Browsing by Author "Afriyie, D.K."
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Item Acute Oral Toxicological Profile of Croton membranaceus Mull. Arg. Aqueous Stem Extract, a Herbal Treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats(Journal of Toxicology, 2024) Afriyie, D.K.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Appiah-Opong, R.; et al.Croton membranaceus Mull. Arg. is a traditional medicinal plant frequently employed in Ghana for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the acute oral toxicity of the aqueous stem extract of Croton membranaceus (CMASE) in male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. The acute toxicity of CMASE was evaluated using S-D rats randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. Tree groups (low dose, median dose, and high dose) of rats received single oral doses of CMASE (1000, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg body weight, respectively) using an oral gavage. Te control group was given distilled water. After 14 days of daily observations, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were conducted on the rats. From the results obtained, doses of CMASE up to 5000 mg/kg did not cause death or induce any clinical indications of toxicity during the study period. Also, the mean body weight and the hematological indices assessed were not significantly affected by the various doses of CMASE compared to the control group. However, serum uric acid and creatinine levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001) 14 days after the extract administration. Serum liver function enzyme levels, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferases (AST), and serum proteins (total proteins and albumin) exhibited significant (p < 0.001) non-dose-dependent changes (increases and decreases) in treated groups compared to the controls. Other biochemical indices, however, did not differ significantly between the treated groups and the controls. The gross pathological and histological analysis of the heart, liver, and kidney tissues did not reveal any significant changes in histoarchitecture. The oral LD50 of CMASE in rats was greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating that the extract was relatively safe. It must, however, be used with care as a substitute for the roots.Item Acute Oral Toxicological Profile of Croton membranaceus Mull. Arg. Aqueous Stem Extract, a Herbal Treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats(Journal of Toxicology, 2024) Afriyie, D.K.; Ameyaw, E.O; Appiah-Opong, R.; et al.Croton membranaceus Mull. Arg. is a traditional medicinal plant frequently employed in Ghana for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the acute oral toxicity of the aqueous stem extract of Croton membranaceus (CMASE) in male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. The acute toxicity of CMASE was evaluated using S-D rats randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. Tree groups (low dose, median dose, and high dose) of rats received single oral doses of CMASE (1000, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg body weight, respectively) using an oral gavage. Te control group was given distilled water. After 14 days of daily observations, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were conducted on the rats. From the results obtained, doses of CMASE up to 5000 mg/kg did not cause death or induce any clinical indications of toxicity during the study period. Also, the mean body weight and the hematological indices assessed were not significantly affected by the various doses of CMASE compared to the control group. However, serum uric acid and creatinine levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001) 14 days after the extract administration. Serum liver function enzyme levels, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferases (AST), and serum proteins (total proteins and albumin) exhibited significant (p < 0.001) non-dose-dependent changes (increases and decreases) in treated groups compared to the controls. Other biochemical indices, however, did not differ significantly between the treated groups and the controls. The gross pathological and histological analysis of the heart, liver, and kidney tissues did not reveal any significant changes in histoarchitecture. The oral LD50 of CMASE in rats was greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating that the extract was relatively safe. It must, however, be used with care as a substitute for the roots.Item Anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic potentials of croton membranaceus observed during sub-chronic toxicity studies(Pharmacognosy Research, 2013) Afriyie, D.K.; Asare, G.A.; Bugyei, K.; Asiedu-Gyekye, I.; Gyan, B.A.; Adjei, S.; Nyarko, A.K.Background: Croton membranaceus (CM) is used for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment. Objective: Sub-chronic toxicity studies are non-existent and provided the basis for this study. Materials and Methods: 90 days oral administration of a low dose (LD) (30 mg/kg b. wt.), medium dose (MD) (150 mg/kg b. wt.), and high dose (HD) (300 mg/kg b. wt.) CM aqueous root extract to 3 groups (n=6 each) of male Sprague-Dawley rats, alongside a control group, was undertaken. Urinalysis, hepato-renal function tests, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, and routine hematology tests were performed. Results: Triglyceride levels (C=1.05±0.19, LD=0.64±0.08, MD=0.55±0.04, HD=0.50±0.02 mmol/L) were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Very low density lipoprotein (C=0.48±0.09, LD=0.29±0.04, MD=0.25±0.02, HD=0.23±0.01 mmol/L) decreased significantly (P<0.05). Cardiac enzymes-creatinine kinase (C=568±172, LD=315±79, MD=441±209, HD=286±81 IU/L) decreased markedly (P<0.05) alongside lactate dehydrogenase (C=2675±875, LD=1667±1229, MD=1186±442, HD=855±239 IU/L) (P<0.05). Conclusion: C. membranaceus aqueous root extract is non-toxic but demonstrates anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic potentials.Item Comparative in vitro activity of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin against isolated uropathogens in Ghana: a pilot study(The Pan African medical journal, 2018-07) Afriyie, D.K.; Adu, L.B.; Dzradosi, M.; Amponsah, S.K.; Ohene-Manu, P.; Manu-Ofei, F.Introduction: studies on urinary tract infections (UTIs) in West Africa from 1990 to 2012 have showed moderate to high antimicrobial resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Fluoroquinolones have been the main stay in the management of UTIs, but recent reports show emergence of resistance. Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin still remain the commonest fluoroquinolones prescribed for UTIs in many settings. objective: this study sought to compare activity of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin against clinical isolates obtained from patients with suspected UTI at the Ghana Police Hospital. Methods: midstream urine samples from 153 suspected UTI patients who visited the Ghana Police Hospital from July 2016 to March 2017 were examined. Urine samples were cultured and isolates identified by standard biochemical and serological methods. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine susceptibility of isolates to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Results: UTI prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among female patients (74.5%) than male patients (25.5%). Clinical uropathogens isolated from urine samples were Escherichia coli (28.1%), Coliform spp (43.2%), Klebsiella spp (26.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (2.6%). Overall sensitivity of the uropathogens to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were 77.1% and 62.8%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus showed greater resistance to levofloxacin (75%) compared to ciprofloxacin (25%). All Gram-negative isolates showed a higher sensitivity to ciprofloxacin compared to levofloxacin: Escherichia coli; 69.8% vrs 62.8%, Coliform spp; 80.3% vrs 65.2%, and Klebsiella spp; 80% vrs 62.5%. Conclusion: this study revealed emergence of resistance of uropathogens to quinolones. The isolates showed higher sensitivity to ciprofloxacin compared to levofloxacin. Rational prescribing and use of these fluoroquinolones following local susceptibility data is thus recommended.Item Highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence among perinatally infected HIV adolescents at a teaching hospital in Ghana(AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV, 2018-07) Anokye-Kumatia, A.B.; Enimil, A.; Afriyie, D.K.; Tetteh, R.; Mensah, N.K.; Amo, A.A.; Gariba, B.B.; Amponsah, S.Increased accessibility to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has resulted in the decline of deaths among children with Perinatally Infected Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PIHIV). Their adherence to Highly Active ART (HAART) is vital for their survival and quality of life. This study aimed at determining HAART medication adherence among adolescents with PIHIV. The study was cross-sectional conducted from September 2015 to January 2016 at a teaching hospital in Ghana. It involved 106 adolescents aged 10-20 years. Morisky's eight-item medication adherence scale was adapted and used to determine the adherence level. Factors influencing adherence were also determined by interviewing the adolescents. EpiData 3.1 and Stata version 12 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. There was low adherence in 76.4% of the adolescents, and the HAART regimen associated with high medication adherence was tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz combinations (p = .011). Forgetfulness (p = .001) and inability to come for refill (p = .013) were the main factors associated with low adherence. However adherence was not significantly associated with a lack of medication supply or stigmatization. Addressing the modifiable factors found in this study to be associated with low adherence are essential interventions for their long-term quality of life.Item Lipid associated antioxidants: arylesterase and paraoxonase-1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment-naïve patients(Prostate International, 2018-03) Asare, G.A.; Andam, S.E.; Asare-Anane, H.; Ammanquah, S.; Anang-Quartey, Y.; Afriyie, D.K.; Musah, I.Background: Oxidative stress and antioxidants have been implicated in many diseases including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Lipid peroxidation contributes to oxidative stress. However, new and emerging antioxidants such as paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) associated with lipoprotein peroxidation have not been examined in BPH patients. PON1 and ARE, a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-bound enzyme system of antioxidants, protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and HDL from oxidation by hydrolysis. The study primarily determined paraoxonase (PON1) and ARE activities in BPH treatment-naïve patients. Materials and methods: Sixty newly diagnosed patients (treatment-naïve) alongside 30 apparently healthy controls were recruited. Blood examinations included lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL), glutathione peroxidase, PON1, ARE, and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Prostate volume and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) were determined. Results: PSA was significantly different between patient and control groups (P < 0.0001). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were significantly higher in the patient group (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively). Glutathione peroxidase was very low in the patient group compared to the control group (5.65 ± 2.30 ng/mL and 17.43 ± 10.98 ng/mL, respectively). Although PON1 was higher in the patient group (50.22 ± 19.68/61.30 ± 29.55 ng/mL; P > 0.05), ARE was significantly lower in the patient group (61.31 ± 21.76/49.30 ± 19.82 ng/mL; P = 0.0098). No correlation was established between antioxidants and the lipid profile except for the LDL and PON1 patient group (r = 0.1486, P = 0.0374). Similarly, a weak correlation was also established between PSA and LDL in the patient group (r = –0.275, P = 0.033). PON1/HDL ratio was not significantly different. However, the ARE/HDL ratio was significantly lower in the patient group (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: These results signify the presence of a higher lipoprotein peroxidation activity and lower lipid-associated antioxidant activity in the patient group. The ARE/HDL ratio is a better indicator of the HDL associated antioxidant than the PON1/HDL ratio or the individual antioxidants (PON1 and ARE) as reported by others. © 2017Item Mitochondria-dependent apoptogenic activity of the aqueous root extract of Croton membranaceus against human BPH-1 cells(Genetics and Molecular Research, 2015-01) Afriyie, D.K.; Asare, G.A.; Bugyei, K.; Lin, J.; Peng, J.; Hong, Z.Croton membranaceus aqueous root extract (CMARE) is among the widely used phytotherapeutics in Ghana for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. However, the mechanism of action of CMARE remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to establish whether apoptosis is involved in the antiproliferative effect of CMARE on human BPH-1 cells. We determined the effect of treatment with 0, 1, 3, and 5 mg/mL CMARE for 24, 48, and 72 h on the viability and morphology of BPH-1 cells using the MMT assay and phase-contrast microscopy, respectively. We examined the apoptosis-inducing effects of CMARE after 48 h at the cellular level using Hoescht 33258 and JC-1 dye staining and flow cytometry analysis. We performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to confirm the apoptotic effects of CMARE at the molecular level. CMARE induced a significant dose-dependent inhibition in the proliferation of BPH-1 cells (P < 0.05) and an alteration in their morphology and a reduction their density. Furthermore, CMARE induced dose-dependent staining of the nuclear chromatin, significant DNA fragmentation with G0/G1 sub-diploid cells (P < 0.01), and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential in the treated cells compared to the controls after 48 h (P < 0.01). Additionally, while CMARE induced a significant upregulation of the mRNA and protein levels of Bax, those of Bcl2 did not change significantly. Therefore, induction of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis of BPH-1 cells may be a possible mechanism of action of CMARE. © FUNPEC-RP.Item Prescribing trend of antimalarial drugs at the Ghana Police Hospital(Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2015-04) Afriyie, D.K.; Amponsah, S.K.; Antwi, R.; Nyoagbe, S.Y.; Bugyei, K.A.Introduction: Malaria ranks among the top three leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Appropriate use of recommended antimalarial drugs is vital in the effective management of malaria. Methodology: This study sought to assess the prescribing trend of antimalarial drugs at the Ghana Police Hospital. Antimalarial drug prescribing trends from 3,127 patient cards were assessed at the pharmacy unit of the hospital between December 2012 and May 2013 using modified World Health Organization rational drug prescribing indicators. Results: Of the 6,697 drugs assessed from the patient cards, antimalarial drugs prescribed included artemether-lumefantrine, 4,226 (63.1%), artemether injection with artemether-lumefantrine tablets, 1,741 (26%), artesunate injection, 241 (3.6%), artemether injection, 194 (2.9%), and artesunate-amodiaquine tablets, 188 (2.8%). The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 2.1. A total of 4,052 (60.5%) drugs were prescribed by their generic names, and 2,645 (39.5%) were prescribed by their brand names. There were 2,250 (33.6%) encounters with injection (33.6%), and 6,001 (89.6%) of the prescribed drugs were from the essential drugs list. Prescriptions conforming to recommended dosage regimen totaled 6,328 (94.5%). Conclusion: The antimalarial prescribing pattern at the hospital was generally satisfactory. However, the use of injectable antimalarials appeared to be high. © 2015, Afriyie et al.Item Self‑Medication Practice in Akuse, a Rural Setting in Ghana(Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2019-07) Amponsah, S.K.; Mensah, B.N.; Agyemang, I.B.; Afriyie, D.K.Objective: In most resource‑poor settings, there is a paucity of data on self‑medication and possible factors that influence this practice. The current study assesses self‑medication among the people of Akuse, a rural setting in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: A quantitative cross‑sectional study was carried out in Akuse from 4th January 2016 to 27th February 2016. Using a questionnaire, interviews were conducted to assess self‑medication: class of drugs taken, sources of drugs, knowledge of potential adverse effects, among others. Results: Of the 363 participants enrolled, 361 completed questionnaires administered. Of the 361 respondents, 58.4% were female. A majority of the respondents were within the ages of 30 and 45 years. Respondents were mainly farmers (40.2%), and a majority (44.6%) had primary level as the highest education. One major reason for self‑medication was influence from family and friends (32.7%). Antibiotics (32.1%) and analgesics (21.0%) were the most common self‑medicated drugs, and these drugs were mostly obtained from licenced chemical sellers (32.5%). A little more than a third (39.9%) of the respondents said that their condition did not change after self‑medication. A greater number of the respondents (81.7%) did not have knowledge of potential adverse reactions associated with self‑medicated drugs. However, respondents with high educational level had the most knowledge of adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: The study found self‑medication as a common practice among a number of residents of Akuse. Findings from this study provide data that could be used for targeted education and sensitisation of self‑medication and its demerits in similar resource‑poor rural settings.Item Susceptibility pattern of uropathogens to ciprofloxacin at the ghana police hospital(Pan African Medical Journal, 2015-10) Afriyie, D.K.; Gyansa-Lutterodt, M.; Amponsah, S.K.; Asare, G.; Wiredu, V.; Wormenor, E.; Bugyei, K.A.Introduction: Reports of increasing resistance of uropathogens to antimicrobials is of global concern. Culture and drug susceptibility tests remain a vital guide to effective therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility pattern of isolated uropathogens to ciprofloxacin at the Ghana Police Hospital. Methods: A total of 705 mid-stream urine samples were collected from patients suspected of having urinary tract infection, and visited the Ghana Police Hospital's laboratory from December 2013 to March 2014. Samples were cultured and isolates identified by standard methods, after which isolates susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was determined. Results: Prevalence of urinary tract infection among patients' whose samples were analyzed was 15.9%. Predominant uropathogens isolated were E.coli (46.4%), Coliform (41.1%) and Coliform spp. with Candida (6.2%). Other isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (2.7%), Salmonella spp. (1.8%), Candida spp. (0.9%) and Klebsiella spp (0.9%). The overall resistance among the top three isolated uropathogens to ciprofloxacin was 35.9%. Resistance pattern demonstrated by respective isolates to ciprofloxacin were: E. coli (38.5%), Coliform (54.3%), and Coliform spp. with Candida (15%). The other isolates showed 100% sensitivity. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high ciprofloxacin resistance among isolated uropathogens, hence, the need for prudent prescribing and use of ciprofloxacin in urinary tract infection management. � Daniel Kwame Afriyie et al.Item Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with Croton membranaceus in an experimental animal model(Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014-11) Afriyie, D.K.; Asare, G.A.; Bugyei, K.; Adjei, S.; Lin, J.-M.; Peng, J.; Hong, Z.-F.Ethnopharmacological relevance Croton membranaceus leaf extracts are used in the Bahamas to aromatize tobacco. In Nigeria it is used to improve digestion and in Ghana, the root extract is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite claims of efficacy no data exists to support this. The aim of this study was to determine if Croton membranaceus aqueous root extract (CMARE) could attenuate the development of BPH in an animal model. Materials and methods Fifty (50) adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1 served as the control and received normal saline p.o. Groups 2-5 were castrated and injected with 5 mg/kg b.wt. testosterone propionate subcutaneously for 28 days. Group 2 (model group) had no further treatment. Group 3 was simultaneously given 0.5 mg/kg b.wt. finasteride p.o. throughout. Groups 4 and 5 received 30 mg/kg b.wt. [low dose (LD)] and 300 mg/kg b.wt. [high dose (HD)] CMARE, respectively, for 28 days. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the study and all prostate organs harvested. Wet weights, volumes and prostatic index (PI) were determined. Tissues were histologically examined. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were determined. Results Prostate volume of the control group was 0.67±0.23 cm3. The model, finasteride, CMARE LD and HD groups had the following volumes: 0.92±0.12, 0.84±0.16, 0.79±0.16 and 0.80±0.19 cm3, respectively. Only the model group showed significant statistical differences with the control (p=0.007). PI for control, model, finasteride, LD and HD groups was as follows: 0.19±0.04, 0.30±0.04, 0.25±0.04, 0.21±0.05 and 0.22±0.05. No statistical differences between the control PI and the CMARE treated groups were observed. Histologically, the model group had massive growth of columnar stromal and epithelial cells. CMARE and finasteride attenuated this growth with a resultant thin layer of stromal and epithelial cells similar to the control. PSA levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups. Conclusion CMARE reduces stromal and epithelial cell growth, and subsequently shrinks enlarged prostate. This is the first scientific proof validating the anecdotal evidence of CMARE efficacy in the management of BPH. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.