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Biomedical subjects

U P Isichei

Publications and source records attributed to U P Isichei.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Endemic goiter in the Jos Plateau region of northern Nigeria.

This study is an endemic goiter survey of 3476 school children in 13 Local Government Councils (LGCs) and 1004 subjects in a whole community of one LGC, Plateau State, Northern Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of goiter as well as to identify some of the etiological agents involved. Results of the survey showed that the disease is highly endemic in the area with prevalence varying in places from 1 to 23% of these subjects. Females showed a markedly higher prevalence of goiter. Analysis of 729 urine samples indicated that iodine excretion ranged from 3.5 to 1.3 microgram/dl (32-154 microgram/g creatinine) and was similar to that in iodine deficient areas in the world, but no relation was observed between the prevalence of goiter and urinary iodine. Urinary thiocyanate levels were less than 0.5 mg/dl, suggesting that the role of the thiocyanate as a goitrogen is not important in the region. Thyroid hormone parameters in village subjects with goiter were similar to those in goiter endemia except serum thyroxine (T4). An interesting result found in village subjects was very high serum thyroxine binding globulin, which leads to an increase in serum T4. This study indicated that Northern Nigeria is an area of endemic goiter. Although some areas in Plateau State are iodine deficient zones, we could not conclude that the etiology of endemic goiter in this area is associated with iodine deficiency. There may be an interplay of multiple factors of etiological importance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Thyroid function profile and differential serum lipid and lipoproteins in Africans with endemic goitre.

Serum total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), thyrotrophine (TSH), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, beta lipoprotein and beta lipoprotein cholesterol level were measured in 68 goitrous subjects and 4 agoitrous cretins by the techniques based on enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) (for thyroid parameters) and enzyme substrate principle (for lipid and lipoproteins) using commercial test kits (Boehringer Mannheim, W. Germany) and the results were matched with those derived from 59 clinically normal control subjects. The mean values of serum TT3, TBG, TSH and T3/T4 ratio showed positive correlations with the goitre size (r > 0.8, P < 0.005) while mean serum TT4 was negatively correlated (r > -0.9, P < 0.005). Typical biochemical features of hypothyroidism on serum lipid and lipoprotein profile were seen throughout, the changes being more marked in cretins. However, the serum lipid and lipoproteins were also, to some extent, found to be positively related to the thyroid size. In addition, a number of patients also showed variations in the serum lipid and lipoprotein levels appropriate to their compensated thyroid functional status in endemic goitre (as reflected by low TT4, raised TT3 and raised T3/T4 quotients).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The "feto-maternal" thyroid function interrelationships in an iodine-deficient region in Africa--the role of T3 in possible fetal defence.

The thyroid status was investigated in 26 pregnant African women at term delivery in an iodine-deficient region (Jengere) of Nigeria, West Africa including the measurement of serum T4, T3, TSH, thyroxine binding capacity, TBG, free thyroxine index (FT4I) and the results were matched with those obtained in a corresponding group of 46 women at delivery in Jos, the non-iodine-deficient region which was used as a control. Corresponding cord-blood samples were obtained from all the neonates of the two groups. Twenty-three urinary samples in the former and 14 in the latter group were analysed for iodide levels to ascertain the degree of iodine deficiency. The results demonstrate that compared to the values seen in the Jos group the maternal serum T4, T3 and FT4I levels were significantly reduced in the iodine-deficient group, while TSH, TBG and thyroxine binding capacity were elevated. Cord serum samples showed a corresponding fall in T4 and FT4I levels in the group from the iodine-deficient region, while the T3 levels were significantly elevated with a concurrent significant rise in TSH and TBG levels. Significant correlations were found between the maternal and cord serum T4, TSH, TBG, thyroxine binding capacity and FT4I levels, but not T3. From these findings we suggest that fetal T3 plays an important defensive role against the danger of long-standing environmental iodine deficiency.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Aberrations in serum proteins and thyroid size in Nigerians on the Jos Plateau and their relation to thyrometabolic function.

Controlled serum protein and thyroid function studies were carried out among 208 African patients with endemic goitre. The changes seen in the serum protein constituents were studied and evaluated in relation to thyroid hormone levels, goitre grade and the clinical state of the patient. Mean serum TBG and thyroglobulin values rose sharply in the early phase of goitre, and remained elevated throughout. Although the mean serum total T4 was statistically and significantly higher in endemic goitre compared with the normal subjects (t = 3.72. P = 0.005), the free thyroxine index was significantly lower and serum T4 fell progressively (r = 0.975) with increasing thyroid grade. In contrast, mean serum T3 rose continuously (r = 0.910) but appeared inflated due to a proportionate increase in TBG in several cases, giving a misleading picture of T3--thyrotoxicosis in otherwise clinically normal subjects. An increase in T3/T4 ratio and consequently in thyroid function, therefore occurs with advancing thyroid size. Inconsistent binding of T4 to TBG causes wide variations in thyroxine index. Mean serum albumin and betalipoprotein appeared inversely related to thyroid function. These changes imply that in order to evaluate a patient with endemic goitre accurately a detailed biochemical investigated of the thyroid may be necessary.

Blood Proteins↗
PubMed1993

Serum trehalase activities in controlled and uncontrolled diabetes and the impact of oral glucose, high carbohydrate and glycosuria on serum levels.

Nineteen healthy volunteers, made up of two groups were subjected to an extended oral glucose tolerance study. In one group, each had 50g glucose and in the other a high carbohydrate meal. Blood glucose and serum trehalase activities were determined on fasting blood samples and specimens collected half-hourly for 4 hours. The values obtained for both at each stage of the investigations were compared with one another. Correlation coefficient (r) between blood glucose and serum trehalase were 0.4923 for the fasting samples and 0.4762 at 1 hr. The impact of diabetes and glycosuria on serum trehalase activities in 50 diabetics consisting of treated (controlled) and untreated (uncontrolled) cases was also studied. Our study reveals a slight fall in serum trehalase values from the initial fasting level, but thereafter a gradual and progressive rise during the course of the glucose tolerance investigations. Serum trehalase values were higher in diabetics compared to normal subjects (t = 7.0168, P = 0.005). Diabetics with glycosuria had a significantly higher mean serum trehalase compared to the controlled group (t = 5.233, P = 0.005). High serum trehalase values were seen in diabetics with renal glycosuria at comparatively low levels of blood glucose. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the possible place of serum trehalase assay in the management of diabetes, especially when this is made difficult by renal glycosuria.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

Central cretinism in four successive siblings.

A study of four successive siblings, age 9, 12, 14 and 16 years with cretinism associated with congenitial central hypothyroidism (central cretinism), born to a mother in the endemic goitre region of the Jos Plateau, Nigeria, is presented. Biochemically, the defects were characterized by abnormally low basal thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone, as well as refractory TSH response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone and gross hyperlipidaemia. Clinically, the intellectual, physical and neurological impairment varied from moderate in the youngest to very severe in the oldest. Contrasting clinical pictures of cretinism, which appeared related to age and previous treatment were found with a spectrum ranging from predominantly myxoedematous in the youngest to predominantly neurological in the 16 year old male. Response to adequate treatment was dramatic, with restoration of severe gait disturbance occurring almost completely, but the imprints of thyroid hormone deficiency on mental defects and intellectual performance remained almost unaltered. The parents and two older sisters were normal with normal thyroid function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Serum and thyroid tissue lipids in patients with thyroid tumors in euthyroidism.

Plasma lipids of 24 euthyroid subjects with thyroid adenoma and non-toxic primary differentiated thyroid carcinoma (papillary and follicular types) were assessed and compared with a similar investigation conducted on 20 normal subjects. A parallel study with thyroid tumor tissues examined the lipid changes which occurred in the same group of patients. These were compared with the picture seen in 5 normal thyroids. The investigations examined the changes in total lipids; total, free and esterified cholesterol; total phospholipids; lecithin; cephalin and sphingomyelin; triglycerides and free fatty acids in both serum and thyroid tissue. Compared with normal subjects, the serum lipids were almost identical except for the concentration of free fatty acids which showed significantly lower values in the group with neoplastic changes. Tissue analysis of the cancerous thyroid however revealed a marked rise in virtually all lipid fractions but the cholesterol seemed to dominate the picture. The differential studies of total phospholipids for thyroid tissue membrane lipids further revealed a significant increase in the lecithin and sphingomyelin components of total phospholipids as well as the esterified cholesterol fraction in thyroid carcinoma. The changes in thyrophospholipids were more marked in females normal thyroids than males. An attempt has been made through evaluation of the results derived from differential lipid studies to elucidate the role of some of the various fractions determined and the possible effect of the changes described on thyroid hormone metabolism.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1989

Cations and anions in drinking water as putative contributory factors to endemic goitre in Plateau State, Nigeria.

The prevalence of endemic goitre in Plateau State, Nigeria was established and an attempt was made to identify some of the possible environmental goitrogenic agents in the region to establish their likely relationship with the goitre endemicity. Iodine deficiency appears to be a major aetiological factor for the disease as indicated by low iodine levels observed in portable drinking water and in daily urinary excretion. The carbonate (CO3-) content of drinking water supply was found to bear a significant positive correlation with the goitre rate for the entire state (p less than 0.005). The calcium (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++) levels of the drinking water also exhibited relatively good linear direct correlations with the percentage goitre distribution in a region, nearly 2/3 of the state. It is concluded that there is possibly an interplay of several factors and in particular the carbonate content of drinking water which, in association with a state of iodine deficiency, may be regarded as responsible for the goitre endemic seen in this part of the Continental Africa.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Hyperuricaemia in sickle cell disease.

The serum uric acid level of 69 children below the age of 11 years with homozygous sickle cell disease was determined by the uricase method. The values were compared with those seen in normal children in the same age group who were used as a control. A statistically significant difference was seen in their mean values; 28% of children with sickle cell disease exceeded the upper normal limit of the control group. The implications of the comparatively high uric acid levels are discussed.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗
PubMed1981

Calcium metabolism in African primigravids.

Serum calcium inorganic phosphorus, protein and alkaline phosphatase as well as urine calcium were studied in fifty-five primigravid Nigerian women during pregnancy and postnatal period. Each patient was seen at the various stages of pregnancy and thus acted as her own control. Serum calcium levels fell with progressing pregnancy. Urine calcium showed a highly significant decrease throughout pregnancy and in the puerperium. Alkaline phosphatase showed a continuous rise with advancing gestation which was statistically highly significant, with a return towards normal values in the postnatal period. Serum inorganic phosphorus showed no significant alteration right through the pregnancy period. The normoproteinaemia seen in the group studied suggests that albumin did not make any contribution to the fall in the serum calcium levels seen during the study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Liver function and the diagnostic significance of biochemical changes in the blood of African children with sickle cell disease.

The blood biochemistry of 84 young homozygous sickle cell patients aged 1 to 11 years was analysed for evidence of liver disease. A comparison of the values found in their blood with those seen in normal children from an identical age group, assessed at the same time, shows no convincing evidence of liver cell damage except in 12% of cases. The normal transaminase observed in many of the patients assessed, together with the high alkaline phosphatase activity which seemed to be out of proportion to plasma bilirubin, is a picture compatible with localised obstructive lesions of the liver or bone lesions, both of which are common in sickle cell disease. This biochemical pattern suggests that the conjugated bilirubin, which dominates the picture in 40% of patients who have 'haemolytic jaundice', is due largely, not to liver cell damage, but to a combination of two factors, namely, intrahepatic cholestasis and the presence of actively functioning liver cells. Adequate albumin synthesis found in these patients, together with normal thymol reactions, provides further evidence of the absence of severe liver cell damage.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1979

Serum protein profile in sickle cell disease.

The total protein, albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin levels of sera from 96 children with homozygous sickle cell disease were studied. A comparison of the results with the levels found in a control group of normal children of the same age shows that the sicklers have higher total protein, globulin, and IgM levels. The amounts of albumin and IgA seen were almost the same in both groups. The IgG levels differed considerably, the sicklers having only about half the quantity seen in normal children.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1978

Serum and urine electrolytes in primigravid Africans during pregnancy and postnatal period.

Serum and urine electrolyte changes were studied in 55 primigravid African women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. The findings suggest that there is a fall in the serum sodium in the first trimester, which is followed by a gradual and steady rise throughout pregnancy. The serum potassium did not show any consistent pattern, while the serum chloride generally followed that of the serum sodium. These findings are similar to those reported for the Caucasian, although the African subject displays a lower serum sodium level and a much higher chloride level throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period. It is suggested that the reduction in sodium excretion noted in the third trimester is a reflection of the increasing sodium concentration in the blood with advancing pregnancy. The few patients who developed oedema and pre-eclampsia excreted relatively larger amounts of sodium in the puerperium.

Black People↗
PubMed1978

Insulin-reaction test for diagnosis of low renal threshold for glucose in African diabetics.

Ten randomly selected Nigerian diabetic patients who were given an intramuscular insulin-reaction test (I.M.I.R.T.) to determine their renal threshold for glucose were found to have a very low mean renal threshold. This finding could be of great significance in the clinical management of Nigerian diabetics in whom relatively high urine-sugar levels may be found despite low blood-glucose levels. It is suggested that the I.M.I.R.T. be routinely carried out, where possible, for more accurate management of the Nigerian diabetic patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Relative hyperelectrolytemia in northern Nigerians.

A number of studies among the peoples of tropical Africa have shown exceptionally low electrolyte levels. This paper reports a study of more than 200 healthy northern Nigerian subjects which yielded precisely the opposite picture--exceptionally high levels of both sodium and chloride. The relatively high protein and urea values in the same individuals suggest that the high electrolyte levels seen are due to dehydration. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Adolescent↗