Oxidative stress and lipid profile among hypertensive patients at a tertiary centre in Kano, Northwest, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension as a global public health challenge is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CVD) and coronary heart diseases (CHD) because of its chronic sequelae. It is accompanied by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress leading to increase in lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to measure the fasting serum lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) and determine the atherogenic index as well as the cardiovascular risk ratio among hypertensive patients in Kano, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: Two hundred subjects (100 hypertensive patients vs. 100 normotensive controls) were recruited for the study. The fasting serum lipid profile and MDA were assayed using routine laboratory methods. Lipid ratios that predict and identify an individual's increased risk for cardiovascular diseases were then determined from the results of the profile. Results: The serum total cholesterol (7.0±0.5 vs 4.1±0.4 mmol/L), triglycerides (2.9±0.2 vs 2.0±0.3 mmol/Lg/dl), LDL cholesterol (3.8±0.4 vs 2.6±0.4 mmol/L), VLDL cholesterol (3.0±0.2 vs 2.1±0.2 mmol/L) and MDA (TBARS) (9×10-5±1.4×10-5 vs 3×106±0.9×10-6 mol/l) were significantly (p<0.05) increase in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive controls. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher (p<0.05) in normotensive controls compared to hypertensive patients (31.4±8 vs 23.9±6 mg/dl). A statistically significant (p<0.05) positive correlation was observed between LDL cholesterol and MDA only. Both the atherogenic index (AI) ratio and the CardioRisk ratio were significantly higher in Hypertensives than Normal controls (10.4 vs 4.1; 11.7 vs 5.1 respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increased occurrence of atherogenic lipid profile and oxidative stress among hypertensive patients. It further showed a strong correlation between dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress. Therapeutic lifestyle changes and use of statins should be considered an integral part of the treatment for hypertensive patients in Nigeria

Statut des marqueurs du stress oxydatif au service de médecine interne et d'endocrinologie de l'hôpital du Mali

Introduction : Le stress oxydant est un déséquilibre entre les défenses antioxydantes endogènes etla production de molécules pro-oxydantes. L'objectif principal était d'étudier les différents marqueurs du stress oxydatif (oxydant et antioxydant) chez les sujets diabétiques et non diabétiques au niveau du service de médecine interne et d'endocrinologie de l'hôpital du Mali à Bamako. Matériels et méthodes : l'étude était transversale avec comparaison entre 30 sujets diabétiques et 30 sujets non diabétiques. Les marqueurs étudiés : Glutathion peroxydase érythrocytaire (GPX), la Superoxyde dismutase (SOD) intra érythrocytaire, l'acide urique plasmatique, Les bilirubines directes et totales, l'albumine ainsi que quelque marqueur de diagnostic et de suivi du diabète. Résultats. Trois pour cent de nos diabétiques avaient un taux de glutathion peroxydase élevé contre 9% des non diabétiques (p =0,005) ; augmentation de la Superoxyde dismutase des diabétiques 73,3% contre 40% des non diabétiques (p =0). Taux d'albumine, acide urique et la bilirubine identiques dans les deux populations ; hémoglobine glyquée était corrélée significativement aux complications dégénératives micro angiopathies (p=0,0058) et macro angiopathies (p=0,00017) chez les diabétiques. Conclusion : l'étude a montré une augmentation des défenses antioxydantes chez les trente diabétiques par l'élévation de la Superoxyde dismutase et normalisation relative du glutathion peroxydase

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

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

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

Comparaison des effets nutritionnels de l'oléine de palme (huile de palme raffinée) à ceux de l'huile d'olive

Objectif : cette étude avait pour objectif de comparer les effets nutritionnels de l'oléine de palme à ceux de l'huile d'olive chez des rats.Méthodes : il s'agissait d'une étude expérimentale réalisée chez des rats Wistar mâles nourris avec un régime contenant 30% de lipides (oléine de palme et huile d'olive). Les rats avaient un libre accès à la nourriture et à l'eau. Après 12 semaines d'expériences, les animaux ont été sacrifiés et le sang aortique a été prélevé. Le plasma obtenu après traitement a été séparé en aliquotes qui ont servi au dosage des paramètres du profil lipidique (cholestérol total, triglycérides et HDL cholestérol); des paramètres du stress oxydant (SOD, GPx, TBARS, Thiols); de l'interleukine-6 et des transaminases (ALAT et ASAT).Résultats : Aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre l'huile d'Olive et l'Oléine de palme concernant les taux plasmatiques d'interleukine-6, de cholestérol total, de triglycérides, de HDL cholestérol, de GPx, des TBARS et des thiols. La consommation d'huile d'Olive a augmenté de façon significative l'activité de la SOD (p=0,0242) et l'activité de l'ALAT (p=0,0199).Conclusion : Cette étude a montré que la consommation de l'oléine de palme induit un profil lipidique non athéromateux et améliore le statut antioxydant

Plasma Concentration of Ascorbic Acid and Some Hematological Parameters in Tobacco Snuffers Among the Igbos of Southeastern Nigeria

Tobacco snuffing; like cigarette smoking; is known to be a common habit among the adults of Igbo communities in Nigeria. In view of the various pharmacological actions of nicotine and other additive constituents of tobacco snuff; there is growing concern that ascorbic acid; which is a vital antioxidant; and blood cell production or morphology may be affected. Objective: To investigate the possible effects of prolonged use of tobacco snuff on plasma ascorbic acid concentrations and some hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: Fifty adults of Igbo extraction (35 males and 15 females) residents in and around Enugu metropolis; who have been snuffing tobacco for 6 years and above; were recruited for the study; after they gave informed consent. Also; 50 apparently healthy; age-matched persons (25 males; 25 females); who do not smoke or take tobacco snuff; served as controls. Spectrophotometric method was adopted for ascorbic acid determination while hematological profiles were assessed by Bain method. Results: The results showed no significant difference in the measured parameters relative to the controls AA (P=0.08); Hb (P=0.19); PCV (P=0.10); RC (P=0.06); PC (P=0.20); WBC (P=0.09). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that tobacco snuff inhalation may not adversely affect plasma ascorbic acid concentration and hematological parameters in adult humans. The study; however; has not concluded that tobacco snuffing is totally wholesome

Chlamydia Infection; Plasma Peroxidation and Obesity in Tubal Infertility

Background: Genital tract infections and obesity are both sources of oxidative stress. Alterations in immune and antioxidant parameters may arise from this or from an indeterminate autoimmune mechanism. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of Chlamydial infection; obesity and oxidative response with tubal infertility in Nigerian women. Methods: It was a case-control study of 40 women with tubal infertility and 32 fertile women; respectively; recruited from the Infertility and Family Planning Clinics respectively; of the University College Hospital; Ibadan; Nigeria. Anthropometric indices were measured in each subject and endocervical swabs were taken to screen for current genital tract infection. Antioxidant; hormonal and immunologic analysis were performed on serum. Results: None of the subjects had current genital tract infections. Chlamydia trachomatis IgG positivity was significantly higher in infertile than in fertile subjects [OR 4.33; 95CI (0.078-0.681)]. No significant variations were observed in the anthropometric indices; antioxidant parameters and hormones between infertile and the fertile women. Body mass index correlated positively with oxidative stress in infertile subjects. Waist and hip circumferences correlated negatively with oestradiol in women with tubal infertility. Conclusion: Chlamydial infection is associated with tubal factor infertility; however; obesity seems to increase oxidative stress and reduce fertility potential in women with tubal factor infertility

GSTM1; GSTP1 and NQO1 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Asthma among South African Children

Gluthathione-S-transferase (GSTM1 and GSTP1) and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) genes play an important role in cellular protection against oxidative stress; which has been linked to asthma pathogenesis. We investigated whether common; functional polymorphisms in GSTM1; GSTP1; and NQO1 influence susceptibility to asthma among schoolchildren in South Africa. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 317 primary schoolchildren; aged 9-11 years; from the urban; underprivileged socio-economic communities of Durban. GSTM1 (null vs. present genotype); GSTP1 (Ile105Val; AA ?AG+GG) and the NQO1 (Pro/Ser; CC ?CT/TT) genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction. Among the children; 30 were GSTM1 null; 65 carried the G allele for GSTP1; and 36 carried the C allele for NQO1.There was a high prevalence of asthma of any severity (46.1); with 20.4 reporting persistent asthma. The GSTP1 AG+GG polymorphic genotype was significantly associated with persistent asthma (adjusted OR = 3.98; CI = 1.39; 11.36; p-value = 0.01). Neither the GSTM1; nor the NQO1; genotype was a significant predictor of persistent asthma. Therefore; the GSTP1 A/G variant may modulate the risk of persistent asthma among our sample

Oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia among ghanaian HAART-Naive HIV Patients and those on HAART

"Background: Pharmacogenomics/pharmacogenetics has the potential to mitigate adverse drug reactions and optimize pharmacotherapy in individuals. Over the past several years; there has been increasing attention towards the characterization of pharmacogenomic biomarkers in African populations; both locally and internationally. However; the perceptions of the African health care community towards pharmacogenomic testing have not been studied. Objectives: To assess knowledge and perceptions of pharmacogenomics among health care professionals in Benin City; Nigeria. Methods: In this preliminary and pilot investigation; we used a semi-structured qualitative survey methodology to understand the perceptions of pharmacists and pharmacologists towards pharmacogenomics in an academic care centre in Benin City; Nigeria. Three themes were explored: Knowledge and experience with pharmacogenetics; Expectations about how a pharmacogenetic testing service could be used; and Capacity building for pharmacogenetic service delivery.Results: Though none of the participants had received training or undertaken research in pharmaco-genomics; all participants were familiar with the field and listed beneficial outcomes associated with pharmacogenetic testing. Participants identified factors such as lack of funding; infrastructure; and manpower for limitations of pharmacogenomic testing in Nigeria. Participants listed numerous ethical issues and concerns in recruiting participants for research and introducing pharmacogenetics in the clinic; including the need to ""win the confidence of the people."" Conclusion: Pharmacists and pharmacologists in an academic centre in Nigeria are aware of the benefits of pharmacogenomics; but cite many hurdles to overcome before this field can become a routine part of patient care in their communities."

Oxidative Stress and Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Enugu; South-East Nigeria

Background: There is growing evidence that excess generation of highly reactive free radicals; largely due to hyperglycaemia causes oxidative stress; which further exacerbates the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Objectives: In this study; the level of oxidative stress was compared with glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Method: Fifty confirmed type 2 diabetic patients; aged between 25 and 70 years were used for the study. 20 patients with good glycaemic control served as positive control while 20 apparently healthy non-diabetic age-matched individuals served as negative control. The FBS; MDA and HbA1c were determined in fasting blood samples using standard methods. Results: Patients with poor glycaemic control had significantly raised MDA and HbA1c (P =0.0001) when compared with non diabetics However; those with good glycaemic control only had a significant increase in the MDA when compared to non diabetic. (P =0.0001).).The MDA level when compared to fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) showed a positive correlation.( r= 0.77; P = 0.0001 and r=0.69; P = 0.0001 respectively) Conclusion: This study showed that both glycaemic control and lipid peroxidation are factors to be monitored or evaluated in the management of type2 diabetics to avoid the development of diabetic complications

Biochemical Nutritional Parameters in Breast-Milk and Plasma of HIV Infected Lactating Nigerian Mothers on Anti-Retroviral Therapy

Undernourishment in HIV infected individuals exacerbates immunosuppression; acceleration of HIV replication and CD4 + T cell depletion. The production of human milk (lactogenesis) is dependent on factors in the blood therefore deranged blood parameters in HIV patients are expected to reflect in the components of breast milk. Study on effects of HIV infection on nutritional components of breast milk and plasma is scarce. This study assessed the impact which HIV infection might have on the nutritional quality of human breast milk and plasma by determining the levels of biochemical nutritional factors such as albumin; pre-albumin; transferrin and retinol binding in HIV infected lactating mothers (n=20) and HIV-negative lactating mothers (n=30) using immunoplates. The mean plasma level of albumin was significantly reduced in HIV infected lactating mothers (HIM) compared with HIV-negative lactating mothers (control). Breast milk transferrin was significantly increased in HIM compared with the control. It is concluded from this study that hypoalbuminaemia is a common feature in HIV-infected lactating mothers

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

Oxidative Stress Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Enhancement of Endogenous Antioxidant Defence Systems and the Promise of Improved Outcome

Background: Management of brain injury can pose enormous challenges to the health team. There are many studies aimed at discovering or developing pharmacotherapeutic agents targeted at improving outcome of head-injured patients. This paper reviews the role of oxidative stress in neuronal loss following traumatic brain injury and presents experimental and clinical evidence of the role of exogenous antioxidants as neuroprotectants. Method: We reviewed published literature on reactive oxygen species and their role in experimental and clinical brain injuries in journals and the Internet using Yahoo and Google search engines. Results: Traumatic brain injury causes massive production of reactive oxygen species with resultant oxidative stress. In experimental brain injury; exogenous antioxidants are useful in limiting oxidative damage. Results with clinical brain injury are however more varied. Conclusion: Oxidative stress due to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species with consequent impai rment of endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms plays significant role in the secondary events leading to neuronal death. Enhancement of the defence mechanisms through the use of exogenous antioxidants may be neuroprotective; especially the agents can penetrate cell membranes; are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and if they are administered within the neuroprotective time window

Effect of antimalarial drugs and malaria infection on oxidative stress in pregnant women

This work studied the effect of malaria infection and antimalarial drugs on oxidative stress in 259 pregnant and non-pregnant women at Ade-Oyo hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring serum lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels using spectrophotometer. The results showed that mean lipid peroxidation was significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria positive than malaria negative women, while GSH and ascorbic acid levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. The parasite density was significantly reduced in patients who had taken antimalarial drugs relative to those without. While mean ascorbic acid and GSH levels were significantly reduced in those who had taken drugs as compared with those without drugs, the lipid peroxidation level was significantly higher in them. The increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in GSH and ascorbic acid levels in women who were malaria positive and in those who had taken drugs is indicative of oxidative stress. (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 209-212)

Iron overload and pregnancy outcome among Sudanese women

Dispensing iron tablets to pregnant women at antenatal clinics is a common practice in Sudan.Iron overload and; consequently; oxidative stress is a possible risk.Objective: In this study; we examined the iron status in pregnant women in correlation to pregnancy outcome.Subjects and methods: The study was conducted in Khartoum state; Sudan in the period December 2007 February 2009. Venous blood samples were obtained from 123 women at delivery.Undesirable pregnancy outcomes as preeclampsia; low birth weight; caesarean sections and preterm delivery; if any; were recorded. Serum iron and hematological parameters were determined.Results: Mothers were grouped; according to their serum iron levels; as low serum iron (LSI: 50 7g/dl; n170 7g/dl;n=11) groups. The incidence of preeclampsia was highest among the IOL group (72.7); followed by the LSI group (35.7) and lowest among the NSI (19.4) group; p=. The mean babies' birth weights were comparable among the IOL and the LSI groups but both were significantly lower than that among the NSI group.Conclusion: Iron supplementation to pregnant women must be rationalized so that women will benefit without developing undesirable effects

Role of Quercetin in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease constitutes a major public health concern in industrialized nations. Over recent decades; a large body of evidence has accumulated indicating that oxidative stress induced free radicals play a critical role in cellular processes implicated in atherosclerosis and many other heart diseases. However a diet high in antioxidants is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The compound quercetin is a dietary antioxidant with a polyphenolic structure that is present in many foods; such as onion; apples; wine and tea. An increased intake of quercetin has been correlated with a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Quercetin has been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects in animals and man besides its antioxidative and free radical scavenging actions. This paper reviews various steps of oxidative stress mediated atherogenesis and their signaling pathways and also emphasizes the role of quercetin in controlling oxidative stress and reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of some Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Malaria Therapy in Southwestern Nigeria

Purpose: Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the development of anaemia in malaria. Indeed; increase in total antioxidant status has been shown to be important in recovery from malaria. The antioxidant activities of four medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in southwestern Nigeria were determi- ned. Methods: The ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Carica papaya Linn. [Caricaceae] ; stem bark of Magnifera indica Linn. [Anacardiaceae]; leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. [Myrtaceae] and the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del. [Compositae]; were used in the present study. The plant parts commonly used in the locality in malaria therapy were employed in this study. The plants were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and; their effect on 2;2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) was used to determine their free radical scavenging activity. Results: Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids; terpenoids; saponins; tannins and reducing sugars. M. indica did not contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids while; P. guajava also showed the absence of alkaloids and anthraquinones. Anthraquinones was similarly absent from V. amygdalina. Concentrations of the plant extracts required for 50inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC50) were recorded as 0.04 mg/ml; 0.313 mg/ml; 0.58 mg/ml; 2.30 mg/ml and 0.054 mg/ml for P. guajava; M. Indica; C. papaya; V. amygdalina and Vitamin C; respectively. Conclusion : All the plants showed potent inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity; P. guajava being the most potent. The free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activities of these plants probably contribute to the effectiveness of the above plants in malaria therapy