Biomedical subjects

E E Osim

Publications and source records attributed to E E Osim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Lung function status of workers exposed to wood dust in timber markets in Calabar, Nigeria.

The effect of chronic exposure to dust from local woods such as ebony, achi, and iroko on lung function of timber market workers in Calabar - Nigeria, was studied. Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Volume as a percentage of forced vital capacity (FEV1 %), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were measured in 221 workers (aged 20-25 years) exposed to wood dust to assess their lung function and compared with 200 age- and sex- matched control subjects who were not exposed to any known air pollutant. The concentration of respirable dust was significantly higher in the test (P<0.001) than in control site. The mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1% and PEFR of the timber workers were significantly lower (P<0.01) than in control subjects. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, chest pain and nasal irritation had higher prevalence in the test group than in the control group. Non-respiratory symptoms (skin and eye irritation) were prevalent in the test group but not found in the control group. Workers exposed to wood dust had restrictive pattern of ventilatory function impairment. The lung function indices of the timber workers decreased with their length of service. Chronic exposure to wood dust impairs lung function.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Orally administered, insulin-loaded amidated pectin hydrogel beads sustain plasma concentrations of insulin in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

We report successful oral administration of insulin entrapped in amidated pectin hydrogel beads in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, with a concomitant reduction in plasma glucose concentration. The pectin-insulin (PI) beads were prepared by the gelation of humilin-pectin solutions in the presence of calcium. Separate groups of STZ-diabetic rats were orally administered two PI beads (30 micrograms insulin) once or twice daily or three beads (46 micrograms) once daily for 2 weeks. Control non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic rats were orally administered pectin hydrogel drug-free beads. By comparison with control non-diabetic rats, untreated STZ-diabetic rats exhibited significantly low plasma insulin concentration (0.32+/-0. 03 ng/ml, n=6, compared with 2.60+/-0.44 ng/ml in controls, n=6) and increased plasma glucose concentrations (25.84+/-1.44 mmol/l compared with 10.72+/- 0.52 mmol/l in controls). Administration of two PI beads twice daily (60 micrograms active insulin) or three beads (46 micrograms) once a day to STZ-diabetic rats increased plasma insulin concentrations (0.89+/-0.09 ng/ml and 1.85+/- 0.26 ng/ml, respectively), with a concomitant reduction in plasma glucose concentration (15.45+/-1.63 mmol/l and 10.56+/-0.26 mmol/l, respectively). However, a single dose of PI beads (30 micrograms) did not affect plasma insulin concentrations, although plasma glucose concentrations (17.82+/-2.98 mmol/l) were significantly reduced compared with those in untreated STZ-diabetic rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters in STZ-diabetic rats show that the orally administered PI beads (30 micrograms insulin) were more effective in sustaining plasma insulin concentrations than was s.c. insulin (30 micrograms). The data from this study suggest that this insulin-loaded amidated pectin hydrogel bead formulation not only produces sustained release of insulin, but may also reduce plasma glucose concentration in diabetes mellitus.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1999

Lung function, blood gases, pH and serum electrolytes of small-scale miners exposed to chrome ore dust on the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe.

We measured and compared lung function indices and some blood parameters (gases, electrolytes, glucose, pH, red cell indices) of 54 male small-scale miners (SSM) chronically exposed to chrome ore dust to those of 50 nonmining control subjects (NMC) and 46 large-scale chrome miners (LSM) who had taken internationally recommended precautionary measures (secondary control). The respirable dust level in the SSM environment (6.0 +/- 0.5 mg/m3) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the NMC and LSM environments (0.3 +/- 0.1 mg/m3 and 0.5 +/- 0.3 mg/m3, respectively). There were no significant differences in neither dust levels nor lung function status between NMC and LSM environments. The values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR and FEV1% of the SSM were 3.5 +/- 0.09 l, 2.61 +/- 0. 09 l, 6.07 +/- 0.36 l/second and 76.19 +/- 2.36%, respectively. These values were significantly lower than those of NMC (P < 0.01, respectively). However, the blood parameters of the SSM and NMC were not significantly different. The results are indicative of both restrictive and obstructive ventilatory defects in the SSM which may be attributed exposure to chrome ore dust in the environment. Associated risk factors appear to be advancing age, prolonged exposure to chrome ore dust and acid base disturbance.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Chloroquine influences renal function in rural Zimbabweans with acute transient fever.

To establish the effects of chloroquine on kidney function we monitored renal parameters in age and sex matched control subjects and patients who presented with acute transient fever. The patients were immediately treated with chloroquine diphosphate in the recommended dosage. Blood samples for creatinine, urea, Na+ and K+ determinations were collected before treatment (Day 0), on the 3rd day of treatment (Day 3) and two days after the last dose of chloroquine (Day 5). 24 h urine collections were collected for five consecutive days from the second day of treatment. Spot urine samples showed the absence of blood cells, bilirubin, glucose, protein and ketones. Examination of thick blood smears over three days did not reveal any forms of malaria parasites. Urinary tract infection in the patients was also excluded. Therefore, these patients were a suitable group to assess the effects of chloroquine on renal function. The blood pressure in females and males decreased significantly after two days of chloroquine treatment compared with Day 0. The plasma concentration of creatinine in females and females was increased by chloroquine 2 days after the last dose by comparison with the Day 0 (females, 66 +/- 2 mumol/L versus 83 +/- 2 mumol/L n = 20, p < 0.01 and males, 78 +/- 6 mumol/L versus 81 +/- 9 mumol/L, n = 20, p < 0.01). This was paralleled by a reduction in urinary creatinine excretion during the same period (females 15 +/- 1 mg/kg body weight/24 h versus 12 +/- 1 mg/kg body weight/24 h and males 23 +/- 3 mg/kg/24 h versus 18 +/- 2 mg/kg/24 h, p < 0.01 in both instances). Urinary urea excretion in females was reduced from 290 +/- 6 mumol/kg/24 h to 215 +/- 5 mumol/kg/24 h 2 days after treatment. The results of the study suggest that the effects of chloroquine in patients with acute transient fever include lowered urinary urea and creatinine excretion.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1999

Hypotensive effect of crude extract Olea. africana (Oleaceae) in normo and hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of crude extracts of the root and stem of Olea africana on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate in normo and hypertensive rats. DESIGN: Comparative study. SETTING: Laboratory. SUBJECTS: 40 Sprague Dawley rats of either sex (150 to 250 g) randomly assigned to normotensive (n = 15) (DOCA) -salt hypertensive (n = 25) groups. The normotensive group comprised three subgroups (n = 5) namely, a control treated with graded volumes of normal saline intravenously (i.v.), and two groups respectively treated with graded doses of aqueous extract of O. africana (i.v.). The hypertensive group comprised five subgroups (n = 5) namely, a control group of sham operated rats, and four groups of nephrectomised rats. One group of nephrectomized rats received Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and salt for seven days, while others received DOCAsalt for 14 days. Two groups of the 14 day treated rats respectively received 200 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg of O. africana orally thereafter. MAP and HR were measured under sodium pentobarbital anaesthesia (35 mg/kg intraperitoneally). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean arterial pressure and heart rate. RESULTS: Intravenous administration of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of O. africana caused an immediate and dose dependent fall in MAP and HR in anaesthetised normotensive rats. The aqueous extract was more potent than the ethanolic extract. Orally administered aqueous extract produced lowering of MAP and HR in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Propranolol partially blocked the Map lowering effect of O. africana. CONCLUSION: Extracts of O. africana lowered MAP and HR in normotensive and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Hence the use of the aqueous extracts in the treatment of some forms of hypertension and heart palpitations in humans. This effect may be mediated via beta adrenergic receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Heteromorpha trifoliata (Dombwe) accelerates acetic acid-induced peptic ulcers: a preliminary study in the rat.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of H. trifoliata on: (a) acetic acid-induced ulcers, (b) food intake, (c) water intake, (d) weight gain, (e) gastric acid secretion in rats. DESIGN: Comparative study. SETTING: Laboratory. SUBJECTS: 20 female Sprague Dawley rats (220 to 250 g) with acetic acid-induced peptic ulcers randomly assigned to test and control groups (n = 10). The test rats were allowed water and normal rat diet comprising 20% H. trifoliata ('Dombwe) and 'Imfe nkulu' in Shona and Ndebele respectively) for 17 days after ulceration while control rats were allowed water and normal rat diet for 17 days after ulceration. Thirty six other rats were prepared to study the effect of H. trifoliata on gastric and acid secretion stimulated by histamine, gastrin and carbachol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Photographs of the gross anatomy and histology of test and control rat stomachs were taken. Daily food and water intake, weekly weight gain and gastric acid secretion were measured in the test and control rats. RESULTS: 17 days following the consumption of the H. trifoliata containing diet, macroscopically, no ulcers were found on the outer surface of the stomach walls of test rats. However, histological examination revealed traces of ulcer at the sites where ulcers were induced previously. In contrast, 70% of the control rats still had ulcers on the surface of their stomach walls. Histological examination showed massive denuded mucosa and submucosa at the ulcer sites which are signs of severe ulceration. Food intake in both groups was not significantly different except during the first three days when test rats consumed significantly less food (p < 0.01) than control rats. Daily water intake and weekly weight gain were also not significantly different in the test and control groups. H. trifoliata had no significant effect on gastric acid secretion stimulated by histamine, gastrin and carbachol. CONCLUSIONS: H. trifoliata does not affect daily food and water intake and weekly weight gain in rats. It also does not affect histamine, gastrin and carbachol-stimulated acid secretion in rats. However, H. trifoliata accelerates the healing of acetic acid-induced peptic ulcer in rats. This may validate the use of H. trifoliata in the treatment of peptic ulcer in humans.

Acetates↗

PubMed1999

Lung function status of some Nigerian men and women chronically exposed to fish drying using burning firewood.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the lung function status of some Nigerian men and women chronically exposed to fish drying using burning firewood. DESIGN: Case control study. SETTING: Ibaka, Utaewa and Ikanga fishing settlements. SUBJECTS: 183 males and 192 females engaged in fishing, aged 20 to 45 years who have been exposed for a minimum of five years as cases. The control group comprised sex matched male (142) and female (152) Nigerians from the same area who were not exposed to any known air pollutant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lung function indices: FVC, FEV1, FEV1% and PEFR. RESULTS: Lung function indices were significantly lower in men engaged in fishing than in their controls: FVC [mean (SD): 2.98 (0.20) vs 3.52 (0.29), p < 0.001]; FEV1 [2.08 (0.18) vs 2.82 (0.25), p < 0.001]; FEV1% [69.8 (3.1) vs 80.2 (6.7), p < 0.001]; and PEFR [335 (22) vs 592 (99), p < 0.001], respectively. Similarly, lung function indices were lower in females in the fishing industry than in their controls; FVC [2.42 (0.17) vs 3.02 (0.24), p < 0.001]; FEV1 [1.70 (0.19) vs 2.55 (0.21), p < 0.001]; FEV1% [72.9 (3.2) vs 84.4 (6.7), p < 0.001]; and PEFR [298 (22) vs 418 (34), p < 0.001]. All the lung function indices (except FEV1%) of the fishermen and women declined significantly (p < 0.001) with their duration of exposure. The results showed a predominantly mixed pattern (restrictive and obstructive) of respiratory defect. There were higher prevalences of respiratory and other symptoms among the cases than the controls. The respiratory symptoms included cough with sputum, chest pain, dyspnoea catarrh and sneezing and unproductive cough. Other symptoms were eye and skin irritation, internal heat and headache. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to fish drying using burning firewood can impair lung function and cause respiratory and other symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The need for a regular comprehensive health surveillance on industrial workers.

The movement of people during some of their daily occupations and activities releases an amount of dust into the air. Even dust that has settled on floors and flat surfaces is made airborne by air currents. Of greater concern is the dusty environment caused by the operations within the workplace, such as handling of dusty materials, machining, cutting, drilling, milling, rock blastic and pounding. Fortunately, a lot of the dust is harmless except when present in high concentrations when it can cause some discomfort. At such levels it is termed 'nuisance dust'. However, some form of dusts are distinctly harmful, giving rise to impairment of lung function and pneumoconiosis (dust-induced changes in the lung).

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1998

Serum liver enzymes profile of Wistar rats following chronic consumption of fresh or oxidized palm oil diets.

The effect of chronic consumption of palm oil diets on serum levels of some liver enzymes in rat was investigated. Two groups of rats were fed on either fresh or thermally oxidized palm oil, mixed at 15% level for 18 weeks and their effects on serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) and alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2) enzymes were compared with a control group receiving normal rat feed. The levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the two groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05-0.01) than control. Mean ALP levels were significantly different in the two test groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, there was significant elevation (P < 0.05-0.01) of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in oxidized oil-fed and fresh oil-fed groups when compared with the control. The mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the oxidized oil-fed group than the control and fresh oil-fed groups. The results indicate that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil, with its accompanying hazardous free radicals, may be more injurious to liver cell integrity than fresh palm oil.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1998

An investigation into the suitability of amidated pectin hydrogel beads as a delivery matrix for chloroquine.

The aim of the present study was to delay the release of chloroquine to distal parts of the gastrointestinal tract by using a multiparticulate hydrogel formulation. Amidated pectin chloroquine beads (PC) with varying pectin-to-chloroquine ratios (PC) w/w loadings of 4:1, 2:1, and 1:1 in the dried beads were prepared by the gelation of drug-loaded pectin solutions in the presence of calcium. In vitro release studies of chloroquine from pectin-chloroquine hydrogel beads and chloroquine diphosphate powder were carried out in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The total release of the entrapped chloroquine from the hydrogel beads was achieved between 4 and 7 h in simulated intestinal fluid, but total release was not achieved in simulated gastric fluid. However, total release from chloroquine diphosphate powder was achieved by 1.5 and 2 h in gastric and intestinal fluids, respectively. The plasma pharmacokinetics of chloroquine from pectin hydrogel beads and chloroquine diphosphate solution following single or repeated dosing were compared in male Sprague-Dawley rats over a period of 60 h. Oral administration of the hyrogel beads to rats produced maximum plasma concentrations by 7 h, but highest plasma concentrations following chloroquine solution administration were observed by 2 h. The dissolution data and appearance of significant plasma concentrations of chloroquine 2 to 4 h after oral administration suggests release in duodenum, jejunum, or ileum.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Lung function of Zimbabwean farm workers exposed to flue curing and stacking of tobacco leaves.

OBJECTIVES: To perform lung function tests on tobacco farm workers (TFWs) chronically exposed to flue curing and stacking of tobacco leaves and to compare them with vegetable farm workers (VFWs) who were not exposed to any known air pollutant (control). DESIGN: Comparative study. SETTING: Tobacco and vegetable farms. SUBJECTS: 20 TFWs and 30 VFWs. All subjects were male and the mean age, height and weight of the two groups were not significantly different. OUTCOME MEASURES: Lung function indices. RESULTS: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of the TFWs were 3.28 +/- 0.51 litres, 2.68 +/- 0.74 litres and 6.41 +/- 2.08 litres/second, respectively. These figures were significantly lower than 3.97 +/- 0.83 litres, 3.09 +/- 0.71 litres and 8.62 +/- 2.74 litres/second, respectively, for the control subjects (P < 0.01, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). However, mean FEV1 as a percentage of the FVC (FEV1%) of the TFWs was not significantly different from that of the controls FVC of the TFWs declined with duration of service (r = 0.74; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results are indicative of restrictive lung defect in the TFWs and may be attributed to long-term exposure to flue curing and stacking of tobacco leaves. The results also suggest the importance of the duration of exposure in the aetiology of lung impairment in this environment.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Lung function studies in some Nigerian bank workers.

Following complaints of cough and tightness in the chest by a group of treasury workers exposed to large quantities of old and dirty currency notes withdrawn from circulation as well as currency for circulation, lung function tests were performed to find the effects of this exposure on the ventilatory function status of the workers. Lung function tests were carried out on 72 treasury workers (62 male and 10 female) aged 35.11 +/- 0.62 years (mean +/- SEM); range: (21 to 58 years), height 1.68 +/- 0.17 m; (1.55 to 1.97 m) and body weight 60.61 +/- 0.65 kg; (48 to 86 kg). The values were compared with a control group of age, height, weight and sex-matched Nigerians from the same area that were not exposed to any known air pollutant. The mean measured lung function values of the female workers were not significantly different from their control values. However, the mean measured values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR of the males were significantly lower than their control values (p < 0.01; 0.05 and 0.001 respectively) which is indicative of a general restrictive ventilatory defect. We conclude that chronic exposure to large quantities of old and dirty currency notes withdrawn from circulation as well as new ones may impair the lung function of treasury workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Arterial pressure and lipid profile in rats following chronic ingestion of palm oil diets.

The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and plasma lipid profile of rats following chronic consumption of a diet containing 15% palm oil (fresh or oxidized) were studied. Rats were allowed to feed on either a fresh or oxidized palm oil diet for 18 weeks and their effects were compared with a control group receiving normal rat feed. Mean arterial blood pressures were 128.0 +/- 2.3 mmHg (mean +/- SEM) for the control, 135.0 +/- 2.4 mmHg for the fresh-oil fed group and 147 +/- 2.5 mmHg for the oxidized oil-fed group. The oxidized oil-fed group had a significantly greater rise in mean arterial blood pressure than the control and fresh oil-fed groups (P < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Mean arterial blood pressure was not significantly elevated in the fresh oil-fed group than the control. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels were 1.51 +/- 0.07 mMol/L for the control, 1.62 +/- 0.03 mMol/L for the fresh oil-fed group and 1.78 +/- 0.03 mMol/L for the oxidized oil-fed group. The values were not significantly different in the control and the fresh oil groups. LDL level was significantly higher in the oxidized than in the control (P < 0.01) and fresh oil-fed groups (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol for the two test groups were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the control, while the value in the oxidized oil group was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the fresh oil-fed group. There was no significant difference in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLP) levels in the three groups. The significantly elevated MAP in the oxidized oil-fed rats when compared to the fresh oil-fed and control rats may be due to thermoxidation of the fresh oil that produced significantly higher levels of LDL and total cholesterol which predisposes to high blood pressure.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

ABH secretor status in saliva of Calabar Municipality residents.

One hundred and seventy six healthy residents of Calabar Municipality were investigated for the presence of salivary ABH substances. Saliva and blood samples collected were analysed by haemagglutination inhibition and standard tube ABO grouping methods respectively. 86.90% and 13.10% of the subjects were ABH secretors and non-secretors respectively. A significant correlation was established between the secretor status frequency and ABO blood group phenotypes (P less than 0.001). No correlation was established with age or sex. O blood group subjects had higher titre of H-substances than A and B subjects while AB subjects had the lowest. In AB subjects, the A titre was usually higher than that of B substances. The gene frequencies for Se and se were 0.6390 and 0.3610 respectively while the phenotype prevalence rates for Se/se, Se se and se se were 40.83%, 46.15% and 13.10% respectively. It is concluded that the prevalence rate of non-secretors which has been associated with the occurrence of duodenal ulcer is low in the locality.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

PubMed1992

Ventilatory function in Nigerian asbestos factory workers.

Ventilatory function indices; forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the percentage of vital capacity in one second (FEV1%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured to find the effect of asbestos fiber on lung function in 95 male Nigerian asbestos factory workers (aged 25-55 years). The results were compared with a control group of age and sex-matched Nigerians from the same area that were not exposed to asbestos fiber or any known air pollutant. The results were also compared with expected values calculated from linear regression equations worked out for healthy Nigerians. The mean values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were significantly lower in the asbestos factory workers than in the control group (P less than 0.01, 0.05 and 0.001 respectively). FEV1 in asbestos factory workers showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the duration of service (P less than 0.05). The reduced FVC and FEV1 and normal FEV1% in asbestos factory workers is indicative of restrictive lung defect and may be attributed to asbestos fiber exposure. Frequent monitoring of the health of these factory workers and control measures should be stepped up in the factory.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

In vivo platelet aggregation in acute malaria.

Thirteen patients suffering from acute malaria attack and thirteen apparently healthy human volunteers (control) were used for the study. Platelet aggregation was determined by platelet count ratio technique in which a reduction in platelet count ratio signified an increase in platelet aggregation. Platelet count ratio in acute malaria patients was 0.75 +/- 0.03 (SEM). Platelet count ratio in subjects used as control was 0.88 +/- 0.02. This value was significantly higher than the former (P less than 0.001). Platelet count ratio correlated negatively with the degree of parasitaemia (r = -0.71; P less than 0.01). ADP, a platelet aggregating drug, also reduced platelet count ratio in rats significantly. Acute malaria attack therefore enhances platelet aggregation in vivo.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1991

The effects of fresh palm wine on human gastric acid secretion.

The effect of fresh palm wine on gastric acid secretion was studied using human volunteers. Basal acid output for seven subjects used for the study with palm wine was 1.05 +/- 0.14 mMol/hr (mean and SEM). Peak acid output following the administration of 200 ml of the palm wine was 1.21 +/- 0.20 mMol/hr, and was not statistically different from the basal. Basal acid output for six subjects used for the study with ethanol (a constituent of palm wine) was 0.95 +/- 0.13 mMol/hr and following the administration of 200 ml of 5% ethanol the peak acid output was 5.85 +/- 0.32 mMol/hr. This peak acid output was higher in the ethanol group than the palm wine group (p less than 0.001). Fresh palm wine is not ulcerogenic as might be thought despite its content of ethyl alcohol (5%).

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Blood platelet serotonin following enterectomy in rats.

The role of the intestine as a source of platelet serotonin was investigated. Radioactive serotonin precursor. 5-Hydroxytryptophan was injected into enterectomised and sham-operated rats. Blood samples were taken at time intervals and serotonin uptake was estimated by radioactive counting. Soon (1-2 hrs) after surgery and under sodium pentobarbital anaesthesia, platelet 5HT activity was higher in enterectomised rats than in controls. The intestine may not be the major source of platelet serotonin.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗