scholarly journals Antioxidant Potentials of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) Oil Extracts in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
U. J. O. Orji ◽  
H. Brown ◽  
E. O. Nwachuku ◽  
N. Boisa
Keyword(s):  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
State University ◽  
Environmental Biology ◽  
Blue Whiting ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant potentials of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Study Design:  An experimental study. Place and Duration of Study:  Animal House, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria, between February 2020 and August 2020. Methodology: Thirty Six (36) albino rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks in the laboratory at the animal farm house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. They were fed the normal rat feed (Chow feed) and water was allowed ad libitum.  The rats were weighed and randomly grouped into six (6) groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 (Negative control) was placed on normal diet while groups 2 to 6 were placed on a high fat diet (HFD) prior to the induction with Streptozotocin to achieve diabetes and the animals were treated according to their groupings for four weeks by means of oral gavage. The dose of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil extracts administered to the rats was extrapolated from human doses. The high fat diet was prepared by mixing the animal feed (Chow diet) with margarine in a ratio of 3:1. After each period of treatments, blood samples were collected from the rats at the end of the treatments via cardiac puncture by anaesthetizing the rats with chloroform after a six (6) hour fast. Fasting blood glucose was determined using the Glucose Oxidase method, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione were analysed quantitatively and measured spectrophotometrically and the GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil was done using Agilent Technologies GC systems with GC-7890A/MS-5975C model. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 of windows statistical package. Results were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Results: After week 1 - 4 of exposure, the mean SOD (Superoxide dismutase) value of the Negative control group (NC), Positive control (PC) group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in U/ml were 299.41 ± 5.49, 217.38 ± 5.33, 220.56 ± 4.14, 240.45 ± 1.21, 258.19 ± 1.73 and 278.03 ± 1.98  respectively. The mean TAC (Total antioxidant capacity) value expressed in U/ml were 2.97 ± 0.10, 1.84 ± 0.04, 1.97 ± 0.04, 2.16 ± 0.02, 2.26 ± 0.02 and 2.46 ± 0.02 respectively. The mean GSH (Glutathione) expressed in µg/ml were 56.05 ± 0.60, 47.37 ±1.04, 47.94 ± 0.87, 50.80 ± 0.35, 53.07 ± 0.36 and 55.38 ± 0.33 respectively. The mean MDA (Malondialdehyde) expressed in nmol/l were 2.40 ± 0.13, 4.56 ± 0.28, 4.66 ± 0.06, 4.39 ± 0.01, 4.16 ± 0.03 and 3.70 ± 0.06 respectively. Comparison of different groups showed varying significant differences across groups. Conclusion: Hyperglycaemia induced in rats studied led to an increase in oxidative stress, depletion of antioxidant parameters was observed. However, after treatment with Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) Oil extracts, it was observed that there was improvement in the overall antioxidant status of the rats.

scholarly journals Effect of Calamari Oil on Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
U. J. O. Orji ◽  
H. Brown ◽  
E. O. Nwachuku ◽  
N. Boisa
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
State University ◽  
Environmental Biology ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Calamari Oil on lipid profile levels in diabetes streptozotocin induced diabetic Rats. Study design: An experimental study. Place and duration of study: Animal House, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria, between February 2020 and August 2020. Methodology: Thirty Six (36) albino rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks in the laboratory at the animal farm house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. They were fed the normal rat feed (Chow feed) and water was allowed ad libitum. The rats were weighed and randomly grouped into six (6) groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 (Negative control) was placed on normal diet while groups 2 to 6 were placed on a high fat diet (HFD) prior to the induction with Streptozotocin to achieve diabetes and the animals were treated according to their groupings for four weeks by means of oral gavage. The dose of Calamari Oil administered to the rats was extrapolated from human doses. The high fat diet was prepared by mixing the animal feed (Chow diet) with margarine in a ratio of 3:1. After each period of treatments, blood samples were collected from the rats at the end of the treatments via cardiac puncture by anaesthetizing the rats with chloroform after a six (6) hour fast. Fasting blood glucose was determined using the Glucose Oxidase method, lipid profile was analysed spectrophotometrically and Atherogenic coefficient (AC) and Castelli ratio index-1 level (CRI-1) were calculated. The GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Calamari Oil was done using Agilent Technologies GC systems with GC-7890A/MS-5975C model. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 of windows statistical package. Results were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Results: The results showed that after week 1 - 4 of exposure, the mean TG (Triglyceride) value of the Negative control group (NC), Positive control (PC) group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 130.89 ± 2.52, 174.94 ± 3.11, 166.64 ± 1.95, 160.61 ± 0.60, 153.37 ± 2.24 and 141.62 ± 0.99 respectively. Mean TC (Total cholesterol) value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 160.93 ± 2.99, 194.96 ± 2.09, 188.18 ± 1.41, 180.63 ± 0.59, 169.96 ± 1.47 and 159.71 ± 1.43 respectively. HDL (High density lipoprotein) value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 83.05 ± 2.96, 65.68 ± 1.78, 66.97 ± 1.28, 72.75 ± 0.52, 76.35 ± 0.77 and 78.94 ± 0.86. Mean LDL (Low density lipoprotein) value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 51.7 ± 3.21, 94.3 ± 0.48, 88.15 ± 1.08, 75.76 ± 0.62, 62.95 ± 0.94 and 52.46 ± 0.59 respectively. The mean non- HDL cholesterol value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 159.93 ± 2.99, 193.96 ± 2.09, 187.18 ± 1.41, 179.63 ± 0.59, 168.96 ± 1.47 and 158.71 ± 1.42  respectively. Also, mean cholesterol ratio value of the NC, PC groups, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 1.94 ± 0.07, 2.97 ± 0.06, 2.81 ± 0.04, 2.48 ± 0.02, 2.22 ± 0.01 and 2.02 ± 0.01respectively. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes is associated with dyslipidemia and as such the treatment with the Calamari Oil in the treated groups had positive effect on lipid profile markers  with TG, TC, LDL, AC, CRI-1 decreasing and HDL increasing with increase in duration of time.

scholarly journals Diversity of Tree Species in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 67-72
Author(s):  
P. C. Nnadi ◽  
B. B. Otene ◽  
Nwiisator David-Sarogoro
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
State University ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Pinus Spp ◽  
Rivers State

This study was carried out to examine the distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations at the Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to examine the Ecological distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations. The specific objective was to determine the species abundance of various plants in the study area and also to examine the ecological diversity of tree species in the various groups. The study area was divided into three groups (stations) with the various plants species identified and recorded. Data gotten from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistic and some ecological indices such as Margalef, Mehinick, Shannon diversity, Shannon Wiener, Evenness/Equitability and Simpson dominance.  A total of one thousand Sixty-nine (1069) individual plant were identified with 16, 17 and 12 species in stations 1-3 respectively. The highest individual plants (561) were observed in station 1 while the least (87) were observed in station 3. The mean values of stations 1 and 2 were significantly and statistically different from site 3 at p<0.05. The results obtained showed some dominant species to include Elaeis guincensis, Polyaithia longifolia, Pinus spp, Gmelina arborea, Wodyetia bifareata, Citrus sinensis, Cocos nuciferia while others were the least dominant species found in the study area. The Margalef, Mehinicks and Shannon Wiener values were consistently highest in station 2 but lowest in station 3.  Human disturbances had negative impact on tree species abundance especially in site 3. It is therefore recommended that management interventions are necessary in other to stop indiscriminate felling of the various trees species that made up the different groups.

scholarly journals Concentration of Trace Metals (Lead, Iron, Copper and Zinc) In Crops Harvested in Some Oil Prospecting Locations in River State, Nigeria

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 01-21
Author(s):  
Alexander Hart ◽  
◽  
Oboh CA ◽  
Barimalaa IS ◽  
TG Sokari
Keyword(s):  
Trace Metals ◽  
State University ◽  
Industrial Base ◽  
Iron Copper ◽  
Copper And Zinc ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Zinc Concentrations ◽  
Hibiscus Esculentus ◽  
High Level ◽  
Rivers State

Concentrations of the trace metals lead, iron, copper and zinc were estimated in crops harvested in some oil prospecting locations in Rivers State, Nigeria. The locations were; Agbada-Aluu (AA), Ebocha (EB), Idu Ekpeye (IE), Obagi (OB) and Trans Amadi Layout (TA), with the Teaching and Research Farm of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt as control. Crops investigated were cassava (Manihot esculenta), cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), okra (Hibiscus esculentus), pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) and waterleaf (Talinum traingulare). Results of the mean lead concentrations were from 1.1µg/g in cocoyam to 9.1 µg/g in okro, showing higher trends in the industrialized areas. While cocoyam had the lowest lead concentration, the concentration rest of the crops did not differ significantly from one another. Crops from locations TA, OB, IE and EB had significantly higher concentrations of lead, although IE, AA and TF were not significantly different from one another. Mean concentrations of iron were between 40 µg/g in cassava from TF, and 651 µg/g in pumpkin leaves from TA - the industrial base of Rivers State - reflecting a high level of pollution from the various industries in that location. Differences in concentration of iron in crops showed pumpkin leaves to have the highest level of iron, followed by the other green vegetables – waterleaf and okra - although no significant differences occurred between okra, cocoyam and cassava. Copper concentrations were between 4.4 µg/g in cocoyam from locations TF and 23 µg/g in pumpkin leaves from TA. Pumpkin leaves had the highest concentrations of copper, followed by okra, then waterleaf, with cocoyam and cassava having the least significant levels. Zinc concentrations in crops were between 29 µg/g in cocoyam from TF to 240 µg/g in pumpkin leaves from EB. Pumpkin leaves and okra contained the highest levels of the metal, followed by waterleaf, then cassava and finally cocoyam. In terms of location, TA, OB and EB had the highest concentrations in crops, the least occurring in TF and AA. These results reflect higher concentrations of metals in crops from the industrialized locations, with the green vegetables, particularly pumpkin leaves, having the highest uptake, while cocoyam invariably had the least. These findings give cause for concern, particularly as heavy metals are bio-accumulative in the system and portend a serious health risk to man and animals.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Seropositive HIV and HBsAg Cases among Women Booking for Antenatal Care at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
P. A. Awoyesuku ◽  
D. A. Macpepple ◽  
B. O. Altraide ◽  
D. H. John
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
P Value ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
State University ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

Background: Infection with hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are global public health problems. These infections during pregnancy increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, and also pose a risk to the fetus due to mother to child transmission. Objective: To determine the prevalence of seropositive HIV and HBsAg cases amongst pregnant women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Methodology: A retrospective review of hospital and laboratory records of all pregnant women booked at RSUTH in two years, from May 2017 to April 2019, was carried out. Data on patients’ age, parity and educational level and reactivity of HIV and HBsAg test at booking were retrieved using structured proforma and analyzed using Epi Info Version 7. Test for significance using Chi-square was set at a significant level of P<0.05. Results: 3560 patients had HIV and HBsAg screening out of which 148 (4.2%) and 9 (0.3%) respectively were positive. The comorbidity rate in this study was 0.06%. The mean age was 31.5±4.7 years and the mean gestational age at booking was 22.1±6.8 weeks. There was no significant relationship between their age (χ2 = 2.690, p-value=0.442) and parity (χ2 = 3.759, p-value = 0.145) with HIV seropositivity, but these were significant for HBsAg (χ2 = 13.691, p-value = 0.003) (χ2 = 13.121, p-value=0.001).  Educational status was significant for HIV (χ2 = 16.188, p-value=0.000) but not for HBsAg (χ2 = 0.229, p-value=0.892). Conclusion: The seroprevalence rate of HIV and HBsAg in this study were low. HIV seroprevalence was significantly affected by lower education, while HBsAg seroprevalence was significantly affected by younger maternal age and nulliparity. Continued screening of pregnant women for these infections remains valuable and further community-based studies to identify risk factors are recommended.

Trace Metals in Water, Sediment and Biota from Ikpukulu-Ama Creek Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent-Akpu Ijeoma Favour ◽  
Okoseimiema Ibifubara Joshua
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Trace Metals ◽  
Trace Metal ◽  
Water Body ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Permissible Levels ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

The concentrations of trace metals; Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd) were determined in water, sediment and biota (Fish and plankton) from Ikpukulu-ama creek in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrphotometer (AAS 500). Concentrations of metals in water were in the order of Cd&lt;Cu&lt;Pb&lt;Zn&lt;Fe, in sediments Cd&lt;Cu&lt;Pb&lt;Zn&lt;Fe, in fish Cd&lt;Cu&lt;Pb&lt;Zn&lt;Fe while in plankton the order of concentration were Cd=Pb&lt;Cu&lt;Zn&lt;Fe. The mean concentrations of metals in surface water (mg/L) were 5.2, 0.83, 0.03, 0.46, and 0.01 for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd respectively, in sediments (mg/g) the values were 16.0, 0.65, 0.09, 0.32, and 0.01 for the same metals. The mean concentrations of metals in fish (mg/g) were Fe (2.96), Zn (1.87), Cu (0.03), Pb (0.08) and Cd (&lt;0.001), while for plankton (mg/L) were Fe (13.2), Zn (2.09), Cu (0.06), Pb (&lt;0.001) and Cd (&lt;0.001). The pollution index in the sediment was low. Trace metal concentrations in water, sediment and biota were below the maximum permissible levels recommended by National standard, but aquatic environment should be monitored regularly to avoid excess intake of metal into the water body.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Age of Onset of Menopause at Child Birth, Birth Control of Nigerian Women

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ojeka Sunday Ogbu ◽  
Zabbey Victor Zigabelbari ◽  
Saronee Friday
Keyword(s):  
Birth Control ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Nigerian Women ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Child Birth ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Monthly Period ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

Introduction: Menopause simply refers to the time when a woman stops having monthly period. There have been numerous systematic studies into the age at onset of menopause and the factors affecting it, in different parts of the world. However, the establishment of this age and factors affecting it in Rivers state has been scanty. Aim: This research was therefore undertaken to ascertain the age at onset of menopause in women of Rivers state, residing in Port Harcourt and the effect of parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control on it. Methodology: This study used data from over 380 postmenopausal women from populations in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Different ages specified by the respondents through structural questionnaires were used. The data was collected and analyzed using the ANOVA method. It was used to obtain a percentage frequency which was presented in a table. Results: The result shows the mean menopausal age among Rivers state women to be 49.1 years. It was also found that menopausal age was affected by subjects’ parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control. Conclusion: The mean menopausal age of women of Rivers State, living in Port Harcourt has been found to be 49.1 years. This age has also been found to be positively affected by a woman’s parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Yields of Selected Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L) Varieties in a Humid Environment

2020 ◽  
pp. 77-84
Author(s):  
A. I. Nwonuala ◽  
L. D. Gbaraneh
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Agronomic Traits ◽  
Upland Rice ◽  
Oryza Sativa L ◽  
Block Design ◽  
State University ◽  
Yield Performance ◽  
Cropping Season ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Rivers State

This study is aimed to evaluate the yield performance of 12 varieties of upland rice and to assess the agronomic traits that contribute to yield performance of these varieties. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The twelve varieties which made up the twelve treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experimental site was loamy sand, medium acidic with the soil pH reduced in the second cropping season (pH 4.9 in 2012; and pH 4.8 in 2013). The varieties differed significantly amongst themselves in panicle weight, number of fertile spikelets, grain length/breath ratio, 1000 grain weight in 2012 and 2013 planting and grain yield in 2012 planting season. The ITA 321 had the highest yield of 10300.33 kg/ha in 2012 and 10533.33 kg/ha in 2013 followed by NERICA 1 having 9066.67 kg/ha (2012) and 9133.33 kg/ha (2013). The NERICA 2,3,4,5 and 6 also belonged to the high yielding group while APO, Vandana,  IR68 and ITA 150 recorded lower yields. Results of this evaluation have shown that ITA 321 and NERICA 1 can be grown in the tropical rainforest zone for paddy grain yield rather than ITA 150 which are already in use in this agro-ecological zone. They are recommended also for adoption and use in rice production instead of the popular ITA 150.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Seropositive VDRL Cases amongst Pregnant Women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria: Is Routine Screening for Syphilis Using VDRL Still Relevant?

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
P. A. Awoyesuku ◽  
D. A. MacPepple ◽  
N. J. Kwosah
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
P Value ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
State University ◽  
Serological Screening ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

Background: Untreated maternal syphilis is strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes. The WHO recommends routine serological screening in pregnancy. Some workers have advised a reappraisal of this practice, having demonstrated low seroprevalence in their antenatal population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of seropositive VDRL cases amongst pregnant women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in order to justify the need and cost-effectiveness for continued routine syphilis screening using VDRL alone. Methodology: A retrospective review of hospital and laboratory records of all pregnant women booked for antenatal care (ANC) at RSUTH in a two-year period, from May 2017 to April 2019, was carried out. Data on patients’ age, parity and educational level, and reactivity of VDRL test at booking were retrieved using structured pro-forma and analyzed using Epi Info Version 7. Test for significance using Chi-square was set at significant level of P<0.05. Results: 3560 clinic patients had VDRL screening out of which 63 were positive. The overall prevalence rate in this study was 1.8%. The mean age was 31.5±4.7 years and the mean gestational age at booking was 22.1±6.8 weeks. There was no significant relationship between their age (χ2 = 0.403, p-value=0.940), parity (χ2 = 3.707, p-value=0.0.157), and educational status (χ2 = 1.853, p-value=0.396), and seropositivity. The cost of VDRL test per patient in RSUTH is $3, to detect the 63 cases the sum of $10,680 was spent. Conclusion: The seroprevalence rate of syphilis in this study was low. Initial screening using VDRL alone is neither justified nor cost effective. Selective screening based on risk factors and specific test with TPHA is recommended.

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