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Background: Analysis of cement dust by various investigators has revealed that its contents include mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). Few studies done among cement factory workers in Nigeria showed conflicting results in haematological parameters which could not be related to any particular heavy metals. This necessitated the need for this study. Objective: This study aims to relate lead level with iron indices and complete blood count among bricklayers. Methods: Comparative cross sectional study among 45 bricklayers and 45 age and sex matched tailors. Questionnaire was administered to find out occupational practice. Plasma was analyzed for lead by Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) while serum was analyzed for ferittin and iron by ELISA and photometric method respectively. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and percentage Transferin saturation (%TFS) were derived by calculation while complete Blood Count (CBC) was determined using a Sysmex Kx21 auto-analyser. Results: Eighty seven percent of the bricklayers practice their profession without protective coverings. There was a significant increase in the plasma level of lead (p=.00) but decrease in ferrittin among bricklayers compared with controls (p=.00). Bricklayers with blood lead level above acceptable level (5 µg/dl) had significantly reduced ferittin (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study showed a relatively lower serum ferritin level among bricklayers which was more pronounced with increasing lead level. This may suggest depletion of iron store with increasing lead level. The use of protective measures such as gloves, facemasks and protective garments when in contact with cement and regular medical checkups to prevent depletion of iron store and its consequences are hereby suggested.
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Aim: To investigate the role of iron status in cervical carcinogenesis through its involvement in the Haber-Weis and Fenton reactions serving as a pathway to carcinogenesis and using 8-oxo-7, 8- dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) as a marker of DNA oxidation in a population where iron deficiency is prevalent. Study Design: It is a cross sectional study. Place of Study: The patients were recruited from the colposcopy clinic of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The laboratory investigations were carried out at the Haematology and Chemical Pathology laboratories of UCH, Ibadan and Oxidative Stress Group, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. Methodology: Forty-five subjects with CIN and 41 with normal Pap smear result (non-CIN) were recruited. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on demographic characteristics, dietary, social and medical history. Fasting blood sample were collected to assess for serum iron, total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation. Urine was also collected to analyze for creatinine and 8-oxodG. Results: The CIN subjects had more babies; > 5 than non-CIN subjects (P=.003). The individuals with > 5 children were 4 times more likely to have CIN [OR 3.79 (95% CI 1.3-10.33), P=.01]. CIN subjects had higher serum iron and transferrin saturation than non-CIN subjects. Though the mean urinary 8-oxodG level similar between the two groups, there was a trend towards higher levels in individuals with high grade CIN. Conclusion: High serum iron level was linked to frequent ingestion of iron supplement and may contribute to progression of CIN with a potential role for urinary 8-oxodG as a useful bio indicator of altered iron homeostasis and associated DNA damage.
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Aim: To determine indices of insulin sensitivity and oral disposition index (DIo) derived from 30 min of glucose challenge in adults with sickle cell anaemia; a group in whom there is chronic inflammation. Study Design: Case-controlled study. Place of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Department of Haematology, University of Ibadan/University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methodology: Twenty five (25) adults with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady state and 25 age, sex and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy individuals with HbAA genotype were recruited into this study. After an overnight fast of about 10 hr, 5 ml of venous blood was obtained from each participant for the determination of plasma glucose and serum insulin. Thereafter, each subject underwent a 75-g oral glucosetolerance test and at 30min, 5ml of venous blood was obtained for the determination of plasma glucose and serum insulin. Serum insulin was determined using ELISA while the plasma glucose was estimated using glucose oxidase method and indices of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were calculated appropriately. Differences between variables with Gaussian distribution were determined using independent Student’s t-test while Mann-Whitney U was used for the non-Gaussian variables. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was within the normal limit but was significantly lower in subjects with SCA compared with controls. All other indices of insulin sensitivity (insulinogenic index, fasting insulin resistance index, modified Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion/insulin resistance index) and oral disposition index (DIo) were similar in both groups. Conclusion: It could be concluded from this study that SCA subjects have a similar insulin sensitivity status with HbAA subjects. This suggests that SCA subjects might not be more predisposed to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus than those with HbAA despite the chronic inflammation associated with the former.
ABSTRACT
Patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome are at a high risk of recurrent thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss. Infertility and a number of other clinical manifestations have also been attributed to this syndrome. There are many tests for detecting the presence of the lupus anticoagulant but the most sensitive remains controversial. In this study we have used a combination of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and Kaolin clotting time (KCT) to determine the presence of the antibody in 125 healthy individuals which included pregnant women. Six (4.8) and four (3.2) of the subjects had elevated aPTT and a KCT ratio 1.2 respectively. The tests showed a high prevalence of the lupus anticoagulant in the multiparous group than the other groups while there is paucity of the anticoagulant in the pregnant women who are not at risk. We suggest the use of both aPTT and KCT for the screening of patients in whom the antiphospholipid syndrome is suspected. (SLE) [2] is sought for when a clinician suspects the presence of the inhibitor due to its recognized clinical features or an unexplained prolonged Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPPT). There are various tests available for detecting the presence of the lupus anticoagulant but the most sensitive remains a controversy. The tests used are the aPPT [3]; kaolin clotting time (KCT)[4]; dilute Russell's viper venom time (RVVT)[5]; and the platelet neutralization test (PNT)[6]. At least two of these tests must be performed when investigating a patient suspected of having the lupus anticoagulant [6]. Detection of anticardiolipin antibody using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay is another test which is sensitive to the presence of the anticoagulant but this may not be practicable in a developing country set up. In this study the presence of the lupus anticoagulant was sought for in healthy individuals using the aPTT and the KCT
Subject(s)
Antiphospholipid Syndrome , Lupus Coagulation InhibitorABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in blood donors with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and alaninine transaminases (ALT) levels and possible risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Over a 6-month period, consecutive blood donors were screened for HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT and risk factors for HBV transmission. One hundred seventy-five adults (158 males, 17 females) were screened. Thirty-seven (21.3%) were HBsAg positive, 4 (2.3%) were HBeAg Positive and 17 (9.7%) had a raised ALT level, which ranged between 42-126 IU/L. All the HBeAg-positive subjects had raised ALT levels. The main risk factors among others, were scarification and indiscriminate injections. Twenty of the 37 HBsAg-positive subjects (54%) had no identifiable risk factor. The present study revealed that, HBeAg positivity among HBsAg positive blood donors was infrequent and whenever present was associated with active liver disease indicated by raised ALT value.