ABSTRACT
Occupational exposure to mixed chemicals generates free radicals with inadequate antioxidants resulting in oxidative stress. Recently, hypogonadism in male auto-mechanics was associated with oxidative stress. Studies show that testosterone, a male hormone increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes. This study is aimed at evaluating the oxidative stress biomarkers and their relationship with testosterone in auto mechanics in Ibadan, Nigeria. Eighty-three males participated in this prospective cross sectional study after informed consent. Forty-three were male auto-mechanics, occupationally exposed to mixed chemicals in the mechanic community, Bodija, Ibadan (cases). Their mean (SEM) age and body mass index (BMI) were 42.5 (1.7) years and 23.8 (0.5) Kg/m2 respectively. They were age and BMI matched with 40 unexposed, apparently healthy males from the University College Hospital and environs (controls). Demography, social habits, anthropometry and gonadal status were obtained by standard methods. Serum obtained from blood (10 ml) collected from the participants was used for biochemical analyses. Testosterone levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay method (Immunometrics UK Ltd). Levels of total antioxidant capacity, total plasma peroxide (TPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined using spectrophotometric methods while oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. P<0.05 was regarded as significant. TPP, MDA, OSI, H2O2 and GST `levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) in eugonadal cases compared with controls. All these biomarkers levels were similar in hypogonadal compared with eugonadal cases. (P>0.05) Testosterone related negatively with SOD in the controls only but positively with MDA and negatively with GST in cases only (P<0.05). Occupationally exposed auto mechanics appear to have oxidative stress and may benefit improvement in antioxidant status. Testosterone may contribute to and enhance total antioxidant status, which may be important in gonadal function.
ABSTRACT
Metabolic Syndrome (MS), which affects 33.1% of Nigerians, predisposing them to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, has been associated with the female gender. The cardioprotective effect of oestradiol against CVD is now controversial and was investigated in premenopausal with MS (PRMMS) and postmenopausal women with MS (POMMS). A total of 191 women (44 PRMMS, 126 POMMS and 21 premenopausal women without MS (PRM) (controls) with mean (s.d) age of 40.0 (6.9), 57.0 (8.8), 29.0 (6.8) years were participants of this study. Demography, blood pressure (BP), anthropometry, hormones, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipids were obtained by standard methods. Data were significant at (P<.05). Age, parity, all anthropometric measures, FPG, leptin, ET ratio and FSH were significantly higher while HDLC, testosterone and prolactin were significantly lower in PRMMS compared with controls (P<.03). In comparison of POMMS with PRMMS, age, parity, WHR, systolic BP, TG, FSH and LH were significantly higher while body weight, HC, and leptin were lower in POMMS compared with PRMMS (P<.05). DBP positively predicted oestradiol in PRM only (P=.044) while oestradiol positively predicted testosterone in PRMMS only (P<.001). In POMMS only, DBP positively predicted testosterone; testosterone, ET ratio and FSH positively predicted oestradiol while LDLC and oestradiol positively predicted the ET ratio (P<.03). Metabolic syndrome may predispose both pre and postmenopausal women to the risk cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Oestradiol may protect against cardiovascular diseases in women without metabolic syndrome only.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The study investigated the possible relationship of luteal phase progesterone, toxic heavy metals and nutrients in normal-weight women with history of recurrent pregnancy loss for adequate management. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Shagamu and State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode; the University of Ibadan and environs between April and September, 2009. Methodology: 90 apparently healthy women with normal weight aged 18-45years with regular and ovulatory cycles of 26-30 days were enrolled. They were 60 women with history of recurrent pregnancy loss (cases) age-matched with 30 women without history of recurrent pregnancy loss (controls). Demographic and anthropometric measurements were done by standard methods. Progesterone was determined by enzyme immunoassay (Immunometrics UK Ltd). Total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein were performed by enzymatic methods (Randox laboratories, USA) while low density lipoprotein was calculated using Friedwald’s formula. Zinc, selenium, chromium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, lead, and cadmium were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry while Vitamin E was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Results showed significantly higher levels of triglycerides, cadmium and lead, and significantly lower levels of progesterone, iron, copper, magnesium, chromium, selenium and vitamin E in cases compared with controls (p<0.013). Conclusion: Oxidative stress mechanisms in normal-weight women with history of recurrent pregnancy loss were implicated. Healthcare policies should focus on pollution reduction and increase awareness on healthy diet for optimal periconceptional micronutrient requirements.
ABSTRACT
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