Assessment of Seminal Plasma Anti-oxidant capacities, Fructose Content, and Some Heavy Metal Concentrations among Infertile Males in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

No Abstract.

Pattern of Blood Transfusion Reactions in Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

No Abstract.

Prevalence of Plasmodium Falciparum among Medical Students with different ABO Groups and Electrophoretic Patterns in a Tertiary Institution in Nnewi, Nigeria

There is evidence that Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria is influenced by ABO blood type but the extent of association is not fully established. Some investigators opinioned that haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns are a factor in susceptibility to Pf infection but there is no consensus on possible association between it and ABO blood group and Hb genotypes. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Pf among different ABO blood groups and Hb electrophoretic patterns of medical students of a tertiary institution in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of 80 subjects (41 males and 39 females) aged 18-30 years who reported to the Medical Centre of the institution on account of febrile illness were recruited for the study. Information on age, previous malaria episodes and recent use of prophylaxis were sought. Three milliliters (3ml) of blood were collected into EDTA container for ABO grouping, Hb electrophoresis and blood films for P. falciparum detection and quantification by microscopy. Pf prevalence among the subjects was 47.5% (38/80). Thirty-one (38.75%) of the subjects were of blood group O, 27 (33.75%) group A, 19 (23.75%) blood group B and 3(3.75%) blood group AB. Fifty-two (65%) of the subjects were Hb AA and 28 (35%) AS. No significance difference was seen between malaria episodes and ABO blood groups; Hb electrophoretic patterns; gender and parasite density (p>0.05) respectively. A negative correlation was observed between parasite density and age (r= -0.180, p = 0.109). Pf infection, frequency of infection and parasite load is not influenced by blood group and Hb electrophoretic patterns in our study population.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of Methanol stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa (Forssk) in wistar rats.

The study focused on evaluating the toxicity profile of the methanol stem bark extract of Cadaba farinose (Forssk), considering possibilities of adverse effects arising from continual use of herbal plants especially in the management of long-term conditions. Cadaba farinosa is a slender shrub plant widely used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, inflammations, rheumatic pains and various infections including skin and intestine both in Africa and India. The acute toxicity study and sub-acute toxicity studies were carried out in Wistar rats using Lorkes Method (1983) and the OECD Guidelines 425. For the sub-acute toxicity studies, twenty rats weighing between 120 and 170g were randomly grouped into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (control) received 10ml/kg of distilled water and the others received doses of 40, 200 and 1000mg/kg p.o of extract for 28 days. The acute toxicity revealed no mortality or behavioural signs of toxicity in both phases up to 5000mg/kg. The haematological indices revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the WBC count, MCV and PLT of the groups that received 1000mg/kg of the extract after treatment for 28 days. The liver function test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in AST and ALT. Renal indices showed a significant decrease in creatinine and a significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma Na+, K+ and Cl- ion concentration across the groups. Histopathological section of the spleen revealed follicular hyperplasia. The results suggest that the plant could be slightly toxic to the liver and the spleen on long-term use.

Role of Platelets in the Pathogenicity of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis in Coronary Heart Diseases

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that results in coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and in many cases of stroke. It is a disease that involves multiple inflammatory cytokine which is regarded as the primary underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death in the developed and developing countries like Nigeria. From pathological perspective, the chronic inflammatory condition of atherosclerosis occurs due to interplay between platelets, monocytes, macrophages. Physiologically platelets play a significant role in coagulation and repair of endothelial injury. Pathologically, studies have shown that activated platelets release multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that serve as positive mediators of atherosclerosis. This chemokine is (RANTES, P-selectin and PF-4). Activated platelet release p-selectin that mediate platelet adhesion and rolling to injured endothelial cell, RANTES trigger the recruitment of monocytes into the sub- endothelium and PF4 promote the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages in the intimal layer of the endothelium which engulf ox-LDL to form FOAM cells. Thus, the aim of this review is to understand and describe the role of activated platelets in atherosclerosis as well as therapeutic target of these platelet inflammatory chemokines which is the major mediator of atherosclerosis in human.

Determination of Impact of Acute and Chronic Administration of Aqueous Root Extract of E. Tremula (Burburwa) on some Haematological parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

Eragrostis tremula (Burburwa) is an herbal plant native to tropical Africa, India and Myanmar. It is found in sandy soils and abandoned cultivations. It is used locally for sweeping, used as fodder for cattle and extensively being used in traditional medicine practice without assessing its safety. This study investigated the impact on blood cells (WBCs) on chronic/acute use of aqueous root extract of Eragrostis tremula among males/females wistar rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrate, phenols, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and diterpene. Lorke's method was used for oral acute toxicity study (LD50 determination). A total of 20 wistar rats were used, divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I was control and administered with distilled water, Group II, Group III and Group IV were respectively administered with 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg of the extract per kilogram body weight, for 21 days. The result of acute oral toxicity study was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Total and differential (neutrophil, lymphocyte, and mixed cells) leukocyte counts were analysed. Eragrostis tremula aqueous root extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts, but no significant changes (p>0.05) were observed in neutrophil and mixed cells count when the treated groups were compared with the control group. In conclusion, the findings of the present study have shown that, aqueous root extract of Eragrostis tremula has impact on lymphocyte and total leukocyte count in the wistar rats which is dependent on dose of the extract. The extract at high doses increases the lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts of the treated groups.

Altered Haematological Variables of Pre-Eclamptic Patients in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Pre-eclampsia is a gestational complication with immense outcomes on foetal/ infant and maternal health. This study assessed haematological variables of pre-eclamptic pregnant women receiving antenatal care at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar. Following due ethical considerations, 90 subjects aged 18-45 years were enrolled. They comprised 30 pre-eclamptic patients admitted into the antenatal ward, UCTH; 30 pregnant women with no medical condition attending antenatal clinic, UCTH and 30 apparently healthy non-pregnant women of same age range as control subjects. Weight, height and blood pressure were measured while a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data. Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (HB), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count (WBC) with differentials, platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were determined using Sysmex Haematology autoanalyzer (Sysmex, Japan). Significantly lower (p<0.05) PCV, HB, MCV and platelet count were recorded among pre-eclamptic patients compared to the pregnant and non-pregnant controls. Conversely, body mass index, blood pressures, MCHC, WBC and MPV of pre-eclamptic patients were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to pregnant and non-pregnant controls. There were also significant differences (p<0.05) in RBC and differential white cell count among the three groups. Also, we observed appearance of protein in urine associated with increased blood pressure. It is concluded that haematological changes occur in pre-eclampsia and these changes reflect the bodys response to systemic inflammation induced by pregnancy and amplified by the presence of hypertension.

28 Days Sub Acute Toxicity Studies of the Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretacea) in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of Combretum hypopilinum stem bark extracted with Methanol (70%v/v). Preliminary Phytochemical screening of the crude methanol stem bark extract was carried out, and revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as steroids, flavonoids and alkaloids. Initial oral acute toxicity test was carried out using the Limit Dose Test to ascertain the safety of the extract in rats. Sub-acute toxicity testing was conducted by 28 days oral administration of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg body weight to three groups of ten rats. The fourth group was administered distilled water 10 ml/kg. No major changes were observed in body weight of the animals following 28 days of daily oral administration. Biochemical parameters such as Total Protein, Total Bilirubin, Creatinine, Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT), were found to be within normal ranges. The levels of marker enzymes in the vital organs did not show any significant changes between control and treated groups. Histopathological examination of the major vital organs (liver, brain, and kidney) revealed no significant pathological changes in the treated groups of rats. The results of the present work suggested that the methanol stem bark extract of Combretum hypopilinum is relatively safe for use at the tested doses.

Studies on some Biochemical Parameters among Charcoal (Physiculus nematopus) Traders in Swali Market Yenagoa Bayelsa State

The aim of this study was to assess some biochemical parameters among charcoal (Physiculus nematopus) traders in Swali market Yenagoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Five milliliter of blood specimens was collected from each of the fifteen charcoal (Physiculus nematopus) traders with < 5 years working experience (experimental group one), fifteen charcoal (Physiculus nematopus) traders with ≥5 years working experience (experimental group two) and fifteen non charcoal traders (control group) into lithium heparin anti-coagulated bottles respectively. Thereafter alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured quantitatively. The results of charcoal traders in experimental group one showed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in all the measured biochemical parameters ALT (7.26U/I), AST (5.61U/I), CRP (2.48mg/L), urea (8.68mmol/L), creatinine (82.14µmol/L) as compared to that of the control group (7.22U/I), (5.58U/I), (2.47mg/L), (8.65mmo/L), (82.10µmol/L) respectively while that of experimental group two showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in alanine aminotransferase (20.40U/I), aspartate aminotransferase (16.20U/I) and C-reactive protein (22.42mg/L) as compared to that of the control group (7.22U/I), (5.58U/I), (2.47mg/L) respectively. However, urea (8.68mmol/L) and creatinine (82.25µmol/L) showed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) as compared to that of the control group (8.65mmol/L), (82.10µmol/L) respectively. In conclusion alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and C-reactive protein may be altered in charcoal (Physiculus nematopus) traders exposed to charcoal dust for ≥ 5 years. It is therefore recommended that charcoal traders in this category should embark on hepato-inflammatory biochemical parameters investigation intermittently in any registered and licensed Medical Laboratory facility so as to monitor the concentrations of these parameters.

Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis Among Pregnant Women Attending Traditional Birth Homes in Southern Nigeria

Despite emerging infections and diseases that are transmissible through poor gynaecology/ obstetrics care, preference for traditional birth attendants over conventional caregivers still exist. Laboratory diagnosis remains essential for detection of new cases as well as overall management of infected persons. Pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes constitute a vulnerable group since laboratory testing for hepatitis is lacking at the centers, hence the present study. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study participants were pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The subjects were each screened for the presence of antibodies to HBV and HCV using immunochromatographic methods. Data processing was carried out using SPSS version 22.0. Results are presented as numbers and frequencies expressed as percentages. Socio-economic variables including education and income were seen to be disproportionally distributed among the pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes. Five (5) out of 88 enrolled pregnant women were reactive to either of both viral hepatitis screened. The prevalence of HBV (4.5%) was higher than that of HCV (1.1%). Six out of the seven (85.7%) centers informed the attendees of the need to undertake laboratory screening for transmissible infections. However, none of the centers made it mandatory for laboratory test results to be obtained. One center out of seven (14.3%) ensured that sharps used during child delivery were not shared. This study observed the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among pregnant women attending traditional birth homes in Uyo, Nigeria to be 4.5% and 1.1% respectively.