Effects of genistein supplementation on the characteristics of human sperm during liquid storage

Cryopreservation, the most popular way to preserve human sperm, led to a significant decline in sperm motility. Here, we tried to introduce a new method to store sperm without freezing. Different concentrations of genistein were added to liquid preserved sperm. We investigated the effects of supplementation on sperm total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), glutathione(GSH), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), acrosomal enzyme activity, and fertilization ability of sperm. The effects of liquid storage and cryopreservation on sperm parameters were also compared. IVF medium supplemented with genistein (20µmol L-1 ) maintained sperm motility for up to 11 days. The addition of genistein led to a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that demonstrated an effective improvement in sperm motility and decreased the MDA production and maintained the GSH content and enhanced the oxidative stress resistance ability of the sperm during liquid storage. The storage sperm were used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) into human oocytes and activated oocytes successfully. Sperm stored in liquid medium containing genistein was superior to sperm stored in liquid nitrogen in terms of antioxidant stress and fertilization ability. We confirmed that genistein could be used as an antioxidant for the liquid storage of sperm. Sperm stored in an IVF medium with genistein could avoid cryodamage, which may become an alternative option in assisted reproduction technology. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 72-82)

Endométriose et supplémentation nutritionnelle: une revue de littérature / Endometriosis and nutritional supplementation : a literature review

Contexte et objectif. L'endométriose est une maladie gynécologique caractérisée par la présence des glandes et du stroma endométrial en dehors de la cavité utérine. Elle serait influencée par la nutrition. Cette maladie touche 10 à 15 % des femmes en âge de procréer et a comme composante essentielle l'inflammation chronique. Les symptômes les plus fréquents sont la douleur et l'infertilité. La littérature actuelle fait état des effets bénéfiques des aliments antiinflammatoires et antioxydants sur l'endométriose. L'objectif de la présente mini revue est d'établir des pistes de réflexion sur le bénéfice d'une supplémentation nutritionnelle dans l'endométriose. Méthodes. Nous avons effectué une recherche avec les bases de données de Pubmed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library et Embase pour identifier les articles et essais cliniques randomisés dont sept ont été retenus pour l'analyse. Résultats. La supplémentation en souches probiotiques, en vitamine E et en vitamine C a une influence positive sur les symptômes liés à l'endométriose. De plus, un ensemble des composés contenant des vitamines, sels minéraux, ferments lactiques et oméga 3 et 6 ainsi qu'une alimentation de type anti-inflammatoire et les aliments pauvres en glucides fermentés cibles auraient également une influence positive sur les symptômes. En revanche, la vitamine n'aurait aucun effet significatif. Conclusion. Une prise en charge nutritionnelle, notamment axée sur une supplémentation en antioxydants, anti-inflammatoires et en souches probiotiques constitue une piste prometteuse pour la prise en charge de l'endométriose

Context and objective. Endometriosis is a gynecological disease which is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity and might be influenced by nutrition. It affects 10 to 15 % of women of childbearing age and has chronic inflammation as an essential component. The most common symptoms are pain and infertility. Current literature reports the beneficial effects of antiinflammatory and antioxidant foods on endometriosis. The present paper reviews the benefits of nutritional supplementation in endometriosis. Methods. A search was performed using the Pubmed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library and Embase database engines to identify articles and randomized clinical trials, of which seven were selected for analysis. Results. Supplementation with probiotic strains, vitamin E and vitamin C has a positive influence on the symptoms associated with endometriosis. In addition, a set of compounds containing vitamins, minerals, lactic ferments and omega 3 and 6 as well as an antiinflammatory type diet and foods low in fermentable carbohydrates would also have a positive influence on the symptoms. In contrast, vitamin D did not have any significant effect. Conclusion. Nutritional management, in particular focusing on supplementation with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs and probiotic strains, is a promising avenue for the management of endometriosis.

Cadmium and Mercury Exposure: Oxidative, Neurobehavioural and Histological Alterations to the Cerebellum of Wistar Rats

Background: The unprecedented increase in metal exposure has been aided by modern industrialization and anthropogenic activities. Cadmium and mercury are recognized as two of the most common heavy metals with destructive impacts on most organ systems. The present study was designed to investigate and improve existing literature on the possible deleterious effects of cadmium and mercury exposure. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were treated with cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg/day) and mercury chloride (4 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Body, brain and cerebellar weights, motor deficits, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation activities as well as histological alterations to the cerebellum were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Results: Findings showed a significant reduction in body and brain weights, dysregulation of antioxidant enzymes activity and impaired locomotion and exploratory activity in treated rats. Also, an increase in lipid peroxidation and degeneration of Purkinje cells of the cerebellum was observed in treated rats. Conclusion: Overall, these results corroborate previous findings that cadmium and mercury induce deleterious effects on the cerebellum and central nervous system. In addition, this study helps to provide an anatomical perspective and information on the exact cerebellar changes induced by cadmium and mercury in Wistar rats.

Lipid - Lowering Effect of a Mixture of Allium cepa bulb and Camellia sinensis Leaf Extracts in Rats fed on High fat Diet

The burden of hyperlipidemia is on the rise globally especially in many low-income countries like Uganda. Management of this metabolic disorder mainly involves dietary and behavioral therapies, which are often met with poor results as they require time and discipline from the patients. The chemotherapeutic options available are expensive, have many side effects and are rarely available to the average citizen. Thus, an alternative effective remedy which is readily available and cheap is needed to combat the problem of hyperlipidemia. This study sought to establish the effect of the mixture of Allium cepa extract and Camellia sinensis extract on the serum lipid profile of the male Wistar rats. Allium cepa and Camellia sinensis mixture in a ratio of 3:7 had the highest antioxidant activity. It reduced body weight, total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL, and in addition it had no toxicity to the liver of the animal models used. It has thus been recommended as a potential therapy for hyperlipidemia and its associated complication of liver toxicity. A pharmaco-kinetic study regarding the interaction of antioxidants for combinations of Allium cepa and Camellia sinensis extracts in different ratios should be conducted to understand the cause of synergism and antagonism.

Evaluation comparative de l'activité anti-oxydante des extraits éthanoliques des feuilles d'Olea europaea L. de l'Est Algérien / Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from leaves of Olea europaea L. from Eastern Algeria

Introduction: Objectif-Dans les dernières décennies il y a eu un intérêt croissant pour l'étude des plantes médicinales et leur utilisation traditionnelle pour le traitement de diverses maladies. L'olivier ou Olea europaea L. constitue une entité indissociable des peuples méditerranéens. Cette plante appartient à la grande famille des oleaceae. L'objectif de cette étude a été d'évaluer l'activité anti-oxydante des extraits éthanoliques de quatre variétés sauvages de la plante O.europaea des régions de l'Est algérien : Batna et Mila (hautes-plateaux), Biskra (Sahara) et Skikda (ville côtière). Matériels et méthodes - L'évaluation de l'activité anti-oxydante in vitro des extraits éthanoliques de la plante O.europaea a été réalisée par différentes méthodes, notamment le piégeage du radical libre DPPH• et le pouvoir réducteur des ions ferriques. Résultats : L'analyse quantitative des extraits éthanoliques des feuilles de la plante O.europaea a révélé que l'extrait de Mila était plus riche (420.36 mg GAE/g MS), suivi de celui de Batna (396.84 mg GAE/g MS), puis celui de Biskra (de 380.69 mg GAE/g MS) et enfin de l'extrait de Skikda (368.45 mg GAE/g MS). Les résultats de l'activité antiradicalaire des extraits éthanoliques ont montré que ceux de Batna et Mila possédaient le pouvoir le plus important. Conclusion -Les résultats obtenus confirment favorablement l'utilisation des feuilles d'O.europaea en médecine traditionnelle algérienne pour le traitement de diverses maladies.

Introduction-Objective-In recent decades the study of medicinal proprieties of Olea europaea showed an increase interest of medicinal plants and their traditional use for the treatment of various diseases. The olive tree or Olea europaea L. is an inseparable entity of the Mediterranean people. This plant belongs to the large family of oleaceae. The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts from four wild varieties of O.europea in the eastern regions of Algeria: Batna and Mila (highlands), Biskra (Sahara) and Skikda (coastal city). Material and methods - The evaluation of the antioxidant activity in vitro of the ethanolic extracts of O.europaea plant was carried out by various methods, in particular, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results -Quantitative analysis of ethanolic extracts from the leaves of the plant O.europaea revealed that Mila's extract was richer (420.36 mg GAE / g DM), followed by that of Batna (396.84 mg GAE / g DM), then that of Biskra (380.69 mg GAE / g MS) and finally by Skikda extract (368.45 mg GAE / g MS). The results of DPPH free radical scavenging of the ethanolic extracts showed that those of Batna and Mila had the most important power. Conclusion - The obtained results favorably confirm the use of O.europaea leaves in traditional Algerian medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

Oxidative stress markers and disease severity among children with sickle cell anaemia

Background: Sickle cell anaemia has been associated with oxidative stress. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) are cumulative markers of oxidative stress. Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of oxidative stress markers in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and determine the relationship between these markers and disease severity. Method: One hundred and fifty-six children, comprising 78 with SCA, aged 1 - 15 years and 78 age- and sex-matched Haemoglobin AA controls were studied. Serum TOS, OSI, and TAC were determined using ELISA kits. The severity of the SCA was determined using clinical and laboratory parameters. Result: Children with SCA had lower mean serum TAC (0.83±0.31UAE) than controls (1.19±0.24UAE) with p< 0.001) but positive correlation with TOS (r = 0.3, p = 0.008) and OSI (r = 0.6, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Children with SCA had lower TAC but higher TOS and OSI than matched controls. Oxidative stress markers had a significant relationship with SCD severity

Rooibos herbal tea: An optimal cup and its consumers

Background: Rooibos types and forms and how prepared and flavoured influence the total polyphenol content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).Aim: To denote an optimal rooibos cup as having the highest total polyphenol content and TAC, considering the different types, forms, preparation methods and flavourings and amounts (Phase 1), and determine the demographic, lifestyle and rooibos consumption characteristics of adult rooibos consumers, and the association of these characteristics with drinking the optimal cup (Phase 2).Setting: Assays: Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Consumer survey: George area, South Africa. Method: Phase 1 entailed determining the total polyphenol content (Folin­Ciocalteau method) and TAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay) of the prepared rooibos samples. For Phase 2, a developed, pilot tested questionnaire was used to profile adult rooibos consumers.Results: Phase 1: the following samples delivered higher total polyphenol content and TAC: green (type), green leaves and powdered extract (forms), and sample steeped for 10 min or longer (preparation method). The identified optimal cup was sample steeped for 10 min or longer. Phase 2: a total of 308 respondents completed the questionnaire. Few consumed more than one rooibos cup per day (25.3%; n = 78) and the optimal cup (15.9%; n = 49). These latter respondents comprised those who steeped rooibos in a teapot (not a cup or mug) (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The optimal cup was identified as sample steeped for 10 min or longer. The rooibos consumers did not consume it sufficiently, nor steeped it long enough

Rooibos herbal tea: an optimal cup and its consumers

Background: Rooibos types and forms and how prepared and flavoured influence the total polyphenol content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Aim: To denote an optimal rooibos cup as having the highest total polyphenol content and TAC, considering the different types, forms, preparation methods and flavourings and amounts (Phase 1), and determine the demographic, lifestyle and rooibos consumption characteristics of adult rooibos consumers, and the association of these characteristics with drinking the optimal cup (Phase 2). Setting: Assays: Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Consumer survey: George area, South Africa. Method: Phase 1 entailed determining the total polyphenol content (Folin­Ciocalteau method) and TAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay) of the prepared rooibos samples. For Phase 2, a developed, pilot tested questionnaire was used to profile adult rooibos consumers. Results: Phase 1: the following samples delivered higher total polyphenol content and TAC: green (type), green leaves and powdered extract (forms), and sample steeped for 10 min or longer (preparation method). The identified optimal cup was sample steeped for 10 min or longer. Phase 2: a total of 308 respondents completed the questionnaire. Few consumed more than one rooibos cup per day (25.3%; n = 78) and the optimal cup (15.9%; n = 49). These latter respondents comprised those who steeped rooibos in a teapot (not a cup or mug) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The optimal cup was identified as sample steeped for 10 min or longer. The rooibos consumers did not consume it sufficiently, nor steeped it long enough

Estimation of superoxide dismutase levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid among smokers and non-smokers in periodontitis patients - an observational study

Background: Smoking, which is an important risk factor for periodontitis, induces oxidative stress in the body and causes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). The present study was done to quantify and compare the level of SOD enzyme levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva among smokers and nonsmokers. Methodology: One hundred and thirty-five individuals in the age range of 20­55 years, including 45 light smokers, 45 heavy smokers, and 45 nonsmokers (controls), were selected and the clinical parameters recorded were plaque index, probing depth, and attachment loss. Smokers were divided into light smokers (<10 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes/day) and into three subgroups: healthy, mild periodontitis, and moderate periodontitis. GCF and saliva samples were collected then SOD levels were analyzed using spectrophotometric assay. Results: The mean levels of SOD in the GCF and saliva of smokers were decreased compared to controls. Intra- and inter-group analyses showed a significant reduction in the levels of SOD in the GCF and saliva of heavy smokers compared to light smokers and the control group. Conclusions: There was a progressive reduction in SOD levels from healthy nonsmokers to light smokers to heavy smokers

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and anti-Candida albicans activities of Annona cherimola Mill. fruit pulp

Aims: The main objectives of the present study were to characterize the phytochemical profile of Annona cherimola Mill, to assess its antioxidant characteristics and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Methods and Material: Aqueous decoction, aqueous infusion, aqueous maceration, and methanolic maceration were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and to quantify content of phenolics, tannins, and flavonoids. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, as well the assessment of antifungal activity for the different extracts. Results: Results showed that phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins were present in the four extracts. The aqueous maceration extract presented the highest total phenolic content (3.687 mg GAE/g of extract). Decoction extract showed the lowest phenolic content 2.504 mg GAE/g. Besides, infusion showed the most important total flavonoids content (2.567mg CE/g). The most relevant total antioxidant activity was found for decoction (lowest IC50 12.61 mg/ml AAE). The aqueous maceration exhibited the less antioxidant activity (IC50= 21.98 mg/ml AAE). The best scavenging activity was observed for decoction (IC50=7.27 mg/mL). All the extracts showed a reducing capacity. Infusion exhibited the best reducing power (EC50 = 11.29 mg/mL), compared to decoction (EC50 = 39.32 mg/mL). Regarding antifungal activity, at 100 and 200 µg/mL, decoction and methanolic maceration resulted in 6 and 9 mm inhibition zone, respectively. In addition, at higher doses (800 and 2000 µg/mL), inhibition zone increased in a dose dependent manner for all the extracts. Conclusions: Annona cherimola Mill. could be an important source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antifungal activities

Decreased total antioxidant levels and increased oxidative stress in South African type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background: Chronic hyperglycaemia in diabetes mellitus leads to increased lipid peroxidation in the body, followed by the development of chronic complications due to oxidative stress.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare total antioxidant (TAO) levels and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with that of healthy controls without diabetes.Methods: A total of 98 participants (57 T2DM and 41 healthy people) gave their consent and participated in the study. Routine biochemical methods were used for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile measurements. Serum TAO levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were analysed using standard commercial reagent kits.Results: A significant rise in FPG, HbA1c, triglycerides, MDA and ox-LDL, and a significant reduction in TAO and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed in T2DM patients compared with controls. A significant negative relationship was observed between TAO levels and MDA levels in the T2DM group. Increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant levels were observed in T2DM patients.Conclusion: Early management through an antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle changes in T2DM patients would help to avert the debilitating complications of diabetes

Estimation of Total Carotenoids and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Selected Vegetables

Background: Vegetables are known for their rich carotenoid content responsible for their antioxidant properties. Objectives: This study sought to estimate the total carotenoid content (TCC) in four edible Nigerian vegetables; compare their free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and relate their TCC to their respective FRSA. Methods: The method employed for extraction involved homogenization with ethanol using a blender. Estimation of the TCC was obtained by an equation derived from their Chlorophyll A and B contents from reading absorbances of homogenates at 470nm; 649nm and 665nm. FRSA of ethanolic homogenates on 2;2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) by decreased absorbance of 1mM DPPH on adding extracts was read at 517nm. The FRSA obtained by 0.2-1% concentrations done in triplicates was compared statistically (ANOVA Test; p0.01). Mean Inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was obtained graphically via percentage inhibition/concentration curve. Results: Capsicum annum had the highest TCC compared to the other vegetables. Carica papaya leaves exhibited a superior FRSA compared to other plants (p0.0001). Results showed that there may be a direct relationship between TCC and FRSA. However; Carica papaya which had the highest FRSA did not show a high TCC. Hence; Carica papaya may possess other phytochemicals other than carotenoids responsible for its high FRSA. Conclusion: This study shows that Carica papaya leaves had a high FRSA and antioxidant capacity due to the presence of carotenoids and other beneficial phytochemicals. This evidence supports the fact that it can be included into our diet as Africans

Oxidant status of children infected with plasmodium falciparum malaria in Katsina metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Malaria is a global menace caused by the transfer of a plasmodium parasite to a host by an infected anopheles mosquito. Upon infection; the overwhelmed host releases free radicals which have the capacity to induce oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum on some antioxidant markers and lipid peroxidation levels in children attending hospitals in Katsina State; Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from untreated subjects upon confirmation of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia using the Giemsa stain technique. One hundred and sixty (160) consenting individuals (80 infected patients and 80 uninfected subjects) comprising of both sexes were randomly selected. The levels of antioxidant markers and malondialdehyde (MDA) - a lipid peroxidation marker were determined. Descriptive analysis was employed using SPSS version 16.0 and significance between groups was ascertained using students' T-test. Results: P. falciparum malarial infection significantly (p 0.05) reduced the antioxidant markers [vitamins A; C; et E; and reduced glutathione (GSH)] by 65.4%; 29.7%; 48.1%; 40.4% respectively in males and by 54.2%; 36.6%; 55.7% ; 36.6% in females when compared with values obtained from uninfected; healthy children. Conversely; lipid peroxidation levels were significantly (p 0.05) higher in children with parasitaemia than in nonparasitaemic controls. Males showed greater than 200% increase; while it increased by 138% in females. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a reciprocal relationship; where high levels of lipid peroxidation correspond to low levels of antioxidants; which may be due to over utilization of the antioxidants in order to counteract the effect of free radicals. This may be responsible for oxidative stress and consequently; tissue damage associated with pathology of malaria in Nigerian children

Investigation of the antioxidant activity and quantification of the amount of heavy Metals and some vitamins in carrot

Background: Carrot is a root vegetable from the Umbelliferae family. It is a biennial plant grown for their edible root. Carrots are a good source of carbohydrates and minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Magnesium and may contain toxic amounts of metals as a result of run off effects. It is also rich in carotene, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin C.Objectives: To determine the amounts of toxic heavy metals, quantify the amounts of vitamins A and E and investigate the antioxidant activities of Carrot.Method: The research investigated the antioxidant properties of carrot on the basis of the radical scavenging activity on DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl), heavy metal analysis were carried out using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while analysis of vitamins was done using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography).Result: The carrot sample analyzed contained considerable amount of some toxic metals of interest (Cr 0.024, 0.105ppm; Cu 15.76, 30.95ppm; Fe 66.94, 103.95ppm; Zn 16.57, 44.22ppm; Pb 0.018, 0.021ppm) in the leaves and root respectively. The samples also contain a very good amount of the vitamin A (12.863, 44.977ppm) and Vitamin E (0.087, 0.22ppm) in leaves and root respectively. It also showed some antioxidant activity and test positive for most phytochemicals.Conclusion: The actual concentrations of the respective heavy metals found in two parts of the D. carota samples were within the threshold limit but there was slight variation in the amount present in the root D. carota as compared to its leaf. The root had more concentrations of the metals and this could be due to the fact that the root is more exposed to these metals during plant uptake

The Effects of Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding on Children with Asthma and Allergy

The increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases highlights the need for devising effective prevention strategies. Several studies have investigated the preventive effect of maternal avoidance of highly allergenic foods; such as cow's milk; eggs; and nuts; during pregnancy to protect the foetus from the effect of food allergens ingested by the mother

Antioxidant capacity of some plant foods and beverages consumed in the Eastern Region of Nigeria

Today plant foods and beverages are receiving more scientific attention because of their potential to curb the effect of free radicals in the human system. The present study reports on the antioxidant potentials of some plants foods and beverages consumed in the Eastern Region of Nigeria. The study made use of the ferric reducing antioxidant power; phenolic and the flavonoid contents assays to assess the quality of the antioxidant potentials of the plant foods and beverages. Of the different classes of foods analyzed the following showed high antioxidant potentials: coffee for beverages; star apple for fruits; thyme for vegetable and spices; and raices for alcoholic beverages. Generally the vegetables and spices registered the highest antioxidant properties. The results obtained in this study could help consumers' choice based on the antioxidant capacity of the samples analyzed

Antioxidant Levels of Acute Leukaemia Patients in Nigeria

The incorporation of nutritional screening and comprehensive assessments of oxidative stress is increasingly recognised as imperative in the development of standards for quality care in oncology. This study evaluated the levels of nitric oxide (NO); some essential trace metals (Zn; Cu; Fe; and Se); superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) in twenty five (25) patients with acute leukaemia and 25 apparently healthy controls. The mean levels of plasma Zinc (Zn); Iron (Fe) and Selenium (Se) were not significantly elevated (p 0.05) in leukaemia patients compared with controls. Also; slightly lower level of plasma Cu was observed in leukaemia patients compared with the controls. However; nitric oxide was significantly increased (p 0.05) in leukaemia patients compared with controls. The implication of the present finding is that intervention to increase antioxidant status in patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) should be considered

Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and mineral elements of human immunodeficiency virus positive subjects in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: Undernourishment and micronutrient deficiencies exacerbate immunosuppression, oxidative stress, acceleration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and CD4 T-cell depletion in HIV-infected individuals. Materials and Methods: The current work reports the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C and E) and minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu) in 90 HIV positive subjects attending the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. The serum levels of the micronutrients were correlated with the CD4 count of the subjects. Results: The results showed that the HIV positive subjects have significantly lower (P < 0.05) levels of vitamins A, C and E. Also, serum Zn, Fe, Cu and CD4 count were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with the HIV negative subjects. Micronutrient deficiencies were more pronounced in HIV positive subjects with CD4 counts less than 200 cell/ìl. The results based on age and sex showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference. Vitamins A, E and C and Zn and Fe showed positive correlation with CD4 count of the HIV positive subjects. Conclusion: The results suggest that the HIV subjects in the study area have lowered serum levels of antioxidant micronutrients and that the levels decrease with increase in the severity of the infection. These may increase the chances of the symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects progressing into full-blown Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome