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Pesticides, especially the newly developed neonicotinoids, are increasingly used in many countries around the world, including Cameroon, to control pests involved in crop destruction or disease transmission. Unfortunately, the pesticides also pose tremendous environmental problems because a predominant amount of their residues enter environmental matrices to affect other nontargeted species including humans. This therefore calls for continuous biomonitoring of these insecticides in human populations. The present study sought to assess the neonicotinoid insecticide exposures in two agrarian regions of Cameroon, the South‐West region and Littoral region. The study involved 188 men, including 125 farmers and 63 nonfarmers. Spot urine samples were obtained from these subjects and subjected to liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric analysis for concentrations of neonicotinoid compounds, including acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, and N‐dm‐acetamiprid. Neonicotinoid compounds were detected in all study participants, and residues of all the screened pesticides were detected among participants. N‐dm‐Acetamiprid and imidacloprid were the most prevalent among the subjects (100.0% and 93.1%, respectively), whereas nitenpyram was less common (3.2%). The median values of imidacloprid and total urinary neonicotinoid concentrations were elevated among farmers (0.258 vs. 0.126 µg/L and 0.829 vs. 0.312 µg/L, respectively). Altogether the findings showed that both the farmer and nonfarmer study populations of Cameroon were exposed to multiple residues of neonicotinoids, with relatively higher levels of pesticides generally recorded among farmers. Although exposure levels of the neonicotinoids were generally lower than their respective reference doses, these results warrant further research on the health risk evaluation of multiple residues of the pesticides and reinforcement of control measures to minimize the exposure risks, especially among farmers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:952–964. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gouania longipetala Hemsl. is a scandent shrub used in traditional medicine for the management of different ailments such as gout, female infertility, heart diseases, diabetes, and malaria. Pathophysiology of the diseases is generally associated with oxidative stress. Antioxidant properties of G. longipetala have not yet been well elucidated. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant content and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from the plant's stems and leaves. Materials and methods: Methanol extracts from the plant stems and leaves were screened for phytochemical components with antioxidant properties (Vitamin C, total phenolics, and flavonoids). The antioxidant reducing power of the extracts as well as its effects on lipid peroxidation and catalase were also evaluated in vitro using biochemical assays. Results: Leaf extract was richer than stem extract in different antioxidants such as Vitamin C, phenolics, and flavonoids. Both leaf and stem extracts showed similar inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation and stimulatory effect on catalase activity, while leaf extract had higher ferric antioxidant effect than stem extract. Conclusion: Both extracts from G. Longipetala possessed antioxidant content, though activities with leaf extract displayed higher antioxidant properties than stem extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia has been a public health issue in children under five years of age in Cameroon. Very limited attempts have been carried out to develop an iron-rich food using local ingredients. The study aimed at developing functional porridges from local ingredients for iron-deficient children aged 6–23 months. Leaves of Moringa oleifera, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Solanum aethiopicum were harvested as sources of iron, dried, ground into powder, and screened for their water and iron contents. Each vegetable powder was mixed with the other ingredients (dry whole milk, brown sugar, yellow maize flour, and refined soybean oil) to obtain three powdered porridges using linear programming (LP). Protein, lipid, carbohydrate, iron, energy, water, ash, crude fiber, and vitamin C contents, expressed in dry weight, were determined on powdered porridges. Powdered porridges were cooked in boiled water (ratio 2 : 7%w/w) for 5 min. Hedonic tests were conducted using cooked porridges with 50 untrained panelists. Leaf powders contained iron varying between 5.39 and 5.98 mg/100 g. LP models of the three porridges satisfied the nutritional requirements of children aged 6–23 months in terms of iron, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and caloric daily intake. Protein, lipid, carbohydrate, iron, energy, water, ash, crude fiber, and vitamin C contents were, respectively, between 11.37 and 13.83 g/100g, 30.79 and 32.94 g/100g, 45.97 to 46.81 g/100g, 5.14 and 6.15 mg/100g, 509.93 and 517.48 kcal/100g, 6.42 to 7.62 g/100g, 2.20 and 2.88 g/100g, 1.65 and 2.44 g/100g, and 46.49 and 163.38 mg/100g. The cost of powdered porridges varied between 0.40 and 0.49 USD/100g. The sensory analysis showed that the moringa leaf-based porridge (82%) was the most appreciated followed by eggplant leaf-based porridge (80%) and folere leaf-based porridge (70%). Hence, these results showed that moringa, folere, and eggplant leaves can be used in functional foods to alleviate iron deficiency among children aged 6–23 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: very limited studies have emphasized the importance of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product index (LAPI) in the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) especially in diabetic and hypertension patients in developing countries including Cameroon. This study aimed at assessing whether VAI and LAPI are markers of CKD among diabetic and hypertensive patients at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Methods: this analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Bamenda Regional Hospital and involved 200 diabetic and/or hypertensive patients, including 77 males and 123 females. The participant's anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, VAI, LAPI, and glomerular filtration rate were investigated. A structured questionnaire was used to assess some risk factors of CKD and participant lifestyle. Results: the overweight (41%) and obesity (34%) statuses were prevalent in the population. A considerable proportion of subjects had elevated total cholesterol (46%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (37.50%), triglycerides (24.5%), urea (40.5%) and creatinine (53.5%) levels. Stage 1 to 3 CKD was largely present in the elderly (>54- year-old) affecting the majority of patients (57.5%). Low education level and lack of physical activity were significantly associated with the prevalence of CKD (p < 0.001). On the contrary to creatinine (unadjusted OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.13-1.62), urea (unadjusted OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), HDL (unadjusted OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78-0.97), total cholesterol/HDL ratio (unadjusted OR = 1.38; 95% CI; 1.12-1.71), VAI (unadjusted OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05-1.22) and LAPI (unadjusted OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00-1.00) were significantly associated with CKD status of the patients while HDL was negatively associated (unadjusted OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78- 0.97). The 9.905 and 5679 cut-offs of VAI and LAPI respectively for CKD discrimination obtained high sensitivity (75.0%) and specificity (=79.6%). Conclusion: visceral adiposity index and LAPI were associated with CKD among diabetic and hypertensive patients. Visceral adiposity index and LAPI could be user-friendly tools for the early diagnosis of CKD among these categories of patients in Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parastar is an agricultural insecticide formulation composed of two active ingredients; a pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin and a neonicotinoid imidachloprid used in Cameroon for vegetable protection. Previous studies showed reprotoxicity and neurotoxicity of this pesticide formulation. Momordica foetida Schumach. Et Thonn is a medicinal plant with potent antioxidant properties used traditionally in Cameroon for the treatment of several aliments. As farmers are currently exposed to Parastar pesticide formulation, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of M. foetida on behavioral impairment, motor incoordination and brain oxidative stress induced by subchronic administration of Parastar. Methods: The study was carried out using 40 Wistar male rats, divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each. The groups received a vehicle (distilled water; 10 mL/kg), Parastar alone (6.23 mg/kg), or concomitantly with M. foetida methanol extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 60 days. The animals were submitted to behavioural tests including, beam walking test, open field test and forced swimming test. At end of the treatment, oxidative stress parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity were assessed in brain of each animal. Results: Parastar induced motor dysfunctions, anxiogenic like and depressive-like behaviours in the animals. The Parastar -induced alterations in behavior were all prevented by M. foetida extract. The plant extract alleviated Parstar-induced oxidative stress and alteration of cholinesterase activity, especially at the dose 100mk/kg. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that, M. feotida methanol extract may prevent anxietylike behavior, depressive-like behavior, motor incoordination induced by Parastar, possibly through it antioxidant properties and the preservation of acetylcholinesterase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the subchronic adverse effects of Counter 15FC (a terbufos -based pesticide formulation) in adult male Wistar albino rats, focusing on neurological, liver, kidney and reproductive functions. Five groups of animals were administered either vehicle (Control) or Counter 15FC at doses 0.1 - 3 mg/kg body weight (bwt) for 9 weeks. All surviving animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period, and their liver, kidneys and reproductive organs weighed. Testosterone levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities, biomarkers for liver function (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities), kidney function (creatinine and uric acid) and total antioxidant capacity were assessed in serum. Oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity) were determined in testicular and liver homogenates. Counter 15 FC at the dose of 3 mg/kg bwt induced tremors, seizures and death of 4 animals after 6 days of experiment. The pesticide formulation at 1 mg/kg bwt inhibited AChE and BuChE after 9 weeks. Moreover, the pesticide doses 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg bwt inhibited testicular catalase activity, while other parameters investigated remained unchanged. Overall, results from this study suggest that exposure to Counter 15 FC can be fatal. The pesticide toxicity occurs at least in part through inhibition of cholinesterase and catalase activities in nervous system and testis, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro pesticides are increasingly used worldwide to increase crop production. However, health hazards resulting from human exposure to these chemicals, especially from agricultural areas of developing countries have been a growing concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure to agro pesticides on the health of farmers in the Buea subdivision, which is one of the major agrarian areas in Cameroon. The study was transversal and involved 90 participants including 58 farmers using pesticides and a reference population of 32 men not involved in occupational use of agro pesticides. The participants were interviewed on agro pesticide use and their health status. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from the participants and used for the assessment of biochemical markers of the liver (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and the kidney (creatinine and uric acid) function. Results revealed that farmers frequently used insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in their farming activities. Farmers reported several acute health symptoms related to pesticides use with the common ones being skin rash, eye irritation, and face burn. When compared to the reference population, the farmers showed significantly elevated (p < 0.01) alanine aminotransferase activity. However, other parameters investigated were not affected significantly. These results suggested that farmers were exposed to 3 different classes of agro pesticides, which induced eye and skin affections. Pesticides exposure resulted in alterations of the liver function hence the increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Therefore, there is a need to sensitize the farmers on toxicity and liver alteration potential of agro pesticides and the importance of appropriate protective equipment that may minimize exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on male reproductive function were studied in two populations from Cameroon, farmers using agro pesticides in Djutitsa (rural area) and townsmen in Yaoundé (urban area, Centre region). Urinary BPA concentration from all participants was measured, and the values were correlated with biochemical markers of male reproductive function. The data showed that BPA could be detected in 92.6% of urine participants, with an average concentration of 2.18 ± 1.97 µg/g creatinine but with no significant difference between the urinary BPA concentration from rural and urban populations. From BPA urinary concentration, the BPA average daily intake was estimated to be 0.06 ± 0.05 μg/kg/day (3.51 µg/day per individual) in the Cameroon population. Interestingly, free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations and estradiol/testosterone ratio correlated with BPA levels in the overall population. When data were analysed according to residence, BPA correlated with total testosterone levels (r = −0.433) and estradiol/testosterone ratio (r = 0.338) in the urban residents only, while the rural population exhibited significant increases in sex-hormone-binding globulin with increased BPA exposure. Our data showed that the male Cameroon population is exposed to BPA but that inconstant BPA association to endocrine reproductive markers suggests that other environmental factors in combination with BPA exposure might influence testicular function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parastar is an insecticide formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid, and it is largely used for crop production improvement in Santa, North West Region of Cameroon. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of Parastar on reproductive parameters and testicular oxidative stress in adult albino Wistar male rats. Twenty rats (154 g ± 28 g) were divided into four groups of five animals each and treated daily with either distilled water (10 mL/kg), 1.25, 2.49 or 6.23 mg/kg of Parastar, respectively, for 35 days. After treatment, animal reproductive function was evaluated through fertility tests, sperm characteristics, testosterone levels and organ weights, while oxidative stress biomarkers were determined on testicular homogenates. Parastar administration resulted into increased seminal vesicle and prostate weights, while body weight remained unaffected. Parastar dose-dependently reduced sperm density and mobility, and the highest dose decreased serum testosterone levels. Parastar also modulated stress biomarkers with increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels, decreased glutathione levels and inhibition of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. In conclusion, Parastar negatively affected male reproductive function through alteration of testosterone levels, sperm parameters and induction of oxidative stress in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pesticide toxicity is one of the major environmental health problems for the modern societies, as some of the effects may last long time after exposure. Propoxur is one of the Carbamate pesticide largely used in agriculture in the Western region of Cameroon. Methods: In order to evaluate the post-exposure effects of propoxur, 48 male rats (12 animals per group) aged 30 d were orally gavaged with 0.00, 1.73, 2.60 and 5.20 mg.kg-1 body weight of propoxur for 90 d. At the end of treatment, 6 rats per group were sacrificed and others were followed up for 90 additional days and submitted to a fertility test before sacrifice. Results: At the end of exposure propoxur significantly increased (P<0.05) the testis weight while it decreased (P<0.05) the cauda epididymal sperm motility in rat. Propoxur treatment and posttreatment exposure showed variable effect on the fertility rate with an increase and decrease at 2.60 and 5.20 mg.kg-1, respectively. At the 90th day post treatment, there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in epididymis weight and sperm count and motility (P<0.05). In addition, post-exposure treatment with propoxur reduced (P<0.05) the pup litter size and the sex ratio at all doses. Histopathological examination revealed a high vacuity of germinal epithelia in treated rats that persisted after post-exposure time. Conclusion: Propoxur negatively affected male rats' reproductive parameters with more significant adverse effects observed 90 d after the end of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increased use of chemicals in agriculture for crop protection and improvement of yield, the contamination of water is currently a serious health concern. This study used solid-phase extraction with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate the presence of 23 carbamate pesticides in waters from Cameroon. The separation was achieved in 5.5 min using a C18column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) with a mobile phase composed of water and methanol each containing 0.01% formic acid. The analytes were determined in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The recoveries for fortified water were from 75 to 99%, with relative standard deviations below 13%. The limits of detection ranged from 0.003 to 0.397 µg L−1. The reported method is simple, sensitive, and accurate, and is a suitable alternative for routine monitoring of pesticide residues at ultra-trace levels. The analysis revealed the presence of propoxur at a concentration of 0.072 µg L−1in stream water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Solubilizers play an important role in dissolution of pharmacological ingredients and should properly dissolve the active principle(s) while preserving its activities. This study investigated the effect of starch, gelatin, methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 in the preservation of the androgenic activity of the methanol extract Basella alba (MEBa). Methods: Different groups of male albino rats were orally given the MEBa (1 mg/kg) dissolved into either 1% gelatin (1% gel), %1 methylcellulose (1% MC) and 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 (1% PVP 10000) or 2% starch solution (2% SS) for 30 days. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and serum testosterone and creatinine levels as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity determined. Vital and reproductive organs were dissected out and weighed, while liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione levels were determined. Results: Different treatments did not affect the animal body and organ weights. The MEBa stimulatory effect on testosterone production was preserved with 2% SS and 1% PVP 10000 as vehicles. Increased liver glutathione and TBARS levels were also observed in the animals fed with the MEBa dissolved in 2% SS and 1% Gel, respectively, while other biochemical parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion: Starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 stand as good preservation agents for MEBa androgenic activity, with starch exhibiting additional antioxidant activity through increase of glutathione levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Male infertility is one of the leading causes of social frustration and marginalization, mainly in the developing world. It is attributed to many factors including exposure to agropesticides such as manganese ethylenebis (dithiocarbamate) (maneb), which is one of the most frequently used fungicides in Cameroon. Previous reports support efficiency of some medicinal plants commonly used in Cameroonian folk medicine for the treatment of this disorder. Objective: The present study was aimed at assessing the protective effect of extracts from selected plant species, namely Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) (MEBa) and Carpolobia alba G. Don (Polygalaceae) (AECa), in alleviating the maneb-induced impairment of male reproductive function in Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: The rats were treated with vehicle, plant extract (MEBa or AECa), maneb and maneb plus plant extract, respectively, and their fertility was assessed. Animals were thereafter sacrificed and organs (liver, kidneys and reproductive organs) were dissected out and weighed. Serum androgens together with alanine aminotransferase, liver glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) were also measured. Results and discussion: From this study, both plant extracts stimulated testosterone and improved fertility. Administration of MEBa plus maneb prevented fertility reduction by maneb and minimized the inhibitory effect of maneb on testosterone levels. AECa also improved fertility of the maneb-exposed rats, though without restoring testosterone levels, and other investigated parameters remained unaffected by different treatments. Conclusion: These findings emphasized the beneficial effects of B. alba and C. alba extracts on male fertility, and suggest their protective effect against maneb-induced toxicity in male reproductive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the adverse effects of bisphenol A on male reproductive function. It mentions the factors that can cause male infertility are exposures to environmental toxicants such as the most prominent of toxic environmental contaminants. It also notes on the several effects of bisphenol A to male reproductive functions such as decrease infertility, daily sperm production and sperm counts.

This study aimed at investigating the effect of agropesticides on male reproductive function in farmers in Djutitsa (West Cameroon). To this end, 47 farmers in Djutitsa were asked questions on their health status and pesticide use in agriculture. Thereafter, their blood samples were collected for assessment of sex hormones including serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), androstenedione, testosterone, as well as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Their serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were also measured. Thirty seven men not exposed to agropesticides were recruited as control group. Fifty six pesticides containing 25 active substances were currently used by farmers enrolled in our study, and most of their symptoms were related to spread/use of these chemicals. Compared to the control group, there was no significant difference in FSH, LH, SHBG, estradiol, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) levels. Farmers had significantly lower serum testosterone (20.93 ± 1.03 nM vs. 24.32 ± 1.32 nM; P < 0.05) and higher androstenedione level (3.83 ± 0.20 nM vs. 2.80 ± 0.15 nM; P < 0.001). Their serum free testosterone as well as bioavailable testosterone were unchanged, while estradiol/testosterone and androstenedione/testosterone ratios were significantly increased (0.45 ± 0.03% vs. 0.33 ± 0.02%; P < 0.01 and 12.26 ± 3.64 vs 19.31 ± 6.82; P < 0.001, respectively). Our results suggest that male farmers of Djutitsa (West Cameroon) are exposed to agropesticides due to improper protective tool, and this exposure may impair their reproductive function through inhibition of testosterone synthesis; probably by inhibition of testicular 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD3) and induction of aromatase (CYP19). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Leydig cells were purified from 70 day-old Sprague Dawley male rats and incubated with 10 and 100 μg/mL of methanol extract of Basella alba (MEBa) for 4 hours followed by the evaluation of cell viability, steroid (testosterone and estradiol) production, and the level of aromatase mRNA. Results showed that MEBa did not affect Leydig cell viability. At the concentration of 10 μg/mL, MEBa significantly stimulated testosterone and estradiol production (p < 0.01 and p < 0.03, respectively), and enhanced aromatase mRNA level (p < 0.04). These observations suggest that MEBa directly stimulated testosterone, estradiol and aromatase mRNA levels in isolated Leydig cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]