Plasma Levels of a Product of Free Radical Injury and Antioxidant Status of Patients with Different Grades of Plasmodium Falciparum Infection.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum infection, like any other clinical condition, is prone to generating free radicals. This can worsen patients' clinical presentations. Antioxidants do help in ameliorating these free radical effects. These antioxidants, especially vitamins, are sometimes given routinely to patients with Plasmodium falciparum infection of which it can be given according to the severity of this free radical injury. METHODOLOGY: A total number of qualified 245 patients that came for malaria parasite test between March and October, 2020 were recruited into the study. Patients on arrival at the laboratory had their samples collected for malaria parasite test and for the proposed biochemical parameters (MDA, GPx, SOD and TAS). Malaria parasite test was used to categorize the severity of Plasmodium falciparum infection. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) in MDA, GPx, SOD and TAS among patients with negative MP, 1+ and >2+ on blood film for malaria parasite. Patients with >2+ MP had highest levels (2.21±0.40) while patients with negative blood film had lowest levels(0.8194±0.33) of MDA. Patients with >2+ had lowest levels of GPx (2406.41±1272.10), SOD (104.54±30.62) and TAS (1.18±.35) as against patients with negative MP that had highest levels (5229.85±.2957.95)( 206.41±36.70)( 2.40±.53), respectively. CONCLUSION: There was evidence of free radical generation as evidenced with raised plasma malondialdehyde in patients with Plasmodium falciparum infection. This was associated with severity of this infection. There was also corresponding decrease in measured antioxidants (GPx, SOD and TAS).

CONTEXTE: L'infection à Plasmodium falciparum, comme toute autre affection clinique, est susceptible de générer des radicaux libres. Cela peut aggraver les présentations cliniques des patients. Les antioxydants aident à améliorer ces effets des radicaux libres. Ces antioxydants, notamment des vitamines, sont parfois administrés en routine aux patients infectés par Plasmodium falciparum dont il peut être administré en fonction de la gravité de cette lésion radicalaire. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Un nombre total de 245 patients qualifiés qui sont venus pour un test de dépistage du paludisme entre mars et octobre 2020 ont été recrutés dans l'étude. Les patients à leur arrivée au laboratoire ont eu leurs échantillons collectés pour le test du parasite du paludisme et pour les paramètres biochimiques proposés (MDA, GPx, SOD et TAS). Le test du parasite du paludisme a été utilisé pour catégoriser la gravité de l'infection à Plasmodium falciparum. RÉSULTATS: Il y avait des différences statistiquement significatives (p<0,0001) dans le MDA, GPx, SOD et TAS parmi les patients avec MP négatif, 1+ et >2+ sur frottis sanguin pour le parasite du paludisme. Les patients avec >2+ MP avaient les niveaux les plus élevés (2,21 ± 0,40) tandis que les patients avec un frottis sanguin négatif avaient les niveaux les plus bas (0,8194 ± 0,33) de MDA. Les patients avec >2+ avaient les niveaux les plus bas de GPx (2406,41 ± 1272,10), SOD (104,54 ± 30,62) et TAS (1,18 ± 0,35) par rapport aux patients avec MP négatif qui avaient les niveaux les plus bas (5229,85 ± 0,2957,95) (206,41 ± 36,70 )( 2,40 ± 0,53), respectivement. CONCLUSION: Il y avait des preuves de génération de radicaux libres comme en témoigne l'augmentation du malondialdéhyde plasmatique chez les patients infectés par Plasmodium falciparum. Ceci était associé à la gravité de cette infection. Il y avait également une diminution correspondante des antioxydants mesurés (GPx, SOD et TAS). Mots-clés: Radicaux libres, stress oxydatif, antioxydants, Plasmodium falciparum, paludisme.

Audit of fibroepithelial tumors of the breast in a Nigerian tertiary institution.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibroepithelial lesions are the most common lesions of the breast seen in our laboratory consisting of fibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumors (PT). The aim of the study was to audit all fibroepithelial lesions and to reclassify all confirmed cases of PTs seen in the study period according to standard criteria. METHODOLOGY: Records and slides of fibroepithelial lesions of the breast received at the department between January 2008 and December 2013 were retrieved and reviewed by the authors. RESULTS: Out of the 1242 fibroepithelial lesions of the breast retrieved, all but 19 were FAs. The 19 were initially reported as PT: 11 benign, 2 borderlines, 2 malignant, and 4 not classified; however, only 16 of these 19, PTs (84%) met the WHO criteria on review. The remaining 3 (16%) turned out to be FAs based on the absence of stroma overgrowth and hypercellularity. The PTs were reclassified into benign PT, borderline PT, and malignant PT accounting for 75% (12/16), 18.7% (3/16), and 6.3% (1/16), respectively. All of the PTs previously not classified turned out benign on review. One of the borderline PTs was originally reported as malignant PT. All cases initially diagnosed as FAs did not change on review. CONCLUSION: These results show that FAs are rarely misdiagnosed. The three cases misdiagnosed as phyllodes may have been prevented if standard data sets were in use. Cases simply referred to as PT without further classification, limit the patients' access to appropriate management as accurate classification helps in the overall management and prognostication.

Histological Features and Tissue Microarray Taxonomy of Nigerian Breast Cancer Reveal Predominance of the High-Grade Triple-Negative Phenotype.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the biology, molecular profile and hence optimal treatment of African Nigerian breast cancer. The aim of this work, therefore, was to characterize the histology and molecular profile of Nigerian breast cancer. METHODS: Breast carcinomas from women at 6 centres of similar tribal origin in Nigeria were reviewed and assembled into tissue microarrays (TMAs), and sections were stained for hormone receptors, i.e. estrogen receptor (ER)α, ERß1, ERß progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor, cyclin D, HER2, Ki67 and cytokeratins (CKs), i.e. CK5/6 and CK14 (basal) and CK18 and 19 (luminal). RESULTS: A total of 835 tumours were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis was 48.62 ± 12.41 years. The most common histological subtype was ductal NST (no-special-type) carcinoma (87.3%). Over 90% of the tumours were grade 2 or 3. The predominant molecular phenotype was the non-basal, triple-negative type (47.65%) followed by the HER2-positive group (19.6%). The percentage of ER-, PR- and HER2-positive tumours was 22.4, 18.9 and 18.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nigerian breast cancer predominantly has a high-grade, triple-negative profile. It occurs at a younger age and bears similarities at the molecular level to pre-menopausal breast cancer in white women, with remarkably lower levels of ERß expression. The early presentation and histological and molecular phenotype may explain the poor prognosis, and tailoring treatment strategies to target this unique profile are required.

Histopathology practice and training in Nigeria ­ a model.

Objectives: Contemporary histopathology practice and training in Nigeria have been plagued by the fundamental issue of inadequate exposure to surgical pathology material by both trainees and trainers. This paper critically examines the factors that affect the discipline and profers practical solutions to aid its advancement. Materials and Method: This review is based on the authors experience and observations of histopathology practice in Nigeria. Results: The Nigerian health sector is plagued by many ills including poor funding, weak policies, dilapidated structures, disgruntled and frustrated practitioners, amongst others - and pathologists are not immune to all these. In recent times, there has been a proliferation of accredited training centres as well as medical graduates interested in the specialty of histopathology. The busiest histopathology laboratories in the country ascession between 2200 and 5500 surgical samples yearly. Thus there is inadequate exposure by histopathologists and trainee pathologists to surgical materials with the attendant consequences. Many centres still rely principally on routine haematoxylineosin stains. There are no nationally agreed standard reporting formats for most diseases. Conclusion: The development of a deanery or regional system of accredited histopathology laboratories may form the fulcrum for improving the overall quality of histopathological services and training in Nigeria. This will help develop local expertise and ensure adequate exposure to teaching aids and surgical materials. We hope that the proffered solutions will help encourage local pathologists to continue and increase their efforts to raise the profession up to enviable heights.

Skin tumors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Skin tumours can be malignant or benign. Skin cancer is the most common malignancy among Caucasians and noted to be rare in Africans and negroid skin. In view of the rarity of skin cancers in Africans, there is delayed diagnosis; and consequent advanced presentation and poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE: This is to document the frequency of skin tumours (benign and malignant) from a 7-year review (January 2001 to December 2007) of histology reports of all skin samples seen at the pathology department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Reports of all skin samples seen at the pathology department between January 2001 and December 2008 were reviewed. The frequencies of various skin tumours (both benign and malignant) were determined and the result displayed using frequency tables. RESULTS: Skin tumours represented 19.8% of all reports made on skin during the study period. One hundred and twenty one (68.7%) were benign tumours while 55 (31.2%) were malignant tumours. There is a female preponderance for both malignant and benign tumours. The male to female ratio was 1:1.28 for benign tumours and 1:1.39 for malignant tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the commonest malignant tumor, followed by malignant melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Cutaneous papilloma was the commonest benign tumour. CONCLUSION: A wide range of skin tumours, benign and malignant were documented; hence there is need for more vigilance in order to diagnose them early.

Pattern of lymph node pathology in Lagos.

BACKGROUND: Enlarge lymph node is a common finding in clinical practice, which can be caused by several factors, such as infections, drugs etc. OBJECTIVE: To review the pathology of lymph node diseases in children and adults with both deep seated and peripheral lymphadenopathy in Lagos. METHODS: A 12- year retrospective study of lymph node biopsies at Histopathology Department of LUTH, and two main histopathology private laboratories in Lagos; The specialist Laboratory (TSL) and Histolab was carried out. RESULTS: 733 samples of lymph nodes were seen. Of these, 229 (31.37%) were reactive, 109 (14.93%) were chronic granulomatuos lesions while lymphoma was seen in 123 cases (16.85%) and metastatic lesions in 269 cases (36.50%). The male to female ratio was 1:1.5. (286:436). In 670 cases, the lymph nodes were peripheral in location with the distribution of 249, 140 and 42 from the axilla, cervical and inguinal regions respectively. Only 60 of the samples were deeply seated lymph nodes; 55 from the intra-abdominal cavity and 5 from the mediastenium. About 239 samples did not have their sites indicated and majority of these (106) were diagnosed to be reactive lymphadenitis. CONCLUSION: The categories of lymphoid disease are similar to that of other third world countries but there is slight disparity in the frequency distribution of these diseases compared with findings in literatures within the countries.

Accuracy of fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of peripheral lymph node enlargements. Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of fine needle aspiration technique for cytology diagnosis of lymph node lesions has been a subject of controversy over years. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the accuracy of this technique in the diagnosis of peripheral lymph node lesions, in our center, using histology diagnosis as a gold standard. METHODS: The cytopathological diagnosis of 49 cases of peripheral lymph node lesions seen in the Morbid Anatomy Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos from Jan. 2000 to December 2009 were compared with their corresponding histological diagnosis. Lymph node lesions were categorized into inflammatory, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and metastatic. The sensitivity, specificity and positive as well as the negative predictive values of the technique were determined. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were 79.6%, 95.9.0%, 79.6% and 95.9% respectively. For non neoplastic lesions, FNAC has a high false negative report. For primary lymphoid neoplasm, the sensitivity, specificity and both predictive values were above 80% while the procedure produced sensitivity and specificity values of 100 and 97.1 percent respectively in the diagnosis of metastatic lesions. CONCLUSION: Despite the pitfalls and limitations of the procedure, the study demonstrated that fine-needle aspiration is a valuable tool for the evaluation of peripheral adenopathy. But FNAC technique for cytological diagnosis of lymphoid lesions using H and E and Giemsa stains alone cannot be used as the sole diagnosis of lymphoid enlargements. Its accuracy can be improved with the availability immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry.

Prostate diseases in Lagos, Nigeria: a histologic study with tPSA correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To present a 10year retrospective histologic study of prostate diseases in Lagos, Nigeria. The aim is to document the prevalence, histologic pattern, age distribution and PSA values of prostatic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials consisted of slides, paraffin embedded tissue blocks, patients case files and histology request forms of all prostatic biopsies received at the Morbid Anatomy department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos from 1999 to 2008. Each sample represents a different patient. RESULTS: Prostatic biopsies comprised 3.6 % of all biopsies in LUTH. BPH was the commonest prostatic lesion and accounted for 70.9% of all cases. The age range was 40 to 94 years with a mean of 67 years and a peak age group at 60-69 years. Stromoglandular pattern was the most common histological type of BPH accounting for 72.2 %( 393) of the cases. Malignant tumours constituted 28.9% of all prostatic biopsies. Most (93.7%) of these malignancies were seen in trucut biopsies. Adenocarcinoma accounted for 99.1% of the total 222 malignant tumours. It showed an age range of 40 to 98 years, a mean age of 66 years and peak prevalence in the 60-69 year age group. Gleason score nine was the most frequent (16.8%) in occurrence. Most adenocarcinomas were poorly differentiated (40%). Incidental carcinoma was seen in 4.2% of prostatectomy samples. High grade PIN was seen in 19.1% of adenocarcinoma cases. The most common inflammatory lesion was chronic non-specific prostatitis accounting for 76.4% of all inflammatory lesions. Malignant and benign lesions were accountable for PSA levels of 1 to 49.9ng/ml while values of 50ng/ml and above were seen exclusively in malignant lesions. CONCLUSION: Prostatic lesions constitute a significant source of morbidity among adult males in Lagos. Adenocarcinoma is the commonest histologic subtype of prostatic cancer and most are of poorly differentiated variety. Elevated levels of tPSA in Nigerian males may be as a result prostate cancer, BPH or BPH with prostatitis. PSA should in our opinion be used as a component of a strategy integrating multiple diagnostic approaches for prostate cancer screening and not to be used alone in our environment.

Antifertility effect of calcium channel blockers on male rats: association with oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: Calcium ions are vital in many biologic processes including a variety of enzymatic reactions, activation of excitable cells, coupling of electrical activation to cellular secretion, haemostasis, bone metabolism and sperm functions. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) appear to have a reversible anti-fertility effect on male rats which does not occur through inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis. While the effects of CCB on male reproductive function have been investigated, less information is available regarding other reproductive indices and the underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, the involvement of oxidative mechanisms in the adverse manifestation induced by CCB on male reproductive functions is investigated in this study. METHODS: For this purpose, lipid peroxidation; enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reduced; epididymal sperm count, motility; histopathology of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate glands; and reproductive performance were determined. RESULTS: CCB administration in rats causes significant oxidative stress in the male reproductive milieu in term of increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and a concomitant decrease in catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione enzyme activities in the testes. In addition, CCB treatment significantly decreased the sperm count, sperm motility, fertility index, implantation count, and litter size in this study. CONCLUSION: There is substantial evidence that CCB induces significant oxidative stress in the testes, which appears to be responsible for the adverse effects of decreased sperm count and motility ultimately leading to reduced fertility in rats.

Bladder cancer in Lagos: a 15 year histopathologic review.

OBJECTIVE: To present a 15 year retrospective pathologic study of bladder cancers. The aim is to document histologic pattern, prevalence, sex and age distribution of urinary bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials consisted of slides, paraffin embedded tissue blocks and histology request forms of all urinary bladder biopsies received at the Morbid Anatomy department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos from 1991 to 2005. Each sample represents a different patient. The study did not include information regarding the clinical or pathological stage of the tumours. RESULTS: Bladder malignancies comprised 39 (72.2 %) cases of all bladder biopsies and 0.86% of all diagnosed cancers in LUTH. The malignant lesions of the bladder showed a male preponderance with a M:F ratio of 4.6:1. The age range was 4-75 years with a mean age of 51.37 years and peak at 61-70 years age group. Transitional cell carcinoma was the commonest histological type accounting for 61.5% with a male to female ratio of 5:1 and mean age of 59 years. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 20.5% with a M:F ratio of 3:1 and showed a mean age of 47 years. Adenocarcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma accounted for 5.1%, 5.1% and 7.8% of cases respectively. CONCLUSION: Bladder cancer is not common in Lagos. The histopathologic pattern, prevalence, sex and age distribution of bladder cancer are similar to previous reports from schistosomiasis non endemic regions of Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.

Morphological pattern of childhood solid tumours in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: There is a wide variation in the incidence of childhood tumors world wide. The relative incidence of childhood tumors in developing countries is increasing and might add significantly to the high childhood morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases. There is need to determine the incidence of childhood cancer in different centers of the country and contribute to the National cancer register. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the burden and patterns of childhood tumour in our environment. METHODS: A retrospective review of histologically diagnosed cases of childhood tumours seen from January 2000 to 2007 from the records of the Department of Morbid Anatomy of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria was carried out. All the cases were analyzed for age and gender distribution as well as histological types. RESULTS: Malignant tumours constituted 30.50% of the tumours of which retinoblastoma is the most common. The most common benign tumour was fibroadenoma accounting for 36.2% of all benign tumours. The female to male ratio for malignant and benign tumours are 1:1 and 1:1.3 respectively. The peak age incidence was 11 - 15 years for benign and 1 - 5 for malignant tumours. CONCLUSION: The study showed decrease in the annual incidence of childhood tumours in Lagos. There was however no difference in the pattern when compared with other centers in Nigeria and in other African countries.

Malignant gastrointestinal tumours in south western Nigeria: a histopathologic analysis of 713 cases.

BACKGROUND: Malignant tumours of the gastro-intestinal tract are not as rare as previous studies suggest. Recent studies have indicated increasing incidence. OBJECTIVE: To document the pattern, age and sex distribution as well as histopathology characteristics of malignant tumours of the gastro-intestinal system in Lagos and Sagamu in Southwestern Nigeria. METHODS: The paraffin embedded blocks and slides as well as pathology reports of malignant tumours of the gastrointestinal (GIT) organs collected from five laboratories (Morbid Anatomy Departments of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State as well as the three private histolopathology laboratories in Lagos State) were reviewed. The clinical data such as the age, sex, and clinical summary were extracted from the records. RESULTS: About 80% (578 cases) of all the 713 malignant GIT tumours were epithelial; sarcomas, carcinoid and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma being less common. The ages ranged from 4-96 yrs (mean of 48.9 years) with the peak in patients 60-69-year age group and M:F ratio of 1.35:1. Colorectal tumours topped the list with 402 cases (56%), followed by liver 105 (14.7%), stomach 85 (12%) and omental metastases 67 (9.4%). The oesophagus, pancreas, small intestine and gall bladder represented 18 (2.5%), 16 (2.2%), 12 (1.7%), and eight (1.1%) respectively. Colorectal cancers peaked in the 60-69 year age group, liver and stomach cancer occurred mostly between the 50-59 years age group. Over half of the colorectal adenocarcinomata were located in the ano-rectum with 93 (23%) occurring in those below 40 years of age. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer remains the commonest GIT tumour in the region. Molecular studies are imperative to identify the common subtypes of GIT tumours in order to ascertain their specific pathogenetic and prognostic features.

Autopsy as a tool in the prevention of maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality rates are an index of the state of a nation's health system. Maternal autopsies help to determine these rates, provide information on avoidable/unavoidable causes of mortality, consequently leading to the development of strategies for treatment and prevention of maternal mortality and morbidity. The lesson from post-mortem examinations, using the vehicle of confidential enquiries into maternal deaths, can save the lives of many; causing reduction in both maternal and perinatal mortality as well as reductions in morbidity. However for autopsies to fulfil this role they must be of a very high standard and must be subjected to quality control measures.

Biochemical and toxicological studies of aqueous extract of Syzigium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae) in rodents.

The effects of long-term administration of boiled aqueous extract of Syzigium aromaticum (SYZ), commonly known as clove (which has been locally employed for treating gastrointestinal tract diseases and also used as food spices), on some biochemical indices, such as body weight, liver functions and blood parameters were studied in adult albino rats of both sexes. Selected doses of 300 and 700 mg kg(-1) were given orally through cannular to groups of animals for a period of 90 days, while the control group received distilled water throughout the duration of study via the same route. Blood samples collected after therapy and assayed for activities of some liver enzymes recorded a significant (p<0.05) and prominent effect on ALP and AST. Measurement of haematological parameters also revealed significant effects (p<0.05; p<0.001) on Hb, RBC (p<0.05), PCV (p<0.001), platelets (p<0.001) and granulocytes (p<0.001). An insignificant reduction was recorded for total WBC. The histopathological study conducted was in consonance with the results of the biochemical investigations that the aqueous extract of SYZ even at moderate doses, significantly affects body organs, their enzymes as well as the various functions. LD(50) for both intraperitoneal and oral routes of SYZ were 263 and 2500 mg kg(-1) respectively. The present work has revealed the toxicity of sub chronic administration of SYZ, which suggests that its prolonged usage must be avoided.

Biochemical and toxicological studies of aqueous extract of syzigium aromaticum (l.) Merr. et Perry (myrtaceae) in Rodents

Abstract: The effects of long-term administration of boiled aqueous extract of Syzigium aromaticum (SYZ), commonly known as clove (which has been locally employed for treating gastrointestinal tract diseases and also used as food spices), on some biochemical indices, such as body weight, liver functions and blood parameters were studied in adult albino rats of both sexes. Selected doses of 300 and 700 mg kg-1 were given orally through cannular to groups of animals for a period of 90 days, while the control group received distilled water throughout the duration of study via the same route. Blood samples collected after therapy and assayed for activities of some liver enzymes recorded a significant (p<0.05) and prominent effect on ALP and AST. Measurement of haematological parameters also revealed significant effects (p<0.05; p<0.001) on Hb, RBC (p<0.05), PCV (p<0.001), platelets (p<0.001) and granulocytes (p<0.001). An insignificant reduction was recorded for total WBC. The histopathological study conducted was in consonance with the results of the biochemical investigations that the aqueous extract of SYZ even at moderate doses, significantly affects body organs, their enzymes as well as the various functions. LD50 for both intraperitoneal and oral routes of SYZ were 263 and 2500 mg kg-1 respectively. The present work has revealed the toxicity of sub chronic administration of SYZ, which suggests that its prolonged usage must be avoided

Ascorbic acid and the effect of cigarette smoke on tissues--a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Smoke from the average cigarette contains chemicals, which are highly toxic, causing chronic airways diseases in smokers as well as non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). It is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and cancer. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ascorbic acid on the degenerative effect of passive cigarette smoke on some vital organs. METHODS: A total of 16 male rabbits divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) of 4 rabbits each, were used. Group A rabbits were exposed to passive cigarette smoke for 45-60 minutes daily; group B was treated similarly but also had 5 mg/g body weight of ascorbic acid daily. Group C had ascorbic acid only and Group D was the untreated control group. After six weeks of the above treatment, the animals were sacrificed for histological investigation of some of their vital organs. RESULTS: Tobacco smoke had deleterious effects on the lungs, testes and kidneys; no significant changes were seen in the liver, brain and.heart. Ascorbic acid appeared to have some attenuating effect on inflammatory processes as observed in the lungs. Varying degrees of hypospermatogenesis were observed in the seminiferous tubules while the epididymis contained no spermatocytes in both groups A and B. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid has some attenuating effect on inflammatory processes but it neither stops inflammation (as seen in the lungs) nor declining function (as signified by hypospermatogenesis in the testes). Therefore, it is doubtful that the long-term effects of tobacco smoke can be prevented by the use of ascorbic acid.

Metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma to the breast: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To present the unusual occurrence of a Metastatic Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma to the right breast in a young woman, six years after the primary in the right thigh had been surgically excised and treated. A search of the literature from this part of the world showed that this is quite rare as no report of a similar case was found. METHODOLOGY: Breast lumpectomy samples submitted were routinely processed to obtain paraffin sections which were then stained routinely with haematoxylin and eosin. Reticulin stain and immunohistochemistry were used to exclude an epithelial lesion. CONCLUSION: Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma to the breast is a rare condition and is almost exclusive to adolescent females. Routine breast examinations should be mandatory for long term female survivors of primary Rhabdomyosarcomas.

Review of the histopathologic patterns of superficial lymph node diseases, in Lagos (1991-2004).

OBJECTIVE: This is a 14-year retrospective histopathologic study of 720 lymph node biopsies. The aim is to document the causes of lymphadenopathy, the age and sex distribution in Lagos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials consisted of slides and paraffin embedded blocks of all lymph node biopsy specimens received from within and outside Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. RESULTS: A total of 720 biopsies from 276 males and 444 females were analysed. Chronic non specific lymphadenitis 245 (34%), tuberculosis 125 (17.4%), metastatic lymph node lesions 242 (33.6%), and lymphomas 102(14.2%) were the common causes of lymph node enlargement. The commonest lymph node group affected was the cervical 283 (39.3%). CONCLUSION: Malignancy (47.8%) is the most common cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in Lagos metropolis. The age, sex and site prevalence agree with reports from other parts of Nigeria and Africa with minimal variations.

Adult lymphomas in Lagos Nigeria: a fourteen year study.

OBJECTIVE: we present a 14 year retrospective histopathological study of 92 cases of adult lymphomas in Lagos. The aim is to document the histologic types, age and sex distribution. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The materials consisted of slides and paraffin embedded blocks of all cases of lymphoma in adults above the age of 16 years seen between 1991 and 2004 at the Morbid Anatomy Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba Lagos. RESULTS: Of ninety two cases of lymphoma studied, male and female patients accounted for 59(64%) and 33(36%) cases respectively, giving a M: F ratio of 1.8:1. The most frequently biopsied site is the cervical lymph node. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) which accounted for 60 cases occurred most frequently in the 46-55 years age group and gives a male: female ratio of 2:1. Intermediate grade, high grade and low grade variants of NHLs accounted for 39%, 34% and 27% respectively. Hodgkin's lymphoma mostly affected patients of younger age group, 25-35 years with a M:F ratio of 1.7:1. Mixed cellularity 17 (55%) was the commonest subtype of Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is commoner than Hodgkin's lymphoma. The age and sex distribution agrees with reports from other parts of Nigeria and Africa with minimal variations.

The effect of quinine and ascorbic acid on rat testes.

BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that quinine is a testicular toxicant in Sprague-Dawley rat. OBJECTIVE: To describe the changes in the testicular levels of testosterone and lipid peroxidation secondary to quinine and ascorbic acid administration in rats. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats per group were assigned to one of three treatment groups: 0 mg quinine and 0 mg ascorbic acid/kg body weight (control); 10 mg quinine/ kg BW; and 10 mg quinine plus 0.1 mg ascorbic acid/kg BW. Rats were intramuscularly administered their respective doses of quinine five days in a week and ascorbic acid three days in a week for eight weeks. All the animals were sacrificed at the end by decapitation. Seminal analysis was performed on tubular fluid from caudal epididymides. Evaluations were made for testicular levels of testosterone and lipid peroxidation through malondialdehyde (MDA). Testicular specimens were also processed for histology under light microscopy. RESULTS: Quinine significantly (p < 0.01) increased free radicals (from elevation of MDA) and decreased testosterone in the testis compared with those of the control group and those treated with a combination of quinine and ascorbic acid. The semen of rats treated with only quinine demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.001) lower sperm concentration and motility compared to the controls and those treated with quinine plus ascorbic acid. Microscopic examination of cross-sections of seminiferous tubules also showed that ascorbic acid partially protected against quinine -induced testicular effects. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid has beneficial effect and protects against quinine-induced testicular reduction of testosterone.