In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of selected indigenous South African medicinal plants.

Background: Medicinal plants are regarded as a large source of phytochemicals that may have anticancer properties. This could lead to the development of innovative drugs or alternative therapy against cancer.

Objective: This study was designed to determine the antioxidant and cytotoxicity effect of 5 selected indigenous South African medicinal plants namely; , and .

Influenza virus A (H1 and H3) and B co-circulation among patient presenting with acute respiratory tract infection in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Background: Influenza is an acute respiratory disease that continues to cause global epidemics and pandemics in human with significant mortality and morbidity.

Objectives: This study was designed to identify the circulating influenza virus in Ibadan, Nigeria during the 2006/2007 season.

Methods: Throat swab samples were collected from patients presenting with acute respiratory tract infection at the Out-Patient Departments of major hospitals in Ibadan over a period of seven months from November 2006 to May 2007.

Immunohistochemical localization of podoplanin in the placentas of HIV-positive preeclamptic women.

Background/aim: Impaired lymphatic function is associated with pathological conditions. The presence of placental lymphatics is still under debate. This study evaluates the placental podoplanin expression in normotensive and preeclamptic women with and without HIV.

Urinary clusterin and glutathione-s-transferase levels in HIV positive normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies.

Objective: To determine the level and effect of urinary clusterin (CLU) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) proteins in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnant women with HIV infection.

Methods: The urine concentration of CLU and GST in normotensive (n = 38) and preeclamptic pregnant (n = 38) women stratified by HIV status were estimated using the Bio-Plex® Pro immunoassay.

Results: Across the group, a significant down-regulation of CLU (p = 0.

Chemoprevention of Azoxymethane-induced Colonic Carcinogenesis in Balb/c mice Using a Modified Pectin Alginate Probiotic.

Background: Increased intake of probiotic dietary fibre reduces colonic cancer risk. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) requires optimal bioactivity to inhibit galectin-3 (GAL-3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study evaluated the preventative effect of modified pectin alginate (MCPA) probiotic microbeads on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic carcinogenesis in Balb/c mice.