Kossi Metowogo

In Togo, overweight and obesity represent a major public health challenge. This study aimed to identify factors associated with abdominal obesity to design relevant preventive approaches for the Togolese population. It was a cross-sectional study among 834 adult’s representatives of urban regions. The Cochran formula determined the sample size. WHO criteria defined obesity, and IDF criteria (waist circumference >80 cm for women, >94 cm for men) defined abdominal obesity (AO). Participants were black Africans aged 15-59 years from multiple localities. The link between metabolic syndrome parameters, types of obesity, and AO was evaluated by adjusted Odds Ratio test. Among 834 participants, IDF-defined abdominal obesity affected 9.1% (n=34; 95% CI: 6-12.0%) of men and 53.9% (n=247; 95% CI: 49-59) of women. Among obese subjects (n=180), AO prevalence reached 78.3% (n=124/157; 95% CI: 71.1-84.6) in women and 68.2% (n=15/23; 95% CI: 45.1-86.1) in men (p<0.001). Abdominal obesity was strongly associated with hypertension in men (OR=12.00; 95% CI: 1.15-159.55; p=0.010). Type I obesity predominated (56.67%), with metabolic parameters worsening with severity; systolic blood pressure and triglycerides rose progressively from type I to III. This study provides essential data on general and abdominal obesity prevalence in Togo and highlights the importance of a sex-differentiated approach in prevention and management to optimize clinical outcomes and improve population cardiovascular health.

Some victims die, others survive with disabilities following the ophidian envenomations. Among the clinical signs of snake bites is hypotension. Most of snake bites victims live in countryside use medicinal plants to treat themselves in case of snakes bite. This study is part of research on antivenom effects of Annona senegalensis and Securidaca longepedunculata, specifically, the mechanisms by which both plants control blood pressure variation caused by Echis ocellatus venom. Venom toxicity tests determined LD50 of E. ocellatus venom in Sprague-Dawley rats, which is equal to 0.235 mg/kg. E. ocellatus venom decreases mean arterial blood pressure in rats to 27.16 ± 3.04 % and decreased heart rate to 49.51 ± 3.16 beats/min. Hydroethanolic extracts of A. senegalensis and S. longepedunculata slow down the decrease in blood pressure caused by E. ocellatus venom significantly (p > 0.05) the mean arterial pressure at doses of 20 mg/kg. These results show that hydroethanolic extract of A. senegalensis roots and hydroethanolic extract of S. longepedunculata roots have antivenom properties against E. ocellatus venom.

Background: Sterculia setigera is a plant used in traditional medicine for many purposes. We previously reported that its dry hydroethanolic leaf extract (SSE) protected cerebellar granule neurons and PC12 cells against H₂O₂, 6-OHDA, and serum deprivation-induced cell death, and mitigated ethanol neurotoxicity in the cerebellar cortex of neonatal Wistar rats while preserving motor coordination. This study aims to establish the toxicological profile of Sterculia setigera leaves' hydroethanolic extract, using appropriate in vitro and in vivo models. Methods : The brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay served as a cytotoxicity test (in vitro model). An acute oral toxicity test was conducted according to OECD TG 423 (2000 mg/kg). The repeated dose oral toxicity of 28 days was performed following the OECD TG 407 (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) on Wistar rats. Results: The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) was 1.84 mg/mL. Based on acute oral toxicity, the LD50 value of the extract was up to 2000 mg/kg of body weight. The 28-day repeated oral administration of Sterculia setigera leaves hydroethanolic extract did not provoke negative effects on rats, as they were safe based on body and organ weight, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological results. Conclusion : These results indicate that the dry hydroethanolic extract of S. setigera leaves did not provoke adverse effects that can lead to death or internal histological lesions in Wistar rats after 28-day oral administration. Keywords: Sterculia setigera; cytotoxicity; Artemia salina; toxicological profile

Introduction: The use of Securidaca longipedunculata for solving health problems related to immunological disorders is long-standing. The immunomodulatory activity associated with the anti-inflammatory effect of S. longipedunculata has not yet been elucidated by scientific research. The aim of our study is to show that the leaves of S. longipedunculata can solve problems related to immunodeficiency and inflammation. Methods: The phytochemical compounds of the plant were carried out by solubility tests. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant was evaluated by the chicken egg albumin denaturation inhibition, membrane stabilization, and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests. The 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of lipoperoxidation tests were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the plant. Immunosuppression was induced in rats by cyclophosphamide. The immunomodulatory activity of S. longipedunculata was studied by blood count. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) titration showed the effect of S. longipedunculata on the energy balance. Results: The extract contained polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The tests of albumin denaturation inhibition, membrane stabilisation, CRP, total antioxidant capacity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl revealed that the extract had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The blood count results revealed that the extract non-significantly increased the number of leukocytes except in the case of neutrophils and monocytes at a dose of 400 mg/kg (P<0.05). The extract also restored the energy balance in the rats according to the LDH results. Conclusion: This study reveals that the hydro-ethanolic extract of S. longipedunculata leaves has potential immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The African grasscutter (AGC) (Thryonomys swinderianus) is the second largest rodent in sub‐Saharan Africa. It is bred for its organoleptic and culinary properties but also serves as a research model. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age‐related changes in brain weight, brain volume, and spatial and nonspatial memory performance in the AGC. A total of forty‐two (42) captive‐derived AGCs were divided into seven age groups: 6 neonates (6 days), 6 juveniles (1 month), 6 pubertals (3 months), 6 subadults (8 months), 6 young adults (2 years), 6 middle adults (4 years), and 6 old adults (5 years). The subjects were given a series of tests to assess their spatial memory (location test) and their nonspatial memory (object recognition test). Brain samples were then collected using basic neuroanatomical techniques. The weight and volume of the brain samples were determined and their encephalization quotient (EQ) was also calculated. The results showed that spatial and nonspatial memory in AGC develops into adulthood and then declines with age. Mean brain weight increased from neonates to mid‐adulthood (5.20 ± 0.31 g–11.76 ± 0.23 g) and decreased in older AGC (11.75 ± 0.22 g). In contrast, the mean weight of the olfactory bulb (OB) increased from neonates to young adults (0.28 ± 0.02 g–0.80 ± 0.03 g) and the cerebellum increased from neonates to older (0.59 ± 0 0.01 g–1.86 ± 0.06 g). Finally, the EQ decreased with age (0.73 ± 0.05–0.29 ± 0.01). Mean brain volume increased with age from neonates to young adult (5 mL–11.25 mL). Conversely, the mean volume of the OB and cerebellum increases from neonates to older age (0.33 ± 0.03 mL–0.95 ± 0.04 mL). This study shows that spatial and nonspatial memory declines during the aging process in AGC. Neonates and juveniles have higher cognitive abilities than adults and older AGC. The weight of the brain, OB, and cerebellum increases from neonates to adult and decreases slightly from middle to old adults. However, the volume of the OB and cerebellum increases with age.

Dermatological diseases are common inflammatory affections of the skin. In recent times, interest in herbal medicine for the treatment of dermatological diseases has become more than necessary due to the side effects of conventional drugs and their ineffectiveness. To this end, the use of herbal medicine is a promising approach. The objective of this review is to list scientific articles and reviews on plant extracts or plant formulations used in the treatment of dermatological diseases including acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and wounds which are the most common affections. The following scientific databases were consulted: PubMed, Inari, science direct, Google scholar, Web of Science and Scopus. This review provides evidence that herbal medicines will be emerging and promising treatments for dermatological conditions. However, better quality evidence and standardized methodologies are needed to support and further investigate the efficacy, safety and security of these plants.

Objective: The medicinal plant Cochlospermum planchonii Hook.f. is used in the management of various ailments in Togolese pharmacopoeia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of roots and leaves of C. planchonii, and burn wound healing activity of its leaf hydroethanolic extracts in rodents. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activities were assessed using Phosphomolybdenum assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and the reducing power assay. Visceral pain model, formaldehyde-induced paw edema and vascular permeability test were performed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. Burns were induced in rats by applying on the skin of the dorsal region an aluminum plaque preheated to 100°C for 10 seconds. Animals were treated topically with empty Carbopol gel, C. planchonii leaves extract 2.5 and 5 % in Carbopol gel, and Brulex® (Zinc oxide 15 % cream). Results: C. planchonii extracts exhibited good antioxidant capacities close to standard compound, ascorbic acid. Leaves and root hydroethanolic extracts (1000 mg/kg), compared to control animals, significantly reduced the number of writhings (P<0.001) and the volume of paw edema (P<0.001). Similarly, both roots and leaf extracts at 1000 mg/kg have significantly inhibited vascular permeability by approximately 50% compared to the control group. C. planchonii leaves hydroethanolic extract 2.5 and 5 % in Carbopol enhanced wound healing via significantly increased contraction rates (78.63 ± 1.57 and 79.68 ± 1.48 respectively on day 12, P<0.001), confirmed by histological observations. Conclusion: C. planchonii can promote burn healing due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant. Keywords: Cochlospermum planchonii, inflammatory, antioxidant, edema, burn wound

Background: Aloe buettneri, Mitracarpus scaber and Hannoa undulata are three plants species used in the Togolese traditional medicine to cure dermatosis. This study aims at assessing their anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities on acne-developing micro-organisms. Methods: Six micro-organisms including Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 6919, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603; Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213; and Candida albicans ATCC 35659 were used. Inhibition diameter was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory and minimum microbicidal concentrations have been achieved through the liquid dilution method. Anti-oxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH antiradical scaving and FRAP methods. Phytochemical screening was also realized. Results: All the microorganism’s strains tested, excepted Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, were susceptible to plants extracts at 250 mg/mL in the agar well diffusion assay with inhibition diameters ranging from 12.10 ± 0.07 to 18.20 ± 0.10 mm. The MICs values were comprised between 15.625 mg/mL and 62.5 mg/mL, when MMCs ranged from 31.25 to 125 mg/mL. At the concentration of 500 µg/mL, the scavenging properties on DPPH radicals were 49.20 ± 0.15% for H. undulata, 41.29 ± 0.51% for A. buettneri, 59.57 ± 0.41% for M. scaber and 87.22 ± 0.03% for Quercetin. For FRAP assay, the effective concentration (EC50) of A. buettneri, M. scaber and H. undulata extracts were 977.44 ± 1.13 µg/mL; 267.74 ± 10.13 µg/mL and, 272.54 ± 12.87 µg/mL respectively while quercetin presented the EC50 of 48.63 ± 2.00 µg/mL. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of these species might be required to the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponoside and alkaloids identified by phytochemical screening. Conclusion: The three plants extracts are all potential natural antimicrobial and antioxidant candidates for treating acne vulgaris. Keywords: Aloe buettneri, Mitracarpus scaber, Hannoa undulata, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, Acne vulgaris

Introduction: Bridelia ferruginea is a plant known for its antidiabetic properties. However, few studies on leaf extracts have induced anti-hyperglycemic activity on normal mice subjected to carbohydrate overload. The current study was designed to assess the effect of the leaf extracts’ fraction on fructose-induced diabetic mice. Methods: The in vitro ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were carried out and the condensed tannins quantified. The vanillin-HCl method was used to characterize the condensed tannins. The antidiabetic effect on fructose-induced diabetic mice was evaluated for 28 days using a fructose-enriched fat diet approach. Results: The fraction confirmed the antioxidant activity with a reducing power of 800 μg/mL comparable to ascorbic acid at 200 μg/mL. The condensed tannins were estimated at 79.6 ± 3.4 mg catechin equivalent per gram of sample. Significant decreases in blood sugar levels of 6.25% at the 7th day, 11.04% at the 14th day, 12.61% at the 21th day, and 11.35% at the 28th day were obtained in mice treated with the extract dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight, compared to the positive control group. The decreases of 37.11% of triglycerides and 40.16% of total cholesterol were also obtained. Conclusion: The investigated fraction showed notable antidiabetic activity and might be a good candidate in the treatment of diabetes.