Maternal Serum Levels of Alpha Tumour Necrotic Factor, Interleukin 10, Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 4 in Malaria Infected Pregnant Women Based on Their Gestational Age in Southeast, Nigeria

Malaria has been reported as a condition caused by infestation with Plasmodium parasite species, is a major public health problem globally especially in developing countries like Nigeria. This study was carriedout in Federal Medical Centre Umuahia in Abia State, Nigeria. A study was done to determine the maternal serumlevels of alpha tumour necrotic factor, interleukin 10, interleukin 6and interleukin 4 in malaria infected pregnant women based on their gestational age in Southeast, Nigeria. A total of 150 subjects between the ages of 18-45 years were recruited for the study comprising of fifty (50) subjects each of the 3 trimesters. Commercial ELISA Kit by MELSIN Medical Co Limited was used to measure all the cytokines. The results of Table 1 showed no significant difference of TNF-α (p=0.346), IL-10 (p=0.059), IL-6 (p=0.811) and IL-4 (p=0.257) of malaria infected pregnant women at first trimester and second trimester respectively. The results of Table 2 showed no significant difference of TNF-α (p=0.642), IL-10 (p=0.678), IL-6 (p=0.551) and IL-4 (p=0.280) of malaria infected pregnant women at first trimester and third trimester respectively. The results of Table 2 showed no significant difference of TNF-α (p=0.062), IL-10 (p=0.016), IL-6 (p=0.352) and IL-4 (p=0.914) of malaria infected pregnant women at first trimester and third trimester respectively. The study showed no changes in the cytokines studied among the malaria infected pregnant women based on gestational ages except when IL-10 was compared between the subjects on second trimester and third trimester. This study shows that malaria infection does not changes these cytokines in pregnant women based on gestational ages except the il-10 when compared at second trimester and third trimester but changes when compared at other trimesters.

Evaluation of Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Patients Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Southeastern Part of Nigeria

A study to evaluate the levels of interferon-gamma, interleukins 6 and 10, hepcidin, iron status and some haematological parameters in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus was carried out. A total of 150 subjects aged 18-60 years were enlisted for this study. The subjects were grouped into: Group A (50 control subjects) and Group B (100 HIV subjects, 50 subjects were non ART HIV patients, 50 subjects were on Lamivudine, Tenofavir and Efavirenz). About 7ml of venous blood were collected from each subject;4.5ml of blood were placed into plain tubes for assay of interferon gamma, interleukins (6&10), hepcidin and iron and 2.5ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidinwere measured using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300, China. The data was analysed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 using ANOVA and the level of significance set at P<0.05. The results showed difference that was statistically significant (P<0.05) in IFN-γ (16.25±0.87pg/ml, 29.31±1.44pg/ml,18.49±1.48pg/ml, P=0.000),IL-6(7.98±0.22pg/ml, 11.08±1.21pg/ml,8.79±0.76pg/ml,P=0.000), IL-10(8.52±0.62pg/ml, 16.62±1.53pg/ml,10.39±1.06Pg/ml P=0.000), CD4 (1045.54 ±247.24Cells/L, 195.60 ±35.94Cells/L,10.39±1.06cells/L P=0.000), hepcidin (6.03±1.38ng/ml, 39.59 ±4.50ng/ml, 20.86±3.43ng/ml, P=0.000), Iron (86.29±7.27 μg/dl, 73.43±5.45 μg/dl,85.44±8.45μg/dl, P=0.000), TIBC (345.56±28.40 μg/dl, 287.19 ±8.21μg/dl,305.46±18.82μg/dl, P=0.000),%TSA (25.16±3.18%, 25.61±2.22%,28.08 ±3.42%,P=0.000) WBC (5.87 ±0.88 X 109/L, 4.69±0.72X 109/L,4.80±0.45X 109/L, P=0.000), Neutrophils (60.57±2.83%, 75.16±3.68%,69.04±2.90%, P=0.000), Lymphocytes (30.69 ±2.84%, 17.24±2.50%, 24.46±2.60%,P=0.000), Monocytes (5.59 ±1.2%, 4.18±1.12%,3.97±0.92%, P=0.000), Eosinophils (2.30 ±1.05%, 2.16±0.82%,1.67±0.57%, P=0.000), Basophil 0.86 ±0.39%, 1.31±0.94%, 0.86±0.44%,P=0.018), RBC (4.92±0.30 X 1012/L, 3.34±0.21 X 1012/L,3.60 ±0.18X 1012/L, P=0.000), Haemoglobin (14.75±0.90,g/dl, 10.05±0.65g/dl,10.80±0.53g/dl, P=0.000), PCV (44.25±2.70%, 30.14±1.95,32.56±1.50%, P=0.000), MCV(89.92±2.3fl, 79.49±1.28fl,88.15±2.08fl, P=0.029), MCH (36.12±1.53pg, 26.60±0.48P, P=0.002), Platelets (261.75±22.71 X 109/L, 246.16±9.93 X 109/L,189.32±17.00X 109/L, P=0.000), ESR (7.03 ±1.38mm/hr, 59.52 ±6.46mm/hr,43.34±4.82mm/hr, P=0.000) when compared among Control, Non ART HIV and ART positive subjects.g,28.57±1.78pg, P=0.000), MCHC (368.46±12.28g/l, 318.92±7.33g/l,333.56±22.61g/l. The study shows that interferon gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and hepcidin are some of the biomarkers in thepathogenesis of HIV. The infection of HIV increases the levels of the cytokines. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as prognostic and diagnostic markers as their levels decreased with treatment of the patients

Synthesis of N-aryl substituted p-toluenesulphonamides via nickel catalyzed amidation reaction and their antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities evaluation

In present study nickel catalyzed synthesis of N-[aryl] substituted p-toluene sulphonamides is reported. The intermediate 4-methylbenzenesulphonamide [2] was obtained by the reaction between p-toluene sulphonyl chloride and ammonium hydroxide. Various readily available aryl halides [3a-e] Substituted p-toluene sulphonamides [4a-e] were obtained by coupling 4-methylbenezenesulphonamide [2] with via Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction. Chemical structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared [FT-1R], proton and carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [1 H-NMR and 13C-NMR] and mass spectroscopy. The new compounds were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella typhi, candida albicans and Aspergillusniger using agar diffusion technique. Some of the compounds showed higher activity when compared with the standards [ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole]. The sulphonamides were further screened for antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, Ferrous sulphate lipid per oxidation and Ferric reducing antioxidant power and the compound showed good antioxidant activity. Tests such as acute toxicity, liver function and kidney function was also carried out on the synthesized compounds

Plasma Arsenic and Selenium in Apparently Healthy Individuals in Ebonyi State, South-Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: Although reports are conflicting on arsenic-selenium interactions, there is paucity of data on the determinants of plasma selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) in healthy individuals in Ebonyi State, South Eastern Nigeria. Ebonyi State is richly endowed with mineral deposits which are mined without consideration of their health hazards. This study is aimed at assessing the socio-demographic determinants of plasma arsenic and selenium in apparently healthy individuals in Ebonyi State. Methods: Apparently healthy individuals (n=441) consisting of 117 males, 184 females and 140 pregnant females, aged ≥ 18 years (mean=38.5±0.6 yrs) were randomly selected from 130 geo-political Wards (10 Wards from each of the 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi state) to constitute the study population. Plasma arsenic and selenium were determined in blood samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Socio-demographic data were collected using questionnaires while anthropometric measurements were determined using standard methods. Results: The mean plasma arsenic levels were 0.204±0.02 (males), 0.209±0.02 (females), 0.186±0.02 μg/ dl (pregnant females) and plasma selenium levels were 0.134±0.01 (males), 0.138±0.01 (females), 0.147±0.01 μg/dl (pregnant females), respectively. Plasma Se levels were generally lower than the value (5.92 μg/dl) considered universally as inadequate. While plasma levels of As and Se were not significantly different between male and female, obese subjects had significantly lower plasma levels of both elements. There was a significant negative correlation between BMI and plasma As. Neither smoking nor alcohol consumption was associated with plasma levels of As and Se. Conclusion: Apparently healthy individuals in Ebonyi State exhibited elevated plasma levels of As and low plasma Se, which may potentially place them at risk of adverse health associated with As toxicity.

Plasma Antioxidant Vitamins Are Not Related to Body Mass Index but Socio-demographic Factors among Apparently Healthy Nigerians Resident in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Existing literature suggests that oxidative stress may be an important underlying denominator for obesity development and its co-morbidities. The beneficial role of antioxidants in the prevention of oxidative stress and development of diseases is well known. The present study explored the associations between antioxidant vitamins and body mass index (BMI) with other health-related factors in apparently healthy Nigerians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 443 apparently healthy adults aged 18-83 years (mean 38.4±13.7 years) were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic data of the participants while weight (kg) and height (m) were determined using standard procedures. Participants were categorised as underweight (n=18), normal weight (n=259), overweight (n=124) and obese (n=42) in accordance with WHO BMI classification. Blood samples were collected for determination of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E using HPLC. Results: The prevalence of obesity in our study population was 9.5%. Obesity and overweight were found to be more prevalent among the artisans and individuals with secondary education. Vitamins A, C and E levels were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the BMI groups. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a non-significant relationship between plasma antioxidant vitamins and BMI in apparently healthy Nigerians in Abakaliki. However, our study suggests that secondary education and the middle age group (31-40 years) may be associated with overweight and obesity.

Pulmonary problems among quarry workers of stone crushing industrial site at Umuoghara, Ebonyi state, Nigeria

Respiratory problem is one of the major health hazards in dust-exposed workers; it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. To determine the prevalence of respiratory problems and lung function impairment among quarry workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Respiratory problems and lung function were studied in 403 quarry workers aged 10-60 years. Respiratory problems were investigated with a questionnaire based on international models adapted for the study population. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and chest roentgenography. The respiratory problems found were chest pain [47.6%], occasional cough [40.7%], occasional shortness of breath [6.5%] and wheezing [5.2%]. The mean +/- SD FEV[1] and FVC values were significantly decreased with length of exposure-respectively, 3.52 +/- 0.77 and 3.91 +/- 0.72 L for <5 years; 2.79 +/- 0.68 and 3.09 +/- 0.87 L for 5-10 years; and 2.03 +/- 0.92 and 2.86 +/- 0.83 L for >10 years of exposure. Moreover, the mean +/- SD FEV[1] and FVC values of smoker [3.37 +/- 0.81 and 3.56 +/- 1.02 L, respectively] were significantly [p<0.05] lower than that of non-smokers [3.68 +/- 1.02 and 3.89 +/- 0.99 L, respectively] working in the quarry site. Chronic exposure to dust due to stone quarrying may increase the risk of respiratory problems and impaired lung function-cigarette smokers are at higher risk

Well waters fluoride in Enugu, Nigeria

Abnormal fluoride levels in drinking water have been associated with adverse health effects. To determine the fluoride content of well waters in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria, water samples from 50 artisan wells chosen by multistage sampling procedure from the 5 zones of Enugu municipality were analyzed in duplicates for their fluoride content. The zonal mean values were 0.60, 0.70, 0.62, 0.62, and 0.63 mg/L for Abakpa Nike, Achara Layout, Obiagu/ Ogui, Trans Ekulu and Uwani, respectively [p<0.05]. The mean value for the whole city was 0.63 mg/L. Although, the mean level of fluoride recorded in this study is currently within safe limits [1.5 mg/L, WHO 2011], it is important to monitor continuously the fluoride content of well waters in the municipality in view of the increasing industrial activities going on in the city and heavy reliance on well water for domestic purposes and the widespread use of consumer products containing fluoride

Abnormal findings on dipstick urinalysis of out-patient with malaria in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Background & objectives: Malaria, one of the major health challenges of the tropics affecting about 500 million people, particularly the children and pregnant women have been associated with changes in urine compositions. The present study was undertaken to document the urinary abnormalities in malaria patients based on malaria species and the level of malaria parasitaemia. Methods: Febrile patients (n = 365) with positive Giemsa-stained blood films for malaria recruited from Outpatient Department of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki participated in the study. Patients were classified into two categories (+ and ++) based on parasite density. Apparently healthy individuals (n = 81), without malaria parasite on both thick and thin films of comparable age and gender acted as control group. Urine sample (10 ml) was collected from each participant and analysed using standard laboratory methods and techniques. Results: Seventy-four (20.3%) of the patients had Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Although all the urine parameters were higher in the malarial patients in comparison to the control, only bilirubinuria and urobilinogenuria were statistically significant (p <0.05). Also, bilirubinuria, urobilinogenuria, haematuria and proteinuria were significantly (p <0.05) higher in P. falciparum infection than in infections with other malaria species, but only in P. falciparum infection, bilirubinuria and urobilinogenuria were significantly (p <0.05) higher at higher parasitaemia. Conclusion: Even though positive blood film for malaria parasite remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria, urinary abnormalities, such as bilirubinuria, urobilinogenuria, proteinuria and haematuria may aid in identifying patients with severe malaria parasitaemia, especially the falciparum malaria.

Maternal Sociodemographic Parameters: Impact on Trace Element Status and Pregnancy Outcomes in Nigerian Women.

To determine the impact of socioeconomic status on plasma trace element status and pregnancy outcomes, 349 pregnant women, aged 15-40 years (mean 27.04 ±2.75 years), recruited at ≤25 weeks (mean 21.76±3.12 weeks) gestational age, were followed up till delivery during which maternal and foetal outcomes were recorded. Plasma copper, iron, and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer while maternal sociodemographic data were obtained using a questionnaire. Except for copper, lower plasma iron and zinc were significantly (p<0.05) higher in women from socioeconomically-disadvantaged groups. Both adverse maternal health and foetal outcomes also seemed to be more prevalent in socioeconomically-disadvantaged women, although without a definite trend. This study has shown that, in economically-disadvantaged setting of developing countries, maternal socioeconomic status impacts on maternal trace element (copper, iron, and zinc) status and health and foetal outcomes.

Impacts of elevated prenatal blood lead on trace element status and pregnancy outcomes in occupationally non-exposed women

Lead toxicity has been reported to affect hematopoietic, nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular and urinary tract systems. Many investigators have so far studied the effects of high blood lead levels on pregnancy outcomes. To investigate the effects of elevated maternal blood lead during pregnancy on some trace elements and pregnancy outcomes. Blood lead and plasma copper, iron and zinc were measured in 349 pregnant women with a mean_SD age of 27.0 +/- 4.8 years, and gestational age of 21.8 +/- 3.1 weeks, at recruitment using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Maternal and fetal outcomes were recorded during follow-up and at delivery, respectively. A blood lead level of >10 pg/dL was considered high. Women with elevated blood lead had significantly higher plasma copper and iron and lower plasma zinc than women with low blood lead level [<10 microg/dL]. Blood lead level correlated with maternal hemoglobin concentration [r=-0.1054, p=0.051] and total white blood cell count [r=0.1045, p=0.053]. Hypertension, malaria and low birth weight were significantly higher [p<0.05] in women with elevated blood lead than in those with low blood lead level. Complications of pregnancy may be induced by a high blood lead level possibly through the alterations in trace element metabolism

Prevalence of Low Sperm Count and Abnormal Semen Parameters in Male Partners of Women Consulting at Infertility Clinic in Abakaliki; Nigeria

In order to provide an insight to the prevalence of low sperm count and abnormal semen parameters in suspected subfertile/ infertile men in our environment; semen samples collected from one hundred and seventy (170) men aged 21-50 years; whose wives were seen at a private fertility clinic in Abakaliki; Nigeria with diagnosis of primary and secondary infertility (78 and 92 respectively) were analysed in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Significantly high proportion (70) of the study population had low sperm count (p 0.05) with significantly high defective parameters (64). Asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia were the major abnormal parameters recorded. Higher prevalence of oligospermia was found in the civil servants and age-group 31-40 years (74and 75respectively). Using 105 cfu/ml as a significant level of bacteria growth; the prevalence of bacteria growth was found to be 56of which 18were from normospermic semen d 38 from oligospermic semen