Metabolic consequences of flavonoid and saponin extracts from Gongronema Latifolium leaves in offspring of rats that consumed sucrose during lactation.

Objectives: This study examines the metabolic consequences of saponin and flavonoid extracts of Gongronema latifolium leaves in rat offspring whose mothers consumed sucrose during breastfeeding. Methods: Thirty-two female albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control group, given water only: sucrose group, given sucrose solution only; flavonoid groups, given sucrose solution and 100 mg/kg b.w. and 200 mg/kg b.w. of flavonoid and saponin groups, given sucrose solution and 100 mg/kg b.w. and 200 mg/kg b.w. of saponin extracts, for 3 weeks during lactation. Then the body, hepatic and pancreatic weights, food intake, glucose tolerance, lipid profile, insulin, and leptin levels of their offspring were measured. Results: There was a significant decrease in the body weight (BW), food intake, and glucose level among the flavonoid and saponin groups compared to the control group. However, when compared to the sucrose group, there was a significant decrease in food intake, blood glucose level, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a significant increase in the BW. There was no significant difference in insulin and leptin levels, hepatic, and pancreatic weights among groups. Conclusion: This study shows that G. lactifolium consumption among lactating rats maintains metabolic homeostatic as it protects against elevated blood glucose level and dyslipidemia in offspring post-weaning. It also suggests that the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of G. latifolium maybe as a result of saponin and flavonoids inherent in the plant.

SARS CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Selected States of High and Low Disease Burden in Nigeria.

Importance: The global impact of COVID-19 has led to an increased need to continuously assess disease surveillance tools. The utility of SARS-CoV-2 serologic tools in determining immunity levels across different age groups and locations in helping to quickly assess the burden of COVID-19 with significant health policy implications is unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with respect to the age group and sex of participants. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional survey of 4904 individuals across 12 states with high and low COVID-19 disease burden in Nigeria was carried out between June 29 and August 21, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the detection of specific SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies, such as the nucleocapsid protein-NCP and spike protein S1. Interviewer-administered questionnaires provided information on participants' history of disease and associated risk factors. Results: A total of 4904 individuals participated in the study (3033 were female [61.8%]; mean [SD] age, 26.7 [6.51] years). A high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (78.9%) was obtained. Seropositivity was consistent across the states surveyed, ranging from 69.8% in Lagos to 87.7% in Borno. There was no association between sex and seropositivity (female, 2414 [79.6%]; male, 1456 [77.8%]; P = .61); however, an association was noted between age and seropositivity, with the peak prevalence observed in participants aged 15 to 19 years (616 [83.6%]; P = .001). Similarly, loss of appetite (751 [82.3%]; P = .04) and smell (309 [84.4%]; P = .01) were associated with seropositivity. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, a high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was obtained among the study population during the low level of vaccination at the time of the survey. Thus, there is a need for both an efficacy and antibody neutralization test study to ascertain the efficacy of the antibody detected and the potential for herd immunity in Nigeria.

Respiratory symptoms and lung function among inmates in a Nigerian prison: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Prisoners in low- and middle-income countries are vulnerable to poor lung health from multiple adverse conditions confronted within the prison such as overcrowding, poor ventilation and exposure to second hand smoke. Evidence for poor lung health in this disadvantaged group is needed to inform policy on prison conditions in this region. We assessed the respiratory symptoms and lung function measured by spirometry among prisoners in Enugu, Nigeria and explored the associations between them. METHODS: This was a cross­sectional study among prison inmates aged 16-76 years. We assessed frequency of respiratory symptoms in the preceding one-year, previous respiratory diagnosis, tobacco smoking status and spirometry. The relationships between respiratory symptoms, smoking status and spirometry pattern were determined using the Chi­square test. RESULTS: Of 245 participants, 170 (69.4%) reported at least one respiratory symptom. In all, 214 (87.3%) performed spirometry and 173 (80.8%) had good quality spirometry tests. Using the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) predicted values for 'African Americans', spirometry results were abnormal in 41 (23.7%) of the participants and when the GLI reference values for 'Other' ethnic groups was applied, 78 (45.1%) had abnormal results. Restrictive impairment was most common occurring in 21 (12.1%) and 59 (34.1%) respectively based on the two reference values, and obstructive pattern was found in 18 (10.4%) and 13 (7.5%) respectively. There was no significant association between abnormal spirometry pattern and presence of respiratory symptoms or smoking status. No previous diagnosis for asthma, or bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had been made in any of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: We reported high rates of respiratory symptoms and abnormal lung function with under-diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases among inmates in Enugu prison. The restrictive abnormalities based on GLI equations remain unexplained. There is need for improvement in prison facilities that promote lung health and enhanced access to diagnosis and treatment of respiratory non-communicable disease.

Ameliorative effects of African walnut on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity in rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Walnuts are widely consumed nut by men in Nigeria and it has been connected to improving male reproductive health. This study evaluated the effect of African walnut on sperm parameters and testicular architecture of nicotine (NIC)-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups, that is, GN0 (1 ml/day normal saline and normal rat chow), GN1 (1 ml/day NIC and normal rat chow), and GN1W6 and GN1W12 (1 ml/day of NIC daily fed with 6% and 12% walnut-rich feed), respectively. This continued for 28 days. The animals were euthanized and their sperm was collected and its parameters were analyzed. The testis was harvested and prepared for histological examination. RESULTS: NIC significantly reduced sperm motility (P = 0.0006) and sperm count (P = 0.0001), induced mild apoptosis of Leydig cells and caused moderate spermatogenic arrest in GN1. However, walnut-supplemented diet significantly increased the NIC-induced reduction in sperm motility (P = 0.04) and sperm count (P = 0.0001) and its consumption was effective in attenuating testicular damage caused by NIC administration in GN1W6 and GN1W12. CONCLUSION: African walnut could exert therapeutic effect in the reduction of the adverse effect of NIC on the sperm motility, sperm count, and testicular architecture. It is worthwhile to consider it as a useful and affordable supplement to be added to the diet of males with infertility problems.

Consumption of calcium carbide-ripened banana by pregnant rats may programme for infertility in female offspring.

One of the substances used in force ripening fruits is commercial grade calcium carbide (CaC2) which contains impurities such as arsine and this has been associated with low birth weight and fetal loss. There is thus a need to further investigate additional risks on offspring. This study was thus designed to evaluate the possible effects of maternal consumption of banana pulp force ripened with CaC2 on the offspring. Sixteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into two test groups and controls of four rats each. Two test groups were fed with pelletized feed mixed with banana pulp ripened by commercial grade CaC2 at concentrations of 50g/5kg and 100g/5kg while the controls had a group fed with pelletized feed mixed with normal ripened banana and another had only pelletized feed. This feeding pattern was done morning and evening ad libitum throughout the gestation period of twenty-one days after which only pelletized feed and water was administered. At delivery, all male offspring were separated and each dam was allowed eight female pups to nurse. Upon weaning after twenty-one days, the mothers were removed leaving eight female offspring in each group. Development of their reproductive system was monitored and recorded using parameters such as vaginal opening day (VOD) and reproductive hormonal assay at the sixth week. A fertility test was also carried out by introducing viable male rats for mating at sixth week postpartum. Trace amount of arsenic was found in the banana pulp of 100g/5kg CaC2 group (0.35ppb). CaC2 exposure was related to delayed onset in puberty, decreased serum FSH and a decreased fertility rate in the 100g/5kg CaC2 group (p<0.05). Consumption of contaminated CaC2 ripened fruits exposes humans to arsenic acid which has harmful effects on reproductive development of offspring.

Effect of orthostasis on endothelial function: a gender comparative study.

As the vascular endothelium has multiple functions, including regulation of vascular tone, it may play a role in the pathophysiology of orthostatic intolerance. We investigated the effect of orthostasis on endothelial function using EndoPAT®, a non-invasive and user-independent method, and across gender. As sex steroid hormones are known to affect endothelial function, this study examined the potential effect of these hormones on the endothelial response to orthostasis by including females at different phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal-where the hormone balance differs), and females taking an oral contraceptive. A total of 31 subjects took part in this study (11 males, 11 females having normal menstrual cycles and 9 females taking oral contraceptive). Each subject made two visits for testing; in the case of females having normal menstrual cycles the first session was conducted either 1-7 (follicular) or 14-21 days (luteal) after the start of menstruation, and the second session two weeks later, i.e., during the other phase, respectively. Endothelial function was assessed at baseline and following a 20-min orthostatic challenge (active standing). The EndoPAT® index increased from 1.71 ± 0.09 (mean ± SEM) at baseline to 2.07 ± 0.09 following orthostasis in females (p<0.001). In males, the index increased from 1.60 ± 0.08 to 1.94 ± 0.13 following orthostasis (p<0.001). There were no significant differences, however, in the endothelial response to orthostasis between females and males, menstrual cycle phases and the usage of oral contraceptive. Our results suggest an increased vasodilatatory endothelial response following orthostasis in both females and males. The effect of gender and sex hormones on the endothelial response to orthostasis appears limited. Further studies are needed to determine the potential role of this post orthostasis endothelial response in the pathophysiology of orthostatic intolerance.

Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia does not induce additional oxidative stress in pregnant women of South East Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and some oxidative stress parameters in pregnant Nigerian women. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 normal pregnant women at various trimesters, who were attending antenatal clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) and Kenechukwu Specialist Hospital in Enugu. A comparable group (control), made of 30 non pregnant women was also recruited. After a 24 hour dietary recall, serum levels of vitamin A, C and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by colorimetric method, while vitamin E was determined by absorptiometric method. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, parity, estimated calorie, vitamins A, C and E intake between the pregnant and non pregnant groups (P> 0.05). The serum level of the vitamins (umol/L) and MDA (umol/L) in control, 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively were: (1)Vitamin A: 1.6±0.36 vs 0.6±0.26 vs 0.62± 0.33 vs 0.46± 0.21 (P < 0.0001); (2) Vitamin C: 75.65±14.15 vs 62.97±24.4 vs 37.85±15.19 vs 28.94±8.52 (P<0.0001); (3) Vitamin E: 3.01± 1.32 vs 3.45±2.01 vs 9.36±2.75 vs 9.82±2.97 (P<0.0001); (4) MDA: 1.42± 0.02 vs 1.61±0.02 vs 1.79±0.02 vs 2.03±0.05 (P<0.0001). However, there were no significant changes in the serum level of the vitamins and MDA between the positive and the negative parasitemia subjects (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia does not induce additional oxidative stress on pregnant women in Nigeria. The enormity of acute and complicated attack should be further investigated.

Asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitaemia in pregnant Nigerian women: almost a decade after Roll Back Malaria.

Malaria during pregnancy is a major cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. In malaria-endemic areas, the condition may remain asymptomatic but is still associated with complications. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and its relationship with various sociodemographic characteristics. The study was performed at three hospitals in Enugu, the centre of southeast Nigeria, during the rainy season between March 2006 and October 2007. Pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the index pregnancy were randomly selected and counseled, and peripheral blood samples were collected for malaria parasite and packed cell volume estimation. Age, parity, gestational age at booking, degree of anaemia and parasite density were recorded. Of 125 pregnant women tested, 73 had microscopic Plasmodium parasitaemia, giving a prevalence of 58.4%. Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was more common in primigravidae, in the second trimester and in the younger age group. Anaemia in pregnancy was prevalent (55.2%) and there was no significant difference in the density of parasitaemia in those with mild, moderate and severe anaemia. The prevalence of Plasmodium parasitaemia in pregnant Nigerian women is still very high nearly a decade after Roll Back Malaria. It is therefore pertinent to reappraise Roll Back Malaria strategies or to design a more effective programme for the prevention and treatment of malaria in pregnancy.