Michael T. Gardner

Supplementation with Pumpkin Seed Oil improves Plasma Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Outcomes of Female Non-ovariectomized and Ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley Rats

Pumpkin (Cucurbita species) seed oil (PSO) is a rich source of phytoestrogens and the aim of this study was to examine the effect of PSO supplementation on the total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), systolic and diastolic blood pressure in non‐ovariectomized and ovariectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats. Female rats weighing 220–300 g were divided into non‐ovariectomized rats for supplementation with corn oil (control CO; n = 6) or PSO (control PSO; n = 5) and ovariectomized rats for supplementation with corn oil (OVX/CO; n = 6) or PSO (OVX/PSO; n = 5) for 5 days per week for 12 weeks (corn oil 40 mg/kg or PSO 40 mg/kg given orally). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured weekly. Blood was collected at the end of the period for plasma lipid assays. Control PSO had lower TC, LDL–C, triglycerides and higher HDL‐C than the control CO. The OVX/CO had higher TC, LDL–C, triglycerides and lower HDL‐C than the control CO and these changes were prevented in the OVX/PSO rats. PSO supplementation also resulted in lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures in both non‐ovariectomized and ovariectomized rats. It is concluded that PSO supplementation can prevent changes in plasma lipids and blood pressure associated with inadequate oestrogen availability. Copyright

Immunomodulatory activities of Petiveria alliacea L.

The hexane extract of Petiveria alliacea increased the phagocytotic index of human granulocytes from 4.0 to 6.2, while a cyclohexane–methanol fraction gave a maximum value of 5.6 at 0.5 mg/mL. These values were not significantly different (p <0.05) from the modified immunostimulatory dipeptide: N‐formyl‐methionyl‐phenylalanine at the same dose.

Alterations in intestinal morphology of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) steroidal sapogenin extract

In this study, the effect of yam steroidal sapogenin extract on intestinal morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was examined. Diabetic male Wistar rats (n = 32) were fed diets supplemented with 1% bitter yam steroidal sapogenin extract or commercial diosgenin for three weeks. The effect on intestinal morphology was assessed. The induction of diabetes significantly increased villus length and crypt depth compared to the normal group. Supplementation of the diet with sapogenin extract or commercial diosgenin significantly increased villus width compared to the diabetic controls. The dietary supplements also significantly decreased crypt depth towards that of the normal controls. This study shows that the feeding of bitter yam steroidal sapogenin extract to diabetic rats may result in alterations in the intestinal morphology.

Mode of action studies of the acaricidal agent, epingaione

Summary Activity directed isolation studies of the ethanol extract of Bontia daphnoides L (Myoporaceae) leaves and stems led to the isolation of epingaione, a sesquiterpene furan. This compound was previously described by Chinnock et al. (1987) from the same plant. The compound showed growth regulatory activities on gravid adult female Boophilus microplus Canestrini (the southern cattle tick). The dose required for inhibiting the hatching of B. microplus eggs by 50% (Fid50)was 0.4±0.06 mg/g of the tick body weight. The Fid50 dose inhibited the sequestration of protein into eggs oviposited by 80%. These eggs were non-agglutinated and wrinkled. Histological examination of ovarian sections from the treated ticks revealed significant degeneration of funicle cells and reduction in yolk content.

Accessory renal arteries in a Caribbean population: a computed tomography based study

IntroductionThe commonest variation to the classic anatomic description of renal arterial supply is the presence of accessory renal arteries. The incidence varies widely according to ethnicity. There is no data on the prevalence of these anomalies in persons of Caribbean ethnicity.MethodsAll CT scans done over two years from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The anatomy of the renal arterial supply was reported from these studies and the anatomy of accessory renal arteries was documented.ResultsThere were 302 CT scans evaluated and accessory renal arteries were present in 109/302 (36.1%) CT scans, 95% confidence interval 30.6%, 41.4%. There were 71/309 (23.5%) patients with accessory arteries on the left and 54/309 (17.9%) had them on the right (p 0.087). Of these, 16 (14.7%) patients had bilateral accessory renal arteries present. The most common origin for the accessory arteries was the abdominal aorta in 108 (99.1%) cases and in 1 case the accessory artery arose from the coeliac trunk. There were 80 left sided accessory renal arteries: 17 (21.3%) upper polar and 27 (33.8%) lower polar arteries. Of 62 right sided accessory arteries, 14 (22.6%) were upper polar and 26 (42%) were lower polar arteries.ConclusionThis is the first population-based report of anatomic anomalies in renal arterial supply in a Caribbean population. These are important findings that may affect vascular and urologic procedures on persons of Caribbean ethnicity.

Vascular Supply to the Liver: A Report of a Rare Arterial Variant

In the classic description of hepatic arterial supply, the common hepatic artery originates from the coeliac trunk. However, there are numerous variations to this classic pattern. We report a rare variant pattern of hepatic arterial supply and discuss the clinical significance of this variation.

Extracts from Blighia sapida (Koenig) produce neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in mice

Neutrophil and platelet counts were significantly lowered (p<0.05) in mice treated with aqueous and lipid extracts of the unripe fruit of Blighia sapida. The percentage reduction in neutrophil and platelet counts relative to the controls for the aqueous and lipid (data in parentheses) extracts were 63.4% (59.3%) and 37.46% (32.44%) respectively after 6 weeks of treatment.

The liver and Chilaiditi’s syndrome: Significance of hepatic surface grooves:

Chilaiditi’s syndrome describes a symptomatic patient with radiographic findings of interposed colon between the diaphragm and right lobe of liver. It may mimic a pneumoperitoneum on plain radiographs. We present a case in which Chilaiditis’ syndrome was entertained, delaying a decision for laparotomy. This case reinforces the diagnostic difficulty associated with Chilaiditi’s syndrome, and it increases awareness of an uncommon variation in the liver surface anatomy.

Hepatic surface grooves in an Afro-Caribbean population: a cadaver study

INTRODUCTION There have been no previous reports on hepatic surface grooves in an Afro-Caribbean population. This information is important to optimize radiology and hepatobiliary surgical services in the region. METHODS Two investigators independently observed 69 cadaveric dissections performed over five years at the University of the West Indies. Variations in surface anatomy were described. RESULTS In this Caribbean population the majority of patients had conventional hepatic surface anatomy (88%). However, we found a greater incidence of hepatic surface grooves (12%) than reported in international literature. CONCLUSION Abnormal surface anatomy is present in 12% persons in this population. Interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons practicing in the Caribbean must be cognizant of these differences in order to minimize morbidity during invasive procedures.