Biomedical subjects

J I Anetor

Publications and source records attributed to J I Anetor.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Dose-dependent changes in some haematological parameters during short-term administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyx aqueous extract (Zobo) in Wistar albino rats.

The extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (MALVACEAE) is popularly consumed and assumed to have haematological benefits, but no scientific investigations are known in the literature to have been conducted to corroborate this claim. The present study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Calyx extract on some haematological parameters (Haemoglobin, haematocrit, total white blood cells and differentials) in rats, with a view to determining its medicinal usefulness in the treatment of anaemia. Proximate analysis on dry matter basis, and mineral clement analysis were carried out on dried calyx of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Different doses of aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L calyx extract (200 - 1000 mg/ kg body wt.) were administered orally by intra Ocsophageal cannulation to four groups of six animals (rats) per group for 14 days. Venous blood samples were collected from each animal in all the groups including the control group on days 0 and 14 of the experiment for haematological investigations. Paired stat analysis of day 0 and day 14 results was done for each group using student's T-test. Proximate and mineral analysis of dry calyx confirmed the presence of some nutrients, e.g. protein, mineral elements (potassium) and Vitamin C in the calyx. After 14 days of the extract administration, significant elevations were observed in haematocrit (P = 0.03) and haemoglobin (P = 0.004) in the groups of animals given doses of 200 mg and 400 mg per kg (P < 0.05) while the groups given high doses revealed significant reductions (P 0.031) in the haematocrit but not in haemoglobin. This study suggests that, aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. calyx used in this experiment had beneficial effects on the red cells at low doses (200 mg-400 mg/kg) which may not be sustained at higher doses. However, the long-term effects and the possible mechanism (s) of action of the extract should be studied before a recommendation could be made.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Antioxidant status of adult Nigerian asthmatics: implications for prognosis.

Serum antioxidant status of 50 (19M, 31F) adult asthmatic patients, aged 40 to 50 yr and attending the medical outpatient clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has been assessed, by measurement of serum ascorbic acid, copper, zinc, albumin, uric acid and magnesium levels, to determine the relationship between antioxidant status and severity of bronchial asthma. Twenty-five (25) age matched adults (10M, 15F) served as controls. The test subjects were classified into two groups (1&2) based on the degree of respiratory distress. Questionnaires were also used to obtain data on subjects' fruit and vegetable intake. Fruit and vegetable intake was similar in patients and controls, 96% and 100% respectively reporting adequate intake. Copper (Cu) level was not significantly different between patients and control subjects, but was significantly higher in female asthmatics than in males (p < 0.05). Magnesium (Mg) level was also lower in asthmatics than in control subject (p < 0.001). Plasma Zinc level was not different between patients and control (p > 0.05). The levels of the other antioxidants, vitamin C, uric acid and albumin were all lower in asthmatics than in controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001) respectively. The magnesium level of group 2 (severe asthmatics) was lower than in controls (p < 0.05) unlike moderate asthmatics (group 1) which do not differ significantly from controls. These findings support the emerging concept that antioxidants are consumed in this inflammatory disease and that a corresponding increase in antioxidant supply may improve prognosis for bronchial asthma.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Serum micronutrient levels, nucleic acid metabolism and antioxidant defences in pregnant Nigerians: implications for fetal and maternal health.

Micronutrients regulate numerous metabolic processes in pregnancy but their possible antioxidant function and contributions of alterations in their metabolism to fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality have received insufficients attention. Serum levels of copper, manganese and zinc were determined in 40 pregnant Nigerian women spread across the three trimesters of pregnancy and compared with those of 25 non-pregnant women of similar demographic and anthropometric characteristics. Serum levels of uric acid were also determined in both groups of women. The mean serum levels of manganese and zinc were significantly lower in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant state (P<0.02, P<0.002), respectively. Unlike manganese and zinc, copper was significantly elevated in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant state. The endogenous anti-oxidant, uric acid, was also significantly reduced in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant state (P<0.001). Copper levels increased progressively in all the three trimesters of pregnancy compared with controls (P<0.001). However, zinc levels declined steadily in all the 3 trimesters, but only the level of the third trimester was significantly different from the non-pregnant state (P<0.05). Unlike zinc, uric acid rose consistently in all the 3 trimesters compared with the non-pregnant state. Manganese and uric acid were significantly more elevated in the third than the first trimester. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons (Tukey HSD) show that the differences in the antioxidant levels can be ascribed mainly to the second and third trimesters. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 4.0% in the non-pregnant state as compared to 22.5% in the pregnant subjects. The implications of micronutrient deficiencies and associated antioxidant status in pregnancy are discussed. Considering their role in pregnancy, prevention of such deficiencies and attendant oxidative stress may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of fetal and maternal ill-health, and complications of pregnancy. Interventions should be aimed mainly at the second and third trimesters.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Decreased serum magnesium and zinc levels: atherogenic implications in type-2 diabetes mellitus in Nigerians.

Serum magnesium, zinc and total cholesterol were evaluated in 40 Nigerian patients suffering from type-2 diabetes mellitus (21M, 19F) and 20 (14M, 6F) apparently normal non diabetic control subjects. The mean age of the diabetic patients was similar to that of controls (p > 0.05). The mean duration of the disease was (4.7 + 0.7 SEM) in these patients. Fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol were significantly higher in diabetics than in non diabetic control subjects (p > 0.001). The serum total cholesterol showed inter-group variation when the patients were classified into four different age groups. In contrast, the serum level of magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) were significantly lower in diabetics than in controls (p > 0.001). There were no significant correlation between glucose and the minerals, Mg. and Zn. Serum total cholesterol showed a significant positive correlation with magnesium (r = 0.6: p > 0.001), while the correlation with zinc was not significant. In type-2 diabetic mellitus the concentration of both Mg and Zn levels were significantly reduced, probably suggesting lower antioxidant status in this condition. The implication is the greater susceptibility to LDL-cholesterol oxidation. The attendant risk of development of premature Coronary Heart Disease is discussed. Magnesium and zinc are nutritional minerals that play crucial roles in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Serum zinc and copper concentrations in Nigerian women with normal pregnancy.

The impact of normal pregnancy on serum zinc and copper concentrations and on copper/zinc ratio has been determined in a cross-sectional study of eighty-four healthy pregnant Nigerian women. Fifty-seven healthy non-pregnant women served as controls. Serum zinc and copper levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mean serum copper concentration is significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the pregnant group than in controls [19.74(4.65) and 11.87(2.61) micromol/L respectively], while mean zinc level is significantly lower (P< 0.001) than in controls [4.40(1.34) and 5.54(1.04) micromol/L respectively. Copper/Zinc ratio is also significantly higher than (P<0.001) in the test subject [4.87(1.77) and 2.23(0.75) micromol/L respectively]. One-way analysis of variance shows that the mean serum zinc and copper concentrations and copper/zinc ratio differ significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05 respectively) between any two of the trimester groups. Furthermore, there is a significant positive correlation between gestational age and copper/zinc ratio (r- 0.201; P < 0.05), and a significant negative correlation between gestational age and serum zinc concentration (r = -0.274; P < 0.01). In normal pregnancy, a negative and positive linear relationship exists between gestational age and serum zinc level and copper/zinc ratio respectively. Serum copper does not show any significant trend throughout gestation, though pregnant subjects have higher mean serum copper level than controls.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pattern of skin surface lipids in some south-western Nigerians with acne vulgaris.

UNLABELLED: Unanswered questions still exist regarding pathophysiology of acne vulgaris generally and particularly in this environment. METHODS: Skin surface lipid (SSL) samples were collected by the heptane sponge technique from faces of 20 Nigerians with facial acne vulgaris and 25 controls. The subjects were classified into mild and moderately severe acne groups. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined and expressed in percentage (%) while Undetermined Skin Surface Lipids (USSL) (free fatty acids + squalene + wax ester + diglycerides) were computed. RESULTS: Triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in subjects with acne vulgaris compared with controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.029 respectively). There was a progressively significant increase in triglycerides from control, though mild to moderately severe acne vulgaris subjects (P < 0.01) in all cases. In contrast there was a significant progressive decrease in USSL among the three groups (P < 0.001) in all cases. No significant difference was evident for all the values on comparison of female subjects with male subjects. There were however, significant increases in triglycerides and significant decreases in USSL levels for both male and female subjects with acne vulgaris compared with their respective controls (P < 0.02, P < 0.01, P < 0.03 and P < 0.014). CONCLUSION: Alterations in composition of SSL may in part be the pathophysiological basis of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Severity of the disorder appears to parallel triglyceride level but there was no association with sex. Triglycerides and total cholesterol levels are lower in SSL in this environment compared with hotter climates.

Acne Vulgaris↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma and semen ascorbic levels in spermatogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting reports on the mechanism of action of ascorbic acid level in male reproductive system exist and very little is known about the ascorbic acid status in Nigerian males with weak fertility. METHOD: Ascorbate that accumulates preferentially in the testis, the lipid and lipoprotein levels were determined in the plasma of Nigerian males. Twenty-seven (27) male with inadequate spermatogenesis (36+/-1.0) years, with mean value of 15.6+/-6.90 million/cm3 sperm count and fourteen (14) controls (34+/-0.6) years, with mean value of 108.0+/-25.42 million/cm3 sperm count were selected for this study. The anthropometric indices were also determined. RESULTS: There were highly significant decreases in sperm cell count, percentage motility and percentage vitality (p<0.001) in each case, while percentage morphologically abnormal sperm cells was significantly elevated (p<0.001) compared with the control values. There were significant decreases in the seminal and plasma ascorbic acid concentrations (p<0.001) in the males who had inadequate spermatogenesis compared with the control values. The plasma total cholesterol (TC) and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different from the corresponding control values, but the plasma low density lipoprotein (LDLC) (p<0.001) and triglyceride (TG)(p<0.01) concentrations were significantly increased in all the patients. While the plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC)(p<0.001) was significantly decreased compared with the controls. The plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels did not demonstrate any definite pattern with the sperm characteristics. CONCLUSION: The decreased semen ascorbate level may play a significant role in the reduced sperm characteristics in these patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Decreased immune status in Nigerian workers occupationally exposed to lead.

Some immunological indices of 80 Nigerian lead workers were assessed. The mean blood lead level (BLL) in the study subjects was significantly higher than in control non-exposed subjects (p < 0.001). The mean values for total globulins and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also significantly raised in the test subjects. (P < 0.001, P < 0.01 respectively). In contrast, levels of IgA and IgT were significantly depressed (P < 0.01, P, 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was established between IgA and BLL (r = 0.28 P < 0.009). Ascorbate excretion was also significantly reduced in the exposed workers when compared with control subjects. (P < 0.02) Multiple regression analysis established significant interaction between BLL and total globulin and IgA I(P < 0.01, P < 0.01, 0.28 and P < 0.009 respectively). Principal component analysis showed that CRP, TLC, IgA and IgC have strong interactions with BLL. These data suggest depressed immune status in workers occupationally exposed to lead. This clinical state may be modulated by genetic and nutritional factors (such as ascorbate level). The control population was made up of 50 volunteers who had never been exposed to lead. Their mean age was 36.6 (semi 1.2 range 22-58) years. Informed consent was obtained from all 130 subjects and the ethical committee of the college of Medicine Ibadan, approved the conduct of the study. Additionally, it may predispose the subjects to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders and cancer.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biochemical indicators of metabolic poisoning associated with lead based occupations in nutritionally disadvantaged communities.

The biochemical alterations that occur in chronic lead exposure were studied in 86 males who were occupationally exposed to the metal. The biochemical indices investigated were blood lead, total and ionized calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein and albumin, uric acid and 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25] (OH2 D3]. Serum total and ionized calcium levels and 1,25 [OH2] D3 were significantly lower in lead workers than in the control population (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed an important relationship between blood lead and serum calcium. Uric acid which was positively correlated with blood lead levels was significantly higher in lead workers than in controls P < 0.001. There were no changes in the other biochemical indices studied. The biochemical abnormalities that were established in this report which actually reflect metabolic poisoning may be helpful in the early detection of plumbism before the onset of clinical lead poisoning, particularly in nutritionally disadvantaged communities.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lead-poisoning in two distant states of Nigeria: an indication of the real size of the problem.

Lead is a toxic trace metal but useful in a number of industries and occupations. In view of its wide usage appropriate attention to precautionary measures against excessive exposure is desirable. The study was carried out in two phases; one based in Southwest Nigeria involving 137 subjects comprising 86 occupationally exposed subjects and 51 controls. Phase 2 of the study involved 880 occupationally unexposed subjects as follows: 115 subjects from Iseyin, 280 subjects from Shaki, 284 subject from Ogbomoso and 201 subjects from Sokoto, NorthWest Nigeria. Alcohol, salt and tobacco consumption were carefully monitored in this second phase of the study as well as sources of potable water. Lead (pb) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). In phase one in occupationally exposed individuals PbB was significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.00.1); 95.3% of the test subjects had PbB greater than 40 microg/dl, the universal upper limit of acceptable PbB in Pb workers. About 70% had PbB greater than 55 microg/dl, a level now considered indicative of excessive exposure. Additionally, about 40% of the Pb workers had PbB of 60 microg/dl and above, a level indicative of the need to remove affected individuals from further exposure. Only about 5% of the Pb workers had PbB below 40 microg/dl. Interestingly, in the control subjects only about 18% had blood Pb levels falling within commonly acceptable PbB levels, about 7% of controls (Occupationally unexposed) had PbB level within the range considered indicative of moderate toxicity, over 8% had PbB above levels acceptable in occupational exposure, while about 4% fell within the range indicative of severe toxicity. PbB for unexposed population therefore, also give cause for toxicity. Phase 2 study revealed that excessive use of alcohol and tobacco, undue exposure to exhaust from vehicles using leaded gasoline, exclusive use of wells as sources of drinking water and increased consumption of the Nigerian table salt may all be pathways for increased Pb burden in this environment. These data suggest Pb poisoning of a high magnitude arising from occupational and environmental factors probably largely due to high gasoline Pb. Precautionary measures appear desirable by all who are occupationally or environmentally exposed to Pb.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Amelioration of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by terpenoid extract from leaves of Vernonia amydgalina.

Sesquiterpene lactone extract from the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina was tested for antihepatotoxic activity. Adult male rats were selected for the study. One group of rats was treated with toxic doses of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) the second group was pretreated with known concentration of terpenoid extract from leaves of V. amygdalina. One hour prior to receiving toxic doses of CCl4, Kolaviron, a biflavonoid extract of the seeds of Garcina kola was used as a positive control. Serum enzymes, alanine amino transferase (ALT), ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) that are known to be very sensitive to cytotoxic hepatic injury, and aspertate amino transferase (AST) that is particularly sensitive to carbon tetrachloride poisoning, were measured as indices of hepatotoxicity. The results obtained showed that there were reduction in the activities of serum ALT, AST and OCT from 20.57 +/- 5.59, 10.46 +/- 6.71 and 184.8 +/- 10.45 in animals treated with toxic doses of CCl4 to 3.40 +/- 0.10, 3.95 +/- 0.15 and 1293 +/- 12.10 in animal pretreated with terpenoid extract before CCl4 intoxication, representing 83.5%, 62.3%, and 30% decrease respectively. These decreases were statistically significant (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P < 0.001 respectively). From these results, it is concluded that sesquiterpene lactone extract from the leaves of V. amygdalina like kolaviron, a biflavonoid extract from the seeds of G. kola has antihepatotoxic activity in CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats.

Alanine↗