RESUMO
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection with malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Nigeria. Both infections have impact on the disease severity and progression. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study aimed to determine the serum soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and albumin in HIV/malaria-infected individuals attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria. 168 randomly selected individuals aged 18-65 years grouped into 42 HIV-infected individuals on ART, 42 HIV-malaria c-o-infected individuals on ART, 42 malaria-infected individuals, and 42 apparently healthy individuals (control) were included in the study. Serum sICAM-1 and albumin were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bromocresol green technique respectively while CD4 T-cell count was obtained from the patients� records. Results: The mean serum sICAM-1, albumin and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were significantly higher in HIV individuals with and without malaria infection when compared with control participants (p<0.05) respectively. The mean CD4 T-cell count was significantly lower in HIV/malaria co-infected individuals when compared with HIV infected individuals (p <0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between CD4 count and sICAM-1 both in HIV infected individuals and HIV-malaria co-infection (p<0.05). Conclusions: The increased sICAM-1, SBP with decreased albumin levels suggests inflammatory and vascular changes with reduced hepatic synthesis which may result in endothelial dysfunction, adverse cardiovascular conditions, and disease progression.
RESUMO
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Escravos crude oil on serum concentrations of testosterone, total cholesterol, body weight, relative weight and microanatomical architecture of the testis using male Chinchilla Rabbits. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus between May and June 2013 (28 days). Methodology: A total of thirty male Chinchilla Rabbits aged 12 to 14 weeks and weighing 1.2kg to 1.45kg was used. Crude oil was administered orally at the doses of 15, 20, 25 and 30mg/kg body weight to groups designated B, C, D and E respectively for 28 days, while group A was given normal saline. Serum concentration of testosterone and total cholesterol were estimated using the microplate enzyme immunoassay and enzymatic end point methods, respectively. The SPSS software (version 20) was used for the statistical analysis and the result expressed in mean ± SD. Result: The results showed dose dependent effects on the hormone and biochemical assays, especially at the concentration of 25mg/kg body weight of the administered crude oil. Significant increases in serum concentrations of testosterone (0.32+/-0.05 to 0.46+/- 0.14) and total cholesterol (1.35+/-0.17 to 1.76+/-0.15) concentrations (p≤.05), and insignificant increase (p≥.05) in the relative weight of the testis (4.80+/-0.40 to 6.50+/- 0.90) were observed. The histology of the testes revealed hypertrophy of the seminiferous tubules, atrophy of the basal lamina and interstitial cells, and hemochromatosis. The histological findings agree with the hormonal and biochemical findings. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Escravos crude oil might be a potential endocrine disruptor and toxic substance which can affect the micro-anatomical architecture of the testis.