Search

The aim of this work was to perform an unprecedented in-depth study on the bioactive phytochemicals of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench Tunisian landrace (Marsaouia). For this purpose, its nutritional, aroma volatile, and phenolic profiles were characterized, and sundry biological activities were assessed in vitro. The approximate composition revealed that total dietary fiber as the most abundant macronutrient, mainly insoluble dietary fiber, followed by total carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, okra pods were rich in K, Ca, Mg, organic acids, tocopherols, and chlorophylls. Gas Chromatography-Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry (GC-EIMS) analysis showed that oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and phenylpropanoids were the predominant essential volatile components in A. esculentus pods. A total of eight flavonols were detected by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a DAD detector and mass spectrometry by electrospray ionization (HPLC-DAD-MS/ESI); with quercetin-3- O -glucoside being the majority phenolic component, followed by quercetin- O -pentosyl-hexoside and quercetin-dihexoside. This pioneering study, evidences that Tunisian okra display promising antioxidant and cytotoxic actions, in addition to relevant inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, and interesting analgesic activity.

The cadmium (Cd) is considered one of the widespread toxic metals in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, which is due to its long half-life, non-degradable characteristic, and toxicity. Aqueous extract of freeze-dried Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae family) leaves was examined for protective effect and antioxidant power against Cd toxicity. The results revealed that Moringa aqueous extract (MAE) has contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids about 30.14 mg GAE/g and 18.35 mg QE/g respectively. Furthermore, phenolic compounds in leaves of Moringa were studied using a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Results showed that the largest number of phenolic compounds determined in leaves of Moringa belongs to flavonoids. Moreover, biological properties were determined by radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and ferric-reducing power (FRAP). Cytoprotective effect and antioxidant power of Moringa extract were assessed using the mitochondrial activity testing method (MTT test), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Results indicate that Moringa aqueous extract have a significant (i) proliferative, (ii) antioxidant, and (iii) cytoprotective effect on HCT116 and HEK293 cells against metal toxicity.

Lipid histiocytosis of the gallbladder neck lymph node is rarely reported nowadays. Two obese patients presented with gallbladder lithiasis detected on CT scan. The treatment consisted in coelioscopic cholecystectomy. Microscopy revealed subacute/chronic lithiasic cholecystitis and foci of vacuolated cells in the gallbladder neck lymph node. These cells were positive for CD68, CD31, S100 protein, and adipophilin and negative for cytokeratin and Alcian blue. In conclusion, we report lymph node lipid histiocytosis diagnosed microscopically after cholecystectomy. While such lesions may remain unidentified on imaging procedures, the microscopic analysis may require special stains and immunohistochemistry for ruling out adenocarcinoma metastasis.

Lipoma of the corpus callosum is a rare congenital intracranial tumor. Although only 153 cases had been reported as of March 1992, the incidence of this tumor is underestimated (some cases are unpublished and others are asymptomatic). Three cases of lipoma of the corpus callosum diagnosed in children are reported herein. These tumors may be either discovered fortuitously in an asymptomatic patient or responsible for manifestations of which the most common are seizures, headache, and mental disorders. Diagnosis rests on imaging techniques. The main investigation is computed tomography which discloses a mass composed of fat, with or without peripheral calcifications, and also identifies any other malformations such as dysgenesis of the corpus callosum.

The authors report 5 cases of cerebral miliary tuberculosis studied by computerized tomography and review 5 cases of the literature. Computerized tomography can see very small tuberculomas, of several millimeters. Chest miliary tuberculosis is found in all their cases, and 3 of the 5 cases of the other authors. Because of the discretion of neurological signs and the association with chest miliary, we suggest to make a computed tomography of brain of all patients who have chest miliary tuberculosis despite the absence of neurological signs and we think that we will find out other cases of brain miliary tuberculosis.

The authors report about 3 new cases of cutaneous-mucosal hyalinosis, or Urbach-Wiethe disease, with cerebral sites. The intracranial calcifications were detected without any neurological presenting features, and were discovered incidentally on radiographs of the skull. The CT examination allows specifying the site of these calcifications, in the gyri of the hippocampus.

Excavated lesions of small intestine are rare and generally of a malignant nature, the must frequent cause being metastases. In Tunisia these lesions are usually the aneurysmal type of lymphoma. The etiology in a series of four cases of excavated lesion of small intestine was not always lymphomatous. Radiologic and ultrasound semeiology are outlined and etiologies discussed. Scan images are not available since whole-body scanners are not in use in Tunisia.

Ureteral valves are an uncommon cause of upper urinary tract obstruction. The majority of cases are discovered only at surgery or autopsy. We report a case diagnosed by antegrade pyelography under sonographic guidance and we review the literature.