The levels of testosterone, zinc, manganese and selenium in type 2 diabetic patient in South-Eastern Nigeria.

Background: This study is aimed at evaluating the levels of some trace elements and testosterone, and to ascertain their possible association in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Ninety male type 2 diabetic subjects and forty five apparently healthy non-diabetic male individuals were recruited into this study. The control group was matched for age with the study subjects and they were all within the age range of 30-67 years. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), testosterone, trace elements (zinc, selenium, manganese), Body Mass Index (BMI) were determined. Results: This study showed significant decreases in the levels of trace elements (Zn, Se, and Mn) with a concomitant decrease in the levels of testosterone in type 2 diabetic patients (P <0.001). This findings were further strengthened by the strong positive correlation between testosterone and these trace elements (P <0.05). Conclusion: This suggests that low testosterone level might be as a result of low trace elements considering their role in testosterone production. Therefore, trace elements supplementation is recommended.

Effect of moderate and vigorous physical exercises on serum immunoglobulins G and M of healthy male individuals in Anambra State.

Background: Alterations in immunoglobulin levels have been implicated in physical exercises, of varying intensity and frequency. This has been largely attributed to decline in physical exercise thus predisposing many to various chronic ailments. The objective of this study was to determine and compare results of the effect of moderate and vigorous exercises on Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) before exercise, two weeks after exercise and four weeks after exercise. Methods: Serum concentration of IgG and IgM of both vigorous exercise group (50 male individuals who played football for 2 hours daily for 5 days/week) and moderate exercise group (50 male individuals who played football for 30 minutes daily for 3 days/week) were determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. All data were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) and analyzed with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while multiple comparisons were done using Post Hoc test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for correlational analysis. Results: In the moderate exercise group, mean BMI was reduced while IgG was increased but not significantly at P<0.05 all through. Mean serum IgM was increased significantly at P<0.05 mostly 4 weeks after exercise as compared with the results before exercise. In the vigorous exercise group, mean BMI was decreased while mean serum IgG was increased but not significantly at P<0.05. Mean serum IgM was significantly increased all through at P<0.05. Conclusions: Vigorous physical exercise can substantially increase fitness, but, moderate physical exercise, when performed frequently and over an extended period, produces enhanced immune response.

Effect of moderate - vigorous intensity physical exercise on female sex hormones in premenopausal university students in Nnewi, Nigeri.

Background: Sedentary lifestyle and diseases associated with it is on the increase in our communities, state and country as a whole. The objective was to determine the effect of exercise on ovarian reserve status of the participants using day 3 FSH, LH and estrogen values and the ovulatory status of the participants using day 21 progesterone values. Methods: The study was a prospective comparative study. A total of 30 participants were recruited for this work. They were divided into 2 groups: 15 subjects that did exercise for 1 month and 15 controls that didn’t do any form of exercise. Baseline blood samples were collected from the two groups on day 3 and day 21 of the menstrual cycle. The subjects started exercise on day 1 of the next menstrual cycle. Blood samples were collected from the subjects and control on day 3 and day 21 of the next menstrual cycle. Results: There was significant reduction in weight and therefore BMI of the study group compared to control group and study group baseline after one month of exercise (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the baseline levels of Estrogen, FSH, LH and progesterone between the subjects and control groups before the exercise, but after 1 month of exercise, there were significant differences in the levels of estrogen, FSH, LH and progesterone in these groups (P<0.01). Among the study group there were significant differences in the baseline and final levels of Estrogen, FSH, LH and Progesterone (P<0.01). Conclusions: The hormonal pattern shows that moderate-vigorous exercise may increase the responsiveness and sensitivity of the follicles to FSH and LH with attendant increase in ovulatory status of young females.

Evaluation of nephrotoxic effect of lead exposure among automobile repairers in Nnewi Metropolis.

Background: Lead toxicity is one of the most common occupational hazards that affect several organs of the body, kidney inclusive. Auto repairers are exposed to lead in petrol, radiator, leaded battery, lead soldering wire, and spray paints, thus this study was designed to evaluate lead-induced nephrotoxic effect among automobile repairers. Methods: A total of 80 male subjects within the age range of 20 and 65 years were recruited for this study. 50 subjects were occupationally exposed automobile repairers, of which 15 were electricians, 21 mechanics and 14 panel beaters/spray painters, whereas 30 were non-exposed students and staff from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus. Blood sample was collected from these individuals and their blood lead levels were determined alongside creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Results: The results showed that the mean levels of blood lead is significantly higher in automobile repairers than in control group (P <0.05). The comparison of blood lead level among different categories of automobile repairers (electricians, mechanics, and panel beaters/spray painters) showed no significant difference (P >0.05). The evaluation of the renal function markers show that, there were significant increases in the mean serum concentration of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in the study group compare to the control subjects (P <0.05). However, there was no significance difference in the mean levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in study group when compared to the control group (P >0.05). Conclusion: Findings from this study show that blood lead level is high among automobile repairers above CDC recommended level for adults. This high blood lead level among automobile repairers may be responsible for raised levels of renal markers which may eventually lead to their renal damage.

Comparison of serum levels of calcium and magnesium among preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Background: Despite numerous studies, the exact aetiology of pre-eclampsia remains unknown. Some studies have shown that supplementation of calcium and magnesium could ameliorate the effects of pre-eclampsia. The objective of this study was to compare the calcium and magnesium levels in the serum of Nigerian women with or without pre-eclampsia. Methods: In this study, serum calcium and magnesium levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry in 54 patients and 48 healthy normotensive pregnant women. The mean, standard deviation, Student’s‘t’ test and Pearson correlation were employed. Results: Serum calcium was significantly lower in patients than controls (9.17 ± 0.6 vs. 7.22 ± 0.5 mg/dl. P <0.001) (t test). Plasma Magnesium was significantly lower in patients than controls 13.19 ± 1.1 vs. 9.81 ± 0.7 mg/dl. P <0.001). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed significant inverse correlation with both calcium and magnesium (P<0.01). Conclusion: There was significant reduction in the levels of calcium and magnesium in patients with pre-eclampsia. Dietary supplementation of these trace elements may help to prevent pre-eclampsia.