyze the potential benefits and challenges related to cardiovascular polypills implementation and vulgarization in low- and middle-income countries, the epicenter of CVD.

Prevalence and determinants of pulmonary hypertension in a group of Cameroonian patients without chronic lung disease: a cross-sectional echocardiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: To study prevalence and determinants of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in a group of Cameroonian patients without chronic lung disease. We conducted a cross-sectional study conducted between April and December 2011 in a private cardiology clinic in Bafoussam, Cameroon. We included consenting participants aged ≥ 18, who underwent a Doppler echocardiography. Patients with chronic lung disease were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 178 participants were enrolled, of whom 44.4% were males with a mean age of 63.1 ± 17.3 years. The prevalence of PH was 25.3%. Among patients with PH 44.4% had severe disease, (11.2% of study population). Age ≥ 55 years, systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, low left ventricular ejection fraction (< 55%), left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy and presence of left heart disease (left ventricular hypertrophy with systolic dysfunction and left atrial enlargement) were predictors of echocardiography PH. Obesity was negatively associated with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is found in a quarter of the participants. Age, systolic hypertension, and any left heart disease were strongly associated to pulmonary hypertension.