State of the HIV, Hepatitis B and C Virus Pandemic from 2003 to 2022 in Burkina Faso: Evolution of Prevalence Trends and Strategic Recommendations to Achieve the WHO’s Goal for Their Eradication by 2030

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eradicate or at least significantly reduce the prevalence the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) by 2030. The main objective was to provide an evolving overview of the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infection between 2003 and 2022 in Burkina Faso. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study based on data from 2003 to 2022. The data were collected using information available in the databases of the HOSCO and CERBA laboratories and included all individuals who underwent HIV and/or HBV and/or HCV testing. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, EpiInfo 7, and R version 4.1.0. Results were considered statistically significant if p Results: The study recorded 7432 samples and the mean age of the subjects was 27.98 ± 8.50 years. During this period, the respective prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV were 4.66% (346/7432), 8.77% (582/6636) and 5.54% (322/5816). However, from 2003 to 2022, there was a significant decrease (P y=−1.75x+12.59;y=−0.24x+10.01and y=−0.11x+6.02, with “y” corresponding to prevalence and “x” to the years. Conclusion: Burkina Faso needs to rigorously apply prevention and control strategies recommended by the WHO by 2030.

Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Treatment in Sickle Cell Patients Monitored at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Niger

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a real public health problem in the world and particularly in Niger where the prevalence of the S gene is estimated at 25% and that of the homozygous forms at between 1% and 2%. Treatment combines quarterly follow-up of patients and management of complications. The objective of this study was to identify the potential explanatory factors of non-adherence to treatment in sickle cell patients followed at the national reference center for sickle cell disease in Niger. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of sickle cell cases followed at the CNRD in Niger. The population consisted of all sickle cell patients followed in this center in 2021. The data collection techniques were individual interviews and documentary reviews. Non-adherence was assessed with the Girerd test. Descriptive statistical tests and simple and multiple logistic regression models were performed. Results: A total of 368 patients were enrolled. The median age is 7 years (4;10) and the sex ratio is 1.04. Ninety-eight (98) or 26.6% were compliant and 270 (73.4%) were non-compliant. In multivariate analysis, the factors independently and negatively associated with non-adherence to treatment were schooling (adjusted OR [95% CI], p-value), 0.17 [0.10 - 0.30];p Conclusion: The factors influencing treatment compliance identified in this study are all modifiable. To prevent the complications of sickle cell disease, we must fight against ignorance, make care services accessible and make care free.

Detection of aac(3)IIc, aac(6)Ib, armA Genes Coding for Escherichia coli Resistance to Aminoglycosides in Burkina Faso

Background and Prupose: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern. In addition to the existing data on the prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there are patchy data on bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides in Burkina Faso. In this study, we determined the prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes in E. coli, including aac(3)-IIc, aac(6)-Ib and armA in Ouagadougou, and determined which antibiotics in this class are most affected by resistance. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 216 E. coli strains collected from the biomedical analysis laboratories of Saint Camille and Schiphra hospitals. E. coli strains were isolated from pus and urine samples collected between September 2018 and January 2019. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides. Aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected in strains with at least one aminoglycoside resistance gene using conventional/multiplex PCR. Results: Aminoglycoside resistance was observed in 46.8% (101/216) of strains. The resistance rates were respectively 45.37% for Tobramycin, 32.40% for Gentamicin, 14.81% for Kanamycin, 2.31% for Netilmicin, 1.84% for Neomycin, and 0.46% for Amikacin. PCR showed that 86 strains (85.15%) possessed the aac(3)-IIc gene, 71 strains or 70.30%) possessed the aac(6’)-Ib gene, and nine strains (8.91%) possessed the armA gene. Conclusion: Aminoglycoside resistance in pathogenic E. coli strains is mainly due to the presence of the aac(3’)-IIc and aac(6’)-Ib genes. The presence of armA was first reported in Burkina Faso. Netilmicin, Neomycin and Amikacin are good therapeutic options for treating urinary tract and pus-forming infections.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and Associated Biological Markers in a Congolese Population of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Brazzaville

The search for new biomarkers predictive of type 2 diabetes currently constitutes a research avenue in Bioclinical. Total homocysteine remains a preferred target due to its involvement in the occurrence of degenerative complications in type 2 diabetics. The aim of this work was to study hyperhomocysteinemia and other biochemical markers associated with T2D in the Congolese population. This was an analytical case-control study carried out between October 2022 and October 2023. The study population consisted of 150 subjects including 100 T2D patients and 50 control subjects. The main clinical data were collected on a pre-established form. Homocysteine determination was carried out by the sandwich ELISA method. The other biochemical markers were measured by colorimetric enzymatic methods. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 27.3% (41/150) of the entire study population. Type 2 diabetics had a frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia of 36% (36/100) and control 10% (5/50) (p = 0.001). The mean hyperhomocysteinemia concentration was 31.9 μmol/l with extremes ranging from 18 to 103 μmol/l. Means of biological markers between diabetics and controls showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). The risk factors associated with this HHcy were: sex (OR = 3.5), age (OR = 9.4), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 3.4) and glycosylated hemoglobin (OR = 12) with a p-value <0.05 respectively. Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as a predictive biomarker in the bioclinic of Congolese type 2 diabetic patients.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Antifungal Resistance Profile of Candida auris in Africa: Systematic Review

Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where several conditions are met for its emergence and spread, this worrisome fungus could cause large hospital and/or community-based outbreaks. This review aimed to summarize the available data on C. auris in Africa focusing on its epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile. Major databases were searched for articles on the epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris in Africa. Out of 2,521 articles identified 22 met the inclusion criteria. In Africa, nearly 89% of African countries have no published data on C. auris. The prevalence of C. auris in Africa was 8.74%. The case fatality rate of C. auris infection in Africa was 39.46%. The main C. auris risk factors reported in Africa were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, diabetes, HIV, recent intake of antimicrobial drugs, ICU admissions, surgery, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition and indwelling devices. Four phylogenetic clades were reported in Africa, namely clades I, II, III and IV. Candida auris showed a pan-African very high resistance rate to fluconazole, moderate resistance to amphotericin B, and high susceptibility to echinocandins. Finally, C. auris clade-specific mutations were observed within the ERG2, ERG3, ERG9, ERG11, FKS1, TAC1b and MRR1 genes in Africa. This systematic review showed the presence of C. auris in the African continent and a worrying unavailability of data on this resilient fungus in most African countries.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Epidemiological, Clinical and Endoscopic Aspects in Brazzaville

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is a real health problem worldwide. It is the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world, and is particularly prevalent in developing countries. Objective: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection and to study the epidemiological, clinical and endoscopic characteristics associated with this infection in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January to November 2020, i.e. 11 months. This work focused on 100 symptomatic patients over 18 years old referred for upper GI endoscopy. Gastric biopsies for biological study by urease test and molecular study by real time PCR technique were taken. Results: With a mean age of 46.32 ± 15.20 years, the frequency of Hp infection was 91%, with a female predominance of 53%. The sex ratio was 0.92. The average age was 46.32 ± 15.20 years. Carriage of the infection was more important in households with more than 3 persons, in patients consuming public tap water and in those using both types of sanitary facilities. Endoscopy was indicated for epigastralgia in 93.1% of cases. About 56.14% of the infected patients had normal mucosa versus 12.28% with ulcerated lesions and 22.81% with gastritis. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is significant in Congo, justifying early detection in order to improve management.

Performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) in the Identification of Dysglycemia in an Urban Population in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a real public health problem worldwide and is growing in developing countries. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to evaluate the performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire to identify type 2 diabetics in the urban population of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study among volunteers aged 18 years and older recruited systematically from November 11 to 16, 2019, in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, FINDRISC score was used. Analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to study the diagnostic performance of FINDRISC for the identification of type 2 diabetics. The optimal threshold was determined by the sum of the highest sensitivity and specificity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association of each variable used in the calculation of the FINDRISC score. Results: A total of 1276 individuals were included in the analyses, of which 667 (52.27%) were women. The average age was 34.16 years (SD: ±12.42). The prevalence of T2DM was 10.74%. The mean FINDRISC score was 5.85 (SD: ±4.31). The majority (58.54%) of individuals had a low risk of diabetes according to the FINDRISC score 0 - 7, while 3.61% had a score ≥ 15. The FINDRISC score showed good performance (AUC = 0.70) in identifying undiagnosed type 2 diabetics. However, the variables in the score that best predicted the likelihood of being diabetic were age (p < 0.001), daily physical activity (p = 0.004), use of antihypertensive medication (p = 0.007) and waist circumference (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off score ≥ 7 was the best predictor of the likelihood of having T2DM. Conclusion: The Finnish Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a good predictor of the risk of dysglycemia in Burkina Faso. It is a score to be promoted in daily clinical practice because it is easy to use, affordable and non-invasive. Further studies are needed to make modifications to the FINDRISC questionnaire in case it is applied to other ethnic groups.

Changes in Chemical Composition of Soluble Organic Chemical Compounds during Litters Decomposition into Tropical Forest of Milletia laurentii De Wild

Recent publication attested that in the urban forest of Brazzaville, litter decomposition is faster with almost 45% of initial weight loss than in the dry season, where an average loss of 26% in initial litter weight is noted (Ifo et al., 2018). This study was carried out in the urban forest of Brazzaville to follow the decomposition of some organic compounds/secondary metabolites (reducing Sugars, total Flavonoid and Polyphenols) of the leaves litters of two tropical species Antiaris toxicaria Lesch and Millettia laurentii De Wild. Thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometric assay of these metabolites were used on the samples of litters collected in the field on various dates of follow-up of the decomposition (0 d, 14 d, 28 d, 42 d, 56 d, 72 d and 84 d). The chromatographic profile of initial litters shows a series of spots on yellow florescence materializing presence of flavonoids, green fluorescence revealing the presence of the acids phenols derived from the cinnamic acid. But the chromatographic profile of the two litters in decomposition after two weeks remains without structural information, being able to characterize the decomposition of the chemical families highlighted in the initial litters. Also, the analysis of quantitative total reducing sugar in the initial litters, gives average concentrations of 64.4, 58.6, 57.5 g EG/kg Ms respectively for the litters of Millettia laurentii De Wild, Antiaris toxicaria Lesch and the mixed litters (Millettia laurentii and Antiaris toxicaria). Comparatively with the other types of litters, the initial average concentrations in phenolic compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids totals) were the highest for the litters of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch (27.3 g EAG/kg Ms and 13.07 g EC/kg Ms) (P = 0.001). The losses of organic chemical compounds are more significant during the first two weeks of experiment than after this period. Antiaris toxicaria Lesch loses on average 43.8 g EG/kg Ms of reducing Sugars, 12.21 g EC/kg Ms of totals flavonoids and 26.4 g EAG/kg Ms of total polyphenols, equivalent to 30% of loss of the initial weight. Average losses of 45.7 g EG/kg Ms were obtained for reducing sugars, 1.5 g EC/kg Ms for totals flavonoids and 8.72 g EAG/kg Ms for totally phenols in for the litters of Millettia laurentii, comparable to 24% in initial weight loss. This study showed on the one hand, the direct link between rainfall and litters decomposition and the losses in weight of the litters resulted in dissolution in the water of the studied compounds.

Steroidogenic Effects and Phytochemical Profile of Aqueous Extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) & Hutch Kernels in Male Rats

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the steroidogenic effects and phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum in male rats. Assays of biochemical reproductive parameters (total cholesterol, serum testosterone, FSH and LH) were carried out using Cypress and ELISA kits respectively. The chemical screening of the extract was conducted through tube reactions, the principle of which involves adding a reagent to a quantity of the extract, and subsequently observing the resulting reactions such as precipitation and color change. The results obtained showed that oral administration of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum (250 and 500 mg/kg) produced a significant increase (p Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels at the doses studied produced a very significant decrease in total cholesterol levels (p Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels could have hypocholesterolemic and steroidogenic potential. A study of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum on semen quality and oxidative stress parameters deserves to be conducted.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein or Interleukin-6 Levels among Congolese Adults

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have been linked to elevated serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The aim of our study was to address the association between MetS components with serum hs-CRP and IL-6 levels among Congolese adults. A total of 357 participants (aged 30 - 87 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were collected and fasting blood sampled for assessment of fasting blood glycaemia (FBG), lipids and inflammatory parameters using commercially available assays. NCEP-ATPIII criteria were used to define MetS. The Median (IQR) hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were higher in participants with MetS than in those without ([7 (4, 14) versus 6 (4, 8)] mg/L;p = 0.092 and [23.8 (20.9, 27.6) versus 22.3 (19.5, 25.0)] pg/mL;p = 0.002). hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in females with MetS than in those without, but not in males. Among participants, only TG was correlated with hs-CRP (r = 0.149, p = 0.007), and a significant correlation was observed between TG (r = 0.116, p = 0.037), FBG (r = 0.208, p = 0.000), HDL-C (r = −0.119, p = 0.034) and SBP (r = 0.143, p = 0.010) and IL-6. In males, hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with TG (0.316;p = 0.000), negatively with HDL-C (r = −0.290, p = 0.0022), without such correlations in females. In Ames, IL-6 levels were positively correlated with FBG (r = 0.202;p = 0.035), and negatively with HDL-C (r = −0.249, p = 0.009). Significant correlations between IL-6 levels and FBG (r = 0.214;p = 0.000) or SBP (r = 0.227, p = 0.000) were observed in females. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the relationship between MetS components and hs-CRP or IL-6. Values of area under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves suggest potential use of serum hs-CRP (AUC = 0.675) and IL-6 (AUC = 0.656) as diagnostic biomarkers of MetS. Combination of hs-CRP and IL-6 improved diagnosis accuracy, yielding a 0.698 ROC curve area. MetS components are associated with hs-CRP and IL-6 levels among adults Congolese. Combining the two biomarkers hs-CRP and IL-6 improves Mets diagnostic accuracy compared to hs-CRP or IL-6 alone.

Involvement of CD40 (rs1883832) and MAP3K14 (rs2074292) Genes Polymorphisms in Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Introduction: Hepatic diseases comprise inflammations of the liver, which can originate from drug-induced, toxic, autoimmune sources and particularly hepatitis B and C virus infection. The outcome of the disease is linked to interactions between the immune system and the virus, and also depends on the age and immune status of the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of a MAP3K14 (rs2074292), CD40 (rs1883832) polymorphism and chronic hepatitis B virus carriage in a population from Burkina Faso. Methods: In this case-control analysis, 223 and 173 samples, consisting of 90 and 53 controls and 133 and 120 cases, were examined for MAP3K14 and CD40 respectively. The cases included patients with Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genomic DNA extraction was executed using INVITROGEN and FAVORGEN kits. Genotyping of MAP3K14 (rs2074292) and CD40 (rs1883832) gene polymorphisms was accomplished via real-time PCR on the QuantStudioTM 5 Real-Time instrument, followed by allelic discrimination using TaqMan Genotyper Software. Data was interpreted using SPSS version 20 and Epi info version 7.5.2.0. Odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), and p-values were derived for risk and significance evaluation. Results: This study showed that the heterozygous CT genotype and the mutated T allele of the CD40 (rs1883832) gene are involved in the progression of chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in HBV-infected patients. However, no association was found between polymorphisms in the MAP3K14 gene (rs2074292) and the progression of HBV infection. By combining the two polymorphisms, we observed either high risk or protection, depending on the genotypes of the MAP3K14 and CD40 genes simultaneously carried by the patient. Conclusion: Polymorphisms of the MAP3K14 and CD40 genes are associated with the evolution of HBV infection.

Hyperhomocysteinemia: Risk Factors and Faster Onset of Degenerative Complications of Type 2 Diabetes in Brazzaville

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a major global public health problem. This complex metabolic disorder can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular diseases (leading cause of death) in T2D. Among the biochemical markers associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, homocysteine is currently one of the predictive markers under evaluation. We investigate the link between hyperhomocysteinemia and diabetes complications in DT2 population in Brazzaville. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study, from October to December 2022. One hundred and fifty participants were included, 100 patients T2D (34 with complications, 33 with comorbidities, 33 without), and 50 patients controls. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Homocysteine (Hcy) serum levels were measured using Sandwich ELISA method. Results: Study population was composed of 50% males and 50% females with sex ratio of 1;mean age was 52.2 ± 10.8 years (30 - 83). The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was 36% (20% moderate Hcy, 15% intermediate and 1% severe). Mean Hcy concentration was 31.9 μmol/l (18 - 103). Age, gender and physical inactivity were strongly correlated to Hcy (OR of 3.5;9.4 and 3 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that HHcy was a risk accelerator for degenerative complications (stroke: OR = 6.2;ischemic heart disease: 4.9;neuropathy: 9.2;retinopathy: 4.5 and peripheral arterial disease: 4.9). Conclusion: These findings suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as a predictive marker to be taken into account in targeting cardiovascular risk in Congolese subjects with T2D.

Evaluation of Some Secondary Metabolites and Determination of the Antioxidant Potential of Different Extracts from the Plant of <i>Pteridium aquilinum</i>

The present study aims to make an evaluation of some secondary metabolites and determination of the antioxidant potential of P. aquilinum plant extracts obtained by means of a simple and rapid TLC method. The latter revealed the presence of terpenes, sterols, steroids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, sugars and amino acids. The evaluation of the potential antioxidant was assessed on phenolic and flavonoid compounds. These compounds’ dosages revealed different levels, but the highest antioxidant activity was found in the hydro-ethanol extract followed by the aqueous extract. Among the two families of evaluated antioxidants, phenolic compounds were found to be higher in the hydro-ethanolic extract (75.18 mgEAG/gMS), followed by the aqueous extract (66.78 mgEAG/gMS) and lower in the ethanolic extract (12.39 mgEAG/gMS). Whereas flavonoids, less significantly elevated, showed values of 2.58 mgECa/gMS for the hydro-ethanolic extract, 2.24 mgECa/gMS for the aqueous extract and 1.58 mgECa/gMS for the ethanolic extract. However, the antiradical activity was also evaluated. Contrary to the antioxidant activity, the most important antiradical activity was observed on the hydroethanolic extract with a rate of 3.61 mg/mL, then a weak activity on the aqueous and ethanolic extracts respectively 6.18 mg/mL and 15.81 mg/mL, then less important on the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts respectively at levels of 6.18 mg/mL and 3.61 mg/mL.

Factors Associated with Prolonged Poor Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients Followed in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: Achieving and maintaining glycemic targets are a challenge for health practitioners around the world. We aimed to study the factors associated with prolonged poor diabetes control in the cohort of T2DM patients monitored and treated in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO Teaching Hospital in Ouagadougou in order to optimize therapeutic education in these patients. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study combining retrospective data collection from the last year of patient follow-up and prospective collection of some information. The study included all diabetic patients, aged at least 18 years old, followed and treated in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018 following a systematic random sampling with a sampling step of 10. The variables collected were sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes-related characteristics. To determine the risk factors associated with prolonged poor glycemic control, we performed modeling using logistic regression. All variables associated with prolonged poor glycemic control, in bivariate logistic regression with a p-value less than 0.20 were included in the full model. Later, we used a stepwise descending method to obtain the final model, which was then tested by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The significance threshold was set at 5%. Raw and fitted Odds-Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were presented. Results: 270 patients were included. Prolonged poor control of diabetes mellitus was observed in 73.70%. The mean age was 55.97 years (SD: ±11.52) and the sex ratio was 0.6 in favor of female. The mean time since diabetes mellitus diagnoses was 5.85 years (SD: ±5.15). A monthly gain of 92.62 USD (50.74%) for average diabetes mellitus care expenditures of 55.82 USD (SD: 28.25) was reported. An overweight (55.92%) and hypertension (41.85%) were reported. Diabetes mellitus was complicated in 68.15%. Patients were supported by their families in the management of their diabetes mellitus in 85.19%. In multivariate analysis with bivariate logistic regression, low level of formal education (OR = 8.34, 95% CI [1.97 - 35.22];p < 0.01), family support for diabetes mellitus management (OR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.45 - 0.94];p = 0.02), presence of abdominal obesity (OR = 2.27, 95% CI [1.08 - 4.77];p = 0.03), presence of a history of hospitalization (OR = 7.39, 95% CI [2.97 - 18.39];p < 0.01), poor adherence to antidiabetic treatment (OR = 2.97, 95% CI [1.42 - 6.18];p < 0.01), and the presence of microangiopathy (OR = 5.05, 95% CI [2.36 - 10.81];p < 0.01) were the factors independently associated with prolonged poor control of T2DM, with a ROC curve of 0.88, which reflects a very good sensitivity and specificity of these factors. Conclusion: The imbalance of T2DM is multifactorial. Lifestyle, family environment, and compliance seem to be essential to ensure good glycemic control. Healthcare practitioners should take these elements into account in their daily patient assessment. A predictive score would be a tool to help identify patients at risk of diabetes imbalance and would contribute to improving their management.

Assessment of Membrane Erythrocyte Cholesterol Level in Sickle Cell Disease

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of erythrocyte membrane cholesterol in sickle cell patients, which is one of the essential parameters of membrane fluidity that contributes to understanding the hemolytic state of the erythrocyte. Methods: We worked with blood specimens from 20 controls and 50 sickle cell patients. The blood count and the isoelectric focusing (IEF) were performed on the samples in order to select them. The titration of the erythrocyte membrane cholesterol was made after washing and lysing the erythrocytes with the hemolyzing solution (EDTA, 2 Mercapto-Ethanol, NADP, NaOH). The cholesterol level was assessed by the enzymatic colorimetric method. The results were analyzed by Student’s test. Results: We worked with 16 control subjects with a hemoglobin status and a normal hemogram. The evaluation of the erythrocyte membrane cholesterol level of the samples allows us to define the reference interval (α = 0.05) at 17.55 ± 3.83 mg of cholesterol/g of hemoglobin. The erythrocyte membrane cholesterol levels of sickle cell patients found in this study were 11.58 ± 2.98 mg cholesterol/g of hemoglobin. In this study, 38 sickle cell patients (76%) were found with a low erythrocyte membrane cholesterol level compared to the reference interval. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference (α = 5%) between the erythrocyte membrane cholesterol level of normal subjects and sickle cell patients. Conclusion: Most of the sickle cells patients had a decreased erythrocyte membrane cholesterol level. This reduces the membrane fluidity making the erythrocyte membrane rigid and more fragile. This may be one of the factors responsible for the lyses of erythrocytes.

<i>In Vivo</i>Hepato-Protective Properties of the Essential Oils of <i>Boswellia papyrifera</i>(Del.) Hochst (Burseraceae) and <i>Ruta chalepensis</i>L. (Rutaceae)

Objective: Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst and Ruta chalepensis L. are aromatic plants used in the Republic of Djibouti, both as food and medicine. The importance of essential oils of these two species in the treatment of certain pathologies such as inflammations and infections has led to an assessment of their composition in volatile organic compounds and their hepato-protective properties on rats poisoned by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Methods: The chemical composition of essential oils studied was determined by GC-MS. The hepato-protective properties of the essential oils of Boswellia papyrifera and Ruta chalepensis were assessed through inhibition of hepato toxicity in rats by CCl4 poisoning. The hepato-protection of essential oils was estimated by measuring biochemical and hematological parameters. Results: Essential oils of Boswellia papyrifera and Ruta chalepensis reduced the blood level of transaminases and triglycerides at the dependent dosage, and restored liver proteins (0.27 g/l) to levels similar to those rats not poisoned by CCl4. Blood levels of uric acid, urea, creatinine and HDL have also been restored to values similar to those of non-poisoned rats. The chemical composition of the essential oils studied shows that Boswellia papyrifera contains incensole acetate (43.76%) and isoincensole (18.42%), and that Ruta chalepensis contains menthyl acetate (29.8%) and piperitone (22.22%). Conclusion: The studies carried out have shown that the essential oils of Boswellia papyrifera and Ruta chalepensis have a hepato-protective potential similar to that of sylimarin (reference hepato-protective substances). The results show that the essential oils of Boswellia papyrifera and Ruta chalepensis could present good prospects in the formulation of phytomedicines for the management of liver diseases.

Evaluation of Analgesic and Antipyretic Effects of the Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae)

C. ambrosioides is a Congolese medicinal plant used in the treatment of several pathologies. This work was initiated to evaluate the analgesic and antipyretic effect of the aqueous extract of leaves of C. ambrosioides. Analgesic effect was evaluated by using the acetic acid-induced writhing, the Tilk Flick test as well as the pain induced by formaldehyde. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract significantly reduces the number of abdominal writhes (p C. ambrosioides (400 and 600 mg/kg) compared to control group (saline water). This result suggests an antipyretic effect. Chemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavones and mucilage. The presence of alkaloids and flavones could explain the analgesic and antipyretic effects attributed to this aqueous extract.