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Davies TC. Current status of research and gaps in knowledge of geophagic practices in Africa. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1084589. [PMID: 36890865 PMCID: PMC9987423 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1084589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This article synthesises current knowledge and identifies research gaps on the still intriguing aspects of the subject of geophagy as practised in Africa. Despite the voluminous research literature that exists on the subject, geophagy in Africa is still a largely misunderstood phenomenon. Although the practice is not confined to any particular age group, race, gender, or geographical region, in Africa it is most commonly recorded among pregnant women and children. Till now, the precise aetiology of geophagy remains obscure; but the practice is thought to have both beneficial effects such as having a role as a nutrient supplement, as well as several demerits. An updated critical review of human geophagy in Africa - with a section on (other) animal geophagy -, highlights several aspects of the practice that need further research. A comprehensive bibliography is assembled, comprising some of the more pertinent and recently published papers (mostly post-dating the year 2005), as well as older seminal works, providing a baseline and robust framework for aiding the search process of Medical Geology researchers and those from allied fields wanting to explore the still poorly understood aspects of geophagy in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus C. Davies
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Role of fatty acid transport protein 4 in metabolic tissues: insights into obesity and fatty liver disease. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231317. [PMID: 35583196 PMCID: PMC9160530 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid (FA) metabolism is a series of processes that provide structural substances, signalling molecules and energy. Ample evidence has shown that FA uptake is mediated by plasma membrane transporters including FA transport proteins (FATPs), caveolin-1, fatty-acid translocase (FAT)/CD36, and fatty-acid binding proteins. Unlike other FA transporters, the functions of FATPs have been controversial because they contain both motifs of FA transport and fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS). The widely distributed FATP4 is not a direct FA transporter but plays a predominant function as an ACS. FATP4 deficiency causes ichthyosis premature syndrome in mice and humans associated with suppression of polar lipids but an increase in neutral lipids including triglycerides (TGs). Such a shift has been extensively characterized in enterocyte-, hepatocyte-, and adipocyte-specific Fatp4-deficient mice. The mutants under obese and non-obese fatty livers induced by different diets persistently show an increase in blood non-esterified free fatty acids and glycerol indicating the lipolysis of TGs. This review also focuses on FATP4 role on regulatory networks and factors that modulate FATP4 expression in metabolic tissues including intestine, liver, muscle, and adipose tissues. Metabolic disorders especially regarding blood lipids by FATP4 deficiency in different cell types are herein discussed. Our results may be applicable to not only patients with FATP4 mutations but also represent a model of dysregulated lipid homeostasis, thus providing mechanistic insights into obesity and development of fatty liver disease.
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A Review of the Varied Uses of Macroalgae as Dietary Supplements in Selected Poultry with Special Reference to Laying Hen and Broiler Chickens. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8070536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Seaweeds comprise ca. 12,000 species. Global annual harvest is ca. 30.13 million metric tonnes, (valued ca. $11.7 billion USD in 2016) for various commercial applications. The growing scope of seaweed-based applications in food, agricultural fertilizers, animal feed additives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care is expected to boost market demand. Agriculture and animal feed applications held the second largest seaweed market share in 2017, and the combined market is anticipated to reach much higher values by 2024 due to the impacts of current research and development targeting enhanced animal health and productivity. In general, seaweeds have been utilized in animal feed as a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibers with relatively well-balanced amino acid profiles and a unique blend of bioactive compounds. Worldwide, the animal nutrition market is largely driven by rising demand for poultry feeds, which represents ca. 47% of the total consumption for all animal nutrition. This review provides an overview of the utilization of specific seaweeds as sustainable feed sources for poultry production, including a detailed survey of seaweed-supplemented diets on growth, performance, gastrointestinal flora, disease, immunity and overall health of laying/broiler hens. Anti-microbial effects of seaweeds are also discussed.
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Awad ME, López-Galindo A, Setti M, El-Rahmany MM, Iborra CV. Kaolinite in pharmaceutics and biomedicine. Int J Pharm 2017; 533:34-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Li Y, Liu X, Niu L, Li Q. Proteomics Analysis Reveals an Important Role for the PPAR Signaling Pathway in DBDCT-Induced Hepatotoxicity Mechanisms. Molecules 2017; 22:E1113. [PMID: 28684700 PMCID: PMC6152083 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A patented organotin di-n-butyl-di-(4-chlorobenzohydroxamato)tin (DBDCT) with high a antitumor activity was designed, however, its antitumor and toxic mechanisms have not yet been clearly illustrated. Hepatic proteins of DBDCT-treated rats were identified and analyzed using LC-MS/MS with label-free quantitative technology. In total, 149 differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified. Five protein and mRNA expressions were involved in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, including a scavenger receptor (CD36), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), enoyl-CoA hydratase (EHHADH), acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in DBDCT-treated Rat Liver (BRL) cells. PPAR-α and PPAR-λ were also significantly decreased at both protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, compared with the DBDCT treatment group, a special blocking agent of PPAR-λ T0070907 was used to evaluate the relationship between PPAR-λ and its downstream genes. Our studies indicated that DBDCT may serve as a modulator of PPAR-λ, further up-regulating CD36, FABP4 and EHHADH on the PPAR signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Xinxin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Lin Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Qingshan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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Nyanza EC, Joseph M, Premji SS, Thomas DSK, Mannion C. Geophagy practices and the content of chemical elements in the soil eaten by pregnant women in artisanal and small scale gold mining communities in Tanzania. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:144. [PMID: 24731450 PMCID: PMC3997190 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geophagy, a form of pica, is the deliberate consumption of soil and is relatively common across Sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, pregnant women commonly eat soil sticks sold in the market (pemba), soil from walls of houses, termite mounds, and ground soil (kichuguu). The present study examined geophagy practices of pregnant women in a gold mining area of Geita District in northwestern Tanzania, and also examined the potential for exposure to chemical elements by testing soil samples. METHOD We conducted a cross sectional study using a convenience sample of 340 pregnant women, ranging in age from 15-49 years, who attended six government antenatal clinics in the Geita District, Tanzania. Structured interviews were conducted in June-August, 2012, to understand geophagy practices. In addition, soil samples taken from sources identified by pregnant women practicing geophagy were analysed for mineral element content. RESULTS Geophagy was reported by 155 (45.6%) pregnant women with 85 (54.8%) initiating the practice in the first trimester. A total of 101 (65%) pregnant women reported eating soil 2 to 3 times per day while 20 (13%) ate soil more than 3 times per day. Of 155 pregnant women 107 (69%) bought pemba from local shops, while 48 (31%) consumed ground soil kichuguu. The estimated mean quantity of soil consumed from pemba was 62.5 grams/day. Arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc levels were found in both pemba and kichuguu samples. Cadmium and mercury were found only in the kichuguu samples. Based on daily intake estimates, arsenic, copper and manganese for kichuguu and copper and manganese for pemba samples exceed the oral Minimum Risk Levels designated by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry. CONCLUSION Almost 50% of participants practiced geophagy in Geita District consistent with other reports from Africa. Both pemba and kichuguu contained chemical elements at varying concentration, mostly above MRLs. As such, pregnant women who eat soil in Geita District are exposed to potentially high levels of chemical elements, depending upon frequency of consumption, daily amount consumed and the source location of soil eaten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias C Nyanza
- School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Bugando Area, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mary Joseph
- Goodneighbours Tanzania, P.O. Box 33104, Dar es salaam, Boko Area, Kinondoni, Tanzania
| | - Shahirose S Premji
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1 N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Deborah SK Thomas
- Department of Geography & Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Cynthia Mannion
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1 N4, Canada
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Voinot F, Fischer C, Schmidt C, Ehret-Sabatier L, Angel F. Controlled ingestion of kaolinite (5%) modulates enteric nitrergic innervation in rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2013; 28:405-13. [DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Voinot
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC-DEPE; 23 rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg France
- CNRS; UMR7178; 67037 Strasbourg France
| | - Caroline Fischer
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC-DEPE; 23 rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg France
- CNRS; UMR7178; 67037 Strasbourg France
| | - Camille Schmidt
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC-DEPE; 23 rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg France
- CNRS; UMR7178; 67037 Strasbourg France
| | - Laurence Ehret-Sabatier
- CNRS; UMR7178; 67037 Strasbourg France
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC-DSA; 25 rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg France
| | - Fabielle Angel
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC-DEPE; 23 rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg France
- CNRS; UMR7178; 67037 Strasbourg France
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La géophagie : avancées dans la compréhension de ses causes et conséquences. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:94-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Chen Y, Li Z, Yang Y, Lin L, Zhang H. Role of glucagon-like peptide-1 in the pathogenesis of experimental irritable bowel syndrome rat models. Int J Mol Med 2013; 31:607-13. [PMID: 23338623 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in gut motility and visceral hypersensitivity are two major features of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the pathogenesis of experimental IBS. Rat models of constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) and diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) were established. Fecal water content and behavioral responses to colorectal distention (CRD), using electromyography (EMG), were measured. The expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the colon was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the serum concentration of GLP-1 was measured by ELISA assay. The movement of circular and longitudinal colonic muscle was detected using an organ bath recording technique. Compared to controls, the fecal water contents were lower in the IBS-C group, while they were higher in the IBS-D group (P<0.05). EMG response to CRD in the experimental IBS groups was increased compared with their respective controls (P<0.05). GLP-1R was localized in the mucosa layer, circular muscle and myenteric nerve plexus of the colon. Notably, the expression of GLP-1R in the IBS-C group was higher, but in the IBS-D group, it was lower compared with controls. The serum levels of GLP-1 in the IBS-C group were higher compared to those in the IBS-D group (P<0.05). In addition, administration of exogenous GLP-1 and exendin-4 inhibited colonic circular muscle contraction, particularly in the IBS-C group, while there was no significant effect on longitudinal muscle contraction. In conclusion, these results indicated that GLP-1 and GLP-1R are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBS-C and IBS-D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, PR China
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Voinot F, Fischer C, Bœuf A, Schmidt C, Delval-Dubois V, Reichardt F, Liewig N, Chaumande B, Ehret-Sabatier L, Lignot JH, Angel F. Effects of controlled ingestion of kaolinite (5%) on food intake, gut morphology and in vitro motility in rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2011; 26:565-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2011.00978.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Kutalek R, Wewalka G, Gundacker C, Auer H, Wilson J, Haluza D, Huhulescu S, Hillier S, Sager M, Prinz A. Geophagy and potential health implications: geohelminths, microbes and heavy metals. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2010; 104:787-95. [PMID: 20889178 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Kutalek
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Unit Ethnomedicine and International Health, Waehringerstrasse 25, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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