Phytochemical Distribution and Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Sapium ellipticum (Hochst.) Pax Leaf Extracts

In this study, different extract fractions (aqueous, ethanol, methanol, hexane, diethyl ether and chloroform) of Sapium ellipticum (SE) leaf obtained by cold extraction method were screened for phytochemicals, and antimicrobial sensitivity. The percentage yield of extract was highest in methanol fraction (22.8%) and lowest in chloroform (3.64%). Flavonoids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides were collectively observed in the fractions. More phytochemicals were observed in ethanol fraction than other fractions. Quantitative estimation of the powdered leaf sample showed 10.8±0.54% flavonoids, 9.24±0.12% alkaloids, 7.26±1.01% tannins, 1.63±0.14% glycosides and 74.2±3.12mgGAE/g total phenols. Eight human pathogenic microbes (four bacteria, three fungi and yeast) were used to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity of the different extract fractions using agar well diffusion method. A broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy was observed in the relatively more polar fractions (ethanol, methanol and aqueous), with ethanol having the highest potency (minimum inhibitory concentration range of 6.25-50 mgmL-1) on the microorganism strains for which the fractions were reactive. Conversely, the less polar fractions (diethyl ether, chloroform and hexane) were largely resisted by the microbial isolates. Only methanol and ethanol fractions were effective against yeast growth. Except for penicillin camemberti which was slightly sensitive to ethanol extract, the fungal isolates generally resisted the investigated fractions. Overall, findings from this study indicates that polar solvents extracts of Sapium ellipticum, particular ethanol fraction are rich in arrays of phytochemicals, and are capable of eliciting strong antibacterial activities, as much as 113-375% potency in comparison to Sensitive Disk Test (SDT) containing known antimicrobial drugs such as Ofloxacine (OFL), Gentamycin (GEN), Chloramphenicol (CHL), Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and cephalexin (CXC).

Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin in Neonatal Sepsis

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality in developing countries. Accurate and quick diagnosis are difficult because clinical presentation are non-specific; bacterial cultures are time-consuming and other laboratory tests lack sensitivity and specificity. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed as an early marker of infections in neonates. Objectives: This study investigated the value of PCT in the diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis.Methods: Neonates undergoing sepsis evaluation at the Special Baby Care Unit; Federal Medical Centre; Abeokuta; Nigeria between January and April 2013 were included. Blood samples were obtained for white cell count; blood cultures; serum CRP and PCT analysis. Neonates were categorised into Proven Sepsis; Suspected Sepsis and Clinical Sepsis groups on the basis of laboratory findings and risk factors. A control group with no clinical and biological data of infection was also included. Predictive values and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PCT were evaluated.Result: Of the 85 neonates; 19 (22.4%) had positive blood culture. PCT level was significantly higher in neonates in all sepsis groups in comparison with those in the control group (P 0.05). At a cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml; the negative predictive value (NPV) of PCT was 80% and the positive predictive value (PPV) 39%. There were no significant statistical difference between the AUC values of PCT in Early onset and Late onset sepsis; as well between AUC in Preterm and term cases. A higher percentage of neonates who died (96%) had elevated PCT levels compared to those who survived (46%).Conclusion: These findings support the usefulness of the PCT in diagnosis of Neonatal sepsis

Supplementation of vitamins C, E and its combination on paraquat-intoxicated rats: effects on some biochemical and markers of oxidative stress parameters.

Paraquat (PQ) is a toxic chemical that is widely used as an herbicide in developing countries. It has been described as a major suicide agent, thus leading to its ban or restriction in use by Environmental Protection Agency in some countries. There is no known chelating agent or antidote for PQ. This study investigated protective effects of antioxidant vitamins C, E and its combination in both pre-treatments and post-treatments. Pre-treatment of rats with vitamins C, E and C+E gave survival rates of 40%, 20%and 20% respectively while post-treatment gave 80%, 20% and 20% respectively when lethal dose (150mg/Kg) of PQ was administered. However, when sub-lethal dose (75mg/Kg) was administered, biochemical investigations revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in cholesterol, SOD, CAT, POD and GPx activities, decreased total protein and triglyceride in PQ treated rats. The extent of lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was more pronounced in the lung than in the liver. Histopathological investigations revealed proliferation of the bile duct and severe centrilobular necrosis in the liver and severe haemorrhage in the lungs of rats treated with PQ alone compared to the control. No visible lesion except hepatic regeneration and mild congestion of the liver and kidney of vitamin C post-treated rats were observed. The results also provided some evidence in respect of the potency of vitamin C post-treatment in conferring some level of protection against PQ-induced oxidative stress by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Effects of contraceptives on serum trace elements, calcium and phosphorus levels / Efectos de los contraceptivos sobre los elementos traza en suero, y los niveles de calcio y fósforo

BACKGROUND: Women on different contraceptive methods have been linked with the development of various diseases and possible changes in serum trace elements and vitamins of women on contraceptives have been postulated. Therefore, the relationship between contraceptive use and trace elements needs to be investigated. Methods:This is a cross-sectional randomized study. After informed consent was obtained, blood samples were collected from a total of 100 women of child-bearing age on different contraceptive methods: 50 on oral contraceptives, 25 on injectables and another 25 on intra-uterine device. Blood samples were also collected from another 50 age-matched non-contraceptive users to serve as control. Serum was analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer for zinc, copper, manganese, iron, selenium, cadmium, lead and magnesium while colorimetric method was used for phosphorus and calcium. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilogram/height in meter squared. Results obtained from laboratory analysis and anthropometric measurements were analysed using computer SPSS package. Results:The mean serum zinc, selenium, phosphorus and magnesium levels obtained from subjects on contraceptives were significantly lower (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05 respectively) than those of the control group. However, the mean serum copper, iron, calcium and cadmium levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in participants on contraceptive when compared with the control group. Manganese and lead levels were similar in participants and control groups. Correlation analysis shows significant association between some trace elements and the duration ofcontraception and body mass index ofthe participants. CONCLUSION: The study showed and confirmed reduced levels of trace elements in women on contraceptives. The reduction is proportional to the duration ofcontraceptive use.

ANTECEDENTES: Mujeres que usan diferentes métodos anticonceptivos han sido vinculadas al desarrollo de varias enfermedades, y se han presupuesto cambios en los elementos traza en suero y las vitaminas de mujeres en torno a los contraceptivos. Por lo tanto, se hace necesario investigar la relación entre el uso de contraceptivos y los elementos traza. MÉTODOS: Éste es un estudio transversal randomizado. Después de obtener el consentimiento infor mado, se recogieron muestras de sangre de un total de 100 mujeres de edad de maternidad en relación con diferentes métodos anticonceptivos: 50 con contraceptivos orales, 25 con inyectables, y otras 25 con dispositivos intrauterinos. También se tomaron muestras de sangre de otras 50 mujeres pareadas por edad y no usuarias de anticonceptivos, para servir de control. Se analizó el suero usando el espectrofotómetro de absorción atómico para zinc, cobre, manganeso, hierro, selenio, cadmio, plomo, y magnesio, mientras que el método colorimétrico se usó para el fósforo y el calcio. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) fue calculado como el peso en altura/kilogramo en metro cuadrado. Los resultados obtenidos del análisis de laboratorio así como las dimensiones antropométricas, se analizaron usando el paquete computacional SPSS. RESULTADOS: Los niveles promedio en suero de zinc, selenio, fósforo y los niveles de magnesio obtenidos de sujetos bajo el uso de contraceptivos fueron significativamente más bajos (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 y p < 0.05 respectivamente) que aquéllos del grupo de control. Sin embargo, los niveles promedio en suero de cobre, hierro, calcio y cadmio fueron significativamente más altos (p < 0.05) en los participantes bajo el uso de contraceptivos, en comparación con el grupo de control. Los niveles de manganeso y plomo fueron similares en los participantes y los grupos de control. El análisis de la correlación muestra una asociación significativa entre algunos elementos traza, y la duración de la contracepción y el índice de masa corporal de los participantes. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio mostró y confirmó niveles reducidos de elementos traza en las mujeres bajo contraceptivos. La reducción es proporcional a la duración del uso de contraceptivos.

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

The Use of Rap-Pcr in Studying Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Intracellular Gene During Macrophage Infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the second leading cause of death from infectious agent. This study sought to detect M. tuberculosis genes; which were specifically expressed; or upregulated during intracellular infection of J774 murine macrophages; as such genes may be potential targets for novel drug action. J774 murine macrophage cell line was infected with M. tuberculosis (H37Rv strain) at 10:1 multiplicity of infection (MOI). RNA was differentially extracted from M. tuberculosis infecting J774 macrophage cell line. The control in this case was RNA from extracellular broth grown bacteria. Approximately 50 ng of RNA from intracellular derived bacteria and extracellular derived bacteria (control) were subjected to random arbitrarily primed PCR (RAP-PCR) using 50 primer combinations. Eleven differential RAP-PCR products were observed. All RAP-PCR products were cloned into pCRr2.1 and sequenced in order to determine the identity of the products. Four of the eleven products were derived from macrophage genes and another 4 products were derived from the M. tuberculosis rRNA genes (three 23S and one 16S rRNA). The 3 remaining RAP-PCR products were found to be mycobacterial genes other than ribosomal genes. The three products were genes encoding enzyme involving in a shikimate pathway; a putative carboxyphosphonoenolpyruvate phosphonomutase and a serine protease with homology to HtrA. Of the 3 mycobacterial genes other than ribosomal genes detected; none were specifically expressed during intracellular infection but bacilli