Intake of Gnetum Africanum and Dacryodes Edulis, Imbalance of Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in Central Africans

Abstract

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of DR and to correlate cardiometabolic, sociodemographic, and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance data to the prevalence of DR.DesignThis case-control study included type 2 DM (T2 DM) patients with DR (n = 66), T2 DM patients without DR (N = 84), and healthy controls (n = 45) without DR, in Kinshasa town. Diet, albuminemia, serum vitamins, and 8-isoprostane were examined.ResultsNo intake of safou (OR = 2.7 95% CI 1.2–5.8; P = 0.014), low serum albumin <4.5 g/dL (OR-2.9 95% CI 1.4–5.9; P = 0.003), no intake of fumbwa (OR = 2.8 95% CI 1.2–6.5; P = 0.014), high 8-isoprostane (OR = 14.3 95% CI 4.5–46; P<0.0001), DM duration ≥5 years (OR = 3.8 95% CI 1.6–9.1; P = 0.003), and low serum vitamin C (OR = 4.5 95% CI 1.3–15.5; P = 0.016) were identified as the significant independent determinants of DR.ConclusionThe important role of oxidant/antioxidant status imbalance and diet is demonstrated in DR.

Perceptions of Dietary Habits and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes among Congolese Immigrants

“…This cultural belief led a group of scholars [ 31 ] to conduct an ongoing study on the antidiabetic properties of vegetables like Fumbwa (i.e., a vegetable cited by participants in the current study). Another study by Moise et al [ 32 ] attempted to debunk the myth and found no association between a paucity in Fumbwa consumption and diabetic complications. This, however, was conducted only among diabetic people.…”

An Investigation of Potential Sources of Nutraceuticals from the Niger Delta Areas, Nigeria for Attenuating Oxidative Stress

“…Additionally, the protective effect of a natural extract from the stem-bark of M. indica was able to counter age-associated oxidative stress in elderly humans, indicative of its potential to act as a nutraceutical in vivo [68]. The antioxidant effects of the fruit of Artrocarpus communis [71] and the leaves of Dacroydes edulis [72] have also been reported. Interestingly, fruit ( Dacroydes edulis) and vegetable ( Gnetum africanum ) intake and an imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant status was reported to be associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy [72], with a recommendation that a diet rich in antioxidant supplements and tight glycemic control could postpone the onset of diabetic retinopathy [72].…”

Methanol-Extract/Fractions of Dacryodes edulis Leaves Ameliorate Hyperglycemia and Associated Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

“…13,15 A decoction of the leaves with other plant leaves has been claimed to ameliorate high blood sugar, hypertension, and labor pains. 16 Moise et al 17 and Longo-Mbenza et al 18 in 2 different case-control cross-sectional studies reported that intake of the fruits reduced the odds of retinopathy and visual impairment in diabetes, respectively, in the studied populations. Uhunmwangho and Omoregie 19 reported that oil extracted from the fruit exerted significant antioxidant activity in Wistar rats challenged with sodium arsenate.…”

“…Till date, there is still a dearth of extensive antidiabetic experimental study on the leaves of this plant. Literature searches reveal that the few studies available were carried out using the fruits, 17 –20 which is relatively limited by season and use for other purposes. The leaves are hugely available all year round with very few applications apart from ethnomedicine.…”