A K Sow

Intraday blood rheological changes induced by Ramadan fasting in sickle cell trait carriers.

The goal of the present study was to test whether fasting during the holy period of Ramadan may disturb blood rheology in sickle cell trait (SCT) carriers more than in a group of subjects with normal hemoglobin. Twenty African male students participated in the study: 10 SCT carriers and 10 subjects with normal hemoglobin (CONT). Biochemical parameters (plasma glucose and lipids levels), hematocrit, blood viscosity, and urine specific gravity were measured in the two groups on the 14th day of the Ramadan period (Ramadan condition) and 6 wks after the end of Ramadan (baseline condition). All the measurements were performed twice for each experimental day to measure intraday variation: 8:00 and 18:00 h. Plasma glucose level and lipid profile were not significantly different between the two groups. Although Ramadan did not affect the lipid profile, the plasma glucose concentration was lower during the Ramadan period compared with the baseline condition in the two groups. Hematocrit and urine specific gravity did not differ between the two groups and was greater in the evening than in the morning, independently of the condition. SCT carriers had higher blood viscosity than the CONT group. However, whereas blood viscosity remained unchanged through the day in the CONT group, whatever the condition, SCT carriers were characterized by a large increase of blood viscosity in the evening during the Ramadan period, indicating higher risk for microcirculatory blood flow impairments. Specific medical recommendations are needed for SCT carriers engaged in religious fasting.

[Evaluation of erythrocyte deformability in subjects with sickle cell trait during a soccer game: effect of hydration ad libitum].

This study compared erythrocyte changes between a group of subjects with sickle cell trait (SCT) and controls (subjects without hemoglobinopathy) during a soccer game in two conditions: with and without hydration. Erythrocyte deformability of subjects was assessed by the coefficient of erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) which was calculated before and after football match. Our results showed a significant increase in erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) in SCT at the end of physical activities without hydration; however when water was provided ad libitum their Tk decreased significantly, reaching values of controls. And adequate hydration is recommended in subjects with sickle cell trait during and after exercise.

Évaluation de la déformabilité érythrocytaire des sujets porteurs de trait drépanocytaire au cours d’un match de football : effet de l’hydratation ad libitum

This study compared erythrocyte changes between a group of subjects with sickle cell trait (SCT) and controls (subjects without hemoglobinopathy) during a soccer game in two conditions: with and without hydration. Erythrocyte deformability of subjects was assessed by the coefficient of erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) which was calculated before and after football match. Our results showed a significant increase in erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) in SCT at the end of physical activities without hydration; however when water was provided ad libitum their Tk decreased significantly, reaching values of controls. And adequate hydration is recommended in subjects with sickle cell trait during and after exercise.

Impact of exposure to biomass on the vascular function of Senegalese women

Background: In rural Senegal, biomass fuels are the main and often the only source of domestic energy for cooking. Their combustion is a source of particles and many other chemical contaminants that could alter cardiovascular function. Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the effects of exposure to biomass fumes on vascular function in non-smoking women in rural Senegal. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional 8-month study of 64 women (32 exposed to biomass smoke and 32 unexposed controls) who were active or housewives and involved in cooking. The subjects were aged 33.56 ± 9.34 years and 30.22 ± 6 years, respectively. All the women received a questionnaire with questions on sociodemographic characteristics, habitat characteristics, cooking habits, and biomass exposure conditions. Flow-mediated brachial arterial vasodilation flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) expressed as a percentage of the diameter was measured basally at rest and post-compression at 5, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s and 10 min after deflation. Results: All participants were non-smokers. 12.5% of subjects used gas in addition to biomass. Seniority was 18. 90 ± 10 years, with a mean daily biomass exposure of 4 ± 1 h. The analysis of cardiovascular parameters and blood sugar found no significant difference between the two groups. Kinetic FMD comparisons between the two groups showed significant differences at points 60 and 90 s 10 min post-occlusion. A negative correlation was found between FMD at 90 s after deflation and the duration of exposure in exposed women (r = 0.44 P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that exposure to biomass is implicated in the appearance of vascular dysfunction in non-smoking women.

Evaluation of vascular function in depigmented black women: Comparative study

Background: Prolonged application of skin depigmenting substances could expose human organism to serious general complications such as hypertension or diabetes. Artificial depigmentation (AD) is a widespread practice within Sub-Saharan Africa subjects. AD is based on the use of dermocorticoides which could lead to vascular complications. Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the vascular function in depigmented Senegalese women. Materials and Methods: Thirty six depigmented (depigmented group) and 36 undepigmented black women (control group) participated in the study. They were aged 33.10 ± 7 years and 30.22 ± 6 years, respectively. Brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) was measured in two groups. Biochemical and cardiovascular profiles of our study population were evaluated. The duration of depigmenting products exposure was evaluated in depigmented subjects. Results: Our study showed an abnormal kinetic of FMD in depigmented group compared to control group. Mean arterial pressure was 95.9 ± 8.8 mmHg in depigmented subjects and 89.6 ± 6.2 mmHg for control subjects and a significant difference was observed (P = 0.002) while triglycerides was significantly different (P = 0.01) between the two groups (0.8 ± 0.3 and 0.6 ± 0.2 g/L, respectively). FMD was significantly and positively correlated with exposure time (r = 0.25; P = 0.029). Conclusion: Prolonged percutaneous application of depigmentation products could alter metabolic and vascular functions, and consequently install cardiovascular risks. Thus, we recommended ways to prevent of AD in the African population.

Recovery of Body Composition after the Fasting of Ramadan in Young Sub-Saharan African Athletes

The fasting of Ramadan is causing circadian rhythm and body composition changes. It has been described a decrease of certain parameters during this period. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate the recovery of these parameters after the fasting of Ramadan. An experimental study was carried out among 18 students of the National Institute of Sciences of Physical Education and Sport (INSEPS) in Dakar. They were all male, black, aged 21 to 30 years and regularly practiced fasting. Data were collected on the 15th day of Ramadan and 6 weeks after Ramadan. Anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the anthropometric parameters such as weight and size by Quetelet’s formula. The parameters of body composition such as percentages of body fat, muscle mass and visceral fat were measured by an impedance meter (OMRON BF 511). Then, they allowed us to calculate percentage of fat free mass, fat free mass index (FFMI) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI). No significant difference was found for cardiovascular parameters between the two periods. However, certain parameters such as weight, BMI, fat mass, fat free mass and FFMI increased significantly six weeks after Ramadan. A strong trend of increasing was found in the percentage of fat mass (p = 0.05), while the percentage of muscle mass slightly tended to decrease after Ramadan. The principal component analysis showed that the percentages of body fat, fat free mass and muscle mass as well as fat mass were the most contributory parameters of the body composition in both times. The fasting of Ramadan causes transient changes in body composition. Long-term changes in certain parameters such as fat mass were necessary for a real effect on health. The association of Ramadan fasting with that of Sunnah would be necessary to obtain this benefit.

L’inadaptation aux plus de 50 ans des associations d’appui aux personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH)

Do associations meet the needs of elder people living with HIV? A qualitative study with PLWHA over 50 and associations shows that they are especially solicited for economic and social help. But they have not developed specific projects for older people who do not know them and seldom resort to them. Suggestions are made for the associations take better account of the elderly.

Évaluation de la déformabilité érythrocytaire des sujets porteurs de trait drépanocytaire au cours d'un match de football : effet de l'hydratation ad libitum Evaluation of erythrocyte deformability in subjects with sickle cell trait during a soccer game: effect of hydration ad libitum

This study compared erythrocyte changes between a group of subjects with sickle cell trait (SCT) and controls (subjects without hemoglobinopathy) during a soccer game in two conditions: with and without hydration. Erythrocyte deformability of subjects was assessed by the coefficient of erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) which was calculated before and after football match. Our results showed a significant increase in erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) in SCT at the end of physical activities without hydration; however when water was provided ad libitum their Tk decreased significantly, reaching values of controls. And adequate hydration is recommended in subjects with sickle cell trait during and after exercise.